Arts

Macon Pops: Macon Music History

I’ve told y’all before about how much and why I love Macon Pops oh so much- but I thought in this post it might be more effective for y’all to hear from some other people: those who are performing in it. Including one artist who said that “history will be made again on the Macon Pops stage”.

Performing in the season’s closing event will be Floco Torres, Louise Warren, Daniel NeSmith of Back City Woods, Joshua Neal Collins, Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie, and Chuck Leavell- who I’m sure y’all know was a member of The Allman Brothers Bands and has toured with The Rolling Stones…. just to name two bands.

I had the chance to speak with some of them. Some of these artists are friends of mine, which makes this whole thing even cooler. Daniel Nesmith performs in this band called Back City Woods (you’ve likely heard of them) , I’ve written about them before, and we used to work together at Enterprise Rent-a-Car. I remember him talking about his band and wondering if it would really go anywhere? Well…. I guess this proves it! Daniel said to me, about getting the chance to perform with Macon Pops, ” “I’m truly honored and humbled to be a part of a such an accomplished group of musicians. Hearing one of my songs arranged and played by an orchestra is like a dream come true!”

Another friend of mine, Floco Torres, says “I’m just enjoying the journey right now & watching things take shape. Being on the same stage with legends & friends in music is a feeling I’m getting used to. History will be made again on the Macon Pops stage.” He also told me he will be performing new features and a new song with G!-ManFantastic.

(one of my favorite songs by Floco- he performed it with Macon Pops last year, and I would not be sad to see it again!)

Joshua Neal is an artist who I was not previously familiar with, but his excitement is contagious as shows in his comments: “[this] means so much to me. It is an honor just to be considered, but now that it is a reality I am so excited to share the stage with such talented people! I have such respect for those guys. They have helped pave the way for new musicians like myself.”

” I am still in the very early stages of my career so to be able to play a venue of this size and with these musicians is very exciting. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a sustainable career. I’m looking forward to what this night opens up for future opportunities.”

Louise Warren is one of the sweetest people I know, and some of you may remember that she used to write for us regularly here. ” It is a complete honor and a dream come true to be asked to perform with Macon Pops. I think every musician desires for their musical vision to be fully heard by others. My song ‘Lavender Sound’ is a song that speaks of transformation and growth. There is no better way to tell that story than with the skill and heart that Macon Pops will add to it. If my song is my baby, then I’m seeing it off to college with this performance! On a more personal note, I’m dedicating my performance to my father, Jim Warren. He was one of my strongest supporters and regarded ‘Lavender Sound’ as one of his favorites. i hope to make him, my many loved ones and Macon Pops proud.” Louise’s father passed away suddenly this past year, and our hearts go out to her.

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I had to ask Chuck Leavell some different questions, as he, clearly, is not at the beginning of his careers as the above artists are.

Molly : Can you tell us why you stay involved in the local (Macon) music scene, given everything you have accomplished and everywhere you have gone?

Chuck Leavell: ” Macon, Georgia has been ‘berry, berry good to me!’ This is where my musical career blossomed. I came to Macon for the first time in 1969 and moved here in earnest in 1970. I was able to climb up the ladder over the next couple of years…playing in various bands and doing recording sessions at Capricorn Studios, finally landing a position with the Allman Brothers Band in ’72. I’ve been privileged to enjoy living and working in the Middle Georgia area ever since. Macon is where I met my wife, Rose Lane, and we have raised our two daughters in Middle Georgia. No matter where my career takes me in the world, we always come back home to Middle Georgia…and we always will.”

Molly: Tell us what you think about Macon Pops and what they are trying to accomplish by putting on a fun, modern symphonic performance?

CL: ” My friend Steve Moretti has done an outstanding job in running and promoting the Macon Pops. Music is deep in the culture of Macon, and Steve makes sure that all the different styles and genres are covered in the works of the Pops. There is something there for everyone to enjoy, and the community has a great opportunity to attend the various events the Pops hold throughout the year. The players are all top notch first class, versatile and passionate. The Macon Pops ROCKS!”

Molly: And lastly, if you could talk to someone who is on the fence about coming to the concert- what would you say to convince them to come?

CL: ” This is a wonderful opportunity for the Macon and Middle Georgia community to come hear a unique variety of music with artists like myself that don’t get to play in this kind of setting very often. Be there or be square!”

If this didn’t convince you…. then I don’t know what will. Perhaps it’s that tickets are only $10 for the balcony? That even with balcony seating you are still encouraged to come downstairs and dance? So come on down- I’ll be there, with just a few hundred of the coolest people in town

You know you want to be one of them!