Macon, Georgia has been called home by some of the very best musicians to ever live. Their influence... plus the presence of thousands of dedicated music fans... helps to make my birth town a wonderful place to live and work. Macon is a city with a rhythm and a style all its own; a place whererock, jazz, country, hip hop, rap, blues, soul, gospel and church bells fill the air. We are also blessed with the Big House Museum.
The Cause...Food for the Hungry
When Duane and Gregg Allman first came to Macon, Georgia with the Allman Brothers Band, they often frequented H&H Soul Food on Forsyth Street. There, Louise Hudson and Inez Hill kept the band well fed, even in the early years when they had trouble paying the bill. Gregg Allman, at a recent birthday party for Mama Louise, said..
"There is a good possibility ... a very good possibility... that without Mama Louise there wouldn't be an Allman Brothers Band."
Being from a town with such a rich musical heritage is a true honor. Much of what we have learned is that great music flows out of great people. We also know that music and musicians in history can be forgotten. Events like this help assure this doesn't happen.
Five years ago, on what would have been Duane Allman's 60th birthday, the Skydog Music Festival (60) got it's start. It continues as the annual benefit concert that celebrates the life, birthday and music of Duane Allman. "Skydog" We play the music that he played and or inspired. We give to a need that I believe he would give to today, were he alive...helping feed the poor and homeless.
To date, the Festival has hosted thousands of fans, provided an enormous amount of food for the hungry, and given dozens of talented musicians a place to express the music of Skydog and his influence on them. Devoted volunteers help make this event happen and they are much appreciated. Our wonderful sponsors and contributors are the other side of the coin. Please thank them and support their business.
Post Show Note from the Director
Another record year! Over 3,000 people attended and over 5,000 pounds of food collected! Give yourselves a big round of applause!
What a beautiful day we had. Great weather in the Park for 30 of the finest musicians we could gather to Hit the Note. To all you musicians, very few people can truly appreciate how hard you work to be able to play like you do. Thank you for keeping it about the music and the causes. You are truly great people! If it weren't for the music (and good food-thanks Saralyn-) our security would be bored to tears. Thanks to all who attended for your generous food contribution, your enthusiastic support and for making this a trouble free, kid friendly event each year. We have become "family". Mama Louise came out on stage and reminded us of how special this event is. Duane's life, birthday and music point back to her on many levels.
The Macon Rescue Mission, Mr. Jeff Nicklas, says thanks to all. It was a record collection of food for them at a time of great need. Please continue to support them and all of our kind sponsors.
Watch this website, www.skydogmacon.com for pictures and video from this year as well as details on next year's Skydog 66. Sunday, November 18, 2012. Noon to 5:00 CCP. (rain site--Macon City Auditorium)
Stay Well,
Glenn Harrell, Founder and Director
Skydog 65 2011 is proud to support the Macon Rescue Mission and the Dove Center
In 1952, Police Sergeant A.E. McGee began to provide shelter for the homeless and alchoholic men on his beat.
Four years later, the Macon Rescue Mission, Inc. was officially chartered as a non-profit,
becoming the first men's residential program in the area. Our most historic location was on Broadway and Popular Street,
with the sign "Jesus Cares" on the roof. In 1981 the mission began accepting female victims of
domestic violence and their children. Now known as the Dove Center, this was the first domestic violence program in Middle Georgia."
Jeffery J. Nicklas, Sr.
Executive Director