Darth Vader Conducts the Pasadena Pops!

On Saturday May 22, 2010, for the 10th year in a row, the Pasadena Pops celebrated the opening of their season with a free concert for the community on the steps of historic Pasadena City Hall. Titled "Music Under the Stars", the show featured a selection of the best from Broadway to Hollywood to jazz.

But this year conductor Rachael Wormby got a big surprise when a special guest made an appearance during the symphony's performance of John Williams' "Imperial March" from Star Wars. None other than Darth Vader himself arrived on the scene, Force-choked the conductor from her podium and took control of the orchestra to the delight of the crowd. Vader even used a specially crafted lightsaber baton to steal the show and guide his musical minions to the Dark Side!

The guest appearance came compliments of the Southern California Garrison of the 501st Legion.