In 1999, Macon music icon Brax Bragg’s life was tragically cut short. To honor his legacy, friends organized a jam session to bring Macon musicians together. Local artists played for hours and created such great memories that they decided to do it again the next year — and the next. Now in 2022, we are celebrating 23 years of Bragg Jam.
While the festival started small, it’s now much different. On July 30, there will be 30-plus artists performing in downtown Macon across seven venues. From hip-hop to country and everything in between, there is a show for everyone at Bragg Jam.
How can Mercer students make the most of Bragg Jam? Here are some tips and tricks for enjoying a night of awesome Macon fun.
1. Buy tickets in advance
Tickets for Bragg Jam are on sale now. Each ticket is $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Save money and skip the line by purchasing your ticket online now.
2. Make a plan
There are seven venues for Bragg Jam this year — Hargray Capitol Theatre, The Crazy Bull (main stage and parking lot), Grant’s Lounge, JBA, A Brooke Haven Lounge and Serenity Entertainment Complex. While they are all within walking distance of each other, it is helpful to know ahead of time what shows you want to see before you arrive downtown. Many of the concerts are also happening simultaneously, so prioritize your favorites. Check out the schedule here.
3. Support local businesses
While enjoying Bragg Jam, make sure to grab a drink or bite to eat from a downtown Macon business. Fall Line Brewing Co. is throwing a Bragg Jam Pre-Party from noon-3 p.m. that day. And as always, don’t forget to tip your service workers. Bragg Jam brings thousands of patrons to downtown Macon, and we want to ensure our service workers are treated kindly.
4. Cheer on a Mercer alumnus
Did you know that a Mercer Bear is performing at Bragg Jam? Head to The Crazy Bull parking lot to see Highway 49. Lead singer Layton Sheets is a class of 2020 graduate.
5. Snap some awesome pics
Grab some Insta and TikTok content while at Bragg Jam. Tag @downtownmaconga to be featured on the Downtown Macon page. One of the performers this year, Bailey Zimmerman, was discovered on TikTok. Show him some Macon love with your content.
6. Make lasting memories
Bragg Jam has been a Macon staple for 23 years. People have gotten engaged at the event, met their forever friends, and more. Live in the moment and embrace the love of our community.
