2023 Bragg Jam kicks off Saturday in Macon with 49 musicians, performers

Have you been listening to the Bragg Jam playlist on Spotify? Enjoying the talented musicians and diverse styles of this year’s performers? Or maybe using it along with the 2023 Bragg Jam schedule to organize who you want to hear Saturday?

That schedule is at www.braggjam.org along with ticketing information. Whether you’re a preparer or a play-it-as-it-comes type of person, it’s time for the annual concert crawl born out of the deaths of Macon brothers Brax and Tate Bragg in a Texas car crash in 1999.

This year, just shy of 50 bands and performers will work the stage or multiple stages at a half-dozen venues starting at 4:30 p.m. and running until 1 a.m.

At 4:30 p.m., you might want to catch The Buckleys, Brax Bragg’s former band, at Grant’s Lounge where they’ll play some of his original tunes - not unlike 24 years ago when they and friends of the brothers gathered at The Rookery to play and remember.

But as I’ve been told in years past, it’s not just about remembering the Braggs but an opportunity for the community to gather and carry on by making and enjoying exceptionally good music.

Olivia Walter is chair of the all-volunteer Bragg board and said she fully believes in the concert crawl’s community aspect.

“I moved to Macon soon after graduating from college and fell in love with the people here,” she said. “I have to admit, I was anxious when I came to Macon because I grew up in Nashville and was leaving all there is to do there and all its musical connections.

“But yeah, I fell in love with Macon and it was Bragg Jam that sort of helped me get attached. When I first heard about it and what it was about I knew I wanted to be involved. It turned out to be a way I could be involved with Macon as a whole.”

Walter said she’s proud of the volunteers who have brought the event to life for a couple of dozen years now and of Macon itself.

“It’s exciting seeing what Macon is doing now and how downtown is expanding,” she said. “I think Bragg Jam has been a part of that and how it’s an evening to create memories with friends that will last a lifetime.”

Walter said there’s something for everybody with all the musical styles presented at Bragg Jam and on that streaming playlist. That something for everyone even extends to kids. Bragg Fam kicks the day off at noon at the Society Garden on Ingleside Avenue where parents can bring children to make crafts, listen to a DJ and adults can try a specialty Bragg Jam drink. Tickets are $10 for each adult at the gate or $5 in advance. Tickets for Bragg Fam can be gotten as an add-on to concert crawl tickets.

Tickets for Bragg Jam proper are $40 earning you a wristband and admittance to all venues. Or, opt for the $150 VIP Access pass which includes complimentary drinks in the VIP lounge at The Blacksmith Shop, 665 Poplar St., which also serves as Bragg Jam headquarters. That’s where you can collect event wristbands beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Day-of ticket prices increase tomorrow and, as always, you can expect internet ticket purchase fees.

“You can craft your own musical adventure for Bragg Jam,” Walter said. “Make your way downtown Saturday, get your tickets, grab a hardy lunch at a local restaurant and you’re on your way. All the venues are in walking distance and it’s a great environment with everyone smiling and laughing and enjoying one another and the music. It’s good to have a plan and good to dress for the mix of hot weather and air-conditioned venues.”

Walter said she’s especially happy to have nationally touring act Shovels & Rope as well as other headliners Drew Green and Lady Wray. They play with the many regional and local performers including Anna Kellam, Bob Lennon, DJ 38, Hotel Fiction, Lord Dandre, Reese Soul, Tall Tall Trees and Trae Pierce & the T-Stones just to give a sampling.

Sponsored stages for the concert crawl are at Grant’s, Capricorn Studios, The Crazy Bull, JBA, Serenity and The Capitol Theatre.

Another community aspect of Bragg Jam is its contributions to local groups, including longtime support of The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and Amerson Park. With what might come in this year, the group’s contributions are moving toward the $250,000 mark.

A final note regarding another aspect of community and the arts in Middle Georgia: nominations are open for the annual Macon Arts Alliance Cultural Awards recognizing individuals, organizations and businesses making significant contributions to the area’s cultural life through their work or philanthropic efforts.

“It’s our way of recognizing people who’ve made a significant contribution to the arts and culture,” said Julia Wilkerson, executive director of the alliance. “It can be an artist, of course, but we’re also looking for those whose volunteer efforts and donations of time or money have made a difference in promoting art and culture. Maybe it’s someone who’s always behind the scenes making what we see happen.”

You have a minute to think about it, the deadline for nominations is Sept. 8. Forms and information is at www.maconartsalliance.org/cultural-awards.

The award ceremony is in October, the month celebrating the arts and humanities. Nominating takes answering a few questions, writing a few nomination paragraphs and providing the recommendation of a third party.

Who do you think is deserving? Let Macon Arts know.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.