HYANNIS – Near the end of what one attendee called “the best Pops ever,” audience members jumped to their feet and began boogying to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.
The 28th Annual Pops By The Sea Concert featuring the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with conductor Keith Lockhart was a sold-out and especially festive evening on the Hyannis Village Green under clear skies on Sunday, August 11.
Standout vocal performances by local talents included a souring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Kristin Howard of Chatham, a Boston University student and daughter of Arts Foundation of Cape Cod executive director Kevin Howard; and “She Loves Me” and “Bring Him Home” by Fred Inkley of West Dennis,who is currently performing on Broadway.
American Idol finalist Siobhan Magnus of Marstons Mills chose to wow the crowd with two very different tunes, the Patti Page classic “Old Cape Cod” and The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.”
Special guest conductor actress Blythe Danner proved her charm while dealing with an unscripted moment, first forgetting her baton and then having maestro Keith Lockhart present a drumstick replacement to her on bended knee.
But the evening may be best remembered by the moment the orchestra broke into “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and the crowd, including US Congressman William Keating, jumped up to dance.
Lockhart pronounced it the most fun he’s had in Hyannis. Several others agreed.
— Laura M. Reckford
