Merman and Martin: An American Pops Orchestra Tribute
Birdland Theater
Tuesday, February 19 at 7pm
Special Guest Star Liz Callaway

Maestro Luke Frazier and members of the critically acclaimed American Pops Orchestra will be joined by featured APO performers from the group's first four seasons in a tribute to two titans of the broadway stage, Ethel Merman and Mary Martin. Cast members include Liz Callaway, Rayshun Lamar (“The Voice”), Ali Ewoldt (Phantom of the Opera), Kate Davis (Acclaimed Bass Player and Vocalist), Paige Faure (Miss Saigon), Mary Michael Patterson (Phantom of the Opera), Vishal Vaidya (Groundhog Day) and more!

The American Pops Orchestra (APO) has been hailed by DC Metro Theatre Arts as an “innovative group of artists [that] are reinvigorating the tunes you know and love with a contemporary flair that never fails to please.” APO is dedicated to the vast, rich repertoire of American music and to creating fresh, entertaining programming. These modern takes on classic music define what makes APO fun, fresh and funky. DC Metro Theatre Arts continues “With the Pops continually raising the bar with its programming, it is guaranteed that we will continue to be astounded.”

Since its inception in 2015, The American Pops has made its mark in the orchestral world, performing at world-class venues such as Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, New York City’s Town Hall, the Smithsonian, the Anthem and many more. After a critically successful third season, APO is gearing up for a record-breaking, ten-show 2018-2019 season. APO is bringing its critically acclaimed musicianship and its focus on diversity (in both music and casting) for another season that is sure to dazzle its sophisticated audience of first-time orchestra attendees and long-time pops music lovers alike.

The American Pops Orchestra is comprised of the most excellent players in the Washington, DC area and even boasts a few players from New York City. They feel equally at home playing everything from Gershwin’s sweeping melodies to 80’s disco music accompanied by a live DJ. According to The New York Times in reference to their NYC debut, “what warmed the evening was the sumptuous lilt of the American Pops Orchestra, conducted by Luke Frazier.”

Aside from APO’s musical excellence, APO is an orchestra who cares. It is the firm belief of founder, Luke Frazier, that music is a right for anyone who wants to hear it. Frazier has led the organization to provide free, monthly community concerts and offer free tickets to military veterans and their families, at-risk children and youth, underserved families and many others. Frazier’s vision to reinvigorate the Great American Songbook is contingent on bringing this iconic music to all members of the community and beyond.

The American Pops Orchestra has garnered quite a list of incredible artists with whom they have shared the stage. That list includes Christine Ebersole, Luis Fonsi, Liz Callaway, Arturo Sandoval, Andra Day, Tommy Tune, Elaine Paige, Gaby Moreno, Michelle Williams, Paulo Szot, Betty Who, Jared Grimes, Marilyn Maye, Fran Drescher, Norm Lewis, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Laura Osnes, Lindsay Mendez, Ron Raines, Moya Angela, Claybourne Elder, Amber Iman, Ali Ewoldt, Bria Skonberg, Olympian Greg Louganis and so many more.

Don’t miss another downbeat! Follow @TheAmericanPops on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and our website www.TheAmericanPops.org.

Merman and Martin: An American Pops Orchestra Tribute
Tuesday, February 19 at 7pm
Birdland Theater, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
$30 cover, $10 food/drink minimum