6abc Loves the Arts: Mann Center Summer Season

Memorial Day weekend is fast-approaching. And with the unofficial start to summer, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is heating things up with a full lineup suited for all ages.

On May 27, the Philly Pops will put on the second annual Memorial Salute, a free concert honoring and recognizing veterans and first responders.

President and CEO Catherine Cahill describes it as, "a wonderful program of patriotic and great Broadway musicals." She adds: "The entire month of June features a mash-up of artists, from pop, R&B to Indie rock."

"We have Fifth Harmony. We have Bell Biv DeVoe, Steve Miller and Peter Frampton," says Cahill, who adds that the full lineup also includes Buckingham McVie and John Mellencamp.

Movies at the Mann are back, featuring the sights and sounds from the final film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with the Philadelphia Orchestra playing and the choir and soloists singing in perfect sync with the movie onscreen.

"There is nothing more spectacular, and for those people that are true Lord of the Rings followers, this is a magical experience," promises Cahill.

NPR's popular quiz show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! makes a return with a live taping of the series on the main stage.

"The audience is actually like in the studio; that's what it feels like," says Cahill who adds that this year's show will feature a special guest. "The last time we did it, it was with Terry Gross. Most recently, they did a show with Tom Hanks. So we don't know who's coming yet; it's a surprise! But it's going to be a lot of fun."

For concert-goers who want to have dinner with the show, The Mann has a variety of food and beverage options.

"There's nothing like an evening under the stars at the Mann," says Cahill. "Whether you love Indie, R&B, gospel, orchestral music, Movies at the Mann, we have something for everybody."

For tickets and the full calendar, visit http://theartsinphilly.org.