Macon DJ Roger Riddle and Y-O Latimore of Poetic Peace Arts join us most Thursdays to talk about fun things to do in Middle Georgia over the weekend and beyond.

Roger's Picks for July 17:

Each month the Macon Film Guild brings critically acclaimed independent and foreign films to the historic Douglass Theater in downtown Macon. This coming Tuesday they'll be screening "Happy People: A Year In The Tiaga," directed by Werner Herzog (who also directed "Grizzly Man") and Dmitry Vasyukov.

"Happy People..." takes us deep into the isolated Siberian Tiaga to a small village called Bakhtia. There we meet a Siberian trapper and follow him for a full year through this beautiful, remote landscape. Tickets are $5 and the film begins at 7:30pm. For more information go to http://www.maconfilmguild.org.

My second pick is Xavii, a progressive and experimental rock band from right here in Macon. While they may not be as well known as some of the easily recognizable big name local bands, Xavii is one of the most respected bands in the area among musicians and hardcore music lovers.

They have a free flowing sound that builds on its self and then drifts away only to bring you back again. They will be playing on the Georgia Public Broadcasting Stage at The 567 downtown Macon during Bragg Jam, July 27. You can hear music from Xavii at http://xavii.bandcamp.com.

--Roger

Y-O's Picks for July 17:

This is the last weekend to catch our local production of Hairspray at the Macon Little Theatre. It's directed by Sylvia Haynie and Laura Voss and choreographed by Pilar Wildar. Showtime is from 8 until 10 each night this weekend and from 2:30 until 4:30 on Sunday. This is the last weekend to catch Hairspray at the Macon Little Theatre on Forsyth Road in Macon.

Although this musical is vibrant and upbeat, it reflects some serious matters, such as social norms and racism. Here's Pilar Wilder sharing some of her experiences as the choreographer of Hairspray which is currently running at the Macon Little Theatre: http://www.maconlittletheatre.org.

My other pick is ongoing through the end of July at the Washington Memorial Library in Macon. It's free, in the A/C, and most of all it's a learning experience. After checking out this collection of photographs, you'll view historic Macon through a different lens. For example, every time I pass by Jamie Weatherford and Jessica Walden's home, I can't help but think of the Then & Now exhibit...Macon “Then & Now”

It's up through July 31 at Washington Memorial Library, 1180 Washington Ave, featuring archival photographs of historic Macon properties alongside photographs of their present-day appearance. It's free, more info is at http://www.historicmacon.org.

--Y-O

Be sure to check out GPB Macon intern Erica O'Neal's feature about the "Then & Now" exhibit, including a slideshow: Exhibit Shows Macon 'Then And Now'

Tags: Adam Ragusea, Historic Macon Foundation, Erica O'Neal, Roger Riddle, Y-O Latimore, Macon Little Theare, Douglass Theatre, Macon Film Guild, Wener Herzog, Xavii