The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra With Special Guest Rockapella,Brings a “1970s Show” to the MLC
Bushkill, PA - The famed Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, under the baton of charismatic conductor Keith Lockhart, will bring its “1970s Show” to the Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, August 23 at 8 p.m. The acclaimed pop a capella group Rockapella will add its special brand of harmony to the proceedings as the Pops’ special guest. Pavilion seats are $45-$65, and lawn seats are just $25. Tickets are on sale now at the MLCPA Box Office or through Ticketmaster.
Founded in 1855 when a group of Boston Symphony musicians presented a concert of “light music of the best class,” the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra is now America’s most-recorded and most-televised orchestra, showcasing familiar classical and pop tunes that all ages can enjoy. The ensemble’s conductors have included the legendary Arthur Fiedler, who led the Pops for 50 years and established its fame; movie composer John Williams of “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” fame, who led the group from 1980 to 1995 (and now serves as Conductor Laureate); and now Keith Lockhart, celebrating his 11th year on the Pops podium.
Proving that the ’70s was not just a disco decade, the Pops presents a concert showcasing music from ’70s movies, TV shows and Broadway hits, including “The Godfather,” “Star Wars,” “The Exorcist (Tubular Bells),” “A Chorus Line,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and a medley of tunes by Paul Simon (“The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “Feelin’ Groovy,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and more). The show closes with a lively audience sing-along of ’70s hits, including “Margaritaville,” “Shower the People,” “Escape (The Pina Colada Song),” “Feelings” and Kool and the Gang’s immortal “Celebrate (Good Times).”
Rockapella was founded in Providence, Rhode Island by a group of Brown University alumni, who started out singing in harmony on street corners for the sheer love of performing. They caught the eye of filmmaker Spike Lee, producer-choreographer Debbie Allen and others when they appeared in a documentary on modern a capella singing, and soon were called on to provide soundtrack music for the hit children’s show “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” And the rest, as they say, is history, with the group’s blend of soul, rock, R&B and jazz winning it fans worldwide. Rockapella now regularly tours the U.S. and Japan, has released several albums and has starred in its own PBS television special.
The Mountain Laurel Center is a state-of-the-art nonprofit performing arts venue located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains and is home of the Tom Ridge Pavilion with 2,500 covered seats and room under the stars for up to 6,000 more on its comfortable lawn. The volunteer Board of Directors and CEO Richard T. Bryant are dedicated to serving the region by providing world class artists and entertainers through an ongoing series of performances and educational programming. For tickets or additional information about the Mountain Laurel Center, please call 570-426-2080 or visit www.mountainlaurelcenter.com.
