Music of Michael Jackson comes alive at Macon Symphony Orchestra's annual pops concert

The Macon Symphony Orchestra is joining Windborne Productions and vocalist James Delisco on Saturday evening for a pops concert filled with 40 years of Michael Jackson's most beloved music.

This is the second time this concert will be presented in Macon, as its overwhelming popularity led to demands for an encore performance.

Delisco recalled his previous time in Macon fondly.

"We were in Macon before and had a great time. We are really excited to return. It's such a fun show," he said. "Michael Jackson's music is really amazing, and to add an orchestra on top of that is a whole new level. It's an experience that anyone who loves music -- especially Michael Jackson's music and dancing -- should be there."

This show promises to bring many of Michael Jackson's hits to the stage, and features songs from different eras of his career, including "ABC," "I'll Be There," "Beat It," "Thriller," "The Way You Make Me Feel" and many more.

For Delisco, who has been an ardent fan of Michael Jackson since his youth, this performance carries a lot of special meaning.

"This show is really brilliantly arranged. It's catered around my voice and I share my story of my first interactions with Michael. I didn't speak until I was 5, but when I sang, people stopped and listened," he said. "I went to a Michael Jackson concert when I was 12 and heard him perform in Jacksonville, Florida, and I knew that's what I wanted to do. Michael Jackson always blocked off seats for underprivileged children and that was one of the seats I got that day."

Delisco jokes that he studied at "the school of Michael."

"I used to run home every day to watch his videos. All his video releases were world events. I would emulate his moves and then come up with my own steps," he said. "I love watching people's faces when I perform. I love meeting people after the show and hearing them tell me how much they liked Michael's performances and shows. It brings back memories of joy and energy and fun. I think that's what we need in our times. It's the message of Michael's music -- to spread love and joy in a tumultuous time."

Delisco also said he loves to re-create some of Jackson's special moments on stage.

"When Michael launched his 'Thriller' album, he stunned the world with the Moonwalk. People just wait for that magic moment, and it's thrilling to re-create that moment in the show," he said. "We do as many songs as we can, with the orchestra, taking into account the arrangement of the orchestra parts. It is definitely a fantastic show."

MSO Pops Concert

When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16

Where: City Auditorium, 415 First St.

Cost: $15 general admission balcony seats

Information: www.maconsymphony.com

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Music of Michael Jackson comes alive at Macon Symphony Orchestra's annual pops concert ."