Photo: A performance at the Cox Capitol Theatre in Macon, Ga. Photo by Flickr user Nicole Kibert.

Almost a century ago, the Capitol Theatre opened up in downtown Macon, Ga. to show movies on a big screen. For approximately six decades, the venue thrived, surrounded by retail stores and restaurants. There was no such thing as a mall, and people went downtown to conduct business and frolic. The Capitol was in the midst of it all. After the birth of shopping centers and malls, however, many businesses moved their establishments. The Capitol Theatre, too, shut its doors and remained closed for nearly 30 years.

Eventually, the theater was revitalized by a group of concerned citizens who dedicated their time to bringing it back to life. The location is now known as the Cox Capitol Theatre, and it is one of the main venues that pumps vitality into the city.

Since the Cox Capitol Theatre, a Knight Foundation grantee, reopened in 2006, there have been some challenges and a series of management changes. However, the Moonhanger Group–which owns the Rookery, Dovetail and H&H restaurants–is now managing the venue, and they have created a buzz around the theater by booking live acts and supporting independent artists.

For the rest of the year, at least 10 shows are scheduled to happen at the Cox Capitol Theatre. The groups cover a variety of genres ranging from country to rap. The lineup starts on Nov. 20 with Leon Russell, a session musician who has recorded with many greats, including Elton John. Other performers who will headline shows through the end of the year are the Wood Brothers, a folk music act; Todd Nance and Friends, who will lead an organized jam gig with musicians from successful rock and roll bands; country musician Ray Wylie Hubbard; pop-country-rock outfit Sister Hazel; and Big K.R.I.T., a Def Jam Recording rapper.

The theater has been revitalized by the lineup of quality entertainers, and it is also becoming a platform for up-and-coming artists, along with traveling acts that stop in Macon. More details on the schedule of shows happening at the Cox Capitol Theatre can be found by clicking here.