VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
POPS IN THE PAVILION
Friday, September 25, 2026 | Finneran Pavilion
ABOUT POPS IN THE PAVILION
Featuring a spectacular lineup of student and professional musicians—including some very special guest performers—this is more than just a night to remember. It’s a meaningful force for good, raising essential scholarship funds that pave the way for Wildcats to achieve their dreams.
Designed to expand access and opportunity for Villanova students, Pops in the Pavilion brings together students, alumni, family and friends to champion and celebrate the power of the Villanova community.
Broadway-star Sutton Foster performing at the 2025 Pops in the Pavilion show.
ANNOUNCING THE 2026 PERFORMANCE
LESLIE ODOM, JR.
Tony- and Grammy-Award Winning Actor and Performer
LESLIE ODOM, JR.
Leslie Odom, Jr. is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated songwriter, actor, and a New York Times bestselling author. Well known for his breakout role as ‘Aaron Burr’ in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Hamilton, Odom made the season’s most highly anticipated return to his award-winning role in September 2025. During his limited engagement run, which came nine years after his final bow, Hamilton hit its highest ever gross in its ten years on Broadway.
Odom’s long-awaited return to Broadway following his original Hamilton run came in 2023 as a producer, alongside his beloved Nicolette Robinson and the gracious Jeffrey Richards, with the classic American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch written by the legendary Ossie Davis. The revival opened to widespread critical acclaim. Odom was Tony-nominated for his performance, and the production received six nominations and one win. Purlie Victorious was recorded and aired as part of PBS’ Great Performances. Odom has continued to captivate audiences across film and television including his star turn as legendary soul singer Sam Cooke in the Amazon film adaptation of One Night in Miami…, directed by Regina King. His lauded portrayal of the soul icon and musical performance of original song “Speak Now” earned him multiple awards and nominations. Additional film and television credits include Rian Johnson’s record-breaking 2022 Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, for Netflix, The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to David Chase’s award-winning HBO series The Sopranos, Apple TV+’s Central Park (2020 Emmy nomination), Hamilton on Disney+ (2021 Emmy nomination), host of “The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back!” on CBS (2022 Emmy nomination), Abbott Elementary, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Harriet, and many more.
In March 2018, Odom added the title of author to his resume with the release of his book – Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning, which was recently released in paperback in March 2025. Co-written with Nicolette Robinson, Odom’s first children’s book, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know, was published by Feiwel & Friends in March 2023. The book debuted on the New York Times bestseller list at #7 in its first week. Odom has released six full-length albums. His sixth and first-ever live album, An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios, was released on October 17, 2025.
THE PHILLY POPS
The Philly Pops is the orchestra that knows no musical bounds. Founded in 2023 by a group of passionate and incredibly versatile musicians, today’s Pops pays homage to the symphonic pops legacy of Peter Nero, iconic pianist and conductor of the original Philly Pops (1979-2013), even as it carries forth his passion for breaking boundaries across all styles of music. The Philly Pops embodies our city’s infamous gritty spirit and love for hard work as it showcases Philly talent and leaves an indelible mark on the Philly music scene.
About Music Director Christopher Dragon
Australian conductor Christopher Dragon is the Music Director of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, newly appointed Music Director of the Philly Pops and is the Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony which he joined in the 2015/16 Season as Associate Conductor. Before moving to the United States, Dragon held the inaugural position of Assistant Conductor with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra where he was mentored by Asher Fisch.
Dragon has a versatile portfolio ranging from live-to-picture performances including Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, a wide variety of collaborations with artists such as The Wu-Tang Clan, Cynthia Erivo and Joshua Bell, to standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire such as Danny Elfman’s Percussion Concerto; all areas of which he has become highly sought after. Christopher has become known for his charisma, high energy and affinity for a good costume, consistently delivering unforgettable performances that has made him an audience favorite.
Recent highlights include his sold-out symphony tour with Gregory Alan Isakov, which included debuts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Nashville Symphony, a new orchestral collaboration with Nathaniel Rateliff and his successful German debut with the WDR Funkhausorchester.
BENEFACTOR
TABLES
Patrons purchasing Benefactor Tables will provide direct scholarship support to students at Villanova. Platinum, Gold, and Silver Benefactors will experience dazzling, up-close, live performances while making the most meaningful impact on academic scholarship.
All tables include tickets and a gourmet dinner and drinks for 10 guests, reserved VIP parking, and access to a pre-event cocktail reception with the University President and members of the Philly Pops.
Benefactor tables have the greatest impact on student scholarship.
$50,000 PLATINUM TABLES
Platinum tables are located in the front rows on the floor, offering the very best seats in the house and include a personal attendant for drink service and a full-page ad in the program book.
$25,000 GOLD TABLES
Gold tables are located just behind our Platinum section offering excellent floor-level views and include a half-page ad in the program book.
$10,000 SILVER TABLES
Silver tables are located on the floor with great views of the stage and include a quarter-page ad in the program book.
With each table, there is a non-tax deductible portion of $300 per seat to offset the costs associated with the event. The remainder is tax-deductible in support of student scholarship at Villanova.
RESERVE YOUR TABLE TODAY
Contact Carey Patton, Major Gift Officer for Family Engagement and Philanthropy
at pops@villanova.edu or 610-684-5533.
INDIVIDUAL
TICKETS
Don't miss an unforgettable evening of stunning live performances and celebration of student scholarship support.
Individual tickets will go on sale Summer 2026.
Individual tickets include a gourmet picnic-style meal to be enjoyed at your seat, along with complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. A portion of every ticket sale will provide direct scholarship support to students at Villanova.
Check back in Summer 2026 for more information about individual tickets.
Mezzanine Seats
The traditional upper-level sideline sections with seatbacks, the mezzanine seats offer exceptional views of the show and will include a picnic-style dinner, drinks, and reserved parking on the night of the event.
Gallery Seats
The Gallery is above where the legendary Villanova student section is during home basketball games, and offers bleacher seating with head-on views of the live performances. Each seat includes a picnic-style dinner and drinks.
Choir Loft Seats
Seated behind the student choir accompanying the Philly Pops, the Choir Loft offers bleacher seating with unique views from directly above the orchestra and includes a picnic-style dinner and drinks.
Loge Seats
Offering a more premium viewing experience, Loge seating comes with a comfortable seat with direct views located along the balcony railing, and includes a picnic-style dinner, drinks, and reserved parking on the night of the event.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
For those seeking additional avenues to make an impact, sponsorship opportunities offer a meaningful way to support Pops in the Pavilion. These contributions help expand access to a Villanova education, allowing sponsors to make a lasting difference.
To get involved, or if you have any questions, please email Carey Patton, Major Gift Officer for Family Engagement and Philanthropy, or call 610-684-5533.
$500,000 PERFORMANCE SPONSORSHIP
Support the Philly Pops performance featuring Leslie Odom, Jr. This premier sponsorship level invites our most passionate donors to underwrite an unforgettable musical experience for the Villanova community. Includes a Platinum Table and special recognition at the event.
$350,000 STUDENT PERFORMING ARTS SPONSORSHIP
Champion Villanova’s talented student artists! This sponsorship supports the student performers showcased throughout the evening, including members of the Villanova Choir and Band. Includes a Platinum Table and special recognition at the event.
$200,000 COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSORSHIP
Bring the Villanova community together by sponsoring the pre-event cocktail hour. This gathering sets the stage for celebration, connection, and anticipation leading into the night’s performance. Includes a Platinum Table and special recognition at the event.
$100,000 PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP
Sponsor the evening’s program book, highlighting our generous supporters and the performers who bring the event to life. Includes a Platinum Table and special recognition at the event.
$15,000 STUDENT TABLE SPONSORSHIP
Not able to attend but still want to make an impact? Sponsor a table for students to attend the event offering them a memorable night shared with friends and the greater Villanova community with this fully tax-deductible sponsorship. Includes a Silver Table and special recognition at the event.
PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENTS
Show your support for the evening among Villanova’s community of alumni, parents, students and friends by purchasing an advertisement in the official program booklet. This publication highlights our sponsors, performers and the spirit of the celebration. Program advertisements are fully tax-deductible.
$2,000 Full-page Program Advertisement
Size: 8" W × 10.5" H
$1,000 Half-page Program Advertisement
Size: 8" W × 5.25" H
$500 Quarter-page Advertisement
Size: 4" W × 5.25" H
CONTACT US
For additional information or inquiries about Pops in the Pavilion, please email us.
