With Windborne Productions’ “Music of Michael Jackson” for its annual pops concert Saturday at the City Auditorium, the Macon Symphony Orchestra aims to bring together people of all ages and from all areas of the community.
“One reason we love the pops concert so much is that it brings the community together. People from all corners come together, there is great diversity and it is so much fun,” Macon Symphony Orchestra CEO Sheryl Towers said.
The performance includes hits from various points in the late musician’s career, from the Jackson 5 to the film “This Is It,” released in 2009.
“Right off the top, we start with a medley that includes ‘Don’t Stop (’Til You Get Enough)’ and ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” said Brent Havens, guest conductor and show creator. “We also do some of his Jackson 5 stuff like ‘ABC,’ ‘Got To Be There’ and ‘I’ll Be There,’ those cool Motown-type Jackson 5 tunes. You can’t do a Michael Jackson show without doing those.”
James Delisco performs the lead vocals but is not a Michael Jackson impersonator.
“What we do celebrates the artist’s music. We’re not trying to be a tribute show, but James does have the moves,” Havens said.
The production also includes a full band that the orchestra “wraps around,” creating a unique sound. The group performs with orchestras around the country, arriving in time for a rather quick rehearsal with the orchestra just before the performance takes place.
“It’s the first time they see the music, but we can usually rehearse 18 or 19 songs in about 90 minutes; that’s just how good these musicians are. It’s fun for them to because they get a chance to change it up and show the audience they can play pretty much anything that’s put in front of them,” Havens said.
Doors for the Macon Symphony’s 34th pops concert open at 6 p.m. for dinner and socializing for those with table seating, Towers said.
“Some have their meals catered, some decorate their tables very elaborately and some have just a basic chicken bucket. There is some of everything, and people come dressed up or in jeans. It’s a great cross-section of the community,” she said, adding that even people who may not enjoy the type of music at a pops concert attend just for the festivities.
Balcony seating is also available, and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.maconsymphony.com.
“Music of Michael Jackson”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Macon City Auditorium, 415 First St.
Cost: $15 balcony seats
Information: www.maconsymphony.com
