The Pasadena POPS announced Wednesday its 2026 Rusnak Summer Concert Series, a five-show season featuring tributes to film music, Motown, the Rat Pack, Elton John and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
The series will run from June 20 through Aug. 29 under the direction of Resident Pops Conductor Larry Blank and will feature Broadway performers, recording artists and symphony guest soloists, according to organizers.
The season opens June 20 with “Star-Spangled Salute to the Movies,” highlighting music by John Williams and Marvin Hamlisch. Broadway performer Morgan James will join the orchestra for selections including “Nobody Does It Better” and “The Way We Were.”
On July 11, the POPS will present “Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown,” featuring Shayna Steele, Chester Gregory and Terron Brooks performing songs associated with Motown artists including Stevie Wonder, the Supremes and the Temptations.
“A Toast to the Rat Pack” is scheduled for July 25, with jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford, Steve Lippia and Todd Murray performing songs popularized by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald.
The Aug. 15 program, “Remember When Rock Was Young: The Elton John Tribute,” will feature performer Craig A. Meyer in a concert devoted to the music of Elton John.
The season concludes Aug. 29 with “Music of the Night: Andrew Lloyd Webber & Friends,” featuring performers Hugh Panaro, Valerie Perri and Scarlett Strallen in selections from Webber musicals and works by other Broadway composers.
All concerts will be held at the arboretum, where gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and dining before performances.