For Immediate Release: 3/30/2022 9:17 am
WORCESTER – The Worcester Tercentennial committee has announced a special anniversary performance by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, Brian McKnight, at the DCU Center on Sunday, June 12 at 4 p.m.
Known for Billboard charting hits like Anytime and Back at One, Brian McKnight has released 15 albums to date, with several going 2 and 3x platinum, and has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. In addition to being a singer, songwriter and producer, McKnight is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet. Along with several Grammy nominations, Brian McKnight has been the recipient of American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image and Blockbuster Awards, and Billboard Songwriter of The Year.
Conducting the renowned Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra for this special engagement is respected maestro Damon Gupton, Principal Guest Conductor of the Cincinnati Pops. An accomplished composer, narrator and actor with roles in film and television; such as, Whiplash, LaLa Land, This is Forty, Criminal Minds, Prime Suspect and Deadline as well as guest and recurring appearances on Dirty John, Goliath, Bates Motel, The Newsroom, Suits, Empire, Law & Order, Law & Order Criminal Intent and Third Watch.
Adding to the Tercentennial talent pool is Grafton, MA native, Ricky Duran who made his big break in Hollywood as a runner-up on season 17 of NBC’s The Voice in 2019. Duran will perform the National Anthem at the Tercentennial Kickoff Fireworks Display at Polar Park on Friday, June 10.
“We’re thrilled to offer a variety of programming and activities appealing to Worcester’s broad and diverse community,” said Kate McEvoy, Chair of the Worcester Tercentennial Planning Committee. “Combined with free parking in the City’s municipal lots and garages, every event will feature free admission reducing barriers to access,” she continued.
Entry to the Kickoff Fireworks Display at Polar Park, Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Special Guest Brian McKnight at the DCU Center and the Tercentennial family Outing at the Worcester Bravehearts are all complimentary but tickets are required.
Secure your complimentary seats now:
Tercentennial Fireworks at Polar Park ft. Ricky Duran
In person at the WooSox Ticket Office at Polar Park (before, during, or after a WooSox game or during regular business hours Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or by calling WooSox Ticket Office at (508) 500-8888.
Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Special Guest Brian McKnight
In person at the DCU Center Box Office (Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday/Monday on event days only) or online for free with no fees at Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.com/event/01005C7BD8C66B9D
Tercentennial family Outing at the Worcester Bravehearts
Online at www.worcesterbraveheartsgroups.com. Use password “Tercentennial”
The Tercentennial Weekend lineup includes:
Friday, June 10
5PM Tercentennial Weekend Kickoff featuring Canal District Stroll and Polar Park Fireworks featuring Ricky Duran
Saturday, June 11
9AM Tercentennial Road Race, downtown Worcester 11AM Tercentennial Parade & Celebration, downtown Worcester
Noon – 5PM Tercentennial Festival on the Worcester common featuring stART on the Street, musical performances, food trucks, and more
Sunday, June 12
4PM Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with Special Guest Brian McKnight
4PM Tercentennial family Outing at the Worcester Bravehearts
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation has committed to provide $20,000 in Inclusion Grants for Tercentennial participation. These grants of up to $500 each, aim to facilitate inclusion of underrepresented groups in both the Tercentennial Parade and Festival whose participation might otherwise be cost prohibitive. A link will be forthcoming in the next few days, but is not yet available.
“As we approach the upcoming celebration of Worcester’s Tercentennial Anniversary, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation is committed to promoting equity and inclusion within the celebration,” said Jim Ayers, Executive Director of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. “We believe that for the planned activities to be fully sincere and authentic, diverse, multi-dimensional experiences, perspective and voices must be welcomed, embraced and spotlighted.”
The Worcester Tercentennial is made possible by the city’s dynamic corporate community. Programming and activities throughout the year are being underwritten and sponsored by local businesses, foundations and friends. To find out more about sponsoring Worcester’s Tercentennial Celebration, visit www.worcestertercentennial.com.
Organizations and businesses are encouraged to download the toolkit and submit their events to the collective calendar that promotes the Tercentennial at www.worcestertercentennial.com.
Individuals, groups, and businesses can participate in Tercentennial festivities a variety of ways, including assisting with planning, organizing their own events and celebrations, volunteering, partnering, and sponsoring. More information on getting involved can be found at WorcesterTercentennial.com.
Follow and engage on Facebook www.facebook.com/WorcesterTercentennial/, Instagram www.instagram.com/worcestertercentennial/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/WTercentennial.
For additional views into Tercentennial celebrations, local media personality Hank Stolz hosts a “Tercentennial Talks” podcast, featuring a wide range of guests and local talent. Episodes of this podcast are available at www.worcestertercentennial.com.
