Classic tunes explored in new styles with a wide range of performers: The Glendale Pops signature approach continues with a short but grand 2014 season scheduled around its home stage renovation, with the final June 21 program a re-opening celebration featuring Emmy-award winner Martin Short.
Building its “brand” of eclectic musical experiences just as the city is taking downtown development to its highest level yet, the Glendale Pops is presented this year by the Downtown Glendale Association. The new business group is focused on making downtown a premier arts and entertainment destination with the Alex as a main hub.
Glendale has gone “all in” by committing to a city-funded upgrade of the Alex’s back stage areas, expanding the theatre’s ability to host larger-scale professional productions while the theatre is still in the grips of redevelopment receivership. The move complements the many downtown multi-residential properties under construction or recently completed, which add up to at least 3,800 more housing units. An influx of downtown residents will be looking for gathering and entertainment options close to where they live.
Glendale’s development spree is matched by investments in arts and culture amenities. Downtown and the community are counting on a great future for the Alex, while online critics have validated Glendale’s downtown as the destination neighborhood of 2013.
An investor that has gone “all in” is Lex on Orange developer AMLI, now leasing new apartment units. AMLI just posted Why Glendale is a Hot Spot to Live on its corporate blog, featuring the great dining options in the rising downtown area and Glendale’s proximity to regional attractions.
Downtown Glendale is still a patchwork of construction sites, and work continues behind the back stage of the Alex, but the theatre has reopened. In contrast to the unfinished landscape, Pops Artistic Director Matt Catingub delivers well-structured, elegantly finished programs from beginning to end. The great new musical direction has caught on in a boom around the country. He’s in demand to lead concerts on the East Coast, and from Nashville to Hawaii.
Here in Glendale, a tribute to the Fusion jazz sounds of Chicago, and Blood, Sweat and Tears is set for April 11. Canadian jazz vocalist Carol Welsman is guest performer for Hidden Treasures, May 10. And Tony- and Emmy-winning performer Martin Short will help celebrate the Alex Theatre’s expansion in the final concert on June 21.
Season tickets, several levels of sponsorships and tickets are all available – make sure to be a part of these great musical experiences.
Carol Welsman performing “Do I Love You?” on AM740: