Suzanne Nance KINGFIELD — The Bangor Symphony Orchestra and special guest soloist Suzanne Nance will be the headline performers at the annual Kingfield POPS concert in on June 26.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have the BSO come back, and along with that to be able introduce Kingfield to a vocalist the caliber of Suzanne Nance,” said Donald Tranten, President of the POPS.

Suzanne Nance is well known to Mainers as the producer and host of the weekday morning Maine Public Broadcasting Network classical music program from 9 a.m. to noon. She is also a singer and actor who has won numerous honors and awards for her performances in Prague, London, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, Bangor and Portland, Maine. She has also performed on PBS and NPR and made a guest appearance on Good Morning America.

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra has been bringing the joy of live music to Mainers since 1896 —and it’s been bringing music to the Western Mountains since the first Kingfield POPS concert in 2003. It has made a huge impact in this small, picturesque community and received top reviews for each of its performances there between 2003 and 2007.

“The BSO is the best,” said Tranten. “The audience loves them. They arrive in their black and white splendor, with all the orchestral instruments. The conductor picks up his baton, those dozens of musicians start playing and it’s all silhouetted against the backdrop of the mountains. It’s magical.”

Opening acts will include the Boardman Family, Gawler Family and the Pineland Fiddlers. A daytime Festival of the Arts, where artists and artisans display their works while local musicians play non-stop live music, will take place in the village during the day.

“We’re working with the BSO on an exciting, dramatic program. And we have a few surprises in store. People will be on their feet shouting for more, and we don’t want anyone to miss it… so we’re launching a ‘campaign to fill the field,’” Tranten explained. “With the BSO and Suzanne Nance, plus our terrific opening acts and a community full of enthusiasm, we’re sure this year will be the best ever.”

The Kingfield POPS’ mission is to strengthen communities through music and art with an annual regional music and arts festival that unifies area communities and enhances economic development, and by providing music enrichment and performance opportunities for youth.

Tickets for the 2010 concert, which marks the Kingfield POPS’ eighth event, will be on sale soon.