OPAS announces last 2 events of memorable 15th season

Published 8:43 am Thursday, May 4, 2023

GREENSBORO, Ga. — The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) recently featured American legend Michael Feinstein and two-time Grammy winner Samara Joy. Both concerts were sellouts and brought local audiences to their feet. OPAS is excited to announce the final two events of their season.

Next up is the popular Memorial Day weekend concert featuring “The Music of Billy Joel,” starring Michael Cavanaugh. Billy Joel handpicked Michael to play the lead in the iconic artist’s hit musical “Movin’ Out.” Ca- vanaugh earned both Tony and Grammy nods for his memorable performance.

Today, Cavanaugh tours the countryplaying for company and charity events, symphony orchestra and sporting events like PGA Tour events, the Super Bowl, and the Indy 500. Variety Magazine named him Entertainer of the Year for his exciting, crowd-pleasing performances.

An Associated Press review of Cavanaugh’s performance with the San Antonio Symphony was full of praise. “Cavanaugh quickly proved that he was the next best thing to a Joel concert itself…..Cavanaugh has his own stage personality, but he could still make the spirit of Joel seem present.” Called “the new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook” by Billboard Magazine, Cavanaugh grew up on the songs of his hero Billy Joel.

Conductor Stuart Malina, an OPAS favorite, will reunite with Mr. Cavanaugh. Maestro Malina was awarded the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for his work on Movin’ Out.

The family-friendly patriotic Memorial Day event will occur on Saturday, May 27, at the Farm at Oconee. The venue is 1140 Oconee Heights Lane in Greensboro, 200 acres on the lake, with gorgeous lake vistas and a private winery.

Gates open at 5:45 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating, a picnic dinner, and ANY beverages. Those choosing table seating will have a chance to win prizes for the best-decorated table. No food or drinks are available for purchase, so pack your cooler and enjoy!

Bring your ponchos; this is a rain-or-shine event. Carpooling is greatly appreciated and encouraged. Lawn Seats are $45, and seats at tables are $95. The tables seat 8. Children 10 and under are complimentary.

The last event of the 2022-23 season is the OPAS Summer Dance Party. Debuting last year, the fun, high- spirited event featured the band SIXWIRE.

This year, the popular Atlanta-based BAND X will join the party. The event will occur on July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Festival Hall in downtown Greensboro. Attendees can enjoy a full cash bar, table seating, and ample room to dance the night away.

OPAS Board chair Margie Forbes said “We work hard to bring world-class artists whose careers and music speak volumes about their artistry. For the Dance Party, sometimes you just want to have fun!”

For ticket information for either event, please call 706-467-6000 or visit www.opas.org.

The Oconee Performing Arts Society is a non-profit 501(C)(3) performing arts organization that presents a variety of high-quality performing arts experiences while helping to foster a sense of shared community through the arts. For membership information or to learn more about their expanding Arts Education Initia- tives, visit our website.