Pasadena Pops Orchestra free concert at LA's MacArthur Park

LOS ANGELES (Pasadena Pops Website) - On Saturday, June 19, the Pasadena Pops Orchestra will lead the parade of music and song back into legendary MacArthur Park, once a glorious public park frequented by families from L.A.'s inner city neighborhoods.

After its heyday, MacArthur Park fell victim to crime and gang activity, but through the efforts of Mayor Hahn's "Safer Cities" program and Police Chief Bill Bratton's "Broken Windows" initiative, today the park is safer, cleaner and finally returning to its rightful owners - the local families and children of Los Angeles.

Marking the special occasion with a live orchestra symphony for the public, the thriving Pasadena Pops will perform Latin jazz and classical music in a first-ever, free, two-hour-long public concert at MacArthur Park, inviting local residents to reclaim their neighborhood park. Local violin prodigy, 12-year-old Laura Ha is one of several featured artists to perform with the orchestra, led by Pasadena Pops music director and conductor Rachael Worby.
More information is available by calling 626-792-POPS (7677) or visiting www.pasadenapops.org.

Visuals:
- Mayor Hahn, Chief Bratton, Councilman Ed Reyes and local dignitaries
- Full Pasadena Pops Orchestra plus 80-voice chorale
- 12-year-old violin prodigy Laura Ha of Royal Oak Intermediate School
- Clowns, jugglers, entertainers at family festival attracting thousands
- Newly cleaned, revived MacArthur Park transformed into spectacular outdoor classical concert venue

The date: Saturday, June 19, 2004
1 p.m. - Pre-Concert Family Fun Festival & Food Court
3 p.m. - Free Two-Hour Concert by Pasadena Pops Orchestra
MacArthur Park is located at Los Angeles, 2230 W. Sixth Street (parking is available at northwest corner of the park at S. Park View Street and Sixth Street intersection).