Outdoor concert to feature show tunes

The humidity has been brutal, but this summer's dog days will end on a high note Saturday evening when the Schaumburg Park District's free outdoor concert series wraps with an orchestral flourish.

"The appearance of Frank Winkler and the Symphonic Pops Orchestra is always a highlight of the Summer Breeze concert season," said Betsy Armistead, department of cultural services director for Schaumburg, of the perennial crowd-pleasers, back by popular demand for the 19th consecutive year.

And apparently, the feeling is mutual.

"This is a wonderful place to play," said conductor Winkler, of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center's open-air stage.

"Great acoustics, great visibility; the whole venue is top-notch."

It's a good bet that stage is seldom as crowded as when this 38-piece ensemble drops by to jam, but when it comes to building a better orchestra, Winkler is a firm believer in the strength of numbers.

"We've got four French horns, three trumpets, three trombones, three percussionists, a tuba and a harp," he said.

"You wouldn't have all those players in a classical outfit, but we're employing a Broadway show style presentation."

Which will come in handy for "Curtain Time," the group's extended musical tour of the "Great White Way," featuring selections from "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum," "Evita," "A Chorus Line," "The Music Man," "Wildcat," and most appropriately, "Chicago."

Guest singers Gil Oliva and Katie Papp will be on hand, lending vocal support throughout the evening's two sets, including spirituals, songs of patriotism and greatest hits from George Gershwin, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, John Williams and George M. Cohan, the original "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

If you go

What: Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago conducted by Frank Winkler.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, Schaumburg Road and Summit Drive in Schaumburg

Admission: Free

Note: Part of the "Summer Breeze" concert series, sponsored by the Village of Schaumburg and Schaumburg Park District

Call: (847) 895-3600