The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota Announces Its Spectacular 50th Anniversary Season
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota proudly announces its 50th Anniversary Season, celebrating five decades of vibrant performances, community engagement, and musical excellence. Under the inspiring direction of Conductor and Artistic Director Dr. Robyn L. Bell, The Pops invites audiences to experience a season filled with joy, nostalgia, and world-class entertainment.
What sets The Pops Orchestra apart is its simple yet powerful mission: Music You Love, Musicians You Know. The Pops brings together accomplished local musicians of all ages and backgrounds from the Bradenton-Sarasota community, uniting them in a shared passion for live performance. From retirees to rising stars, this ensemble offers audiences an unmatched sense of local pride and connection while maintaining the highest musical standards.
The Pops also prioritizes accessibility, delivering top-tier entertainment at affordable prices for both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. In keeping with its community-first mission, the orchestra provides exceptional young musicians the opportunity to perform alongside seasoned professionals, as well as to participate in summer enrichment activities, helping to foster the next generation of musical talent.
To honor this milestone season, The Pops presents four main season shows with an added matinee performance packed with energy and showmanship, plus three additional shows to make the year extra memorable.
🌟 Main Season Shows
🤠 Rhinestone Cowboys & National Heroes
Saturday, November 8 – 3:00 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
Sunday, November 9 – 3:00 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center
Monday, November 10 – 7:30 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
Celebrate the golden age of country and honor our veterans in this heartfelt, high-energy opener featuring Nashville country star Ralph Curtis.
🎄 A Christmas Carol, the Concert
Saturday, December 13 – 3:00 p.m., Manatee High School Davis Performing Arts Center
Sunday, December 14 – 3:00 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center
Monday, December 15 – 7:30 p.m., Manatee High School Davis Performing Arts Center
A Broadway-caliber musical production of the classic Dickens tale with original songs, a full chorus, and local actors and dancers.
💘 Let’s Hang On!
Saturday, February 14 – 3:00 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
Sunday, February 15 – 3:00 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center
Monday, February 16 – 7:30 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Let’s Hang On!, the electrifying tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons featuring hits like Sherry, Walk Like a Man, and Let’s Hang On.
🚀 Rocket Man
Saturday, March 21 – 3:00 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
Sunday, March 22 – 3:00 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center
Monday, March 23 – 7:30 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
Close out the season with Greg Bickley as Rocket Man in this spectacular Elton John tribute, complete with flamboyant costumes and all your favorite hits.
🎶 Additional Concerts
🎃 Hocus Pocus Pops
Thursday, October 30 – 7:30 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center
A spooky, family-friendly Halloween concert with fun favorites like Thriller, Ghostbusters, Superstition, and more. Costumes welcome!
🎸 All You Need is Love
Sunday, January 11 – 3:00 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center
Monday, January 12 – 7:30 p.m., Riverview Performing Arts Center
The Grammy-nominated Liverpool Legends return to perform a magical Beatles tribute, originally hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of George Harrison.
🎹 Organ-ized Pipes & Pops
Saturday, May 2 – 3:00 p.m., SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
Enjoy the majestic sounds of the Elizabeth M. Eaton Memorial Pipe Organ in a one-of-a-kind showcase that truly pulls out all the stops.
About Dr. Robyn L. Bell
A passionate music educator and award-winning conductor, Dr. Robyn L. Bell has led The Pops Orchestra since 2011. Known for her creativity, charisma, and deep connection to the community, Dr. Bell has helped make the Pops a beloved cultural institution across Sarasota and Manatee counties.
🎟️ Ticket Information
- Current Season Subscriber Tickets go on sale May 1
- New Season Subscriber Tickets available starting June 16
- Individual Show Tickets go on sale August 1
For more information, full show details, and to purchase tickets, visit https://ThePopsOrchestra.org/.
Follow The Pops Orchestra on social media and attend our concerts to help us celebrate 50 Years of Music, Magic, and Community!
About The Pops Orchestra:
Since its founding in 1975, The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota has produced critically acclaimed musical attractions for enthusiastic audiences of all ages. As one of the top performing arts groups in a unique, culturally rich community, The Pops Orchestra attracts full-time residents, Suncoast “Snowbirds,” and vacationers to its concerts, proving to be a cultural and economic asset to the Greater Bradenton and Sarasota communities. The 65-piece orchestra consists of many of the community’s finest professional musicians, community music makers, music educators, and high school and college music students, reflecting the diversity of its audience and patrons.