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also because they have done so much for our Central Georgia community in so many ways. An excellent educational institution, Mercer University turns out high quality professionals in so many walks of life, from Mercer Medical, Mercer Law, Mercer Music — including the McDuffie School for Strings — to Business, Liberal Arts, Nursing and so much more. But it's not just the academics – Mercer engages in so many other community efforts, and I shudder to think what Macon and Central Georgia would be without Mercer. Thank you, Mercer! 7. The Grand Opera House: One of the best venues for the performing arts in America – and in the world! And I've seen a lot of similar beautiful rooms in my career. Thanks again to Mercer University for saving and renovating this very special place. I have had some of my best memories playing music in that venue, from the Allman Brothers's Saturday Night In Macon broadcast back in the early 70s, to my band, Sea Level, bringing our own brand of rock, jazz and soul to the room in the early 80s, to our recent A Night of Georgia Music performance featuring my pals Robert McDuffie, his student orchestra and Mike Mills of R.E.M., along with yours truly. That was one of the best and most memorable nights of music for me in my career. 8. Capricorn Studios: Thanks again to Mercer, along with some forward- thinking developers like Jim Daws and millions in donations from a host of generous donors, this historic recording facility is back in action. Not only a state- of-the art recording facility, it also has a fun museum component. I have used it to record with many artists since its re-opening and was proud to be musical director for a live concert celebration called "Capricorn Revival" a few years back at the Macon City Auditorium. 9. The Big House: A fantastic museum dedicated to the 50-year history of the Allman Brothers Band. I was fortunate to be part of that history when I was an official member from 1972-1976, as well as interacting on many occasions in years afterward. The Big House is a very special place, and I am happy that it will be expanding over the next couple of years. A must for visitors and locals alike. 10. The Creek 100.9 FM: A local radio station that is unique and brave in its programming. The Creek will play anything – you might hear a track by my band Sea Level or the Allman Brothers Band, and then a track from some obscure blues artist, followed by something from the Americana or country genres. I love the wide diversity of the playlists and also the promotion of local music and other arts events. The Creek Rocks! T O N Y D O O L I N C H A R L E S D A V I S INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS, VIDEOS, AND MORE! VISIT THECREEKFM.COM FOR START YOUR MORNINGS WITH TONY & CHARLES - ON 100.9FM THE CREEK - JUNE/JULY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 89