2-Day Tour of Albany Music
When Albany, Georgia's rich music scene is on your mind, it's time to take a trip to the "Good Life City" where American music icon Ray Charles was born and the hits kept coming. Also from Albany are Big Band-era trumpeter Harry James, jazz guitarist Russell Malone, top country songwriter Dallas Davidson, Shawn Jay and Smoke of hip-hop duo Field Mob, and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips.
From the Albany Chorale to the award-winning sounds of the Albany State University Marching Rams to the mighty gospel of church choirs and the Freedom Singers, the music scene of Albany music shines bright.
Use this two-day itinerary to experience Albany’s inspiring music legacy.
Start with “The Genius of Soul” Landmark
Located on Front Street downtown, Ray Charles Plaza's centerpiece is a life-sized rotating bronze sculpture of Ray Charles holding court from the bench of his baby grand piano. At night, the sculpture lights up while Charles’ iconic soul tunes are played. Also featured in the plaza is a sitting area shaped like piano keys, and a plaque displayed in front of the statue with content included in Braille. The Ray Charles Plaza is a beautiful area with a scenic view of Flint River in the background.
Grab a Taste of Pretoria Fields
Founded in 2017 by Tripp Morgan, a cardiovascular surgeon with a passion for craft beer and for the distinctive flavors of Albany, Pretoria Fields is the first farm brewery in Georgia, and has been a welcome addition to the community. The brewery offers a tasting room where you can sample their delicious brews while playing cornhole and board games. Dogs and kids are welcome, food trucks and bands are often on site, and new and engaging events – like Yoga on Tap or Books and Brews book club – are always on their schedule. Guides offer tours of the brewery every hour on the hour.
Catch Dinner and a Band
For more than two decades, Harvest Moon has been a top-rated, family-friendly Albany eatery with live music on the menu every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. The Bo Henry Band, whose red-bearded bandleader is a Harvest Moon co-owner, often holds court in the cozy venue, playing long sets of soulful Southern rock, blues, and jam music.
Fill Up at Pearly’s
Carey "Pearly" Gates and his crew have been serving up Southern hospitality – and all-day breakfast plates – since 1962. Most days, when you walk through the front door, Gates is there to greet you by name – or learn your name, if you’re new to his restaurant. So much kindness, and the best biscuits and grits in the area, too? It’s no wonder Pearly’s has become an Albany icon.
Experience the Civil Rights Institute
Located in the newly restored Mt. Zion Church, the Albany Civil Rights Institute uses oral histories, photographs, documents, and artifacts to detail the struggle for freedom and equality during the civil rights era, and tells the stories and tactics of those who became change agents in their communities. The museum also serves as a center for ongoing academic research and provides school tours, programs, and lectures.
Albany was a vital battleground in the civil rights era, and the congregational singing traditions of the area made music an integral part of the movement. The SNCC Freedom Singers were formed in 1962 in Albany and subsequently toured the country.
Discover a South Georgia Symphony
With more than 50 years of history, the Albany Symphony Orchestra continues to serve the South Georgia community in a unique, positive way, reaching a diverse mix of racial, cultural, and economic groups. Established in 1964, it's Southwest Georgia's only fully professional symphony. Concerts are held October through May at the Historic Albany Municipal Auditorium.
Get Hooked on Chef G's Dishes
Family is important to the Singfields – father Glenn and son Glenn II (also known to regulars as Chef G) opened the Albany Fish Company in 2016 as a way to share some of the delicious down-home seafood recipes they loved as children and mastered as adults. Folks rave about their catfish, cheese grits, and shrimp po-boys, and about the obvious pride that shines through in everything they do.
