Sounds by the Sea: Inside the Magic of Live Orchestra at the Shore — The Pops
Ocean City Pops bring array of music, from Broadway to Big Band, to the Music Pier all summer long
As the sun sets beyond the Boardwalk, it casts an ombre of blues and reds in the sky over the ocean. The Boardwalk is not yet overly crowded for nightly activities like eating ice cream and playing mini golf that’s not what you’re there for anyway. Instead, tonight, you’re trying out something different.
Mosey down to the 800 block of Boardwalk to the Music Pier – you know, that building you’ve walked by a thousand times and have wanted to check out? Well, youre in luck, because the Ocean City Pops are back for another packed season and there will be ample chances to see live music in this one-of-a-kind venue overlooking the sea.
“Performing over the Atlantic Ocean is amazing. The back half of the pier is over the water,” Conductor and Music Director Vince Lee explained. “Wayne Newton was here last year and during rehearsal he stood there, looking over the ocean. He was blown away and he’s been everywhere!”
The Ocean City Pops are an ensemble orchestra of 22 members and are one of a few city-run orchestras in the entire country.
“It’s a unique orchestra in a unique city,” Vince said. There’s no other orchestra that brings in the kinds of guest artists this small orchestra does.”
And he’s not exaggerating, either. This summer alone The Pops are bringing in Lee Greenwood for the country’s 250th anniversary in August. They’re playing with the Duprees in July. For the Broadway fans, Lea Salonga (known for portraying Eponine in “Les Miserables”) and Ben Vereen (Tony Award winner for his role in “Pippin”) will also have shows this summer.
Not your cup of tea? No problem. Vince makes it his mission to make sure there’s something for everybody when choosing the season’s program.
“The No. I goal is everyone walks out having a spectacular time,” he said. “We put on shows at the highest quality level possible. We work hard to do that.”
There are ABBA tributes, Billy Joel tributes, a one-man rat pack night for the big band fans and more.
There’s even something for the cinephiles. No, there won’t be a watch-along with Harry Potter while the Pops play the score, but the Pops will host a John Williams night. Not familiar with John Williams? Of course you are – he’s the mastermind behind “Jaws,” “Indiana Jones,” “Star Wars,’ “Jurassic Park,” “Home Alone” and, of course, “Harry Potter.”
“We focus on programming great concerts,” Vince explained. “My goal is for people who buy tickets, they might not be big into Broadway, big band, old pop or ’60’s rock. They buy tickets because they know were going to put on a quality experience and they ll want to come to the stuff they don’t know well.”
It really is a team effort to make sure the Pops are successful year in and year out. And for that, Vince, who has been at the helm since 2021, is quick to mention the strong team he has behind him.
“To revive the organization and have sold out concerts, that’s a huge honor,” he said. “That’s what I’m proud of, the team effort, I couldn’t do it without Mayor Jay Gillian and Michael Allegretto. It wouldn’t be possible without robust support from the city and their complete enthusiasm with what were doing.”
Part of what makes the Pops so popular, in Vince’s opinion, is the price point.
“The priority is to keep prices family friendly,” he said.
And for the most part, he does. Most shows are in the $30 neighborhood. Save for the bigger names like Lee Greenwood, which will be closer to the $70 ballpark.
“Our events on July 2 and 4 are completely free. Well have a drone show on the second, completely free to the public,” Vince added.
The Ocean City Pops have been around for almost 100 years and Vince said they got their start as a dance band and grew over time from 16 players to over 20 official players.
“History surrounds this orchestra. There’s a rich history of being on the boardwalk.” he said.
The Pops even lend their talents to the Ocean City Theatre Company each year. This year they are putting on “Sister Act” and will play eight shows with the theater group. Combine that with the 20 other shows on the schedule, and that makes 28 chances to see the Pops live this summer.
But the piece de resistance is the closing concert scheduled for September 19. Vince couldn’t get into specifics as it is under wraps, but they are members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and more information will be out soon.
“It’s a humongous performing act. You can sing at least one song and know all the words,” he said through a smile.
So, hidden in plain sight on the 800 block of the Boardwalk is an almost 1,000 seat venue that sits over the Atlantic Ocean where world famous musicians make appearances year in and year out. Next time you walk by, be sure to stop by the box office and see what they have to offer and plan your next night out on the boards. The ice cream and mini golf can wait until after the show.
For more information about the Ocean City Pops and to view their schedule, visit OceanCityPops.Org.
By Anthony J Mazziotti III