Featuring
Tony Desare and The Palm Beach Pops
with Guest Star Katharine McPhee
Holiday Spectacular Chairs
Co-Chairs
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026
Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
Proceeds benefit FAU Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters student scholarships and
the Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops Memorial Endowment.
Honoring the legacy of Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops, this festive concert with full orchestra features holiday favorites, McPhee's hits, Broadway classics and the Great American Songbook.
Performers
A four-time Top 10 Billboard jazz artist, DeSare has performed at Carnegie Hall, with major symphony orchestras and on national programs including the “Today” show, NPR and “CBS Mornings.”
McPhee is known for her starring roles in NBC’s “Smash” and CBS’ “Scorpion,” her acclaimed performances in “Waitress” on Broadway and in London’s West End, and her chart-topping recordings, including the holiday album “Christmas Songs.”
Luminaries Behind the Performance
TICKETS
Tickets purchased after November 1 will not be mailed. For orders placed after this date, tickets will be available as electronic tickets or for Will Call pickup.
Sponsorship information: Esther Swann | eswann@fau.edu | 561-297-4667
We proudly thank WPBF, our official television sponsor, and Boca Observer, our official magazine sponsor, for the continued support.
THE CAUSE
Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters offers scholarships across a wide range of disciplines, providing students with opportunities to pursue their academic and career goals. Your support helps make an FAU education more accessible by providing financial assistance to talented students who demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need. Every gift invests in the next generation of scholars, artists, educators and leaders.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
People's Trust Insurance Company
Marilyn & Jay Weinberg
The Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust / Linda & Joe Satz, Trustees
Beth K. Schwartz
Boca Research Park Ltd. / Judith & John Temple
Melanie Cabot & Irwin Kudman
CIBC Private Wealth
Alisa & Dr. Richard Cohen
Arthur Gutterman
Jane & Marvin Brown
Sherri & Brian Blechman
Sharon DiPietro
The Barry & Silvana Halperin Foundation, Inc. / Barry & Silvana Halperin
Douglas & Kathy Mancosh