By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Central Georgia > Bibb County > Macon

Known as the Mother of the Blues and recognized as the first great black professional blues vocalist, Ma Rainey is one of the Georgia born musical greats who has performed at the Douglass Theatre in Macon. 

Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Otis Redding, James Brown, Little Richard. They are some of the early jazz and blues greats who have performed at the Douglass Theatre in Macon. When you are in that town, stop by the newly renovated theatre to learn some fascinating African-America history.

According to the written history of the Douglass Theatre, Charles Douglass was born the son of a former slave in 1870 and grew up in a one-room house built by his father.

“Working as soon as he was large enough to earn money, he peddled light wood and vegetables in the morning, attended school in the afternoon, and chopped cotton for fifteen cents a day.

“In a time of racism and segregation, Douglass saw opportunity in serving the black population of Macon. In 1898 Charles Douglass entered into the bicycle repair and renting business and did well until the automobile craze came. In 1901, Douglass worked as the director of the Georgia Loan and Savings Company. There he met his future wife Fannie, who was an assistant cashier.

“Organizing the Florida Blossom Minstrels and Comedy Company in 1907 made him very familiar with the minstrel circuit of entertainers. He also took advantage of TOBA (Theatre Operators Booking Agency) – a network of over 40 theatres, which was the major source of employment for many black performers. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Central Georgia > Bibb County > Macon

If you are looking for a place to view some extraordinary African American art, history and culture, consider taking a trip to Macon and the Tubman African American Museum.

Named for Harriet Tubman, the “Black Moses” who led hundreds of slaves to freedom, the Tubman Museum has grown over the years to become the largest institution of its type in the state and a key educational and cultural resource for the entire southeast region.

You’ll find a number of interesting permanent exhibits. “From Africa to America” is a pictorial collage that covers everything from historical events to people who made significant contributions to the history of African Americans. The Georgia Area Artist Gallery features popular works by Georgia based artists. Inventors Gallery features many items of our daily lives that were created by African Americans, including the ironing board, the ice cream scoot and the golf tee. The Folk Art Gallery contains works for notable African American folk artists. There is also an area for changing exhibits.

On display until July 25 is “Wini McQueen: The History of the Dream Project.” In 2000, the Tubman African American Museum commissioned textile artist Wini McQueen to produce a series of works of art to be installed in the rotunda of the Museum’s new facility in downtown Macon. The installation consists of more than 130 individual works of art that tell stories of the struggles and triumphs of a people and a community. This special exhibition features a selection of works from the project that pay homage to the individuals, institutions and organizations that have made a positive contribution to the quality of life in Macon, and who were instrumental in the founding and development of the Tubman African American Museum.

Besides its exhibitions and special events, the Tubman Museum also holds classes throughout the year, such as modern and African dance.

Read more about African American History, Macon and Bibb County, or find other activities in the Central Georgia Travel Region here at Browns Guides.

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

At the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, you will find exhibits containing instruments, performance costumes, and biographies on all your favorite Georgia musicians.

If you want to learn everything there is to know about the great songwriters and musicians who have called Georgia home, it’s time for a visit to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon.

Ray Charles, Johnny Mercer, Otis Redding, Brenda Lee, Duane Allman, Lena Horne, the B52’s, R.E.M., Ludacris and Widespread Panic are just a very few of the many Georgia artists who have been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

More than 450 artists are represented in exhibits that include music, video, memorabilia, instruments, performance costumes and more in the 43,000-square-foot facility.

Tune Town, the museum’s permanent exhibit hall, is designed to look like a small Georgia town with winding streets and buildings, each representing a different genre of music. You can wonder through the Gospel Chapel, Rhythm & Blues Revue, Skillet Licker Cafe, Gretsch Theater, Vintage Vinyl Record Store, Coca Cola Soda Fountain, Backstage Alley and Memory Lane.

Kids will particularly like watching themselves dance to Georgia music on a big screen television in the Giant Radio exhibit in the Billy Watson Music Factory. The Music Factory, a 2,400-square-foot interactive learning space for kids, includes hands-on exhibits that explore music composition, styles, instrument families and more.

One temporary exhibit currently on display at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame through July 5 features 60 of the best photographs of preeminent Nashville photographer Jim McGuire. Opening July 18 is another temporary exhibit that will chronicle the career of Savannah native and one of my favorites, Johnny Mercer, who would have been 100 years old on November 18, 2009. “Johnny Mercer: Two Marvelous for Words” is just one of many events celebrating Mercer going on around the state this year.

Read more about Macon and Bibb County, or find more activities in the Central Georgia Travel Region here at Brown’s Guides.