Macon, Makers, & the Music Future – Brought From the Past
We have a habit here in Macon, I would say it’s one that many Southerners suffer and shine from: we live in the past. A lot.
But I truly believe we’re making a turn for the best. The sold out St. Paul and the Broken Bones Show and the packed out Rhythm & Rye event at Bourbon Bar aren’t my only evidence of that.
No, I’ve known this change was coming for a while.
We have young people who are making things, appropriately called makers. It’s a trend in our country. Like the jewelry I’m wearing here, it’s crafted by Macon resident Laurie Windham for her L.Windham Designs company. She’s investing in her creativity right here in Macon to make beautiful, wearable artwork.
We have the Georgia Pallet company. They made this gorgeous bench by hand. And they make their products in a quality, sustainable way. Not only are the owners two young entrepreneurs, they are also Mercer University students. Supporting them means encouraging other young people to have creativity and fresh ideas. And they were the first business to call SparkMacon their home.
We have music artists who invest their time and energy to create, record, and inspire right here in our town. Floco Torres, pictured here, is one of those. He is my friend, but he is one of the most talented artists I know. Someone who I am confidant is going to shine a bright light on our town. Be sure to check out his work!
We’ve got photographers and artists like the amazing Maryann Bates, a Pulitzer Prize nominated photographer who shot this amazing shoot. Thank you so much, Maryann!
There’s Macon Productions, a lighting, sound, and event planning business which can put together any event you can think of. There’s the Corner Concerts, which includes some of the same guys as Macon Productions, and they work to put on pop-up concerts in empty spaces. Allowing music to fill the space while also showcasing a space that might otherwise not be seen.
The guys from Macon Productions have started the 5/4 (said “Five Four”) Music Space. There are 5 partners coming together the old Tubman Museum Space, turning it into a space for musicians to record, practice, and even stay when they are in Macon.
Also, people who book a year lease with 5/4 Music Space will get first dibs on a room at the renovated Capricorn space.
And of course there’s the news that the Sierra Development Group and Southern Pines Plantation, along with NewTown Macon and others are partnering to take a building from our music past- the Historic Capricorn Studios- that was falling apart and restore it.
To bring it to the future. This space where we got to photograph these shots. It’s an exciting time to live in Macon.
Capricorn. So much lies in that name for our community. We could just feel the atmosphere of the past while shooting.
We know that this building will be turned into lofts and a performance area. And that Mercer University will be bringing Capricorn back as music venue and incubator. We’ve come full circle, y’all.
We’re hearing the renaissance of the Capricorn legacy is underway. Bands are being booked. But just because the lights are back on doesn’t mean the music scene will recreate itself – we need the community’s support.
Along with this hope there comes a need for brutal honesty. In order for these businesses, these people who are risking it all to invest in our community we must also give back. We must shop local. Eat local.
Y’all are familiar with those iterations but we must also listen local. Listening local means supporting local music, but it also means we support those acts that visit. Show them our hospitality and cheer along during their sets- no matter where they are in their careers.
Whether it’s someone like St. Paul & the Broken Bones with a sound that’s familiar, but also Monsoon- a punk band that came to Macon and is now on a commercial. And someone like Brett Harris who visited recently for the second time during a set at Fresh Produce.
We must also watch and read local. Pick up the 11th Hour and Macon Magazine which are established, but also keep reading the new writers here. Read and listen to what Field Note Stenographers is putting out. Support GPB Macon. Pay attention to our local news stations. All of these people are working so hard to tell the good stories, and, frankly, like artists and small business owners- the financial rewards aren’t always there. All of these people do this out of love.
Guys, we’re in this together. We have the tools to move forward. Let’s show the world we’re ready to sing again with a multitude of sounds in one beautiful chorus.
Now is the time.
Love to all y’all,
Molly
Special Thank To:
Rumor Boutique, Karats and Keepsakes, Sorella, & Signature Salon for their help with styling
Laurie Windham of L.Windham Designs, and for also being a friend
To NewTown Macon for their assistance with the Historic Capricorn Studios
Georgia Pallet for the (last minute- whoops) use of their bench
Floco Torres, for always being willing to do a shoot with me (and lecturing me in general)
And to the very talented Maryann Bates for her amazing creative vision
