Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Announces 2017-2018 Symphony Pops Series

Today, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (LBC) and the Santa Rosa Symphony announced the lineup for their 2017-2018Symphony Pops Series collaboration. The new season marks the thirteenth year of the Symphony Pops Series. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Berkowitz, the series will be presented in the Ruth Finley Person Theater at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. The concert offerings include a tribute to the great Louis Armstrong, A Holly Jolly Pops featuring the Roustabout Theatre, a Symphonic Surfin' Safari with Papa Doo Run Run and a special evening of Love, Lust, and Rock 'n' Roll with special guest vocalist Storm Large.

Season ticket packages ($111-$272), which include all four concerts and pre-concert talks, are available now. Single tickets ($37-$80) will go on sale in August. Tickets and information are available online at lutherburbankcenter.org, by calling 707-546-3600 or at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts ticket office (50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa).

With over 50,000 community members in attendance since the series began, the collaboration between the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and the Symphony Pops Series is considered a signature part of the Sonoma County arts and culture scene. From the music of the classic jazz crooners to the tributes to pop sensations like ABBA and Elvis Presley, the Sunday afternoon concert series at the LBC has introduced new audiences to the great depth and range of sounds of the Santa Rosa Symphony and acclaimed soloists. Prior to each performance, ticketholders are invited to attend a discussion with Maestro Berkowitz as he provides insight into the afternoon's program and shares personal anecdotes and memories from his storied career working on Broadway with icons such as Liza Minnelli, Henry Mancini and Marvin Hamlisch, among many others.

The season begins Sunday, October 22, 2017 with What a Wonderful World: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong featuring trumpet and vocals from Byron Stripling. A powerhouse trumpeter, gifted with a soulful voice and a charismatic onstage swagger, Byron Stripling joins the Santa Rosa Symphony for a tribute to Louis Armstrong that is both electrifying and heartfelt. With his engaging rapport, jazzy vocals and virtuosic trumpet sounds, Byron dazzles audiences across the country. Musical hits from the Armstrong songbook and beyond include "What a Wonderful World," "Saint James Infirmary," "Royal Garden Blues," "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans," "Hello Dolly," and "Basin Street Blues." With his signature version of "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" to close the show, Byron celebrates the spirit of the great Louis Armstrong and is sure to leave audiences dancing in the aisles.

On Sunday, December 10, 2017, the LBC invites audiences to a holiday celebration that's perfect for the whole family, with Maestro Michael Berkowitz, the Santa Rosa Symphony, and plenty of special guests for A Holly Jolly Pops - "It's the Best Time of the Year!" Maestro Michael Berkowitz has put together an all new holiday program, featuring the Santa Rosa Symphony, along with dancers, chorus and singers aplenty. Audiences of all ages will enjoy holiday favorites including "Sleigh Ride," "We Need a Little Christmas," "White Christmas," "The Little Drummer Boy," and "Ave Maria," plus dancing Santas and an audience sing-a-long.

On Sunday, February 18, 2018, the Center welcomes Papa Doo Run Run for aSymphonic Surfin' Safari. Renowned Beach Boys tribute band Papa Doo Run Run joins Maestro Michael Berkowitz and the Santa Rosa Symphony for an afternoon of crowd-pleasing classic rock from the 60's and 70's, including their award winning re-creation of The Beach Boys' hits. Hear all your favorites including "California Girls," "Surfin' Safari," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Wipe Out," "Help Me Rhonda" and "Fun, Fun, Fun."

To close out the series on Sunday, April 22, 2018, the Symphony Pops Series welcomes a very special guest performance from acclaimed vocalist Storm Large for a night ofLove, Lust, and Rock 'n' Roll. Audiences are invited to celebrate hits from the '30s to the '90s with Storm Large, lead singer for Pink Martini, and the Santa Rosa Symphony under the baton of Maestro Michael Berkowitz. From Frank Sinatra to Elton John and Queen, hear hits like "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Kashmir," and "Somebody to Love."

Known for her powerhouse voice and engaging stage presence, Storm Large has been captivating crowds since the 90s. In addition to being a contestant on the reality show "Rockstar: Supernova, " Storm made her debut with the band Pink Martini in 2011, singing four sold-out concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. She continues to tour internationally with the band. In 2014, she has released Le Bonheur, an album with sublime interpretations of American Classic love songs.

ADULT CONTENT WARNING FOR LOVE, LUST, AND ROCK 'N' ROLL
Please be advised that this performance may contain adult content and explicit language (with humor). Not recommended for children under the age of 12.

2017-2018 Symphony Pops Series

What a Wonderful World: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong
Featuring trumpet and vocals from Byron Stripling
Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 3 p.m.

A Holly Jolly Pops
With special guests Roustabout Theatre, Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus and singers TBA
Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 3 p.m.

Symphonic Surfin' Safari
Featuring Papa Doo Run Run
Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 3 p.m.

Love, Lust, and Rock 'n' Roll
Featuring vocalist Storm Large
Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 3 p.m.

Tickets
Season ticket packages ($111-$272), which include all four concerts on and pre-concert talks, are available now. Single tickets ($37-$80) go on sale in August to the general public. Tickets and information are available online at lutherburbankcenter.org, by calling707-546-3600 or at the ticket office at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa.

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About Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is home to world-class performances, nationally recognized education programs, contemporary visual art, and many popular events. The Arts Center is located in the heart of the Sonoma wine country and ranked among California's top performing arts presenters. Together with its resident companies, the Center presents more than 100 performances in music, dance, theater, renowned speakers, and comedy; provides education programs serving 30,000 children and adults; and hosts more than 1,000 community events a year. Owned and operated by the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation, the Center relies on charitable community donations to achieve its mission - to enrich, educate, and entertain.

About the Santa Rosa Symphony
The Santa Rosa Symphony inspires and engages the residents of our region with the finest musical performances and educational programs while maintaining its core values of organizational strength, innovative programming, fiscal responsibility and community service. The Symphony's concert and education programs serve more than 100,000 people annually. Since 2006, music director and conductor Bruno Ferrandis has led the symphony.

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