1-28-2024 9:52pm

Adventures in Middle Georgia: Fun Things to Do this Week

Nate Weeks Editor

This photograph was taken at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which will possibly become a National Park at some point in 2024 (Photographer Nate Weeks)

From hockey games and ice skating to midnight book releases and an art-filled First Friday, this week will feature many unique events. The following are just a few of the interesting things you can do in the next seven days in the heart of Georgia.

MONDAY, January 29

Georgia Trivia at My Bar in Perry (7:30 p.m.)

Bring your knowledge of “weird, wacky, and wild” facts about Georgia if you want to win Georgia Trivia on Monday. My Bar does not have a cover charge.

- My Bar - 2132 Macon Road, Perry

Midnight Release of “House of Flame and Shadow” by Sarah J. Maas at Barnes and Noble (9 p.m.)

Author Sarah J. Maas has sold copies of more than 12 million of her books and they have been translated into almost 40 languages. It should come as no surprise that devoted fans of her books would stay up until midnight to get her latest book, “House of Flame and Shadow”. Barnes and Noble are also advertising “games, giveaways, and more” before the book release and starting at 9 p.m.

- Barnes and Noble - 5080 Riverside Drive, Macon

TUESDAY, January 30

Jazz Jam at Amici Cafe in Milledgeville (7 - 9 p.m.)

The Georgia College Department of Music will have another GCSU Jazz Jam Session on Tuesday. While this event is hosted by the school’s faculty and student jazz musicians, anyone who wants to work on “their jazz and improvisation skills” is welcome to come jam. This event is free to listen to and participate in.

- Amici Milledgeville - 101 W. Hancock Street, Milledgeville

WEDNESDAY, January 31

Home School Field Trip Day: Forces of Nature at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

Home Schooled students will learn all about water, wind plate tectonics, and other forces of nature at Field Trip Day at the Museum of Arts and Sciences this Wednesday. Attendees can choose from different program choices. Field Trip tickets are $9 per child and one adult gets in free per family (additional adult tickets are $10) on eventbrite.com or at the door.

- The Museum of Arts and Sciences - 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon

Macon Music Revue at Grant’s Lounge (8 - 10 p.m.)

Macon Music Revue features music connected to Macon’s musical history, such as songs from Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band. The Macon Music Revue is currently made up of Charles Davis on vocals, Caleb Melvin on drums, Dustin McCook on guitar, Evan Bentzel on bass, and Ethan Hamlin on keys, though the Macon Music Revue often features both rotating and guest artists. Macon Music Revue takes place on Wednesday nights at historic Grant’s Lounge. There is a $10 cover charge at the door for this show.

- Grant's Lounge - 576 Poplar Street, Macon

THURSDAY, February 1

First Day of Black History Month

The Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson celebrated what was then Black History Week on February 7, 1926. It was expanded into a monthly celebration. President Gerald Ford officially made it a month-long celebration in 1976.

Macon Mayhem vs. Birmingham Bulls at the Macon Coliseum (7 p.m.)

Macon’s professional hockey team the Macon Mayhem will face off against the Birmingham Bulls on Thursday night. The game is presented by Fall Line Brewery and the theme for the game will be “Thirsty Thursday” and will feature drink specials throughout the night. Tickets to the game start at $14 on ticketmaster.com at the time of publication.

- Macon Coliseum - 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

FRIDAY, February 2

First Friday in Downtown Macon

Multiple businesses across Downtown Macon will present exhibit openings, music shows, specials, and more for February’s First Friday.

The Brown Crate will be offering people a sneak preview of their co-working space starting at 7:30 p.m. Multiple art galleries downtown will be presenting opening exhibits and receptions for new art exhibits.

The 567 Center will present “Artistic Discourse” Educators Outside the Studio”, featuring artwork from five local artists who also teach, Bruce Chase and Kathy Murphy of Macon Mud, Cara Heard of Lush Art, Casie Trace of Artspace Macon, and Micah Goguen. The opening reception lasts from 5 to 8 p.m.

The McEachern Art Center will present “COZY”, featuring the unique artwork of Emily Furr from Charleston. This show will open at 4 p.m. and the opening reception will begin at 6 p.m. and include hors d’Oeuvrves, a “peach fuzz cocktail”, and a talk from the artist.

The art exhibit “What I Saw in the Water” will open at the Macon Arts Alliance with a reception from 4 to 5 p.m. This exhibit will feature the work of Louisiana artist Seth Adam Cook who often combines “photographer with other art media”.

Georgia National Rodeo Night at the Macon Mayhem hockey game against the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs means a chance to see something a little different at Friday night’s hockey game. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will include live animal exhibits outside of the Macon Coliseum.

- The Brown Crate - 551 Cherry Street, Macon

- The 567 Center for Renewal - 456 1st Street, Macon

- The McEachern Art Center - 332 2nd Street, Macon

- Macon Arts Alliance - 486 1st Street, Macon

- Macon Coliseum - 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

Raspberry Pie, a funk-rock band from Orlando, will also play at The Hummingbird at 10 p.m.

Gallery West’s 9th Anniversary Party (5:30 - 8:30 p.m.)

Gallery West will celebrate its 9th anniversary during February’s First Friday. The celebration will include art from Johnny Mo, Kevin Lewis, Jefferson Ross, and Lynn Tate, music photography from Kirk West and Gilbert Lee, and live music from Andy Johnson and Trey Dunnahoo. There will be hors d’Oeuvrves and drinks available on a first-come, first-serve basis at this free event.

- Gallery West - 447 Third Street, Macon

Choir Rehearsal with Friends at 44th and Madison in Warner Robins (6 - 9 p.m.)

This event is a choir rehearsal for anyone who likes to harmonize with others. Attendees will sing “choir songs, harmonize, and learn new techniques”, according to the organizer. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the singing begins at 6 p.m. Tickets to Choir Rehearsal with Friends cost $35 on eventbrite.com (please note that buying tickets to this event means you consent to be photographed and recorded).

- 44th and Madison - 115 Margie Drive, Suite E, Warner Robins

JBA Presents Magnolia Moon and Choir of Babble (10 p.m.)

Two, talented local bands, Magnolia Moon and Choir of Babble, will perform on JBA’s big stage on Friday night. Magnolia Moon is a band based out of Macon made up of four brothers (Zack and Jesse Horton (vocals/guitar and drums) and Jonathan and Christopher Crowell (bass and guitar). Their music pays tribute to bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Choir of Babble is a bit harder to define as their musical style can at times be described as experimental or new age. Their newest album, Porno di Plastilina reminds the author of the 90’s industrial sound of classic NIN. JBA often charges a cover at the door for their music concerts.

- JBA - 425 Cherry Street, Macon

SATURDAY, February 3

Public Ice Skating at the Macon Coliseum (12, 2, 4, 6, 8 p.m.)

You can skate on the big skating ring in the Macon Coliseum for five one-hour sessions on Saturday (and three on Sunday). Tickets to skate start at $7 plus fees on ticketmaster.com.

- Macon Coliseum - 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

A Knot of One-Act Operas at Townsend School of Music’s Fickling Hall (7:30 p.m.)

This operatic show will feature the one-act operas “La Divina” by Thomas Pasatieri as well as “The Beautiful Bridegroom” from Dan Shore. Tickets cost $25 on tixr.com and there is one showing a night from Thursday, February 1st through Sunday, February 4th.

- Townsend School of Music - 1329 Adams Street, Macon

SUNDAY, February 4

Battle of the DJ’s Sunday Funday Fundraiser at the Hummingbird (8 p.m. - 12 a.m.)

DJs Uh Oh, CL33B0, and Brvnd0 will be spinning for a good cause at the Hummingbird this Sunday evening. The proceeds from the show will go towards the nonprofit animal rescue Habitat 4 Hounds. The rescue needs paper towels, treats (whimzees or freeze-dried), dog food (Purina one lamb & rice), XL potty pads, and toys and you will get raffle tickets for bringing these items. There will also be a silent auction.

- The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom - 430 Cherry Street, Macon