Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1523410
June/July 2024 | maconmagazine.com 99 It is, it is. And we've had to tweak it and learn what was the need for the city as we went along. One change was we had to adjust the dress code. Business casual means something different to everybody, especially here in Macon, where we've got all types of people. And downtown is a walking market – you've got about 20% who come just for Serenity, 80% who are just seeing where the night takes them downtown. You've got to welcome people in as they are. And what do they find inside? We want to give them that one-on-one, living room experience where they can engage and enjoy nice music. So, that's the reason why I created this space. People can go up to Atlanta for whatever reasons, but I want them to know, hey, we've got a safe area in Middle Georgia that grown folks can come in, enjoy live music and great cocktails, right here in our city. And what makes a good artist for Serenity? What do you look for when you're booking acts? We're looking for people who are intentional with their music. Someone who's willing to interact with the crowd, and who wants to make connections here. You know, it's not just about the money. It's about the people, it's about finding a connection to record your single here in town. No matter whether they're a local or national artist, or someone coming to perform at our R&B Karaoke Wednesdays, we're trying to bring people that can help us build up as a community, make partnerships, and show the crowd a good time, no matter who walks in those doors. Being a musician yourself – does that drive you to help connect artists with their community? Years ago, as a local artist, I realized that a lot of Macon artists felt like they had to make it out of Macon. They had to go somewhere else to get the relationships they needed to be successful in their careers. So, I'm trying to be that middle person, saying, "How can I help you with this? Who can I connect you with?" Because there's a lot of artists out there who want to give up on their craft because they don't have the right resources or audience. So I want to create a platform to feature those artists and help them out in the best way I can. And do you feel like Macon has done a better job of retaining talent in the last 10 years? Absolutely. We're realizing that you do not have to be with a major record label for people to hear you now. You've got social media. You can build a following. And Macon can still do a better job with that. They can show local artists more in the social media and local media. I think they can leverage it to where local artists open for major acts, whether that's at the amphitheater or wherever, and make sure they gain the following they need in that way. There's still a lot of unsung artists that need to be heard. You know, people look at streams. If you've got 20 Spotify followers, how can you fill up a room? But how can you get more streams if you're not playing to a room? So, we've got to make that room for them, city-wide. You've got the Allman Brothers, Little Richard, Otis Redding. But we in the now phase. So what are we going to do to keep that rich tradition going? How are we going to put Macon back in that national, international rotation? We've got a lot of music history. But we've got a lot of music future, too. You're celebrating your second anniversary this May, but your third year as a venue for Bragg Jam. So, was Macon supporting you even before your public grand opening? Yes, Macon has supported us in many ways. From locking in a partnership with Bragg Jam on being one of the hosting venues each year, to Macon Black Pages hosting their monthly networking mixer at Serenity, numerous events with NewTown Macon, as the VIP location for the Macon Beer Festival, or even the Macon Cigar Society meetings, and corporate or private events like weddings, birthday parties, and kid's parties, we've been able to do all kinds of events that show how the community has supported us all. What are your upcoming, can't-miss-it events? Well, we've got artists at the karaoke Wednesdays who have gained the Serenity is open from on Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and first Sundays, 6 to 9 p.m. For reservations, call 478.370.8633, and keep up with shows and events by following them on Facebook and Instagram -- @serenitylive478. To book a video game truck mobile party to come to your events for grown folks or littles, private or corporate, visit gamezonwheelzga.com or call 478.575.2439. attention of the talent scouts who come to Serenity, and they're getting booked to perform in Atlanta, big cities like that. We've got our R&B tribute nights. And, we've got The Bridge on certain Sunday nights. That's bridging the gap between gospel and R&B. We have people who come to church or don't. But some people who love that music, or follow God in their own way, want to experience it in a judgment-free zone. Is The Bridge a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, too? They are more than welcome. I started The Bridge because sometimes people feel like they're not welcome in the church because of their appearance or lifestyle, or because they like to go out and have some drinks. So I created the R&B gospel nights as a non-judgment zone. That's one of the house rules – no judgment at Serenity. What should people know before they go to Serenity? Come ready to dance, meet people, and have a good time. We do have a cover, so come prepared for that. My go-to drinks at Serenity are a strawberry lemon drop, if I want something fruity and just to vibe a little bit – or a Remy Martin 1738 if I'm on my grown man type of night. We do bottle service, cocktails, a mix of affordable and upscale drinks. And if you want to reserve a section out for you and your friends, if you're celebrating something – call ahead and make sure to book that. Some nights the seating is pretty much all reserved. It's definitely a grown folks atmosphere with elevated vibes that you'll get here at Serenity. Come ready for a whole experience where you'll have fun and get down with some great music in a safe and intimate atmosphere.