Coming off another successful fall season, the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) is looking forward to opening its 2025 schedule on Feb. 21 with Mardi Gras and All That Jazz at Barrel 118 in Eatonton, featuring celebrated trumpeter and vocalist Byron Stripling as guest artist.
Last year’s fall season culminated in a sold-out performance of Fa-la-la. This unforgettable evening of holiday magic captivated audiences with a soulful blend of timeless classics and stunning arrangements.
“Closing our fall season with Morgan James and the OPAS Philharmonic was truly a highlight,” OPAS Artistic Director Doug LaBrecque said. “Their extraordinary talent and the moving work of some local students brought the holiday spirit to life in a way that resonated deeply with our audience. We are so grateful to our sponsors, members, and patrons for making Fa-la-la a memorable community event.”
OPAS is excited to open a new year with Stripling in Mardi Gras and All That Jazz. Known for his dynamic stage presence and electrifying performances, Stripling will bring the spirit of The Bayou to life in a lively, one-night-only concert filled with vintage sounds of old New Orleans.
Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and vocal soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra. He has played and recorded with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Among the world's most prolific and respected trumpeters, Stripling is also the principal pops conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Milwaukee Symphony, and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. PBS fans will recognize him from on-air appearances at The Hollywood Bowl and The Boston Pops, both of which have played extensively on that station.
The OPAS Lounge Series offers an intimate setting for audiences to experience exceptional talent up close, and this year’s Mardi Gras and All That Jazz promises to be no exception.
The concert is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21, at Barrel 118 (118 N. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton) as the opening event for this year’s Lake Oconee Mardi Gras Festival.
The festival will also include a Mardi Gras-themed mixology class led by Melanie Schneider, with a date yet to be announced. It will conclude March 1 with “Arte Gras,” an annual fundraising event to benefit The Artisan’s Village and the local arts community.
For more information about OPAS, upcoming events, or how to support its mission, visit opas.org or call 706-467-6000.