When Bragg Jam first started, it received little support. Hardly anyone even knew what it was. But Bragg Jam just kept at it and now, 10 years later, it is one of the biggest events this city has to offer.

Being from Macon, I’ve seen people get excited about the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Street Party (which I want to put in quotes because the only true thing about that title is that it is on a street), but musically, Bragg Jam has had more to offer Macon’s music lovers than the Street Party has for quite a while. Tone Loc notwithstanding.

So this Saturday, July 25, it’s time to put on your kicks because you will need them to keep up with all the things that are going on. First of all, you really need to start checking out who you want to see play and where they are. For the sake of alcohol, we’ve decided to stay downtown. Nobody wants to get a DUI and with the majority of downtown venues being right on Cherry Street (and Second, right around the corner), we thought this was our best option.

I would recommend going to braggjam.org to download and print out the .pdf of all the acts and times, but here is a list if you want to keep this page on your phone.

Downtown Venues

At the Cox Capital Theatre on Second Street you have Toolshed GingerVEX from 6-7, from 7:30 -8:30, T-Bird and the Breaks from 9-10:30 and Cracker (yes, that Cracker) from 11:00 until they damn well feel like leaving (and we know Macon can keep a place open past closing if we want to).

At the 567 Cafe on Cherry Street, right around the corner from the Cox you have Gaul Armstrong from 6-6:45, Jowin from 7-7:45, Trendlenberg from 8-8:45, Oh Dorian from 9-10, and Red Swill from 10:30 until they effin’ want to leave.

Right across the street from the 567 Cafe, you will have the Yuengling Stage at 580 on Cherry. There, you’ll start with Citizen Insane from 5-5:45, The Moaners from 6-7, City Council and the Paper Street Band from 7:15-8:15, Roly Bots from 8:45-9:45, Afromotive from 10:15 – 11:45, and Nomenclature from 12:00 until they’re done.

Walk on down a bit on Cherry and you will get to the Rookery and catch Friends of Brax from 5-7 (among them Moira Glennon and Rhett Thomas gifting us with song before Moira moves away from us – just to Atlanta, but still), Coyote Bones from 7:15-8:15, Corey Crowder from 8:30 – 9:30, Tron Jackson from 10-11:30, and MagTard from 12:00 until they tell you to get the eff out! That’s how they roll!

Of course, at the end of the block is the stage at the Hummingbird with Rabbi and Friends kicking it off from 5-5:30, Abby Owens from 5:45-6:15, Al K!ng (you worms) and Floco Torres from 6:30-7:15, Hank Vegas from 7:45-8:45, Loose Change Reunion featuring Chris Hicks from 9:15-10:45, Rusty Swinger Band from 11:15 – 12:15 and Money $hott from 12:45 until that sucker’s over with.

Away from Downtown Venues

While those are all the downtown venues, don’t forget there’s more just a little ways up the street. Although my rag-tag group won’t be humping it thataways, The Shamrock in Payne City (off of Vineville) has fantastic food and the great bands should definitely get a few of you out. Playing from 6-6:45 is Bonner Creek Bluegrass, Good Country People from 7:15-8, Mississippi John Doude from 8:30-9:30, Kevin Kinney from 10-11:30, and St. Francis from 12 until Dargan kicks yo ass out!

Up Riverside Drive (turn right at Forest Hill Road), you should find Rivalry’s stage. Order the wings, one of the many, many (and I mean many) beers they have and check out Stumbling Toads from 6-6:45, Rick Brantley from 7:15-8:15, Redfish Bluefish from 8:45-10, Deadstring Brothers from 10:30-12, and September Hase from 12:30 until they run out of beer (or it hits 2am).

Bragg Jam Surprise

Also, I bet you didn’t know this, but thanks to my girl Kim Brackett-Wold, Synergy in downtown Macon, while not officially part of Bragg Jam this year, has arranged it so that Bragg Jam participants can get in for free. You wanna thank her? Put a little something extra special in her tip jar when she makes your drink!

Downtown Cost $20 Tonight, But….

For those of you who just want to go downtown and chill out at a bar with a few buds and a couple of drinks, sorry, this is not the night to do it. Not on Cherry Street anyway. The sad news is that if you just want to hang out at the Hummingbird like you do every Saturday night, it’s gonna cost you $20. That’s the price you pay to have an event like this. I know, bummer, but at the same time, spend the $20, hear some bands you’ve probably never heard before and have some fun.

But if you absolutely refuse to do that,  you can turn the corner to MLK, Jr. Blvd and head to Envy, BJs. They will be more than happy to take your “ain’t ready to listen to live music” money. Win-Win!  Also, you can find your drinks and some damn good food at the restaurants that sit on Cherry and MLK, Jr. Blvd. Those restaurants that will be open? Lemongrass: A Thai Bistro, the Tic Toc Room, Luigi’s – all so yummy.

So what are you waiting for. Print out your .pdf, get out your highlighter like this big fat nerd, and see who’s musical heart you’re gonna break on Saturday. See you there!

For the most complete and up to date (it’s Macon, things change!) list of events, go to braggjam.org.

If you’re not leaving the city for the 4th of July, then has Macon got a surprise for you! And I mean surprise in a good way, not surprise in that walk-by-an-empty-storefront-doorway-and-meet-a-homeless-person-SURPRISE! -way. I mean in a more-than-your-money’s-worth-good-time-great-drinks-awesome-music-even awesomer friends- way. Man, Macon, I think I’m growing to love you!

Movies

First Friday is filled with lots of delicious goodies, including $1 beer, $1 pizzas for kids and a $1 movie at the Cox Capitol Theatre (Independence Day – how long has it been since you’ve seen THAT???) on 2nd Street. If you haven’t watched a movie AND eaten food and had a nice beverage in a long time (or ever) tonight’s the night to remind yourself of just how good it can be.

Giveaways

Robins Federal Credit Union is giving away a GPS navigation system to a lucky participant. Go to Robins Federal Credit Union or NewTown Macon (on Mulberry and Cherry Street respectively) and enter your name for a chance to win. Yours truly came in 2nd place in the First Friday Sombrero contest, earning $25 Downtown Dollars to spend at any restaurant of my choice a few months ago. I chose Tokyo Alley because I had been missing their cold noodles and cheese rolls. Mmmmm, so delicioso. So don’t think you can’t win. Go enter if step by step directions make your heart pitter patter. NewTown Macon is also hosting events in Third Street Park (at Cherry and Third) that includes sandcastle building and live music by Joey Stuckey. It’s been a while since I heard him, so I’m gonna have to go see if he remembers me!

Music -Drinks -Food: Oh My!

There are a number of spots open later for the 4th with meal specials or live performances. If you’ve missed out on Molly’s Cafe on Cherry Street because you don’t get downtown before 6pm, then tonight is the night because they have a prime rib special. Call to make reservations 478.744.9898. Market City’s kitchen will be open until 9pm where you know you’ll get good food and good drinks. Now I want a thin crust pizza from them. Greek Corner Deli will have a live band (which means they will be open late, which means you can grab yourself a gyro for your walk or before you go to the Arts Exchange!),Grant’s Lounge on Poplar Street will have Old Soul featuring Bo Ponder , The Rookery has live music by Jeremy and Ryan, Luigi’s Bistro will have live music by Josh Campbell and Jared Wright, which you should check out before heading over the the Hummingbird Stage and Taproom to rock out to MagTard (our Magnificent Bastard with a necessary, uncopyrighted name change) and their friends the Pinx! The admission is just $5, the drinks are good and that’s where you’ll see me if you want to tell me how fabulous I am!

The new spot for local music, the 567 Cafe will be hosting One Bad Catholic and Profound Breadth tonight, so give them a listen. I heard One Bad Catholic on the ones and twos at a City Council concert. Yeah, I’m gonna pop my head in.

Even though I had to go on a rage rampage on the Brackett-Wold porch because of the grilled cheese sandwich incident (if you’re not voting at Coffee Cake Extravaganza, you have been missing something), I will still give a shout out to Club Synergy’s Absolut Red and White party. Pay admission today for the “pre-party” with Absolut drink specials, get free cover to July 4th’s official Absolut Red and White party. They just want you to wear red and white to show that Independence Day pride. Unfortunately, I won’t be checking this one out, but I’ll wear white for solidarity!

Platinum Sound on Second Street will have live street performances as well as studio tours, so if you’ve ever wondered what was behind the blacked out windows (I know I have) now’s your chance to find out!

Stuff To Buy

Don’t forget about the Cotton Avenue/Cherry Street before Second Street “L” that is full of surprises. First, Cotton Avenue – Stop by Meadows Fine Jewelry for sales, music, drinks and snacks and tell my girl Kara, “What’s Up!!!” and maybe buy yourself a little something. Across the street at Treasure Vintage, you’re sure to find something uniquely for you. I got some jeans from there that makes my ass look great and actually fits, so I know you can find something for you. Plus, she always has a sale going, and who doesn’t like a sale? Also, check out Dot’s Forget-Me-Nots on Cherry Street. Have they got a sale for you!

Mid South Travel on Cherry Street will be open until 6:30pm, so if you’ve always wanted to set your sights on far off destination, I suggest you start there!

Studio 481 on Broadway will showcase artist Timothy Hedden’s Original Art Exhibit “Show and Sell”. This dude isn’t beating around the bush. Buy art!

4th of July and 5th of July

Ya’ll, that was JUST First Friday! – Saturday the 4th also has some interesting “doings” – like fireworks at Sandy Beach on Lake Tobesofkee (watch out for werewolves), Fort Hawkins fireworks, July 4th Park celebrations, and birthday parties at Envy (Happy Birthday, Fourth!). The 5th of July brings us Kung Fu Panda at the Cox Capital Theatre for just $5 – not including meal, which you can totally buy and EAT WHILE YOU’RE WATCHING THE MOVIE!!! I know, I get a little excited, but it’s something different and it’s something I love! Kung Fu Panda shows at 6pm. You can also catch College Hill Corridor’s FREE showing of Field of Dreams in Central City Park. You can start hanging out at 7:30, but the movie starts at nine. Pack a picnic (who doesn’t love a picnic?), grab some good friends and head on down. It’s free and you know you’ll have food leftover from your 4th of July festivities!

Damn, that’s a good looking weekend!