February is the season for love, and there’s no better gift than making memories with your loved ones. The quality time you spend with your Valentine, gal-entine or family members will last longer and have more flavor than any box of chocolates you’ll grab last minute at the store. Mercer University has arts and culture events that are appropriate for all occasions and budgets this Valentine’s Day weekend, so you’ll be able to treat your sweet with a delicious surprise.
The Macon Music Project art exhibit
If you’re looking for an event that’s easily accessible on campus and totally free, check out The Macon Music Project, a photography exhibit by DSTO Moore opening Feb. 11 at Frances Sewell Plunkett Gallery in Hardman Hall with a special kickoff reception featuring the artist from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The gallery’s normal operating hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and the exhibit will stay open until March 4.
Moore is a self-taught photographer from Macon’s Pleasant Hill neighborhood who aims to inspire his audiences toward greater positivity with his visionary portraiture style. The Macon Music Project will feature little-known locals who made a big splash during Macon’s heyday of Southern rock and soul music, as well as the artists who are carrying on the torch today to make music for a new generation. This is a great exhibit for all ages, including children, and I would recommend going with a group of friends.
Put your loved one’s name in lights
Want to create some big drama for that special someone with a romantic surprise? You know your sweetheart or family member plays a starring role in your life, so show them they have the spotlight with a custom message of love and appreciation. On Valentine’s Day, The Grand Opera House is offering discounts to put your loved one’s name in lights on its beautiful marquee in downtown Macon. This is great to pair with dinner at one of the over 50 restaurants within walking distance for a full evening out. The Grand rents out marquee messages all year but has a special deal for Valentine’s Day.
Walk by casually after your date, and your loved one will see a BIG surprise! The romantic gesture or surprise can be done for only $20 per 15-minute time slot on the marquee. Sign up here.
Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra concert
The Grand truly will be the place to be that evening, as it will be host to a special concert from the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra — the best date idea in town! The symphony is in its inaugural season and already making a splash. For the Feb. 14 program, join Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal players along with emerging artists of the McDuffie Center for Strings and rising star guest artist Xavier Foley. The program includes the romantic Tchaikovsky’s “Overture to Romeo and Juliet” as well as Foley’s original composition, “For Justice and Peace.”
The best part about the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra is that it is priced to be a gathering point for everyone. Adult tickets are $20-$30 and students of all ages are always free at the door. Use code VALENTINES after reading this article to unlock a special discount price to give it a try. If you really want to spoil your Valentine, a $25 Romance add-on package is available that includes a red rose and two glasses of champagne to toast with your sweetheart. Simply add the “Symphony Romance Package” to your cart at check-out. One ticket covers one couple. Get your symphony tickets now.
No matter how you spend the weekend, know that you’re loved by your fellow Bears, and there’s always something new to do with Mercerians around Macon.
