FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
History Will Be Made at Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea
Guest Conductor Erich Bergen will pull double duty as guest performer
June 18, 2019 (Hyannis, MA) – This year’s Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea will feature a first in its 34-year history when actor Erich Bergen not only serves as the guest conductor, but also as the guest performer.
“Erich is a multi-talented performer, and I look forward to seeing him shine on stage alongside the Boston Pops this summer,” said Arts Foundation of Cape Cod Executive Director Julie Wake. “We’re fortunate to have an actor of Erich’s caliber who is a shining example of the positive influence artists can have in our society. He’s been an outspoken champion for the arts, especially in our schools, and that is an important message for people to hear.”
Best known for his starring role as Blake Moran on CBS’s “Madam Secretary,” Bergen also doubles as a singer, having released two singles and regularly performing cabaret-style shows throughout the United States. He’ll put his talents to the test in August when he not only conducts the Boston Pops, but sings with them.
“You know there’s nothing like performing with an orchestra. There’s nothing like that power and energy and force behind you. It’s something that is addictive,” he said. “The few times I’ve had the opportunity to perform with an orchestra, I jumped at that chance. Of course, the Boston Pops is the best of the best. To get that phone call was extremely exciting, and we get to do it on Cape Cod.”
“Each year Pops by the Sea brings thousands of families together to enjoy and support the arts with a summer concert featuring the classic performance by the Boston Pops,” said Citizens Bank Massachusetts President Jerry Sargent. “Bringing the talented Erich Bergen to the stage amplifies the event to a full crescendo. Citizens Bank is so excited for this year’s performances — the Arts Foundation has outdone themselves once again!”
Bergen, who has been acting since he was nine, vaulted to fame 13 years ago when he was cast as Bob Gaudio in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys.” It’s a role Bergen reprised in the film version of the play which was directed by Clint Eastwood.
Last summer, Bergen made his Broadway debut in the musical “Waitress”; he returned to the production at the beginning of this month. Once that ends, he will start taping the sixth and final season of “Madam Secretary.”
Over the past two years, Bergen has made the trip to Washington D.C. to push lawmakers to increase funding for music and arts education. “I am an advocate for the arts because I know it worked for me,” he said. “The idea that when we have budget cuts the first thing to go is the arts is completely backwards to me.”
This year’s Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea will take place on Sunday, August 11th, on the Hyannis Village Green. The summer concert is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Arts Foundation, which supports, promotes, and celebrates arts and culture on Cape Cod. Tickets for the Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea can be purchased at www.artsfoundation.org.
Bergen is the latest in a list of notable names to take the stage at the annual concert. Last year, actor Dermot Mulroney not only served as the guest conductor, but he played the cello with the Boston Pops. Other celebrities to wave the baton have included shark expert Dr. Gregory Skomal, Ray Romano, the Farrelly Brothers, Henry Winkler, and Blythe Danner.
About the AFCC
The AFCC’s mission is to support, promote, and celebrate the arts and culture of Cape Cod. It fulfills its mission by funding grants, fellowships, and scholarships; by advocating for more awareness on the impact the Cape’s creative economy has on our region and beyond; and by building a strong arts community network through membership. Visit www.artsfoundation.org to learn about the AFCC’s history, events, and programs.
Media Contact:
Julie Wake, 508-362-0066, ext. 111, jwake@artsfoundation.org