Bragg Jam offers 50+ musical reasons to visit Macon this summer
Blind Boys of Alabama headlines the fest, but country, folk, rock, bluegrass, and more are represented by the Whigs, Those Darlins, Col. Bruce Hampton, Packway Handle Band, and more.
- Maryann Bates
- Scenes from Bragg Jam 2013
Despite its relative proximity to Atlanta, Macon just doesn’t attract that many Atlantan visitors. Sure, the downtown area features some great architecture, but many of the storefronts are abandoned. But even though it’s not as shiny as the capital, Macon is less than two hours away and worth a visit — and not just for the junky, retro delight of Nu-Way Weiners.
This Sat., July 26, we’ve got as good an excuse as any to make it down to Macon. Bragg Jam, the local day of music that has expanded over the past decade and a half into a citywide festival, brings nearly 60 bands to 14 stages this year.
Gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama headlines the festival, but represented genres span country, folk, rock, bluegrass, and more. Also on the lineup: The Whigs, Those Darlins, Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express, Randall Bramblett, Packway Handle Band, and dozens more that hail chiefly from Macon and Atlanta.
Tickets are available online for $20 in advance or can be purchased at Margaritas on Bass Road, Twang, The Hanger, and Third Street Park, or Arts & Kids Fest earlier in the day for $25. Proceeds from the annual festival go toward the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and efforts to promote Macon nature, art, and music.
And while you’re down there, music lover, swing by the riverfront Otis Redding statue and visit Little Richard’s piano at the Tubman African American Museum.
Bragg Jam. $20-$25. Sat., July 26. Downtown Macon. $20-$25. www.braggjam.org.