Pasadena Symphony and POPS will continue its popular, outdoor summer concert series with “California Dreamin’,” featuring Broadway stars Betsy Wolfe and Hugh Panaro, on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The performance, led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein, will celebrate music that shaped California’s cultural identity.
The outdoor event will showcase hits from iconic bands like The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, and Fleetwood Mac. Wolfe, taking a break from her Tony-nominated role in “& Juliet,” will perform songs including “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” and “Landslide.”
Panaro, known for his extensive run as the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera,” will lend his voice to classics such as “California Dreamin’,” “Happy Together,” and “Good Vibrations.”
The concert aims to capture the essence of California’s musical heritage from the Gold Rush through the 1970s. The performance is part of the Pasadena POPS’ summer concert series, which offers attendees an opportunity for picnic-style dining while enjoying symphonic renditions of popular songs. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for dining, with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Concertgoers can bring their own food or purchase pre-ordered meals for on-site pickup. The venue will also feature food trucks and two full bars for refreshments.
Wolfe, a California native, has an extensive Broadway resume including roles in “Waitress,” “Falsettos,” “Bullets Over Broadway,” and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” She recently received a Tony nomination for her performance in “& Juliet” and has appeared in various film and television projects. At age 20, Wolfe made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra under Maestro Erich Kunzel.
In addition to her performing career, Wolfe founded BroadwayEvolved, a musical theater training program for students that has been recognized as one of the best summer programs alongside top universities for five consecutive years.
Tickets for the event start at $35, with various seating options available, including circular tables with linens and lawn seating for those preferring to bring blankets. Single tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (626) 793-7172, online at PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org, or at the Arboretum on concert days.
Parking can be arranged at the Arboretum or at nearby Santa Anita Park with shuttle service.
