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70 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2024 live in Gordon. He comes to listen. "I remember when this was a booming town and this building was the mercantile," he said. "I like to come over and just listen to the music and see all these nice, very talented people." This year, Jelly Elephant expanded into a spring street fair for the first time, which spotlighted art and music all day. The local Main Street board grilled hamburgers and hot dogs while free tours of the nearby Historic Train Depot ran throughout the afternoon. Vendors selling merch, CDs, instruments, and more enlivened the usually sleepy town. Jelly Elephant has also hosted full concerts of curated artists, the opposite of the usual jam atmosphere. Multi-instrumentalist Carr is a musical director of sorts. On this particular night, a player with their three songs and a couple of top musicians are up front in a circle. Others sit out front to play along or take leads. Others play along quietly further from the spotlight on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, accordion, or whatever. If Carr hears someone doing something really good, For more on Central Georgia's unique and intimate music issues, check out a copy of the 2024 Music Issue and turn to "Live music like a local." he'll get a microphone in front of them. Or, maybe he'll encourage someone to tone it down if playing inappropriately, too loud, or, God forbid, way out of tune. It's done kindly, as a rule, because that's the kind of place the Jelly is. A helpful comment or even serious instruction might be included from him or others, free of charge. On a recent Saturday, a newer performer had trouble getting their guitar in tune on a particular song. It was no problem when the evening turned into, "Let's stop and help get this figured out," with no one complaining. Minutes later, others were up with dazzling songs and performances, because it's the Jelly Elephant and that's how the Jelly Elephant rolls. Just follow the golden rule and LISTEN. ABOVE The Saturday night jam session welcomes artists regardless of instrument or musical skill level.