FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2020 (Hyannis, MA) – Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) is continuing with its 35th Annual Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea Concert, only this year it will be streamed live online.
“This event is such a big part of summer on Cape Cod, and this year we are celebrating the concert’s 35th anniversary and Keith Lockhart’s 25th anniversary as the conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, so there was no way we could cancel it, ” AFCC Executive Director Julie Wake said. “With our creative economy being hit hard by the pandemic, the concert will give the public a chance to rally around Cape Cod artists and cultural organizations that desperately need our support.”
“During these challenging months we are proud to join with our neighbors and community partners as they come together to support one another all across the Commonwealth,” said Jerry Sargent, president, Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. “We are so pleased to present Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea once again this year, continuing a tradition that helps the Arts Foundation and local artists thrive. Through this virtual concert, we join with the Cape community to reminisce about the past, and light a spark of hope and celebration of better times to come.”
On Sunday, August 9th at 6 pm, the AFCC will partner with Citizens Bank in bringing audiences the Pops by the Sea at-home edition. The event will be streamed live on the AFCC’s website, www.artsfoundation.org.
Programming will include virtual performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a spotlight on Keith Lockhart, an inside look at the AFCC’s work on Cape Cod, and a special tribute to the Cape’s healthcare professionals who have stepped up to serve our community in response to COVID-19.
Despite his disappointment in not having the Boston Pops perform live on the Hyannis Village Green in August, Keith Lockhart said, “I’m looking forward to being with the public virtually to share some great music and stories, and continue to support the AFCC. One of the things we’re all learning in this pandemic is how much our humanity is tied with our connection to each other — and the arts are a big part of how we connect and how we understand our experiences. The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod plays an important role supporting arts and artists on the Cape and I hope people will continue to support this great work.”
Funds raised from this year’s Citizens Bank Pops by the Sea At-Home Edition will go to support critical AFCC work that includes funding cultural nonprofits and arts programs that add to the vibrancy of the Cape, advocating for local and state resources to support the region’s creative economy, and increasing access to the arts for everyone.
“This year’s Pops is an opportunity for all of us to say the arts aren’t just nice, they are a vital part of who we are as a community,” Wake said. “The arts sector is hurting. Now is the time for us to step up.”
Businesses interested in sponsoring the Pops by the Sea should contact Amy Tuttle at atuttle@artsfoundation.org. Donations to the AFCC can be made at www.artsfoundation.org.
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.