Pops Goes Country – With Maggie and Josh

It’s no secret by this point in time that Macon Pops is one of my very favorite events- period. This particular show will be going country with Maggie Renfroe and Josh Carson, two Macon favorites.

 

I had the chance to speak with the both of them, along with Macon Pops founder and co-director Steve Moretti, about what to expect for this show.

 

Molly: I’m, of course, familiar with your music. Country + an orchestra might not make the most sense to a lot of people. How do you think it will jive with a pops orchestra?

Maggie: This will be Josh and I’s first time doing anything like this! We normally play a venue just the two of us, and fill the sound in the room as much as possible. A full Orchestra, I can’t even imagine yet how big and amazing it will be

Josh: I understand the question, and realize some might think it would be a jump, per say.  I feel though, that when genres are mixed in the correct way, the spaces where great things happen have a tendency to open up.

 

 

Molly: Of course, this is what Macon Pops is all about… taking what might be very familiar music and putting it to an orchestra. We are many, many seasons into Macon Pops now. Tell me why you’re excited about working with Josh and Maggie?

Steve: I’ve had the pleasure of working with both of them in the past and Maggie is on our Christmas project for the light show. We’ll be adding Josh as well! My mission is to pen a new chapter in our wonderful music history book. We have fabulous talent in Macon right now and I feel like Josh and Maggie couldn’t represent that talent any better!

 

 

Molly: You pick out your performers well ahead of time, correct? But something we always emphasize is how everyone comes together morning of to really work out the kinks, so to speak, of the performance. Can you explain why that’s so extraordinary? How long would you have to practice with any other kind of show?

Steve: For the most part we’ve established a core group of musicians. These are the top players throughout the state and sometimes we fly people in from around the country. What makes this extraordinary is Matt Catingub writes all of the arrangements for every single concert, so we don’t have the luxury of getting the music out in advance. So, our musicians show up around an hour before rehearsal/run through begins to look over the parts. We have a 2hr run through then the show. To be able to pull this off at the level we do, requires extraordinary talented players, who are at the top of their game. Normally, orchestras would have at least two 2 1/2hr rehearsals.

 

 

Molly: Ok, it’s the day of the show. Even the day before. Tell me what some of your rituals are leading up to an event. Do any of you have day jobs, family, that you have to work around as well? What does that look like? Or do you have a special cup of coffee that you like to have before a show? Do yoga or other relaxation items?

Maggie:  Practice!! For this show, Josh and I are learning many new songs. As a full-time student, I go to class, then I fly in from Nashville, and Josh and I meet up to practice the vocals! Beyond that, just enjoy being home with my friends and family for a few days

Josh: As always, lots of things to check off the list. Lunch today with the Pops personnel follows two financial planning meetings (day job) in the a.m.  Off to a quick rehearsal with Maggie to run through some vocal parts after lunch… Then to Mercer to help my wife Megan set up aerial yoga rigs for an event. Probably back home to continue to run the songs one more time today. Friday morning starts early with radio interviews, meetings and then sound check and a show. No favorite coffee just lots of it… Hopefully yoga will be squeezed in somewhere and maybe a little Judge Judy (because she’s a boss!!)

Steve: For me, we have two kids 8 & 9 years old with a bunch of extra curricular activities that we juggle. Because I am doing so much more than playing, being CEO and also in charge of our production, I don’t have time to do what I would typically do before a show when I’m on the road. I do however love to have a nice shower before the show. That perks me up and clears my head!

 

Molly: Why is this show different from past Macon Pops performances?

Maggie: I don’t know a ton about previous Macon Pop’s, but this one will be full of dancing and fun

Josh: Honestly, the only real answer I have for this one is the obvious I believe. I’m pretty sure this is the first country show put together by the Macon Pops…I’m amazed at the level of talent and professionalism exhibited by the founders….from the planning and organization, to the musical mastery.  Excited, for me, just doesn’t quite cover it.

Steve: We’ve covered so many other genres but haven’t performed a Country Music show in our 6 seasons.

 

And as always, you can buy tickets at the show! It’ll be at Mercer University’s Hawkins Arena, August 24th with doors opening at 6:30 pm.

 

Love to all y’all,

 

Molly