Macon’s entertainment scene booms with Centreplex at the helm

My youngest son and I saw the world’s most famous lion tamer at the circus at the Macon Coliseum.

It was back in the 1980s and I’d written a story about Gunther Gebel-Williams who was about as big an international star as anyone then.

Some will surely remember the name.

I’ve seen and heard many others there through the years at the Coliseum but missed Led Zeppelin in the early ‘70s because my ride – well that’s another story.

I saw the Allman Brothers Band at the Coliseum and the Macon City Auditorium back in the day along with Cowboy, a Capricorn recording group I had a particular liking for. And what a treat to get to see and talk to a hero, the legendary Taj Mahal, at the Auditorium almost two years ago during the Otis Redding Foundation’s Evening of Respect during the annual King of Soul Music Festival.

And now there’s Macon’s new Atrium Health Amphitheater which has gotten a great start toward bringing amazing acts to town with the likes of Jason Aldean, Koe Wetzel and Lauren Daigle.

There are plenty of memories at all three – what are yours?

Did you see James Brown or Reba McEntire or KISS at the Coliseum?

Or Elvis? Or Elton?

How about the Auditorium? Aside from all the entertainment, you might have had a wedding-related event or graduation there. Were you there in 2007 when Oprah Winfrey filmed her “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episode?

Reaching way back, could you have been at the same 1950s R&B show that nudged a young Phil Walden toward music management and eventually Capricorn Records?

Without a doubt, the Auditorium, Coliseum and now the Amphitheater have played big parts in our lives.

I say all this because – as most know but some don’t – all three are now under the banner of Macon Centreplex managed by Oak View Group/OVG360. The folks at Centreplex sent a little information I thought you might find interesting to pair with your memories and to update them. Sort of a summing up of 2024 which the Centreplex is calling a landmark year for all three venues.

First, they say last year the three hosted more than 250,000 attendees to 200 events, breaking records at concerts, sports events, theater performances, conferences, trade shows and such, giving evidence to the quality of what’s happening at all three spots and of the area’s growing appeal as a cultural and entertainment hub drawing people from near and far

The Centreplex notes these 2024 occasions:

— Jason Aldean: His concert was the second sold-out show at the Atrium Health Amphitheater with 10,000 fans attending his hometown show.

— Koe Wetzel: This concert was the first sell-out show at the Atrium Health Amphitheater with 10,000 fans attending.

— Disney on Ice: A venue record-breaking weekend for attendance in November.

— Brantly Gilbert: Macon was his last tour stop in October and he played to a near-capacity crowd at the Atrium Health Amphitheater.

— Lauren Daigle: She welcomed a near-capacity crowd to the Atrium Health Amphitheater.

— Jerry Seinfeld: Sold-out his show at the Macon City Auditorium in November.

The opening of the Atrium Health Amphitheater off Eisenhower Parkway was a highlight in and of itself as part of the West Macon revitalization project under the leadership of Mayor Lester Miller. Opening in March, the Amphitheater has already hosted 22 shows and other events, welcoming more than 100,000 fans and helping change the tone and landscape of Macon music.

Of course, this isn’t just about good entertainment, there’s a significant economic kick to it with the tickets sold, people hitting town and staying the night or weekend and certainly there are all the before and after show dinners and drinks being sold.

Plus, you’ve got to fill up the tank before you head home, right?

The crew at Centreplex pointed out that spending associated with the Atrium Health Amphitheater exceeded $20 million in the community and that events coming here bring big bucks, like the Georgia High School Association’s (GHSA) Wrestling residency at the Macon Coliseum which saw an economic impact of $3.35 million.

Wow, right?

Gary Wheat, president and CEO of Visit Macon, said that means solid jobs and dollars in neighbor’s pockets.

“The events hosted by our partners at the Macon Centreplex venues, from sporting events to concerts, brought thousands of visitors to Macon in 2024,” he said. “Those visitors bring millions of dollars to Macon and the Middle Georgia area supporting the nearly 4,800 jobs in the visitor economy here. We love the fact that no matter which event people are in Macon to attend, they have an opportunity to experience more of the great hospitality provided by businesses and attractions here. We hope they see a reason to return to Macon to experience even more in future visits.”

Obviously, Miller has been a big supporter/driving force in the development of Macon as an entertainment destination and had this to say:

“We already saw an increasing number of people attending better and better shows at the Auditorium and Coliseum and the addition of the Atrium Health Amphitheater has truly taken our entertainment options to the next level. If you’re one of the few people who have not seen a show at these venues, then you’re missing out. We have shows for every musical taste being scheduled and I hope to see you at one of them.”

I have to admit – gulp – I haven’t seen a show at Atrium Health Amphitheater. Who should I go see? Willie Nelson whose show was just announced there? But surely, I’ll have to see somebody before he gets here April 13.

Plus, I’ve got to get to the Coliseum to see the Macon Mayhem out on the ice. They just signed a new five-year deal keeping the Coliseum and Macon their home.

Who’ll invite me and explain hockey?

When the Mayhem play, there’s typically public ice skating surrounding it but I’ll forgo that, though it’s a treat for many.

David Aiello is the general manager for the Macon Centreplex venues and he’s not just looking back.

“This year has truly been remarkable and one I will never forget,” he said. “We’ve hosted some of the most exciting performances and gatherings and the energy from our guests has been incredible. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure each experience is better than the last and it’s rewarding to see our venues become such a vibrant and essential part of the community. We’re excited for what’s to come and grateful for the support we’ve received throughout this year.”

From his viewpoint, there’s something coming for everyone in 2025. Already, folks at the venues have announced not only Willie Nelson but events like Monster Jam, Charlie Wilson, a Chicago concert, the Macon Blues Festival and a tribute to the late Dickey Betts.

To keep up, keep an eye on all three venues’ social media. Scheduling, ticket info and purchases and further information for each can be found at www.maconcentreplex.org.

And of course, from time to time, right here.

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To help you stay busy this weekend, check out the Middle Georgia Art Association’s new exhibit Friday at 2330 Ingleside Ave. and Macon Film Guild’s documentary on award-winning film composer John Williams Tuesday at the Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

— John Myers, MGAA’s board president and exhibit chair, said the theme of the new exhibit is “Abstract” and it presents works by local artists, including 2D and 3D creations and photography. An opening reception is Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. where you can meet artists, mingle with art lovers and enjoy wine, beer, soft drinks and refreshments. “Abstracts” runs through Feb. 15 and is free. The Association’s website is at www.middlegeorgiaart.org.

— “Music by John Williams” follows the life of the legendary composer John from his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar nominations and five wins. It looks in-depth at his manifold contributions to film, including iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and impact on popular culture. The guild charges $5 admission at the Douglass and there’s a complimentary happy hour at 6:30 p.m., including light hors d’oeuvres and drinks from Fall Line Brewing Co. The film starts at 7:30 p.m. Find the Guild at www.facebook.com/maconfilmguild.

 Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. Find him on Instagram at michael_w_pannell.