2019 Macon Merry! The Holiday Guide to Downtown Macon

2019

MERRY! T

NTOWN MACO OW D N TO E HE D I H O LIDAY GU

A PUBLICATION OF SOUNDANDSOULONLINE.COM

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TICKETS MAKE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS! AMERICA JANUARY 25

LITTLE RIVER BAND DECEMBER 13

DISNEY ON ICE APRIL 9 - 12

MACON MAYHEM NOW - MARCH 28

MONSTER JAM FEB. 29 - MAR. 1

WWW.MACONCENTREPLEX.ORG soundandsoulonline.com | 2

Welcome The holiday season returns!

This year, Downtown Macon will continue to glow with the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza. Marvel at hundreds of thousands of lights pulsing in time to original music by Macon Pops and featuring some of Central Georgia’s most talented performers! This spectacle has truly become a signature of Downtown Macon, drawing 100,000+ visitors to our shops and restaurants while creating enduring moments for our community.

There’s no shortage of activities and events this year either! Santa Claus will be Downtown with his elves & reindeer-- even the Grinch will be in attendance! There are concerts and shows, the annual Macon-Bibb County Christmas Parade, and opportunities to fill every wish on your Christmas list! Be sure to explore this year’s holiday calendar. Like the Christmas Light Extravaganza, many of these great events are free and family-friendly!

Find unique gifts, dine at a variety of excellent restaurants, see the lights, and hear the music! But most of all, visit Downtown Macon to share in the holiday spirit and make the best memories with the ones you love!

OUR TEAM

Aaron Irons- Managing Editor Ashley Doolin- Contributor Chandler Price- Contributor Emily Hopkins- Contributor M&R Marketing- Layout & Design

WHAT’S INSIDE 10 Albums to Shake Up Your Holiday

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Give the Gift of Local

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Published by NewTown Macon and Creek Media LLC

Holiday Events

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Perfect Cups of Cheer

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to Shake Up Your Holidays Where Will You Be Christmas Day This set digs way down and hauls up hunks & chunks of blues, gospel, jazz, and hillbilly gold from the early to mid-20th Century. Featuring sacred and profane cuts from Fiddlin’ John Carson, Bessie Smith, Lead Belly, The Maddox Brothers, and a whole heap more!

Blue Yule Chances are, you’ll get the blues at least a time or two this holiday season-- and when you do, this comp from Rhino has you covered. Choice cuts from Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy McCracklin, and more.

Christmas On The Countryside This massive set from Bear Family Records features hillbilly holiday hits and standards from Eddy Arnold, Hank Thompson, the Louvin Brothers, The Davis Sisters, Johnny Cash, and more!

Christmas in Soulsville All your favorite Stax Records artists singing Christmas songs? Well, now you know what to ask Santa Claus for this year! Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers! This comp features some popular songs of the day but also makes an impact with original music from the legends of soul! continued on page 8

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cordially invites you to our

avvy Christmas Event Monday, December 2nd 5pm-7:30pm Champagne & Hors d’oeuvres Door Prizes & Live Demos (Grand prize drawing at 7pm! *Must be present to win.)

We make Christmas look good on you!

478.743.2299 l 598 3rd Street, Macon, GA l www.spamedical.com 7 | soundandsoulonline.com

A John Waters Christmas This one isn’t for everyone! Consider A John Waters Christmas the “Cousin Eddie” of holiday compilations.

From creepy to freaky, this strange collection may just be perfect for getting rid of those relatives who just don’t know when to call it a night… Or not!

Christmas on Death Row Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg (along with a few other guest stars) launch this comp with “Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto” and from there, Christmas on Death Row simmers with late ‘90s-style R&B. Slack Key Christmas Hawaiian slack key guitar is the focus of this collection.

Sweet and clear instrumental versions of holiday classics.

Southern Rock Christmas Don’t think you need a hard rock version of “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”? Blackfoot might just bring that song back around for you! This compilation also features Artemis Pyle, Steve Morse, Charlie Daniels, the Georgia Satellites, and more!

An Americana Christmas New West’s compilation of holiday classics and newer compositions will certainly hit the spot for listeners of 100.5 The Creek. Americana legends like John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and The Band are wrapped up in pretty paper beside Max Gomez, Nikki Lane, Corb Lund, and Valerie June.

Christmas A Go-Go This collection from Little Steven Van Zandt pulsates with punk and garage glory. Rock n’ roll renditions of classics that shimmy and shake beside modern cuts from Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Chesterfield Kings, the Cocktail Slippers… and Vincent LaGuardia Gambini?? That’s right, kids, Joe Pesci croons a few four-letter words in the style of My Cousin Vinny! On second thought, maybe keep this one away from the kids… soundandsoulonline.com | 8

GIVE THE GIFT OF

With the holiday season in full swing, it can be difficult to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Luckily, there are plenty of unique options in Macon. From one-of-akind art pieces to interactive tours, there’s something for everyone on your list.

Tickets for a Rock Candy Tour are a great gift for the music enthusiast in your life. Rock N’ Stroll streets where artists like The Allman Brothers Band once stood and learn about Macon’s incredible music history. Or sample delicious food on the Taste of Music History Tour.

Speaking of food, a gift card from one of our local restaurants makes for the perfect stocking stuffer this Christmas.

Brewpubs? We’ve got them. Fine dining? Yep, that too. Soul food with a twist? It’s one of our specialties.

From local eats to local finds, there is no shortage of unique items in Macon.

Shop pottery, paintings, and more at Macon Arts Alliance. Purchase an iconic photograph of music legends like Johnny Cash or The Rolling Stones at Gallery West. Find a Georgia made 9 | soundandsoulonline.com

product like candles or jewelry at Travis Jean Emporium. Browse the latest fashion trends at a local boutique like Frankie’s, Posh Clothing, Rumor, and more.

If you’re looking for a gift that lasts throughout the year, purchase season tickets to one of Macon’s local theatres. See Broadway shows at the newly renovated Grand Opera House, enjoy local talent at Theatre Macon, or catch an upcoming musical at Macon Little Theatre.

And for the sports fans in your life?

There’s a team to cheer on all year round in Macon. With Macon Bacon baseball in the Summer, Mercer Bears football in the Fall, and Macon Mayhem hockey all Winter, season tickets are a great choice.

For more gift ideas, go to www.visitmacon.org!

This holiday season, share the gift of

EXPERIENCES thegrandmacon.com • 478-301-5470

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holiday Simply Holidays Every Sunday Nov. 3 - Dec. 22 | 12:30pm to 2:00pm Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Shop local and check off your Christmas list during Simply Holidays at Travis Jean Emporium! Featuring local artists Paige Horton, James Worsham, Sean Williams, Chance Moorman, Connor Henderson, and Blaine Dunham!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze Monday, November 25 | 7:30pm The Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street The magic and spectacle of the holiday season is magnified by cirque acrobatics, illusions, and colorful costumed fun for the whole family! Broadway singers perform original music with a new twist on seasonal favorites. Purchase tickets at thegrandmacon.com!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Monday, November 25 | 7:30pm Macon Coliseum 200 Coliseum Drive Mannheim Steamroller plays your favorite holiday tunes during a dynamic performance! Purchase tickets at maconcentreplex.org.

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Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza Opening Concert with Macon Pops FREE! Friday, November 29 | 6pm to 8pm Intersection of First Street and Poplar Street The Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza will kick off with a live concert

by Macon Pops! Bring your chair and sit under the lights while listening to performances of your favorite holiday tunes by local artists and Macon Pops, an innovative, high energy, and world class orchestra!

Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza presented by Northway Church FREE! November 29 - January 3 | 6pm to 10pm, nightly Poplar Street and Third Street During this free holiday event, 500,000 lights adorn 4 city blocks in Downtown Macon while moving in time to the music of Macon Pops!

Shop Small Saturday Saturday, November 30 Downtown Macon Shop local during Shop Small Saturday on November 30! Downtown Macon businesses will have specials and deals.

Photos with the Grinch FREE! November 30 and December 7 and 14 | 1pm to 3pm Golden Bough Bookstore 371 Cotton Avenue Pictures with Santa are cool-but pictures with the Grinch are cooler indeed! The most famous greenie-meanie from Dr. Seuss' Christmas tale will stop in at the Golden Bough Bookstore for pictures and treats. Bring your camera and stop in to see the Grinch! Family Friendly.

12 Beers of Christmas December 1-24 Just Tap’d 488 First Street It’s the most wonderful time for a beer! Join Just Tap’d this holiday season for the annual 12 Beers of Christmas!

It’s simple-- drink all 12 beers on tap and receive a FREE limited edition Just Tap’d Christmas t-shirt!

Macon-Bibb County Christmas Parade FREE! Sunday, December 1 | 4pm Downtown Macon One of Central Georgia’s favorite traditions! The parade circles Cherry and Mulberry Streets in Downtown Macon. Public parking is available.

Christmas Looks Good on You! Monday, December 2 | 5pm to 7:30pm Spa Medical 598 Third Street Join Spa Medical for an evening of champagne and hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, live demos, and more!

Community Tree Lighting FREE! Thursday, December 5 | 6:30pm Macon City Auditorium 415 First Street Join the third graders of Macon-Bibb County Schools as they light our community Christmas tree on the steps of the Macon City Auditorium.

Elf the Musical December 6-21 | Various Times Theatre Macon 438 Cherry Street A title known the world over, Elf The Musical is based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf. Tickets available at theatremacon. com beginning Nov. 27.

Handmade Holiday Reception Friday, December 6 | 5pm to 8pm Macon Arts Alliance 486 First Street Handmade Holiday features artisan gifts, glass ornaments, jewelry, sculpture, pottery and paintings thoughtfully curated from collections of regional artists for the gifting season.

Holiday Market Friday, December 6 | 5pm to 11pm Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Join Travis Jean Emporium for a fun-filled night of art, music, and more featuring the Girl Like Me series by Sheila Mae, handcrafted ornaments, holiday candles, and your favorite seasonal confections!

First Friday featuring Scarves for S’mores FREE! Friday, December 6 | 5:30pm to 7:30pm Poplar Street between Second Street and Third Street Bring new or lightly used winter clothing for those in need during the holiday season and join NewTown Macon for s’mores at the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza.

Mercer University Lessons and Carols FREE! December 6-7 | 7:30pm St. Joseph Catholic Church 830 Poplar Street The Mercer University Department of Music presents the annual Lessons and Carols conducted by Dr. Stanley Roberts.

Selfies with Santa FREE! December 6-8, 13-15, 2022 | 6pm to 10pm Poplar Street and Third Street Take a selfie with Santa under the lights during the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza! Be sure to come downtown on December 21 when LIVE reindeer accompany Santa. Carriage rides will be available on the same weekends for a fee.

Selfies with Elfies FREE! Saturday, December 7 | All day Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Take a selfie with the elves as they take over Travis Jean Emporium and Cherry Street!

Downtown Tacky Christmas Crawl FREE! Saturday, December 7 | 6pm to midnight Downtown Macon Visit Downtown Macon for a night of tacky sweaters, Christmas cocktails, local businesses, holiday discounts, and so much more!

Hall-iday Hangout FREE! December 8, 15, 22 | 4pm to 7pm Georgia Sports Hall of Fame 301 Cherry Street Come hang out at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame prior to viewing the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza. Enjoy Christmas music, cookies & cocoa, kids crafts, and Christmas movies in the theatre. Free and open to the public (including museum admission)!

Christmas Pajama Dinner Monday, December 9 Ocmulgee Brewpub 484 Second Street Join Ocmulgee Brewpub for a night of magical Christmas fun for the whole family!

Wear your favorite, comfiest pajamas and receive one FREE kids meal when you purchase an adult entree.

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Nutcracker of Middle Georgia December 11-15 at 7:30pm, December 14-15 at 2:30pm The Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia returns for its 35th season at the Grand Opera House. Come witness the magic of this Christmas tradition at any of six performances! Tickets at thegrandmacon.com Harry Potter Days December 12-15 Reboot Retrocade and Bar 566 Cherry Street Have a Very Harry Christmas with Harry Potter movie bingo and trivia, the Yule Ball & costume contest, and a baking contest and scavenger hunt!

Macon Bike Party FREE! Thursday, December 12 | 6pm Bike Walk Macon 338 Poplar Street Start at the Bike Walk Macon office and Holiday Hustle it through downtown by bike.

Wear that ugly sweater! Z Beans will be setting up coffee and hot chocolate just for participants!

Twelve Days of Discounts!

December 13-24 Ocmulgee Brewpub 484 Second Street Ocmulgee Brewpub has 12 full days of Christmas beers, discounts, contests and more! There’s never been a more wonderful time of the year for a beer!

Handel’s Messiah Friday, December 13 | 7:30pm St. Joseph Catholic Church 830 Poplar Street The Choral Society of Middle Georgia presents George F. Handel’s Messiah with Dr.

Stanley Roberts, Conductor.

Contact the Choral Society of Middle Georgia for tickets at admin@csmga.org or (478) 216-7841.

Christmas in Downtown FREE! Saturday, December 14 | 2pm to 6pm First Street, Downtown Macon Join Middle Georgia’s largest family Christmas festival in Rosa Parks Square, Downtown Macon, GA. FREE hot chocolate, selfies with Santa Claus, LIVE Christmas music-- and even snow!

Christmas Cookie and Beer Flight Pairing Wednesday, December 18 Ocmulgee Brewpub 484 Second Street Santa shouldn’t be the only one who gets cookies this season-- and with beer pairings to boot! What better way to enjoy this festive treat?!

O'Tis The Season Thursday, December 19 | 7 pm Hargray Capitol Theatre 382 Second Street Celebrate the holiday season with the Otis Redding Foundation! Tickets at Otisreddingfoundation.org The Polar Express FREE! Friday, December 20 | 6pm Georgia Sports Hall of Fame 301 Cherry Street The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame will show The Polar Express and offer train rides for children on the lawn!

The Nightmare Before Christmas Friday, December 20 | 7pm The Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street From the mind of Tim Burton

comes a heartwarming Christmas tale for those who don’t have hearts…

Or skin! Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown stumbles onto Christmastown and, like most of us, is delighted by the experience! Deciding he wants Santa’s job, he has the jolly old elf kidnapped and infuses Christmas with a little Halloween mischief and mayhem.

Black Nativity Saturday, December 21 | 7pm Macon City Auditorium 415 First Street Black Nativity is a soulstirring rendition of the Christmas Story that features thrilling voices, exciting dance, and glorious gospel music. Tickets at maconcentreplex.org.

Christmas Songs and Stories with John Berry Saturday, December 21 | 7:30pm The Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street Returning to The Grand for the 23rd year, John’s special take on the Christmas season has become a Macon tradition! Hear a mix of Berry classic hits like “Your Love Amazes Me” and “Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye,” and “I Think About It All The Time” along with holiday favorites, including his always-standingovation performance of “O Holy Night.” Tickets at thegrandmacon.com.

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HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY

Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas light tours depart every Friday & Saturday nights from the Rookery.

Tours travel through Macon's best light displays and finish at The Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza. facebook.com/macontrolley

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Perfect

CUPS of

Cheer

By Ashley Doolin

Make your gatherings merry with these holiday beverages!

From quiet winter evenings by the fire to Griswold Family Christmas level shenanigans, there’s a sip for every merry (or not) occasion!

WASSAIL

Wassail is a mulled cider beverage that is traditionally enjoyed on Christmas Eve as a ritual to ensure good health and harvest in the coming New Year. Translating to “be healthy”, wassail is DELICIOUS and it smells like Christmas in a cup!

Ingredients: • 1 Gallon apple cider • 4 cups orange juice • 4 hibiscus tea bags • 10 cinnamon sticks • 1 tsp whole cloves • 1 tblsp juniper berries (if you can find them) • 1 ½ inch fresh ginger, sliced • 1 apple, sliced into rounds • 1 orange, sliced into rounds Instructions: Place all of the ingredients into a large crockpot.

Turn the slow cooker on high heat and cook for 3-4 hours until the color has darkened and the fruit is soft. Remove the tea bags and serve hot. (you can also add a little brandy or bourbon to your cup in good cheer!)

THE CHRISTMAS ISLAND

This is a non-traditional, Christmas Tiki drink that will have you wishing the Scroogiest of Scrooges a “Mele Kalikimaka!” This drink is kitschy and fun!

Ingredients: • ½ cup coconut milk • ½ cup pineapple juice • ¼ cup coconut OR spiced rum • 2 tbsp allspice dram (a liqueur flavored with allspice berries) • 2 tbsp falernum (a Caribbean syrup with ginger, lime and almond flavors) • crushed ice • *Garnish with a cinnamon stick, maraschino cherry, or freshly ground nutmeg Instructions: Stir the coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, allspice dram, and falernum together in a shaker or small cocktail pitcher. Fill 2 highball or festive glasses with crushed ice, divide the cocktail equally between the two glasses and garnish! Put on a great Christmas album and enjoy your beverage by the fireside or your beautifully lit tree!

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SATURDAY, DEC 7 11AM-5PM SUNDAY, DEC 8 1-6PM

VINEVILLE.ORG

SPECIAL MUSIC Join us for a morning of worship featuring the music of the season in downtown Macon!

11am | December 8

CHRISTMAS EVE JOIN US AS WE WELCOME

the Light of the World AT MULBERRY STREET UMC Learn more at MulberryMethodist.org, finding us on Facebook at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church or by giving us a call at 478.745.8601

Let's worship together on this holy night!

3pm | Candlelight Communion (especially mindful of children) 4:30pm | Music of the season 5pm | Candlelight Communion

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THE MOONHANGER GROUP GIFT CARD AND CONCERT TICKETS FROM THE HARGRAY CAPITOL THEATRE MAKE PERFECT GIFTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! MOONHANGERGROUP.COM HARGRAYCAPITOLTHEATRE.COM

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Wear.

Thrift with a Twist.

464 First St. Downtown Macon Mon - Sat, 11 - 7

wearmacon.com

10% off Total Transaction expires 1/31/20

Wear has two levels of thrift store shopping. Profits benefit Daybreak, a project of Depaul USA.

Delicious food along Christmas Light Extravaganza path!

Poplar St. & 2nd St. Intersection (478) 305-7475 Walk-ins and Reservations Open Monday – Saturday

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BOB LEWIS AND

ASSOCIATES, INC. Commercial and Investment Realtors

478-745-1156

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What fun it is to ride and see all of Macon’s

While in town for the holidays, why not take the family on a guided tour through Macon, Georgia? See the historical sites that shaped Macon into the city where soul lives. You’ll see architectural masterpieces and places that inspired musical legends. Tours run every Friday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Book your tour at VisitMacon.org.

478.743.1074

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