They’re back and better than ever! Macon Pops will be returning to headline the concert at this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival’s Tunes and Balloons event on Sunday, March 28, 2021 from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. The concert will begin at 6 p.m.

The group will perform memorable hits from the 80's: Huey Lewis & The News, Tears For Fears, Toto and more.

According to Matt Catingub, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Macon Pops: “The 80s for me was a time when so many styles of popular music were stirred together to form some of the most diverse musical combinations. A great example that comes to mind, was when legendary jazz artist Quincy Jones, was paired with R&B superstar, Michael Jackson to produce the biggest selling Pop record of all time.”

The 1980’s “reflected the beginning of a period of great income disparity, and a focus on affluence was reflected in the music,” according to People History. During this era, several new genres popped up that have influenced music today including, Hip Hop, New Wave and Hair Metal.

“I'm hopeful that we can take people back to that decade and relive wonderful memories with the very quick snapshot of the music we will perform,” adds Steve Moretti, Co-Founder and President of Macon Pops. “There’s so much fantastic music, that it was very challenging trying to decide what to play. We can dedicate many, many seasons to that decade alone.”

Special guest performers will include Anita Hall, Macon-based artist, Charles Davis and the DREAM choir from the Otis Redding Foundation.

This year’s festival will include food trucks, free inflatables for the kids, fireworks at dusk and hot air balloons tethered and glow. Families may bring their picnics and lawn chairs (no pets). Tickets are $5 at the gate (kids 10 years and under are free). Attendees are encouraged to follow state and city safety guidelines for public events.

“Since there is such a large footprint for this outdoor event, the tradition of sitting with your group spaced out on the lawn will not feel much different than past years, says Stacy Moore, President and CEO of the Cherry Blossom Festival. “It will be the perfect way to close the 39th Cherry Blossom Festival.”

For more information about the festival, visit: www.cherryblossom.com