POPS ROCKS to Close Out The Philly POPS' 2016-17 Series This May

The Philly POPS will perform its final show of the Subscription Series season, POPS Rocks, May 5-7 at the Kimmel Center.

POPS Rocks revisits the hits that defined the golden musical era of the '70s and '80s. Joined by vocalists/guitarists Shem von Schroeck, Lori Wilshire, and Micah Wilshire, the 65-piece orchestra, led by Michael Krajewski, will perform music by the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, and other chart topping bands.

"Having an orchestra play the these '70s and '80s hits adds new colors to the songs and makes them more dynamic.," said Michael Krajewski, Music Director, The Philly POPS. "My hope is to make the music sound even better than we remember it."

A very special pre-concert activity is planned for opening night: 102.9 WMGK's John DeBella will host a free live video Q+A session with former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. The Q+A is free and open to the public. Guests should arrive at the Kimmel Center's Plaza Stage by 6:30pm on May 5.

Highlights from POPS Rocks include:

"Landslide"

"Don't Stop Believin'"

"Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'"

"Go Your Own Way"

"Take It Easy"

"Hotel California"

"Desperado"

About the Guest Artists:

Shem von Schroeck, vocals and guitar, has been entertaining audiences since he was 3-years-old. A veteran of the stage and recording studio, he has performed in all 50 states and 42 countries as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and music director in a diverse range of genres. He has shared the stage with international and Grammy Award-winning artists, including Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, and Don Felder (The Eagles). This year he will join the band TOTO for their upcoming world tour. He is a regular tenor soloist with the POPS and orchestras nationwide.

Lori Wilshire, vocals and guitar, was one half of the duo Wilshire which landed a record deal with Columbia Records and Warner-Chappell Publishing. Wilshire's hit single "Special" climbed the Billboard Top 20 chart. The duo toured with artists including Train and Seal, and performed live on Late Night, The Sharon Osbourne Show, Wayne Brady, and Pepsi Smash. Lori's voice can be heard on national commercials for brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Claritin.

Micah Wilshire, vocals and guitar, has been a first call session vocalist and guitarist in Nashville, appearing on multiple Gold and Platinum albums and countless recordings and jingles. As a member of the band Wilshire, he signed with Columbia Records and Warner-Chappell Publishing and wrote the hit single "Special" that shot up the Billboard Top 20 chart, leading to tours with Seal (nationally and internationally) and Train, and performances on Late Night, The Sharon Osbourne show, Wayne Brady Show and Pepsi Smash. Since then, Micah has focused on songwriting and production. His voice continues to be featured in film and television.

Schedule of events:

Friday, May 5
6:30pm: Pre-concert entertainment: 102.9 WMGK's John DeBella hosts a free live video Q+A session with former Eagles guitarist Don Felder, Plaza Stage, Kimmel Center
8pm: POPS Rocks, Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center

Saturday, May 6
1:30pm: Pre-concert entertainment: Andrew Jackson Elementary School's rock band Home, Plaza Stage, Kimmel Center
3pm: POPS Rocks, Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center

Sunday, May 7
1:30pm: Pre-concert entertainment, Plaza Stage, Kimmel Center
3pm: POPS Rocks, Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center

Tickets: $35-$145 at phillypops.org/popsrocks.

The Philly POPS, the largest standalone pops orchestra in the United States, delights audiences with the inspired performance of American popular music. The POPS celebrates this distinctive musical heritage through an expanding repertoire of innovative concert presentations and a robust set of educational and engagement initiatives.

Now in its 38th season, the official POPS orchestra of Pennsylvania serves a consistently growing audience of over 100,000 annually. Music Director Michael Krajewski and the 65-piece Philly POPS orchestra keeps listeners tapping their toes to an impressive repertoire of songs from American traditions of music up through today's chart toppers.

Outside the concert hall, Salute Series performances - including POPS on Independence on July 3 and the I'll Be Home for Christmas: A Salute to the Military and First Responders - celebrate the American tradition of service around important national holidays; POPS in Schools enhances music education for Philadelphia School District students; and POPS Outside brings POPS music to local communities.

The Philly POPS performs as a founding resident company of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and at venues throughout the mid-Atlantic region.