Dan Cirucci: The Pops Gets Those Goosebumps Popping!

Sunday, October 25, 2026

The Pops Gets Those Goosebumps Popping!

I thought I was past the point where a live performance of any type would give me goosebumps.

Happily, on Saturday afternoon at the Kimmel Center the Philly Pops proved me wrong.

When the 60-piece Pops opened its "Broadway a-la Nero" concert with a rousing, roof-raising rendition of "Strike Up The Band," I got goosebumps. When Broadway star Hugh Panaro sang "Bring Him Home" tears welled up in my eyes. When the 100+ member Pops choir delivered its full-throated "Climb Every Mountain" I felt on top of the world. And when young virtuoso pianist Charlie Albright tapped out a dazzling, breathtaking tribute to Richard Rogers, I was honestly awestruck!

On top of all that, a local state representative named Joe Cerisi strolled onto the stage and delivered a heartfelt "On The Street Where You Leave" that surprised and delighted everyone.

When it was all over (including selections from "Phantom of The Opera" and "Ragtime") I turned to Carole Cirucci and said: "This is one of the best concerts I've ever been to -- ever!" We left the Kimmel with such heartfelt gratitude, we hardly knew how to express it. Luckily, on the PATCO line on the way home one of the Pops musicians sat next to us and we were at least able to thank her.

Check the upcoming Pops schedule here. And buy your tickets now. Run, don't walk to see this magnificent orchestra in action. I guarantee you: it's goosebumps time!

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About Dan Cirucci

He's been cited by the late Rush Limbaugh, quoted in the New York Times, featured at Real Clear Politics and Lucianne.com and interviewed across all media.

He's Dan Cirucci, the founder and editor-in chief of the Dan Cirucci Blog, a Save Jersey blog columnist, frequent guest on the Matt Rooney radio show and one of the most widely honored public relations professionals in his field. He's also been a public relations consultant to numerous organizations and individuals and hosted The Advocates on RVN-TV.

Inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame, for many years he served as a Lecturer in Corporate Communication at Penn State University. A former President of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) he has lectured at Rowan University, Temple University, The College of New Jersey and Arcadia University. He has conducted workshops on public relations for thousands of participants throughout the nation and has taught countless others the art of public speaking. He has also advised numerous lawyers, judges, public officials and political candidates.

Cirucci is a prolific writer and his op-ed pieces have appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Courier-Post, Broad and Liberty and other print and online platforms.

A native of Camden NJ, Cirucci is a former President of the Philadelphia chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Cirucci served as Associate Executive Director of the Philadelphia Bar Association for nearly 30 years. He served as Chair of Penn State University's Professional Advisory Board for the Corporate Communication major at Penn State Abington and on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Judicial Selection Commission.

He received his MA degree from Rowan University and his BA from Villanova University. He has been named a Distinguished Alumnus of Rowan's public relations program and received the E. A. "Wally" Richter Leadership Award, the highest honor from the National Association of Bar Executives' Communications Section. He has also been honored by numerous other local, state and national groups.

In his hometown of Camden, Cirucci taught fifth grade at the Ulysses Wiggins Elementary School named for the founder of the Camden NAACP. There he was one of the first teachers in the country to teach African-American history to inner city students. He later served as editor of a local weekly newspaper, as Assistant to the Township Manager of Cherry Hill Township and as Associate Director of Communications at the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Cirucci's passions include all things Italian, politics, the popular culture, books and authors, art, communication, music, theatre, movies, dining and travel.

He and his wife Carole have two grown children and seven grandchildren.

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