College Hill Corridor was definitely busy this weekend.

I used to be someone who said that there was nothing to do in Macon. That’s because I didn’t really know anybody and I didn’t take the time to get to know people, because it is this connection with people and the community that lets you know about things that are going on. There is always someone trying to keep us on top of what’s going on, whether it is NewTown Macon, the 11th Hour, MFood and Culture or little old me with this blog, and we want this community to get out and DO SOMETHING…

While it was a shame there weren’t more people there, those of us who were didn’t let that bother us. A free concert in a very beautiful part of downtown??? Hell yeah, sign me up! The free concert in question started with local acts Floco Torress, Al K!ng, and City Council (sans 2/3 of the Paper Street Band – Shawn did show up to play guitar) before Incredible Sandwich and the Dexateens took the stage for longer sets.

I am not a performer, nor will I ever be one, but even I can understand why it’s important to the performer that we really get into what we are listening to. Have you ever been to a concert and felt like, “this shit is dead!” My question to you is, “what were you doing? Were you standing there like a lump, or were you up there singing along, getting in their faces, letting them know that you are listening?” Because if you’re standing there like a lump and so is everyone around you, you bring down the energy of the performer and the show. Unlike computers, people usually only give what they take. And when a performer gets hype, it is usually because their audience is hype. Don’t believe me, check out a few shows and change your actions and see how much more fun it could be.

I’m speaking from experience. And our local acts need it. They aren’t as big as the traveling acts making their way to us, so they need us to know their songs and sing their songs so that if anyone comes through and sees them for the first time, it will be just that much better. And our behaviour convinces them to up their game mainly because I’m not gonna get hype just because you’re my friend. You have to bring your A-game every time. I want you to succeed, local musician, not get lazy because you know I’ll always be there dancing in the front row. I promise you, get lazy and I’ll stop showing up.

Yes, that was a threat.

Downtown Look Around – Floco Torres, Al K!ng, & City Council

Truth time. This past Friday at the Free Concert for the Downtown Look Around sponsored by College Hill Corridor, Floco Torres, and Al K!ng blew me away. They are doing it every time I see them on the stage. I’m not a big fan of hip hop and I only gave these two a chance because they were nice guys, but once you get to your second or 3rd listening of their albums or hear them live, you realize they have true talent. As for City Council, they have their moments. Perry Valentyne was on it that night. I’d never seen him more animated or on top of his game. In that setting, out on the square in front of the Terminal Station at the end of Cherry Street, you really miss the Paper Street Band. I heard City Council perform for the American Red Cross benefit about a month ago and I was afraid that I wasn’t going to enjoy them as much because they were without the band, but they were awesome. Some of the songs I’d never heard before, the lyrics were on point, their flow was relentless and they had me dancing, front and center, and enjoying myself. In that show, Jubee was excellent and I realized that he could be as good as he says he is. Once again, I have to stress that I’m not a big hip hop fan and knowing Jubees and Valentyne’s sense of humour, find some of their lyrics more funny than enticing, but at the same time, being a rock baby, I love it when the bass, guitar and drums are in play. I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, but I also want my guys (because in truth, I consider every musician in Macon, that I’ve gotten to know and love, mine) to continue growing as artist and to blow up like they deserve.

Downtown Look Around – Incredible Sandwich & The Dexateens

Incredible Sandwich… when they did the jam band thing, I like it, but everything else was just okay. It was the Dexateens that blew me away. So, because there were no drinks, nothing, not even water (let’s remedy that for next year), we were at BJs talking amongst ourselves, buying each other drinks. I saw Jessica Walden heading out and she calls back that the Dexateens are starting. We leave maybe about 5 minutes or so later and catch them at the end of a song. The last strains of alt-country wafting in the breeze, I’m thinking to myself, jeez, do I really want to hear alt country tonight?

My honey is a fan of alt-country, though he’s been rockin’ Jay-Z’s The Black Album lately, so I’ve listened to my fair share of alt country. After the hip hop earlier, I’m not sure I’m all about switching it up. But I’m dedicating myself to the cause so I stay. And boy am I glad I did. They’re like a heavy metal alt country where there is toe tapping and head banging a plenty. I renewed my 6pm sweat and then tromped to the ‘Bird to maybe get a chance to tell them just how great they were. I wish I could give you a better, musical review of their show, but I will just say if you like your country with a metal edge or your metal with a strum and a twang – or if you fancy that you haven’t heard that I will definitely say the Dexateens are one to check. They guys were all super nice as well and seemed to appreciate the new fans.

The ‘Bird – Macon Greyson

The ‘Bird had a band that was about to go on and I begrudgingly gave my $5. I wasn’t here to listen to them, but by another happy chance, the band, Macon (no relation) Greyson was another country rock hybrid. I barely listened at first, but when my girl K asked if I wanted to go up and dance, I joined her and finally started paying attention. By the time the lead guitarist pulled out a banjo (and later, a slide guitar), I was egging them on. “Play more banjo! Play more banjo!” The music was good and I will never again pass by the ‘Bird with a Macon Greyson sign as if I have no clue the good music they will have in store. The guys were also kind enough to give away a CD. On the stage, you could tell they truly loved what they were doing. I see musicians making all kinds of faces as they get into it their music, but, like Abby Owens at Bragg Jam, there was something so beatific about the looks on their faces as the music streamed from their fingers and into the mics. They were the purveyors of music and on the stage, performing, is exactly where each of them belonged.

It was more than a lovely night. It was a night that anyone who claims to love music truly, heartbreakingly, missed out on if they weren’t a part of it.

I missed Second Sunday Brunch. If you went to Second Sunday Brunch in the park, add your take of the event to the comments.

I still have hearing loss.

If you were a part of Bragg Jam, you were a part of something rich. It was overflowing with music, good food, and friends tromping around with you from stage to stage. If you didn’t wear sneakers like I told you too, I know your feet hurt worse than mine. Legs, shoulders, neck – all hurt from dancing. How can you help it. Every show, we were right near the front, speakers blaring, everybody dancing. How awesome was it?

The Music

City Council must get stoned! At least that’s what City Council member Rabbi Schlesinger sang when he covered Bob Dylan’s Rainy Day Lady # 12 & 35. I’m pretty sure that if Dylan were here, he would approve of the lyric change. The Bragg Jam board and friends had a tough time getting the Council to back them when it came to open containers. Final agreement: Bragg Jam could have open containers as long as they were responsible for the cost of cleanup. Way to go, City Council. The city makes money and you take some away from the charities they are supporting. Why in the hell do we keep voting your guys in when you don’t look after our best interests? I haven’t heard word of anything too bad happening from last night, although I did head home on foot around 2:30. Anything that happened after that would have happened anyway, open container or not. Politics aside, the Rabbi and Friends (friends being the members of MagTard as backing band, and vocals from Mayor Reichert) was frickin’ awesome. The Rainy Day Women cover was the funniest (the band could hardly play for laughing) and such a good cover and every news agency was represented in the front, taking it all down. When Mayor Reichert came on stage, the Rabbi said that he was going to put Reichert on the spot and ask him a few questions. Fortunately those questions were Blowing in the Wind. Such a great set. I think the Rabbi should become a permanent part of MagTard. Okay, we need him on City Council.

Next, we headed down to the Rookery where Friends of Brax were playing. Yes, it’s just like it sounds. Friends of Brax Bragg (who died in a car accident with his brother Tate Bragg, the namesake of this music festival) each had a set, so we went down to check and see when Rhett Thomas and Moira Glennon would be doing theirs. They were a little later, so that gave us just enough time to run back to the Hummingbird to check out Abby Owens. She was fantastic. I love her voice. It was part old-lady-been-smoking-everyday-of-my-life gravelly, part rock and roll song-bird. And she was radiant on the stage, probably the happiest I’ve ever seen her. She belongs on the stage. It was the first time I got to see her and the walk back was worth it. After hearing a few of Abby’s songs, we headed back to the Rookery for Rhett and Moira and fortunately got there right as they were starting. God, I love Moira’s voice! I hate that she’s going to be leaving Macon, but I’m glad that she and Ben are not that far away either.

After Rhett and Moira, I went to check out the Moaners. Hailing from Chapel Hill, NC, the duo really played a good set. They kind of reminded me of the White Stripes but with a female singer and a better drummer. The Honey says they were aggressive, minimalist alt-country. I’d believe him if I were you. Whatever you call it, they were very good.

Good music follows good music and we head back to the ‘Bird for Floco Torres and Al K!ng. They had a surprise for us, a real guitarist and drummer to give their hip hop beats a true rock edge. Although the show was plagued with sound issues (you couldn’t hear Al K!ng at all unless you were standing where I was, they couldn’t hear the song in their monitors – based on how often Floco had to go to the drummer to find his place, etc.) they did the damn thing. I still can’t understand how whoever was doing sound didn’t listen and say, “Hmmm, that don’t sound right!” Every time there has been a hip hop show at the ‘Bird, they have these kinds of problems. I’m glad that they welcome something that’s so far from their usual. They definitely make all of us feel welcomed there. They make everything else sound so good, so let’s do that for hip-hop next time, hmmm? Anyway. Okay, complaining aside, I loved their set. I’ve listened to Freakshow by Al K!ng a hundred times it seems. It’s my get ready for the morning song. If you see me driving down Riverside or Vineville dancing in my car, that’s what I’m dancing too. Al K!ng did the thing! But the best part was hearing Hot Like the Sun, which I’ve also listened to a hundred time and having Al K!ng actually do the remix. I think, for about 3 seconds, I turned into a screaming fan. It was just about the most awesome moment of my night, not because they were the best band (I’m still an indie rock girl at heart) but because they went from being two guys who are my friends to being two guys who have what it takes to make it big. I knew, at that moment, they no longer belonged to me and the rest of Macon. I’m not a big fan of rap (did I just out myself?) but I just became a big fan of Al K!ng and Floco Torres. Also, the band backing Floco on Hot Like the Sun made that song EVEN BETTER than I thought it was. You’re going to be singing that song for the rest of your life, Floco!

(Is it bad that I have to look at my itinerary to figure out what we did next?)

Oh yeah, we headed to the Yuengling Stage at 580 Cherry Street to catch City Council and the Paper Street Band (apparently, Paper Town was out of town). It is always a fun show! I think I finally sweat the curl out of my hair there, although the sweating and dancing didn’t stop there. I left to head to the Rookery for Coyote Bones. Heather Kemp, who is also Oh Dorian, is in this band. I liked them alright, but my mood watching this show deteriorated because of the Rookery.

I know they were busy and there were a lot of people milling around and trying to get drinks, but when I can’t get my water refilled and the only time I see someone is when I order, when the food comes and when THEY are ready to give me the check, then there needs to be a new system. More people working or a better “cover the room” workplan, something. Also, when I went back there at the end of the night for MagTard, I had to bus my own table. Some chick thought I worked there because the only person that’s supposed to bus tables is someone who works there. Rookery, you get nominated for a Bragg Jam fail!

Because of how things went at the Rookery, when I walked out to try to see if I could salvage my mood with some Trendlenberg, I heard him singing the Thousand Gallons song and I knew it was over. So I chatted it up with Floco Torres and waited for Oh Dorian to play. She let some friends play her first half, so I headed to Citizen Insane (who took the Roly-Bots spot because Justin Smith hurt himself the night before and the band didn’t play). Maybe it was here that I sweated the remaining curl out of my hair. It was so frickin’ fantastic. I hated that I had to leave halfway through to catch Oh Dorian, but I love that girl! She laughed and played her way through the set, which was good, but you could tell she’s ready to start doing her new stuff. I can’t wait. She had a sampler CD for sale and NEW SHIRTS, of which I must have both. EJ will be getting a call from me soon concerning those.

After Oh Dorian, we kind of found ourselves at loose ends. We ended up running down to Synergy (who let Bragg Jammers in for free) to say hey to Kim Brackett-Wold and get a drink. Then we found out they were going to have a drag show and since I hadn’t been to Synergy’s (shame on me!) we decided to check it out. Amazing! Deonna Sage, of course, rocked the house, but one of the girls, at the end, came out with what looked like black electrical tape that was “strategically” placed. That was effing phenomenal! Yes, ladies, I wish I’d known you would be there ahead of time. More people should have seen it, although if that room had gotten more crowded, I think I would have had to punch somebody.

After Synergy, we head to the Rookery for MagTard. When their set starts, they come out in what appears to be home made work out clothes and headbands. The saxophonist, Dan Zook, had yellow socks up to his knees and a shirt that declared him Old Man Zook, while Justin Cutway, bass player who is also known as Trendlenberg, had a shirt that said Little Miss Sunshine with these cool ass rainbow knee socks. We won’t talk about his shorts. Vinnie, the drummer, looked the same except he had a headband on, and Chris Nylund, the lead singer and guitarist had on a new MagTard shirt (Ellen Manas designed – a dinosaur eating people with MagTard as its spine) but on the back, it said El Hefe. Yes, Nylund is their leader. Fortunately, the sound was done right at the Rookery (thank you sound guy) and you could hear everyone playing, even Dan Zook stomping around the stage playing sax. I love these guys!

We left halfway through to check out Nomenclature, who were so loud and so good. They played such a good set, even calling Floco Torres, Jubee from City Council and Moira Glennon on stage for various songs. It was good to see Denny on stage again (it’s been a while for me, since I missed them at the Golden Bough the Tuesday before), but I hate that I missed Truffalina (The Honey said they were his favourite band of the night and may replace Roly-Bots *gasp* as his top band – We’ll see on August 8 when they play the ‘Bird). I heard they were really good.

Ahhhh, such good music. In part two, we will talk about the food (because, yes, there was food) and then we will get to the people – that means pictures and videos. Yay!

… how to put your schedule together.

Since I’m Facebook stalking all of the Bragg Jam posters that I’m friends with, it’s got Bragg Jam in my head all day. I can barely sit through work thinking about tomorrow. Maybe it’s just me. It’s weird, but when Macon has something to do, I love seeing everyone get excited about it.  Not that we don’t always have something going on, but big events like Bragg Jam are few and far between. So now that it’s almost here, the wait is almost over, who are you going to see?

First Things First

There is a trolley that will take you back and forth from the Shamrock and Rivalry’s back to downtown, so that drinking and driving can be a thing of the past. Also, Zingo, a kind of taxi serviced, except instead of a taxi, they use your car, is offering $5 off for anyone wearing a Bragg Jam wrist band. If you live downtown, just walk yo’ ass home!

Next Things Next

So, how are you dividing up the acts? I’ve heard that some people are going to see the acts they don’t see constantly. They will be checking out the Cox Capital Theatre stage, heading out to the Shamrock and Rivalrys and checking out the Rookery to get an earful of new folks giving the music enthusiasts in Macon a show. Some I know will be checking out local acts. If they like them, they will create more fans who will be at more shows in the future. I’m pretty sure I know where my husband will be from 8:45-9:45.

All About Me & Mine

I will be checking out local acts with a few others thrown in. I want to check out T-Bird and the Breaks, so maybe I’ll see the last part of their show after I leave Oh Dorian. I have to thank Roly-Bots for such a great show last night. I’m catching Oh Dorian at the 567 instead of them, but now I can do it without guilt because I drove to Milledgeville for those suckas and will prolly be driving to Auburn to see them later this year (and to see Little Sister, of course!). I was only going to see Citizen Insane at 5, but when I found out there was Dylan to be had at the ‘Bird, I decided to do a 50/50 split with the hour. I heard Mayor Reichert is gonna sing as well. If it’s anything like the 11th Hour’s Readers Choice Awards, it is definitely a spot you want to hit. I’ll be checking out Al K!ng and Floco Torres (and hopefully getting both of their new releases along with their summer collaboration plus new shirts done by Magnolia Street T-Shirt Company (that last part is a secret, but the shirts are hot). Speaking of shirts, Trendlenberg has a cool new shirt, also courtesy MSTSC, and I will be splitting my time between his set at the 567 and City Council with the Paper Street Band at the Yuengling Stage. I’ll also be running between MagTard at the Rookery and Nomenclature at the Yuengling stage and if Rhett and Moira don’t play at the Rookery with Friends of Brax between 5:45 and 6:15, I will finally be able to get an earful of Abby Owens.

Phew! The Honey is checking out mainly all visitors and once he knows about the Trolley service to the Shamrock, may head out for some bluegrass, but from 8:45-9:45, he will be firmly entrenched at the Yuengling stage for day 3 of wearing his Roly-Bots shirt. I love that man.

Videos To Share?

Anyway, I hope I can get some video from Saturday night to post here for those of you who picked this weekend to go out of town, who are too tired to make it, too broke in this economy (I feel you on that one!), too entrenched in your stereotypes of downtown Macon, too “scared” of the hip hop acts and possible black people (yes, I read the comments on macon.com and can’t see the joke in them if it’s there), too afraid to do something that seems too white, too stupid for your own good.

If you have video that you upload for the event, leave a link in the comments and I’ll write a post that will link others to your video. For those of us who could make it to Bragg Jam, it will be a wellspring of memories. A fount of memories. A record of the events of that night, just in case you need it. See you there!

The Honey and I got an early start on Bragg Jam when he drove us down to Milledgeville to listen to Roly-Bots at Buffingtons. Everyone loved my Magnificent Bastard t-shirt (got stopped several times on the way in and out with someone pointing at my chest and giving a thumbs up). We ordered a pitcher of the best beer they had on tap, AmberBock, and watched Trendlenberg use his Nintendo DS to kick out the jams. Then, in their worst show to date, Roly-Bots ROCKED IT OUT! I have the sore muscles to prove it. Yeah, Bragg Jam is gonna be magnificent. Speaking of magnificent…

I just found out who the “and friends” are for the Rabbi’s set at the ‘Bird at 5. MagTard! I know that other places likes to christen them “The MagTard” which may be technically true, but our MagTard (formerly Magnificent Bastard) comes solidly without the “the” and ready to rock. So if you like Bob Dylan, rabbis, and the MagTard, you need to be at the ‘Bird at 5 with wrist bands on!

A last minute addition to the Bragg Jam lineup is Sonia Leigh at Rivalry’s at 7:15.

I don’t know if you know this, but if you are going to take part in an eating contest, you don’t try to be as hungry as possible. You want your stomach to be as big as possible. So you eat a lot as training. Let’s think of tonight as Bragg Jam training. Go out to your favourite spots. You know you want to be front row center to catch the Rabbi and MagTard rocking Dylan’s Roling Stone, or see Al K!ng in that limelight, or tap your toe to bluegrass at the Shamrock. So go see those places tonight, find yourself a spot, and enjoy the night because if you don’t build that music muscle, Bragg Jam is gonna get the best of you!

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!

There’s too much talent in this city.

We remember Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers and we think about all of the famous musicians that called Macon their home or, for a time, made Macon their musical stomping ground. The sheer, heart stopping reality of the number of historic acts that have played at the Douglass Theatre or at the old Capital Theatre is amazing. We look back at that time and wonder, why aren’t we there again? Or are we there and you just haven’t recognized it?

First, if people would just go out and give themselves a couple of hours to listen, they would find that that same talent exists. Whether you’re kickin’ it at a Local 478 show or checking out the Hummingbird weekly for new bands, you can not deny what I’m saying is true.

A few weeks ago, while I was at Rivalrys watching Magnificent Bastard and Floco Torres, my husband stuck it out at The Hummingbird for Roly-Bots. A band from Atlanta had traveled down to open for them and he said you could tell from their between song patter that they were disappointed by the lack of crowd reaction and interaction. My husband was clear. He was there for Roly-Bots. The Atlanta band would have to wow them for the crowd to do anything but twiddle their thumbs until Jared, Justin, and Jason were on stage. After the Atlanta band was done, my husband was talking with a couple of people and mentioned that the Atlanta band wasn’t really all that good, unfortunately right in earshot of the lead singer of said band. He felt bad for a millisecond, but, being a fan of truth, didn’t dwell on it.

It wasn’t until Roly-Bots were playing in full force that he happened to glance the member of the Atlanta band, who had stayed around to hear the group all these people were suddenly alive for. He said the looks on their faces said, “No wonder they didn’t respond to us…” Yes, Atlanta band, Roly-Bots frakkin’ rock!

It’s not just the Roly-Bots. While they have the most polished and unique sound (and are the favourite band of everyone from Magnificent Bastard to Al K!ng – that’s from rock(ish) to hip hop, if you don’t know the names) of the local groups – and they also have the most unifying sound for the very diverse group of downtown dwellers and visitors, there are other great bands in the area.

From singer/songwriters [Oh Dorian, Aaron Irons, Trendlenberg to name a few] to DJs to rock bands [Magnificent Bastard, Citizen Insane] to hip hop [Doski Wo, Al K!ng, Floco Torres and others] to weird hybrid mixes [City Council mixes hip-hop/rap/rock/metal very well] to the just plain weird, i.e., experimental [Robot Folk Junkies] that play from Tuesday – Saturday (and sometimes on Monday, if the Hummingbird is up for it) at places ranging from Golden Bough Bookstore, the 567, the Hummingbird, Rivalrys and Envy (once again to name a *few*) there is no shortage of live music you can have if you like music.

It’s a plea, of sorts, to start taking a chance on your city. It’s a plea for you to participate now, when you can see any number of these band for 5 bucks for ALL, not apiece. I’ll bet the people who didn’t see Otis when he was free wish they had been their from the beginning. There are a few of the bands mentioned here that I can see making it, if they don’t give up. If they get the support they need. If we *buy* their albums and tshirts and stickers. And if they make it, I will be like a proud mother hen because I gave them all the support I could give and then I talked them up whenever I could. Even if you can’t buy a damn thing, at least come hear them and then talk about them to your friends.

We’re on the verge of history in the making. I would hate for you to miss it.

When I heard that Envy was showing Cult Movies on Tuesday nights, I was all for it, but when I wrote about it, I got a comment that said it sounded like a terrible idea. I know, it could have been someone who wanted to just be negative, or maybe it was someone who seriously thought it was a bad idea.

I realize that if I hadn’t seen most of these movies, I wouldn’t want to watch it for the first time with people saying the lines, raucous outbursts of laughter and people talking over the movie the entire time, but the set up is this: Roger picks a movie, some cult classic that most of us have seen before. Most of these movies are the movies you’ve watched a million times on TBS. He also puts together a drink special based on different quotes from the movie, which always ends up being good and inexpensive.

Just got back from watching I’m Gonna Git You, Sucka! and I have to say that I have to keep Tuesday night movies on my list of nights I go out and do something. You should join me for crazy cult movies, drinks and laughter.

If you think the only thing to do at a bar is drink, you’d be sadly mistaken.

I just finished playing trivia at Red Eye Tavern, where I had some pleasing corn chowder. Then I headed to the ‘Bird for IVP and ladies night. The ‘Bird is still serving up food for happy hour and the crowd is growing from that first night.

Speaking of crowds, there looks to be a good group watching Rear Window at the Douglass and I will get to experience DJ Montalban, Jr. and Nomenclature’s front man Denny on the ones and twos.

And I walked to all these locations. I LOVE living downtown.

Cult movies at Envy? Yes, please.

I know Roger Riddle didn’t win best bartender at Sunday’s Foodie! Awards, and I do like Paula’s drink-making, but I became a believer when I had my first Roger Riddle dirty martini. Add to that the deliciously cheesy movie, the Goonies, where pirate treasures abound and kids save the day, and you have a perfect recipe for a Tuesday night.

So I thought I would have to choose between the wine tasting at Wine Styles or the new Cult Movie Night at Envy, but it turns out, the movie doesn’t start until 9pm. That doesn’t mean you can’t get their early. It just means getting there late makes you miss the Goonies.

So if your Tuesday night is in kind of a rut and the thought of watching another episode of American Idol makes you want to shoot yourself in the face, come out to Envy tonight and every Tuesday night for a different cult movie. I have it on good authority there will be some pretty good movies that hold a lot of memories for a lot of us (Star Wars trilogy, Golden Child, Dolemite, The Princess Bride, Blazing Saddles, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, etc.) and if you want to scream out the lines and enjoy a cocktail with your flick, then this is definitely where you want to be.

Envy is downtown on MLK next to TicToc.