The children and the musicians enjoy a rapport not realized in larger venues. For example, the highlight of the 1997 concert occurred at the close of the morning show of 4 June. Ms. Shaw, whose eyesight is so poor that he could not see the children, heard them singing along and tears trickled down his cheeks. During the concert, each musician in the sextet takes a few minutes to explain his instrument and how it is played. At the end of the concert, ten minutes is devoted to questions and answers.
Children raise their hands and get to ask any questions they wish to the musicians.
The explanatory presentations and the question and answer session provides a memorable educational component to each Pop is Tops concert. Tops is so limited that attendance at Pops is Tops is by invitation only. Attendees are usually restricted to children in Louis's neighborhood. NY 11367 Pops is Tops is made possible by a grant from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.