OPAS, Reynolds deliver memorable Rhythm and Brews
Published 9:20 am Thursday, November 17, 2022
Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) partnered with Reynolds Lake Oconee for the outdoor event of the fall season. Hosted at the beautiful Sandy Creek Barn, the 5th annual Rhythm and Brews Festival was attended by a sellout crowd of 1,500 people.
The annual event began with a complimentary tasting from various beer and wine vendors in a beautiful beer garden.
Later in the evening, VIP Ticket holders enjoyed complimentary selections from Craft Food Trucks, and General Admission ticket holders were offered food for purchase from the excellent culinary team at Reynolds.
Attendees walked to the amphitheater to hear the 17-year-old guitar sensation Noah Riley Teal. Mr. Teal just completed his first album with the help of the Zak Brown Band. After a short break, emerging young country music singer Alana Springsteen performed a tuneful country pop set. OPAS Artistic director Doug LaBrecque introduced her as “a favorite of Country legend Garth Brooks who recently celebrated her 22nd Birthday by making her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.”
The headliners of this year’s event were the multi-platinum rock band Barenaked Ladies. They invited the audience to sing-a-long to their most familiar hit If I Had $1,000,000. The group played some new material, their other recognizable hits, and, unexpectedly, a well-executed melody of familiar covers. The LED backdrop wall gave the crowd a thrilling visual ride while dancing and enjoying this part of the long evening as the temperature dipped into the high 50’s.
Fans of the this year’s Rhythm and Brews owe a big thank you to Reynolds and the OPAS team for the seamless execution of a great event. Reynolds member and OPAS supporter Chelsea Johnson said, “Thank you for making the event truly one of the most fun times we’ve had at any concert. We feel blessed to be a part of OPAS.”
OPAS has an indoor season packed with world-class artists and their next outdoor event will celebrate the music of Billy Joel on May 27. This Memorial Day weekend event draws more than 1,000 people to the gorgeous 200-acre farm at Oconee.