Cole Longcor
cwl002@marietta.edu
Marietta, OH-Concert goers were transported across regions and decades through the power of music on Thursday, September 22nd. The People’s Bank Theater in downtown Marietta hosted the United in Song program by Luke Frazier and The American Pops.
The new concert series, a compilation of small-town shows, will be aired on PBS as part of their New Year’s Eve show. Marietta was the first show to be performed. The concert hall was filled as people were thrilled to be part of the production of the PBS show, see Parkersburg native Luke Frazier return to the MOV, and to see top musicians perform along the orchestra.
Guests included Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, Grammy nominee Natalie Grant, renowned clarinetist Richardo Marales, Pianist for Ken Burns’ films Jaqueline Schwab, Grammy and Emmy winner Reginald Smith Jr., and Grammy winner Rhonda Vincent. Each concert will also host a local collegiate choir. The Ohio University acapella choir performed at the People’s Bank concert in multiple pieces.
There was truly something for everyone as the audience experienced a myriad of genres and artists. Some pieces were fan favorites and nostalgic while others were new and exciting.
The American Pops will travel across the country to other small venues to film more segments for the United in Song series.
For more information about the American Pops and the United in Song series visit theamericanpops.org and www.pbs.org/show/united-song-celebration-americas-resilience/
