The Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries represent key players in every genre, from the beginnings of Soul and R&B in Macon and Augusta to the birth of alternative rock and new wave in Athens and the rise of southern Hip-Hop in Atlanta. Guests visiting Akins Ford Arena can explore Georgia's rich music history through a thematic display of original music artifacts and interactive displays.
Join us for a guided tour of the Georgia Music Collections, where you can explore iconic memorabilia and historic artifacts while interacting with displays that celebrate Georgia's rich music history.
Thursday, August 20 | 6:45 pm
Guests must arrive by 6:30 pm for the tour.
Explore over 200 artifacts spanning eight decades of Georgia music history, featuring newly added displays. You’ll see guitars from icons like the Indigo Girls and Drivin N Cryin, performance outfits worn by Trisha Yearwood and Little Richard, tour shirts, backstage passes, and so much more!
A touch table at the main entrance invites visitors to explore music history entries from the New Georgia Encyclopedia.
"Set the Stage," where visitors can design their own concert venue.
"Play Along Piano," where visitors can play recognizable tunes.
Discover how electricity has reshaped how we listen and experience music.
"Do You Know Georgia Music," a trivia game where visitors can test their knowledge of Georgia Music History.
You'll find more music history when you head upstairs to the suite level! There are displays of gold records, show fliers and posters, and album covers drawn from the Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries. Visitors can also discover Athens Potluck – a photography project created by Jason Thrasher. Potluck tells an organic story about the Athens music scene through a series of photographs and stories of 33 musicians.
Visit the Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries when attending an event at Akins Ford Arena!
