Halls of Fame Funding

Macon leaders cannot agree on a way to help fund the Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame, and that's bad news for the future of the two Macon museums.
The Halls of Fame are state agencies, but over the last two years there's been a growing desire at the State Capitol to have the City of Macon contribute something financially. Any change would have to be approved by Macon's local legislative delegation.
The city came up with a plan and voted to raise the hotel-motel tax by a penny and split the proceeds between the two halls. But, that proposal was rejected by some democratic lawmakers who want the money split four ways. City councilman Erick Erickson says the city is in a tough spot.

"They're being held hostage by the Governor and General Assembly who are demanding local funds unlike any other state financed project and they're also being held hostage to David Lucas and Robert Brown wanting this amphitheatre/football stadium. No one else wanted it. No one else asked for it. We had a unanimous county and city saying we just wanted a two-way split and yet for some reason we can't get it."

Erickson says the members of the local delegation need to come together so the museums do not close.

Otis Redding exhibit extended

The Otis Redding exhibit, "I've Got Dreams to Remember" will remain on view at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame until the spring. Otis' wife Zelma Redding says the show, scheduled to close this month, has been extremely popular. The exhibit explores Redding's work as a singer, producer, and songwriter. It features over 175 artifacts from Zelma Redding's private memorabilia collection.
Officials with the museum credit the exhibit with increased attendance and sales. In January the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries named the show, "Museum Exhibition of the Year."

Courtesy Georgia Music Hall of Fame