Georgia Elvis Festival
Brunswick’s Ritz Theatre shakes, rattles and rolls each spring with this extravaganza starring Elvis tribute artists. (Don’t call ’em impersonators, baby.) In addition to a competition featuring an array of performers, the 2017 event will boast a pair of headlining shows starring two of the top Presley doppelgängers in the biz. David Lee will perform March 10 and Cody Ray Slaughter, who appeared in the touring Broadway musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” will take the stage March 11. Many downtown Brunswick shops celebrate the occasion by decorating their window displays in Elvis style, there are activities in Mary Ross Park, and singers entertain on the various squares throughout the weekend. The winner of the competition will score a spot in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest during Elvis Week 2017 in Memphis.
March 9-12, 2017. Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. 1-888-406-5885, georgiaelvisfestival.com, @ElvisFestivals.
The Big House Museum
Those who appreciate the music of the Allman Brothers Band and those interested in the band’s Macon roots owe this place a visit. Beginning in early 1970, members of the band and their families, friends and roadies began living in this Tudor-style house. It became a hub for band activity and several of the group’s iconic songs were written there. Dickey Betts penned “Ramblin’ Man” in the kitchen. The Big House Museum, which offers tours Thursdays through Sundays, rocks the largest collection of Allman Brothers Band archival memorabilia. Band-used instruments, clothing, roadie cases and more fill the displays. A re-creation of the late Duane Allman’s bedroom includes some of the guitarist’s own personal effects. Special live music events are scheduled periodically, including the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association Members Jam Sept. 24.
2321 Vineville Ave., Macon. 478-741-5551, thebighousemuseum.com, @bighousemuseum.
Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival
Blues music architect Blind Willie McTell, who crafted “Statesboro Blues,” “Broke Down Engine Blues” and other genre staples, lived in the small town of Thomson, about a 40-minute drive west of Augusta. The influential early 20th century musician’s gravesite can be found at Jones Grove Baptist Church. His legacy lives on in the form of this annual music festival, which brings blues, Americana and roots-rock artists to town. The most recent lineup included blues ax man Ronnie Earl, Col. Bruce Hampton and the Madrid Express, and multi-instrumentalist Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton. The 2017 lineup has yet to be announced.
May 6, 2017. 1021 Stagecoach Road N.E., Thomson. blindwillie.com.
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