The 11th Hour: February 16 - March 1, 2019

FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019 • VOL 18, ISSUE #405

BREAKING RECORDS:

THE REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN MACON

KEITH SWEAT, THE INTERVIEW PG 30

A CONVERSATION WITH BELA FLECK PG 36

Plus

11 EVENTS, EAT THIS, LIVE & LOCAL, AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR CITY!

PG 20

Layout & Design by M&R Marketing

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FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

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FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

SPORTS INJURIES

require experienced professionals that know what they’re doing when treatment is needed.

Houston Healthcare offers full-time, NATA Certified, and State-Licensed Athletic Trainers on staff to better serve you and our community.

www.hhc.org Houston Lake Med-Stop2510 Highway 127, Kathleen Lake Joy Med-Stop1118 Highway 96, Suite 1, Kathleen Pavilion Med-Stop233 North Houston Rd, Suite 140, Warner Robins

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RUNNING COMMENTARY I will neither confirm nor deny that I may or may not have decked myself-- at some point in time-- in a feather boa and danced while having the time of my life; however, I did not actually conduct 11 Questions with ABBA Mania’s Amy Edwards in the last 11th Hour. Credit to Ashley Doolin for that wonderful interview and my apologies, Ashley, for neglecting to properly acknowledge you for it. I’d also like to thank my co-conspirators at the Creek for having the utmost fun at my expense-not just for exploiting the possible image of me bedazzled and shakin’ it to ABBA, but for all the squirrel eatin’, hillbilly jokes I seemed to have earned as of late. Love ya, mean it-- and you can kiss my grits.

In all seriousness, I’m not much of a dancer which is convenient because my wife isn’t either. Sometimes, when we’re clearing the dishes and the little girl is preoccupied with apple slices, a slow sweet one will come on the radio. Amanda and I will pull real close and sway-- not dance, not really-- to The Ronettes or Ricky Nelson. Love can sound like music and it can feel like dancing, but in those tiny moments with our feet barely lifting off the kitchen floor, love just feels like home and the only thing I hear is her breath on my neck.

I think the majority of our days have been Valentine’s. There’s been lots of flowers and candy, passion and candlelight. The little daily attentions mean as much as the sweeping gestures, more even. I won’t pretend that our marriage is one perfectly harmonious fishbowl of bliss and contentment, but the best days outnumber the worst. And even the worst don’t seem so bad when my woman’s arms are wrapped around me, and she’s whisperin’ along to “Dead Flowers” in my ear. The kitchen is the world, and we’re the only two in it…

“Hey, Poppa! Hey, Poppa! Can I have some more apple?”

Well, three.

CONTACT US

AARON IRONS Managing Editor

MAILING 543 Cherry Street, Macon 31201

BO WALKER Contributor KIRK WEST Contributor CHARLES DAVIS Contributor MANDY PURVIS Contributor MADELYN RUETER Contributor EMILY HOPKINS Contributor NEWTOWN MACON Cover photo M&R MARKETING Layout & Design

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FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

09 11 Events 13 Upcoming Mayhem Games 14 11 Questions: Ben Dunn 19

Kirk West's 50,000 Shades of Gray 20 The Revitalization of Downtown Macon 25 Feels Like Local 29 The Dish 35 Bo Talks

OUR TEAM

ASHLEY DOOLIN Contributor

WHAT'S INSIDE

30 The Interview: Keith Sweat

–AI aaron@thecreekfm.com

ANTHONY ENNIS Contributor, Photographer

February 15-28, 2019 // Volume 18, Issue #405

ADVERTISING tony@thecreekfm.com EDITORIAL aaron@thecreekfm.com Published by Creek Media LLC

36 A Conversation: Bela Fleck

39 Do This 40 The Creek: Americana News, Notions, and Nonsense

41 The Creek’s Featured Show

14 11 QUESTIONS: BEN DUNN

& Americana Singles Chart

43 Live & Local: Calendar 44 Open Jams & Karaoke 45 Next Issue Flip thru the entire issue online 11thHourOnline.com

20 THE REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN MACON

30 THE INTERVIEW: KEITH SWEAT

27 Eat This: Shane's Smoked N' Sauced Wings

36 A CONVERSATION: BELA FLECK 11thHourOnline.com 7

NOW HIRING.

Creek Media LLC is currently accepting resumes for sales positions. Individuals should be self motivated,goal oriented, with the ability to work together as a team.

Main job responsibilities will be developing marketing strategies, promotions, events, creating new sales leads and cultivating long term relationships with business partners.

Radio and print advertising sales experience is welcomed but not required. Females and minorities are encouraged to apply.

To submit your resume, email ashley@thecreekfm.com Creek Media LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

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FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

Celebrate at Edgar’s Bistro!

edgarshospitality.com

AT H W

COMMON THREAD: CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN AMERICAN QUILTS 1-5pm February 14-March 1 Wesleyan College Porter Family Memorial Fine Arts Bldg.

4760 Forsyth Rd, Macon

W E

A R E

I N G O D

seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organization aims to sanitize its violent rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream. $5 Snack Pass includes popcorn & drink.

Tickets are available at the box office or douglasstheatre.org.

A LOVE AFFAIR SILENT DISCO 8pm-Midnight Friday, February 15 Reboot Retrocade & Bar 566 Cherry Street, Macon

Wesleyan College will host a panel discussion with four Georgia artists, lead by Jeffrey Bruce, Director of Exhibitions and Collections for the Tubman African American Museum. The artists’ work includes historical American quilting techniques and African designs based around themes of gender, identity, beauty, wealth, and justice. Panelists will include Ellen Blalock, Carolyn and Rudy Mendes, and Wini McQueen

Get ready everyone because Reboot, Bootz & Katz and B3 are teaming up for a crazy experiment!! Bootz & Katz will be performing 2 full sets-- totally silent! But, grab a pair of our Silent Disco headsets and catch all the action live and blasting in your ears! DJ B3 will be spinning all your favorite jams between sets! 21+ Free entry,18-20 $10 (redeemable for tokens). Headsets can be rented at the bar for $10.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES: BLACKKKLANSMAN 7pm Friday, February 15 The Douglass Theatre 355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Macon From director Spike Lee, it’s the early 1970s, and Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The young detective soon recruits a more

HISTORIC MACON OFFICE FURNITURE SALE 9am-3pm Saturday, February 16 662 Shurling Dr, Macon

Due to an overflow of inventory, the Historic Macon Foundation is holding a sale exclusively for office furniture at the Shurling Drive warehouse on February 16. Featuring desks, bookshelves, chairs, lamps, and more, this sale can help furnish your office or home study! continued on page 10 11thHourOnline.com 9

NEW 25YEARS! entral in C a i g r o Ge

LARGE CRAFT BEER SELECTION!

HOMEMADE DOUGH, HOP ON MACON FRESH TOPPINGS! A free electric shuttle service for businesses and patrons of

CELEBRATING

TUES-SAT R LUNCH & DINNER SUN DINNER

Downtown Macon.

Dine In or Call Ahead for Carry-Out Learn more about it on page 25!

750-8488 - 2395 Ingleside Ave BREAKFAST Acai Bowls, Bagels & More!

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LOVER'S DAY CONCERT WITH KEITH SWEAT & LUNCH Reuben, Roast KEYSHIA Beef, PimentoCOLE Cheese

ABBA MANIA 7:30pm Sunday, February 17 The Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

Falafel, Mango8pm Chutney Chicken February 17 Sunday, Quinoa Bowl, Vegetagle Strudel Macon Assorated Fresh Salads City Auditorium 415 First Street, Macon

JUICES & SMOOTHIES Ginger Wheat Grass, Coconut Kefir Winter Tonic, Fog Cutter, Salad in a Glass, Detox Special and more

TRY THE WORLD’S

BEST HEALTHY eek...

New this w

ROM FRESHFFARMS! LOCAL hes

adis ABBA Mania is an exhilarating rrecreation last G eens, R of ABBA’s s r e live concert, featuring seven performerssand musicians that p p can , Pe bring back to life the very best P ofethe unique Swedish s pop ia Apple eorgfavourites phenomenon. Join in and enjoy all of including: Gyour tatoesTakes It ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Voulez Vous’, ‘Dancing eet P, o‘Winner SwQueen’ ! reyear, All’, ‘Super Trouper’ and many more. If youM missed it olast so uch M d n A don’t make that mistake again! Tickets are $34.50 - $47.50 and 2381 Ingleside Avenue • (478) 254-8722 be purchased at thegrandmacon.com.

Mon-Fri 10-6 and Sat 10-4

MEAL!

The Original Acai Bowl Don’t miss this special engagement-- a Lover’s Day Concert with Keith Sweat & Keyshia Cole. Tickets are $52-$153 with VIP packages available at ticketmaster.com.

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 7 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. & FIRST FRIDAY’S FROM 5-9 P.M.

520 MULBERRY STREET

Call in and pick up - Catering Available - Body Ecology Vitamins & Nutrients Available

VOTED THE BEST

2010 – 2018

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES: GREEN BOOK 7pm Friday, February 22 The Douglass Theatre 355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Macon

Dr. Don Shirley is a world-class African-American pianist about to embark on tour in the Deep South of 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a toughtalking bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation. $5 Snack Pass includes popcorn & drink. Tickets are available at the box office or douglasstheatre.org.

JOSH ROBERTS & THE HINGES LIVE! 10pm Friday, February 22 The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom 430 Cherry Street, Macon

Josh Roberts is an innovative guitarist who slings with the best of any era, and to actually see him perform live without limitation is a one-of-a-kind experience! The Hinges-- Leslie “The Great” Roberts, Corey Stephens, and Dennis Ware-- add harmony and depth to songs that ebb and flow with Americana heart & soul and good ole’ fashioned rock n’ roll. Consider JRATH required listening and don’t skip this show!

MACON BACON OPEN HOUSE 11am-2pm Saturday, February 23 Luther Williams Field 225 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon

BRAD GOODE QUARTET LIVE! 10pm Friday, February 22 The Creek Stage @ The Rookery 533 Cherry Street, Macon

Opening Night is right around the corner! Come celebrate with your Macon Bacon at Luther Williams Field! Enjoy free hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft drinks.

See the unveiling of a Macon Bacon specialty jersey and merchandise-- and don’t miss the opportunity to hand pick your Macon Bacon seats for 2019!

continued on page 13

Presented by the Jazz Association of Macon and the Knight Foundation, Brad Goode has been described as “a lyrical genius of the trumpet” and “a major catalyst in the revitalization of the Chicago jazz scene” (Chicago Tribune).

Brad has performed nationwide for more than 25 years, and he’s played with greats such as Von Freeman, Curtis Fuller, the Woody Herman Orchestra and Jack DeJohnette. He has taught on the faculties of the American Conservatory of Music, the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and he is now Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in person at The Rookery or online at hargraycapitoltheatre.com.

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*CHILDREN MUST BE 10 YEARS OR YOUNGER

It’s almost Mardis Gras! Wanna celebrate with a free milkshake from the Rookery?

Share your one-of-a-kind coloring creation with the 11th Hour on Facebook for a chance to win! The Winner will be announced on 100.9 The Creek during the March 1st edition of Creekside Mornings!

12 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

CENTRAL GEORGIA FARMERS MARKETS continued from page 11

RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE 8pm Saturday, February 23 The Hargray Capitol Theatre 382 Second Street, Macon The passion for the music of Fleetwood Mac is what makes Rumours a success. The band’s members have been influenced by and admirers of Fleetwood Mac for many years and strive to not only recreate their unmistakable, enchanting sound but to give it the honor it so rightly deserves. Fans attending Rumours concerts can feel the love! Runnin’ Down A Dream, a Tom Petty tribute, will begin the night! Tickets are $15-$280 and can be purchased in person at The Rookery or online at hargraycapitoltheatre.com.

THE MULBERRY MARKET AT TATTNALL SQUARE PARK Wednesdays year round 3:30–6pm 1155 College Street Macon, GA FIRST SATURDAY VILLAGE MARKET IN MERCER VILLAGE 1st Saturdays of the month 9am–3pm 1624 Coleman Ave Macon, GA CENTERVILLE FARMERS MARKET AT CENTER PARK 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month 8am–12pm 103 E Church Street Centerville, GA WESLEYAN MARKET 2nd Saturday of the month 9am–1pm 4760 Forsyth Rd Macon, GA

MACON MAYHEM AT THE MACON COLISEUM

MACON STATE FARMERS MARKET Monday–Sunday 6am–10pm 2055 Eisenhower Pkwy Macon, GA

COLLEGE NIGHT 7:35pm Thursday, February 21 Macon Mayhem vs Evansville Thunderbolts CGTC! Mercer! Middle Georgia State! Wesleyan!

It’s College Night at the Coliseum!

PERRY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays year round 9am–1pm 901 Carroll Street Perry, GA

COLLEGE NIGHT 7:35pm Thursday, February 28 Macon Mayhem vs Birmingham Bulls CGTC! Mercer! Middle Georgia State! Wesleyan!

It’s College Night at the Coliseum!

INTERNATIONAL CITY FARMERS MARKET Thursdays year round 1–6pm Corner of Maple St & Watson Blvd Warner Robins, GA

PRINCESS NIGHT 7:35pm Friday, March 1 Macon Mayhem vs Fayetteville Marksmen Fans can dress as their favorite Princess!

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QUESTIONS WITH

BEN DUNN GALLERY DIRECTOR FOR THE MCEACHERN ART CENTER

He’s a native Central Georgian and Mercer graduate, and now Ben Dunn has returned to Macon to helm the new McEachern Art Center in Downtown Macon.

“The MAC” will be the new home for Mercer University’s Art Department-- and for Dunn, it’s an opportunity to build support in the community while providing artists and students with the space and experience necessary to flourish.

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Q: First off, welcome home! How's it feel to be back in Macon?

A: It’s nice. Macon has changed a lot since I left and it’s been really good to reconnect with some folks here. When I was driving into town to interview at Mercer, Blaze Foley was playing on the radio and it was like 70 degrees with the windows down in October, and I thought “Damn, Macon, you’re showin’ out!”

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Q: The new McEchearn Art Center is exciting, not just for Mercer University but for Macon as a whole.

What's your new role with Mercer and the gallery, and how did that come together?

A: I’m the Gallery Director at the MAC, and I’m teaching in the Art Department. Basically, my dream job. I’m developing the exhibition programming and other core features of the art center while holding the door open for anyone with good ideas to bring on in. This all came together Mission Impossible style. I chose to accept the mission-- and the phone exploded a few seconds later. Its kind of a grab bag of jobs in one, and I think my experience really fit into each corner of it. I’m glad you mentioned the part about Macon as a whole, too. The MAC is really like a front porch for Mercer. It's downtown, it’s a good place to sit and visit, and its accessible to everyone.

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Q: What were some of the factors that made the art center necessary?

A: It’s what the student body of our new BFA program (!!) and Macon’s art community deserve.

There are comparable art centers in other cities from Savannah to Santa Ana. It makes sense to develop a platform for fine art on this level and rise with the tide here. I aim to build support for art and artists by exhibiting really ambitious contemporary work and creating meaningful connections with the public in Macon. We can help unpack some of the stuff going on in art through lectures, talks, docents, and other means. Most importantly, we can provide a place to just come look at stuff on your own time and hang out with some other folks who are also invested in art.

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Q: How often will the gallery be open to the public and how often will exhibits change?

A: We’re finalizing gallery hours right now. It will be something like Thursday through Saturday from noon until 6. Also, the amount of stuff going on down here is ramping up, which keeps the door open more and more. I’m planning six shows a year. A couple will feature Mercer Art students and faculty, while most will reach out beyond that group.

Q: In addition to traditional exhibits, what else can we look forward to experiencing at the McEachern Art Center?

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Q: As an artist and graduate of Mercer University, how important is the McEachern Art Center for current and future students? And what kind of opportunities will it afford them?

A: The MAC is basically all we can imagine needing and wanting as art students. A huge factor is the caliber of artists we’ll be able to bring down. The fact that prominent regional and national contemporary artists will be participating in crits with our students and giving talks, and all of that is huge. I hope the development of a visiting artists program amps that way up by networking our students with emerging artists from around the country who will model their own studio practices, teach, and exhibit while in residence, and provide important points of contact throughout the country as they move on. I’m also super excited for artists to work with the poets, historians, musicians, and philosophers that call Mercer and Macon home. These intersections will create little explosions of creativity that propel us. I think those are the ingredients you stir up to get an Elephant 6, or a Supports / Surfaces, or whatever else to happen. Those things didn’t happen in huge cities, and students are typically big parts of movements.

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Q: Will there be opportunities for local artists outside of Mercer's program?

A: Some, but realistically that is already covered by other organizations like The 567, The Macon Arts Alliance, The Ocmulgee Artists Guild, and others.

My goal really is to reach out and gather the very best stuff I can get my hands on “out there” and bring it here. I think we’ll do well to make Macon a destination for art and artists from other places.

That’s not to say that Macon doesn’t hold a roster of great and talented artists. Torey Thornton (Macon) was in the last Whitney Biennial!!

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Q: I'm sure it's been a busy time for you, but what personal projects do you have in the works?

A: I always work in my studio, and I do my best to travel to see shows.

A: Record listening nights, film screenings, artist’s talks, workshops, art performances, poetry readings, meetups, pop ups, the “Window Residency” (an international open call for time-based art to be shown on screens in the windows in the evening), music performances, collaborations with local businesses, a selection of contemporary art journals to read at your leisure, screen printing in the basement, lots of coffee, and whatever else y’all can think of that fits the mission. We just opened our doors like 3 days ago (as of writing). I can’t wait for a flood of good ideas to come through and to grow that list.

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Q: If you could design and handpick a specific exhibit (and maybe you can!), would you have a general theme? Who's work would be on display?

A: I am so lucky right now that I can basically do that. I’m hopeful to work with some version of the Flinching Eye Collective from Colorado this summer on a show and some performances. This total badass painter out of Philadelphia named Christie Denizio will show soon. James Davis-- a ceramicist in Atlanta-- and I are putting together something I’m really excited about for the Fall. Stay tuned! I’m less into themed exhibits. They can be good, but I’m more into meeting artist’s ideas where they lie. I don’t really have like a fantasy league of artists either. Museums do that.

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Q: What will the gallery have in store for First Friday in March?

A: The current show Foundations will be up for its last week with a closing reception that Friday. We’ll have someone performing (TBD, hmu y’all), and we’ll have some Macon Beer Co. brews. First Friday in April will be a reception for a new show and a significant party, I hope.

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Q: Dream big-- what do you see on the horizon for Macon and Mercer's art department with the McEachern Art Center?

A: So, all of the stuff above, times two, with a hundred BFA students running around, engaging Macon off of campus, while plugging away in their studios, and plugging into the world around them. I’d like for students excited about art and established artists to come here on purpose because of art that we’re helping to advance. Hell, maybe we can run out of room! There are little art ecosystems all over the place that bubble up in organic, kind of inborn ways because they have to do so. That is so much better than a monolithic “art world” in one city. The MAC can be a big part of something awesome here by just being radically supportive of artists and wide open to good ideas.

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1 - 7 5 E X I T 1 4 9 | 1 3 1 P E AC H T R E E P K W Y | B Y R O N , G A | ( 4 7 8 ) 9 7 4 - 1 0 4 4 | M I D S TAT E R V. C O M

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THE Z BEANS STORY

BY SHANE BUERSTER

FINDING A WAY: ROASTING

The fifth and final step of farm to cup requires the most precision. One tiny error can lead to a horrible cup of coffee-- but on the flip side of the coin, if you can perfect it, your coffee will be second to none.

When our first 4,000 pounds of beans arrived in the States, I had no idea how I was going to roast. The concept itself seems rather simple-find something that is really hot, toss the beans in, let them cook then when they are dark, pull them out. So this is what we did. The Mercer Innovation Center, where we have built our wholesale business for the last year and a half had a popcorn popper. We started using that popcorn popper to roast our beans, 13oz at a time (which would leave us with 11ounces-- hence, the 11oz bags). Was this the absolute best way to roast coffee beans? Absolutely not. However, this helped us bridge a gap and allowed us to stay alive. That is until December of 2017 when my parents bought me a chicken rotisserie roaster.

After countless modifications, my dad and I got the roaster to roast 7 pounds of coffee at a time. The chicken rotisserie roaster wasn't the best method, but it produced a quality roast that many people enjoyed. As we continued to grow, we had to find ways to increase our roasting capacity.

In April of 2018, I was introduced to Brian Holland, the founder of Phoenix Coffee Roasters. Brian and I talked about the vocation of each of our businesses, and it lined up perfectly. The very next day, after talking with Brian on the phone, I took 100 pounds of coffee up to their facility for Wes Patterson, the master roaster at Phoenix Coffee, to roast.

While roasting, Wes and I begin talking about the art of the process. I told him about my two previous methods, and he tells me about all of the knowledge he has learned from one of the greatest Latin American roasters of all time-- a guy who has won countless awards for his abilities. You'd think Wes and everyone at Phoenix Roasters would keep their 'roasting secrets' to themselves,but it's the exact opposite. Wes immediately began teaching me every step of the roasting cycle. That way, when Z Beans can afford our own large roaster, I'll have the skill set.

Since meeting Wes, Brian, and the entire crew at Phoenix Coffee Roasters, we have formed a unique partnership. Initially, we would take 100 pounds up to them every other week to roast. Now, we are taking 300 pounds. Their unmatched roasting ability has created a consistency that I've never been able to replicate. Meeting them was a blessing for which I'll forever be grateful.

Now, we have our roasted beans. We've made the three-hour round trip from Macon to Atlanta and back. Whether it's you at your home or us at the coffee shop, the beans from 5,000 miles away are eventually ground down and brewed with hot water. It's awesome to consider just how impactful a cup of coffee can be. From a coffee plantation in Ecuador to your cup, there are countless friendships cemented, memories created, and opportunities realized. We invite you to always know the hardworking individuals behind your cups of coffee. It takes time, effort, and hard work from everyone involved, but we hope our farm to cup series has shown that it's possible to know exactly who your farmer is.

For more Z Beans stories you can find us here: ZBeansCoffee.com Facebook: @ZBeansCoffee Instagram: @ZBeansCoffee Storefront: 1635 Montpelier Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31201

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18 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

50,000 SHADES OF GRAY BILLY JOE SHAVER & HIS BAND Navy Pier Chicago, 1980

I met Billy Joe in the ‘70s when he was playin’ honky tonks in the far country around Chicago. In the early ‘80s-- during the urban cowboy era of radio promotion-- Billy Joe started getting better bookings in town makin’ real money playin’ for folks that had just gotten their first cowboy hat & fancy pair of Tony Lamas… But he would also play some good joints like the Wise Fools Pub and other cool roots joints that booked Blues & road house bands. Billy Joe was always jam tight with Dickey Betts-- and the ABB even cut a Billy Joe track on their 1975 LP Win, Lose or Draw… He still plays here in Macon from time to time.

I love the old boy.

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20 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

BREAKING RECORDS: THE

OF

Downtown Macon Sold-out runs of Mama Mia! and Mary Poppins. Baseball in the second-oldest minor league stadium in the country. Classic car shows on top of a parking garage. Murals telling the stories of public transportation users.

These might sound like things only experienced in cities like Denver, Austin, or Nashville-- but the common thread woven throughout is Downtown Macon. Yes, Downtown Macon is the cultural hub of Central Georgia that continues to evolve through sustainable investments led by the private market. More importantly, that private market is driven by locals who are committed to retaining and enhancing a unique character and vibe that can only be found in our city.

Those locals invested over $84.3 million in Downtown Macon’s Central Business District in 2018. According to Georgia Main Street, a program of Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs, Macon has some of the highest downtown private and public investment numbers in the state. "Macon is one of the strongest leaders in the state in growing business and preserving history through public-private investment in its historic downtown. Macon’s long-standing commitment to housing, preservation, and rehabilitation is something to be commended and replicated statewide," notes Tess Harper with the Office of Downtown Development at the Department of Community Affairs. So how does that $84.3M of private and public investment break down?

continued on page 22 Photo by Peggy French

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continued from page 21 One of the amazing things about downtown’s development story is that it’s largely led by the private sector. Yes, public funds are spent-- on SPLOST projects, regular maintenance carried out by county departments, or investments made by entities like the Urban Development Authority. In 2018, those investments ranged from renovations at Luther Williams Field to building the concrete bases for the newly installed Macon Sculpture Walk. Public spending totaled $7.2 M in the downtown area last year-- about 8.36% of the total $84.3M public and private investment. In turn, the private sector matched those public dollars at an exponential rate, resulting in transformative change. Both the public and private sector are needed to make a healthy ecosystem for our urban core.

The majority of public improvement projects contribute to the overall quality of life in our urban core and are a prerequisite for creating an unparalleled experience that attracts private investment from business owners, developers, and the category where the majority of us fall: customers. Programming in public spaces like the renovated medians on Poplar Street attracts regulars and new faces who in turn support retailers and restaurants. In 2018, businesses and organizations hosted 602 events, attracting 373,631 people to Downtown Macon.

To put that in perspective, last year’s downtown event attendance was twice the size of Macon’s population. And that number doesn’t count the volunteers who made those events possible. Volunteers donated over 9,000 hours to organize and host events. To put THAT into perspective, volunteers collectively donated over a year’s worth of time.

The stats above show that Downtown Macon has a passionate corps of people who are committed to success. This is also the case with business owners who make a conscious decision to open shop in a revitalizing environment. Last year, 43 new businesses opened in downtown’s Central Business District, resulting in 196 new jobs.

Despite 13 businesses closing their doors in 2018, there has been an overall net positive gain in the number of businesses and new jobs created. This shows that the businesses that are opening are engaging in sustainable business practices and that the market still supports traditional and historic businesses in our urban core. And there is room for even more growth.

In 2018, 8 buildings were rehabbed, resulting in 36 new loft units and 12 new or renovated storefronts. Of those storefronts, 75% are already occupied. Investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings totaled over $12.3M. This is a testament to the preservation ethos in our community and the superb work of organizations like NewTown and Historic Macon that leverage tax credits to make financing possible for the rehabilitation of downtown’s vast inventory of historic buildings. In addition to rehabs, Downtown Macon experienced the largest private investment project in this century-- the Lofts at Capricorn. That project created 137 new units and resulted in a total investment of $21M. All of the accomplishments documented for Downtown Macon in 2018 are a result of efforts led by organizations like NewTown Macon, the Urban Development Authority, and Main Street Macon. NewTown has been leading revitalization efforts since 1996.

Through innovative real estate tactics, loan programs, and strategic partnerships, NewTown has been able to leverage over $670 million in downtown investment. Incentives and resources like the Godsey Initiatives Fund, Entrepreneurs Academy, real estate loan fund, and Developers Academy have all helped educate and fund local developers and business owners who are committed to the success of Downtown Macon.

Another exciting development occurred in 2018 when NewTown agreed to merge with Main Street Macon, providing synergy to the efforts of both organizations and building upon NewTown’s publicprivate partnership with Macon-Bibb County. Main Street Macon furnishes the numbers outlined in this report and will continue to document the growth and change. Additionally, Main Street Macon’s

22 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

volunteer board will continue to present quality programming like downtown trick-or-treating, alley activations, pop-up plazas, and the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza.

Downtown Macon continues to excel but there is still work to be done. Projects are in the works that will result in even more transformative change. If you haven’t been downtown in a while, now is the time to visit-- and visit regularly. Be a part of the ongoing change by supporting our local businesses, enjoying our public spaces, and attending an event organized by our citizens. You may see a show at one of our 10 entertainment venues, eat a delicious meal at one of our 47 restaurants, or find a new shop with goods to stock your home or closet. You may even find yourself saying, “Wow, this doesn’t feel like Macon!”-- but this is exactly what Macon feels like. This IS the new norm.

Emily Hopkins is a South Carolina native and Clemson fan who has made her home in Macon, Georgia. Professionally, Emily stretches her placemaking and marketing muscles as the Director of Place at NewTown Macon.

IN 2018, BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS HOSTED 602 EVENTS, ATTRACTING 373,631 PEOPLE TO DOWNTOWN MACON.

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

NEW OR RENOVATED STOREFRONTS

'S E R E TH E! R O M

23

Let’s go at the Macon Coliseum Tickets are $10 per person and include skate rental.

Military tickets are only $8 per person with a valid ID. Groups of 10 or more are also only $8 per person!

February Schedule* Monday 2/18 10am–12pm, 1–3pm & 4–6pm Tuesday 2/19 10am–12pm, 1–3pm & 4–6pm Wednesday 2/20 10am–12pm, 1–3pm & 4–6pm Friday 2/22 10am–12pm, 1–3pm & 4–6pm Saturday 2/23 10am–12pm, 1–3pm & 4–6pm *Dates and times are subject to change

2019 BASKETBALL SCHEDULE MEN’S

2/14

7PM

AT

WESTERN CAROLINA

WOMEN’S

2/14

7PM

VS

UNC GREENSBORO

WOMEN’S

2/16

2PM

VS

WESTERN CAROLINA

MEN’S

2/16

4PM

AT

EAST TENNESSEE STATE

MEN’S

2/21

7PM

VS

SAMFORD

WOMEN’S

2/21

7PM

AT

EAST TENNESSEE STATE

WOMEN’S

2/23

2PM

AT

CHATTANOOGA

MEN’S

2/23

4PM

VS

CHATTANOOGA

MEN’S

2/28

7PM

AT

VMI

WOMEN’S

2/28

7PM

VS

FURMAN

WOMEN’S

3/2

2PM

VS

WOFFORD

MEN’S

3/2

4:30PM

VS

UNC GREENSBORO

CATCH ALL THE GAMES ON 100.9 THE CREEK

Seasonally inspired & Southern honored cuisine JOIN US Tuesday–Thursday: 5:30–9:30pm Friday: 5:30–10:30pm Saturday: 11am–2:30pm, 5:30–10:30pm Sunday:11am–2:30pm 543 Cherry Street, Upstairs Historic Downtown Macon (478) 238-4693

Voted #1 Restaurant in Macon

24 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

FEELS LIKE LOCAL

MICRO MOBILITY COMING TO DOWNTOWN MACON

BY SCOTT MITCHELL

If you have been downtown lately, you have probably seen the latest and coolest new addition to our ever-changing city, the eTuk. Not to be confused with the gas and diesel rickshaws and tuk tuk’s in India and Asia, these all electric vehicles are manufactured right here in the United States in Denver, Colorado. I had the opportunity to speak with Gene Watson, Director of Marketing and Operations for Hop On Macon. Hop On is already operating in Athens and there are plans to go into at least two other cities in the state.

Access mobility is important to Gene because he has lived in Macon for a long time and has seen the city that he loves at its greatest heights back when business was booming and vibrant. Gene says, “In the later part of the last century, downtown became a desolate place and lost much of its vibrancy. Now it has risen like a phoenix from the ashes where businesses, restaurants, boutiques, arts and theaters are flourishing. Downtown is now a vibrant place where people are having a hard time finding a place to park. The eTuk will be there to take people from the

garages, hotels, and hospitals to the downtown businesses.”

There is currently no downtown shuttle service from many of our hotels.

The Hop On Macon eTuk is free to use and is being funded by private business partners including B. Monroe Salon, Bearfoot Tavern, Lofts at Empire Yards, Ocmulgee Brewpub, and Travis Jean Emporium. When asked how he sees the eTuk changing the ever-growing face of Downtown Macon, Gene said, “The eTuk is an attraction itself that will highlight Macon and set us apart as being very different from other cities in Georgia.”

Scott Mitchell is the owner of Travis Jean Emporium and is the co-host of Deconstructing Divas on 100.9 The Creek. He enjoys spending time with his family and furbabies, volunteering, gardening, traveling, watching Broadway shows, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.

The eTuk is currently slated to run during lunch from 11am-2pm and during dinner from 5pm-9pm. The route will take passengers from East Macon across the Ocmulgee into downtown Macon and on over to Mercer Landing.

You don’t want to miss an opportunity to take advantage of this free service when visiting your favorite downtown businesses.

11thHourOnline.com 25

26 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

SMOKED N’ SAUCED WINGS SHANE’S 1592 FORREST HILL ROAD MACON

Convenience store, corner store, filling station-- you can call Shane’s all of those things. The shelves hold all your favorite quick fare-every style of cake, candy, chip, jerky, snack, pack, peanut, pork rind… The coolers lining the walls are a bright, clean mosaic of soda pop, sports & energy drinks, and Georgia craft beer... Owners Shane and Kavita Patel greet nearly every customer by name-- and if you’re new through the door, it doesn’t take two seconds to know that this isn’t your standard, garden variety gas station-- it’s also a little slice of barbecue heaven! Applewood smoked pulled pork, ribs, and wings-- everything is smoked in-house and prepared to order. “We just did 940 wings for Superbowl Sunday,” says Shane who credits his wife’s talent and enthusiasm for the newly designed kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kavita uses various sauces and spices to create tangy, twangy, spicy, and sweet combinations for all of her smoked meats. “This is my home!”, she smiles. “You come here to be comfortable!” And you won’t leave hungry either! Try the pulled pork with its crispy bits and delightfully warm and spicy rub or load up on wings-- plain and smoked to perfection or dressed in one of Kavita’s unique sauces. If Shane’s is Central Georgia’s best kept barbecue secret… Well, it won’t be for long!

FRIED CHICKEN PICTURED:

KAVITA’S HOMEMADE SAUCES AND JUMBO SMOKED WINGS--TANGY CAROLINA GOLD, THE SNEAKY KICK, AND CLASSIC BUFFALO! Photo by Anthony Ennis 11thHourOnline.com 27

10 minutes from macon!

s ter s, ps, y O , r e u , Group law s, Jam P p m i r h C Fr e s h S t B l u e C r a b r a f t B e e r s !

C as Gulf Co 30 Southern .. er to. a n d O v g yo u n e e d hin E ve r y t

L A T S A O C Y A ST S D N E I R MY F

• Bring their bed & toys • even their own food • general check-ups, baths, grooming and dental while they’re here

KUDZU SEAFOOD COMPANY

470 THIRD STREET, MACON• (478)292-2085

Open Monday & Tuesday 11am til 3pm Wednesday–Saturday 11am til 9pm

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Stop by the Macon Centreplex Box Office or go to ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets to any of our 2018–2019 home games!

Ticket Prices: Glass Seating $22 // General Admission $16

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER OF THE MACON MAYHEM

Photo by Bryan Meeks 28 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

DINING-OUT IN CENTRAL GEORGIA A.P.’S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY 4274 Broadway Macon | 478-781-5656 Classic rock n’ roll bar with burgers, salads, sandwiches, wings and more! Homestyle Southern Cookin’ Sundays! Outdoor seating available. L/D/Bar $

BARBERITOS 4123 Forsyth Rd Suite G Macon | 478-621-4883 4921 Riverside Dr Macon | 478-254-5802 3123 Watson Blvd Suite 100 Warner Robins | 478-971-1138 barberitos.com Burritos, tacos, salads, quesadillas, nachos, and more using locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. L/D$–$$ BEARFOOT TAVERN 468 2nd St, Macon | 478-305-7703 bearfoottavernmacon.com Contemporary gastropub featuring a menu of New American fare & a beer garden with live music. L/D/Bar $–$$

THE BRICK 1305 Hardeman Ave #100 Macon | 478-254-3632 thebrick93.com Made-from-scratch pizza, calzones, and stuffed sticks. Fresh salads, wings, and pasta. Wide variety of draft & bottled beer! L/D/Bar $-$$ CIRCA 4420 Forsyth Rd Macon | 478-621-4140 maconcirca.com American brasserie, featuring classic and contemporary French and European cuisine, salads, seafood, steaks, sushi. Saturday Brunch starts 2/24!

Reservations encouraged. L/D/Bar $$-$$$ DOVETAIL 543 Cherry St Macon (above the Rookery) | 478-238-4693 dovetailmacon.com Farm-to-table casual fine dining. Southern crafted small plates and a cultivated bourbon selection. Reservations encouraged.

Complimentary valet located on Mulberry St Lane for dinner only. Saturday & Sunday Brunch. D/Bar $$–$$$ DOWNTOWN GRILL 562 Mulberry St. Lane Macon | 478-742-5999 macondowntowngrill.com English-style steak and chop house with nightly features, extensive wine list, and amazing bourbon and whiskey selection. Cigar bar and private humidor. Complimentary Valet.

Reservations encouraged. D/Bar $$–$$$

EDGAR’S BISTRO 5171 Eisenhower Pkwy Macon | 478-471-4250 edgarshospitality.com City Chic and a foodie’s dream! Edgar’s Bistro presents a dining experience that nourishes the body and soul. Open for lunch & dinner Monday-Friday, Edgar’s serves as a hands-on training facility for the Culinary students at Helms College’s Polly Long Denton School of Hospitality.

Reservations encouraged. L/D $$–$$$ FATTY’S PIZZA 344 2nd St Macon | 478-744-9880 fattyspizzamacon.com Pizza, calzone, wings, & salads. Gluten Free options and delivery to Downtown Macon. L/D $ FINCHER’S BAR-B-Q 3947 Houston Ave Macon | 478-787-4648 5627 Houston Rd Macon | 478-7876947 891 Gray Hwy East Macon | 478-787-4649 519 N. Davis Dr Warner Robins | 478-787-4651 finchersbbqga.net So fine, it went to the moon in ‘69! Delicious Southern barbecue at four locations in Macon and Warner Robins featuring pulled pork, chicken, ribs, burgers, and more. Family owned & operated since 1935! L/D $ H&H 807 Forsyth St Macon | 478-621-7044 handhsoulfood.com “The H” is an institution woven into the fabric of Macon’s history. Since 1959, H&H has kept Macon’s most diverse clientele well-fed with delicious, stick-to-ya-ribs soul food—and is most famous for the unique friendship between founder Mama Louise Hudson and the Allman Brothers Band. B/L $ INGLESIDE VILLAGE PIZZA 2396 Ingleside Ave Macon | 478-750-8488 inglesidevillagepizza.com It doesn’t get any better than IVP! Hand-tossed, homemade dough and fresh toppings, salads, sandwiches, and the sloppiest breadsticks! Voted the best pizza in Central Georgia by readers of the 11th Hour and the Macon Telegraph! 80+ cold, craft beers! L/D/Bar $ JUST TAP’D 488 1st St Macon | 478-599-9951 3123 Watson Blvd | 478-599-9950 justtapd.com Gastropub serving tap brews over the counter & bottles from the shelves, plus hearty bar grub.

L/D/Bar $

KUDZU SEAFOOD CO. 470 3rd St Macon | 478-292-2085 kudzuseafood.com From the Panhandle of Florida to the coast of Louisiana, the cuisine of the Gulf Coast is simple and unique. Kudzu Seafood Company brings the best of Southern coastal seafood to Downtown Macon! Offering a menu of fried and grilled seafood along with non seafood items prepared fresh to order in an open kitchen. Welcome to the Coast of Middle Georgia! L/D/Bar $ MELLOW MUSHROOM 5425 Bowman Rd, Macon | 478-254-6789 mellowmushroom.com Delicious food in a fun and creative environment!

Mellow Mushroom is the originator of hand tossed, stone-baked, classic southern pizza. All pies are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients, a spring water crust, and a philosophy to elevate the dining experience with a higher order of pizza. L/D/Bar $–$$ NU-WAY WEINERS 5572 Bloomfield Rd Macon | 478-781-1305 1602 Montpelier Ave Suite 105 Macon | 478-812-8200 921 Hillcrest Blvd Macon | 478-743-1047 148 Emery Highway Macon | 478-743-7976 3990 Northside Dr Macon | 478-477-0533 6016 Zebulon Rd Macon | 478-474-5933 1762 Watson Blvd Warner Robins | 478-929-4941 215 Russell Parkway Warner Robins | 478-923-5335 nu-wayweiners.com An iconic Macon Restaurant featuring the famous red hotdog! Established in 1916 by Greek American James Mallis, Nu-Way is one of the oldest hot dog restaurants in the United States. The New York Times declared Nu-Way the “king of the slaw dog “hill”. B/L/D $

PARISH ON CHERRY 580 Cherry St Macon | 478-257-7255 parishoncherry.com Cozy Cajun eatery in a rustic-chic setting dishing up classic Creole fare, such as ‘po boys & gumbo. Outdoor seating available. L/D/Bar $–$$ PIEDMONT BREWERY & KITCHEN 450 3rd St Macon | 478-254-2337 piedmontbrewery.com Eclectic atmosphere with a menu featuring handcrafted beer and honest food. Familyfriendly arcade and outdoor seating available.

L/D $–$$ ROLY POLY 624 New St A Macon | 478-745-7659 The Original Rolled Sandwich! Also offering specialty soups & salads. L $ SHANE’S 1592 Forest Hill Road Macon | 478-474-6481 Breakfast served daily, delicious pulled pork bbq and wings smoked on premises, fried chicken, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and more! All served to go. B/L/D $ THE ROOKERY 543 Cherry St Macon | 478-746-8658 rookerymacon.com Legendary downtown eatery offering Southern rock & soul inspired burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, shakes, daily features, and so much more!

Soul Jazz Brunch on Saturdays! Outdoor seating available. L/D $–$$

OCMULGEE BREWPUB 484 2nd St Macon | 478-254-2848 ocmulgeebrewpub.com Ocmulgee Brewpub offers the best curated brews using the finest grains, hops, and yeast.

Delicious gourmet burgers, super food salads, and hand-cut fries. L/D/Bar $ PAPOULI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE & MARKET 121 Tom Hill Sr Blvd, Macon | 478-474-0204 papouliscafe.com Mediterranean restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Gyros, Pita Wraps, Greek Plates & More! Papouli’s Mediterranean Cafe & Market also offers a large selection of imported grocery & deli items. L/D $–$$

Your Favorite Classics and a host of new hits

807 Forsy th St. Macon, GA 31201 478-621-7044 • HandHSoulFood.com 11thHourOnline.com 29

30 FEBRUARY 15-21, 2019

THE INTERVIEW

R&B LEGEND

KEITH SWEAT

BY CHARLES DAVIS

For over 30 years, Keith Sweat has been influencing the R&B genre with his impressive catalog of hits and a highly rated syndicated radio show, The Sweat Hotel. Along with singer Keyshia Cole, Keith will be performing at the Macon City Auditorium on February 17th for a great night of music. He spent a little time with me talking about his career, the conversation about who truly is the “King of R&B”, and the legacy he is trying to leave for his children.

CD- You were raised in Harlem during the early ‘70s when New York City was going through some really huge changes. Talk about what you were up to as a 13-year-old Keith Sweat in Harlem at that point.

KS- I was just doing what young kids growing up in Harlem do.

I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do in my life. But at thirteen? Man, I probably wasn't doing anything other than trying to hang out and having fun, to be real with you.

Most of the musicians I've had the opportunity to interview have all had what my friend calls that "jukebox moment".

The moment when they realized that singing was what they were put on this earth to do during their lifetime.

What was that moment for you?

Probably when I was watching Soul Train and shows like that.

I realized that I wanted to be on stage and do that for a living.

I was watching Don Cornelius and the Soul Train dancers going down the line and feeling like I definitely want to do something like that.

After performing with the band Jamilah for a while in Harlem, you started working with a guy named Teddy Riley-- who we now recognize as a legendary artist and record producer-- but at that time, he was working on this new sound that would go on and dominate the R&B airwaves for the next decade. The result of that collaboration was your first solo hit “I Want Her”. Talk to me about working with Teddy during those sessions.

Working with Teddy was cool. If you go back and pull up some stuff from back in the day, you can hear some of that style of music that I was doing with GQ before I even started working with Teddy. Teddy was the one that came to the forefront on the production side. Our collaboration brought a whole different sound out. It introduced new things to both him and

me. We were creating things. He was doing rap stuff. I was doing R&B stuff. So we decided to put it all together.

From there you went on to write hit after hit and become the legend… Then in 1997 you-- along with your fellow Quiet Storm Killers Johnny Gill and Gerald Levert-- formed the group LSG and in my opinion, flipped the game on its head with the music that you three were able to create.

Talk about working with them and how that relationship came about.

I mean, me and Gerald Levert were real tight. We were like brothers. Same thing with Johnny Gill, he was like my brother as well. Once I entered into the music business, there were certain people that gravitate to me-- and I gravitate to like The O'Jays and The Isley Brothers. Those were the people I gravitated to because when I came, I hit the world by storm, you know? So certain people just gravitate to me. I met Charlie Wilson during my first two years in the game, so I felt like I knew everybody and everybody knew me in some way.

So when we started working on the LSG album, it was just a bunch of friends getting together, trying to create something that was special. And that's what happened.

Now, throughout your solo career, you've had the ability to consistently tap into the mood and the pulse of your audience with more success than others in the game.

Especially with your latest album Playing For Keeps being a prime example of that. What do you attribute that ability to?

I do what I love to do-- you know? I listen to young and old music. I never pigeonhole myself. Most people feel that if I do an album, it's supposed to sound like this or it's got to sound like that. When you are an artist, that means creating.

If you are an artist, it's about creating certain things that you feel. It's about creating something that you want the world to hear. So I'm not going to pigeonhole myself just because I wrote “Make It Last Forever” or “Don't Stop Your Love” and all of those songs. I don't think every album I do should sound exactly like that because it doesn't show any growth to me. It just shows that “Well, he can do the same thing he's always done.” My whole thing is about growth and showing people that I hear different music and ideas in my head, so this is what I'm giving you at this point. I can always go back to the old stuff.

11thHourOnline.com 31

That's true because when I was listening to the album, that was my exact thought. On the song “Who's Your Daddy” that you did with Tank, it doesn't sound like what the fans expect from you. I think I read a quote from you where you said that if you just listened to it and didn't know the name of the artist, it would be a number one hit just because of how good it is.

Right. But I mean, that's how it is. If I came out and said, "Yeah, my name is Somebody Else", and could hide who I was, people would think it was hot. But once people know who you are, their expectations change. It becomes "Well, why is he doing a song like that?" But if it was somebody else, it would be a hit. So I just think people at some point have to open up their minds. If you listen to radio, everything is different today. It's not like I'm trying to follow suit. There are songs that some of these young artists are putting out that I really like. So if it has an effect on the new music that I'm writing then that's the way it's going to be. But I'm still writing it. It's still going to have that Keith Sweat on it.

Doesn't matter.

On that same path, I had the chance to interview the members of Bell Biv Devoe, and we got into this deep discussion about the state of R&B music and its place in the American landscape at this point. Sean "Diddy" Combs has even come out recently to say that the R&B genre is dead due to the fact that if you look at what the music was originally built on, the artists of today are not really following that blueprint. So I ask you the same question... Do you ever see a day where

32 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

R&B artists are once again dominating the airwaves and the charts like they used to?

I see it because when you listen to H.E.R. and all of them, they are doing R&B music. That's all it is. Now when it comes to radio, that's where it's decided what gets played-- and what they are not going to play. I think people are still putting out great R&B music, but it just has to be played. Like I said, once you put a younger face on it, it's totally different. But that's life. Take Bruno Mars. He's doing R&B and New Jack Swing. But because he's Bruno Mars, they're playing it. It ain't no different than what we was doing. It ain't no different from New Jack Swing. Everybody thought Charlie Wilson's career was dead and buried and then he came out with a great record-- and once radio supported it, Charlie Wilson blew back up. And Charlie Wilson is older than me (laughing)! The point I'm making is that if radio or people would just listen to the music for what it is and stop pigeonholing it the way they do nowadays, they'd find out that it still sells. So I think more than anything, the reason why Jacquees or somebody else… to say that they are the King of R&B for their generation, that means it's still alive. I mean, he said it, you know? He just was having some fun. That's my man. Anyway, long story short, for him to even say that he's the King of R&B in his era means that he listened to R&B growing up. His mama showed him what R&B is. He knows what R&B is. So for anyone to make a statement like that means R&B is not dead because a young kid is not going to mention R&B. Obviously, he knows-- but the young artists are doing it a whole different way. Everybody's cursing in their records now, you know?

AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHAT YOU WANT IS FOR PEOPLE TO RESPECT THE BRAND, THAT THERE WILL BE NOTHING THAT AFFECTS MY KIDS, AND THAT THERE IS NO DRAMA. MY KIDS CAN HOLD THEIR HEADS HIGH AND KNOW THAT THEIR DAD LEFT A GREAT LEGACY, AND THEY ARE FOLLOWING SUIT.

Exactly. It was the first time I'd heard somebody put it in those terms. When Diddy broke it down and said when you think about R&B music, you're talking about love songs, being with your woman, loving and cherishing her. Having arguments sometimes but always coming back to the love. You're not calling females derogatory names. You're not being disrespectful to them. You're talking about a different mentality. And I think that's what people are saying. It's the fact that you're not hearing songs like that anymore, but it does go back to what you're saying. It's more of a radio play thing where those artists are not getting the same exposure. I love PJ Morton. He is a ridiculous artist. But he's just not getting the airplay that he would have gotten 10 or 15 years ago.

There you go, right? Back in the day, they would have never played songs like that on the air. When I wrote “Freak Me” for Silk, that was the closest I could get to writing something sexual in a song like what's being played now. And I didn't think they would actually play “Freak Me” on the radio. But I liked the record, so I put it on the album. And when they pulled it off the album for the single, I went, "Get the hell out of here!" I was shocked (laughing)!

It takes a real special kind of person to become an icon in two totally different fields. You're already on the Mount Rushmore of Quiet Storm artists in my lifetime, but you are also a powerhouse in the radio industry with your syndicated radio show, The Sweat Hotel. How did the idea of you hosting a radio show come about?

A good friend of mine just asked me did I want to host a show and I said yeah. Radio is just another form of entertainment. So if you

can get a following and good people and great content and people want to hear you, they gonna listen to you regardless of what you do and who you are. So, therefore, I have a floor that people are able to listen to what I got to say and that floor is radio. I had the floor before with the music, you know what I'm saying? It just symbolizes that I've been blessed to be able to do more than one thing at the end of the day. It's all entertainment. Coming up with great content for the radio show is no different than when I go into the studio to write a great song. It’s all about creating something that people want to hear. No different.

And finally, when it's all said and done and the script is written on the Keith Sweat Story… First, who would you want to portray you? Because it has to be a special person to play Keith Sweat.

What's my man's name that just got Sexiest Man Alive?

Idris Elba?

Yeah, that's him (laughing)!

Ok cool. I can deal with that. And for the serious part, what do you want the people to remember?

I want them to remember that I came out, did my thing, and left a legacy like my man Gerald Levert did. Great music, great songs, and people respecting the brand. At the end of the day, what you want is for people to respect the brand, that there will be nothing that affects my kids, and that there is no drama. My kids can hold their heads high and know that their dad left a great legacy, and they are following suit.

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34 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

BO TALKS

ON THE BUSINESS OF

Love

Around the fourth or fifth grade, I decided it was time to express my affections to a pretty girl at Stratford Academy. Come Valentine’s Day, I purchased a lovely little heart-shaped pendant. I thought it was a solid win as I had seen my younger sister wearing similar jewelry. It turned out that the recipient could tell right away I had bought it from a quarter machine in the lobby of a restaurant. She wasn’t impressed. In fact, it was returned to me in the lunchroom-- in front of a number of people-- and it was explicitly explained to me that I had failed miserably at impressing anyone.

A couple of years later, I set my sights on older girls and began drawing pictures and writing love letters. I would anonymously slip notes through the vents in their lockers as we walked through the halls on the way to lunch. One that I remember being quite proud of had a drawing of a Reebok Pump sneaker on it with the caption, “You pump me up!” I was eventually found out, and needless to say-- the upper-class bombshells were not thrilled about a middle schooler sending them creepily sexual secret admirer notes.

These days, I’m just not that crazy about the holiday. Maybe it’s due to years of being an utter cheapskate-- but that shouldn’t be entirely my fault, right?

In 2017, Americans spent more than 18 BILLION dollars on Valentine’s

Day. That’s insane and averages $136 per capita. I can tell you without question, some of y’all are goin’ overboard-- and I may suck at Valentine’s Day, but I have been married for almost ten years. Obviously, I do know a thing or two about romance. So with all of that said, let me take a moment to tell you about the woman who’s been receiving my sub-par Valentine’s Day gifts to for the past decade.

She has been there for me when even I didn’t want to be there for myself.

She’s seen me at my worst, yet she continually encourages me to be the best version of myself-- without judgment (more or less). She leaves me notes around the house to remind me how much I mean to her, and she’s proofread a year’s worth of 11th Hour columns. I can’t even begin to go into how much I admire her as a parent as it would deserve an entire column all to itself, but let me simply say-- she is incredible. She watched me shave my beard and bleach my hair in direct defiance of her considerate advice but still manages to convince me that she finds me attractive (I know, I’m as shocked as you). She is one of a kind, and I love her more than 18 billion candy hearts could ever express. Happy Valentine’s Day, Caitlin.

Bo Walker is a hopeless romantic who thanks his lucky stars every single day that he found someone who can put up with his many shortcomings.

11thHourOnline.com 35

BELA FLECK

By Aaron Irons

When you talk about banjo virtuosos, there’s no list where Bela Fleck doesn’t sit at the top. Bela grew up in New York City and though he became enchanted by the banjo at an early age, he’d be a teenager before the relationship would become real and lead him on a lifelong adventure around the world. From his early days with Sam Bush in New Grass Revival and his studio work alongside some of music’s biggest recording artists to his solo efforts and the formation of the Flecktones, Bela Fleck brought the banjo into the 21st Century by exploring the instrument's history and challenging its role in contemporary music. Bela’s style is anything but orthodox. He incorporates jazz as much as bluegrass, finding a classical link between the two while embracing modern applications. He’s a composer, an innovator, and a master-- and on February 14th, Bela Fleck comes to Macon.

36 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

AI- You started out as a kid in New York City watching Earl Scruggs on the Beverly Hillbillies-- tell me about the first time you met Earl. What was it like to play together?

BF- It was pretty incredible. The meeting was facilitated by John Hartford, another hero of mine. He made it happen. It was a complete thrill. Over the years after that, we became very friendly. I spent a good deal of time with him during his last years. I dedicated my first banjo concerto to him, and he actually came to the premiere!

Back in your New Grass Revival days, you also did a lot of studio work— what was the strangest session, then or now, that you’ve been a part of?

I have had that happen, and it’s usually followed by a horrible mistake! See, when you become self-conscious, improvising becomes very hard to do well. It needs to be a flow and the ego needs to back off, and allow things to go forward without it. I have spent way too much time attempting to repeat something which was unique and which should be allowed to drift away, making room for a fresh idea.

Your ability with the banjo is matched only by your reverence for its history. You aren’t the first western musician to travel to Africa in search of answers and origins, but what was it that led you to that journey and the making of Throw Down Your Heart?

It was probably playing with Ginger Baker, for his Falling I heard some great African music which made me very off the Roof album. He had hot to go over there. Oumou actually fallen off his roof and was Sangare was the artist who pretty dazed due to pain meds. lit the fire, and I still love Bassist Charlie Hayden was on her early records-- they are the session as well, and he was so cool! It was an incredible suffering from extreme tinnitus, experience, going to Mali, so he would only play bass from The Gambia, Uganda, within a soundproof booth-- with and Tanzania-- four very WHEN YOU BECOME no headphones! So he couldn’t different worlds really.

SELF-CONSCIOUS, hear any of us. Occasionally he’d walk into the control room to hear You’re working in the IMPROVISING playback, but then he would run studio now. Can you talk BECOMES VERY back out, yelling. It was highly about that project? What HARD TO DO WELL. can we look forward to in dysfunctional, but somehow we 2019 from Bela Fleck? made music together. Bill Frisell IT NEEDS TO BE A I am exploring playing with was on the date as well. I was pretty FLOW AND THE EGO a bluegrass ensemble, but sure Ginger hated my guts, but it NEEDS TO BACK OFF, doing a variety of new music. turns out he was in a lot of pain…

AND ALLOW THINGS I’ll be recording with quite a few of the great players of Over the years, you’ve spoken TO GO FORWARD about the Flecktones and the our day.

WITHOUT IT. odd formula of traditional bluegrass, jazz, and electronic Who’s coming with you music. It’s safe to say that when you perform in you play music without Macon on February 14thboundaries— is that a challenge - what’s the Flecktone that remains fresh today? lineup? Will your wife be a part of the show? It is It’s hard to not repeat one’s self, and perhaps that is an Valentine’s Day after all… unnecessary obligation. More and more my goal is to Hey-- Macon is a solo concert! Nobody’s coming but metruly be myself at all times, and not worry about whether -- and some banjos. I started doing solo concerts several I have done something before. I hope if I do repeat myself, years back, and I love the format. I have arrived at quite I will do it better than before, but maybe it’s enough that it a variety of solo banjo music, from classical to African, simply be good! to Jazz, to Bluegrass, and some free improv as well. I use several different effects and even a ‘prepared banjo’. And Do you feel a difference as a composer vs being an sometimes I play Rainbow Connection! improvisational performer? Is there a point where the two meet?

Thursday, February 14th, enjoy An Evening Yes, these are two different mindsets, which need to be balanced. I’ve heard it said that composing is slow motion with Bela Fleck at the Hargray Capitol Theatre! improv, or improv is high-speed composition-- but the Tickets available in person at The Rookery or truth is that you get different results from each. Some online at hargraycapitoltheatre.com. surprising things can only be arrived at by improvising.

During the course of a performance, maybe in a back & forth improv moment, have you ever hit a lick or a particular run and thought, “Whoa-- what did I just do?” And were you able to do it again?

11thHourOnline.com 37

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923 Washington Avenue, Macon Phone: 478-621-4995 Email: bushwaywaystack@gmail.com 38 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

DO THIS

DO THIS

WATCH THIS YOU

I watched You all afternoon and night. I had to go to work. I watched You again as soon as I got home. You is the perfect title for a series about a stalker, am I right?! It was originally a Lifetime series, and I know what you’re thinking: no, it’s not your typical “underappreciated reporter with a big city boyfriend takes an assignment in a small town/kingdom/seaside village where she falls for the local barista/prince/hardware store owner”.

Instead, You is squirmy and terrifying. It centers around Joe Goldberg, the manager of a small bookshop in New York City. He meets writer Guinevere Beck when she comes in for a book. She pays with her debit card, which gives Joe her first and last name. From there, he uses public social media accounts and geotags to find her home and work addresses and her day to day schedule. The events that follow are a cautionary tale about social media and talking to strangers. You is written in a way that it’s clear that the producers almost want you to find yourself “rooting” for Joe, who truly believes that he loves Beck. It’s a sinister roller coaster of emotions and totally worth the Netflix binge!

DRINK THIS

OLD FORESTER 1870 I’m not immune to gimmicks in the bourbon game- aged at sea, in a special barrell from Middle Earth, under a moose, with a ballerina dancing on the lid for 48 hours… Old Forester boasts America’s “first bottled bourbon” and a few years ago they debuted the 1870 Original Batch to celebrate the title. The good folks at the Old Forester Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky have done their level best to blend and filter bourbons from multiple barrels in order to reproduce founder George Garvin Brown’s original process. I know I tried it at the Downtown Grill when it debuted-- but couldn’t remember my yay or nay. As it happened, a bottle was lookin’ just a little too lonely at the liquor store-- so I took it home. A bit thin for a billed “craft” bourbon but not unpleasant. Mild not hot, vanilla sweet, and just oaky enough to prove it’s bourbon. I don’t know if it’s even close to Brown’s original flavor-- but remember that dude in westerns who always orders “the good stuff ”? I can imagine that barman haulin’ up a bottle of Old Forester’s 1870 Original Batch.

Yep, now I wanna watch Lonesome Dove…

–Aaron Irons

EAT THIS

SALT & VINEGAR BAKED POTATOES

–Mandy Purvis

USE THIS

DR. BRONNER’S PURE-CASTILE SOAP Right now, I have about 12 bottles of cleaner in my house, 20 including shampoo, face wash, etc., but Dr. Bronner’s advertises that one bottle of their soap can replace everything- even your toothpaste.

The packaging displays 18 different uses (cleaning vegetables and doing laundry/dishes, for example), but I would argue that Dr. Bronner’s soap could do as many things as there are exclamation points on the bottle.

This guy was passionate about soap and a moral society. He escaped an asylum in 1945 after being put there for “vehemently espousing his views.”

He also called our world “Spaceship Earth.” While you may not agree with the sermon printed in twopoint font across the entire surface of the bottle, the soap is efficient and omnipotent, and the lavender one smells great. It’s fair trade, organic, and, evidently, divine. I can only attest to the honorable soap’s cleaning power, but Dr. Bronner recommends “…only 2 cosmetics, enough sleep & Dr. Bronner’s ‘Magic Soap’ to clean body-mind-soul-spirit.”

–Madelyn Rueter

I can remember as a kid, eating so many salt & vinegar potato chips that my taste buds practically disintegrated off of my tongue-- but I continued to nibble because they’re delicious and addictive! Fast forward just a “few” years to adult me, and I still crave those bad boys.

I’ve discovered the adult version for salt & vinegar chips-- salt & vinegar baked potatoes! This side dish is SO good and super easy!

• • • • • • •

2 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, washed, peel ON, quartered into 1 inch cubes 1 ½ C White Vinegar Kosher salt Fresh ground pepper 2 Tblsp. Oliver Farm green peanut oil (can be found at Travis Jean Emporium) Chives, for garnish Flaky sea salt

In a large pot, combine potatoes, vinegar and 1 tblsp kosher salt. Cover potatoes with just enough water that they are submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until tender- about 20 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel. Drizzle potatoes with green peanut oil, season with salt and pepper, tossing to combine. Place on large baking sheet and bake at 425 for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Garnish with chives, flaky sea salt and serve warm.

–Ashley Doolin

11thHourOnline.com 39

AMERICANA NEWS, NOTIONS, AND NONSENSE Charley Crockett is recovering from open heart surgery to replace a valve in his aorta. With his heart functioning at 100% (and a 7-year-old hernia repaired to boot!), can you imagine what Charley’s gonna get up to in 2019?

Eamonn Forde’s book The Final Days of EMI: Selling the Pig takes a look at of one the biggest record companies of all time-- and it’s demise...

The Vandoliers will release Forever on 2/22. The album was

recorded at the American Recording Studio in Memphis, but sounds like a Texas house party full of red dirt grit and brass. You can pre-order it now at bloodshotrecords.com…

Part concert film, part rock doc, Martin Scorcese’s Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story will be coming to Netflix on 4/1...

The first of three 2019 Ryan Adams albums are set to be released on 4/19. Big Colors is set to feature plenty of guest stars, including John Mayer who appears on the album’s vanguard track “F--k The Rain”. Yep, that’s what it’s called…

Amy McCarley’s new album MECO is out now and definitely worth your time.

Produced by George Bradfute & Kenny Vaughan, MECO also features the rest of the Fabulous Superlatives-- Chris Scruggs, Harry Stinson, and Marty Stuart-- in various roles…

Hunt Sales, that primal and pounding progenitor of rock n’ roll drums who provided raw, unadulterated power for Iggy Pop, David Bowie, and Todd Rundgren has a new album out-- Get Your S--t Together is a dirty, funky, punky, rock n’ roll record that’ll getcha down the highway…

“What I really am is my kids’ father and my wife’s husband. And I’m a heroin addict. A bad heroin addict for 40 years. I’ve been a crackhead. And I’ve been a criminal. Those are the facts. But I don’t do drugs anymore.

I'm sober now. All I do is make music-so let’s not be late for the show.”

- Hunt Sales

40 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

Ashley Monroe has released an EP featuring five “unplugged” acoustic renditions of songs from her 2018 album Sparrow...

Caroline Spence has signed to Rounder Records and will release her label debut, Mint Condition, on 5/3. Check out Caroline’s live 100.9 The Creek Session on YouTube...

Josh Ritter will release Fever Breaks on 4/26. The

album was produced by Jason Isbell and engineered by Matt RossSpang at the Sound Emporium in Nashville. Josh is currently scheduled to perform in Atlanta at the Variety Playhouse on 5/19...

Chris Stapleton’s All American Roadshow 2019 is lookin’ to be bigger and better than ever! Expect the return of Brent Cobb and Marty Stuart, the addition of Margo Price and The Marcus King Band, and more to be announced. The tour begins on 7/9, and while no Georgia dates have been announced as of this writing, keep your eyes and ears open for a possible October show…

FEATURED SHOW

GRITS AIN’T GROCERIES A-Z, Georgia’s got it all: Allman Brothers Band, B-52s, Casting Crowns, Deerhunter, Elf Power, Future, Gram Parsons, Hampton Grease Band, Indigo Girls, James Brown, Kylesa, Little Richard, Mastodon, Neutral Milk Hotel, Otis Redding, Pylon, Qurious, R.E.M., Sharon Jones, Third Day, Usher, Vigilantes of Love, Widespread Panic, Xscape, Lil Yachty, Zac Brown Band. Lisa Love digs into the vaults for the best in vintage, checks the charts, combs the clubs and uncovers the hidden gems that make the search worthwhile. If there’s not a little something for everyone one in Georgia music , then grits ain’t groceries, eggs ain’t poultry and Mona Lisa was a man! Join Lisa every Sunday at 2 p.m. as she gives a little love to Georgia’s legends, landmarks, and unsung heroes.

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Playlist For The Week Of February 5, 2019

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND / Hard Case / Fantasy Records / Concord Music HAYES CARLL / None'ya / Dualtone Records SON VOLT / Devil May Care / Transmit Sound Records / Thirty Tigers THE REVIVALISTS / Change / Loma Vista Recordings/Concord Music NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / Hey Mama / Stax / Concord Music SHOVELS & ROPE / The Wire / Dualtone Records RYAN BINGHAM / Jingle And Go / Axster Bingham/Thirty Tigers ROSANNE CASH / Not Many Miles To Go / Blue Note Records AMOS LEE / Little Light / Dualtone Records MANDOLIN ORANGE / The Wolves / Yep Roc Records RHETT MILLER / Total Disaster / ATO Records GREENSKY BLUEGRASS / Do It Alone / Big Blue Zoo/Thirty Tigers NICK WATERHOUSE / Song For Winners / Innovative Leisure THE MARCUS KING BAND / Homesick / Fantasy Records / Concord Music GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV / Dark, Dark, Dark / Dualtone Records JOSH RITTER / Old Black Magic / Pytheas Records/Thirty Tigers GRACE POTTER / I'd Rather Go Blind / BMG THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS / Please Don't Call Me Crazy / Walkie Talkie Records MARK KNOPFLER / Good On You Son / British Grove/Blue Note Records THE STEEL WOODS / All Of These Years / Woods Music/Thirty Tigers BLACKBERRY SMOKE / Run Away From It All (acoustic) / 3 Legged/Thirty Tigers LULA WILES / Love Gone Wrong / Smithsonian Folkways Recordings PISTOL ANNIES / Best Years Of My Life / Sony Music STEVE GUNN / Vagabond / Matador Records I'M WITH HER / Call My Name / Rounder Records / Concord Music VAN MORRISON / Got To Go Where The Love Is / Caroline/UMG JASON EADY / I Lost My Mind In Carolina / Old Guitar Records RUSTON KELLY / Mockingbird / Rounder Records / Concord Music JAMIE LIN WILSON / The Being Gone / Jamie Lin Wilson Music THE GIBSON BROTHERS / Everybody Hurts / Easy Eye Sound THE WATSON TWINS / Rolling Thunder / The Orchard ROBERT ELLIS / When You're Away / New West Records 11thHourOnline.com 41 11thHourOnline.com 41 JOSHUA RAY WALKER / Canyon / State Fair Records SEAN MCCONNELL / I Could Have Been An Angel / Big Picnic Records

42 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

LIVE & LOCAL

CALENDAR

THURSDAY 2/14 THE BRICK Karaoke 8pm THE HARGRAY CAPITOL THEATRE Bela Fleck 8pm $35-$48

PARISH ON CHERRY Ethan Payne 7pm PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Jim Jam Karaoke & Dance Party 9pm $3 REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Big Kids Brunch 1pm

SUNDAY 2/17 A.P.'S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Big Mike (Blues) 3pm GRANT'S LOUNGE Open Jam Session 8pm

PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Jim Jam Karaoke & Dance Party REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Group Cards Against Humanity 8pm

FRIDAY 2/22 A.P.'S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Karaoke w/ Jesse Jane 8pm-midnight THE CREEK STAGE @ THE ROOKERY Brad Goode Quartet 10pm $15

REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Sunday Fun Day 1pm JUST TAP'D Brain Blast Trivia 8pm

TRAVIS JEAN EMPORIUM Paige Horton 12:30pm

PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Stupid Cupid Anti-Valentine Party 8pm

MONDAY 2/18 THE BRICK Bingo 8pm PUB 96 Happy Hour All Day Free Pool

PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Barnyard Stompers 9pm

TUESDAY 2/19

REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Group Cards Against Humanity 8pm-midnight

FRIDAY 2/15 A.P.'S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Karaoke w/ Jesse Jane 8pm-midnight HARGRAY CAPITOL THEATRE Frank Foster 8pm $15-$23 w/ Thomas Fountain

JUST TAP'D MACON Brain Blast Trivia 8pm GRANT’S LOUNGE Music Therapy Open Mic 9pm MELLOW MUSHROOM MACON Holy Shiitake Karaoke 8pm PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Texas Hold 'Em Poker 8pm

WEDNESDAY 2/20 GRANT'S LOUNGE Open Jam 9pm

SATURDAY 2/23 A.P.'S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Southern Cut 8pm Never A Cover THE HARGRAY CAPITOL THEATRE Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute 8pm $15$280 w/ Runnin’ Down A Dream

PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Legendary Trivia 7pm REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Question Quest Trivia 7:30pm

THURSDAY 2/21 PUB 96 (BONAIRE) A2Z Band 9pm REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR A Love Affair Silent Disco 8pm

SATURDAY 2/16 A.P.'S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY 120/80 Band 8pm Never A Cover

THE BRICK Karaoke 8pm GRANT'S LOUNGE R&B DJ (Smoking Event) 9pm JUST TAP'D Brain Blast Trivia 8pm MELLOW MUSHROOM MACON Extreme Music Bingo 8pm

continued on page 44 11thHourOnline.com 43

continued from page 43

PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Kaleigh Courson 9pm

Feed Your Inner Rock Star

OPEN JAMS & KARAOKE TUESDAY

REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Big Kids Brunch 1pm

GRANT’S LOUNGE Music Therapy Open Mic 9pm MELLOW MUSHROOM MACON Holy Shiitake Karaoke 8pm

SUNDAY 2/24 A.P.'S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Big Mike 3pm REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Sunday Fun Day 1pm TRAVIS JEAN EMPORIUM Kim Meeks 12:30pm

MONDAY 2/25 THE BRICK Bingo 8pm PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Happy Hour All Day Free Pool

TUESDAY 2/26 GRANT’S LOUNGE Music Therapy Open Mic 9pm JUST TAP'D Brain Blast Trivia 8pm PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Texas Hold 'Em Poker 8pm

WEDNESDAY 2/27

WEDNESDAY

GRANT'S LOUNGE Open Jam 9pm

THURSDAY THE BRICK 8pm

PUB 96 Jim Jam Karaoke & Dance Party 9pm

FRIDAY

A.P.'S HIDDEN HIDEAWAY Karaoke w/ Jessie Jane 8pm AMPERSAND GUILD Poetry & Spoken Word Every 2nd Friday 7pm $5 (Free for performers) AMPERSAND GUILD Open Mic Night Every 3rd Friday 7pm $5 (Free for performers)

PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Legendary Trivia 7pm REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Question Quest Trivia 7:30pm

THURSDAY 2/28 THE BRICK Karaoke 8pm JUST TAP'D Brain Blast Trivia 8pm PUB 96 (BONAIRE) Jim Jam Karaoke & Dance Party 9pm REBOOT RETROCADE & BAR Group Cards Against Humanity 8pm-midnight

44 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

SATURDAY

PUB 96 Jim Jam Karaoke & Dance Party 9pm

SUNDAY

PUB 96 GRANT'S LOUNGE Open Jam 9pm

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE 11TH HOUR...

• A Conversation with Cris Jacobs • Americana News, Notions, and Nonsense • … And Get Ready For The X!

On Stands March 1st!

11thHourOnline.com 45

46 FEBRUARY 15-28, 2019

UPCOMING SHOWS BUY YOUR TICKETS AT HARGRAYCAPITOLTHEATRE.COM

THURSDAY 2/14

FRIDAY 2/22

FRIDAY 2/22

This Event is 18 and over

The Creek Stage @ The Rookery

AN EVENING WITH BÉLA FLECK

FRANK FOSTER

BRAD GOODE QUARTET

Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm

Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm

10:00 pm

SATURDAY 2/23

SATURDAY 3/2

FRIDAY 3/8

The Creek Stage @ The Rookery

Acceleration Nation Tour

RUMOURS - A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

CRIS JACOBS

BLUES TRAVELER

Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm

Doors: 9:00 pm / Show: 9:30 pm

Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm

SATURDAY 3/15

FRIDAY 3/15

SATURDAY 3/16

This event is 18 and over

The Creek Stage @ The Rookery

Spring 2019 WARM Tour

JASON EADY

MOTHERS FINEST

Doors: 9:00 pm / Show: 9:30 pm

Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm

Thomas Fountain

Runnin' Down a Dream - A Tom Petty Revue

SOLD OUT: JEFF TWEEDY

Vintage Vixens

Buck Meek

Doors: 6:30 pm / Show: 7:30 pm

Let Moonhanger Catering make your next event unforgettable.

Contact Katelin at (478) 718-1444 or email katelin@moonhangergroup.com

HARGRAYCAPITOLTHEATRE 382 Second Street • 478-257-6391 All ages shows unless otherwise stated.

THE

STAGE AT THE ROOKERY

THE CREEK STAGE AT THE ROOKERY { SPONSORED BY PRETOIRA FIELDS } 543 Cherry Street • 478-257-6391 Dinner served starting at 6 | Shows at 8 p.m.

11thHourOnline.com 47

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