Comments on: Palm Beach Pops ex-staffer: Maestro Bob Lappin took me to sex clubs

By: David

David — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:41:17 +0000

‘Classy music’ as the article stated? What in the world is this supposed to infer? Is this the same as hearing one of several world class symphony orchestras you would find in Berlin, London, Munich or Moscow? Or a chamber orchestra from Austria or Italy? Or in the USA one of the orchestras of, say for instance, NY, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc? It is nothing more than a ‘pops’ orchestra….. taken for a cultural entity in a place devoid of the real thing. But hey, it’s Florida, so this is as good as it gets!

By: David Landau A S I D

David Landau A S I D — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:29:44 +0000

I did alot of Interior Design work and Architectural consultation for and with Bob Lappin in Palm Beach, Connecticut, and Lake Winnepausauki in New Hampshire.I
always found him to be a Gentleman and easy to work with,and also very creative.I never had a problem with him.

By: fred

fred — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:42:19 +0000

The reason Bob did not pay Ms. Kaplan a great severance package was probably because he told her that it was unethical for the Pops to do so. Then he told her, heck, I shouldn’t even be banging you…

By: maelstrom

maelstrom — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:29:39 +0000

As long as the Panda performs in the key of C, I am sure the Board would approve.

By: Panda

Panda — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:18:22 +0000

How about using “The Sexual Harassement Panda” from South Park for the school programs?

By: DNA Don

DNA Don — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:31:56 +0000

In reading the comments above, it seems that the larger story here is whether the after-hours behavior of a local celebrity is relevant to his ability to successfully lead an important community institution such as the Pops. Clearly, we all have our suspicions as to what actually happened between the two parties. As outsiders, however, we cannot possibly know the truth behind what happened between Mr. Lappin and Ms. Kaplan. As a not-for-profit institution, the Pops has a responsibility to provide entertainment and youth outreach to Palm Beach County in a dignified manner. If Mr. Lappin is indeed frequenting establishments such as Club Trapeze, shamelessly and publicly disloyal to his wife and/or partner (whatever gender he/she may be), and flagrantly abusing his power by threatening employees, it seems that the Palm Beach Pops Board needs to make a swift decision to change leadership in order to protect their institution’s status. Additionally, it seems incredibly undignified for orchestra members and office staff to involve themselves in such a pathetic (albeit enticing) drama.

By: Brad Watson - Timpanist

Brad Watson - Timpanist — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:21:06 +0000

Is Jill Kaplan guilty herself of ’sexual harassment’?

I’ve been the timpanist/percussionist with the Palm Beach Pops since the 1st Season: 18 years now. Bob Lapin & Jill Kaplan were both my employers and are friends of mine. I haven’t spoken to Jill since she ‘parted ways’ with the Pops, but I imagine that when she thinks of me it is as a friend. I, like all the musicians in the orchestra, are very upset that Jill would try to harm Bob Lappin, the Pops, and the Pops audience like she is attempting to do. Now let me relate a unique story for the public’s and lawyer’s evaluation.

Jill and I have flirted since she first came on board as an assistant at the Pops. I had no girlfriend at that time. This kinda continued after she became Director and after I began seeing someone very special whom Jill has met several times. About two years ago, there was a concert series where I played very little in the 2nd Half. As I was sneaking off stage at FAU to take a break, I was met by Sarah the Pops staffer and told, “Jill wants you to give her a back rub!” “Uh, what?” I replied as we walked towards the dressing rooms and Green Room. “Jill has a really sore back, she’s taken a couple pain pills, but she asked me to get you to give her a back rub”. I’ve never given Jill a back rub before, I don’t like giving back rubs and I found this request to be very awkward!

Sarah and I were now at the dressing room door and Jill was lying on a small couch face down and apparently in some pain. “Brad, could you give me a back rub, Sarah’s hands aren’t strong enough”. I didn’t want to be put into this situation for a number of reasons, however, Jill did seem to really be in pain and I wanted to help. I consented to rub her back and neck for a few minutes and then said, “Oh, I’ve got to go back on stage”. I remember saying that even though the orchestra still had a couple numbers before I was to play the last song with them.

I had forgotten about this little awkward episode until this outrageous lawsuit surfaced and I pondered what I might contribute. Jill, consider this, if I was fired right after that episode, would I have grounds to file sexual harassment charges against you?!

- Brad Watson, Miami, FL - Timpanist/Percussionist w/ Palm Beach Pops

By: DNA Don

DNA Don — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:25:07 +0000

Attention Palm Beach Joe: Mr. Lappin is the biological father of four children, not two. Perhaps there are more?

By: Mabel

Mabel — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:31:57 +0000

Hey Maureen… this does feel like a Pops reunion!!! I hope you’re doing well.. I’m on facebook.. look me up!

I’m very happy we’re no longer working for the Pops.. there was so much negativity towards the ends. The air was so heavy in that office.

By: `Do' unto others

`Do' unto others — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:07:34 +0000

This money hungry woman `s actions is going to put a whole bunch of really good musicians out of a job and they had nothing to do with this. Whatever happened between Kaplan and Lappin , this case is not worth a whole orchestra going down and definitely not worth 20 million!!! Did the lawyer convince you, Kaplan, that it is easier to sue Lappin than to play the Florida Lotto ? All I have always heard is that Kaplan was willingly ‘doing’ Bob.