Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1502512
LOCAL BUZZ Visit Macon turns up the volume on our music story VISIT MACON has recently raised Macon's music profile on a national scale for those who may know our sound but haven't yet seen our sights. Sound Diplomacy, a research company designed to promote music in cities, recorded that Macon's music ecosystem in 2020 generated a total economic impact of $134.5 million, with $88.8 million going into the local economy. Including both tourism and local interaction, the music ecosystem contributed to 1,118 jobs in Macon, with much of this expansion fueled by travelers. Director of Marketing Marisa Rodgers explained these numbers are expected to grow as Visit Macon tries new advertising and PR methods to grab a music-loving traveler's attention. As Rodgers commented, "We're starting to be louder about our music story." Visit Macon's strategy is a combination of guaranteeing visitors live music throughout their time in Macon while also offering an abundance of music history experiences. Rodgers, who came to Visit Macon last year from working in tourism promotion in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been a key part of updating music-related advertising. Visit Macon created a mobile app, Tour Macon, with a special section focused on music, The Macon Music Trail. While Macon already had music-themed historic markers, this is the first mobile-friendly version, making the tour more accessible for visitors. Visit Macon also hopes to grow and support the number of visitor-focused live performances. Last November, Grant's Lounge began a Music Macon Revue every Wednesday with Charles Davis and the Velvet Sound as a house band. According to Rodgers, music events that occur with consistent timing is the key to increasing Macon as a destination music city. Visit Macon also has made videos advertising specific Macon music attractions and created Macon-related Spotify playlists. Far from just a place with music related museums and a star-studded history, Macon is still making headlines for music and the arts. "A Night of Georgia Music," a live concert film produced last year at the Grand Opera House by Mercer University, won an Emmy Award and has been viewed nationwide. Eddie 9 Volt has made the top of the blues charts with an album inspired by and recorded at Capricorn Studios. Looking forward, Visit Macon expects big things from the forthcoming Otis Redding Center for the Arts and from attracting other big-name artists to record at the restored facilities in Capricorn. Rodgers explains tourism for Macon involves multiple overlapping assets. For example, a traveler drawn in by the upcoming expected national park designation for the Ocmulgee Mounds might also visit music heritage sites. At the 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival, Visit Macon recorded an increase in visitors from 50 plus miles away by 21.2 percent compared to the prior year, who may be enjoying live music and other tourism assets. Rodgers emphasizes that it's Visit Macon's job to explain "how we're not just a one-trick destination. We have so much more to offer. And there's so much more to do if you just know where to find it." She hopes when Maconites see a tourist coming through, they will point out something unique to see and choose to be part of the music story, too. — NORA JORGENSEN 30 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2023