Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and the Santa Rosa Symphony Announce the 2018-19 Symphony Pops Series

Today, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (LBC) and the Santa Rosa Symphony announced the lineup for the 2018-19 Symphony Pops Series, to be presented in the Ruth Finley Person Theater at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa). Now in its 14th year, the Sunday afternoon concert series introduces audiences to the great depth and range of sounds of the Santa Rosa Symphony and acclaimed soloists, through the music of legendary Motown artists, dynamic divas, and tributes to pop sensations. Led by the Santa Rosa Symphony's Principal Pops Conductor Michael Berkowitz, the 2018-19 season kicks-off with Ray Charles, Motown & Beyond featuring Ray Charles' protégé Ellis Hall, also known as the "Ambassador of Soul," on Sunday, October 14, 2018. The series will ring in the holiday season on Sunday, December 16, 2018 with Holiday Soundtracks, highlighting unforgettable songs from favorite holiday movies. On Sunday, February 24, 2019, the Symphony Pops will present Tribute to Judy & Liza at the Palladium. Joined by vocalists Joan Ellison and Carolann Sanita, the evening will celebrate Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli's historic 1964 concert at London's famed Palladium. The series comes to a close on Sunday, April 28, 2019 with Music of the Knights, showcasing the music of three of Britain's most legendary songwriters: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. Prior to each performance, LBC will host a discussion with Maestro Berkowitz, who provides insight into the afternoon's program and shares personal anecdotes and memories from his storied career working on Broadway with icons, including Liza Minnelli, Henry Mancini and Marvin Hamlisch.

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).

Says President and CEO of the Santa Rosa Symphony, Alan Silow, "The Santa Rosa Symphony's partnership with Luther Burbank Center for the Arts has grown to be an iconic element to the Sonoma County arts and culture scene. Since 2004, more than 50,000 community members have attended the series at LBC, and have found a festive musical experience that has folks literally dancing in the aisles."

2018-2019 Symphony Pops Series

Ray Charles, Motown & Beyond
Featuring Ellis Hall, Ambassador of Soul
Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 3 p.m.

Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ellis Hall-known as the "Ambassador of Soul"-presents an evening with the Santa Rosa Symphony and Maestro Michael Berkowitz honoring his mentor and legendary musician Ray Charles. The former member of Tower of Power will perform hit songs by Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, George Harrison, and Stevie Wonder, celebrating the R&B roots and the deep passion demonstrated in the music of the Motown era.

In a career spanning more than four decades, Hall has solidified a reputation for soul-searing Rhythm & Blues, electrifying audiences throughout the world. A master of the guitar, bass, piano, keyboards and drums, Hall is also a notable songwriter, arranger and producer. He is well-known for his work with the magnetic soul sensations Tower of Power, where he was lead singer and keyboardist in the mid-1980s. He has also performed with a multitude of musical icons, including Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, George Duke, Bobby Womack, Billy Preston, James Taylor, Kenny G, Sheila E, John Mayer and his musical mentor Ray Charles.

Holiday Soundtracks
Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 3 p.m.
The Santa Rosa Symphony gets everyone in the spirit of the season highlighting the greatest songs from favorite holiday movies. Holiday Soundtracks features a stocking full of the greatest music from the best loved seasonal movies of all time-including timeless classics like "It's A Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "White Christmas" to modern family favorites like "Home Alone," "The Polar Express" and "Elf."

Tribute to Judy & Liza at the Palladium
Featuring vocalists Joan Ellison and Carolann Sanita
Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 3 p.m.
When mother and daughter artists Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli teamed up in November 1964 for a concert at London's famed Palladium Theatre, the event became an instant classic, complete with a live album recording. The Santa Rosa Symphony pays tribute to that unforgettable performance, and welcome Joan Ellison and Carolann Sanita-fresh from their appearance in The Boy From Oz, where they played Judy and Liza-to honor these dynamic divas. The performance will include "Once In A Lifetime," "Just In Time," "Gypsy In My Soul" and other favorites such as "Cabaret," "New York New York," and of course, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."

Music of the Knights
Celebrating the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John & Paul McCartney
Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 3 p.m.
With careers that extend through the decades, three of the most successful songwriters of all time: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney have more than a few things in common. They are all British-born, they all have an Academy Award, they all have multiple Grammy Awards and they are all knights. The Santa Rosa Symphony and special performers will honor the lasting musical influence of these three legends, with popular hit songs such as "Memory" and "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," to "Hey Jude" and "Live or Let Die," to "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Crocodile Rock." Audiences will relive the songs that has shaped the lives of these three artists through this crowd-pleasing celebration of music royalty.

Photo: L-R: Ellis Hall; Joan Ellison; Carolann Sanita: Music of the Knights
Courtesy of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts