The Philly Pops return with their reinstated name for this year's Pops on Indepence happening July 3, an over 40-year-old Philadelphia tradition. (Credit: The No Name Pops Facebook) Peter B. Blaikie for Bachrach Photography
A longtime Philadelphia tradition is returning under a familiar name.
The “No Name Pops” will officially reclaim the “Philly Pops” name during a free outdoor concert at Independence Mall on July 3, as part of the Wawa Welcome America Festival.
The Pops on Independence concert will also mark the debut of new music director Chris Dragon, a 34-year-old conductor from Australia. Emmy-nominated singer and composer Ben Folds will join the orchestra as a special guest.
Presented by Visit Philadelphia, the concert will take place in front of Independence Hall starting at 7 p.m. and is part of an over 40-year tradition of symphonic performances celebrating Independence Day in the city.
"I cannot think of a more fitting way to start my tenure as music director of the new Philly Pops at its very first concert,” Dragon said in a press release. “It will be an honor to lead the orchestra with celebrated guest Ben Folds as we all celebrate the birth of our nation during the Independence Eve concert in front of Independence Hall, the birthplace of America!”
The ensemble has performed under the No Name Pops name since 2023, after separating from its former management. The group is made up of musicians from the original Philly Pops and was gifted the name by the estate of the late music director emeritus Peter Nero.
A new logo and website, phillypops.net, will launch July 1. For more information until then, visit nonamepops.org.
“This isn’t just a concert — it’s a Philly tradition,” said Matt Koveal, executive director of the Pops. “We’re proud to return under a new name and with a new vision.”
