Orleans to Play Levitt in Tribute to Late Singer

The Levitt Pavilion at will close out its free concert season on Saturday, September 2 with a special performance by classic pop-rock band Orleans.

Orleans had been scheduled to play at the free Bethlehem concert venue on July 28, but canceled when singer and founding member four days before the show. Later band members decided to continue its eight-show summer/fall tour in honor of Hoppen.

“Larry would have wanted that,” the band says on its Website.

ArtsQuest announced the addition to the Levitt Pavilion schedule on Monday.

Formed in Woodstock, N.Y. in 1972 Orleans’ name was inspired by the legendary city of New Orleans. The group went on to release several hits including Dance With Me, Let There Be Music, Love Takes Time, Reach and their American standard, Still The One.

The band’s current configuration includes Lance Hoppen, Lane Hoppen, Dennis ‘Fly’ Amero, Charlie Shew and John Hall, a founding member of Orleans and former two-term U.S. Congressman from New York.

Only eight shows are left at the free Levitt Pavilion concert stage this summer. The remaining schedule:

• Aug. 23, 7 p.m.- Tartan Terrors (Celtic/Scottish/Bag Pipes)
• Aug. 24, 7 p.m.- The Prodigals (Celtic)
• Aug. 25, 7 p.m.- Junior Toots (Reggae)
• Aug. 26, 7 p.m.- Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Zydeco/Cajun)
• Aug. 30, 7 p.m.- Classical Jam (Contemporary Strings)
• Aug. 31, 7 p.m.- Jazz City Jump Orchestra (Swing, R&B, Dance)

SEPTEMBER

• Sept. 1, 7 p.m. - Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers
• Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m. - Orleans