Revival Benefit for ABB Museum

Big House Foundation Announces Allman Brothers Band Museum

2321 Vineville Avenue has a new resident. The official sale of what is known as the “Big House” is complete and plans are rapidly moving forward to the opening of the Allman Brothers Band Museum. A press conference was held at the Big House to formally announce the Big House Foundation’s purchase of 2321 Vineville Avenue, Kirk West’s thousands of pieces of music memorabilia and the adjoining lot that was made available after its home was destroyed by a recent fire.

Representatives from the Big House Foundation announced an upcoming benefit concert. The Big House “Revival” will take place Saturday, January 19, 6 p.m., at the Armory Ballroom (484 First Street) in downtown Macon. In addition to a variety of food provided by the Macon Independent Restaurant Association (MIRA), there will be a stellar lineup of live music featuring Jimmy Hall & Friends of Wet Willie with special guest Jack Pearson formerly of the Allman Brothers Band, the Tommy Talton Band and Caroline Aiken. Hudson & Marshall will conduct live and silent auctions of rare and collectible music memorabilia, concert tickets and celebrity donations. Individual tickets are $75; tables reservations start at $500 for four and $1,000 for a table for 8.

Funds raised from the “Revival” concert event will go toward the Big House Foundation’s conversion and restoration of 2321 Vineville Avenue into the museum and archives. Renovations are expected to begin later this month. The 106-year-old Grand Tudor-style mansion earned the name the “Big House” when it was occupied by Allman Brothers Band members Duane and Gregg Allman, Berry Oakley and their families as they emerged onto the music scene in the early 1970s. It was at the Big House that songs were written, lives were mourned and the history of Southern music was forever changed. In 1993, Allman Brothers tour manager Kirk West and wife Kirsten purchased the Big House and moved from Chicago to make it their residence. For the next 14 years, the Wests opened their doors to the many Allman Brothers fans – or “pilgrims” as they are often called – who came from all over the world just to see where it all began for the legendary musicians.

In April 2004, the Big House Foundation was formed as a 501(c)3 to purchase the Big House from the Wests and convert it to the Allman Brothers Band Museum. The current projected public opening of the Allman Brothers Band Museum is early 2009.

Tickets to the “Revival” concert fundraiser are available by calling 478.742.5005. For more information on the concert or the Big House Foundation, visit thebighousemuseum.org.