Ann Hampton Callaway, Rachel Potter & More Set for Luther Burbank Center for the Arts' 2016-17 Symphony Pops Series Lineup

Today, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and the Santa Rosa Symphony announced the lineup for their 2016-2017 Symphony Pops Series collaboration. The new season marks the twelfth 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 hits from Maestro Berkowitz's voluminous library of popular music, a special Charlie Brown Christmas Concert, a showcase of The Great American Songbook and a tribute to the legends of country music.

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).

"We've got another fantastic line-up of concerts and renowned guest artists set for next year," said Principal Pops Conductor Michael Berkowitz. "I'm particularly looking forward to opening my personal music library to curate the first concert of the season, which will feature a range of popular hits, including the Buddy Rich jazz classic West Side Story Suite, in which I'll make a special appearance on drums!"

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 23, 2016 with Maestro's Greatest Hits. Maestro Michael Berkowitz leads the Santa Rosa Symphony in a concert of greatest hits from his vast library of musical gems. From Broadway and Hollywood to Leonard Bernstein and Henry Mancini, the afternoon also includes the Buddy Rich jazz classic West Side Story Suite, featuring vocalist Jonathan Poretz and Maestro Berkowitz on drums.

On Sunday, December 11, 2016 the Pops series presents a special holiday treat with A Charlie Brown Christmas Concert. Quickly becoming a favorite on everyone's holiday "must-do" list, this festive afternoon concert features songs from the 1965 classic "Peanuts" animated special as well as other traditional Christmas favorites. Pianist and Steinway Artist Jim Martinez, along with his Quartet, join the Santa Rosa Symphony in paying tribute to famous Snoopy songs, written or arranged by Vince Guaraldi.

On Sunday, February 19, 2017, the Center welcomes Ann Hampton Callaway Sings The Great American Songbook. Cabaret star Ann Hampton Callaway joins the Santa Rosa Symphony for a celebration of 20th Century American music. From a command performance at the White House, to the Great White Way of Broadway, Ann Hampton Callaway has captivated audiences everywhere. The Tony-nominated star of the Broadway hit Swing sings the timeless classics of George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and the Great American Songbook.

To close out the series on Sunday April 17, 2017 the Symphony Pops Series pays homage to some of country music's greatest artists with Country Legends. The Symphony Pops Series tribute to country music icons includes songs made famous by singers and songwriters including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and more. Nashville performers Patrick Thomas ("The Voice" Season 1 Finalist) and Rachel Potter ("X-Factor" Finalist) will also grace the stage of the Center to pay tribute to the greatest stars in country music. Join us for such country classics as "Crazy," "Joline," "Ring of Fire," "On the Road Again," "Devil Went Down to Georgia," and don your Country and Western apparel for this show that will leave audiences' boots stomping, heart's pumping, and country souls content.

2016-2017 Symphony Pops Series

Maestro's Greatest Hits
Featuring guest vocalist Jonathan Poretz and special guest drummer Michael Berkowitz
Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 3 p.m.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Concert
With special guest pianist Jim Martinez
Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 3 p.m.

Ann Hampton Callaway Sings The Great American Songbook
Featuring guest vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway
Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 3 p.m.

Country Legends
Featuring guest vocalists Patrick Thomas and Rachel Potter
Sunday, April 23, 2017 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 calling 707-546-3600 or at the ticket office at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa.?

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