Music & Entertainment Council
Columbus, GA
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Why MEC?
MEC works to Stabilize, Protect, Connect, Sustain and Grow music education and resources within all areas of the local live and produced music scene. We have a direct relationship with entities that already exist to propel music. Diversity and inclusion of all voices are an integral part of our foundation. The Columbus Region, known locally as the Chattahoochee Valley, is comprised of seven counties: six in Georgia, and one in Alabama. Collective efforts continue to strengthen the region’s economy. The impact is clear in recent projects, such as the allocation of more than $100 million to fund cultural arts projects, vital infrastructure support, the 22-mile RiverWalk, and the Columbus RiverCenter. Over the last decade, the region has experienced the benefits of more than $2.8 billion in new capital investment and 18,000 new jobs. Arts & Culture – Amazing Columbus Georgia
Ed Harbison's Statement
I am here to support the MEC and provide whatever needed.
Calvin Smyre's Statement
I am very interested to support and watch the growth of this initiative. Please Keep Me Updated!
Z
Music causes your soul to create a natural harmony.
Videos
CEO & Founder, Sound Diplomacy
There is economic value that music will bring to Columbus, directly & indirectly. Places with thriving and engaged music scenes that are recognized and invested in, in a joined up manner, attract and retain talent, investment and jobs. Music is a tool to improve the entire community, in a holistic and equitable way, if done properly. Music has an impact on everything— learn the value of growing a vibrant music sector.
Overview of the Music & Entertainment Council
Arreasha Z Lawrence is the Chief Music Officer and Founder of the Music & Entertainment Council. She talks about the opportunity Columbus has to raise the bar for music across all areas of the region including tourism.
Social Media
Major Regional Venues
“Friday December 18th was Netflix’s release of Ma Rainey Film!! Based on the August Wilson play of the same name, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom takes place in a Chicago recording studio in 1927. The George Wolfe adaptation is a captivating fictional account of a day in Rainey’s life and offers commentary on love, race relations, Black culture, and more.” -Dr. Shae of the Liberty Theater Cultural Center #marainey #motheroftheblues.
Located in the heart of historic uptown Columbus, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is the centerpiece of the city’s new arts and entertainment district. A property of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the 245,000-square-foot RiverCenter is a visually stunning blend of the past and the present, mixing the brick and ironwork of the area’s historic buildings with a modern multi-level glass and steel façade. RiverCenter’s state-of-the-art facilities include the 2,000-seat Bill Heard Theatre, the center’s main venue and home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Fulfilling its mission of providing quality entertainment and promoting the artistic enrichment of the Columbus area, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts has become much more than a great performing arts center. It has become a key player in the preservation of the social, economic, and civic vitality of the region.
The Phenix City Amphitheater is located along the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River and adjacent to the historic Dillingham Street Bridge. The Amphitheater is the perfect backdrop for special events such as concerts, weddings, graduations, and civic functions. It seats approximately 3,000 people, but still feels intimate and cozy. It is especially beautiful when the sun goes down and the reflection of the moon, stars, and lights from the bridge glimmer on the Chattahoochee River. It is truly a beautiful sight to see!
Our 21st Century Planning is based upon our Four Pillars for Success, and one of the pillars we are most proud of is Service to Our Community. Our aim is for the Civic Center to be a beacon for the community, by providing a World Class atmosphere, creating, and producing new events while being the pillar for local gatherings.
