Facinating Rhythm October 19, 2007 by Rebecca Wallace

California Pops Orchestra Gershwin & Friends Cover Story.

Winner of the Best of Local Bands:
Palo Alto Weekly 2002 Reader Poll

Simply the best!
17th annual Best of Competition

Palo Alto Weekly Best of 2002 Local Band:
Peninsula Pops Orchestra
Whether it's Broadway hits, movie tunes or breezy classics that get your toe tapping, the Peninsula Pops Orchestra is sure to delight, according to readers. Conducted by maestro Kim Venaas, the nonprofit group of musicians of all ages from throughout the Bay Area specializes in captivating the whole family.

Gentry Magazine June 2007, California Pops Auxiliary Gala "Broadway on the Bay"

Pat Gregory Chairperson and Barbara Glynn

"Ladies and gents, start your vacuums",
By S.L. Wykes, Mercury News
Review of the Pops "Comedy, Cartoons and Other Mayhem" Show.

Click above for the full article.

Saviors of Music May 2005 by Rebecca Wallace

California Pops Orchestra rescues historic music.

"A Salute to Oscar"
Peninsula Pops celebrates Academy Award-winning music
Publication Date: Friday, March 05, 2004 by Marge Speidel
Click above for the full article.

Audience Testimonials

"An exhilarating experience!" P. Yardner

"Best Bargain on the Peninsula!" M. Carey

"Live music, variety - great quality!" D. LaPoint

"Love the Pops" L. Stone

"The California Pops Orchestra is a unique institution. Over the entire West Coast Area, it is the only orchestra of its kind. Whereas this singularity might seem surprising, the orchestra represents a vital commitment to an important musical genre. It presents fascinating creative opportunities for its musicians and for the community at large. The community can benefit from greater exposure to the pops context, in terms of both education and entertainment." - Peter G. Neumann, Principal Scientist, SRI

"Who knew, besides musicians, that music could be so fun?" A. Guerra

"This is Great!" A. Allport

"Great fun. Best entertainment." H.D. Moor

"A surprising feature of California Pops audiences is the wide age span -- small children, young people, adults, and a sizable group of seniors. And each age group is equally enthralled at the fast-moving, highly professional presentations! The orchestra itself includes talented high school kids to highly talented seniors, playing together in mutual appreciation. Seldom seen in modern America -- and how refreshing! Not "family values" as preached from the pulpit or exalted by the politicians, but grass roots family togetherness, enjoyable wholesome good times bridging the generations." - Mil Pribble

"Keep up the good work!" D. Filippini

"Love all of your music and jokes!" D. Diegelman

"Variety/Informal/Fun!" J. Wolfram

"More performances please! Very enjoyable." L. Shoaf

"Keep up the great performances & jokes. Great entertainment and educational, too!" M. Vaon

"Very talented orchestra!! Just gets better & better." Anonymous

"Great music! Enjoyed the show - keep up the good work!" S. Dewalt

"I have never had so much fun making music. I look forward to every rehearsal to get together with other musicians who are also having great fun and are dedicated to their art. Maestro Venaas is both inspiring and knowledgeable in all types of music so as players we are constantly learning from him. We are lucky to have a group like this in our area." - Chin Beckmann

1. Not only are there accomplished musicians, they are also accomplished and talented in other areas.
2. Love the fancy dresses--it's like going to the Oscars, but a lot less traffic.
3. All the funny jokes we get to hear.
4. It's not bad to be engulfed in "Happy Music" for a couple of hours.
5. Kim's endless reservoir of creativeness. What's he going to do next?
6. It's music the whole family can enjoy.
7. It's classy but not snooty.
8. Love the audience participation.
9. We get to see unusual instruments featured such as vacuums and garden hose.
10. No two shows are the same.