History of the Key West Pops

The Key West Pops began as one man's vision. In 1999 Vincent Zito created a concert to benefit the Key West Theatre Festival. Vincent hired and arranged transportation and accommodations for all of the musicians and soloists. He selected the music, publicized the event and even conducted the orchestra. His sister, Maria Zito-Kaufman, also helped launch the Pops and wore many hats in the beginning which included fundraising, public relations, ad sales, ticket sales and singing with the orchestra. This concert was a resounding success and clearly filled a need in the Key West performing arts community. Following that concert, Vincent hired a technical staff, a photographer and a writer. The Key West Pops was born!

Initially, Pops' concerts were fundraisers for other community non-profit organizations. However, the economic climate changed and the Key West Pops realized that it was necessary to change as well. Producing each concert involved astounding logistics as well as substantial funding. In order to meet its own financial needs, the Key West Pops was no longer able to function as a fundraiser for other organizations. Maria Zito-Kaufman was instrumental in transitioning the Pops from a limited series to the full-fledged 501(c)(3) that exists today.

The Pops has showcased soloists from Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera House stages such as Barbara Conrad, Susan Powell, Lee Roy Reams, Leslie Uggams and even Jerry Herman himself! Countless local luminaries have also appeared with the Pops. The Key West Pops is now firmly established within the Keys arts community and Vincent Zito's vision is a vital and dynamic component of our cultural tapestry.