Midnight Cricket Club Joins Pensacola Opera's SONGS DOWN SOUTH This Week

Pensacola Opera has announced Midnight Cricket Club as the headliner for "Songs Down South" on November 9, 2023 at The Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio. The evening guarantees a unique blend of diverse musical genres and talents, promising a soul-stirring experience.

The evening's finale features Midnight Cricket Club, a musical powerhouse comprising renowned musicians KC Groves, Megan Marino, Jason Hicks, and Michael Mayes. This band has gained national acclaim for their unique blend of bluegrass, country, and operatic stylings.

Born during the constraints of the pandemic, Midnight Cricket Club's members initially came together under a sprawling cottonwood tree when opera luminaries Michael Mayes and Megan Marino merged with bluegrass virtuosos KC Groves and Jason Hicks, culminating in a musical synergy that transcends genres with rich, soulful melodies.

"Partnering with a rare opera company unafraid to take artistic risks to connect with diverse audiences is an exciting prospect for us," expressed Michael Mayes. "Pensacola Opera's willingness to break traditional barriers and welcome a broader audience aligns perfectly with the innovative spirit of Midnight Cricket Club."

The Opera to Opry event begins at 5pm with a festival of unlimited food and drinks crafted by southern celebrity chefs. At 7:30, the night continues with the music of "Songs Down South," defying traditional opera stereotypes. In addition to Midnight Cricket Club, the evening includes performances from Opera Cowgirls, Janinah Burnett, and emcee Loosey LaDuca.

Individual members of the Midnight Cricket Club:

K.C. Groves (mandolin/vocals): The driving force behind the all-women old-time band Uncle Earl, KC has performed at major festivals worldwide and collaborated with musical legends like John Paul Jones.

Jason Hicks (guitar/vocals): An exceptional guitarist and co-founder of the longstanding bluegrass band, the Blue Canyon Boys, he has shared songs and stories across the nation, recording seven full-length albums.

Megan Marino (keys/vocals): Known for her immense versatility and rich voice, Megan's performances exude 'swagger' and 'vocal audacity' whether at the Met, on screen, or under the embrace of a giant cottonwood tree.

Michael Mayes (guitar/vocals): Celebrated for his operatic career in both traditional and contemporary roles, Michael's mastery of dramatic vocal repertoire and 'gloriously rich' baritone has conquered stages across the US and Europe.

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