Pops concert with Brian McKnight caps Tercentennial celebration

  • Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with special guest Brian McKnight to perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at DCU Center

    WORCESTER – The Worcester Tercentennial committee has announced a special anniversary performance by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, Brian McKnight, at  the DCU Center on Sunday, June 12 at 4 p.m.  

    Known for Billboard charting hits like Anytime and Back at One, Brian McKnight has released 15 albums to  date, with several going 2 and 3x platinum, and has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. In addition to  being a singer, songwriter and producer, McKnight is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine  instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet.  Along with several Grammy nominations, Brian McKnight has been the recipient of American Music Awards,  Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image and Blockbuster Awards, and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. 

    Conducting the renowned Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra for this special engagement is respected  maestro Damon Gupton, Principal Guest Conductor of the Cincinnati Pops. An accomplished composer,  narrator and actor with roles in film and television; such as, Whiplash, LaLa Land, This is Forty, Criminal  Minds, Prime Suspect and Deadline as well as guest and recurring appearances on Dirty John, Goliath, Bates  Motel, The Newsroom, Suits, Empire, Law & Order, Law & Order Criminal Intent and Third Watch. 

    Adding to the Tercentennial talent pool is Grafton native, Ricky Duran who made his big break in Hollywood as a runner-up on season 17 of NBC’s The Voice in 2019. Duran will perform the National Anthem  at the Tercentennial Kickoff Fireworks Display at Polar Park on Friday, June 10.  

    “We’re thrilled to offer a variety of programming and activities appealing to Worcester’s broad and diverse  community,” said Kate McEvoy, Chair of the Worcester Tercentennial Planning Committee. “Combined  with free parking in the City’s municipal lots and garages, every event will feature free admission reducing  barriers to access,” she continued.  

    Entry to the Kickoff Fireworks Display at Polar Park, Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Special Guest  Brian McKnight at the DCU Center and the Tercentennial family Outing at the Worcester Bravehearts are  all complimentary but tickets are required.  

    Secure your complimentary seats now:

    Tercentennial Fireworks at Polar Park ft. Ricky Duran  

    In person at the WooSox Ticket Office at Polar Park (before, during, or after a WooSox game or during  regular business hours Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or by  calling WooSox Ticket Office at (508) 500-8888.  

    Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Special Guest Brian McKnight 

    In person at the DCU Center Box Office (Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2  p.m. and Sunday/Monday on event days only) or online for free with no fees at Ticketmaster:  ticketmaster.com/event/01005C7BD8C66B9D 

    Tercentennial family outing at the Worcester Bravehearts 

    Online at www.worcesterbraveheartsgroups.com. Use password “Tercentennial”  The Tercentennial Weekend lineup includes:  

    Friday, June 10th

    5PM Tercentennial Weekend Kickoff featuring Canal District Stroll and Polar Park Fireworks featuring Ricky Duran 

    Saturday, June 11th 

    9AM Tercentennial Road Race, downtown Worcester  

    11AM Tercentennial Parade & Celebration, downtown Worcester  

    Noon – 5PM Tercentennial Festival on the Worcester common featuring stART on the Street, musical  performances, food trucks, and more  

    Sunday, June 12th 

    4PM Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Special Guest Brian McKnight 4PM Tercentennial family Outing at the Worcester Bravehearts 

     

    The Worcester Tercentennial is made possible by the city’s dynamic corporate community. Programming  and activities throughout the year are being underwritten and sponsored by local businesses, foundations  and friends. To find out more about sponsoring Worcester’s Tercentennial Celebration, visit www.worcestertercentennial.com

    Organizations and businesses are encouraged to download the toolkit and submit their events to the  collective calendar that promotes the Tercentennial at www.worcestertercentennial.com.  

    Individuals, groups, and businesses can participate in Tercentennial festivities a variety of ways, including  assisting with planning, organizing their own events and celebrations, volunteering, partnering, and  sponsoring. More information on getting involved can be found at WorcesterTercentennial.com. 

    For additional views into Tercentennial celebrations, local media personality Hank Stolz hosts a  “Tercentennial Talks” podcast, featuring a wide range of guests and local talent. Episodes of this podcast  are available at www.worcestertercentennial.com.

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