Bragg Jam finds new ways to entice fans to downtown music festival

Going into its 26th year, Bragg Jam is introducing a series of secret shows and a new venue, but continues to celebrate Macon’s musical heritage.

Bragg Jam has brought back favorites American Aquarium and Susto to headline the July 26 concert crawl, which will span several venues, including Vice Bar, a spot new to this year’s locations which will mainly feature local artists.

Other than the two Southern Rock headliners, the concert crawl has acts ranging from jazz bands to steel drums.

“It’s just so much variety and diversity, no matter what you are interested in music wise, you’re going to find something you’re going to love when you go to Bragg Jam,” said Olivia Walter, president of the Bragg Jam board. 

Walter and Bragg Jam’s organizers are also trying something new with their Muddy Mystery Shows, a “once in a lifetime experience.”

The festival is hosting three mystery shows, their locations and performers unknown. It could be anywhere from a rooftop to a Waffle House, Walter said. 

The festival’s annual family celebration, Bragg Fam, will be held at the new Otis Redding Center of the Arts on Cotton Avenue and will feature performances from students at the center’s music camp.

“We’re teaching the future of the Macon music scene how the whole festival environment works, signing contracts, how the scheduling of all this works,” Walter said. “It’ll be fun to see what the future of Bragg Jam could be during Bragg Fam.”

The performances at Bragg Fam will take place at the Otis Redding Center’s amphitheater, allowing for the music to be heard around downtown and get the concert crawl going at 11 a.m. Saturday. 

Bragg Jam started as a way to honor the legacy of musicians Brax and Tate Bragg, who lost their lives in a car accident in Texas while returning to Macon. The Braggs’ friends held an impromptu jam session in their honor.

Walter said Bragg Jam wouldn’t survive without the support of the community. 

“It’s a little bit of an adrenaline rush, a little bit of pride seeing everybody come together,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”

A full list of performers can be found here. Tickets for the concert crawl start at $55 and can be purchased online or at 665 Poplar Street.