Enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating the memory of the barrier-breaking, legendary Nat King Cole. Honored by American Pops Orchestra Conductor Luke Frazier and a stellar lineup of amazing artists—dynamic entertainer Justin Guarini, Grammy Award-winner Sydney James Harcourt, and celebrated singer-songwriter Nia Drummond—celebrate his enduring influence with timeless classics and relive the nostalgia of his music and talent.
We will be offering two shows this evening. A cash bar will be available. Choose from a variety of seating and experience options, including a meet-and-greet after the second show only.
Justin Guarini
For the better part of two decades, entertainer Justin Guarini has cultivated an outstanding and eclectic portfolio in the arts. From performing for 30 million viewers each week on the groundbreaking first season of American Idol, to hosting nationally televised live red carpets for the Grammys and Emmys, to starring in seven Broadway productions including Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, American Idiot, Wicked, and In Transit, Guarini’s talent and charisma have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
Guarini prides himself on the perseverance and hard work it takes to be an outstanding entertainer and humanitarian. His charitable work includes Habitat for Humanity, Rockers on Broadway, and the Children’s World Organization. In 2006, he was awarded the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) “Music For Life” Award for his work in music education.
Sydney James Harcourt
A sought-after vocalist and Grammy Award-winner, Sydney James Harcourt has performed on the world’s finest concert stages including Radio City Music Hall, David Geffen Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Arthur Ashe Stadium (US Open Finals). He has appeared on and off-Broadway starring in productions, including in the original Broadway cast of cultural phenomenon Hamilton; Disney's The Lion King; Green Day's American Idiot; the US premiere of Bob Dylan’s Girl from the North Country, in which he originated the role of Joe Scott and received Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Audelco nominations; and most recently starring as The Rum Tum Tugger in the smash hit revival Cats: The Jellicle Ball, receiving critical raves and winning an Obie Award for his performance.
Harcourt’s television credits include Tell Me A Story, Blue Bloods, FBI, NCIS, Elementary, and Younger; he currently stars as the counter tenor Edouard in Castlevania: Nocturne (Netflix). In film, Harcourt has appeared in Hamilton (Disney+), Disney's Enchanted, and in the upcoming musical documentary Rhapsody on The Outlaw Ocean (2025).
Nia Drummond
Celebrated as a “moving and electrifying performer” (The Wall Street Journal), singer-songwriter Nia Drummond is one of the premier vocal practitioners of Black vernacular music, from spirituals to the music of the present—a powerful voice that resonates throughout any space. Drummond has captivated audiences at such prominent venues as Apollo Theater to The Kennedy Center.
Her musical journey started at an early age where she drew inspiration from icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand; since then she has appeared with music legends such as Sir Elton John, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson, and Juicy J of Three Six Mafia. Drummond has appeared in symphonic works and operas led by Michael Tilson Thomas and Lorin Maazel; performed for three presidents and various government officials; has appeared with The New York Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Syracuse Opera, New York Pops, St. Petersburg Opera, Opera Ebony, and Cleveland Jazz Orchestra; and has been featured on such television shows as Tamron Hall, Access Hollywood, and Great Performances on PBS.
Drummond has collaborated with Josh Groban, Ray Chew, and Endea Owens and has appeared as a background vocalist for Bette Midler; Fantasia; John Legend; Billy Joel; PHISH; Deborah Cox; Melvin Crispell, III; and Natasha Bedingfield. Drummond is the 2025 Gold Medal winner of the prestigious American Traditions Vocal Collective; a two-time National YoungArts winner; Sherril Milnes American Opera Award Winner; a district and regional winner of the National Association of Negro Musician Voice Competition; the inaugural recipient of the Gordon Parks Centennial Scholarship Award presented by the Gordon Parks Foundation; inaugural recipient of the Davell Crawford Artist Funding Endowment; and was privileged to sing the National Anthem at New York City’s annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony in Zucotti Park.
Luke Frazier
Luke Frazier is a conductor, music director, and pianist who believes that the future of music depends on breaking down barriers between musicians and audiences. His philosophy is that the most important priority for a modern conductor is not only musical excellence, but also creating diverse and engaging programming that brings communities together through the joy of music and gets people from all walks of life excited about orchestral performances. Frazier believes that conductors are the bridge between the audience and the orchestra, and what he programs and how it relates to the listeners is the heartbeat of what keeps orchestral programming alive.
American Pops Orchestra
The American Pops Orchestra presents a broad array of pop and classical music in innovative ways to bring new audiences into the orchestral world and has been featured in 30 national broadcasts on PBS with programs ranging in genre from classical to country, jazz to musical theater.