Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor proclaims Soul Jam Festival Day; organizer urges county to invest in new jail and larger stadium
Summary
Mayor Lester M. Miller proclaimed May 28, 2025, Soul Jam Festival Day in Macon‑Bibb County. Festival founder and state Sen. David Lucas used the podium to mark the 30th anniversary and urged county leaders to pursue a new jail and a larger stadium to host regional events.
Mayor Lester M. Miller on May 28 proclaimed the day Soul Jam Festival Day in Macon‑Bibb County, marking the event’s 30th anniversary and urging community participation.
The proclamation recognized the Soul Jam Festival (formerly the Flashback Festival) for bringing live soul and R&B performances, supporting vendors and community services, and contributing proceeds to the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund. Senator David Lucas, the festival’s longtime promoter, accepted the proclamation and spoke about the event’s local history and future needs.
Senator David Lucas described the festival’s origins, saying he partnered with local promoters after Atlanta promoters left and secured sponsorship support to keep the event in Macon. He told the commission the festival has drawn top entertainers and “no foolishness” and asked local leaders to consider capital projects that would help attract larger events. “If you want to get locked up, come and act crazy and Soul Jam — you’ll get locked up. And then Tuesday morning, I’ll meet you in court,” Lucas said to emphasize the festival’s public‑safety focus.
Lucas urged the commission to address what he called the county’s aging jail and to consider expanding Henderson Stadium or building a new facility that could host events such as the Music City Classic when the World Games and other regional events use nearby venues. He recalled early sponsors and said the festival survived periods of financial risk because of local support.
Commissioner Elaine Lucas, speaking during the public comment period, thanked the commission for recognizing David Lucas and added that he had served in the state legislature: “He has served us for 50 years as a member of the state legislature,” she said. She also reiterated concerns about the county jail and asked the commission to consider forming a blue‑ribbon committee or other planning group to study the jail’s problems and possible solutions.
The proclamation document was signed by Mayor Lester M. Miller and will be filed with the consolidated government records. Organizers invited the public to attend the festival celebration this weekend.
