OPAS Memorial Day Weekend Concert Closes the Season with Music and Community Impact

The Oconee Performing Arts Society closed its memorable season with an unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend Concert, bringing the community together for an evening of country favorites, patriotic selections, student recognition, and family fun under the stars.

Despite questionable weather just a few hours before the concert, the evening gave way to cool, dry, and picture-perfect conditions, with stunning views across The Farm at Oconee. Guests arrived with picnics; children enjoyed face painting; food trucks served concertgoers; and numerous families and children, including members of the Boys & Girls Club, took part in what has become a welcoming community event for OPAS.

The Macon POPS, under the direction of Grammy Award winner Matt Catingub, led the evening with precision. The program opened with American Traditions Vocal Competition Grand Prize winner Elizabeth Baldwin, who brought the audience to its feet with a stunning rendition of “America the Beautiful.” She followed with Carlisle Floyd’s “Ain’t It a Pretty Night,” a selection that truly lived up to its title as the sky cleared and the evening unfolded beautifully.

Fellow American Traditions Vocal Competition winner Nicole Zuraitis, a six-time Grammy nominee and two-time Grammy Award winner, delivered one of the evening’s most memorable performances. Her Grammy-nominated arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was a high point of the concert, showcasing her remarkable musicianship and creativity. Zuraitis also gave pitch-perfect renditions of “Stand By Your Man” and “Crazy,” offering the audience a master class in vocal storytelling and song interpretation.

Nashville vocalists Nicole Coteau and Erin Kirby joined Zuraitis for additional familiar country favorites. Kirby impressed with solid vocals and a star-quality stage presence, adding youthful energy to the evening.

The impact of OPAS was also on full display as numerous scholarships were presented.  OPAS will fully fund tuition for all students attending The Broadway Intensive at The Plaza Arts Center. Two violinists, one attending the Aspen Music Festival and School,  and the other attending Meadowmount School of Music, will receive full tuition support through OPAS and the Mary and Patrick McClain Foundation. Helen Garcia-Carreras was awarded a full scholarship to attend the St. Louis Cabaret Conference, studying with some of America’s most renowned artists in the cabaret field.

OPAS also announced three college scholarships: Jackson LeBarre, who will begin flute studies at Columbus State University; Zander Moreland, who will continue saxophone and arts education studies at Kennesaw State University; and Marielle Peguero, who will continue her vocal performance degree at Berry College.

The OPAS 2026-27 season opens September 13 with the return of the Candlelight Series, An Afternoon in Paris starring Christine Andreas. The OPAS Concert Truck will then be in residence September 20-24, bringing complimentary performances to five locations and providing access to the music to more than 1,000 people throughout the community. 

Thank you to our generous sponsors! 

OPAS Season Sponsors: Bo Fears, Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group, Reynolds Lake Oconee, and SignatureFD

Event Sponsors: Athens BMW, BankSouth, Barrel 118, Tammy & Jim Beatty, Julie & Todd Collins, Margie Eddy-Forbes, Greensboro Tire Pros, High Priority Pest Services, Lake Oconee Event Company, Long Drink, Mary & Patrick McClain Foundation, Norris Legal Family Office, The Oconee Cellar, Tim Green Designs, Visit Lake Oconee, and 

Beverage Sponsors: The Oconee Cellar and Long Drink.