Get backstage at the Pops
By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
It's not promising the kind of backstage bacchanal reminiscent of, say, a Led Zeppelin show. But you'll get food, drinks and some shoulder-rubbing time with Grammy-winning Cuban trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval.
Gannett News Service
How to get in on the action? Join other music lovers in a new program called Backstage Pass, which aims to introduce more young adults to the joys of the Honolulu Symphony and Pops shows.
The Honolulu Symphony's Backstage Pass program will get you into a reception before Cuban trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval's Sept. 10 performance. The pass also is likely to be offered for other shows this season.
The Symphony Pops Sept. 10 season-opening concert with Sandoval marks Backstage Pass' debut.
For $50, Backstage Pass holders receive a ticket to the concert, parking and entry to a pre-show reception stocked with Cuban- and Latin-inspired drinks, food and entertainment.
Sandoval will stop by the Backstage Pass reception for mojitos, mariquitas and a meet-and-greet. And give-aways at the reception will include a one-night stay for two at the Halekulani and an after-party at T.G.I. Friday's.
Sponsored by the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, the group envisioned Backstage Pass as a setting for younger music and performing arts enthusiasts to meet and socialize.
"Ideally, we're just trying to attract a group of people who are music enthusiasts and want to support the Honolulu Symphony," said Backstage Pass spokeswoman Julia Moran. "It's an opportunity to get together and enjoy the symphony, music and each other's company."
Backstage Pass hopes to put together similar theme offerings for at least four events during the symphony's upcoming fall and spring performance seasons.
The Backstage Pass reception for Sandoval's show starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Sandoval goes on stage at 8.
Today is the final day to reserve Backstage Pass tickets for the concert.
For more information or reservations, reach Moran at 524-0815 ext. 237, or julia@honolulusymphony.com.
Individual tickets and season passes to the orchestra's Halekulani Masterworks performances and Pops concerts are available at the Honolulu Symphony Ticket Office in Suite 202 at the Dole Cannery, or call 792-2000.
Reach Derek Paiva at 525-8005 or dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.
