This weekend, locals and visitors will have the chance to check out the newly revamped Philly POPS with their “Pops on Independence” free concert as part of the Wawa Welcome America Festival.
Taking place July 3 on the Independence Concert Series Stage, the experience will be helmed by a new Music Director—34-year-old Australian Chris Dragon. The new group is not a return of the aforenamed group, the No-Name POPS. Instead, it’s a “rebirth.” The musical ensemble now has new leadership, a new logo, new governance, new partnerships, and “a forward-thinking, musician and patron-centric philosophy to be gritty, bold, and unmistakably Philly.”
Audiences will get to see the changes firsthand at the concert this Thursday, which will kick off at 7 p.m. on Independence Mall (6th and Market streets.)
“I cannot think of a more fitting way to start my tenure as music director of the new Philly Pops at its very first concert,” says Dragon. “It will be an honor to lead the orchestra with celebrated guest Ben Folds as we all celebrate the birth of our nation during the Independence Eve concert in front of Independence Hall, the birthplace of America. We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with our Philadelphia community.”
This 40-year tradition and celebration of Independence (with special guest Ben Folds) is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets to the occasion.
“No other city does July 4th like Philly, and our performance at Independence Mall is one of the festival’s standout moments,” says Matt Koveal, Executive Director of the Pops. “Pops on Independence isn’t just a concert, it’s a Philly tradition. We’re proud to bring this city together with our first show reborn as the Philly Pops, led by our new Music Director, Chris Dragon.”
To find out more information on the Pops on Independence concert on July 3 and more upcoming concerts from the group, visit phillypops.net
