Gig Guide

George Porter Jr. is best known as the bassist for the Meters, the widely influential proto-funk group out of New Orleans, a group that started bringing the funky jams all the way back in the 1960s. Since then, Porter has established himself as a highly respected (and sought after) bassist and producer, working with everyone from Allen Toussaint to Paul McCartney to Dr. John. If you like funky music, you cannot miss this guy. Doors: 7 p.m./Show: 8 p.m. $10-$15.

The Macon Venue Project is doing its best to add some memories to Grant’s Lounge’s fabled “Wall of Fame.” These ain’t no stick-the-bottom-lip-out, solo-crazy, blues-based bands, though. This is heart-on-the-sleeve rock ‘n’ roll, screaming emotionalism, power chords through big delay pedals. The best thing about Macon Venue Project is their dedication to keeping shows all ages so everyone can take part in the live music experience — so bring the kids. Just make sure they wear ear plugs. 7 p.m. $10.

Think about this for a minute: Ricky Skaggs started his career at the tender age of 6 when he joined Bill Monroe’s band. A year later, at the wizened old age of 7, he was appearing on television with legendary duo Flatt & Scruggs. But that wasn’t his official start as a professional musician. For that, he waited until he was 16 to join Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys. Since then, he’s won shelves full of awards for his guitar playing and singing, and he was praised by Chet Atkins for “single-handedly saving country music.” No big deal. Doors: 7 p.m./Show: 8 p.m. $30-$42.

Part cosmic Southern gentlemen, part zany uncle, Col. Bruce Hampton is one of the coolest cats south of the Mason Dixon line. He has been performing since the early 1960s and still manages to keep things interesting. He is a singer, guitar player, band leader, actor, magician, storyteller and artist with a seemingly never ending wellspring of creative ideas. His shows are always a blast and this one at Fresh Produce Records will certainly be one for the record books. 9 p.m. $10.

The Living Room Concert Series is a new take on the live music experience at the Cox Capitol Theatre. Instead of putting bands on stage and separating them from the audience, performances will take place in the spaces normally reserved for standing-room guests, creating an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a house show. The goal is to put the music first and foremost to create connections between audience and artist. The second show in the series features Caleb Caudle, whose brand of country music recalls voices as diverse as Gram Parsons and George Strait. He’s joined by Justin Osborne, frontman of Macon favorites Susto. Doors: 7 p.m./Show: 8 p.m. $10-$15.

Band spotlights by Fieldnote Stenographers Chris Nylund and Jared Wright/Special to The Telegraph

This story was originally published September 22, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Gig Guide."