GREENSBORO, Ga. — Once again, the OPAS Lounge Series showcased world-class talent for the lake community.

Jumaane Smith and his extraordinary band brought the house down at the OPAS Lounge Series on Friday night with a concert called“Louis Armstrong and More.”From the moment they took the stage, it was evident that the evening would be unique, and they delivered a performance that left the audience mesmerized and in awe of their collective musicianship and top-tier artistry.

Smith, known for his warm personality and exceptional talent as Michael Buble’s star trumpeter, captivated the audience. He set the tone for the evening with his opener, “I Got A Right to Sing the Blues.” His solid vocals throughout his 80-minute set added another dimension to the performance, at times lyrical and introspective and other times with a theatrical New Orleans growl.Smith showcased his versatility as a “musician’s musician” as he effortlessly moved between singing and showcasing his considerable skills on the trumpet. It became more evident as the evening wore on that Smith and his hand-selected band were true masters of their craft.

Smith treated the audience to a repertoire that paid homage to Louis Armstrong while incorporating jazz, blues, and soul elements from other great 20th-century artists he admired. Each song was delivered with precision and passion, and the success was a collective effort from Smith and his high pedigree six-piece band.

Bassist Gianluca Renzi charmed the audience with the joy he exuded while playing, and Geoff Burke on sax proved why Harry Connick Jr. would not tour or record without him. Smith’s Juilliard pal, drummer Carmen Intorre Jr., gave a masterclass on accompanying and impressing without showboating or stealing focus away from the well-tuned ensemble.His touch was tasteful yet extraordinarily virtuosic. Rounding out the rest of the impressive band was the solid pianist Will Gorman, the excellent (yet underdressed) guitarist Al Street, and another Michael Bublé star musician, trombonist Nick Vayenas.

The band’s take on the legendary “St. James Infirmary” displayed life experience and jazz in its highest form.Smith also showcased his ability as a songwriter and composer with two original compositions, “Sweet Baby James” and “Come on Home.” Both were met with rousing approval, with the latter literally stopping the show and garnering a well-deserved standing ovation from the sold-out, appreciative crowd.

The artistry on display enraptured the audience throughout the performance. Smith’s dexterity on the trumpet was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving many in awe of his considerable gifts. Equally skilled in their own right, his band members complemented Smith’s performance perfectly, creating a seamless and cohesive sound that filled the venue with energy and excitement. Kudos to OPAS for the professionalism of their lighting and sound team. Festival Hall has never looked or sounded better. Using the existing stage as balcony seating gave all attendees a crystal clear view of the concert.

The evening was punctuated by not one, not two, but three standing ovations, a testament to the impact of The OPAS Lounge Series on the audience. Whether you were a jazz lover at heart or new to the genre, it was evident that this uniquely American style of music had touched the hearts of everyone in the room, eliciting enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Beyond the music itself, Smith’s warm personality shone through. He engaged with the crowd between songs, sharing anecdotes and stories that added a personal touch to the performance. His genuine passion for music and connection with the crowd created a sense of intimacy that made the evening truly memorable.

Alongside Broadway Sings for OPAS, Fa-La-La, and The OPAS Memorial Day Patriotic Tribute,The OPAS Lounge Series has proven why it is a must-see in the Lake area’s busy calendar of events. Bravo to OPAS for continuing their memorable season!

Don’t miss the May 25 OPAS Memorial Day Patriotic Tribute with the Queens of Soul. Celebrate America and then enjoy the music of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Patty LaBelle, Alicia Keys and more!

For additional details, ticket purchases, and an exploration of OPAS’s world-class programming, youth community initiatives, and membership opportunities, please visit www.opas.org or contact 706-467-6000.