Boston Pops Announces 'Wild And Crazy' Summer Season Early

The Boston Pops released details of its summer season Sunday, months earlier than usual.

We usually hear about the concert schedule in March, but this year the orchestra is trying a new strategy. Conductor Keith Lockhart wants to take advantage of the busy Holiday Pops season, which attracts 70,000 people to Symphony Hall.

“I think it will have an impact on the box office, but also just in terms of visibility," he explained.

In terms of programming, the summer is jam-packed with celebrity guests, including Bernadette Peters for the opening gala in May.

Lockhart said booking comedian Steve Martin is the real coup of the season.

“What some people might not know about Steve Martin is that he is also an accomplished banjo player,” Lockhart said, “not just what you see on Saturday Night Live, and he’s a big fan of bluegrass."

It will be Martin's first time playing with an orchestra. He’ll be joined by his band, The Steep Canyon Rangers, for what’s being billed as "a night of bluegrass and comedy."

Also on deck: Boston Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams will be celebrating his 80th birthday.