The No Name Pops (NNP), soon to be known as the Philly Pops, has made significant strides in reconnecting with the cultural fabric of Philadelphia since its inception a little over two years ago.
This transformation began with a passionate group of musicians from the former Philly Pops, under Encore Series management, who envisioned reviving and reenergizing the pops orchestra experience in Philadelphia.
Today, NNP stands as a testament to their dream, having established itself as a beloved ensemble deeply invested in the local community.
Over the past two years, the NNP has performed more than 40 free concerts across Philadelphia, captivating diverse audiences in various settings, including Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center.
In addition to their local performances, the orchestra has built valuable partnerships with numerous organizations to enhance its outreach and musical offerings.
A notable collaboration is with Wawa Welcome America, where NNP is set to headline the Pops on Independence Concert on July 3, 2025, and 2026, an iconic event that promises to delight music lovers of all ages.
Michael DelBene, President and CEO of Wawa Welcome America, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the return of Pops on Independence with the new Philly Pops on July 3rd.
This long-standing tradition in this iconic location captivates audiences of all ages for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration.”
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is another esteemed venue that will renew its relationship with the Pops, as Catherine M. Cahill, its President and CEO, highlighted the importance of this partnership.
“The return of the soon-to-be Philly Pops, currently referred to as No Name Pops, is a cause for celebration, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome the Pops back to the TD Pavilion at the Mann this summer,” Cahill remarked.
The NNP has also made meaningful connections with community-focused organizations, such as Artcinia, which helps bring music to under-resourced communities, and Art-Reach, which provides discounted tickets to individuals with disabilities.
These initiatives underscore the orchestra’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
Furthermore, NNP’s outreach extends beyond musical partnerships, having successfully forged alliances with City and State officials, the Philadelphia Visitor’s Center, Philadelphia Magazine, WHYY, and other influential entities.
These collaborations not only enhance the orchestra’s visibility but also reinforce its valuable cultural and economic contributions to Philadelphia.
“While reclaiming the Philly Pops name is a triumph for this organization, our partnerships and community engagement initiatives have been instrumental to our growth, and we are excited to continue building on this foundation long into the future,
image source from：https://www.timesherald.com/2025/04/23/no-name-pops-soon-to-be-philly-pops-forges-success-with-community-partnerships/
