Macon Pops to perform classic spy theme songs

Macon Pops returns to the Piedmont Grand Opera House Friday, Oct. 10 with a selection of top songs from the world of sleuths and super spies.

“I Spy: For Your Ears Only,” is designed to bring the excitement of on-screen “whodunits” to life through music from hit movies, franchises and TV shows — favorites like James Bond, “Mission: Impossible,” Austin Powers, “Shaft,” “Get Smart” and “Peter Gunn.”

The concert title is a play on the Bond title “For Your Eyes Only,” noted Steve Moretti, Macon Pops co-founder, CEO and percussionist. 

“We did a show a while back strictly of James Bond music and people really loved it and have been asking when we were going to do it again,” he said. “We didn’t want to repeat it exactly, so we expanded the concept to include a lot of different spy music and have some fun with it.”

Part of the fun includes a group of spy-movie-style cars that will be parked in front of the Grand.

“Some are associated with the movies and some are just so cool they could be spy cars,” Moretti said.

Inside the venue, the fun extends to the concert’s dress code:

“Friday is ‘come as you are’ or ‘come as you want to be,’” Moretti said. “People are always encouraged to dress how they like — casual to fancy. Some love to get dressed up and get all into it and some just want to put on jeans and a shirt. We don’t care — it’s all about the fun.”

With a spy theme, guests can go full tuxedo like Bond or keep it comfortable and casual. Even the orchestra will be dressing more freely.

But most of the fun comes from the music and the audience’s spontaneous reaction to it.

“There are so many great songs from these movies and shows,” Moretti said. “It gives us flexibility and lets us tap into different styles and eras. There’s a whole variety of stuff we’re doing, including throwing some curveballs in there musically. It won’t always be a straight-up cover — we’re putting our own spin on things.”

A deeper look at the concert’s musical selections shows the focus isn’t just on themes but includes true hits from top-tier stars, like Adele’s “Skyfall,” Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die” and Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger.” Other selections include “Diamonds Are Forever,” “You Only Live Twice,” “Peter Gunn” and, of course, “Magnum P.I.”.

Joining the Pops on stage is guest vocalist Sarah Whitmore, known for her work with the acclaimed a cappella group Voctave. 

A central Florida resident, Whitmore sang with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney World and was a featured artist with the Orlando Philharmonic and Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra. She has also appeared as a soloist at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

She’s a veteran session vocalist who has recorded hundreds of projects worldwide, including for Disney, Universal Studios Japan, Norwegian Cruise Line and FELD Entertainment. 

Her credits include albums for Jon Anderson of Yes and numerous Broadway artists. Her debut solo EP, “Love Song,” showcases her vocal jazz artistry.

“She’s an outstanding singer,” Moretti said. “I’m really excited for our audience to hear her. She can handle anything we throw at her.”

Moretti said there will be a few enjoyable surprises in store to add to the evening’s fun, such as special ticketing packages. One package includes a dinner-and-show deal and a limited-attendance speakeasy after-party, accessible via special poker chips.

But the heartbeat of the evening is in the Grand.

“The Grand is such a fitting place for a spy-themed concert,” Moretti said. “It has such elegance and sophistication. Plus, this will be the first time we’ve been there since they made a number of technical upgrades in sound and lighting. I’m excited to see the new setup.”

The concert is the second in Macon Pops’ 13th-year series. Typically, five concerts are presented each year.

“Thirteen years — it’s crazy to think about,” Moretti said. “We’ve covered everything imaginable musically and we’re still pushing the envelope.”

Macon Pops was founded in 2012 by Moretti and arranger-conductor Matt Catingub. 

For each concert, a core group of top performing and studio musicians comes to town to make the music. At their caliber of musicianship, they typically arrive the day of the concert, rehearse just hours before and then deliver a night of music as high in quality as can be found anywhere. 

“Musicians love to be part of it,” Moretti said.

A sought-after drummer and producer, Moretti doesn’t take a salary from the nonprofit Macon Pops. As its drummer, he receives the standard gig-by-gig pay like other Pops musicians. 

His income comes from live and studio work he does nationally and internationally. He also works as a producer and sound engineer on projects ranging from big band to retro video game scores.

In addition to bringing work to Macon and into his elaborate home studio from around the world, he regularly records performances for the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra and Mercer’s Fabian Concert Series, with some tracks featured on NPR’s “Performance Today.”

Tickets will be available at the door Friday, with advance tickets and information on concert packages available at maconpops.com and thegrandmacon.com. The Grand is located at 651 Mulberry St.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. Find him on Instagram at michael_w_pannell.