11thHou
Feb 23 - March 8, 2016 • Vol. 15, Issue #330
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The Social Responsibility of an Artist:
Violinist Robert McDuffie seeks to open dialogue on race relations in Macon
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BROTHER?
Free Community Performance Sat. Feb. 27
THE INTERVIEW
GO HEAR DRAKE WHITE Plays The Crazy Bull
Col. Bruce Hampton
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TEDDY BEAR
Arts + Culture + Entertainment
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$7.99
VIP Membership
The story is just getting started.
A year-long series with a new chapter every issue. Catch up today! Thousands of people have read the first ten chapters of a year long series we are doing on the life of Ed Flowers, also known as Teddy Bear. Ed grew up in Macon, took part in his first bank robbery when he was fourteen years old, a crime for which he never went to jail for. He went on to play baseball at Dudley Hughes High, under coach Goot Stiener where his team won a State Championship in 1964. He practiced with Pete Rose. But Teddy couldn’t stay out of trouble, and ended up in Reidsville Prison right after he graduated, as fucked up as a research monkey, on morphine. Over the next 10 years, his crimes would land him in prison, to which he escaped five times, be put on America’s Most Wanted list, and is believed by some to have robbed over 60 banks. If this is true, that’s more than Jesse James and John Dillinger combined. We are asking that you buy a VIP Membership to 11thHouronline.com to read the rest of Teddy’s story. It’s less than the price of a digital book. $7.99. For that, you’ll get to read the rest of the story, as well as hear audio interviews with Teddy himself, with online digital video coming this fall. The money will help The 11th Hour continue to offer great content, and calendars and reviews to our readers for years to come. So purchase your membership today and continue to read Teddy Bear. Believe us, the story is JUST GETTING STARTED. VISIT 11thHourOnline.com.
CONTACT US
Wednesday, Feb 24 The Bruce Katz Band Concert at Gallery West - Doors open at 6:30, Music starts at 7:00. Tickets are $15 and include open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks and light appetizers. For reservations call 478-972-1598. Seating is limited. 439 Third St, Macon.
Thursday, Feb 25 Athens Guitar Duo in concert Presented by Wesleyan College and Macon Concert Association at Wesleyan College - Burden Parlor, Dusty Woodruff and Mathew Anderson perform modern and classical works with meticulous and masterful artistry and a youthfulness and freshness that pushes the boundaries of guitar performance. Seating is limited. Tickets $25 adults/$10 students (478) 301-5470 or visit the Grand Opera House box house M-F, 10AM-5PM. “Don’t Dress For Dinner” Presented by Theatre Macon thru February 27With his wife out of town, an alibi from his best friend, and a gourmet chef to add culinary spice, Bernard has the perfect romantic evening planned for his French mistress — or so he thinks. Hidden identities and outrageous infidelities are exposed in Marc Camoletti’s sequel to Boeing-Boeing. Adults $25, Students $15. 438 Cherry Joan Stockstill Godsey Concert Series presents Christa Rakich, organ Presented by Townsend School of Music at Christ Episcopal Church. Concert and recording artist Christa Rakich is Artist-in-Residence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brookline, Mass., and directs the Music Program at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in West Hartford, Conn. A prizewinner at international organ competitions (notably Bruges 1976), Rakich has received particular acclaim for her interpretations of the music of J.S. Bach. 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 582 Walnut Street
Saturday, Feb 27 Flip thru the entire issue online
11thHourOnline.com contact us
MAILING: PO BOX 14251, Macon, GA 31203 TELEPHONE: (478) 508-7096 ADVERTISING: meg@11thhouronline.com EDITORIAL: bradevans11@gmail.com 04 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
Billy Currington’s Summer Forever Tour with Kelsea Ballerini Macon Centreplex Arena Platinum-selling, Grammy, ACM and CMA nominated artist Billy Currington will hit the road on his headlining Summer Forever tour beginning in February 2016, including a Saturday, Feb. 27 show at Macon Centreplex Coliseum. Billy’s high-energy live shows always give the audience what they want and leave them feeling like they’ve been to a great family reunion that turned into a raucous party. Tickets just $30.50 and up!
Hearts in the Park Presented by Ocmulgee National Monument- Enjoy a family-friendly 1 Mile Round Trip Walk @ Ocmulgee National Monument. View The Macon Skyline at night from the top of the Great Temple Mound. Free red glow sticks to the first 50 people. Additional glow sticks will be available for $1. Gates open at 6:30 Event start at 7:00pm. Neighbors Through History The Hay House and the Cannonball House museums will be offering free tours on Friday, February 27, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Enjoy the art, history and architecture of both of these historic houses located on Georgia Avenue in Macon GA. 934 Georgia Ave. The Big House Museum Presents: Fire and The Knife - 6-9 p.m. Admission $30. See Fire and The Knife perform inside The Big House Museum Living Room. This seated intimate show will be one to remember! Fire & The Knife is composed of JJ Boogie and Nanyana Summer. As an Atlanta based rock band Fire & The Knife combines blues, soul & country making it into a fresh new southern rock sound. Nanyana’s voice is smooth and beautiful delivering imagery and emotion that’s spirited and passionate. And on guitar and percussion JJ Boogie (who also tours and produces with the two time Grammy winning hip hop group Arrested Development and other various artists) infuses blues and soul into the original compositions from down tempo intimate acoustic vibes to full blown electrifying harmonized guitars Fire & The Knife brings organic and truthful from the heart rock & roll music. 2321 Vineville Avenue “What Color is Your Brother?” An Evening of Music & Spoken Word Presented by Robert McDuffie Center for Strings - 7:30 p.m. Free community event at The Grand Opera House! Featuring world-renowned violinist and Center founder Robert McDuffie, the Mercer University Orchestra and Theatre Macon’s Youth Actors Company, the performance will combine classical music with a documentary play written specifically for the event. In an attempt to address local racial issues with a powerful pairing of words and music, the evening will close with a panel and audience discussion. The audience will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel at the end of the performance. This event is a free, ticketed event. Advance tickets are available at the Grand Opera House box office.
Tuesday, March 1 Cabaret: Spring Fever Presented by Townsend School of Music at Fickling Hall. 7:30 p.m. Free performance. Martha Malone, voice; Cam Bishop, piano; Monty Cole, clarinet and saxophone; Christopher Schmitz, jazz piano, bass. Go a little crazy with comedy, love songs, jazzy tunes, and classics from the Great American Songbook. You’ll leave the concert in the mood for the cherry blossom season ahead!
Friday, March 4 Outdoor Movie in the Park Presented by Ocmulgee National Monument, reservations required. Please call (478) 752-8257 between 9:00 am-5:00 pm. We only allowing 150 people to the event. Please bring chair or blanket to seat on. (No seating provided) Movie will start at 7:00 pm or at dark. Gates will reopen at 6:15pm park closes at 5:00pm. Free Event. Concessions will be sold.
“Steel Magnolias” at The Douglass Theatre - Towering the Arts presents the Middle Georgia premiere of STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling | Directed by Thelron Pleas, March 4-6, 2016 at the Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Downtown Macon. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For ticket information, please call the Douglass Theatre Box Office at 478.742.2000, or visit http:// www.thelronpleas.com/
Saturday, March 12 The Grand Opera House Broadway Series Presents ‘Saturday Night Fever’ March 12-13, at 7:30 p.m. One of the most beloved dance stories of all time in a spectacular new production, Saturday Night Fever is the coming of age tale of young Tony Manero who learns the value of life in 1970’s Brooklyn. Based on the 1977 movie starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Jive Talking,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “How Deep is Your Love,” in addition to several new songs written especially for this production. Single tickets to the show will cost $68 in Area I, $58 in Area II, or $45 in the Boxes. For a complete schedule of upcoming performances visit TheGrandMacon. com or call the box office: (478) 3015470. TO SUBMIT AN EVENT EMAIL: meg@11thHourOnline.com
11thHourOnline.com 05
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Arts + Culture + Entertainment
924 ASH STREET
3 beds • 2.5 baths • 1,725 sqft • $181,500
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‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Feb. 26 at The Grand Opera House “London’s Aquila Theatre is A CLASSICALLY TRAINED, MODERNLY HIP TROUPE” The New York Times The legendary literary sleuth comes to the Grand Opera House in this witty and wild whodunnit! Sprung from the brilliant mind of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this is an exhilarating tale of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. Sherlock Holmes skillfully maneuvers through the twisted web of London’s most fascinating cases with his split second deductions. Many of Doyle’s best-known characters are present: the trusty Dr. Watson, the red-headed pawnbroker Jabez Wilson, and Irene Adler, the woman who got away. Presented by the acclaimed British-American touring troupe Aquila Theatre, this thrilling performance is an unforgettable ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Single tickets to the full evening performance $45 for Area I, $37 Area II and $26 for Boxes. For a complete schedule of upcoming performances visit TheGrandMacon.com or call the box office: (478) 301-5470.
Mercer University Theatre Presents “Hedda Gabler” Feb. 18-21
3 beds • 2.5 baths • 1,725 sqft • $184,900
1304 CALHOUN STREET LANE
3 beds • 2.5 baths • 1,892 sqft • $198,500
DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR BEALL’S HILL HOMES! Want to see what you’re missing? Come to an open house of four properties on Ash Street in Beall’s Hill on Sunday, February 21 from 2-4pm. Contact Historic Macon for availability: (478) 742-5084 • www.historicmacon.org #maconispreservation
06 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
“Hedda Gabler” will mark the last scenic and lighting design by professor Marian Zielinski after 34 years of dedication to Theatre at Mercer and the community at large. “We invite you to come celebrate the important artistic contributions this amazing artist has given to the community and the hundreds of students she has inspired,” said Scot Mann, director. This Broadway adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s timeless drama presents a sympathetic, yet striking and powerful, Hedda in the classic tale of her struggle to find a means of escape from a loveless, ordinary existence. The tragic tale begins when Hedda returns from a long honeymoon to a life she never intended to live. Her late father, General Gabler left her two dueling pistols, a piano, and little else. With no family or fortune, she settles for the only option a woman of her time and place has ... marriage. “Ibsen’s work is a compelling look at a world where gender determines options,” said Mann. And with “Hedda” a world of drama unravels. Beautiful and self-possessed, bored with her bougeois existence, Hedda manipulates the fates of others for her amusement...with tragic results. Tatnall Square Center for the Arts, 1096 College St . Admission Info: $15, and $10 with a Mercer I.D. Feb. 18-21, Feb. 25-28. 7:30 p.m. with 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee.
Friends of the Library Old Book Sale March 2-6 at Central City Park There will be over 100,000 books in 75 categories, with free admission and parking – cash, checks, and credit cards accepted for book purchases. Our Old Book Sale is an annual event. It is an extremely popular event and people come from all over to get great deals on books for their reading or collecting enjoyment. If you are interested or know a group or organization that would like to volunteer, please contact us. Our preview party on Wednesday, March 2 from 4-7pm is for members only. Folks can join at the door. We will be having entertainment and refreshments. Also note that members will be able to purchase an unlimited number of books that night! Hours: hursday and Friday, 10am – 7pm, Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, Noon – 5pm
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“Aquila Theatre is A CLASSICALLY TRAINED, MODERNLY HIP TROUPE” - The New York Times
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AmandaJaneSalon.net 08 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
The legendary literary sleuth comes to the Grand Opera House in this witty and wild whodunnit! Presented by the acclaimed British-American touring troupe Aquila Theatre, this thrilling performance is an unforgettable ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
gastropub: A bar and restaurant that serves high-end beer and food.
Housemade specialties, 50 taps and full bar.
large beer Garden! Dinner Mon-Fri at 5 p.m Brunch served Sat & Sun 11-3
Beginning Feb. 15, open 7 days a week at 11am
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11thHourOnline.com 09
Georgia’s premiere family entertainment center, centrally located in middle Georgia!
Fun Center 815 Russell Parkway, Warner Robins • www.johnnygsfuncenter.com
For information about our facility, parties and events, email us at getinfo@johnnygsfuncenter.com or give us a call at:
478-329-8002
10 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
FAMILY-F R IENDLY ACTIV ITIES
Classes and Workshops Ice Skating at the Macon Centreplex thru February
Wiggle into your long-johns and lace up those skates, Middle Georgia! For regular sessions, doors open 30 minutes prior to each session and non-skating guests are admitted free. Concessions are available. $10 per person with skate rental, $8 with own skates. Times vary, check maconcentreplex.com for details.
Michael’s Kid’s Club Classes Every Saturday
(for ages 3 and up) every Saturday from 10:00 – 12:00, and they begin every 1/2 hour. Each class costs $2, but that is not a bad price considering you don’t have to purchase anything else. Also, you do need to register ahead of time. Macon Store (478) 477-3308
Home Depot Kid’s Workshop: Saturday, March 5
Join our hands-on workshop and build a rolling toy wagon for your child’s tiny toys. Once the wagon is built, your child can decorate it with The Home Depot stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 4635 Presidential Pkwy Macon.
Mammal Mayhem 2016
Saturday, Feb. 20 at Museum of Arts & Sciences
10 a.m. -4 p.m. Calling all animal lovers: Just one week until our annual Mammal Day! Come visit us on Feb. 20 for a day of fun with the family and lots of furry friends. Museum visitors can meet the newest members of the Museum’s mammal family, quiz our experts, play games, create art, and taste some interesting treats at our Road Side Café.
The Rock Ranch Re-Opens Fridays in April; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Consignment Sales February 19-21 Tykes, Tots & Teens Sale, Perry Feb. 21 is 1/2 price day from 9am-1pm. Dollar Dash from 2-6pm on Sunday! Perry Agricenter. February 25 - 27 Vineville Baptist Children’s Consignment Sale 200 vendors. A non-profit benefit for their youth ministries. Good quality clothes, shoes, toys and accessories. 2591 Vineville Ave.
Fridays 10:30am
Singing, snacks and great children's books are the regular features of our Children's Storytime events. Barnes & Noble at The Shoppes at River Crossing.
This Spring, plan on finishing your week with trip out to The Rock Ranch! During April, we’ll be open on select Fridays to get you out of the house and into the fun! April 1, April 15, and April 22. Cost: $12 per person over the age of three. Make the most of your Spring with a day of family fun on the farm! Admission: $10 per person, 3 and under free. 5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock, Georgia. (706) 647-6374
Thursdays & Saturdays 10:30am
Thursdays and Saturdays at Washington Library - Little Bookworms (for kids 4 and under) 10:30am. Fridays 10:30am at Riverside Library. Story Times consist of a variety of activities including read-aloud stories, finger plays, special guests, songs and puppets.
11thHourOnline.com 11
ROUND 2 MACON
BEST OF
2016
We know you have opinions. Why not use them to celebrate all the things you love? Below you'll find the 2016 Best of Macon Readers' Choice Poll. For the first round of voting, you were asked to write in your nominees for winners in a variety of categories, from food and drink to arts and entertainment. On February 19, round two of the Readers' Choice Poll will begin. Choose your favorites from the top five nominees in each category before the second round closes on April 1. Then you can find out which of your favorites won the 2016 Best of Macon Readers' Choice Awards in our annual Best of Macon issue, available online and in print April 19! The 11th Hour ‘Best of Macon’ Awards show and red carpet Thursday, April 7, Cox Capitol Theatre
DEADLINE APRIL 1
What's the Best Annual Event? Cherry Blossom Festival Bragg Jam Macon Film Festival The Soap Box Derby Best Coffee Shop Jittery Joes Roasted Taste and See Best New Business of 2015 Parish Wear Kudzu Seafood The Bourbon Bar M and R Marketing Group Best overall small business in Macon Robinson Home Just Tap'd The Dirt Farmer The Moonhanger Group Hotplates Restaurant Group What's Macon's Best Tourist Destination? Ocmulgee National Monument The Hay House The Big House Best Local Boutique? Sorella Karats and Keepsakes Ginger Michelle Rumor, Jack & Darcy Best Local Hair Salon? Signature Salon Amanda Jane Indigo Salon The Gentry Who Is Your Favorite Local Blog Field Note Stenographers Southern Bon Vivant In Fine Feather Law Momma Favorite Local Photographer? Susan Edge Matt Odom Ashah Smith
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Maryann Bates Doug Nurnberger NIGHTLIFE Favorite experimental Band Gurgle Twins Cult of Riggonia African Americana Tanosweg One Horse Parade Who is Your Favorite Local Artist? Charles Ladson Eric O'Dell Jason Frost ANT Sculpture Heidi Clinite Craig Hamilton Who is Macon's Best Singer Songwriter? Justin Cutway Louise Warren Shane Bridges Chelsea Hughes Who is the Best Local Cover Band? Broadcast 90 A to Z Band Milk Money Two Finger Jester 8 Second Ride
VOTE NOW Elroy Love Widow Pills
Who is Macon's Best DJ? DJ Bruce Wonder DJ B3 DJ Laylo Lopez DJ Shawty Slim DJ Bucky Helms Macon's Best Bar for Live Music. The Hummingbird The Crazy Bull Grants Lounge Cox Capitol Theatre Best Tattoo Piercing Studio Beyond Taboo Tattoo Cherry Street Ink Redemption Tattoo What is Macon's Best Dance Club? The Mill The Crazy Bull Envy What is Macon's Best College Bar? The Bearfoot Tavern The Crazy Bull Wild Wing Cafe The Hummingbird
Best New Band in 2015? Elroy Love Tash and the Boys Rewind Retry
Macon's Best Overall Bar? Just Tap'd The Crazy Bull The Hummingbird The Bourbon Bar AP's Hidden Hideaway
Who Put Out Macon's Best Local Album This Year? Elroy Love Josh Graff Good Night Alive Madre Padre Dalmatian Floco Torres/Shawty Slim
What is Macon's Best Restaurant with a Bar Scene? Parish Bearfoot Tavern Just Tap'd Downtown Grill Locos Wild Wing
Who is Macon's Best Overall Band? Dalmatian Good night Alive Madre Padre Floco Torres
Macon's Best Drink Specials? Hummingbird Crazy Bull Wild Wing Locos
20's Pub
Who Has Macon's Best Happy Hour? WIld Wing 20's Pub and Subs Locos Billys Ap's Hidden Hideaway What is Macon's Best Dive Bar? Grants Lounge Back Porch Lounge AP's Hidden Hideaway LW's Best Place to Hear Local Music? The Hummingbird Just Tap'd Back Porch Lounge Grants Lounge Fresh Produce Records Wild Wing Ap's Best Local Bartender Caroline Lumley @ Bird Paula Consiolli @ Billys Emily Alligood@ Crazy Bull Chelsea Hughes @ Bourbon Bar Amber Pierce @ BJ's Wyndell Vinson @ WIld Wing Niki Hammock @ Bearfoot Amanda Irons @ Bird FOOD & DRINK What's the Best Overall Restaurant in Macon? Dovetail The Backburner Downtown Grill The Tic Toc Room Natalia's What's the Best New REstaurant in Macon? The Genghis Grill Kudzu Seafood Company Parish Just Tap'd What's the Best Restaurant to Bring the Kids?
Twang Ingleside Village Pizza Locos
Best Mexican Food in Macon? El Sombrero Margaritas Polly's La Mesa Tacos Dos Amigos Three Countries Under the Radar Restaurant? Pho Saigon Three Countries Biscuits, Burgers and more Hottest waitstaff in Macon? Wild Wing Bearfoot Tavern Downtown Grill Best Waitstaff in Macon? The Rookery Wild Wing Bearfoot Tavern Downtown Grill Macon's Best Spot for Lunch? Kudzu Seafood The Rookery Cox Cafe Roasted Cafe Best BBQ Finchers Fresh Air Tuckers Joe D's Who Has Macon's Best Burger? Bearfoot Tavern The Rookery Biscuits Burgers and More The Players Club Locos Who has the Best Pizza In Macon? Sauced Ingleside Village Pizza Main Street Pizza Just Tap'd Doughboy
“What Color is Your Brother? An Exploration of Race Through Words and Music” is a free, ticketed event. Tickets can be picked up at The Grand Opera House box office, located at 651 Mulberry Street.
McDuffie with Center students at last year’s free, community performance at Beulahland Bible Church.
The Social Responsibility of an Artist:
Violinist Robert McDuffie seeks to open dialogue on race relations in Macon The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, a special institute within Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music, presents “What Color is Your Brother? An Exploration of Race Through Words and Music” on Saturday, Feb. 27. The free, community performance will take place at The Grand Opera House. Featuring world-renowned violinist and Center founder Robert McDuffie, the Mercer University Orchestra and Theatre Macon’s Youth Actors Company, the performance will combine classical music with a documentary play written specifically for the event. In an attempt to address local racial issues with a powerful pairing of words and music, the evening will close with a panel and audience discussion. The audience will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel at the end of the performance. In February 2015, the groundbreaking pairing of actress/activist Anna Deavere Smith and McDuffie at Beulahland Bible Church explored the issue of race in Macon to a crowd of over 3,000 people. McDuffie seeks to continue that conversation with February’s performance. “It’s important to continue the conversation on race in Macon. Beulahland was special, but it was not a one-anddone event. I believe artists have a particular responsibility to address major issues in ways politicians and civic and religious leaders cannot. Words matter. Music heals,” said McDuffie. Young actors from Theatre Macon’s Youth Actors Company will portray five local personalities in the documentary play, directed by Jim Crisp. “These words, thoughts and ideas being expressed through young voices will make the audience really listen to what these local politicians and activists have to say,” said Crisp. Respected journalist and music critic Mark Mobley was asked by McDuffie to write “What Color is Your Brother” late last year.
“I’ve known Mark for 25 years,” said McDuffie. “He’s one of the most respected minds in the music world and longtime producer of NPR’s ‘Performance Today.’ He’s a son of the South and knows my voice. He was the perfect person for this project.” After poring over hundreds of hours of film and transcripts, Mobley settled on five voices to represent Macon: Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert, Commissioner Elaine Lucas, Coroner Leon Jones, local pastor and academic coordinator of Mercer’s Upward Bound program Dominique Johnson and executive director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Georgia Susanna Patterson. “Racial problems aren’t unique to Macon, but Macon is uniquely positioned to do something about it – the strength of its churches, the goodwill of most Maconites, and yes, a thriving arts community,” said McDuffie. “Add Mercer University with its strong sense of purpose for the community, and you have a powerful formula for good.”
A Call to Action “I’m from Macon, I went to FPD,” said McDuffie. “Looking back, I now know I was part of the white flight of the public school system in the late ‘50s.” McDuffie lives in New York City, but he still calls Macon home and visits regularly. He says that separation has helped him to see Macon a little more clearly. “I’m an artist, I believe that artists have a social responsibility. I see the structural progress here... the lofts, the mayor’s vision for a downtown corridor, but I also see a divided city. It’s gotten to a point where it’s almost unspoken now. And I want to change that.” A meeting of the minds took place when Robert McDuffie met with community leader and business owner Alex Habersham. Habersham is the publisher of The Macon Black Pages and is host of “A Call to Action” a local
tv and radio show. “I remember the segregated lunch counters, the segregated schools, so I think it is extremely important to talk about racial relations in Macon. No matter your skin color,” said Habersham on a recent segment of “A Call to Action” where he interviewed McDuffie. “It’s sad that although we’re making a lot of progress socially and spiritually, we are just on the brink of being great, as a community. One of the impediments is race relations.” It is McDuffie’s hope that the Feb. 27 performance presents a story and opens dialogue, and does it in an interesting and entertaining way. The dialogue in this instance is race specific, even Macon specific. Young actors portray real Maconites, using their actual words to start this dialogue, accompanied by classical music. “Words matter, music heals,” says McDuffie. “The mayor is portrayed by a 14 year-old. And Elaine Lucas has a very interesting story to tell. People will be able to hear her words in a new light, when it’s coming from a young actor.” McDuffie hopes this event is just a start to what can happen here. If this event runs out of tickets, he says they will do it again. “I don’t want Macon to be another Greenville, or Savannah. I want it to be Macon. The nation can look to Macon to see what we are doing here to better race relations.” Both Habersham and McDuffie understand the need for the Macon community to work together. “I applaud Mr. McDuffie for this effort, this performance, to bring attention to race relations in Macon,” said Habersham. “Now let’s see what one night can bring, as Macon comes together as a whole.” “What Color is Your Brother? An Evening of Music and Spoken Word” is a free, ticketed event. Tickets can be picked up at The Grand Opera House box office, located at 651 Mulberry Street. For more information, contact the Center for Strings at (478) 301-2886. 11thHourOnline.com 13
Mon - Sat 7-11am Monday - Saturday 11am - 3pm
807 Forsyth Street, Downtown Macon Call for Take Out! 478-621-7044
Fried Chicken Beef Tips & Rice Baked Chicken & Dressing Fried Pork Chop Meatloaf
Collards Mac & Cheese Fried Okra Field Peas Succotash Cabbage Potato Salad Side Salad Cole Slaw Deviled Eggs
Fried Chicken Meatloaf Chicken & Dumplins Baked Ham Country Fried Steak
Fried Chicken Fried Pork Chop Turkey & Dressing Liver & Gizzards Meatloaf
Mac & Cheese Fried Okra Succotash Collards Field Peas Potato Salad Side Salad Cole Slaw Cabbage Deviled Eggs
Fried Chicken Meatloaf Baked Chicken & Dressing Salmon Croquette Beef Tips & Rice
Mashed Potatoes Okra & Tomatoes Creamed Corn Squash Casserole Collard Greens Butter Beans Cheese Grits Potato Salad Side Salad Cole Slaw Deviled Eggs
Fried Chicken Fried Catfish Livers & Gizzards Ribs Baked Ham Meatloaf
Mac & Cheese Fried Okra Green Beans Collards Broccoli Casserole Potato Salad Side Salad Cole Slaw Pinto Beans Deviled Eggs Cheese Grits
Meatloaf Fried Chicken Salmon Croquette Ribs Country Fried Steak
Mashed Potatoes Squash Casserole Collards Pinto Beans Green Beans Potato Salad Side Salad Cole Slaw Deviled Eggs Cheese Grits Butter Beans
Mashed Potatoes Collards Okra & Tomatoes Squash Casserole Green Beans Butter Beans Potato Salad Side Salad Cole Slaw Deviled Eggs
Meat & Bread $3.99 Meat, Bread &1 $5.79 Meat, Bread & 2 $7.69 Meat, Bread & 3 $9.49 Vegetable Plate (3) $6.19 Vegetable Plate (4) $7.99 Founded in 1959 by Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, H&H Restaurant is a Macon institution. Mama Hill and Mama Louise have kept Macon’s most diverse clientele well fed with delicious, stick-to-ya-ribs soul food since Otis Redding was just an unknown band member in Johnny Jenkins’ Pinetoppers. On one fateful day in the mid-60’s a group a long hairs pooled their money together for two plates. Mama Louise felt sorry for them and gave them all a heaping helping. A friendship between her and The Allman Brothers Band was born. A friendship that took her on quite a ride that included a seat on the tour bus in 1972 and lifelong friendships with Gregg and the rest of the band. In 2007, Mama Hill passed on, but Mama Louise kept on keepin’ on. She calls us every other day, saying “y’all ready yet! I’m ready to go back to work.” To which we reply, “We’re almost there Mama.”
14 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
STOREFRONT Arts + Culture + Entertainment
Walking Along Cotton An Avenue That Shaped a Community
Cotton Avenue Walking Tour. Saturday, Feb. 27, with a breakfast reception provided by H&H. Details at HistoricMacon.org
by Nicole Thurston To outsiders, depending on what end of the Avenue you find yourself on, you might simply see a road that sort of cuts through downtown, with ornate buildings, odd angles and distinct alleyways. We know it as Cotton Avenue, however, if you look on a map you will see several different names. This odd angled, sloping road was originally a smaller portion of what was known as the old Federal Road and it has an ancient history. Once herds of mastodons and bison used the path to migrate east to west. According to Conie Mac Darnell’s book, “Walking on Cotton,” Paleo-Indian nomads, early Mississippians, Muscogee Creeks, and many more may have walked the path leading down to the old Ocmulgee River. After the invention of the cotton gin, Macon grew right alongside the economic boom of the fertile South. Cotton was king. “Early on, Cotton Avenue was the major conduit for carrying cotton from the farms outside of Macon down to the Ocmulgee River. Its gentle downhill slope made getting the bales to the barges much easier than it would have been otherwise,” explained Kim Campbell, Preservation and Education Coordinator for Historic Macon, “After emancipation, Jim Crow laws were enacted throughout the South segregating public and private spaces. These laws and customs meant that African Americans had to form separate neighborhoods and business districts. Although there were multiple black business districts in Macon, the Cotton Avenue area is still one of the most intact historically African American business districts.” Alex Habersham, community leader and owner of the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages, says that Upper Cotton Avenue was dubbed as the “Black Main Street,” with many of those businesses remaining there today.
“Cotton Avenue used to be the mecca for African American owned businesses. There were drug stores, a hotel (The Mitchell Building,) barber shops, Hutchings Funeral Home, a bank, wig shops, and the Elks Club.” During the period of Reconstruction, African Americans had limited political and economic opportunity. Because of the dual system of segregated public and private businesses, it took some ingenuity and a re-creation of established businesses to provide goods and services to minorities. According to the 1991 edition of the Macon Black Pages, only a few succeeded at first. James & Willis Braswell operated a successful blacksmith shop on the avenue, while the Burdell and Logan Grocery Store did quite well. In 1919, two of the most important economic activities in the African American community were banking and insurance. The Penny Building Loan and Investment Company was a huge success. Once Macon was desegregated, the competition for businesses increased, and eventually some of these historic businesses moved or folded. It was Capricorn Records that was a beacon for the changing times. Mixing both Southern Rock and Soul Bands, what was once strictly a segregated business district quickly became the mecca for cultural fusion in the best way Macon knows how to bring people together – through music. That decade ended with the record company going bankrupt. Fast forward to 2016, and there is a renaissance of downtown Macon. The old Capricorn Executive Office Building that sat vacant and crumbling for decades was recently purchased by Brian Nichols. Plus the avenue is getting a lot of attention from Hollywood. Several movies and a music video was filmed right there.
Drive a little bit further down where Cotton and 2nd Street meet and you will see businesses not only surviving, but thriving. Amanda Meadows, owner of Amanda’s Cakery, found Cotton Avenue to be the perfect place to set up shop. “After the bakery I had operated for three years burned to the ground, and with contracts already on the books, finding a place was a must,” explained Meadows, “After looking around Macon in 2010, I couldn’t find what I was looking for. I reached out on social media looking for a place, a friend said her dad had a piece of property ready to rent, the price was right and the space was perfect.” Meadows believes downtown chose her. “The triangle where Amanda’s Cakery is located is the prettiest part of downtown. Tourists come from near and far to photograph the Confederate Statue, and visit unique shops like The Vault and Golden Bough and of course, the cakery. We are just one big family downtown, and I love it here.” According to Campbell with Historic Macon, everyone will have an opportunity to check out just how significant Cotton Avenue is with their upcoming Cotton Avenue Walking Tour. On Saturday, February 27 a breakfast reception with a biscuit bar provided by H&H, will be held at the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center (626 Spring St.) from 10am to 10:30am. At 10:30am, George Muhammad will lead a trolley tour of the stops featured in the recently published Historic Macon walking tour brochure. The tour will include exploration of the interiors featured in the walking tour brochure. Space is limited on the trolley and will be reserved as attendees arrive to the reception. The trolley tour will end at the Center around noon. For more information, visit historicmacon.org. 11thHourOnline.com 15
NATIVE/NEW Arts + Culture + Entertainment
Wildly Unconventional
Getting to Know Sherry Meeks
“Finding Tambri is a haunting exploration of the aftermath of losing a child. These stories have true emotional depth and staying power. Over the course of this fine book, our hero emerges as a psychologically complex character, a woman who holds crushing grief at bay.” Mitch Wieland, Editor of the Idaho Review
By Nicole Thurston
It all started with a creative writing class. Sherry Meeks, a born and bred Maconite, was experimenting with a few characters in a novel she was writing, and what began as a story about a woman named Tambri’s husband, soon became a story about Tambri, and according to Meeks, Tambri is a survivor. “My book is about a woman who suffers the death of her young son. Her perfect marriage to her high school sweetheart falls apart because of the tragedy.” According to Meeks, the book begins at this point, and although Tambri retains her sense of humor throughout, she struggles with feelings of loss and guilt, and not being good enough for this world. “Tambri discovers one wrong man after another, and her only condition is that each man doesn’t have children.” The novel is divided up into short stories, all based on Tambri’s experiences. With such dark subject matter and the lighthearted way she tells her story might seem a little unconventional – kind of like Meek’s book tour. She’s calling it the “The Wildly Unconventional ‘Finding Tambri’ Book Tour.” The book tour locales represent the unusual and interesting. Locations have 16 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
included El Sombrero on Forsyth Road, The Wellness Center on Northside Drive, and Winestyles on Zebulon Road. Meeks has also toured outside of Macon at Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar in Asheville, N.C. Though this is Meek’s first book, she has been perfecting her craft for years now. She has an M.F.A. in Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Georgia College and State University. She has also made it a practice of taking as many photos of people with her book as possible. Participants include construction workers, restaurant servers, and medical staff (just to name a few). Meeks states, “I’m trying to make connections with people one person at a time, and this has brought about some unusual and wonderful opportunities.” She will continue her tour of wildly unconventional locales, with a few bookstores thrown in for good measure. She is available for book signings, readings, presentations, and book club events. You can contact her through her website at sherrylynnmeeks.com.
Eleven Quirky Facts about Sherry: I have two rescue dogs, Abby and Skye. They totally rock. I have two nicknames, mostly used by my friends in the northeastern U.S.: Peach and Georgia My favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I weighed three pounds, fourteen ounces when I was born. (premature) The next place I want to visit is London. I drink sweet tea almost every day. And if I don’t, I’m probably sick. I love all the things associated with writing: pencils, pens, notebooks, journals, etc. When I was a kid, on Halloween, I always dressed up as a princess. I love Mexican food (especially from El Sombrero on Forsyth Road)! My favorite color is blue. I own way too many tote bags and purses.
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18 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
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2440 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON 478-745-8980 - WE DELIVER! New menu online: Locosgrill.com
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Select Bottles DOUGH, ine on HOMEMADE TUES-SAT W f o FRESH TOPPINGS! LUNCH & DINNER ! s y a d SUN ednes WDINNER Dine In or Call Ahead for Carry-Out
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New Menu Items! JAMBALAYA HUSHPUPPIES - BUFFALO SHRIMP
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SALMON BURGER - SOFT SHELL CRAB 470 THIRD STREET • (478) 292.2085
20 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
dish the
American / Bar Food 20’s Pub Boasting freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and dinner specials in a well-lit tavern-like setting. LD • BAR • $ 3076 Riverside Dr. AP’s Hidden Hideaway Making homecooked meals like your mamma used tomake.Menu also features burgers, sandwiches, wings and more. LD • BAR $ 4274 Broadway. Open Tues-Fri 3pm - 2am. Sat and Sunday at noon. Waiter service and outdoor seating available. (478) 781-5656 Bearfoot Tavern The new Bearfoot Tavern is a gastropub featuring an English pub-style atmosphere, 50 beers on tap and bar food at its finest with all soups and breads made in-house. Large beer garden with outdoor stage! LD • BAR • $ 468 Second Street. Open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. Special brunch menu Saturday & Sunday.
BBQ Fincher’s - You haven’t had delicious southern barbecue until you’ve had us. For over 75 years, we’ve been teasing taste buds with our pit-cooked pork, sandwiches, and more. Voted “Best BBQ” by readers of the 11th Hour for six years in a row, their BBQ even made a trip to the moon on the 1969 space mission. Four locations in Macon and Warner Robins. Family owned and operated! Lee & Eddie’s - Dine on mouth-watering BBQ, chicken and ribs while exploring the bike shop housed next door. Downtown delivery available. Open for lunch - (478) 718-5979, 484 2nd St.
Pizza / Italian Ingleside Village Pizza IVP is probably the one place in Macon you HAVE to go if you are new here. According to the readers of the 11th Hour, and the Macon Telegraph, it’s the best Pizza in Macon. Homemade dough, loaded with toppings, it just doesn’t get any better. And the atmosphere is as cool as they come. Friendly, and lively, and filled with all kinds of great people, IVP is a one of a kind Macon experience. They also have one of the most extensive beer lists in Macon. LD • BAR $ 2396 Ingleside.
Locos Grill & Pub Casual, kid-friendly, family dining. We’re talking great food, sports on the big screens and a full bar. Fantastic weekly specials and live music on the weekends. Delivery and catering also available. LD BAR • $ 2440 Riverside Drive.
Sauced at Mercer Village Serving pizza, calzones, sammies and fresh salads, Sauced makes all their dough, specialty sauce and breads inhouse. Delivery available within the College Hill Corridor. (478) 743-4113.
The Rookery There isn’t a place downtown that has been serving us longer. Two time winner of Best Burger in Macon in the Readers Choice Awards. Sandwiches, fresh salads and house specialties. LD BAR $-$$ 543 Cherry Street, 746-8658
Just Tap’d - Yes, they specialize in over 75 craft beers on tap, but the downtown venue has also added some tasty artisan, pub-style food. Featuring Neapolitan pizza, authentic bavarian brats, fresh made pretzels and more! Indoor and outddoor seating. 488 First Street. Mon-Thur 2-10, Friday & Sat 12-11:30, Sunday 1-8.
Texas Cattle Company Macon’s original premier steak house and banquet facility. Featuring hand-cut, choice-grain, aged beef, fresh seafood, in-house ground steak burgers and banquet accamadations for groups of 5-50. TCC will buy your dinner on your birthday, simply bring in a valid ID after 4 p.m. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Prices from $5.99 - $24.99. LD • BAR • $-$$. 5797 Houston Road. Wild Wing Cafe Newly opened franchise at the Shoppes at River Crossing, fantastic wings in over 30 flavors, over 20 brews on tap, great salads and one of the few dining options in North Macon that offers live music on the weekends. LD • BAR $-$$, 477.WILD
Mexican Margaritas Four locations serving Macon...... Presidential Pkwy., Zebulon Rd., Bass Rd and Mercer Village....outdoor dining available at Bass and Mercer. 24 draft beers at Mercer Village location. LD • BAR • $
Lunch Spots Harpin’s A mid-town lunch favorite, serving chicken salad, pimento cheese, deli sandwiches and fresh salads and daily soup specials. Call ahead for take-out or try their new Take ‘n Go cooler. 3378 Brookdale Ave. (478) 742-5252 Grow is Macon’s only farm to table lunch restaurant, specializing in local meats and produce. Healthy food with Southern flair. Open Mon-Sat 11-3pm. Check out the facebook page for this week’s menu. Reservations accepted. 743-4663 Kudzu Seafood Co. Newly opened on Third Street by veteran caterer Lee Clack, Kudzu features seafood and breads flown in direct from the Big Easy. With New Orleans flair, their menu features po’boys, jambalaya, cajun fish tacos, fresh salads and their own blue cheese slaw. LD Monday - Saturday 11am - 3 pm, Dinner Friday & Saturday • $ • 470 Third Street.
Specialty The Backburner Under new ownership with a new chef, this longtime Macon favorite has a refreshed menu featuring gourmet entrees including duck, sea bass, New York strip, lamb, oysters and more. Elegant dining experience on Ingeside. LD • $$-$$$ (478) 746-3336 The Downtown Grill Slightly upscale dining serving specialties like Andouille- crusted rainbow trout, cranberry and goat cheese stuffed filets and desserts to die for. Also features an extensive wine list and it’s own humidor. Free valet parking. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 562 Mulberry Street, 742.5999 Dovetail Featuring farm to table cuisine and a fully stocked bar of premier bourbons measured by “the finger.” Southern crafted small plates and inspired entrees in a cozy, lodge-like atmosphere. Located above the Rookery, they do accept reservations. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 543 Cherry Street, 238.4693. Hours: Serving lunch Tues-Sat 11am-2pm. Dinner Tuesdays-Thursdays; 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays Edgar’s Bistro City-chic and a foodie’s dream! Edgar’s Bistro presents a dining experience that nourishes the body and soul. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday, Edgar’s serves as a hands-on training facility for the culinary students at Helms College’s Polly Long Denton School of Hospitality. Come dine with them on an array of New American selections of soups, garden-fresh salads, sandwiches and entrees. To view the quarterly menu visit Edgarshospitality. com/menu.
KIDS
Ea t Fr e e - O r N e a r l y Fr e e
Mondays Bearfoot Tavern - Kids meals half-price from 4-7 Monday-Friday Barberitos- Kids eat free after 3pm with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in Only One per adult entrée -Twelve and Under
Tuesdays Bearfoot Tavern - Kids meals half-price from 4-7 Monday-Friday Moe’s - One Kid 12 and Under eats free with the purchase of any adult meal.
Market City Café – Superb sandwiches, homemade soups, loaded salads, pizza and pastas. Unique breakfast menu including gourmet coffees and teas. Dinner served Fridays and Saturdays featuring seafood and steak specials. Full bar, excellent wine cellar. Open Tues-Thur, 7am-6pm; Friday and Saturday 7am-9pm. 502 Cherry St., Macon 257-6612 BLD • BAR • $-$$
Locos Grill Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Locos Gril and Pub. Purchase of an adult entrée is required.
Roasted Cafe & Lounge Serving delicious specialty deli-style sandwiches like the Cali Club, The Greek Heat and Roasted Chicken. Also, delicious salads and grown-up PB&Js. Try their famous Date Shake or specialty coffees. Open at 6 a.m. Monday - Friday 442 Second Street, downtown.
Georgia Bobs-10 and Under eat free. One per adult and after 5PM Saturday.
The Tic Toc Room Contemporary setting with a sophisticated menu, great wine selection. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 401Cherry Street, 743.4645
Ethnic Cuisine Ginger Stir-Fry Located downtown, it’s Macon’s only build your own stir fry bar with over 500 combinations. Cool experience for the kids, not your average dining experience. You want it spicy, sweet, both? You be the judge, but don’t worry, there are recipe cards as well for the beginner. LD • BAR • $-$$ 496 Second Street.
Wednesdays
Bearfoot Tavern- Kids meals half price from 4-7 Monday-Friday
Thursdays Barberitos - Kids eat free ater 3pm with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in Only One per adult entrée -Twelve and Under.
New!
serving local vegetables and farm raised meats
LUNCH AND FARM-TO-TABLE CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
HARPIN’S
MON - SAT 11AM - 3PM • WE CATER 3378 BROOKDALE AVE. MACON (478)742-5252
1019 Riverside Dr | 478.743.4663 Check our Facebook page for our weekly menu
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Gourmet Pizza - Calzones - Bruschetta - Craft Beer
+ We Deliver! Mercer Village (478) 743-4113
Tuesday - Saturday Lunch 11:00am - 2:00pm Dinner 5:00pm - 9:30pm DUCK | SEA BASS | LAMB | OYSTERS | VEAL | PRIME NEW YORK STRIP
Thursday
LOBSTER NIGHT Try our Sunday Brunch
Extensive list of homemade milkshakes! 22 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
2242 Ingleside Ave
Backburnermacon.com
Reservations are not required but are recommended. 478-746-3336
THE INTERVIEW Arts + Culture + Entertainment
DRAKE WHITE
He’s been called the next Chris Stapleton, the next big thing emerging out of Outlaw Country. One listen to “Living The Dream”, and you’ll see why. Drake White is an aspiring singer songwriter resid-
ing in Nashville. The Hokes Bluff, Alabama native has a very different country feel with a freestyle twist on many of his original songs. He ad-libs throughout a show phrasing rhythmic lyrics as his entertaining live
show unfolds. Drake frequently involves the audience in his witty craftsmanship of verbalization as well. The enthusiastic 30 year old credits many country, blues, rock, freestyle and bluegrass influences that forms his musical sound that is unique in its own way. Brad Evans caught up with Drake from the road last week to talk about his upcoming show at the Crazy Bull in Macon. You were slated to play Bragg Jam last year here in Macon and couldn’t for some reason. We missed you but are glad you made it back! The road calleth ! Ha Your amazing following was built the hard way, by extensive touring, how do you think that’s helped you as a musician? There is no shortcut in this business. I’ve always idolized the road warriors out there like Church, Zac, Bruce, and Willie. Fans are intelligent and can feel authenticity. Time and experience create an authenticity that cannot be faked or bought. I think “The Big Fire” and I have created a family with the fans and the “rough” road has created a smooth sound that has molded a hard ticket. Has it hurt you in any way? No, but we need to get a record out now!!
Your single, “It Feels Good”, has a washboard, a banjo, and a sitar in it. How did the sitar make that mix? The guys and I listen to all kinds of music from Metal to Mozart. I love the instrument and had heard it in some tunes I dug. Matt Mc is a quirky little guitar player that likes to nerd out on weird shit so it just worked when he started jammin’ with it.
from the road. I got to play Red Rocks with Willie, Jamey Johnson, Lucus Nelson and many more in 2012 and the majesty of that place combined with enough second hand smoke to get Bob Marley himself stoned made for a religious experience!
What guitar is your go to? Gibson LG Nic Lucus Elite Acoustic with slightly worn strings. I hate new strings! Ha
Who are your biggest influences? My dad is a great singer and classic rock/ gospel fan and my grandfather was a Baptist preacher. My uncle was a Vietnam vet that loves country music and cheap bourbon. My love of the beach and mountains and the noise those natural places create formed this Willie, storyteller, bluegrass, beach thing that is topped with a gospel howl.
Best experience on the road so far? I know there are a lot but tell me a good story
Tell me about growing up? What was your childhood like? I was able to explore. I grew
What was the first song you learned to play well on the guitar? “All I can do is write it in a song” by Skynyrd.
up in Hokes Bluff ALABAMA on a creek bank that emptied out into the Coosa River. Adventures were encouraged and music was always playing. Church doors were always open and a beauty shop was in the garage with a radio on the local country station. Give back was the banter . Who are you listening to right now? James Brown, Grahm Parsons, Tori Kelly, MJ, Yonder Mountain String Band, BROTHERS OSBORN!!, Maren Morris, Adele, and Ricky Skaggs.
Drake White Saturday, Feb. 27 The Crazy Bull 11thHourOnline.com 23
24 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
11thHourOnline.com 25
The Scene
Buck Gooter
“
Live Show Review Fresh Produce Records 2/5 by Justin Cutway / photos Brian Whitley Authenticity. It’s the thing I like most about seeing live music. For me, it’s when I can tell the band has an idea or a concept and they’re going to spill their guts on stage to make sure the audience gets it. It comes from a commitment to what you’re doing and how it should be received. Authenticity is what Fresh Produce does best and this night was no different. With so much going on this past First Friday, I was a tad bit late to the show. Turns out I missed an impromptu set by portions of Gurgle Twins. From what I could gather, there were effect-soaked tablas and chanting. Whichever kind of impromptu set these guys played to cover for a missing opener, I’m sure I missed out. The second band of the night was Buck Gooter and hailed from the rural Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia. The very unassuming front man standing over a pile of electronics (with a Theremin in arms reach) and the “older gentlemen” holding an acoustic guitar did not immediately inspire me with much hope. Then the music started. I was smacked in the face with what I later found out is primal-industrial-noise-blues. It is a visceral, almost intimidating sound that forced me to 26 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
readjust my ears and my mind. At their base, the musical tendencies of Buck Gooter harken back to good old fashioned industrial (not that I am particularly well versed in the genre): driving metallic beats, repetitive guitar lines (this time produced by a fuzzy overdrive heavy acoustic guitar), and synths (Billy Brats no-holds-barred Theremin style must be seen to be appreciated; once even using bubbles to play the dang thing). When you add the confrontational, yet thoughtful lyrics (sung in a more hardcore fashion than the music itself), the unapologetic attitude that this duo plays with is equal parts endearing and scary. Buck Gooter has been around for more than a decade and clearly has an authentic message that they are going to force you to hear even if they have to do it one person at a time. Next up was Frank Hurricane. This enthralling entertainer is no stranger to Macon. He’s been coming around since there used to be Tuesday night shows at The Golden Bough. This night was the first of a 20+ consecutive date tour heading up the rust belt to NYC. Frank Hurricane plays open-tuned acoustic songs that have a decidedly folk-blues feel (think John Fahey) and uses his power-
I’ve tried to review this local Macon band before and they’re still just as hard to describe. Their performances are spiraling crashes and splashes of sound washing around in a primordial ooze of improvisational coolness. ful voice to weave psychedelic folk tales. As his name suggests, Frank is a force of nature. He throws himself into each song as if he is trying to exorcise not only his own demons, but his audiences’ too. Each song was prefaced with a long (as in sometimes longer than the song), winding, humorous and poignant story. The attentive and respectful crowd (an all too rare treat at times in Macon) ate up every word, note, and sound Frank said or made. For all his talent and experience, it’s Frank’s complete comfort and ease that make his shows so memorable. His demeanor and tone make him seem more like an old friend regaling you with recent adventures. I look forward to hearing his new stories the next time he comes to town.
The final act of the night was Gurgle Twins. I’ve tried to review this local Macon band before and they’re still just as hard to describe. Their performances are spiraling crashes and splashes of sound washing around in a primordial ooze of improvisational coolness. Ben, Cody, Daniel, and Willie are some of the smartest musicians in Macon; they take themselves seriously, but are genuinely playful. Honestly, when I hear Gurgle Twins play, it makes me smile and think and expand. It’s just feels so genuine watching Gurgle Twins do their thing. Stop making me try to describe it and just go experience it for yourself the next time they’re at Fresh Produce. Like I said... authenticity.
Field Note Stenographers is a group of musicians, promoters, business owners and live music fans based in Macon, Georgia interested in how live musical experiences can benefit the community. By reviewing shows and musical experiences that you, dear reader, may or may not have had the esteemed privilege to witness, we, the Field Note Stenographers, hope to showcase bits of awesome, intriguing or soul-stirring music happenings in our fair city of Macon with the ultimate goal of convincing you to support live music. in our area. We believe that together, we can improve our city by supporting live music. After all, this is your music scene. Get dirty. Dig the Field.
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Live Music
2/6: The Placeholders 2/12: Big Hairy Monster 2/13: Tokyo Spa 2/19: Southern Outlaws
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FLORENCE THE MACHINE
MY MORNING JACKET
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SLOWDIVE · PHOSPHORESCENT · SHAKEY GRAVES · HOUNDMOUTH THE BLACK ANGELS · SAVAGES · ATLAS GENIUS · DEER TICK AGAINST ME! · THE SWORD · EAGLES OF DEATH METAL · BARONESS CRYSTAL FIGHTERS · JJ GREY & MOFRO · FRIGHTENED RABBIT WOLF ALICE · PARQUET COURTS · BRIAN FALLON · THE STRUTS WILD NOTHING · THE FRONT BOTTOMS · UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA DREW HOLCOMB Centennial Olympic Park & International Plaza aTlanTa·ga
NEIGHBORS · THE DEAR HUNTER · THE VACCINES
MURDER BY DEATH · THE ORWELLS · NOAH GUNDERSEN · STRAND OF OAKS HOP ALONG · LANY · KALEO · FOXING · SAINTSENECA · SON LITTLE JULIEN BAKER · COIN · OUGHT · DAY WAVE · ALL THEM WITCHES CAVEMAN · BEACH SLANG · DAVID RAMIREZ · JULY TALK · NOTHING CRAIG FINN · DIET CIG · MATT VASQUEZ
VIP
SHAKYKNEESFESTIVAL.COM
28 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
· ALEX G · BARNS COURTNEY
THE HIP ABDUCTION · POLYENSO · TWIN LIMB · ADIA VICTORIA THE SHELTERS · THE JAPANESE HOUSE · BASKERY
11thHourOnline.com 29
Back Porch Lounge
2400 Riverside Dr • 745-8801 21+ Located Inside the Best Western
HAPPY
HOUR
NEVER A COVER!
MON
$2 PBRs
THRU
All day, Everyday!
FRI TIL
THUR-FRI-SUN
Karaoke
7PM
EVERY
SATURDAY
Live Music
3076 Riverside Dr. Suite 1200 Macon. • Tel 475-5860
PUB Sports Bar & Fine Foods 3076 RIVERSIDE DR. SUITE 1200 MACON • 478/475-5860
Happy Hour daily til 7pm! New lunch specials Monday - Friday! mon
trivia 7-9
t/w/th
Thursday Night
Wings & Beer Special!
Karaoke 8pm
sat
KARAOKE 8PM dart tourney 4pm $11 beer buckets
6:00-9:30 p.m. - Large Pitcher & 12 Jumbo Wings $14.50 - Small Pitcher & 12 Jumbo Wings $12.50 - 16oz. Draft, 8 Jumbo Wings & Fries $8.50
fridays
live music
2/26: Big Daddy & Co. 3/4: Kool Change 3/11: The Placeholders
30 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
sunday
Texas Hold ‘Em 5pm Lunch specials!
CHRIS HICKS & FRIENDS! SUNDAYS!
PBR
All day Everyda
Middle GA’s favorite place f Karaoke with Man in the Bo
GO HEAR - LIVE MUSIC Blues and Soul-Jazz collide with Bruce Katz!
Wednesday 2/24 Bruce Katz GALLERY WEST ANNEX $15 ticket price includes light appetizers and an open bar! Bruce Katz is a four time Nominee for the Blues Music Award (W.C. Handy Award) for “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year”, selected by the Blues Foundation of Memphis, TN. While Blues is a very important part of his music, Bruce’s music has more angles and influences, occupying a unique space where blues, “soul-jazz”, jam-band rock, and all aspects of Americana Music collide into a style of original music all his own. He is equally comfortable playing Hammond B-3 Organ and Piano. Besides leading the Bruce Katz Band, Bruce performs regularly with the Delbert McClinton Band, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, John Hammond, and other artists as well. He was a member of the Gregg Allman Band from 2007-2013. He will be playing with the Allman Brothers Band founding members Butch Trucks and Jaimoe in their new band Les Brers who are playing 2 shows in Macon in March.
Thursday 2/25 Kool Change AP’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Travis Bryant WILD WING CAFE
Friday 2/26 Big Daddy & Co.
20’S PUB Yesterdaze Rock BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE Daniel Lee THE CRAZY BULL Col. Bruce Hampton THE HUMMINGBIRD Bruce Hampton is a surrealist American musician. In the late 1960s he was a founding member of Atlanta, Georgia’s avant-garde Hampton Grease Band. Adopting the moniker Colonel Bruce Hampton, Retired, and sometimes playing a sort of dwarf guitar called a “chazoid”, he later formed several other bands. Some of those band names include The Late Bronze Age, The Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Fiji Mariners, The Codetalkers, The Quark Alliance, Pharaoh Gummitt, and Madrid Express. Wes Heath WILD WING CAFE
Saturday 2/27 Kool Change AP’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY The Big House Museum Presents: Fire and The Knife 6-9pm at The Big House – 2321 Vineville Avenue, tickets $30, See Fire and The Knife perform inside The Big House Museum Living Room. This seated intimate show will be one to remember! Fire & The Knife is composed of JJ Boogie and Nanyana Summer. As an Atlanta based rock band Fire & The Knife combines blues, soul & country making it into a fresh
new southern rock sound. And on guitar and percussion JJ Boogie (who also tours and produces with the two time Grammy winning hip hop group Arrested Development and other various artists) infuses blues and soul into the original compositions. Fire & The Knife brings organic and truthful from the heart rock & roll music. Stone Senate BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE The Stranger: A tribute to Billy Joel - COX CAPITOL THEATRE THE STRANGER is the complete premiere tribute to the music of one of the world’s most beloved performers, Billy Joel. Comprised of some of the best and most experienced musicians in the business, this 6 piece band brings together an authentic replication of Billy’s timeless music, crowning it with soulful, spot on vocals that makes listening to a Billy Joel song so special. Out front on piano & lead vocals is founder & frontman Mike Santoro. Born and raised in Levittown like Joel himself, Mike not only looks and talks a lot like Billy, but has the piano chops, vocal prowess and stage presence of the Piano Man. Tickets $15. Drake White THE CRAZY BULL White has already generated significant amounts of fan excitement and music-industry buzz, as well as scoring a Top 40 country hit with 2013s “The Simple Life.” Named one of Billboard‘s “10 Hot Country Artists to Watch in 2015 and dubbed “an electric performer with a gospel howl” 11thHourOnline.com 31
GO HEAR - LIVE MUSIC 430 Cherry Street | macon 741-9130 | OPEN DAILY 4PM
our H y p Hap
2-4-1 wells 4-8PM
league MON dart $1 Wells all Day! TUES All day Happy Hour Team Trivia 7-9pm WED 2-4-1 Drinks Bottomless Mugs THUR $8or Mimosas
FRI. FEB 26
Col. Bruce Hampton
by Rolling Stone Country, White was also prominent on Rolling Stone‘s list of “The 37 Best Things We Saw at CMA Fest 2014. The band just came off the road from a fall tour with the Zac Brown Band and is now promoting his debut album “It Feels Good.” This is going to be a great night of music in Macon, GA. 2 Finger Jester THE HUMMINGBIRD
Monday 2/29
SAT. FEB 27
2 Finger Jester FRI. MAR 4
Milk Money SAT. MAR 5
Trae Pierce & the t-stone band FRI. MAR 11
repeat, repeat
Kate & Corey
FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE VISIT HUMMINGBIRDMACON.COM 32 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
First Friday Live Music with Josh Carson KUDZU SEAFOOD CO. Milk Money THE HUMMINGBIRD Come celebrate First Friday with us! We look forward to getting the guys with MILK MONEY back in the venue! Listed as “covering all of your favorite tunes from the past few decades to current artists of today.”, and they aren’t lying. Known for their creative twist on some of today’s top alt/pop songs, they will either put a smile on your face are get your body moving. Both sound pretty good to us!
Robert Lee Coleman THE BACKPORCH LOUNGE The Loose Skrews Don’t miss the legnedary bluesman Robert WILD WING CAFE Performs the Rolling Lee Coleman every Monday night - never Stone’s a cover charge! Robert Lee Coleman of Out!” “Get Your Ya-Yas Macon, Georgia played guitar for Percy Sledge from 1964 to 1969. In 1970, James Brown hired him for his new band, “the Yesterdaze Rock JBs.” Robert’s guitar is featured on Brown’s AP’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY album “Hot Pants”, including the songs “Revolution of the Mind,” recorded live at The Skeeterz the Apollo Theater & “Make It Funky” from BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE the “Soul Classics” LP. Big Smo COX CAPITOL THEATRE His song “Meet Me In The Mud,” from his new Elektra Records Nashville EP Bringin’ It Tuesday Bluesday Home, is one of six new tracks that portray, THE BOURBON BAR celebrate and advocate the life that he and A new event featuring a dance class and millions of heartland Americans embrace. classic blues and juke joint music every Driven by thundering drums, Smo’s rapped first and third Tuesday of the month. Free and sung vocals on “Bringin’ It Home” dance lesson with instructors Patrick Gonet and Elizabeth Coke 8-9 p.m. DJ blues music call on listeners to stand up for “American pride, bring it on home.” from 9-11 p.m. Come enjoy a classic juke
Saturday 3/5
Tuesday 3/1
joint atmosphere while sipping on your favorite classic cocktail!
Friday 3/4 Kool Change 20’S PUB Revolution 360 BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE Frankie Ballard THE CRAZY BULL
Jamie Davis THE CRAZY BULL Trae Pierce & the T-Stone Band THE HUMMINGBIRD Trae Pierce & The T-Stone Band can funk you up. His musical career has spanned three decades, and his resume reads like a who’s who of the music industry. Starting at age 13, Trae has toured with, recorded with, and produced dozens of major artists, including Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, the Blind Boys of Alabama, James Brown, Dr
Hook, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Flo-Rida, and many more. With 4 Grammys, 2 Doves, and an Image Award under his belt it’s hard to imagine, but this virtuoso bassist has managed to fly largely under the radar. Matt Pippin WILD WING CAFE
Monday 3/7 Robert Lee Coleman THE BACKPORCH LOUNGE Don’t miss the legnedary bluesman Robert Lee Coleman every Monday night - never a cover charge!
Thursday 3/10 Yesterdaze Rock THE HUMMINGBIRD CeeLo Green COX CAPITOL THEATRE Matt Rogers WILD WING CAFE
Friday 3/11 The Placeholders 20’S PUB Trey Teem Band BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE 8 Second Ride THE CRAZY BULL Kate & Corey with Repeat, Repeat THE HUMMINGBIRD
Saturday 3/12 Indigo Girls COX CAPITOL THEATRE Last Honky Tonk Music Series Presents Dallas Moore & Kyle Wilson
11thHourOnline.com 33
34 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 8, 2016
11thHourOnline.com 35
THE HAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Become a leader in culinary arts
Not every career path requires four or more years of higher education. Students who study Culinary Arts at Helms College have the opportunity to receive professional training that swiftly places them in a career as a sous chef, executive chef, or restaurant manager.
Helms.edu 5171 Eisenhower Parkway
Macon, GA 31206
478.471.4262