The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) Memorial Day Weekend Concert brought the community together on May 23 for an evening of country favorites, patriotic selections, student recognition, and family fun under the stars.
Despite questionable weather just a few hours before the concert, the evening gave way to cool, dry, and picture-perfect conditions at The Farm at Oconee.
Guests arrived with picnics; children enjoyed face painting; food trucks served concertgoers; and numerous families and children, including members of the Boys & Girls Club, took part in what has become a welcoming community event for OPAS.
The Macon POPS, under the direction of Grammy Award winner Matt Catingub, led the evening with precision.
The program opened with American Traditions Vocal Competition Grand Prize winner Elizabeth Baldwin, who brought the audience to its feet with a stunning rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Baldwin followed with Carlisle Floyd’s “Ain’t It a Pretty Night,” a selection that truly lived up to its title as the sky cleared and the evening unfolded. Fellow American Traditions Vocal Competition winner Nicole Zuraitis, a six-time Grammy nominee and two-time Grammy Award winner, then delivered one of the evening’s most memorable performances. Her Grammy-nominated arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was a high point of the concert, showcasing Zuraitis’ remarkable musicianship and creativity.
She also gave pitch-perfect renditions of “Stand By Your Man” and “Crazy,” offering the audience a master class in vocal storytelling and song interpretation. Nashville vocalists Nicole Coteau and Erin Kirby also joined Zuraitis for additional familiar country favorites.
The impact of OPAS was also on full display as numerous scholarships were presented. OPAS will fully fund tuition for all students attending The Broadway Intensive in June and July at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton.
Two violinists, one attending the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the other attending Meadowmount School of Music, will receive full tuition support through OPAS and the Mary and Patrick McClain Foundation.
Additionally, Helen Garcia-Carreras was awarded a full scholarship to attend the St. Louis Cabaret Conference, studying with some of America’s most renowned artists in the cabaret field.
OPAS also announced three college scholarships for Jackson LeBarre, who will begin flute studies at Columbus State University; Zander Moreland, who will continue saxophone and arts education studies at Kennesaw State University; and Marielle Peguero, who will continue her vocal performance degree at Berry College.
The OPAS 2026-27 season opens Sept. 13 with the return of the Candlelight Series, An Afternoon in Paris starring Christine Andreas. The OPAS Concert Truck will then be in residence Sept. 20-24, bringing complimentary musical performances to five locations for more than 1,000 people throughout Lake Country.