Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Nicole Parker, vocals
Aaron Finley, vocals

No need for a Walkman or a mixtape to relive your favorite ’80s jams! Stu Chafetz, Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, leads your BPO in an evening of totally tubular ’80s hits from Phil Collins, Rush, Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Billy Joel, as well as selections from blockbuster ’80s flicks like Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, and more.

Program to be announced from the stage.

About Nicole Parker
Vocals

Nicole Parker is best known for her portrayal of Elphaba in the Broadway production and National Tour of Wicked. Nicole’s other Broadway credits include Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me and The People in the Picture with Donna Murphy. Regionally, Nicole played Juliet in The Second City’s Romeo and Juliet Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, for which she received a Jeff Award nomination. She also appeared as Rosemary in How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying at Reprise Theater, and Pamina in The Magic Flute at the Falcon Theater.

For six years, Nicole was also a cast member and contributing writer on Fox’s MADtv. For two years, Nicole was a performer and writer for Boom Chicago, an all American sketch and improvisation theater in Amsterdam. Nicole’s film credits include Funny People, as well as the short films Weathered and Sitting Babies. This year she was featured as a guest star on the mock game show Bunk on IFC, as well as on ABC in Trust Us With Your Life, an improvisation show from the creators of Whose Line Is It Anyway? She is also a founding member or Waterwell, a non-profit theater company in New York.

A frequent soloist with orchestras around the country, recent and upcoming performances include The Philly Pops, Houston Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Greensboro Symphony, Kalamazoo Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, Pueblo Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Sarasota Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, North Carolina Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, Hamilton Philharmonic, and Fresno Philharmonic.

About Aaron Finley
Vocals

Born and raised in Montana, Aaron C. Finley’s career has spanned from coast to coast as a professional actor and singer. Educated at Pacific Lutheran University in Seattle, he quickly became a top-tier talent in the Pacific Northwest, appearing in productions of Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus/Judas), Rent (Roger), Fiddler on the Roof (Perchik), Hairspray (Link Larkin), It Shoulda Been You (Greg Madison) and The Gypsy King (Drago). Among his other regional roles, Aaron originated the role of Billy in the new musical Diner, based on the Barry Levinson film, with music and lyrics by Sheryl Crow and direction by Kathleen Marshall.

Aaron made his Broadway debut in 2013, starring as Drew Boley in Rock of Ages. In 2015, he took over the role of leading man Brian Howard in It Shoulda Been You, directed by David Hyde Pierce. Among his other work in New York, he participated in a lab production of George Takei’s new musical, Allegiance. In the fall of 2016, Aaron took over the role of Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. He has been performing programs celebrating the music of the 1980s and the hits of Phil Collins across North America. Currently, Aaron can be seen in the smash hit Moulin Rouge on Broadway.

Aaron loves mountain biking, skiing, golf, basketball, and all things outdoors. He currently resides in Montclair, NJ with his family.

80s Prom Party featuring Nerds Gone Wild!

After The BPO Pops Goes Totally 80s concert, bring your biggest hair and most gnarly neon outfit across the hall to the Mary Seaton Room and get ready to dance the night away! The BPO 80s Prom Party will be the most totally tubular party of the year as we take you back in time to the days of hair bands and mixed tapes by featuring Buffalo’s own Nerds Gone Wild!

This righteously rad event will also feature a most triumphant costume contest, bodacious prom picture booth, outrageous 80s style snacks, stellar spiked punch bowl and more. Proceeds will benefit the BPO education programs.

80s Prom Party tickets will be available for purchase in the lobby of Kleinhans Music Hall before the concert.

Presenting Sponsor

Guest Artist Sponsor