Author

Michael W. Pannell

A native Middle Georgian and UGA graduate, Michael W. Pannell has covered education, government, crime, military affairs and other beats as a journalist and been widely published as a feature writer for publications locally and internationally. In addition, he has worked in communications for corporate, non-profit and faith-based entities and taught high school graphic communications during the early days of computer graphics. He was surprised at one point to be classified a multimedia applications developer as he drew from his knowledge of photography, video, curriculum development, writing, editing, sound design and computers to create active training products. In recent years, he has focused on the area’s cultural life, filled with its art, music, theater and other entertainments along with the amazing people who create it. Growing up in Middle Georgia and being “of a certain age,” he spent time at early Allman Brothers Band concerts, in the heat listening to Jimi Hendrix and others at the Second International Atlanta/Byron Pop Festival and being part of other 1960s-‘70s happenings. He now enjoys being inspired by others to revive his art, music and filmmaking skills and – most of all – spending delightful moments with his granddaughter.

Michael W.'s Latest Articles

Artist Beth Collins’s ‘stacks’ on display at Creative Alternative open house

The Creative Alternative’s open house on Sunday will highlight their studio and Beth Collins’ “stacks” sculptures. Director Brooks Whittle Dantzler will discuss the center's art programs and mentoring.

Local musician, Mercer professor releases new album

Andy Silver's album, "fading things and things that do not fade," is available on most streaming platforms.

A woman with red curly hair holds up a sheep doll in front of her face, leaning back
Docs, including one on ‘Lamb Chop,’ at Macon Film Fest

The documentary directed by Lisa D'Apolito highlights the life of ventriloquist Shari Lewis.

Fire Starters, Macon film festivals partner as ‘Red Fever’ debuts

Indigenous people, stories and creators are the opening night focus when the Macon Film Festival starts next week – it begins Thursday, Aug. 15 – with “Red Fever” having its international premiere at the Douglass Theatre and the “Ocmulgee to Okmulgee” art exhibit opening at the McEachern Art Center.

First Friday to highlight fusion of music, art

The exhibit is called “Goin’ Down Slow” and it runs through August at the Macon Arts Alliance Gallery, 486 1st St. There will be an opening reception Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with wine and beer.

A band performs on a stage lit with blue and purple lighting, framed by ornate red and orange theater curtains. The audience stands close to the stage, watching the performance. The scene is intimate, with a warm and vibrant atmosphere.
Rob Evans and The Buckleys pay tribute to the Bragg brothers

Evans recalls the moment he and others learned about their friends’ deaths. "We just couldn’t believe it," he said. "They were on the verge of some great things."

A woman in a red dress stands in an exhibit room with multiple curved screens displaying colorful space images. The ceiling features large monitors showing a nebula, while smaller screens around the room show various celestial objects. The woman is smiling with her arms slightly raised.
Experience wonders of the cosmos at Macon museum

The new exhibit, open at the Museum of Arts and Sciences until October, features pictures from NASA's Hubble telescope.

A group of people on stage in colorful costumes pose energetically. The central figures include two women, one in a shiny blue suit jacket and the other in a shiny green dress, with their arms raised. Other performers around them wear bright, festive outfits and strike dramatic poses. The background features a banner with "JMHS" and vibrant lighting.
A tale of two little theaters

Macon Little Theatre opens “The Prom” Friday and Warner Robins Little Theatre starts “Our Town” Saturday, each respectively set in the imagined towns and each with interesting folks to meet.

A man holding a guitar sings into a microphone.
Remembering Macon music legend Bo Ponder

Bo Ponder, 77, died Saturday of natural causes and people across Macon are feeling it.

An artist holds a spray can in hand in front of a mural on a brick wall.
The folks who make Macon a fascinating place to live

Macon is full of fascinating people creating interesting art, entertainment, music and related work. These people, and those like them who come to town, are why there’s always something going on worthy of attention in Macon and Middle Georgia.

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