GREENE COUNTY
The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) recently featured American legend Michael Feinstein and two-time Grammy winner Samara Joy. Both events were sellouts and next up will be its popular Memorial Day weekend concert at 7 p.m., May 27, starring Michael Cavanaugh performing The Music of Billy Joel.
Joel handpicked Cavanaugh to play the lead in the iconic artist's hit musical “Movin' Out,” in which Cavanaugh earned both Tony and Grammy nods for his memorable performance.
Today, Cavanaugh tours the country, playing for company and charity events, with symphony orchestras, and at sporting venues such as PGA Tour events, the Super Bowl, and the Indy 500. According to his website, Reuters once named Cavanaugh “Entertainer of the Year for the private events market” and Billboard hailed him as “the new voice of the American rock-androll songbook” for his exciting, crowd-pleasing performances.
An Associated Press review of Cavanaugh's performance with the San Antonio Symphony said, “Cavanaugh quickly proved that he was the next best thing to a Joel concert itself,” adding, “Cavanaugh has his own stage personality, but he could still make the spirit of Joel seem present.'
Conductor Stuart Malina, an OPAS favorite who was awarded a Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for his work on “Movin' Out,” will reunite with Cavanaugh for the family-friendly and patriotic OPAS Memorial Day event at The Farm at Oconee (1140 Oconee Heights Ln., Greensboro), situated lakeside on 200 acres with gorgeous vistas and a private winery.
Gates open at 5:45 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating, a picnic dinner, and any beverages preferred. Those choosing table seating will have the chance to win prizes for the best-decorated table. No food or drinks are available for purchase, so pack your coolers and enjoy the show!
Bring ponchos or other rain gear, too, as this is a rain-or-shine event. Carpooling is greatly appreciated and encouraged. Lawn seats are $45 each, and $95 for seats at tables that seat eight each. Children 10 and under receive complimentary admission.
The final event of the OPAS 2022-23 season will be July 14, featuring the Summer Dance Party. Debuting last year, this fun, high-spirited event featured the band SIXWIRE and this year the popular Atlanta-based BAND X will join the party at Festival Hall in downtown Greensboro. Attendees will be able to enjoy a full cash bar, table seating, and ample room to dance the night away.
For ticket information on either event, call 706-467-6000 or visit OPAS online at opas.org.