2-12-2024 4:13am

Adventures in Middle Georgia: Things to Do this Week in the Heart of Georgia

Nate Weeks Editor

The iconic coal tower located in the industrial district of Macon and looks like it could have been designed by Dr. Seuss himself (Photographer Nate Weeks)

The Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra returns to the Grand Opera House to kick off this week full of exciting and fun events for families and singles. From a night of storytelling presented by Storyteller's Macon to a two-day high school honor band festival, there are plenty of things to do for all kinds of interests this week in Middle Georgia. The following are just a few of the more interesting events taking place from Monday, February 12th to Sunday, February 18th.

MONDAY, February 12th

Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra at Grand Opera House (7:30 p.m.)

Guest conductor Keitaro Harada will be leading the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra in performing Verdi’s “La Forza del destino” overture, Yoshimatsu's Atom Hearts Club Suite No. 1, Ginastera’s Four Dances from “Estancia” Op. 8a, and more. Harada is the winner of the 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award and is the artistic director of the Savannah Philharmonic. Tickets to see the Macon-Mercer Orchestra on Monday start at $25 online or at the Grand Opera House’s box office.

> The Grand Opera House - 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

TUESDAY, February 13th

Storytellers Presents “Vibrationships” at Grant’s Lounge a.m.)

Storytellers Macon is hosting another night of true stories at Grant’s Lounge on Tuesday night. The theme for the evening’s stories will be about the people “we just vibe with”. The featured storyteller for the night will be the prolific professional photographer DSTO Moore who defines a vibrationship as when people pour life into each other, whether in a romantic way or just as friends. Audience members can also tell their own five-minute-long stories at this free event and they are encouraged to sign up before the event at this link.

> Grant’s Lounge - 576 Poplar Street, Macon

WEDNESDAY, February 14th

VALENTINE’S DAY:

St. Valentine is a mysterious figure from the past who might have been a Catholic priest or bishop but has somehow ever since been connected to the celebration of love. The day also is thought to have connections to an old celebration in mid-February called Lupercalia.

There are many events celebrating Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day this week: read more here.

Love Drunk: A Very Un-Valentines Bash at The Brick Macon (5 - 11 p.m.)

For those not in the mood to celebrate Valentine’s Day, The Brick Macon will host an Un-Valentine’s Day event for those who are happily single (or looking to meet other singles). The event invites attendees to bring pictures of their exes to shred and a giant heart pinata will be destroyed at 11 p.m., according to the restaurant.

> The Brick Macon - 1305 Hardeman Avenue, Macon

THURSDAY, February 15th

Lights and Love Songs: Music on Macon Streets (6 - 8 p.m.)

The Macon Music Revue and Visit Macon is presenting this music-filled event on High Street in Downtown Macon. There will be architectural tours, porch parties, and romantic music from Macon Music Revue with special guest Sam Stephens. This free event is sponsored by Visit Macon, the InTown Macon Neighborhood Association, and 100.9 The Creek FM. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or picnic blankets as well as their loved ones.

> High Street, Macon

FRIDAY, February 16th

Fish Fry Fridays at Loom (11 a.m. - 11 p.m.)

Hotel Forty Five’s Loom will celebrate seafood on Fridays during Lent with Fish Fry Fridays. Fish (black cod) with hand-cut fries and tarter sauce will cost $22 during this event.

> Loom - 401 Cotton Avenue, Macon

Ceramic Animal Planter Workshop at stARTup Studios (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)

Learn how to make an adorable ceramic animal planter at this workshop at stARTup Studios on Friday evening. Tickets to this workshop cost $50 and include supplies and two kiln firings and can be purchased at this link.

> stARTup Studios - 1055 Riverside Drive, Macon

Glowga (Blacklight Yoga and Zumba) in Perry (6 - 8 p.m.)

The City of Perry Government and Visit Perry will host another day of Glowga (blacklight yoga and Zumba) with “body paint, blacklights, glow sticks, strobe lights, and more”. Glowga is an all-levels and all-ages class and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable workout clothes and bring a yoga mat and water bottle.

> 1121 Macon Road, Macon

“Bands at the Grand” MU Wind Ensemble Concert at the Grand Opera House (7:30 p.m.)

The Mercer University Wind Ensemble will open up the “Bands at the Grand” Honor Band Festival on Friday at the historic Grand Opera House. The program for the evening of music will include music from Star Wars, Philip Glass, and more. This is a free event open to the public.

> Grand Opera House - 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

Concertare: An Evening of Concertos at St. Joseph Catholic Church (7:30 p.m.)

The talented musicians Daniel McCarthy (viola d'amore), Ute Marks (violin), Dana Duncan-Davis (violin), Mia Mangano (cello), Kelly Brzozowski (harp), and Gregory Hamilton (theorbo) join Amethyst members Adrin Akins (countertenor), Jody Miller (recorder), Marcy Jean Brenner (viola da gamba), and Alexandra Dunbar (harpsichord and organ) will perform concertos at Concertare. There is a $20 donation requested ($10 for discounted categories) though no one will be turned away due to being unable to pay. Concertare will also take place on Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (4 p.m.)

> St. Joseph Catholic Church - 830 Poplar Street, Macon

SATURDAY, February 17th

Little Mr. and Miss Cherry Blossom Pageant at Wesleyan College’s Porter Auditorium (10 a.m.)

The Little Mr. and Mrs. Cherry Blossom Pageant is open to children aged 5 to 7 years of age. The winners will become members of the Cherry Blossom Court during the Cherry Blossom Festival in mid-March. Applications cost $50 per child and can be found online at this link.

> Wesleyan College Porter Auditorium - 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon

Bands at the Grand Honor Band Festival - High School Honor Band at the Grand Opera House (7:30 p.m.)

The Bands at the Grand Honor Band Festival will continue on Saturday at the Grand Opera House. Sixty-five talented high school musicians from seventeen Georgia high schools will perform at this free event.

> Grand Opera House - 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

Native Plant Walk at Selma Erwin Nature Trail in Milledgeville (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

Learn about native plants during this walk through the woods on the Selma Erwin Nature Trail. The Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society and Georgia Plant Society is presenting this free educational event and attendees are encouraged to wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a camera.

> Selma Erwin Trails - Milledgeville

Kegs & Stills Tour with Rock Candy Tours (3 p.m.)

The second Kegs & Stills Tour of 2024 will take place on Saturday and include a 2.5-hour long walking tour from Rock Candy Tours. The tour will include Long Leaf Distillery, where the tour starts, and two of Macon’s breweries, Fall Line Brewing Co. and Ocmulgee Brew Pub. Tickets for the tour cost $40 per person and can be purchased at this link.

> Long Leaf Distillery - 664 2nd Street, Macon

SUNDAY, February 18th

ROAD TRIP: Georgia Comedy Fest 2024 at Clutch Restaurant in Atlanta (7 p.m.)

The Georgia Comedy Fest will include both local and nationally touring comedians according. This event will take place from Tuesday through Sunday of this week at different locations around Atlanta. if you are interested in going to this free comedy event, you can RSVP at this link.

> Clutch Restaurant - 1860 Corporate Boulevard NE, Atlanta