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(09/12/14 1:08am)
I will be the first to admit that I did not truly appreciate being a sorority member my freshman year. It was fun and all, but toward the end of my freshman year - when I would leave Mercer - I was disillusioned. It is the same as any family unit; there will be times when you are done with one another. I came back to Mercer as a senior and would still be there in my fifth year. This was when I started to truly understand my sisterhood and to appreciate these ladies with whom I shared a ritual and core values.
But it was years later as a 29-year-old woman with two kids and in the midst of a divorce that I would really “get it.” These ladies, whom I would get to know as a member of the Greater Macon Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Chapter, were there for me in ways that no one else was. However, the Greek experience is not just limited to those within one’s own organization. When Nick Whitlock, a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Mercer, was killed overseas, I saw our Greek community come together as a whole like I never have before. I did not know him well, but he was my age; his wife is a Phi Mu from Mercer, just a few years younger than me.
While in college, I’ve seen those who are not Greek make fun of those who are - but unless you have experienced this brother- and sisterhood, it is something you cannot understand. Yes, it is a membership organization that we pay to be a part of, but that does not make us unlike any other dues collecting organization. What makes us different is that each of us has a secret ritual that we hold dear, each of us considers our organization to make us brothers and sisters - but it is the same for the Greek community as whole. Yes, after you graduate you will have moments when you are able to network and make connections because of your Greek affiliation, but it also teaches you that there is a world bigger than your own, and no matter where you may go in this world, you will find others who understand and have something in common with you.
(01/22/14 9:00pm)
I have to admit it—I put this article off. My schedule always seems to catch up with me at the last minute and I’m rushing to put out an article in the only five minutes I have to spare. Between being a mom to two very en- ergetic kids, starting a business and hiring interns, maintaining a blog, starting grad school and working as the local editor for this paper—whew! And that doesn’t even cover everything.
So when I was driving home from my second graduate class meeting on the Atlanta campus, it hit me that I could make a slight detour to Forsyth and hit up Jonah’s on Johnston to cover this article.
I’ve eaten Jonah’s pizza many times but not in their actual location. You see, they’ve brought pizza to the Wesleyan Market many times and it usually hits the spot—especially right when my kids have realized they haven’t had lunch yet and are super whiny. They also make this amazing homemade bread. Give up carbs for a diet? Yeah right, as if!
I made the detour into Historic Forsyth to mosey on along to East Johnston street and found I wasn’t the only one catching a late 3 p.m. lunch. I was also greeted with an array of homemade breads and figured I really should take some home. I ordered, along with my pepperoni pizza, a loaf of Bleu Cheese Multigrain bread as well as a small apple pie. I’m pretty sure they thought I had lost my mind until they saw my camera. (The camera generally gives away the fact that I am writing an article.)
The young lady assisting me suggested I try their Blush sauce, which is a mix of their white and red sauces. I generally like to go with whatever the staff suggest, so I tried it.
I can’t say I regretted the decision at all. The blush sauce had a light taste to it but still more than enough flavor to satisfy. I had to go ahead and eat two slides right there before making my way home. They were even nice enough to throw in a brownie for my wait.
The Bleu Cheese Multigrain bread was pretty awesome as well, with just enough cheese in it to add a taste but not so much as to overwhelm. It was really great with the spaghetti and Arrabiatta sauce I made for dinner later that evening.
Oh and the apple pie? Let me just say, I’m not a pie person, unless it’s chocolate or something with a graham cracker crust. Fruit pies just never have done it for me. This was so good that I even had to say, “Screw my workout later that evening,” and devour it at midnight (with vanilla ice cream too!).
Forget that I’m over 30 and can literally gain pounds overnight. It was worth it. I haven’t checked myself on the scales yet, but I’m waiting until I can get to the gym to do that.
I would definitely suggest making the drive to Forsyth to grab lunch or dinner at Jonah’s. They also have a fantastic beer selection, and Forsyth itself also brags the second location for Ashley Marie’s boutique, so you can get some shopping in as well.
As an aside, do you think you have what it takes to be our next food writer? Be sure to email your writing samples to me!
(11/20/13 3:37am)
A church that survived the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement now faces possible destruction by 21st century progress. The cornerstone of Tremont Temple Baptist Church, located on Forsyth Street in downtown Macon, was laid in 1900. It’s congregation formed in 1897 and met in a home on Cotton Avenue until the structure at Forsyth Street was built.
However a demolition order and the construction of a new Dunkin’ Donuts could erase this historic building. Historic Macon, whose mission according to their website is “ to revitalize our community by preserving architecture and sharing history,” sent out an email on Nov. 7 stating a demolition order had been put in place for the building. Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission met on Nov. 12 to discuss the demolition request placed by The Summit Group, the realtor for Tremont Temple, on behalf of Tremont Temple, who has a contract from a buyer for the property. Typically when placing a request to alter a historic building, the party making the request would meet with the Design and Review board, however this step was not met and the church requested to meet with Planning and Zoning instead.
Julie Groce is the current president of the InTown Macon Association and served on the Design and Review Board. “Normally the process is that the design and review board rules [on matters likes this] and sends a recommendation to Planning and Zoning, and Planning and Zoning either upholds or denies,” she said. “Without that step, we lose a step in the Design and Review board process. Because they are different processes, Design and Review board doesn’t have time limits set on discussion like they do in Planning and Zoning, and there is often more time to sit and work with applicants to find a solution.”
“The important part for all us is that demolition is the ultimate alteration of a historic property, so when you are going to be that dramatic in your application, I think that application deserves the most discussion rather than less discussion,” said Groce.
Jim Rollins of The Summit Group said in a letter presented at the planning and zoning meeting, “We did not skip Design and Review board. They skipped us.” He later told The Cluster, “The people of the Design and Review board did not show up, so [the client] asked for me to present this to [Planning and Zoning] because they are the decision makers.”
Rollins said in his letter that the potential buyer of the property would like to use the bricks and set up a plaque to the historical significance of the structure. Rollins also said that there was a potential buyer for the pews and stained glass windows, which would reduce the value of the church.
“I have not seen any evidence of a contract [to buy the pews and stained glass windows.] I do not believe there is a signed contract for the purchase of the windows,” said Rogers.
Rollins would not disclose who the buyer is, saying he could not release the buyer's name without asking permission first. Asked if the buyer was local to Macon, Rollins said, "They are."
Rollins also stated in his letter that the building does not sit on the historic registry. In response the Executive Director of Historic Macon, Josh Rogers said, “The church is irrefutably listed on the National Register. The State Historic Preservation Office or the National Park Service can confirm. The structure is a contributing building to the National Register district known as the Macon Historic District.”
Rollins went on to say in his letter, presented at the planning and zoning meeting, that the church estimates the repair costs to be upwards of $300,000. In a later interview, Rogers said that “construction costs totally depend on use. I think they could be much higher than $350,000 for say a food court, but the total cost would be less than building new, and would easily [make money], even at the current acquisition price.”
The building as it stands now was left without a tarp over the roof, exposing a portion of the roof to water damage. Asked if it was common for a building to be vacated without a tarp over the roof, Rogers said, “Unfortunately, yes. Macon does not have the best laws encouraging maintenance. While demolition is prohibited, what we call ‘demolition by neglect’ is not.”
Dr. Andrew Manis, professor of history at Middle Georgia State College and author of “Macon Black and White” said, “The memory of the [Civil Rights] movement will continue regardless of [if the building is there].” He later said that white church should take “the lead to purchase the building for the sake of history.”
Manis said that such an action would be “symbolic, it symbolizes the effort to be conciliatory. An intentional and collective act that says we were wrong back then in not supporting integration.”
Rollins and The Summit Group are also looking to tear down another property in Georgia. The Cherokee Market in Canton, a produce market, is currently owned and operated by Lisa Meyer.
According to a Nov. 14 article by Joshua Sharpe in the Cherokee Tribune, “Meyer doesn’t appear to be alone in her push to save the building, which was built in 1935 by Edwin Bell Sr. as a general store, from developer Jim Rollins, who plans to buy the land her market sits on at the corner of Highway 20 and Union Hill Road to build a Flash Foods gas station.”
The Cherokee Tribune said that Rollins and his company are still in the process of purchasing the property. They are not sure whether or not they will tear the store down. According to the article, Rollins is looking at alternatives to tearing the building down.
Another article in the Cherokee Tribune said, “Residents in the Estates at Brooke Park are preparing to stand their ground against a Macon-based developer’s plans to build a gas station at the only entrance of their neighborhood on Highway 20.”
The Cluster attempted to reach Rollins for comment, but a phone call and email were left unanswered.
Historic Macon now has a form on their website asking people to sign a pledge to save Tremont Temple.
“Every single historic building is unique, and therefore our response to save and restore them is equally varied. In this case, what I think is unfair is demolishing a part of our shared history for no reason,” said Rogers. “The laws against demolition exist to protect the public and make sure the next generation gets to experience history through our buildings. To me, the value of the land without the building is immaterial and these laws were passed specifically to prevent buildings from being removed just in case the land was perceived as more valuable. The usual process is that a salvageable building is denied a demolition permit.”
On subject of white churches purchasing the church, Manis, who is also a Baptist minister, said, “It would be a radical act of reconciliation—white Macon has never done a radical act for the sake of reconciliation. By doing something, this would transcend the smaller issue [of the church being demolished or not] but instead would say what black Americans did with the Civil Rights movement made us better and made America better.”
(11/10/13 3:24am)
With the changing weather upon us, I found myself with a bit of a cold this week. In all fairness, I thought it was best to sub a writer in for me so that my taste test would not be thrown off! Who better to feature this week than Molly Wilkins, Local Editor herself. Enjoy her review of local hot-spots for soup and chili, and I'll be back next week!
I am a big fan of food in general, but there’s just something about soup or chili that is extra special. I’ll eat it year round, but the weather when it’s just starting to get cold seems to make it all the better. So it made sense to write about this type of food right when our weather is finally starting to feel the chill of fall.
Harpin’s Bistro
I find not many Mercer students are aware of this gem in Payne City. Perhaps you have heard of a musician named Mick Jagger? You would probably know him as the Jagger that Adam Levine of Maroon 5 refers to in the song “Moves Like Jagger”. In case you aren’t aware, Mick Jagger is the front band for The Rolling Stones. I promise there is a connection here. Well, Paul Harpin –owner and chef behind Harpin’s Bistro- was once the personal chef to Mick Jagger (I told you there was a connection)! Harpin was brought to Macon because of Capricorn Records and the executives there wanting a first class restaurant to bring clients to, as a result we still have Harpin here. Not only does he serve up great food, but great stories as well. Go in there and ask him about how he witnessed Gregg Allman propose to Cher.
But back to the food. I get the crab and corn chowder all year long. It’s amazingly buttery and good. There’s just the right amount of corn and cream and crab- not any one element overpowers the other. But a warning, you need to get there early before it’s gone!
Margarita’s at Mercer Village
I honestly would not have thought about going Mexican for soup, but after some crowdsourcing via Facebook, I thought I’d give it a try. Now, I was told that their chicken soup is the most popular but I thought I’d buck the trend and go for the Taco Soup. Honestly, I’m glad I did.
Hearty beef, tomato, black beans and corn filled the bowl with just a dollop of sour cream and a pinch of cheese. Yummy! It would not have been my first choice simply because I generally would have, like everyone else, opted for chicken soup. But in the spirit of journalism and experimental taste buds I went for the Taco. Trust me- if you like any of those ingredients you will very much enjoy this soup. Which really, to me, seemed more like a chowder because it was just so filled with veggies and meat.
Let’s Do Lunch at Super Supper’s
Super Supper’s is a casserole shop on Forsyth Road which also has Let’s Do Lunch, well, at lunch. I do not really like tomato bisque, so I never expected to be sold on a red pepper bisque, but OH MY GOD- it’s addicting. I have been consuming this soup ever since they introduced it around three years ago. And I’m still going back.
Adriana’s
I’ve been getting the lobster bisque here ever since I was in college- the first go ‘round, back in 2005 (gosh I’m really giving away my age). My mom and I would make it a lunch date every Friday just for the lobster bisque. It’s a dish that’s really easy to mess up if you aren’t careful.
(10/26/13 3:41am)
The College Hill Alliance was awarded two awards from the International Economic Development Council. The first was a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for it’s efforts to recruit businesses and to encourage neighborhood revitalization in the College Hill Corridor. The second was a Silver Award in the category of Neighborhood Development Initiatives. The awards were presented on Oct. 8 during the IEDC Conference, held in Philadelphia from Oct. 6-9.
“It’s been really fun that the idea for College Hill was the idea of four mercer students and that people who are 20-21 years old are now responsible for a 78 million dollar revitalization project. That’s where we are today with the investment,” said Knight Foundation Program Director Beverly Blake. The Knight Foundation helped to start the College Hill Alliance with a $2 million grant. The idea for the Alliance came from four Mercer students.
Alex Morrison, now the executive director for the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority, was one of those students. “Never take your projects lightly, or think that they’re just going on a shelf somewhere or are just for a grade. When you see something, and it’s really the Mercer way, you have to translate your studies into some type of need in world. That’s what I learned here and I’ve made a career out of that. It was all because of a project that originally we thought was a blow off class, senior capstone, we saw that there really was a need in the world and a void that we could fill and a message to be heard,” said Morrison.
Beverly Blake went on to say, “ Students: we are right across the street, College Hill Alliance is. There are internships available, there are volunteer opportunities available, and we want to continue to encourage ideas. And I think that’s the most important thing, if you have an idea for the Corridor come tells us.”
Students, as well as other members of the community will have that chance during the next Knight Neighborhood Challenge. The Challenge allows anyone with an idea for the College Hill Corridor to submit it to the Knight Foundation with the chance to win grant money. “ Dec. 31 is the next deadline for the Knight Neighborhood Challenge and it’s is open to anyone: individuals, nonprofits, for-profits, groups, clubs and anyone who has an idea to make this a more vibrant neighborhood,” said Blake. When asked if she would encourage students to submit ideas, Blake said “ absolutely and the application process is really easy and we would love to see [their ideas], we’ve had some fantastic projects from the students already.”
Morrison continued to say of the Corridor idea, “we didn’t let it die and something truly, increasingly great has happened. So I think everyone should dive full tilt into what they do here and make sure that they are always taking that next step of taking their classroom learning out into the world and finding that void to fill, either rhetorically or workwise. But you really can make something happen here because you have the ability and the credibility of being a Mercer student. That’s what you have as a Mercer student you have instant credibility in this town.”
(10/26/13 3:36am)
The Second Sunday finale concert, put on by the College Hill Alliance, went out with a bang. Singer Percy Sledge, whose hits include “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Take Time to Know Her”, graced the stage with his return to Macon. Sledge and The Bluesmasters performed for a crowd of around 5,000 people.
In the 60’s, Sledge was working with Capricorn Records, launched in Macon, and fell in love with the city. He later purchased a house in a prestigious and predominantly white community that was also home to the star Otis Redding. Sledge had intentions of moving to and living in Macon. However, because of the ongoing issues with segregation at the time, his new house was burned, and Sledge decided to remain in his home in Alabama.
The College Hill Alliance program was able to book Sledge to perform at their finale concert on Oct. 13, where Sledge finally made a return to the town he once loved so much. In an interview with The Cluster staff, Percy Sledge shared that “just coming back to Macon brings back some wonderful, wonderful memories and I’m looking forward to it.”
“People tend to forget how many artists started here… so bringing them back shows the history of Macon and gets people more excited [to learn] about our city and what originated here,” said Kaitlyn Jones, an intern working with the College Hill Alliance.
The last concert of the year brought an immense amount of people together from the community. Parking became limited because of the amount people attending the event, causing people to park several blocks away from Washington Park, where the concert was held. The trolleys from Mercer University ran constantly throughout the concert, bringing students to the park and giving them a chance to connect with people from all over Macon, while sharing an appreciation of music.
“I went to the last Second Sunday and there couldn’t have been more than 500 people. This time, the number was in the thousands. I had to park in front of St. Joseph and walk to the park… There were even people crowded behind the stage because there was no more room to sit in front of the stage. The last Second Sunday was more relaxed and less crowded, but this past one was so much more fun and energized,” said Aurora Vadini who has attended multiple Second Sunday concerts.
According to College Hill’s website, the College Hill Alliance was created by a three-year, $2 million grant from the Knight Foundation. The College Hill Alliance is a grant function of Mercer University that came into effect in 2009. In 2012, the Knight Foundation awarded an additional $2.3 million toward continuing the College Hill Alliance's work to expand its guidance in assisting new entrepreneurs in the College Hill Corridor area as well as to continue building and strengthening the bond between the members of Macon’s community.
“College Hill’s whole idea is to get out into the community, but also we have all these resources through Mercer, and if we can use our resources at Mercer and get out there in the community [and] kind of partner with them it just brings everyone together for the common goal, which is to make Macon better,” said Jones.
Sledge said that “[singing] has brought me a great career and the main thing [it] has brought me is joy because I make people happy… I think singing really developed my life [and] is something that makes my life complete. I never felt that it’d take me so far in life.” The city of Macon was able to connect and bond through his music Sunday.
When asked about his opinion regarding how far the nation has come since desegregation, Sledge said “I’m from Alabama and I love Alabama and we never had problems like [segregation]; we just loved one another and worked together and sung together [and] work in the fields together for years. We always did things together.”
Sledge came from a humble background and never thought he would be a musician, but when he was a teenager, he realized that he wanted to go into music because music is what he really loves. “I never thought I’d be a musician, though, because for the longest time I loved and wanted to play baseball. I thought I was going to be a baseball player. I wasn’t really sure what was ahead of me in life. But when I was about 15 or 14 is when I thought to myself and felt that I just might be a singer. But all my people and I worked out in fields and all of them would always tell me that I would be a singer one day and I managed to do so,” said Sledge.
Throughout his career, Sledge has had the opportunity to travel the world and meet a variety of people. Though he considers himself to be a “country boy,” he finds good hearts in many of those he meets. “I know people born and raised in [cities like] New York, and they’re really wonderful people. There’s all types of people in this world with big hearts and [they] have love and kindness… I don’t think its just country boys that got big hearts I think those types of people can come from anywhere,” said Sledge.
“I think believing in [myself] is one of those things that has helped me get through my life. I always thank God for what he’s put in front of me and I thank the Lord for everything he’s done for me,” said Sledge. Sledge reminds young people to believe in themselves and to “put their heart and soul into to everything they do.”
Sledge’s actions and words reflect a similar meaning and purpose to that of the College Hill Alliance. Many kinds of people throughout the community will continue to come together with planned events such as Second Sunday concerts.
(10/26/13 3:34am)
Mayor Robert A. B. Reichert has claimed victory in a runoff over former mayor C. Jack Ellis for the new consolidated Macon-Bibb government. As of Tuesday night, all 40 precincts reported; Reichert won 39 precincts with a total 25,899 votes cast for Reichert and 15,182 for Ellis.
“To those people who did not vote for me, I want to say come join us,” Reichert said. He continued, “When we first ran for mayor of Macon back in 2007, the inaugural address said move on, move in, move up, and now with this consolidation with Bibb County, I think we’re ready to take our position again as the premier city, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
Reichert secured his race with 63 percent of the vote. When asked if he considered that win to be a mandate from voters, Reichert said “I’d call it a strong margin of victory. We just want to remind everyone of our goal of working together, because only when we work together can we expect to achieve our success.”
Other runoff races included Adah Roberts and Ed Defore, Beverly Olson and Mallory Jones, Rev. Charles Jones and Virgil Watkins, and Rabbi Larry Schlesinger and Henry Ficklin. While Defore, Mallory Jones and Watkins each secured their runoff wins above the 1 percent necessary for a recount, Schlesinger did not, winning his race by 27 votes. That race will undergo a recount of votes.
(10/16/13 2:21pm)
Mayor Robert A. B. Reichert has claimed victory over former-mayor C. Jack Ellis for the new consolidated Macon-Bibb government. As of Tuesday night, all 40 precincts reported; Reichert won 39 precincts with a total 25,899 votes cast for Reichert and 15,182 for Ellis.
“To those people who did not vote for me I want to say come join us,” Reichert said, “When we first ran for mayor of Macon back in 2007, the inaugural address said move on, move in, move up, and now with this consolidation with Bibb County, I think we’re ready to take our position again as the premier city and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
(10/13/13 11:43pm)
I’d like to think I’m somewhat of a fashion expert, after all I have had a local fashion column for around seven years and my blog, www.makeitworkmolly.com , has been live for a few years now. (Oh and, by the way, I give away things on my blog, so check it out!) So, yeah, I think I know my stuff.
When the question of “how to wear scarves” came up, I knew I could answer the call. Scarves happen to be one of my favorite accessories. They allow for an easy transition from summer to fall to winter, especially when our weird Macon weather makes it cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon, and cold again at night. I say this because you could easily put one on for warmth when needed, and take it off and throw it in your purse or backpack when not needed.
Which brings us to this: just how do you wear them? Easy. Depending on the scarf there’s all kinds of ways.
Here is one of my personal favorites that I bought several years ago: a limited edition cashmere Burberry scarf. Cashmere provides just enough warmth, without being as overpowering ot as scratchy as wool. A scarf like this can be worn simply draped on either side of the neck or with one part thrown over the shoulder. If it’s especially windy, I would drape it crisscrossed against the throat, so it won’t blow away.
If you have a scarf that is a little longer, you can create a loop on one side of your neck and pull the other side through to create a knot in front of your neck . This will shorten the length and provide for a more secure fit.
The infinity style scarf, like this one here in Mercer orange and available now at Head Over Heels on Forsyth Road, can simply be put over the head or even twisted once - like a really long strand of pearls.
For a really different style scarf, make your way a few doors down from Head Over Heels to Rumor Boutique, where you can pick up the Sixter handmade scarves. They are made of super lightweight jersey material and are really easy to wear. Some even look more like a super cool necklace with a chain to attach in the back.
These are just the start of some ideas for how you can wear scarves as fall sets in. The biggest thing to remember is to have fun with them. They’re one of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to add color and fun to your wardrobe, and they can instantly make your outfit super classic. A simple black dress can go from daytime work to ultra luxe at night by taking a scarf with bright day colors during the day and switching to a metallic pattern for the evening.
Can’t wait to see everyone wearing super fun, stylish scarves!!!
(10/01/13 8:26pm)
English folk rock band Mumford and Sons performed to 22,000 people at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta on September 10 as part of “ The Full English” North American Tour. This tour featured Bear’s Den and the Vaccines as opening performing acts.
Opener The Vaccines are an English indie rock band that has drawn comparisons to The Ramones and even The Red Hot Chili Peppers. They formed in 2010 and are on their third album. Bear’s Den is a product of the same London music background, which produced headliner Mumford and Sons. It’s not surprising they were brought along for this tour. They are also an English folk rock band.
After Bear’s Den and The Vaccines finished their opening numbers, Mumford and Sons performed old favorites such as “Little Lion Man” as well as hits from their latest album, Babel, like “Holland Road” and “Awake My Soul.” The full set list consisted of: “Lovers' Eyes,” “Little Lion Man,” “Whispers in the Dark,” “Below My Feet,” “White Blank Page,” “Timshel,” “I Will Wait,” “Lover of the Light,” “Thistle and Weeds,” “Ghosts That We Knew,” “Holland Road,” “Awake My Soul,” “Roll Away Your Stone” and “Dust Bowl Dance.” An encore also featured a cover of The Beatles’s “Come Together,” which inspired the audience to sing along. They closed with “Babel and The Cave.” Briefly in between a set, one of the artists on stage started to play “Georgia On My Mind,” however the song was not finished.
The concert came not long after their tour was interrupted when bassist Ted Dwayne had to have surgery for a blood clot in his brain. The surgery took place on June 10 and caused performances in New Orleans and Dallas to be rescheduled. Dwayne is reported to have recovered well.
Mumford and Sons is the winner of the 2013 Grammy for Album of the Year. Their most recent performance took place on September 20 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. No other performances are scheduled on their website.
(10/01/13 8:18pm)
I think a lot about what kind of advice I can give to my fellow Mercer classmates.
You see, I am at least 10 years older than the other members of The Cluster staff.
I am a student in the evening program, finally finishing my Bachelors degree after having started it as a freshman in 2001—when most of you were probably still in elementary school.
I did not see my path going this way at all. Growing up, college was simply expected, and, frankly, taken for granted. Life has given me lots of twists and turns that I did not expect.
Dropping out of college with just a semester left was not my best laid plan at all. Getting married really young, having two beautiful young children, starting a career which would last nearly five years before changing gears altogether (taking a $20,000+ pay cut in the process, but which would allow me to do something I really enjoyed), has led to where I am now.
Now, I am in school again full time. Now, I am divorced and a single parent. Now, due to being laid off from my job, I am being forced to reinvent myself and try to start a business—something I would not have had the courage to do otherwise. Now, I am able to be fully engaged with my community in a way that I have always desired to be but scheduling would not allow.
If I could impart any wisdom on each of you, it’s to take life as it is. Roll with the punches. Make the most of it all. Never stop learning, because, as I learned in management, there are learning moments in every day which will contribute to the person you are meant to be.
Don’t take your time here at Mercer for granted. Mercer gives you a unique chance to make a real difference, to engage not just in the Mercer community but in the city of Macon as well. When I was a freshman, we did not have Mercer Village, College Hill Corridor or even the trolleys late in the evening.
Do you know who came up with the trolley idea? People on SGA. I know, because I was in that meeting. However the next year when it came about, I had left Mercer. I left Mercer for two years, thinking Macon,this town I grew up in, where my church was down the street, was choking me.
It was two years later when I came home, realizing there was no other place for me. That Mercer was the place for me.
And now I am finally finishing up my degree, but I will never be finished with Mercer. Even if I do not get in to the Master’s program I apply for, Mercer will always be a part of me. I will always come back to ADPi bid day and bring my daughter, with the hopes that she and my son will want to be a part of this community. Mercer leads the way for so many things here, and you can too.
I am so excited to be here on campus, to not just attend the evening program but to also participate as an editor for The Cluster. I frankly don’t feel the age difference between myself and my other peers on staff. Well, maybe I do every now and then.
I also want each of you to know that I am here for you. One reason I believe I was chosen as the local editor is due to my deep Macon ties. It can be intimidating to be new to a town, and I want to do everything I can to make Macon—as well as Mercer—feel like it belongs to you. If you ever have any questions for me, my email is always open to you, and I am always up for an excuse to meet and have a coffee.
(09/13/13 6:06pm)
This Labor Day marked the first concert for the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings of the season. It was a standing room only event, with the lines starting to form an hour before the performance. The guest festival artists were comprised of eight high school students, some of whom are joint-enrolled in college and high school. At least one student has already started her professional career. The young musicians have studied no less than seven years; many of the students have been performing for over 10 years.
The guest festival artists were: Isaac Allen, violin; Misty Drake, violin; Erika Gray, viola; Phil Hall, viola; Robyn Neidhold, cello; Helenmarie Vassiliou, violin; Dustin Wilkes-Kim, violin; and Nomin Zolaya, cello. The performances ranged from Vivaldi, to Dvorak, Beethoven, Grieg and even American composer George Gershwin. The festival artists were accompanied by McDuffie
Center for Strings members, as well as the center director, Amy Schwartz Moretti and founder, Robert McDuffie. This year, the Labor Day Festival took place over three days. In previous years, the intensive workshop has run for four days. High school seniors from across the country and around the world auditioned to participate in the Festival. Eight students were accepted and received scholarship covering their room and board for their stay at Mercer. Moretti said, “ The Festival serves as a recruiting opportunity for the Center for Strings, and is a chance for top high-school students to get an up-close look at how the Center works. Participants rehearse in chamber groups, attend master classes in their individual instrument, and perform with Center faculty and current students in the closing concert.” As encouragement to these prospective students, Drew Alexander Forde, a senior Viola Performance major in the McDuffie Center for Strings shared his testimony about the Center. “The Center drives home the importance in being proficient on your instrument as well as your ability to market yourself, interact with others, and understand the workings of being an independent contractor - all essential skills to have if you want to be a successful musician in the 21st century,” said Forde.
(09/13/13 3:59am)
She is a princess of true rock and roll history; he is a third generation candy maker. When Jessica Walden and Jamie Weatherford got married, the two of them decided to form their own walking tour of Macon music history. It came in the wake of the closing of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the desire to preserve and educate locals about their own musical heritage.
Jessica’s father, Alan Walden, was brought into the music business when his brother, Phil Walden, was commissioned to serve in the army as a 2nd Lt. and was was in charge of USO shows. At that time, Alan was left to manage up-and-coming singer Otis Redding.
“Phil had started managing R&B artists while president of Phi Delta Theta at Mercer, and my dad was attending Mercer and dropped out to take over running the business while Phil was in Germany,” said Jessica. “This was an interesting time for all of them. Not only was Otis trying to break as an international recording artist, but he was also doing it during the civil rights movement.”
Fast forward to the present time. Taking one of the Rock Candy Tours, you can hear personal stories that Walden grew up hearing from her own family. When her husband Jamie takes the wheel, things can become a little more colorful. Be sure to take one of the evening tours to hear the more adult versions of stories. On Friday nights you can bring your own beverage of choice on the tours, and stops are made at many downtown nightlife locations.
Leila Regan-Porter said she went with a group from the Center for Collaborative Journalism. “It was such a fun way to get to know the city and its history, especially on foot and at night, when you can feel the years of soul, rock ‘n’ roll and blues in the thick air. And seeing all the students, some new to Macon, drink in the history was awesome too.”
“I did it last year on my birthday with Ruth Sykes and we had too much fun,” said Betsy Campbell. “Since I am not a native, it was very informative. I definitely will do it again and bring my out-of-town family and friends when they come see me.”
Saralyn Collins, owner of Good to Go restaurant, said, “I have (gone on a tour) and it was fantastic. I thought I knew more than I ever wanted to know about Macon music, but I was wrong. The tour is informative and fun for natives, and a must do for visitors.”
“One thing that I am most proud of is that Otis Redding was a full business partner with my dad and Phil,” said Jessica, also revealing that Redding would perform concerts for Phil Delta Theta fraternity on Mercer’s campus.
“I’ve had to debunk the myth many times that Otis was a janitor for the Phi Delts. He wasn’t and he never worked as one. In fact, because of the concerts he would give for free with the Phi Delts, he was made an honorary member of the fraternity.”
The tours are held every Friday night starting at The Rookery in downtown Macon for $10 per person and last about an hour. There is also a slightly longer walking tour that begins in Washington Park every other Saturday that tells the story of the neighborhoods in the area. Private tours can also be booked by emailing Jessica Walden or Jamie Weatherford at rockcandytours@gmail.com.
(09/13/13 3:59am)
Aug. 24 saw the 6th annual Weaver’s Weekend held at Crazy Bull, the newest nightlife addition to downtown Macon. A crowd of approximately 650 people filled the venue for music performances by Savannah Alday, Thomas Wynn and the Believers, and Futurebirds.
Weaver’s Weekend benefits The Friends of Mike Weaver Foundation, a Macon non-profit organization.
The music event is held in honor of Mike Weaver, a 2001 graduate of Central High School in Macon who was killed by a friend of a friend. According to their website, it was after attending a concert in Atlanta that “Mike was shot and killed when a friend of a fraternity brother got mad, pulled a shotgun and fired at Mike. He died August 16, 2003 on the way to a hospital. Jason Futch, the person who did the shooting, was convicted of murder and two other charges and now is in prison.”
Weaver’s Weekend not only brings together those who knew and loved Mike Weaver and puts on a music festival to honor him, but also benefits youth sports in the Macon community.
When asked what makes this event different from others, Stephen Adams said that the event is about “allowing something good to come out of bad."
“Mike’s life was ended way too soon, but his short time here made a big enough impact on so many people that we are continuing to provide the things he loved. He loved good music, he loved good times with his friends and he loved giving back to his community. All of these things are realized through the Friends of Mike Weaver Foundation and Weaver’s Weekend,” said Adams.
TheBlueIndian.com, a website devoted to indie music in Georgia, partnered with The Friends of Mike Weaver Foundation this year as a production and marketing partner.
Sean Pritchard, senior editor and talent buyer for TheBlueIndian.com, said, “Weaver’s Weekend is an ideal way for an organization to engage an audience through sports and live music. Between the morning golf tournament and the nightly concert, there’s something for just about everyone."
Thomas Wynn, of Thomas Wynn and The Believers said “ Weaver’s Weekend was wonderful, and we are proud and grateful to be a part of a wonderful cause. If Macon keeps on showing up as they have been, you can bet we’ll be back as often as we can! Thanks so much for true Southern hospitality."
Pritchard went on to say “the event focuses on honoring the memory of a life lost too soon by giving back to the community that Mike Weaver grew up in and loved. We’ve already begin discussions with the Friends of Mike Weaver Foundation on ideas for 2014.”
(08/28/13 7:30pm)
The former Tattnall Square Presbyterian Church will be revitalized to house the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts, thanks to a $425,000 grant from ArtPlace America. The Center will house the University’s Theatre Arts Department as well as community theatre and arts programs. A total of 54 organizations around the country received this competitive grant. From the ArtPlace America website, “ArtPlace America is investing in art and culture at the heart of a portfolio of integrated strategies that can drive vibrancy and diversity so powerful that it transforms communities.”
From the press release: “The Tattnall Square Center for the Arts will serve as a cornerstone for revitalization of the College Hill Corridor,” said Dennis Scholl, vice president for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. “By creating a bustling gathering place for the entire community, it will work to change the landscape of the neighborhood and help build stronger connections.” The Knight Foundation is a founding funder of ArtPlace.
Also from the press release: “ArtPlace America received more than 1,200 grant inquiries from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The applications yielded 105 finalists, from which 54 were selected to receive grants for their potential to have a transformative impact on community vibrancy. Grant amounts range from $750,000 to $33,000, with an average grant size of just over $280,000. Funded projects include everything from temporary art spaces to permanent performance venues, theatre festivals to art walks, and streetscaping initiatives to artist residencies.”
“ The new Tattnall Square Center for the Arts is a great example of creative reuse and revitalization of a landmark building in the College Hill Corridor. With Mercer
With the Village and Downtown within walking distance, the center is perfectly located to be a destination location. The combination of Mercer Theatre department and community programming at the new center will ensure that the entire community feels ownership and pride in the facility,” said Jonathan Dye, Director of Marketing for the Macon Arts Alliance.
President Underwood, also from the press release, stated, “ Mercer is pleased to be one of the select few organizations to receive an ArtPlace America grant this year. The fact Macon is represented in this elite group of awardees is a testament to the progress that has been made over the last three years in the College Hill Corridor. The ArtPlace America grant, combined with the other gifts and grants that have been committed to this project, puts us within striking distance of completing the fundraising so we can begin renovation of the facility this year.”
Renovations began early this August and are anticipated to be completed for the next school year.
(08/28/13 7:30pm)
Excited for Mercer’s opening game day? Just can’t quite wait until kickoff? Do you need something to tide you over? The Cluster has a list of football movies that just might do the trick until the tailgate begins:
Rudy- If true inspirational stories are your thing, then pick up “Rudy”. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is your typical blue-collar boy who grows up admiring Notre Dame football. His entire family lives and breathes football, but he is always told he is not smart enough and doesn’t have the grades. He does what is expected of him and follows his father and brothers to employment at a local steel mill.
After a tragic accident, which results in the death of his best friend, Rudy has a life crisis and decides to leave his family and friends to pursue Notre Dame. He is accepted into Holy Cross College, a junior college in the area, and does everything he can to get into Notre Dame. We won’t give away the end, but this story is one you will always remember.
The Longest Yard (Original 1974 Film) - Burt Reynolds, as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, stars in this movie about prisoners who play football against their guards. Despite a scandal that took place during Crewe’s football career, he wins the trust of his fellow prisoners.
At the insistence of the prison guards, Crewe and the inmates form a football team With a comedic twist that is sure to lighten up your football movie list, “The Longest Yard” will keep you laughing for the rest of the evening.
Radio- Starring Cuba Gooding Jr, as Radio and Ed Harris as Head Coach Harold Jones, this true story is sure to bring tears to anyone’s eyes. Radio is a mentally handicapped boy who often lingers around the football field of T.L.Hanna High School in South Carolina. After some football players play a cruel prank on Radio, Coach Jones then brings Radio into his fold, allowing him to assist with the football team.
The movie focuses on the relationship between Radio and Jones, as well as Radio and the townspeople, and is tied together with the underlying football theme. At the time of the movie’s release in 2003, Radio was still participating in football games and was still considered an 11th grader at T.L.Hanna at the age of 63.
Varsity Blues- For those of you who prefer a less serious football movie and more gratuitous nudity and underage drinking, this might be the flick for you. James Van Der Beek, during his Dawson’s Creek days, stars in this movie along with other B-list actors such as Paul Walker, Amy Smart and Ali Larter. Jon Vioght delivers as Coach Bud Kilmer, the typical “evil” coach whose whole life revolves around winning football in his small Texas town.
Van Der Beek’s character, Mox, is your typical academically gifted kid who happens to also be the backup quarterback. When his best friend, Lance Harbor, goes out with an injury, Mox suddenly steps up to the plate and delivers in a way never thought possible.
Remember the Titans- We saved this one for last because it has Mercer ties. Real life Coach Bill Yoast attended Mercer University, after having served time in the Air Force and also attending Georgia Military College. He was also a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity on campus.
This movie also takes place during racial desegregation, and is the story of the first integrated football team in this Virginia town. Coach Yoast is set to make the Virginia Football Hall of Fame when his head coaching job is taken from him and given to Herman Boone, an African-American coach.
Throughout the movie, racial themes are addressed. Not to give away an ending, in case you have not seen it, but a tragedy will bring these players closer together at the end. This is a good movie to watch because it also coincides well with Mercer’s 50th anniversary of desegregation.
(08/28/13 7:00pm)
Mercer University’s new football program reaches far beyond the limits of Mercer’s campus. Downtown Macon businesses will also feel the effects of Mercer’s return to the pigskin sport. Tailgating will expand from Mercer’s campus with the help of local businesses as well as the Macon City Council.
“Anything that brings thousands of people into the downtown area is potentially a good thing for downtown merchants. Many Mercer alumni will stay in downtown hotels and eat in downtown restaurants,” said Mercer University President William Underwood.
“Beyond this, my hope is that the return of NCAA Division I football to our community will contribute to making Macon an even more attractive place for creative, talented and entrepreneurial young people to live, work and play,” he said.
Roger Riddle, Marketing Director for The Rookery, Dovetail and The Moonhanger group said, “I think all of downtown will see a boost before and after the Mercer home games. It’s only natural to go out and get pumped up before the game and either celebrate or cry on a buddy’s shoulder after the game.
The closest places to the stadium will see the most business, so downtown and Mercer Village will come alive.”
The Rookery is offering specials to Mercer fans. “We are even offering a free Market Sampler or Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip appetizer to anyone who comes in wearing Mercer gear,” said Riddle. “Mercer football has the whole city buzzing. We are looking at each week as a celebration of the university and the city of Macon.”
Along with the impact for downtown businesses, other organizations are participating in the tailgating.
Main Street Macon will also be hosting a tailgating event at Cherry Street Plaza. From their Facebook page: “Join Main Street Macon, NewTown Macon and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and get ready to cheer on the Mercer Bears! Bring your tents and table and get your groove on with the A2Z Band! Plenty of free parking and the Macon Transit Authority will take you to and from the stadium for only $2 per person.”
Also at the Cherry Street Plaza tailgate, Main Street Macon’s Facebook page says they will “be showing football games all day both inside and outside on the big screen thanks to Buddy Lovell and we have face-painting for kids of all ages.”
Macon City Council even passed an ordinance to allow open containers of alcohol in parts of downtown Macon. According to “The Telegraph,” “the ordinance allows plastic cups or aluminum cans, but no glass bottles, in the designated areas from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on game days.”
From “The Telegraph:” “Main Street Macon Director Mechel McKinley said the eight home football games are expected to have a minimum of $6.5 million in total economic impact. At the home games, a tailgating event with live music is planned for Cherry Street Plaza, and Macon Transit Authority will run $2 shuttles from tailgating areas to the new Mercer University Stadium.”
City councilman Tom Ellington said, “We really have to wait for the first game to know for sure what the impact is, but this is a very exciting time for Macon. We expect a lot of people to come downtown and to the Mercer Village area. Mercer and city employees have been hard at work for months to make sure that we are ready for the influx of people next Saturday. I expect Mercer football to have a big positive impact on our local businesses and to be a great time for everybody who comes to a game.”
(08/28/13 7:00pm)
Macon was not originally nominated for the Benjamin Moore Paint What Matters contest. Mechel McKinley, director of Main Street Macon, found out about the contest through an intern, two weeks after it had started. Through the efforts of McKinley and others, primarily through the push of social media channels, Macon was selected as one of 20 winners of the “Paint What Matters” contest.
Benjamin Moore’s website stated that Mayor Robert Reichert tweeted to followers urging them to vote, and that restaurant Dovetail posted on its Facebook page asking people to vote for Macon.
The block that is scheduled to be painted is the Second Street block in between Cherry and Poplar streets. According to Jim Gaines of “The Telegraph,” this is “the same block designated as a ‘vision block’ in Reichert’s plan to redevelop Second Street as a landscaped, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly corridor, including a curving connector between the existing downtown stretch and Little Richard Penniman Boulevard.”
The Benjamin Moore website said “the effort will be undertaken with the help of multiple partner organizations around the country, including Make It Right, a long-time partner of Benjamin Moore that was founded by actor-philanthropist Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt will be lending his voice in support of the effort that Benjamin Moore is undertaking with Main Street Matters.”
McKinley said, “I am thrilled about the impact this award is going to have not only on the physical assets we have in downtown but on our local economy. Benjamin Moore doesn’t see this as just a coat of paint but as a full revitalization. I am looking forward to working with them on this project.”
He added, “Each community is treated as a different project and the site coordinator will work to determine exactly what work needs to take place. We have planned to work on the block of Second Street between Cherry and Poplar streets. After speaking with Benjamin Moore I learned that we will actually be able to work on two to three blocks. Add on top of that the model block of the Second Street Project and all the other revitalization we have going on and downtown is going to look amazing.”
Chris Floore, director of public affairs for the City of Macon, said, “The Paint What Matters contest showed us the tremendous amount of interest and support there is for what Mayor Reichert and the City of Macon are doing to revitalize downtown and make it a great place to live, work and play. We want our college students, after graduation, to stay in Macon and get a job, start a business and raise a family, and we are working to make sure Macon has those opportunities for them.”
Not long after finding out Macon was a winner for the Benjamin Moore contest, it was announced that Macon is nominated for another nationwide contest: the Rand McNally “Best of the Road” contest to find the best small towns in America. The categories within the contest are: most beautiful, most fun, most patriotic, friendliest, best food and best for geocaching.
Floore said, “With the growing national trend toward cities finding ways to better provide services and information through mobile devices, we could get our own iPhone app by winning the Rand McNally Best of the Road contest. To do that, we need you to vote for Macon every day until Sept. 3. Your vote could help bring Macon further in to the 21st century.”
If you want to participate in the Rand McNally contest follow these instructions from the City of Macon press release:
“To participate in the contest and make the strongest case for Macon to be selected, people can:
Vote for Macon at www.bestoftheroad.com/town/macon-ga/3168 in one of the six categories;
Leave a post on their website stating why Macon is great; and
Contact Rand McNally directly on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bestoftheroad), Twitter (@BestOfTheRoad), and Instagram (instagram.com/bestoftheroad) to let them know about Macon.”
“The Best of the Road contest gives us the chance to publicly celebrate and showcase what’s great about our city to the country. I want to encourage our entire community to vote every day and even encourage out-of-town friends and family to vote for Macon,” said Reichert. “I was thrilled to see Macon come together like it did for the Paint What Matters contest and bring improvements to the Second Street corridor. It was a testament to the passion and support for improving our City.”
McKinley said, “Colleges and universities are an important part of the fabric of the Macon community. We want all of our students to understand and appreciate the city they call home for at least a little while. Of course, we hope that some of them will decide to stay and make a life here in Macon.”
(08/28/13 7:00pm)
The Cluster sat down with three new staff members: David Beall, Assistant Director of Media Relations for Athletics; Andrew Haeg, Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Visiting Professor with the Center for Collaborative Journalism; and Stephanie DeFeo, Assistant Coach for Women’s Softball.
David Beall, Assistant Director of Media Relations:
Cluster: First, tell us about yourself, where you worked previously, went to college, that kind of thing.
Beall: I attended the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Ga., and majored in business management. I ran cross country for three seasons and was a student assistant in the media relations office. During my senior year, the media relations director left and I took over the department during October of my senior year. After graduating in May of 2008, I was hired full time as the media relations director. I worked five years at the university and was eventually promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for media relations. I then accepted a media relations position at USC Upstate in summer of 2012, covering men’s basketball, baseball and women’s soccer before making my way to Mercer in July of 2013.
C: Also, tell us about your job function:
B: I am the primary media relations contact for football and women’s basketball. I coordinate interviews for my sports, update mercerbears.com, create media guides, write press releases, maintain statistical data, create game programs, design posters and schedule cards and serve as the social media coordinator for my sports.
C: What are you most excited about for this year at Mercer?
B: I am excited to be a part of a brand new football program and help create a tradition from scratch. From the first game program, media guide, social media accounts and media coverage, I get to create something that people are excited about, which makes my job enjoyable.
C: What makes you proud to be a Mercer Bear?
B: Seeing the daily interaction with fans on social media, I am proud to represent a university with loyal fans, and a group of people that care about an athletic department that is growing and winning at an incredible rate.
Andrew Haeg: Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Visiting Professor for the Center for Collaborative Journalism:
C: Tell us about your background, what you are working on at this moment and what brought you here.
Haeg: I’m building something called Groundsource. It is a mobile engagement platform, which is another way of saying it’s technology that helps journalists reach out to people on their mobile phones, ask them questions and then gather that information and do something with it. It’s for journalists but also for researchers, non governmental organizations, community organizations and the like.
C: What led you up to this point? Were you in journalism beforehand?
H: I started in journalism about 15 years ago and I started writing for “The Economist” and producing and reporting for public radio. Did that for a few years and then had this realization that I was frustrated with the kinds of stories I was doing. It felt like I was doing the same story over and over again. I got in to journalism because I enjoy talking to people and understanding what’s happening. Before Facebook and Twitter, I saw that technology could help us get back to this shoe leather type of reporting that I valued in the first place.
C: What makes you proud to be a Mercer Bear? To be a part of the Mercer community?
H: I think my gut makes my decisions before my mind does, and right off I got a great feeling about the university. And values guide my decisions- professional as well as personal. It’s a very service oriented university that wants to support innovation as well as pursue academic and creative freedom. I’m really proud to be connected to a university that allows that intellectual creativity and freedom to produce innovative ideas that serve the community. I don’t think you get this opportunity often in life.
Stephanie DeFeo: Assistant Women’s Softball Coach:
C: Tell us where you are from, where you went to college, where you have coached and anything else along those lines.
DeFeo: I am originally from New Jersey. I have been coaching for 14 years at the Division 1 level. I went to college at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. I was a four year starter, three-time Academic All-American, and went to the World Series twice. I also played pro three years after I completed college. My degree is in criminal justice with a minor in English. I also graduated with honors.
After college I was an assistant coach at Southeastern Louisiana, University of Texas San Antonio and University at Buffalo. My first head coaching job was in 1999 at East Tennessee State University. I started the program there and coached there for two years. After that I was head coach at the University of North Carolina for three years. I then went to Ball State University and was Associate head coach for six years. Last year I was an assistant coach at Purdue University.
C: How did you first learn about Mercer?
D:I learned about Mercer through my brother. He is the head softball coach here and the first time I visited I loved the campus and facilities.
C: What makes you most excited about this year’s season?
D: I am excited to work with our team because we have so many great athletes and such a diverse bunch. Even though I have only been around them for a short time, I know we have a great group of young ladies that will work hard and want to dominate on the field. I am also excited about our staff. Working with my brother has been something we have talked about for years. The trust and knowledge between the two of us is invaluable. We also have a new pitching coach Kim Mazzapica. She is amazing and will do so much for our pitching staff!
C: What makes you proud to be a Mercer Bear?
D: What makes me most proud to be a bear, having the support from our administration has been amazing. I am proud to say I work for such a great University with such a great reputation for Academics and Athletics.
(08/16/13 4:16pm)
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="500"] Photo Credit: Patrick Hobbs / Cluster Staff[/caption]
Here’s an alert: Macon does not die during the summer. Mercer students who remain in town are aware of this, however for those who go home they may not be aware that one of the largest music events Macon hosts each year takes place during July. Bragg Jam started off as an informal jam session between friends to honor the lives of Brax and Tate Bragg, two brothers who were killed in a car crash in 1999.
Bragg Jam has grown in several years to host numerous bands all over the city of Macon with stages ranging from downtown to North Macon as far as Bass Road. The 2013 Bragg Jam even saw the closing of a portion of Cherry Street for the first time. Everett Verner, Bragg Jam’s marketing chair tells us “ we expect that over 3750 were in attendance”. The music festival is also a benefit for the Friends of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, and Verner states that they are still calculating how much will be donated to the charity. Past Bragg Jam’s have donated over $150,000 in revenue to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.
“ NewTown has been thrilled to watch Bragg Jam grow into such a successful event. We ‘incubated’ Bragg Jam in the early years helping with the funding needed to get an event of this magnitude off the ground,” states NewTown Macon Executive Vice President Laura Schofield. “ The family and friends of the Bragg brothers decided that donating proceeds to Ocmulgee Heritage Trail would be a fitting legacy, and over the years almost $100,000 has been donated to help extend the Trail to the over 11 miles that it is today. In fact, the most recent gift of $11,000 from the 2012 proceeds helped to close a funding gap on the trail extension through Riverside Cemetery.
Schofield continued to say “ We look forward to watching Bragg Jam and the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail continue to grow and are honored that we can help keep the memory of Tate and Brax Bragg alive.” This year’s Bragg Jam grew to feature over 50 bands on 15 stages. The acts featured ranged from up and coming hip hop artist Elhae to the established Floco Torres, who gave an electrifying performance which roused the crowds, to rising country star Jason Ashley whose father in law has opened the new country bar “The Crazy Bull” on Second Street. That venue opened especially for Bragg Jam and will finish its construction in the coming weeks.
Also performing were other regular acts to Macon such as Megan Jean and the KFB, who sang their own songs such as “These Bones” and even did their own version of Salt n Peppa’s “Shoop”, which you can find on YouTube. Board member Leila Regan-Porter stated “this year every band at Grant's Lounge has a member related to a Capricorn Records band. Lamar Williams Jr. is the son of second Allman Brother Band bassist Lamar Williams, and his band is comprised of Macon’s Scott Rainwater and Pat Yoe, who have been playing in Macon bands for years.” Thomas and The Believers will be returning to Macon to perform for Weaver’s Weekend at The Crazy Bull on August 24th. Another act you can catch again is Mercer’s own Burgess Brown is one of the members of the band Woolfolk, which performed to a standing room only crowd at The 567. Woolfolk’s Facebook page describes their style as “neo designer folk rock”.
Bragg Jam isn’t just about the evening music performances, there are also events during the day of the concerts. Bragg Jam Arts @ The Park opened up the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Kids of all ages could experience booths with paintings, balloon animals, as well as an instrument petting zoo with members of the Macon Youth Orchestra. Atlanta based King of Pops also made an appearance with their all-natural popsicles.
The night before the event showcased the Bragg Jam Patron’s Party at The Armory Ballroom with catering by The Moonhanger Group. Live music was provided by 80’s cover band Electric Avenue.
Note: This article originally misstated the amount of money donated to help close the funding gap for the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail in 2012. It has been updated to correct this misinformation.