Lee Fields concert kicks off Cherry Blossom Festival's Music Series at Cox Capitol Theatre
The Cox Capitol Theatre is helping to put a little more groove into this year's Cherry Blossom Festival by hosting the festival's Music Series, which kicks off Friday night.
"We're really looking forward to some amazing music," said Danielle Sudderth, the Capitol's director of marketing, calling the concert line up "excellent."
"There will be a lot of talent crossing the stage for the duration of the festival," she said. We are particularly pleased to bring Lee Fields and the Expressions to Macon at no cost to the audience, as part of the celebration of the grand opening of (the restaurant) El Camino next door."
Lee Fields is also excited to perform in Macon and be back in Georgia.
"I've performed in Georgia in the past and found it very healing," Fields said. "I was young, 21 or 22, and it was a wonderful experience for me. I got the chance to see James Brown, which was so amazing. He was such a talented individual who worked so hard and it made me realize that I wanted to contribute something to the world, so I had to find out who I was. Everyone is original, but we have to figure out on our own how to make ourselves shine. It was the beginning of my quest and I've spent my whole life since learning."
Explaining the enduring popularity of R&B music, Fields said that music doesn't age.
"I truly believe that time-dating music is an invention of recent times. Melodies and music are made of intangible material -- it doesn't age," he said. "Soul music, which is really of the spirit, is forever. If you're writing music that pertains to what human beings are doing in their lives, it will last forever. People have been doing the same things since mankind existed. We fall in and out of love, we have financial problems, and we see beauty in what surrounds us."
About his performance tonight with his band the Expressions, Fields said it will help the audience forget their troubles.
"I want people to know that Lee Fields and the Expressions are about giving people a feeling that takes them away from their troubles," he said. "We try to create a moment where everyone can forget for a moment and reach toward euphoria -- total happiness for a moment in time. The trip getting there from the beginning of the show until we reach it is such a good ride. We really focus on our performance for that reason. I believe it changes people's lives. I know it has changed mine."
Fields' show kicks off a host of other performances in the series, including Les Brers on Wednesday and Thursday. Made up of longtime members of the Allman Brothers Band, including Butch Trucks and Jaimoe, a portion of the ticket price will directly support the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House.
Marc Broussard will bring his own style of R&B to the stage on March 25. Riff Raff, a weird and wild style of "spring break" music designed to keep the party going, will perform April 1. Dave Rawlings Machine will round out the series April 3, where they will delight audiences with their own sophisticated style of country string music.
Find more information about the concerts, including ticket prices, at www.coxcapitoltheatre.com.
Lee Fields and the Expressions
When: 8 p.m. March 18
Where: Cox Capital Theatre, 382 Second St.
Cost: Free
Information: 478-257-6391; www.coxcapitoltheatre.com
This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Lee Fields concert kicks off Cherry Blossom Festival's Music Series at Cox Capitol Theatre ."