PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The No Name Pops are no more. The orchestra has officially reclaimed its original name — the Philly Pops — just in time for its free concert on Independence Mall on Thursday.
The July 3 concert is part of the Fourth of July Welcome America Festival.
The original Philly Pops ran for 43 seasons until financial woes forced the orchestra to cease operations in 2023. The No Name Pops was formed by musicians that same year.
Now, the Philly Pops name is back after the estate of Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero gifted the name to the group.
“Peter Nero, the long-time conductor and founder of the Philly Pops, owned the trademark, and unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago. And when his family saw the respect that we had for him, for the community, and the musicians, they gifted us the name in kind, in perpetuity,” said Executive Director Matt Koveal.
The Philly Pops will perform for the first time under the newly reclaimed name on Thursday, July 3, along Independence Mall at 7 p.m. The free concert, called Pops on Independence, will be led by the group’s new music director, Australian native Chris Dragon.
Beach chairs and blankets are encouraged.