‘A Night of Georgia Music’ featured legends playing classic songs in Macon. How to watch

‘A Night of Georgia Music,’ a live musical show filmed in Macon and featuring music from groups including R.E.M, OutKast, the Allman Brothers Band and James Brown, will premiere on July 4 at 7 p.m. on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

The show was recorded live in March at both the Grand Opera House and Capricorn Sound Studios in downtown Macon. The performance features founding R.E.M member Mike Mills, Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell and McDuffie Center for Strings founder Robert McDuffie performing songs from prominent Georgians to honor the state’s musical history.

“Georgia is such a great state for music – the most fertile state in the country, as far as I’m concerned,” said Mills, who grew up in Macon. “We’ve curated an hour of songs either about Georgia, by Georgia artists, or a combination of both.”

The live performance, which garnered a sold-out crowd, took place March 5 at the Grand Opera House. One additional recording done at Capricorn Sound Studios was also added to the show. It features a rock band consisting of Mills, Leavall and others along with McDuffie on violin, all conducted by Grammy-nominated conductor Ward Stare.

‘A Night of Georgia Music’ first went on a successful tour in 2019 to locations including Atlanta, Birmingham and Augusta, while an initial performance in Macon was planned but fell through due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thought it was a brilliant concept, because as Mike points out, Georgia has so many great songs and great artists,” said Leavell, who is currently rehearsing in London with the Rolling Stones for their upcoming European tour. “The hard part was deciding what to leave out. It was an honor to be asked to join with Mike and Bobby to perform this show.”

Songs in the show include “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M, “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles and other well-known tunes by Georgia songwriters. Songs from groups such as the B-52s and Brook Benton are also featured.

Musicians from Mercer University’s McDuffie Center for Strings accompany the main musicians on stage, playing alongside the founder of the school.

“Presenting these iconic songs of Georgia with legends Mike Mills and Chuck Leavell is a high point of my professional life. Being on stage with them makes this classical violinist feel ‘cool.’ The music resonates in a visceral way for so many people,” said McDuffie. “Playing at The Grand for a national television audience makes me proud to be from Macon.”

The show was produced in tandem with PBS and NPR and will also see airtime on additional public television stations in the fall, according to the production’s website. To watch the televised premiere of “A Night of Georgia Music,” tune in to GPB on July 4 at 7 p.m.

This story was originally published June 15, 2022 at 5:00 AM.