There's a New Itch in Town

Stop, look, what’s that sound, everbody look what’s going down . . . Town. Is it just me or is it getting cooler? I know the summer swelter is starting to sneak up – heck, I’m panting already – but there is something going on in this town that puts chills down my spine. It’s synergy. We just wrapped up a happening little film festival called MAGA. A major music festival (Bragg Jam) will be here before we know it. Not to mention the everyday occurrences – the rise of the Cox Capitol Theatre; the many feet found on the sidewalks of First Friday; a burgeoning live music scene (shout out to Local 478); the creative class of professionals putting some blood, sweat and tears (yes, I’ve seen Mom do all three) into believing in Macon – what it has, where it will go and who all will benefit. There’s something to be said for this can-do vibe.

I’ll be the first to admit, Mom and I are downtown – not uptown – kind of girls. There’s a reason that most of what you read here will be found in downtown Macon. It’s because we believe downtown is one darn fine lady. We know she’s had a rough life. Once the grand dame of entertainment, retail and entrepreneurialism for Macon, a young big-boxed retail broad came along in the late 70s, and downtown lost her glory faster than you can say Mall Bangs (http://www.liketotally80s.com/1980s-hairstyles.html). Lately, we’ve seen glimmers of the Grand Dame’s return, despite the rise of faux mainstreets in the north side of town. Don’t get me wrong, we realize retail is queen in Macon’s overall economic development. But coming from a fixed bitch who once spent some time in the dog pound and a mom who never fit the North Macon mold (yet survived 14 years of private school), we just happen to be fond of underdogs. This cool vibe is a good thing for downtown. People are itching for something to do. And we’re just scratching the surface.