What do you get when you combine everything from Stevie Wonder's “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” sung by the ensemble Cartoon Johnny, to Sousa's rousing “Stars and Stripes Forever,” complete with fireworks?

Principal pops conductor Marvin Hamlisch leads the weekend's star-spangled performances.

The answer is “Marvin Hamlisch Leads a Star-Spangled Pops,” the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops' Fourth of July celebration slated for tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday at downtown's Embarcadero Marina Park South.

“It's going to be a lot of fun – a potpourri of wonderful music that will inspire people,” says Hamlisch. “It's a concert that the whole family should definitely come to.”

Though the composer-conductor-pianist has been the symphony's principal pops conductor since 2006, this is his first Fourth of July engagement at the Summer Pops.

He couldn't be happier about the setting. Or the lineup.

The roster includes the San Diego Master Chorale, harmonica virtuoso Mike Runyan, former “American Idol” contestant Jarrod Fowler (who made his Pops debut last year) and Cartoon Johnny, new to the series.

As an a cappella group, Cartoon Johnny is accustomed to singing without instrumental accompaniment. The sextet's eclectic repertoire showcases songs by musicians ranging from Elvis Presley and The Beatles to Billy Joel and Sting.

“It's really nice to hear harmonies that close-knit. They're lovely,” Hamlisch says of music by the Washington, D.C.-area ensemble founded in 2001. “The singers are young. And they could appeal to younger members of the audience.”

Whatever their age, Pops-goers are likely to appreciate the scenic location of the 2,882-seat venue, which provides views of the bay, Coronado and downtown San Diego.

“It really grabs you,” Hamlisch says. “It has to be one of the most beautiful outdoor concert sites in the country – no question.”

Pops programs have become a specialty for the multifaceted musician, whose honors include three Academy Awards, four Grammys, four Emmys and a Tony. While one of his enduring hits is “A Chorus Line” – the Michael Bennett musical scheduled for downtown's Civic Theatre Aug. 13-17, in care of Broadway San Diego – he's a welcome guest on pops podiums around the country.

DETAILS “Marvin Hamlisch Leads a Star-Spangled Pops” San Diego Symphony Summer Pops When: Tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way, downtown Tickets: $15 to $75 Phone: (619) 235-0804 Online: sandiegosymphony.com

In addition to the San Diego Symphony, Hamlisch holds the title of principal pops conductor at the Pittsburgh Symphony and Washington, D.C.'s National Symphony. And he knows what makes a program work.

“The key is having enough really great music and also talking to the audience,” explains the Manhattan native, who lives on the Upper East Side. “I talk about the town, the music, and I try to make eye contact.

“Pops concerts should be fun and informative,” he adds. “I want people to almost feel like they're in my living room. I try to make it as personal as possible, as if they're right there with me.”

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