11thHou
May 3 - 17, 2016 • Vol. 15, Issue #335
The Scene AROUND TOWN
rOnline.c
RAISING THE BAR Meet your Bartender
om
LOCAL TASTEMAKERS Creating a Sense of Place
RENEWING THE PENNY TAX
AN OPEN LETTER FROM
DEMUN JONES
Playing COX CAPITOL THEATRE
E
LIF
E AND TIME S
TH
OF
TEDDY BEAR 1
HAPPENINGS, LOCALS & REGIONAL INSIGHTS
6
M
AY
Go. See. Do.
201
5 - M AY
20
$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
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 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
Thur, May 5 “One Woman Show” with Lisa Moore at Ocmulgee Arts Join us for a reception from 5pm-8pm at the gallery. We will have refreshments, a beautiful display of all new works, and an opportunity to meet the artist. Lisa’s serious work is oil on canvas. She is bringing a large selection for this display. Our One Wall Show for May will coordinate by showing Lisa’s work on paper. The paper works are sometimes studies for larger paintings and sometimes more whimsical. The show and reception are open at no charge. All of the work is available for sale. 2242 Ingleside Ave.
Fri, May 6 Opening Art Reception for “Modern Waves” at Macon Arts Gallery 5-8 p.m. “Modern Waves” features paintings by Lauren Betty, Jeff Surace, and Laura Surace. Free entry and light refreshments served! Exhibit will be on display through May 28. Opening Reception “Hellhounds on their Trails” at Gallery West - From the Missippi Delta to the Southside of Chicago featuring photography by Adam Smith and Kirk West. Free event, 5-9 p.m. 447 Third Street.
Sat, May 7 Dancing Stars of Central Georgia Dance to End Alzheimer’s Central Georgia residents will show off their best dance moves to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. Dancing Stars of Central Georgia will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the City Auditorium in Macon with world renowned celebrity chef and cooking show host, Paula Deen, as a celebrity judge. Admission $25. Mirroring the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars, this event pairs local Central Georgia business and community leaders, also known as celebrities, with professional dancers to raise money by gaining votes in a one-night dance competition. Area residents can vote online for just $1 prior to the event or during the event with all proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. 7-10 p.m. Event tickets can be purchased by visiting www.DancingStarsofCentralGeorgia.com.
Sun, May 8 Second Sunday featuring Wrenn Second Sunday with Wrenn on May 8, at Coleman Hill from 6-8! Sometimes fun & quirky and at other times gravely
beautiful, Athens’ pop-sweetheart, Wrenn, couples rich, vibrant vocals with powerful songwriting to, “...create something unlike anything in Athens music now or, probably, ever.” Between playing some of the premiere music venues in the Southeast, showcasing her artistic ability both on and off the stage, and the recent release of her debut album, “Hi,” Wrenn has made her distinct mark on the music scene and is a rare talent that you cannot help but notice. This free community concert takes place every second Sunday of the month from April to October, so mark your calendars now! Second Sunday Concerts are a Bragg Jam signature event. The concerts are free to attend and local restaurant The Brick will be in attendance selling food and beverage.. Picnics, lawn chairs and pets are welcome. Please refrain from bringing tents and grills though. The show starts at 6 p.m., but organizers recommend that folks get there early to secure a good picnic spot. “Carol” Screening Presented by Macon Film Guild at Douglass Theatre - 2pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Carol (USA, drama, 118 minutes, rated R for a scene of sexuality/nudity and brief language) Director: Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven), starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara; Nominated for 6 Academy Awards, incl. Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. Set in 1950s New York, two women from very different backgrounds find themselves in the throes of love. A young woman in her 20s, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), is a clerk working in a Manhattan department store and dreaming of a more fulfilling life when she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an alluring woman trapped in a loveless, convenient marriage. $5.00 General Admission.
Sat, May 14 Wesleyan MarketThis fun community event features a variety of locally grown and produced items ranging from flowers and organic fruits and vegetables to baked goods, art, and jewelry by local artisans. Music and fun educational events also offered. To find out what’s happening this Saturday and for a full vendor list like us on Facebook. Wesleyan art galleries are open in Porter Fine Arts Building. 10AM – 2PM. Second Saturday in The Village Rediscover historic Ingleside Village with free events 10am - 4pm. Sidewalk sales, grand openings, dance demos, live music and more!
Mon, May 16 Hoppy Hour Yoga 6:30 p.m. It is the happiest + hoppiest Happy Hour around! Join us for a free yoga class in Rosa Parks Square. Then hop on over to Just Tap’d for drinks + food with your Hometown community, as well as special discounts on all class cards + clothing! No registration is required and a limited number of mats will be available to borrow.
Wed, May 18 Jason Isbell at Macon City Auditorium - The Macon City Auditorium, Jason Isbell, and Tommy Emmanuel are all devastated to hear of the passing of the great Merle Haggard. However, the show must go on. Jason Isbell with special guest Tommy Emmanuel will still be performing at the Macon City Auditorium on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30pm. Even if you already bought tickets to the previous show with Merle Haggard, you will need to purchase tickets to attend this show. Tickets start at $25. We hope you can join us for a wonderful night of music. Let’s all celebrate life and the great Merle Haggard.
Thur, May 19 Downtown Bike Tour 5:30 - 7 p.m. Alex Morrison, executive director of the Urban Development Authority, will lead a bike tour of downtown Macon. Hop on your bike to learn more about the Macon Action Plan, biking improvements, and the future of downtown. Meet in the parking lot of Tattnall Square Park at 5:30pm. The tour will end at the same spot around 7pm. This event is hosted by Historic Macon as a Preservation Month activity. All Preservation Month activities are free and open to the public.
Sat, May 21 Boat and Beer Float Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions and Macon Beer Company have teamed up to bring you the best of the Ocmulgee River and Macon’s best brews. Start your Saturday by paddling down a lovely stretch of the river in either a canoe or kayak, followed by a brown bag lunch, brewery tour, and, of course, beer tasting. Take home a complementary souvenir pint glass, too! Ages 21 & up. Space is limited, float begins at 11a.m. Kayak $60 per person; canoe $120 for two. Visit facebook page for link to tickets.
Best Bets
HAPPENINGS, LOCALS & REGIONAL INSIGHTS
Cotton Avenue District
Mill Hill: East Macon Arts Village
Downtown Macon Beall’s Hill
338 Poplar St.
This place matters because Macon is Preservation. Join Historic Macon as we celebrate revitalization in our community during National Preservation Month this May.
Z Annual Meeting & Preservation Awards • May 3 5-7pm • 338 Poplar St. Enjoy El Camino tacos and exciting new announcements! d Cotton Avenue Tour • May 12 • 5:30-7pm Meet in Daisy Park at the I Heart Macon “M”
Keeping it Southern Hay House Spring Stroll May 6-8 Enchanting gardens and historic home interiors await your discovery during Spring Stroll of Macon Houses and Gardens. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Historic Interiors Tour offers guests visits to beautiful private homes in the Shirley Hills neighborhood. During the weekend, ticket holders will receive a complimentary tour of Hay House, the Italian Renaissance Revival mansion (1855-59). Florabrilliance Flower Exhibit Ticket holders will also be able to view unique flower displays by local florists on the main levels of Hay House. Explore different displays with some out of the box ideas inspired by Hay House architecture and collections by some of the most talented floral designers in the Middle Georgia Area! FREE Garden Market! Nestled among historic magnolias and camellias, the Garden Market returns to the beautiful lawn of Hay House in the heart of downtown Macon. Browse charming vendor booths for flowering plants and trees, perennials, garden and patio accessories, birdhouses, home accents, and much more! Garden Market Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm. Garden Tours will take place Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Garden Tour - $25 / $20 with advance purchase. Historic Interior Tours are from 5-8 p.m. Combo tickets for both events are $45, $35 in advance. Purchse tickets at The Hay House, Creter’s or ACE Hardware. www.georgiatrust. org. 478-742-8155
O
Beall’s Hill Open House • May 15 •2-4pm 924 Ash St. • 932 Ash St. • 1304 Calhoun St. Ln • 1311 Jackson St.
l Downtown Bike Tour • May 19 • 5:30-7pm Tour begins & ends in Tattnall Square Park parking lot D Mill Hill Tour • May 26 • Tours at 5:30pm & 6:15pm Meet at Mill Hill Community Arts Center (239 Clinton St) For more information, visit www.historicmacon.org. #maconispreservation • #thisplacematters
Freebie of the Week Riverkeeper Rally at Amerson River Park Sunday, May 15 Join your friends and neighbors for some bluegrass, BBQ and river float to benefit the Ocmulgee and Altamaha Riverkeeper. Admission, music, food & shuttle are FREE. The events river float will take place from 2-4 p.m. with live music by Recycled Grass and BBQ from 4-6 p.m. Coolers are not allowed at this event, but chairs and blankets are welcome. Concessions will be sold on-site. Bring your own boat or rent a kayak on site for $10 from Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. A raffle will take place at 5:45 for a new kayak. The Altamaha Riverkeeper is a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection, defense and restoration of Georgia’s biggest river – the Altamaha – including its tributaries the Ocmulgee, the Oconee and the Ohoopee. 11thHourOnline.com 05
HAPPENINGS, LOCALS & REGIONAL INSIGHTS
UBER!
Yes, Uber Has Arrived. Have no idea what we’re talking about... Read on. What is Uber Macon you ask? It’s the coolest and cheapest private driver service. Yes! there’s an app for that! And Macon has joined the ranks of thousands of progressive cities with the secure service. Macon currently has three drivers, but we are confident that number will grow quickly. Here are a few tips to help your Uber Macon experience be the best it can be. First, you will need to register with Uber and download the Uber App, put in your credit card details, and make sure to obtain a new rider FREE Ride / Discount Code. You must enter the uber discount code before requesting your first ride. Now, you can verify how many Uber Macon cars are available to pickup riders close to your location in Macon. Request your ride. The closest Uber driver in Macon will get the notice via their smartphone with your pickup destination. Be sure to text or call the driver with special instructions if where you are located is tricky getting in or out. Once your ride is complete, you will have a chance to rate your Uber Driver Macon and the experience based on a five-star scale. The caveat is the driver will have a chance to rate you as well, so the fine print is, don’t be a “butt hole”. A rider or a driver can lose access to the App if your rating gets too low. No cash is exchanged; you pay for your ride using your credit card details already in the app. Easy peasy.
Amber Caldwell
Master Cosmetologist Esthetician Bridal Specialist
06 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
J A C K M C B R AY E R CHALLENGES YOU! The Macon native, and Emmy-Nominated Actor new spokesperson for the Downtown Challenge
The Downtown Challenge Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia was created to implement the Macon Action Plan through a series of grants to local businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and government entities. The Downtown Challenge Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, was made possible by the Peyton Anderson Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; each provided $1.5 million in support. This three-year program will fund the best ideas to transform downtown Macon. The goal is to make Macon a place that can grow with grace, build upon its good bones, dance to its local rhythm, care for its heart, and coordinate and focus for maximum impact. Businesses, non-profit organizations, government entities, and individuals may apply to the challenge. However, we strongly encourage individual applicants to partner with a sponsoring organization. The challenge is administered by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. The first deadline was March 15. We look forward to seeing your great ideas!
Booking Appointments now at AMANDA JANE SALON
478.475.0355
tan
li o p a e N , Fresh
! S A Z IZ
P
Ar tisan
Indoor & Outdoor Seating
od! o F e l y t Pub-S
ion of
elect S t s e g r a ’s L
! R E E B RAFT
Macon
C
s p a T 76
0 0 6 R OVE rieties of
TRIVIA
Tuesdays and Thursdays
488 FIRST STREET DOWNTOWN MACON
Bottle Vaeer, Wine Craf t B Cider! and
JustTapd
It’s here you’ll find your
LOWEST PRICE George Youmans. The name you know. The man you trust.
.com 478-746-2020
2020 Riverside Drive (Riverside at Ingleside) Macon See our complete inventory of new and used at
746-2020
478-
www.youmanschevrolet.com 11thHourOnline.com 07
In his first term as Bibb County Sheriff, Sheriff Davis: 3 Merged two law enforcement agencies to create the 5th largest sheriff’s office in the state. 3 Created standard policies and procedures to achieve STATE CERTIFICATION so that all employees have clear guidelines to follow. 3 Initiated various community outreach programs in churches, schools, neighborhoods and businesses. 3 Started a program to have every deputy using Presence, Reaction, Interaction, Deterrence and Excellence in every citizen encounter.
Sheriff Davis wants to continue bringing progress and excellence to YOUR STREET in Bibb County.
E T O V raT Oc m E D 4 2 y a m RE-ELECT
q David Davis
Vote DEMOCRAT on May 24 and cast your vote for David Davis!
Bibb County Sheriff PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT SHERIFF DAVID DAVIS
478-731-9772 • www.daviddavisforsheriff.com
BEST TATTOO STUDIO IN MACON 2016
08 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
HAPPENINGS, LOCALS & REGIONAL INSIGHTS
HELL HOUNDS ON THEIR TRAILS Photography exhibit opens Friday, May 6 featuring the work of Adam Smith and Kirk West at Gallery West Opening Friday, May 6th at the Gallery West Annex, Kirk West and Adam Smith are joining forces to bring you Hell Hounds on Their Trails- Photography from the Mississippi Delta to the Southside of Chicago. This visually stunning look into the sub culture of the Blues takes you on a journey through American history. Starting off with Adam Smith’s work, visitors will enter the dark and steamy region of the Mississippi Delta. Smith first became captivated by the images and the music while attending school in Oxford, Mississippi. The visuals will showcase everything from the backwoods country to the famous Southern juke joints. Rumor has it, visitors will witness a photograph of the very spot Robert Johnson, in pure Faustian style, sold his
soul to the devil at a crossroads to achieve success. After cruising through the Delta, visitors will find themselves in Chicago, featuring scenes from the Southside Blues Club, and all of the way to the more upscale Supper Clubs by Kirk West. The transition from the Delta to the Supper Clubs will paint a completely different picture of the Blues scene, “Everybody got a little better and dressed up once they got up North,” explained Kirk West, “It’s an interesting visual program.” The opening will take place on Friday May 6th (on First Friday) from 5 – 9pm, while the closing party will be on the First Friday in June at the same time. For more information, check out the events on Facebook under Gallery West.
Leo”Bud”Welch -Bruce,Mississippi ADAM SMITH
11thHourOnline.com 09
Oh
! n u F t a h W MAKE-UP
BLOW-OUTS
CUT
GIFT SETS
COLOR HIGHLIGHTS
Amanda Jane 4420 Forsyth Road (478) 474-0355
AmandaJaneSalon.net
10 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
a
HAPPENINGS, LOCALS & REGIONAL INSIGHTS
Senseof Place
Submit your images that represent Macon and help to “Create a Sense of Place”. Submit your Macon-centric images, if we print one we’ll give you a local gift card! Email: meg@11thHourOnline.com
Local Tastemaker
1
TINA DICKSON Owner, Ingleside Village Pizza 1. Must Eat My pizza. It’s locally owned, it gets generally good ratings on the social media and won’t cost you a whole lot of dollars. 2. Must Do The annual soap box derby. Macon really shines on this spring day. 3. Must See A concert at the Cox Capitol Theatre. Not a bad seat in the house and easy to get a cocktail. 4. Must Go Ocmulgee Indian Mounds. Pretty dang cool it’s right here. 5. Living in Macon is... ...getting there. I’m hopeful that we will continue to progress. There is certainly more optimism in the air these days.
2
1. Scott Jackson; The General of Cotton Avenue 2. Amanda Hayward-Giles; Ezalee at Tattnall Square Park fountain. 3. LGB III; The Grotto
3
11thHourOnline.com 11
SPLOST A CENT WELL SPENT
In 2011, the voters of Macon-Bibb County approved a one-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, to fund large improvement projects in the areas of Public Safety, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Recreation and Cultural Arts, and Debt Retirement. Anyone that grew up in or around Macon knows it’s different today than it was a decade ago. There’s not one reason for this. It’s an amalgamation of hard work, strong leadership, and a community intentionally caring about how they’re going to live. But there is a line in the sand – a point in time when the ideas and intentions were given the proper resources to come to fruition. That line was drawn November 8, 2011 when Macon voters resoundingly passed the SPLOST. According the Macon Telegraph, it was clear in the proSPLOST campaign office that night that this was indeed the corner Macon needed to turn. Jim Gaines quoted Mayor Reichert, the SPLOST’s major political muscle, as saying, “I think Macon and Bibb County have reached a turning point…I think this bodes extremely well for our future.” The Mayor, ostensibly more focused on SPLOST during the 2011 election cycle than his own re-election bid, admitted he was nervous about the passage. He told Gaines that if the measure failed to pass Macon would simply “muddle along” unable to pay for essential items. Five years later, Macon is far from muddling. The $190 million has been invested in projects with tangible results, altering the quality of life in Macon-Bibb County.
Where did the money go? $190 million dollars is a lot of money. As a reference point the entire 2016 General Fund for Macon-Bibb County is roughly $147 million. So over the course of five years, the SPLOST has significantly increased Macon’s capacity. But what does that look like? It turns out, these investments are meticulously tracked in public by the county. They have set up a website with each project mapped via GIS software. Anyone can go to the website, (http://bibbgis.co.bibb.ga.us/splost) and analyze the progress and the budget of each investment. It’s refreshingly navigable and user friendly. The website also features a feverishly updated blog, run by the Assistant to the County Manager for Public Affairs, Chris Floore. Floore’s blog includes monthly SPLOST budget statements and updates on progress of projects. The projects listed on the site, and their progress, are far too extensive to list one by one. They all are playing 12 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
significant roles in transforming the quality of life in their respective areas, but some bear repeating. Second Street Corridor One of the most noticeable projects has been the Second Street Corridor. With an initial $8 million in SPLOST funds, the Second Street Corridor project has turned what was once an ill paved thru-way into a vibrant, multi-modal corridor with a host of new shops and eateries. This one is far from complete, though. The corridor will extend far past the current redevelopment. The plan calls for Second Street to be the connection between East Macon to downtown by way of Little Richard Penniman and Mercer University. Public Debt Before consolidation, both Macon and Bibb County took on debt. Paying back this debt put significant strain on the general fund obligations and in turn, folks property taxes. According to Floore, the SPLOST funds have paid down roughly $40 million in public debt, freeing up much needed general fund obligations. This might now be as tangible or sexy as say, infrastructure to support your favorite downtown watering holes, but it definitely allows their owners to breathe a little when they get their property tax bills. Public Safety If you grew up in Macon, you heard it everywhere; “downtown isn’t safe”. The 2011 SPLOST is, in part, a large enabler in giving both police and fireman the tools they need to change that image. In 2010, police and first responders were dealing with outdated radio equipment. It hindered response times drastically. $8 Million in SPLOSTs funds were dedicated to updating the radio equipment, impacting not just downtown, but the entire county. $8 Million was also allocated to two much-needed fire stations, one in North Macon, and another out Eisenhower Parkway. In 2010, they did not exist. Now, they are open and fully functioning. Recreation Centers and Parks All across Macon, there are recreation centers that serve
CURRENT SPLOST FUNDED PROJECTS THE CENTREPLEX: The Coliseum and Macon City Auditorium Total Budget: $5,000,000 2012: 120,872 2013: 1,198,337 2014: 2,621,885 2015: 377,872 TATTNALL SQUARE PARK Total Budget: $694,626 2013: 4146 2014: 477,604 2015: 175,856 MACON STREET MAINTENANCE Total Budget: 5,000,000 2013: 420,306 2014: 1,468,633 2015: 253,425 COURTHOUSE IMPROVEMENTS Total Budget: 5,000,000 2013: 444,763 2014: 825,646 2015: 90,639
as the literal center of community activities. In many cases, these centers had received little to no maintenance in 40 years because there simply wasn’t money in the general fund for it, making them barely useable; some weren’t even air conditioned. From the Bloomfield Center to Tatnall Square Park, and everywhere in between, tens of millions of dollars were poured into updating these centers and parks. Air conditioning was installed in rec centers, parking lots resurfaced, dilapidated gym floors replaced. And just like the movie told us, “if you build it, they will come.” Floore cites an increase of over a 100 kids annually in the use of the renovated East Macon Park baseball fields as a leading example of how these investments are already transforming communities far beyond the often-touted Tatnall Square Park.
What’s Next? In November, Macon voters will have a chance to make the decision to further invest or not. But besides that, we don’t know much more than that. But the process of selling the SPLOST to Macon voters has already begun. The current SPLOST is set to expire in April of 2018. Earlier this year, the Macon-Bibb Commission decided to ask the voters for $50 million more, and an extension. Floore says while the ask is significant, Maconites should keep in mind that well over 60 percent of the revenue coming from the SPLOST is coming in from folks that live beyond Bibb County. It is a product of folks from surrounding areas passing through or shopping at our malls. He cites a recent Georgia Tech study to back up his claim. He and others around the community are optimistic about the upcoming project list. The first public meeting to nail down what list will be presented to the public in November is at 6:00pm, May 12 at the Macon Mall. While the list is far from being finalized, some projects are already popping up as favorites. One of the more talked about projects, and perhaps most significant, is the expansion of the Ocmulgee National Monument to a Park and Preserve. Brian Adams, President of the Ocmulgee National Park an Preserve Initiative, says the Initiative has to have local buy-in to succeed at the federal level. “Leaders like Representatives Austin Scott and
The priority list of the next round of SPLOST projects has an estimated price tag of $348 million, but the November extension, should voters approve it, would only bring in roughly $240 million over the course of its lifespan. In short, there will be winners and losers once the final list is put together.
ABOUT THE OCMULGEE NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE INITIATIVE The Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI) is a community based group of Middle Georgia citizens working together to expand the current site of the Ocmulgee National Monument into the first National Park and Preserve east of the Mississippi River. We encourage you to explore the Indian Mounds, Bond Swamp Wildlife Refuge, and the Ocmulgee River, which are jewels of history, culture, wildlife and natural resources. With growing national attention to the necessity of preservation in the area, we’ve committed to becoming the driving force behind local conservation efforts. We hope to see the Park and Preserve become a nationally protected resource, available to future generations for recreational kayaking and canoeing, fishing, hunting, bird-watching, outdoor exercise, historical enrichment, and cultural appreciation. An exemplary Muscogee traditional cultural property can become the anchor for a park that brings in tourism, increasing revenue to Middle Georgia communities, and providing unique and previously unavailable recreational opportunities to the area. For more information visit: ocmulgeepark.org/about-onppi/
Sanford Bishop have really committed to this cause. I hope people realize what this expansion means for Central Georgia, said Adams. “Should the Park and Preserve be our designation, Macon voters have the chance to show Congress we’re 100% behind this expansion, and will support the park as strongly as the revenue it brings in as a national attraction supports us.”
The Grand has one that is almost perfectly preserved. The current second balcony area houses lighting and other technical equipment. The original curved wood pews have been empty for over fifty years. Significant capitol improvements would also be made to the historic theatre on Mulberry including a major lobby renovation, enlarging the restrooms and a major overhaul of the heating and Another project in the running cooling system to properly is expanding the capacity of the accomodate three stories. Grand Opra House with major Adovcates for these two capitol improvements. potential projects, along Citing demographics from with many others, will have ticket sales, Larry Brumley, Seto make their case to the nior Vice President for MarketMacon-Bibb County Coming Communications & Chief mission and to voters as the of Staff at Mercer University process continues on. asserts this could be a boom for At the moment, the Macon. “Ticket sales tell us that priority list of projects has an this isn’t just Macon investing in estimated price tag of $348 Macon. The Grand is drawing million, but the November people from all over the middle extension, should voters Georgia region. From Henry approve it, would only bring County to Laurens County.” in roughly $240 million over Advocates for the Grand the course of its lifespan. In maintain that increasing the short, there will be winners capacity of the historic theatre and losers once the final list is THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE would be a significant economic put together. impact for the community. The But once that list is final, and the campaign toward Grand is in use for at least 100 the November ballot continues to swell, nights out of the year, and each patron is cony at The Grand is culturally important voters will receive clarity on just what the likely coming early for dinner, and staying to Macon. It serves as an intact remnant Macon-Bibb Commission sees as future afterward for a nightcap, and a hotel stay. of the Jim Crow era and is something that The Grand as it stands has capacity for needs to be articulated and used as a point 4 SPLOST priorities. Then, they’ll get to decide between supporting existing and new roughly 1,000 patrons. Brumley says the for ongoing conversation about race, both Grand can fill a void by expanding capaclocally and as a national concern. There are priorities, or to go back to the good ole days of “muddling along.” ity to 1,200 or more, which is possible by very few “living vestiges” left from the era by Seth Clark rehabilitating their now unused third balthat can be used for public discourse, but cony. Brumley says there’s not a venue that seats 1,200 to 1,500. The City Auditorium seats 3,000, while the Capitol Theatre holds 500 and the Douglass Theatre seats 350. The historic legacy of the second bal-
11thHourOnline.com 13
HAPPENINGS, LOCALS & REGIONAL INSIGHTS
STOREFRONT What Village Marketplace Where Historic Ingleside Village
By Nicole Thurston “When I walked into Village Marketplace for the first time one Thursday morning, I thought I was dreaming,” explained Jessica Walden, a customer of Village Marketplace: Macon’s newest resource for families looking to eat healthy, local, and organic foods. “The freezer was full of our favorite locally raised meats. The produce was straight out of the dirt. I spotted two farmers coming in with fresh dairy and eggs. It’s a food access dream come true, especially for the surrounding neighborhoods.” Located in Ingleside Village, this “farm stand” style store is hoping to fill a very important need for Macon. “Our marketplace is important because it’s unique. We are not a large retailer. Our stock varies day to day, and we are proud of that,” said Moriah Lavender, Public Relations for Village Marketplace, “We are fortunate to live in an age where large grocery stores can provide anything we need. However, this year round availability creates a disconnection with our food. Did you know that farm fresh eggs are seasonal? They’re not available year round. I had no idea! It was only when I started ordering from 14 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
local farmers that I learned. Our great grandparents knew this, and I think it’s important that we reconnect with our agricultural roots.” This variety will be evident day in and day out. What they will offer on one day is not what will be available the next, or even the following month. This continuous rotation will certainly spark some conversation that will enlighten their shoppers. “What we have Monday is different from what we have Tuesday. What we have Tuesday is different from what we have Wednesday. What we carry in April will differ from what we carry in May. As the seasons change, so will our stock. Seasonal doesn’t just apply to veggies, but also honey, eggs, and even meats,” said Lavender. “We officially opened April 12th. We chose this location because we love Historic Ingleside Village. The community of independently owned, unique stores in Ingleside Village is one of Macon’s hidden treasures. Each business has its own character, its own personality. And we love that,” explained Lavender. Just what can you expect at the Market? It features Georgia Grown, organic, and artisan goods. They carry Rocking Chair Ranch pastured meats; local, seasonal
organic veggies from The Little Farm, Forest Grove Farm, Babe + Sage, and The Lonely Cricket Farm; and Farm Fresh eggs from Sugar Valley Farm in Lizella. They also carry Flavor of Georgia winning products like Proper Pepper pimento cheese, Wisham Jellies and so many others. One of the other perks of being in the Village? Second Saturday offerings! “We are very excited to participate in Historic Ingleside Village’s Second Saturday. On the second Saturday of the month The Village will have pop-up vendors, special sales, samplings, and lots of family fun activities,” she explained, “Historic Ingleside Village is a cool, funky, unique, independent community steeped in Georgia history. In the last two days, two customers have compared our store and Historic Ingleside Village to Decatur Square in Atlanta. As an Agnes Scott graduate, my heart bursts with pride. I have always thought of Decatur as an epicenter of artistry and eccentricity. To think that my hometown, Macon, can boast an artful community like Decatur’s, sets my head reeling.” The Village Marketplace is opended M-F 10:00-6:00, and Sat 10:00-4:00. For more information follow them in Facebook or Instagram.
d
11thHourOnline.com 15
Welcome Back Mercer Students!
Gourmet Pizza - Calzones - Bruschetta - Craft Beer
+ We Deliver! Mercer Village (478) 743-4113
16 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
11thHourOnline.com 17
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
LARGE CRAFT BEER SELECTION!
562 Mulberry Street Lane Downtown Macon 742.5999
750-8488 - 2395 Ingleside Ave Now Serving Dinner Friday & Saturday Evenings! Come see us!
LARGEST SELECTION OF WHISKEY IN MACON!
1/2 Off Select Bottles of Wine on Wednesdays 562 Mulberry St. Lane Downtown Macon
Weekdays 5-9:30pm Sat 5-10:30pm
Perfect Pairings
LIVE MUSIC FIRST FRIDAY!
DINNER
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
1/2 off select bottles WE DELIVER! of wine on Wednesdays
Hours
Mon-Fri 11-3, Fri 5-9, Sat 11:30-9
New Menu Items! JAMBALAYA HUSHPUPPIES - BUFFALO SHRIMP
CRAWFISH BOUDIN - JEZEBEL SAUSAGE
SALMON BURGER - SOFT SHELL CRAB 470 THIRD STREET • (478) 292.2085
22 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
the
Dish
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 $-$$, 477.WILD
Mexican Margaritas Four locations serving Macon...... Presidential Pkwy., Zebulon Rd., Bass Rd and Mercer Village....outdoor dining available at Bass and Mercer. 24 draft beers at Mercer Village location. LD • BAR • $
Main Street Pizza - Much more than a pizza place; the downtown restaurant also offers an outdoor patio with live music that has made Main Street a popular place to mingle. Serving pizzas, wings, calzones and salads. Open for lunch and dinner. 344 Second Street, 744-9880.
Lunch Spots Harpin’s A mid-town lunch favorite, serving chicken salad, pimento cheese, deli sandwiches and fresh salads and daily soup specials. Call ahead for take-out or try their new Take ‘n Go cooler. 3378 Brookdale Ave. (478) 742-5252 Grow is Macon’s only farm to table lunch restaurant, specializing in local meats and produce. Healthy food with Southern flair. Open Mon-Sat 11-3pm. Check out the facebook page for this week’s menu. Reservations accepted. 743-4663 Kudzu Seafood Co. Newly opened on Third Street by veteran caterer Lee Clack, Kudzu features seafood and breads flown in direct
from the Big Easy. With New Orleans flair, their menu features po’boys, jambalaya, cajun fish tacos, fresh salads and their own blue cheese slaw. LD Monday - Saturday 11am - 3 pm, Dinner Friday & Saturday • $ • 470 Third Street.
Kids
Ea t Fr e e - O r N e a r l y Fr e e
Specialty The Backburner Under new ownership with a new chef, this longtime Macon favorite has a refreshed menu featuring gourmet entrees including duck, sea bass, New York strip, lamb, oysters and more. Elegant dining experience on Ingeside. LD • $$-$$$ (478) 746-3336 The Downtown Grill Slightly upscale dining serving specialties like Andouille- crusted rainbow trout, cranberry and goat cheese stuffed filets and desserts to die for. Also features an extensive wine list and it’s own humidor. Free valet parking. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 562 Mulberry Street, 742.5999 Dovetail Featuring farm to table cuisine and a fully stocked bar of premier bourbons measured by “the finger.” Southern crafted small plates and inspired entrees in a cozy, lodge-like atmosphere. Located above the Rookery, they do accept reservations. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 543 Cherry Street, 238.4693. Hours: Serving lunch Tues-Sat 11am-2pm. Dinner Tuesdays-Thursdays; 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays Edgar’s Bistro City-chic and a foodie’s dream! Edgar’s Bistro presents a dining experience that nourishes the body and soul. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday, Edgar’s serves as a hands-on training facility for the culinary students at Helms College’s Polly Long Denton School of Hospitality. Come dine with them on an array of New American selections of soups, garden-fresh salads, sandwiches and entrees. To view the quarterly menu visit Edgarshospitality. com/menu. Roasted Cafe & Lounge Serving delicious specialty deli-style sandwiches like the Cali Club, The Greek Heat and Roasted Chicken. Also, delicious salads and grown-up PB&Js. Try their famous Date Shake or specialty coffees. Open at 6 a.m. Monday - Friday and 11am on Sat. Now serving dinner Wed-Sat! 442 Second Street, downtown.
Mondays Barberitos- Kids eat free after 3pm with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in Only One per adult entrée -Twelve and Under
Tuesdays Moe’s - One Kid 12 and Under eats free with the purchase of any adult meal. Locos Grill Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Locos Gril and Pub. Purchase of an adult entrée is required.
Wednesdays Georgia Bobs-10 and Under eat free. One per adult and after 5PM Saturday.
Thursdays Barberitos - Kids eat free ater 3pm with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in Only One per adult entrée -Twelve and Under.
The Tic Toc Room Contemporary setting with a sophisticated menu, great wine selection. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 401Cherry Street, 743.4645
Ethnic Cuisine Ghengis Grill A new build-your-own stir-fry restaurant just off Bass Road. There’s only one person in charge at Genghis Grill: You. Seize control and build your own bowl from over 80 delicious, fresh ingredients, then sit back and watch as our Grill Masters cook up your creation in a blaze of perfection. Also featuring a full bar with signature cocktails. LD • BAR • Open 11am - 10 p.m. Monday thru Sunday.
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
11thHourOnline.com 23
The Scene
OP-ED
Malaria Jack Ellis Rides Again! by BILL KNOWLES
Try our Sunday Brunch
Extensive list of homemade milkshakes! 20 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
I cannot believe I have to update “The Return of Malaria Jack” again. When I originally wrote this column in 2010 I would have never imagined in my worst nightmare that 6420 lost and misguided souls would have actually cast a ballot for our former mayor Jack Ellis in the primary election on July 19, 2010. (There were 2 additional voters I did count on, Jack and his wife. Ellis actually received 6422 votes.) Back in September, 2010 when I wrote this I felt a sickness coming on. I had been getting headaches, chills, and muscle pain, the sweats, along with fatigue accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Six years ago Jack had made it to a runoff against Mayor Reichert and my symptoms had doubled…maybe even tripled in their intensity. If you Googled all of these symptoms, you would most likely think that I was coming down with malaria. I knew at the time I had another explanation for my illness: The return of “Clarence Jack Hakim Olajuwon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Belks Macys Mansour Ellis.” Two failed attempts at running for mayor and an aborted Sheriff ’s race later, Jack “settled on” Jack’s being a candidate for Bibb County Tax Commissioner and my previous malaria symptoms now more closely resemble a raging case of the clap, only in Ellis’ case a shot of penicillin won’t make him go away. After showing up at qualifying with TWO checks – one for Sheriff and one for Tax Commissioner, Ellis has relaunched a campaign we are all too familiar with at this point – a long string of press conferences where he issues general, no-facts-or-numbers-needed indictments against his political opponent du jour, and when pressed for details “he will work it out.” It reminds me of the “good ol’ days.” Ahhhhh yes, can we all recall a return to the “glory” years of Macon under the Ellis Administration? Let me see….I recall Jack getting Macon about 28 sister cities all over the globe, including one in Ghana. Ghana??? Did anybody else ask WTF when he pulled off that one? What about all the times Jack went on “goodwill” and “fact-finding” missions to Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda and Cameroon. (I don’t think poor ole’ Mayor Reichert has even made it to the Big Pig Jig in Vienna.) Or maybe the time when Jack was pulled over by a Macon police officer as he rushed down Vineville Avenue in his city issued car equipped with a flashing red light that was never approved for his use… (That one made the Neal Boortz Show and got us much needed national attention.) Then of course there was the time in 2007 when Clarence Jack Ellis converted from Christianity to Sunni Muslim and renamed himself. Don’t you all think this is what we all in Macon need to return to?
(Another mention on the Boortz show… and I think this one actually got on CNN if I remember right.) Back in 2008, a year after Ellis left office, then U.S. Attorney Max Wood found that the Ellis Administration had misused federal funds and also made false statements to government officials. Let us not forget the out of wedlock child he fathered to a young lady in Warner Robins or the fact that he openly embraced convicted child molester Dwight “Malachi” York and the Nuwabians. (Please see the picture.) And last, but certainly not least, does anyone remember the letter of solidarity that Ellis sent to the Venezuelan despot Hugo Chavez? That one certainly made CNN along with almost every other news outlet on the planet. I mean after all, Jack got us all the attention Macon could ever want! And for free!!! Way to go, you nitwit. And you want to now be the person responsible for collecting and managing $170 million? (I didn’t even mention the fact that Ellis tried to steal the portrait of Otis Redding that ‘Machine Gun’ Ronnie Thompson had commissioned. Well, I guess I just did mention it.) Macon-Bibb has turned the corner and is actually looking good again. Mercer is revitalizing the entire downtown and the very important corridor to East Macon, the Bears have put us on the map and just seem to get better and better. We have new businesses starting to come in again and our school system seems to be heading in the right direction thanks to a fantastic interim Superintendent names Steve Smith and our current Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones. The one thing we continue to be cursed with is Jack Ellis: a corrupt, incompetent politician that just won’t go away no matter how many figurative stakes are driven into his heart. With all of this going against us, do we really stand a chance in competing for industry? Hell no! Wake up people! Jack has already come back to his old ways. Leopards can’t change their spots. Tigers can’t change their stripes. Ellis can’t change his character as easily as he changed – and changed again – his religion and his name. Electing Jack in 1999 was like going to your refrigerator and taking a big drink of milk only to find it was sour. In 2003 we took another big gulp of the same sour milk. The milk was rancid by the 2011 race, and a major health threat by Ellis’ 2013 mayoral run. I sincerely hope that the people of Macon can remember the aftertaste. Now Jack wants to be the steward in the collection of $170 million dollars per year of OUR tax dollars. I highly suggest and beg you to vote for Tax Commissioner Wade McCord!
The Scene
OP-ED
Never Say Die!
FOR SALE 771 Boulevard - 3BR/4BA - $112,000
FEATURED PROPERTY: 1235 Walnut St - $159,000 Downtown Commercial Property in Great Condition! Currently a salon with potential to be a professional office, retail space or restaurant.
Call Mindy for all your real estate needs.
2481 Kingsley Dr - 4BR/3BA - $159,000
397 Bass Rd - 3BR/2BA - $83,500
MINDY ATTAWAY So, here’s a personal Prince memory never before shared on any social media and kept
Cell (478) 501-7474 | Office 420-0023 Mindy@thebrokery.net
hidden in a top secret vault for five years this month (Happy Anniversary, Honey!). The
night of my bachelorette party, we danced and sang “Purple Rain” at the top of our lungs
at the Tic Toc Room. It’s one of the few foggy memories I still have from that night. I’m truly sorry to all of those trying to have a nice dinner that lovely April evening. And to Cesare
Mammarella, it was my stiletto that left a bunch of puncture wounds to your booth furniture. I never meant to cause you any pain.
b y J E S S I C A WALDEN Last week we lost Prince, and I was among the legions of purple hearts that broke in two. And like many of you, I mourned in that weird way we do when someone famous dies, and we don’t know what to do with those emotions. I mean, we didn’t know Prince Rogers Nelson personally. But Prince and his music were part of our souls, you know? Music just gets us like that. These days, when a celebrity dies in our over-drived digital universe, we share, comment on and dig up just about anything we can type up. You get tired of the recently deceased’s passing pretty quickly. But for me, there’s something different about Prince’s passing. I can’t get enough of the articles, photos, the illustrations, the tributes, the sharing of concert footage, and totally rad random mentions like “The Night Prince Crashed the FPD Prom” article that this publication got the scoop. I’m not sick of the hype over his passing yet. It’s going to take some tender time for this one to sink in – especially since he was at the top of my concert bucket list (man, we should have forked over the $750 for Atlanta tickets!). This isn’t your average celebrity passing. This is the death of an artist. The Artist.
I can’t imagine how it felt to be in Macon on December 10, 1967 when word got out – a lot slower those days – that Otis Redding was dead at 26-years-old, killed in a plane crash. Not only was the world in love with his music, but he was one of our own and it was far too soon. The same goes for the day Duane Allman died from a motorcycle accident. And just over a year later when bandmate Barry Oakley was killed in a mirrored crash. I can’t imagine how my dad felt in 1977, ten years after losing Otis, when he got the call that Skynyrd’s plane had gone done, and that Ronnie Van Zant was among the dead. My dad and Uncle Phil knew and lost a lot of princes in their own lives. It’s also hard to believe just three days after Prince’s passing, we marked 10 years on this earth without Phil Walden. Even though he’s considered long gone, I still feel him everywhere in Macon. Some people leave a legacy so huge, they aren’t meant to rest in peace. Prince made music so good, so timeless and so infectious that the Artist I feel like I know – his beats, his lyrics, his melodies and that something-something sex appeal – will disrupt dance floors long after we’re all gone. Here’s to 2999, and if the universe makes it, whatever comes after that. Long live, the Purple One.
DUCK | SEA BASS | LAMB | OYSTERS | VEAL | PRIME NEW YORK STRIP
Sunday, May 8 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2242 Ingleside Ave. (478) 746-3336 Backburnermacon.com
Reservations required - Special brunch menu! 11thHourOnline.com 21
22 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
The Scene AN OPEN LETTER FROM
DEMUN JONES
I don’t remember deciding to be a performer. It was something that was always there. For as long as I remember anyway. I remember seeing Michael Jackson do the moonwalk on tv, I remember hearing Page, Hendrix, Angus Young and Duane Allman solos blaring out of my big brother, Chris’s bedroom. I just always thought I’d end up one of the people that performed for a living. There were other hobbies I would explore, like skateboarding for a spell and baseball. I would tell myself I could do those things too, but circumstances always pointed back to performing. It really occurred to me when I was a teenager. We’d all go to teen night and I could just smash everyone at dancing. I was like...really?, everyone can’t dance? It was very easy for me. I remember asking my mother why that was and she said that when I was 2, I would dance to the windshield wipers moving side to side. I think that is proof that I truly can not help it. I started writing lyrics in high school. It was obvious that I had a knack for it. Even though I don’t ‘freestyle’ now, I used to, and many feelings were hurt. HaHa. It got to a point where I would practically write a whole song off the top of my head but then I couldn’t recall it afterwards. It seemed like a waste soI had to let that go. Shortly after high school I picked up the guitar. That really impacted my writing and approach to music. I recorded a few tracks at Muscadine studios in Macon with Paul Hornsby. Those recordings would end up opening the doors that would bring me to the place I am now. It would take years to fully unfold but, eventually I found myself in a very successful band called Rehab. I started as a background vocalist/ hype man and became much more involved over the years. We toured the country over and over and even performed internationally several times. We toured with Kid Rock, Rev Run, shoot, I hung out with Suge Knight in Vegas one night and he seemed to be the NICEST GUY!!! Rehab was a lot of fun and I’m grateful to those guys for the memories and experience,
but Rehab was never driven by my creativity. I guess I had to experience all those things to realize the only way I would have my own music, my own direction, guided by my creativity is to let my music reflect who I am and where I’m from. My ‘JONES COUNTY’ album (2014) definitely did that. I just completely focused on JC, the people and what they would want to hear and threw everything else out. I wanted to focus on the people that focused on me, the people that bought CDs and t-shirts out of my trunk from the beginning; the ones that bought the CDs with ‘Demun Jones’ written on them in sharpie. I felt that was my only move. I know I can get up there and sing a bunch of words that sound really cool and make the performance look impressive, but I wanted my folks to feel something when it came through their speakers. I wanted them to remember how I got here, and how I almost didn’t. I wanted them to remember seeing me dance at a party, or hearing me beat on a table and entertain the room, and I wanted them to know how much I loved and appreciate their encouragement and support over the years. I wanted them to share in the excitement that, yes, I did a stick with it, and yes, I’m gonna kill it!! Don’t worry. My new album #BEAST drops Friday, May 13th. It’s really just the next step into my musical work. The title, ‘Beast’, just means I’m fully aware of how I stack up to the other artist in the Country Rap genre. It’s not an insult, it’s just honesty. I know what I do and they know what I do. We all know what happens at a Demun Jones show. I just felt it was a good time to say
it aloud. I think I’ve been doing this long enough to let folks know I’m here. I have songs with Colt Ford and Big SMO, I have one with Jelly Roll, Danny Boone and theLacs. Pretty much all my favorite people in the business. I think it will be well received. #BEAST is very energetic, it’s very aggressive. I feel I created something that will stand the test of time and will expand the boundaries of a genre that’s still being mapped out. Phivestarr in Nashville produced all but one song on the album. Phivestarr consists of Jared Scuillo and DJ KO. These guys have been putting in work for a long time and have become some of my most trusted associates in the music world. They did a lot of work on the ‘Jones County’ album as well. They really brought some ideas to #BEAST that pushed the envelope. I definitely leaned on my rapping ability more than singing or playing the guitar but I will have plenty of time to sit down and strum later. I felt like jumping around and screaming at everybody, so that’s what I did. It’s not all like that but there’s some serious bangers on there. I have a great rock song on there with my buddy Jason Krause called ‘Highway In my Blood’. Jason is Kid Rock’s guitar player and we’ve been friends since we toured with them in 2009. It was cool to finally hear him shred on one of my tunes. I did one love song for my ladies called ‘So Wonderful’, but my favorite is probably the song I did with the Lacs and Danny Boone called ‘Give Em Hell’. The project is well rounded and I’m excited to share it with everyone. The album is available for preorder on iTunes.com, google play, Amazon, and CDs are available for order on demunjones.com. 11thHourOnline.com 23
The Scene
Local Tastemaker
MACON MUSIC
JEAN BRAGG Owner, Travis Jean
1. Must Eat The fried quail at Dovetail. 2. Must Do The Macon Film Festival (MAGA) and Bragg Jam coming up this July! 3. Must See The Ocmulgee National Monument. 4. Must Go August 13 to the Taste of the Arts at the Terminal Station dressed in your 1970’s garb and dance to the midnight train to Georgia in celebration of the Terminal’s 100th birthday. This is the annual benefit for Macon Arts Alliance. 5. Living in Macon Downtown is better than living in a larger city with traffic problems, and yet you have 38 restaurants and 28 music venues and more to enjoy nightly!
24 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
Cotton Avenue’s Musical Landscape by Jared Wright In 2007, Dolores Hayden, urban historian and professor of American studies at Yale, gave a curious lecture that focused on Macon, Georgia in an attempt to apply her work on a project called The Power of Place in an alternate locale and smaller setting. The project, which ultimately culminated in a book of the same title, interpreted the landscape of downtown Los Angeles and advocated for a broader interpretation of gender, racial and ethnic history through carefully planned preservation, public art projects and a bottom-up, inclusive approach to historical writing. In her examination of Macon, she focused on Cotton and Poplar Avenues, at that time describing it as the city’s “declining core,” losing business to other ventures spread out towards the city limits, struck through the heart by the interstate, still harshly divided along racial lines and desperately romanticizing the white-columned mansions that surround the once-prosperous business district. Through examination of the people that made the area lively in the past, Hayden suggests ways in which deeper stories might help reinvigorate a place and reverse urban decay, highlighting the once-booming business district along Cotton Avenue as emblematic of an area that could be a part of a comprehensive urban revitalization plan that honors the past without wallowing in it. Musically, she highlights Otis Redding and Phil Walden, along with their businesses located on Cotton, as an example of the deeper stories that might be told to reinvigorate the area By showcasing people like Walden and Redding - and the fascinating and myriad
stories that surround them - Hayden ultimately concluded that “Macon provides a good example of a small city with many possible resources for a broader urban public history” and a place that had great potential and resources “to save more of the historic built environment without displacing residents or damaging their livelihoods.” Nearly a decade later, it seems that progress along Cotton Avenue is still in its infant stages. The intersection of Cotton and Poplar Avenues is emblazoned with a block-long mural touting “Macon is Preservation” in bold, white letters on a black plywood temporary wall that hides the stuccoed facade of the Capricorn Records office building from view. That stucco covering itself hides what was once a blue shingled building bearing the name Redwal Music Building. One might assume that progress is being made behind the wall and plans are being formulated to present stories associated with that specific building. But what will those plans look like? Macon is still largely under the spell of the musical version of those antebellum white mansions via Southern Rock, a genre that is stereotypically seen by outsiders as backwardly boisterous through images of rebel flags and beer-soaked red-
necks. Those images certainly don’t paint the entire picture, but unfortunately, those broader stories are not being told to a large degree. Musical memory is fading fast in Macon, and the lens through which the past is perceived becomes more opaque as time marches on, displacing and obfuscating the diverse group of people that played a part in making Cotton Avenue a hub for musical creation. Potential perceptions of Macon’s musical history, especially along Cotton Avenue, hinge on broader interpretation and active collecting of diverse stories that would be wise to borrow from Hayden’s ideas, promoting inclusivity and a bottom-up approach rather than constructing the intellectual approximation of a black retaining wall through superficial research and shallow presentation. Furthermore, the way in which the city’s musical history is preserved directly helps determine its musical future. Place is still powerful in the creation of music despite the fact that across the country, tangible musical landscapes are going the way of the CD. Historic interpretation that promotes inclusivity and community engagement could dramatically help enliven and renew the musical landscape, creating new stories while also linking them to the rich past.
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.
11thHourOnline.com 25
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
Thursday Night
trivia 7-9
t/w/th
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
5/6: Kool Change 5/13: The Skeeterz 5/20: Big Daddy & Co.
26 MAY 3 - 17, 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
FLORENCE THE MACHINE
MY MORNING JACKET
JANE’S ADDICTION (PERFORMING RITUAL DE LO HABITUAL)
AT THE DRIVE-IN · THE 1975 · DEFTONES · WALK THE MOON THE DECEMBERISTS · YOUNG THE GIANT · THE HEAD AND THE HEART HUEY LEWIS
NEWS (
) · FOALS · SILVERSUN PICKUPS
BLOC PARTY · THE KILLS · EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY ST. PAUL
& THE
BROKEN BONES · COLD WAR KIDS · GHOST
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
· ALEX G · BARNS COURTNEY
THE HIP ABDUCTION · POLYENSO · TWIN LIMB · ADIA VICTORIA THE SHELTERS · THE JAPANESE HOUSE · BASKERY
SHAKYKNEESFESTIVAL.COM 11thHourOnline.com 27
LIVE MUSIC IN THE BEER GARDEN 8PM Friday, May 6: Lazy Bonez Saturday, May 7: Lewis & JP Friday, May 13: Battlefield Collective Saturday, May 14: Kim Meeks & Joey Stuckey Saturday, May 21: Stoney Dennis Duo
28 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
COPA AMERICA USA will kick off Copa America agianst Columbia June 3rd at 9:00pm. Join us in our Beer Garden at The Bearfoot Tavern for this summer's biggest tournament.
200� HIGH-DEF SCREEN IN THE TENTED BEER GARDEN!
BRUNCH
Saturday & Sunday 11-3 Housemade Specialties, Full Bar Open 7 days a week at 11am
(478) 305-7703 468 Second Street
The Scene
AROUND TOWN
Photos LUKE USRY
BEARFOOT TAVERN
GRANT’S
JUST TAPD CRAZU BULL
THE HUMMINGBIRD
11thHourOnline.com 29
HAPPENINGS, LOCALS & REGIONAL INSIGHTS
RAISING THE BAR Photo LUKE USRY
Featuring
Fine wine, craft beer, locally-sourced cocktails, live music, great food, creative people and much more
Meet your Bartender ODESSA WALKER
Backporch Lounge
1. What is your favorite cocktail?
Chilled Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey shots, and I drink tons of water on the side.
2. Least favorite cocktail to make?
Flaming lemon drop shots. I actually like to make the first few,cbut once everyone sees it, they want round after round after round of them... and they are very time consuming!! People say they are addictive, but I’ve never even tasted them. Not allowed to have Vodka, that Cherokee gene, you know.
3. Do’s & Don’ts at the bar?
Don’t ask people to buy you drinks. You don’t have any money, go home and Netflix and chill. Don’t tap your glass or bottle on bar, that’s an instant CUT OFF. Don’t tell me to ‘make it a good one.’ All my drinks are good, without your instruction.
4. Hobbies?
Gardening, DIY projects, reading, snuggling with my black Manx Kitty Mr. Crowley.
5. Best recent night on the town?
LES BRERS concert at the Cox Capitol Theatre, I love that place! I can walk a few blocks from my house, enjoy this BEAUTIFUL historic theater, with no smoking and GREAT bands. Also, I would like to thank whoever is responsible in the Moonhanger Group for all they have done with the theater, and bringing in all these AWESOME bands!
30 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
GO HEAR - LIVE MUSIC JASON ISBELL MAY 18 AT MACON CITY AUDITORIUM!
Thursday 5/5 Cinco de Mayo w/ African Americana THE HUMMINGBIRD Cinco de Mayo with John Tesh meet n’ greet and music with Milk Money COX CAPITOL THEATRE $5 Fresh House Margaritas all day at El Camino and during the concert at Cox Capitol Theatre!!! Everything is FREE to attend!!! 5-7 p.m. John Tesh meet ‘n greet 8-10 p.m. Milk Money Keith Patterson MAIN STREET PIZZA Brantley Harris WILD WING CAFE
Friday 5/6 Kool Change 20’S PUB
party-oriented string band, and equally comfortable translating their songs for accompaniment by a full symphony. It’s that mix of serious chops and good-natured fun that earned the Steep Canyon Rangers the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album Grammy in 2013 (for Nobody Knows You), and that drew celebrated comedian/banjoist Steve Martin to them when he needed a backing band. The Rangers are world-class musicians who are just as at home taking the stage at Carnegie Hall as they are knee- deep in a mountain brook, fly rod in hand. Lazy Bonez
BEARFOOT TAVERN BEER GARDEN
The best 80’s Tribute Band in the nation, Lazy Bonez will be rocking out with us on May 6th. With their high energy, awesome 80s Rock, this band ain’t nothin’ but a Good Time!
her proverbial dues as a nanny, waitress, and salon receptionist before signing with left-of-center lighthouse Carnival Music in 2012. Martina McBride heard “Low All Afternoon” and recorded the song for her upcoming album, gifting Whitters with the first cut of her career. Lately, Whitters has taken to gigging all over the country. She joined the lineup at the 30A Songwriters Festival for the first time and makes her SXSW debut this spring. She’s opened shows for acts ranging from Randy Houser to Chris Knight, and is sincerely grateful for every opportunity. Kool Change 20’S PUB Josh Graff Band w/ Brother Hawk THE HUMMINGBIRD DJ B3 MAIN STREET PIZZA
Southern Outlaws BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE
Trey Teem WILD WING CAFE
Steep Canyon Rangers COX CAPITOL THEATRE What does North Carolina sound like? In a state that’s also produced Doc Watson, James Taylor and the Avett Brothers, there’s hardly a more well-rounded answer than the Steep Canyon Rangers. A bluegrass band at their core, the Steep Canyon Rangers effortlessly walk the line between festival favorite and sophisticated string orchestra. They’re as danceable as the most progressive,
Saturday 5/7 Yesterdaze Rock AP’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Hailey Whitters CRAZY BULL “I took my first trip to Nashville when I was 16 and fell in love,” Whitters says. “I immediately knew I wanted to move here.” A year later, she did. She also enrolled in college, and paid
Lewis & JP LIVE BEARFOOT BEER GARDEN, 8PM Stone Senate BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE Gregg Allman COX CAPITOL THEATRE This show is sold out! You snooze, you lose.... 11thHourOnline.com 31
GO HEAR - LIVE MUSIC BUCKETHEAD, MAY 20 AT COX CAPITOL THEATRE.
430 Cherry Street | macon 741-9130 | OPEN DAILY 4PM
r u o H y Happ
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
THUR. MAY 5
cinco de mayo
African Americana FRI. MAY 6
JOSH GRAFF BAND SAT. MAY 7
BABY BABY MADRE PADRE THUR. MAY 12
OPPOSITE BOX FRI. MAY 13
People's Blues of Richmond SAT. MAY 14
Dirty Doves FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE VISIT HUMMINGBIRDMACON.COM
32 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
Holman Autrey Band CRAZY BULL
People’s Blues of Richmond THE HUMMINGBIRD
Radio Birds w/Strangetown THE HUMMINGBIRD
Baby Baby w/ Madre Padre THE HUMMINGBIRD
The Crossroads WILD WING CAFE
Brantley Harris WILD WING CAFE
Velvet Runway WILD WING CAFE
Saturday 5/14
Friday 5/20
Thursday 5/12
Tool Shed AP’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY
Big Daddy & Co. 20’S PUB
Opposite Box THE HUMMINGBIRD
Kim Meeks & Joey Stuckey BEARFOOT TAVERN BEER GARDEN, 8PM
Barry Darnell Band BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE
The Skeeterz BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE Support local music! These music veterans Scott Little put on a great show playing favorites to With Kansas Bible Company and WILD WING CAFE sing and dance along to. Denton Perry MAIN STREET PIZZA
100 Watt Horse!
Anthony Orio THE CRAZY BULL
Soul Mechanic
Friday 5/13 The Skeeterz 20’S PUB
Battlefield Collective BEARFOOT BEER GARDEN, 8PM High-energy, in yo’ face mix of bluegrass, americana, punk rock, and roots. Brought to you by Stephanie Caron and Evan Hart.
Dirty Doves w/Pony League THE HUMMINGBIRD A blues Infused Psychedelic Rock band that transports you back to that 70’s vibe – when rock and roll still rocked and embraced the blues roots from which it sprang.
The Great Affairs Wednesday 5/18
Big Daddy & Co. BILLY’S CLUBHOUSE Chuck Courtenay CRAZY BULL
Dark Side of the Dead COX CAPITOL THEATRE Cosmic Charlie has taken the Dead experience to a new level with “Dark Side Of The Dead”. Performing 2 Dead sets plus “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety! Dark Dide Of The Dead is a hybrid show featuring the music of both the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd. The centerpiece of the show is a live performance of Pink Floyd’s legendary “Dark Side Of The Moon” album. The album is performed start-to-finish, by the Cosmic Charlie “big band” that includes two drummers, 4 keyboards, backup singers.
Jason Isbell MACON CITY AUDITORIUM This former Drive-By Trucker has done well for himself as a solo artist. Winning a GRAMMY this year, and a new highly-acclaimed album. One critic writes; “By avoiding the hairy-chested bombast of arena country music while crafting music with solid melodic contours Isbell created an album, and a sound, of memorably infectious empathy. With Something More Than Free, he stretches himself further, greatly expanding the boundaries of Isbell country.
Thursday 5/19 Turner Howell MAIN STREET PIZZA
Lance Stinton CRAZY BULL Buckethead COX CAPITOL THEATRE Buckethead is virtuoso guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist who encompasses several genres of music. He has released 256 studio albums, 4 special releases and an EP. He has performed on over 50 more albums by other artists. His music spans such diverse areas as progressive metal, rock, funk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and avant-garde music. When performing in his theatrical persona, Buckethead used to wear a KFC bucket on his head, emblazoned with an orange bumper sticker that reads “FUNERAL” in capital black block letters, and an expressionless plain white costume mask. More recently, he has switched to a plain white bucket no longer bearing the KFC logo. He also incorporates nun chucks, robot dancing, and toy trading into his stage performances. Buckethead’s persona represents a character that was “raised by chickens” and has made it his “mission in life to alert the world to the ongoing chicken holocaust in fast-food joints around the globe.” The High Divers THE HUMMINGBIRD
Saturday 5/21 Shaded Image AP’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY
11thHourOnline.com 33
34 MAY 3 - 17, 2016
11thHourOnline.com 39
5171 Eisenhower Parkway | Macon, GA
Spring Menu Items
from the lunch menu Brew City Onion Rings Steak & Mushroom Melt Chicken & Sprout Wrap Lobster Roll
from the dinner menu Lobster Risotto Sirloin Pub Steak Bacon BBQ Salmon Duck Breast
Carryout Available | 478-471-4250 Lunch Mon-Fri 11-2 | Dinner Tues-Fri 6-9 helms.edu | edgarshospitality.com |
3rd Quarter Students
Operated by:
Polly Long Denton School of Hospitality