MACON, Ga. — It's almost time for Allman Brothers fans to flock to Macon to celebrate their favorite southern rock group.
GABBAfest 2024 starts Thursday and stretches well into the weekend, meaning plenty of opportunities to get a music fix. The weekend kicks off Thursday afternoon at Gallery West with a reception and performance from Macon native Dustin McCook. It's the first of two events at former Allman Brothers photographer Kirk West's gallery.
Thursday also features free meet-and-greets with Neal Lucas at 5 p.m. and Otis at 6 p.m. The night finishes up with the GABBA Members Showcase at the Capitol Theatre at 8 p.m.
Friday afternoon, West will sign books along with Willie Perkins in another free event at the gallery, featuring a 3 p.m. show from Sonny Moorman. Lizella Reign takes the stage at Fresh Produce Records at 5 p.m. Friday night has a slate of performances at the Grand Opera House, followed by an after show with OTIS at Grant's Lounge.
Saturday marks the festival's trademark jam at the Big House, with Smokestack at noon and a "members jam" at 1 p.m. You'll find a silent auction starting at 4 p.m. at the Grand Opera House, and Sonny Landreth and Joanna Connor take the stage there at 7 p.m. The party continues Saturday night at Grant's Lounge.
While the weekend wraps up Sunday, the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association has two events planned: Tree dedications at Whittle Park, overlooking Rose Hill Cemetery, and another free concert from Smokestack and Lizella Reign.
Each year, GABBAfest donates proceeds from the festival to several different charities in Central Georgia. In 2022, they said they donated to the Methodist Children's Home, the Big House Museum, and the Otis Music Camp.
Full GABBAfest Details
Thursday, September 26
- 4 p.m. - FREE: GABBAfest Kickoff at Gallery West - Reception, Dustin McCook performance
- 5 p.m. - FREE: Meet-and-Greets at Fresh Produce Records - Neal Lucas, Otis
- 8 p.m. - $15: GABBA Members Showcase at the Capitol Theatre (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Friday, September 27
- 3 p.m. - FREE: Book signing at Gallery West - Willie Perkins, Kirk West
- 5 p.m. - FREE: Performance at Fresh Produce Records - Lizella Reign
- 7 p.m. - $15: Performance at Grand Opera House - Eddie 9V and Neal Lucas Trio (lobby opens 5 p.m. and house doors 6 p.m.)
- After show - $15: Otis at Grant's Lounge
Saturday, September 28
- 12 p.m. - FREE: GABBA Members Jam at the Big House - Smokestack, followed by Members Jam
- 4 p.m.: GABBA Auction at Grand Opera House
- 7 p.m.: Performance at Grand Opera House - Sonny Landreth and Joanna Connor (lobby opens 5 p.m. and house doors 6 p.m.)
- After show - $15: Dose at Grant's Lounge
Sunday, September 29
- 11:30 a.m.: GABBA Tree Dedications
- 1 p.m. - FREE: "GABBA Hangover" at the Big House - Smokestack and Lizella Reign