Capitol Pops

The Capitol Pops Concert Band, based in Carmichael, California, is a dynamic, all-volunteer ensemble composed of talented local musicians dedicated to bringing the joy of live music to the community. Founded with a passion for performance and community engagement, the band showcases a diverse repertoire, ranging from classic concert band pieces to contemporary and popular selections. Whether performing at local events, parks, or special celebrations, the Capitol Pops Concert Band delights audiences of all ages with its high-energy performances and commitment to musical excellence.

Upcoming Concerts

May Concerts

Monday, May 19, 7:30pm
Sierra College, Rocklin

Saturday, May 24, 7:00pm
American River College, Sacramento

Monday, May 26
Memorial Day

June Concerts

Sunday, June 1
Carmichael Park, Carmichael

Recent Concerts

April Concert

Wednesday, April 2, 7:30pm
McClatchy High School, Sacramento

Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 14, 7:00pm
Rusch Community Park

Celebrate the holidays with the Capitol Pops! The Capitol Pops is proud to present their annual free Holiday Concert, featuring Christmas favorites and new holiday surprises.

Veteran's Day Concert

Monday, November 11, 7:00pm
Sun City Roseville

The Capitol Pops honored to celebrate local veterans with a concert at Sun City Roseville, Monday, November 11th at 7pm. This is a private event for residents of Sun City Roseville only.

2024 Carmichael Park Community Band Festival

Sunday, June 2nd, 2:00pm
Carmichael Park

Capitol Pops played an encore performance of the iconic George Gershwin masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue, featuring local piano and composing star Carlos Fuentes. Mr. Fuentes wowed the crowd at Capitol Pops' May 25th concert, and repeated his masterful performance at the free Carmichael Park Community Band Festival, June 2nd at 2:00pm. The Capitol Pops also performed two works by John Williams - the Olympics inspired Summon the Heroes, and a medly of John Williams' film music.

Carlos McMillan Fuentes is a pianist, composer, singer-songwriter, music educator, and accompanist currently serving as Keyboardist and Composer-In-Residence for Symphony d’Oro, Rancho Cordova. He has appeared in concert with many Sacramento-area orchestras, choirs, and performing arts organizations and has written hundreds of compositions, from solo piano to choir and full orchestra. In 2018, his piano-clarinet duo “Carlos & Brennen” won First Prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards, and were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition with a focus in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in May 2011.

Rhapsody in Blue at 100

Saturday, May 25th, 7:00pm
Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento

Join the Capitol Pops for a performance of the iconic George Gershwin masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue, featuring local piano and composing star Carlos Fuentes.

The concert will also feature the Capitol Pops' scholarship winner Austin Hailey in his performance of Alfred Reed's dreamy Ballade, along with Capitol Pops' very own principle Trombone Andy Miller performing Alexandre Guilmant's rousing Morceau Symphonique.

Carlos McMillan Fuentes is a pianist, composer, singer-songwriter, music educator, and accompanist currently serving as Keyboardist and Composer-In-Residence for Symphony d’Oro, Rancho Cordova. He has appeared in concert with many Sacramento-area orchestras, choirs, and performing arts organizations and has written hundreds of compositions, from solo piano to choir and full orchestra. In 2018, his piano-clarinet duo “Carlos & Brennen” won First Prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards, and were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition with a focus in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in May 2011.

The Capitol Pops

Sacramento is the capital of our country’s most populated state, known as a ‘City of Trees’, the largest rail hub in the west and home for a proud, multi-cultural population. The Capitol Pops Concert Band is one of more than a dozen volunteer concert bands that enrich Sacramento’s vibrant musical arts. These bands rehearse regularly and schedule concerts for appreciative audiences in the region. Adult musicians unite with a common passion for making music!

The Capitol Pops originated twenty six years ago. It emerged from the pandemic with new leadership, new director and increased membership. The expanded challenging repertoire is from classic symphonic band arrangements as well as popular folk, patriotic, swing, jazz, march, Broadway and holiday favorites. Solo and small ensemble selections delight audiences. Becoming a performing member is by invitation and audition if a vacancy occurs. Other talents and skills in the community that support the band and contribute to our success are also welcomed. We invite you to find out more…

Capitol Pops Sponsors

The Capitol Pops is proud to display links to our sponsors and hope that you will patronize their shops and sites when considering your shopping needs.

Capitol Pops Donors

Each month, the Capitol Pops will select a donor at random and give them two tickets to an upcoming Capitol Pops Concert of their choice.

What we do!

The Capitol Pops has brought live music to the Capitol Region for 25+ years, and looks forward to another 25+!

We play concerts throughout the year to support holidays like Veterans Day and the Fourth of July. We also perform concerts in a more formal setting playing some of the best music out there, including selections from John Williams, Benny Goodman and others.