Crescendo Matt Catingub

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Cetera’s songs provide Pops ‘Inspiration’

If the name Peter Cetera doesn't quite ring a musical bell for you, it probably at least sounds familiar.

HONOLULU SYMPHONY POPS » In concert: 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday » Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall » Tickets: $20 to $82, at Ticketmaster outlets (ticketmaster.com) » Call: 792-2000 or Ticketmaster, (877) 750-4400 » Online: honolulusymphony.com

Here's a quick Cetera memory jolt. Remember "The Karate Kid, Part II"? There's a little song called "Glory of Love" on the soundtrack. It went all the way to No. 1 on the charts in 1986, the same year that Cetera also struck gold with another No. 1 hit, "The Next Time I Fall." Cetera's name is synonymous with the best-known pop ballads, rock songs and movie soundtracks of the '70s, '80s and '90s.

If those cues didn't help, a quick mention of the supergroup Chicago should do the trick. Yes -- that Peter Cetera.

We're thrilled that he'll be in town this weekend to help kick off the Honolulu Symphony Pops concert season. Take a glance at a few of the song titles mentioned here, and imagine the lush strings and vibrant brass of the Pops orchestra, and you'll get a feel for why Cetera and the Pops are the perfect combination to open this exciting season.

Cetera has a true right to the adjective "legendary." The multitalented singer, songwriter and bassist got his start with Chicago (he grew up on the South Side), and he's had an impressive run on the charts for more than three decades.

One of his biggest hits with Chicago was 1976's "If You Leave Me Now" -- a song still popular today. It is symbolic of Cetera's signature vocal style and his mastery of the pop ballad. Another huge hit for Chicago was "Baby, What a Big Surprise." Both were written by Cetera; pop ballads don't get any better.

Cetera's solo career has been paved with great songs, plus the enviable honor of singing the original opening theme of "Baywatch." Other soundtrack work worth mentioning includes the hit "After All" from the movie "Chances Are" and "No Explanation" from "Pretty Woman."

One song stands out for me as a hallmark of Cetera's style: "You're the Inspiration." Whether you first heard it at a high school dance in the '80s, at your cousin's wedding in the '90s or just last week at the mall, it's a song that sends out a feel-good vibe.

Great vibes are what the new Pops season is all about. The weekend opens with the premiere of a new '70s television theme medley. I bet that will spark exciting discussions at intermission. Drop me a note to let me know how many themes you recognize from the era of harvest-gold shag carpeting!

We're looking forward to sharing more good times and aloha with you as the Pops season opens this weekend. See you in the audience!