4-22-2024 6:15pm

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

Nate Weeks Editor

Macon-Bibb County firefighters recently drove one of their shiny red trucks through Downtown Macon (Photographer Nate Weeks)

This week in Middle Georgia, there are unique live performances, free concerts, a prom that will raise money for a worthy cause, and much more. There are a few fun events taking place a short road trip away this week, including the Georgia Strawberry Festival in Reynolds and the Jelly Elephant's Art and Music Street Market in Gordon. The following are just a few of the unique things to do this week in the heart of Georgia.

MONDAY, April 22nd

Step Afrika! at Grand Opera House (7:30 p.m.)

Step Afrika! features a type of dance called stepping, a form of percussive dance. Step Afrika! was founded in 1994 by Brian C. Williams in South Africa with a collaboration between dancers from there and from the United States. Tickets to Step Afrika! cost $25 online at this link or at the Grand Opera House’s box office.

> The Grand Opera House - 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

This promotional video from Step Afrika! shows similar performances to the one you can see at Monday’s show

TUESDAY, April 23rd

Trio Montage at Mercer University (7:30 p.m.)

The Trio Montage combines voice, clarinet, and piano to produce lovely melodies. Trio Montage is made up of Phillip Collister-Murray (baritone), Marguerite Levin (clarinet), and R. Timothy McReynolds (piano). This performance will feature world premieres as well as songs from a variety of famous composers. Admission to see Trio Montage in concert is free.

> Mercer’s McCorkle Music Building - 1329 Adams Street, Macon

WEDNESDAY, April 24th

MVP Grand Opening (2 p.m.)

MVP (Mercer Village Pizza) is one of Macon’s newest eating establishments. The restaurant will also feature cold brews and other foods besides pizza.

> MVP - 1635 Montpelier Avenue, Macon

Mercer’s Wind Ensemble Community Concert at The Society Garden (6 - 7:15 p.m.)

The Mercer University Wind Ensemble will perform classical music at a unique location, The Society Garden. Small groups of musicians will perform with “woodwinds, brass, and percussion” in mini-concerts for the Society Garden crowd.

> The Society Garden - 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

THURSDAY, April 25th

Macon Periods Easier presents Prom! at JBA (6 - 9 p.m.)

Macon Periods Easier, an organization devoted to education and providing those in need with much needed menstrual products, will present its annual party this Thursday. Guests are invited to dress up in their fanciest clothing for a prom event which will include an official prom court, dancing, and more. General admission tickets are $5 for non-students and free for students and they are available online at this link.

> JBA - 425 Cherry Street, Macon

FRIDAY, April 26th

Plantapalooza at Petals Flowers and Market (4/26 - 4/27) (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Plantapalooza at Petal’s Flowers and Market is an event that will feature educational presentations every hour, a Plant Repotting & Container Design workshop, and live demonstrations. This plant-filled event will take place on both Friday and Saturday.

> Petals Flowers and Market - 592 Second Street, Macon

Cicadamania at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (5 - 6 p.m.)

Miki Fluker and Elizabeth Causey, a mother-daughter duo, will be teaching all about the mysterious cicadas, some of which just arrived in Middle Georgia after 13 years of living underground. Cicadamania will include an indoor presentation and an outdoor listening session and is free and open to the public.

> Ocmulgee Mounds… - 1207 Emery Highway, Macon

Griffith Foundation Poetry Slam at the Grand Opera House (6:30 p.m.)

The Griffith Foundation in collaboration with the Bibb County School District and Storytellers Macon will present a poetry slam event this Friday evening. The theme for the poetry will be "Social Justice! We will be Silent No More". The winning high school senior will win a $15,000 college scholarship from the Griffith Foundation.

> The Grand Opera House - 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

The Local Draw at Artspace Macon (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)

The Local Draw is a social event for creatives of all skill levels. Essential drawing supplies and the relaxing surroundings of Artspace Macon are provided. Tickets to The Local Draw cost $5 per person.

> Artspace Macon - 2384 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

Trial by Fire (Journey Tribute Band) in Perry (7 - 10 p.m.)

Perry Presents another Lawn Concert show this Friday with Trial by Fire, a tribute band that performs the rock and roll music of the band Journey. Outside food and drinks are allowed at this family-friendly event and there will also be food trucks onsite as well, according to the organizers. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets for comfort and enjoy a free evening of classic rock music.

> Downtown Perry

SATURDAY, April 27th

ROAD TRIP: Georgia Strawberry Festival in Reynolds (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

The Georgia Strawberry Festival will take place in Reynolds, a small town about 45 minutes southwest of Macon, on Friday. The festival will include strawberry eating contests, strawberry picking, live music, crafts, and activities for all ages, according to the organizers. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

> City of Reynolds

8th Annual Just Tap’d Beer Festival in Downtown Macon (1 p.m.)

The Just Tap’d Beer Festival isn’t just about the cold drinks - there will also be live music and yard games. If you want to try a selection of craft brewskies from across the U.S., and are 21 or older, tickets for drinks and a 5 oz beer tasting glass start at $45 on eventbrite.com.

> Downtown Macon - 488 First Street

Spring Market Days in Byron (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Another Spring Market Day will take place in Perry’s North Peach Park this upcoming Saturday. This event includes more than 50 vendors selling everything from food to jewelry.

> North Peach Park - 473 White Road, Byron

Jelly Elephant Art and Music Street Market in Gordon (3 - 10 p.m.)

Jelly Elephant, a hip live music venue in Gordon, is presenting an Art and Music Street Market. The event will include an open mic/jam on the sidewalk and live music from the band Good House before the music starts indoors. If you show up early, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities taking place in Downtown Gordon.

> Jelly Elephant - 117 Railroad Street, Gordon

Cosmic City Ink and Color Workshop in Artspace Macon (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)

The talented artist Casie Trace will lead this unique art class at Artspace Macon on Saturday evening. Attendees will create a “cosmic city” using India ink and the techniques Trace will teach. Tickets to the workshop cost $30 per person and tickets can be purchased at this link.

> Artspace Macon - 2384 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

Open Mic Comedy with Tall Trey Comedy at Reboot (9 p.m.)

Calling all funny people: Tall Trey Comedy will host another evening of open mic comedy this Saturday night at Reboot. Tall Trey is a former Marine and combat veteran who has been consistently bringing comedy events to Middle Georgia for the last several years. This event is free to attend.

> Reboot Retrocade & Bar - 566 Cherry Street, Macon

SUNDAY, April 28th

Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem” at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church (4 p.m.)

The Townsend School of Music’s Dean Gary Gerber will conduct the Choral Society of Middle Georgia, the Mercer University Choir and Mercer Singers, and the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church Choir as they perform Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem” on Sunday. Tickets to this musical event cost $10 online at this link.

> Mulberry Street United Methodist Church - 719 Mulberry Street, Macon