Macon, Georgia’s largest yearly musical event is right around the corner (Saturday, July 28th)and I hope you’ll be there. If you’re not familiar with the event take a second:

During the summer of 1999, Macon singer/songwriter Brax Bragg was on the brink of something big. He had just recorded a CD with his new band the Buckleys, and they were scheduled to set out on tour. But before hitting the highway with his band, Brax took his baby brother Tate, an accomplished classical guitarist, on a cross-country road trip. While traveling through Texas on July 3, the brothers’ lives were tragically cut short by a car accident.

Back in Macon, friends were reeling at the news of the brothers’ tragic deaths. Russell Walker, a friend of the family and fellow musician, organized an impromptu jam session of local musicians to celebrate and honor the Bragg brothers’ talented lives. The healing power of music began to perpetuate, and a year later, the jam session resumed. “Bragg Jam” had officially been born. By 2003, it was expanded into a city-wide music festival. Two years later, it was incorporated as a non-profit with a board of directors. Today, Bragg Jam has evolved into a full-scaled community arts festival and Macon’s premier music event.

What began as an untimely tragedy has found a way to give back to the Macon community. Money raised from Bragg Jam is donated to the Macon’s Ocmulgee Heritage Trail in Brax and Tate Bragg’s honor. And the same group of musicians who got together to play in their friend’s honor continue to remain the roots of the festival at the annual “Friends of Brax” Bragg Jam performance at downtown Macon’s Rookery. To date, over $125,000.00 has been donated back to the city for future projects. 

2012 marks the 13th year of the event and easily the largest so far. With 46 bands on 12 stages throughout the city, Bragg Jam’s lineup offers a something for everyone. From DJ’s to live production to funk, soul, and blues, to indie rock and singer songwriters, Bragg Jam is truly one of the most diverse music festivals in the South. TheBlueIndian.com is honored to be hosting a stage for the second year in a row, but I wanted to fill you in on ten bands playing around town that I would suggest you check out if you’ve got the time. Check out BraggJam.org for all the details.

(…in chronological order..)

#1: KidSyc@Brandywine @ Buzzell, Graham & Welsh Stage at Fowl Play – 5:15pm

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#2: Megan Jean & The KFB @ The 11th Hour Stage at Roasted – 5:30pm

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#3:Back City Woods @ Barberito’s Stage at The Hummingbird – 6:15pm

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#4: sunDollars @ Prestige Computer Solutions Stage at The Shamrock – 7:45pm

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#5: Kopecky Family Band @ Macon Stage College Stage at The 567 Main – 8:15pm

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#6: Lydia Loveless @ Barberito’s Stage at The Hummingbird – 8:15pm

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#7: Dead Confederate @ Cox Communications Stage at The Cox Capitol Theatre – 9:15pm

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#8: Little Tybee @ TheBlueIndian.com Stage at The 567 Gallery – 9:30pm

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#9: Right Away, Great Captain! @ Macon State College Stage at The 567 Main – 10:15pm

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#10: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit @ Cox Communications Stage at The Cox Capitol Theatre Stage – 11:30pm

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