The April 20 issue of Billboard reported that Carnegie Hall would go proletarian for seven weeks from May 7 to June 22 for a series of "Pops" concerts. Tickets would be $1 to $3 (about $11 to $33). Beer, pretzels and "sandwiches with eye appeal" would be served in the boxes before the performance and during intermissions.
Mayor LaGuardia was leading off opening night. The Philharmonic would play six nights a week under a number of guest conductors. The seventh night would be devoted to a big name band or a jazz concert. Benny Goodman and Xavier Cugat had been signed. Among others being sought were Duke Ellington, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra, Art Tatum and Woody Herman.
A number of special theme nights were planned including an All-American Night, Irving Berlin Night, Richard Rodgers Night, Victor Herbert Night, Jerome Kern Night and Scandinavian Night.