Music

Just ask Pete Conroy who, on a night two years ago, found out just how tempestuous ol’ Mother Nature can be, especially when clear skies are considered a defining element of success.

It was May 23, 2004 — a Saturday night — and after months of work and worry, the first in a series of concerts featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra was about to begin. On that night, Conroy would discover the perils of planning an outdoor concert.

Just before concert headliners, The 21st Century Platters, were scheduled to take the stage, the thunder rolled and lightning tore across the sky before striking a nearby horse trailer and soundboard, shocking two sheriff’s deputies.

With more than their spirits dampened, concert organizers frantically ushered everyone — Platters included — into a nearby gymnasium, which was to be the future home of the Buckner Arts & Exhibit Center, though it was still under construction at that time.

Of the estimated 2,000 tickets sold, only about 450 people weathered the storm and stayed for the concert. But those who stayed were witness to a trial by fire and became a part of the legend that started Music at McClellan.

"It was a heck of a way to start things off," Conroy says, laughing through the benefit of hindsight. "I’m sure a lot of people are like, ‘Yeah — I was there.’"

Conroy, who was then and is today chairman for Music at McClellan, carried a few memories away from that night. And though it was harrowing at the time, all involved with that first show came away experienced and prepared for Murphy’s Law.

Every time The Platters hit a high note, the lights would dim," he says. "It was like the symphony comes to Green Acres. We’ve sure come a long way.

"That crisis became a metaphor proving that we could handle anything."

It also established the permanent "in case of rain" contingency plan, also known as nearby Miller Gym, which, according to Conroy, ASO officials say has acoustics that rival any concert hall they’ve ever played.

Hopefully this year, they won’t need it.

"We’ve learned a lot along the way," Conroy says. "We have now, in this third year, worked out all the kinks and made this one of the easiest venues a music fan could ever imagine."

Spread across a sprawling field near the Duck Pond at McClellan, this year’s Longleaf Series features a cool blend of classic music and a relaxing atmosphere under the stars. Audiences are invited to bring their picnic baskets to enjoy a schedule that includes patriotic anthems, Broadway favorites, ’50s pop hits and symphonic classics, all backed by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

"We are now a part of the cultural theme of this community," says Paul Ferrone, executive director for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. "This third year is proof that we’re here to stay and will lay the foundation for the future of this series."

The Longleaf Series opens Saturday with "Celebrate America," a musical salute to the military. Subsequent concerts will feature The Coasters, the first vocal group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, on June 3, which will also be the final destination for the 2006 HOG Rally, a group of several hundred motorcycle riders who’ll come to Music at McClellan en masse.

On June 10, the Longleaf Series will play host to Tony Award-winning vocalist Susan Egan as well as Michael Maguire for "Bravo Broadway." The duo will perform an array of Broadway standards.

"These are renowned, respected Broadway performers," Ferrone says. "Here’s a chance for audience to hear and experience something that’s truly unique."

The series will come to a dramatic close on June 17 with "Classics Under the Stars," which has become something of a tradition for Music at McClellan. And yes, hearts will sputter and children will giggle as the cannons once again fire during the ASO’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

"We really cover the spectrum, trying to fill the needs and expectations of the musical virtuoso as well as the people who come out just looking for a good time," Conroy says. "So no matter why you come, our goal is to make sure you leave happy and fulfilled."

And inspired, Ferrone adds.

"Our purpose is to change lives through music," he says. "And through Music at McClellan, we have a wonderful opportunity to do just that."

For more information, visit www.musicatmcclellan.org.