MACON, Ga. — Throughout downtown Macon, you'll find music venues and tributes to the greats that got their start in town.
Now, Macon-Bibb leaders see a way toward bringing Macon's music economy in line with its history, thanks to some recommendations from a music study.
"The ecosystem is everything that is involved in producing music," Julie Wilkerson, executive director for the Macon Arts Alliance, explained.
It's everything from the artists to the recording studios to all the venues you can find in Macon. According to the study, there's plenty of room to grow. Wilkerson says one of the big growth opportunities is getting venues to look to each other for support instead of as competition.
"The amphitheater is coming in. It has the potential for 10,000 seats at a concert. So if there's an artist playing at the amphitheater, what can the Douglass Theatre do? What can a private bar do?" she said.
JBA is one of those private bars, known for its music acts. Brandon Lawler owns the place. He says it's been tricky to get people in the door for live music the last few months. He's hopeful some suggestions in the study could bring them back in.
"Just having a directory that says, 'This is what's happening in Macon. This is one page. It has every single venue. What times? What bands? Everything, that would be very useful," Lawler said.
The study also encourages the establishment of a set entertainment district that could include all of downtown Macon. That area could include different zoning requirements around noise and even to-go alcohol. The goal is to make Macon a music and entertainment destination.
"Forward progress in Macon is always fun. We have to be patient because it'll take a long time. But that's a good first step if we can actually get it done," Lawler said.
County commissioners Tuesday seemed to be on board with the suggestions. After a presentation, some asked, 'How can we get started now?' Wilkerson says the next step is hiring a cultural officer. Then, they'd establish a music board.