Macon the Stage event features art, music, theater

Fine art in all forms will take the stage this weekend at the third annual Macon the Stage Talent Expo at the Douglass Theatre.

Lyrical Canvasses moves to Friday this year, kicking off the event at 8 p.m., and features visual artists creating works on canvas as live poetry, music, songs and monologues are performed.

Saturday’s events begin at 1 p.m. with “an in-depth mini professional seminar around the art of business,” according to a news release. Shelton Land, president/CEO of Land Mindz Inc., will serve as guest facilitator. Topics include art and social entrepreneurial success and increasing profits.

Youth Unplugged begins at 2 p.m. Saturday and provides a platform for local youth ages 7-17 to show off their talents. The event includes “an interactive segment involving activities to enhance the mind, build self-esteem, stretch artistic gifts and information sharing” as well as provide scholarship information, according to the website.

Macon the Stage’s closing gala, “Reviving the Chitlin Circuit,” begins at 7 p.m. Saturday and will be highlighted by a historical overview presented by master storyteller Valerie Davis. “Individual showcases that highlight and honor legends” also will be a focus of the gala, which will include vocal, comedy and theatrical performances.

“We are excited about this year’s event since it fittingly pays tribute to artists of the past that achieved greatness in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds while on the famed Chitlin Circuit,” Land said in the release.

The event is managed by Land Mindz and co-sponsored by the Douglass Theatre, Created Opportunities LLC and Visionary Communications and is designed to connect the community with the arts, according to the release.

Proceeds from Lyrical Canvasses, with a $5 admission fee, and the gala, $25, help to meet Macon the Stage’s goal of providing scholarships for youth to attend local summer arts camps. All other events are free.

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Macon the Stage event features art, music, theater."