‘POPS!’ concert by Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra honors Armed Services Day

The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the Kahilu Theatre with a captivating concert titled “POPS!”

The concert is on May 21 at 2 p.m. and will be filled with all-American charm and soul-stirring melodies in honor of Armed Services Day.

Under the direction of artistic director and conductor Brian Dollinger, the Philharmonic will present a concert inspired by the big band era, jazz, rock and roll, movies and Broadway.

The program includes famous selections composed by iconic composers, including George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, John Williams, Leroy Anderson, Henry Mancini, Victor Lopez and Calvin Custer.

To help bring the unique repertoire to life, “POPS!” also features the Philharmonic’s concertmaster Ursula Vietze and special guest vocalist Binti Bailey.

Vietze also helped co-found the orchestra in 2004 and has been a vital member ever since. She has played with orchestras in Germany, including the prestigious Johann Strauss Orchestra, and orchestras around the United States.

Bailey is a musician and vocalist heavily involved in the Arts and Entertainment scene around the island since arriving in 2010.

She most recently performed to packed houses around the state for “All That is Now,” a live tribute concert to Pink Floyd’s seminal album “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Tickets for “POPS!” are $35 and $65. They may be purchased online at kamuelaphil.org or by calling the Kahilu Theatre Box Office at 808-885-6868 or visiting the Box Office in person at 67-1186 Lindsey Road in Waimea, Tuesdays through Fridays, 12 to 5 p.m.

“Bringing all facets of American music to life on the weekend of Armed Forces Day will truly be an enjoyable and nostalgic afternoon,” Dollinger said. “I’ve planned a veritable musical buffet that spans not only great American composers but also different genres of music. Everyone will know just about everything during this upbeat and engaging concert.

“Spanning several decades of musical styles, I wanted to bring a variety of classics that not only drip of American musical influences but also reach listeners at a deeper, more personal level — whether it’s from personal experiences or memories. I hope that everyone will have an experience that brings a smile to their face and some taps in their toes.”

In compliance with County and State Department of Health guidelines, Kahilu Theatre encourages all visitors to wear masks while in the facility. Theatergoers are encouraged to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer regularly; sanitizing stations are in the lobby.