Pasadena Pops season opens on a patriotic note

The Pasadena POPS Orchestra will kick off its 2004 summer season at Descanso Gardens on June 25 7:30 p.m. with two evenings of spectacular concerts titled "From Sea to Shining Sea," which will feature a wide array of popular American music.

The POPS is thrilled to welcome special guest Billy Collins, U.S. and New York state poet laureate, to its stage for both performances.

An American phenomenon, Collins has become one of America's most respected and loved poets, receiving high critical acclaim while maintaining

broad popular appeal. Collins will share some of his most cherished works at different intervals

between favorite American tunes. I

Adding to the line up of guest artists is the popular Side Street Strutters, the swinging Ragtime and Jazz band which performs regularly at Disneyland, who will get toes tapping to a variety of music from New Orleans Dixieland and Blues to Big Band Swing and popular standards. Los Angeles Opera baritone Cedric Berry will join The POPS for selections from Old American Songs by favorite American composer Aaron Copland, which he has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Highlights for these Nyo concerts include the world premiere of a tone poem for piano and orchestra by Southern California composer and pianist, Alan Steinberger, who will also perform the piece with the orchestra, and a special tribute to jazz legend Louis Armstrong.

The sponsor for the 2004 summer season is Rusnak Automotive Group (4 years), and Rachael Worby is presented and sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP again for the second time. Sponsors for the June 25 and 26 concerts are American Express Financial Advisors, KPCC, Thorson Motor Center, The Castle Press, Citizens Business Bank, Marsh, and an anonymous donor.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Ca~ada-Flintridge, just 20 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles, and concert parking is free. Although the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., the gates open at 5:30 p.m., so that guests may picnic at their reserved tables. Catering and table service are available from Patina, the exclusive caterer of Descanso Gardens; however, attendees may bring their own picnic dinners and wine if they wish.