The story of the Philly Pops in recent years is really one of reinvention under pressure.
Founded in 1979, the group spent decades as a staple in the city’s music scene under the direction of Peter Nero. The organization ultimately ceased operations following its 2022–2023 season amid financial troubles and internal instability, but many of its musicians regrouped to preserve the performance tradition, forming a new ensemble in 2023 that they intentionally called the “No Name Pops.”
The No Name Pops performed independently across Philadelphia, re-establishing audiences and partnerships while also working through the issue of ownership of the “Philly Pops” trademark, which was tied to the estate of Peter Nero. In late 2024, Nero’s family agreed to transfer the rights to the name and associated musical materials to the new organization, and by 2025, the ensemble began transitioning back, ultimately reclaiming the name.
Now, there’s a full lineup of upcoming performances set for the summer season in Philadelphia (and even a recently announced subscription service to begin later in the year). First up for the sunny season is six-time Grammy Award-winning artist St. Vincent Live with the Philly Pops at the Met, followed by the highly anticipated Pops show with Idina Menzel on July 3 as part of Wawa Welcome America’s Pops on Independence (and with this particular performance, tickets are free).
There will also be three shows in August: On Aug. 21 at 8 p.m., The Philly Pops will perform with Gregory Alan Isakov with a show that blends indie folk and symphonic music, conducted by Music Director Chris Dragon at the Highmark Mann Center. On Aug. 27 at 8 p.m., Labrinth will join the Philly Pops under the direction of Jonathan Taylor Rush at the same venue. The month of music concludes on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. with ‘A Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration’, featuring the Philly Pops conducted by Music Director Chris Dragon, also at the Highmark Mann Center.
To close it all out at the Highmark, on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m., Boyz II Men will perform with the Philly Pops under conductor Anthony Parnther. The following week, on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., Leslie Odom, Jr. will join the Philly Pops at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova.
In addition to these featured concerts, the Philly Pops will expand its community reach through Artcinia neighborhood performances across Philadelphia, a show at Immaculata University, and several free public appearances at venues like Headhouse Square, Eakins Oval, Dilworth Park, the Kimmel Arts Festival, and an Eagles tailgate event, all aimed at making orchestral music more accessible throughout the city.
To find out more information on the Philly Pops summer performances, visit phillypops.com
MORE: Summer of music: Festival lineups you can’t miss in and around Philly
