By Ted AYALA

A handful of concerts from local musical organizations will be bringing this year’s summer concert season to a close this weekend – and the timing couldn’t be better. With temperatures this weekend expected to soar into the 100s in the valleys, this is the perfect opportunity for local music lovers to venture out into the summer evening and enjoy an al fresco musical experience.

Music from some of the most beloved films of all time, including “Star Wars” and “Casablanca” will be heard Saturday evening, courtesy of Marvin Hamlisch and the Pasadena Pops Orchestra in “Marvin Does Movies.”

Bringing the curtain down on an exciting and successful first season together, Hamlisch will be leading a program of film classics, including excerpts from his score for the recent Steven Soderbergh crime-comedy, “The Informant.”

Joining Hamlisch and the Pops will be singer Susan Egan, best known for her work in “Cabaret,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and other Broadway hits. The concert will also be the Pops’ final one at the Rose Bowl. Summer 2012 will see the Pops move into their new home at the Los Angeles Arboretum in Arcadia.

“Marvin Does Movies” will be held on Saturday,  on the lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl. Gates open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m.; the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Guests may bring low back chairs and blankets. Tickets range from $25 to $90. For more information, visit the Pops’ website at www.pasadena symphony-pops.org or call (626) 793-7172.

Over at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, an all-day event beginning with the world premiere of the new musical “The Real Love” and ending with a concert by folk-rock icon Don McLean is set to begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday. “The Real Love” is a collaborative effort from some of Hollywood’s and Broadway’s most respected composers and lyricists. Backed with a 40-piece orchestra and featuring the talents of Tony winners on stage, “The Real Love” promises to be an unforgettable musical spectacle. Following the real love will be a concert by Don McLean where some of his best-loved hits, including “American Pie,” will be played.

The event will be preceded with an art exhibition at noon.

For more information, call (800) 745-3000  or visit www.thereallovemusic.com.

  Ted Ayala