The Sound & Soul of the South

Denise Tucker, the executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, shares insights into Augusta's vibrant arts scene, the upcoming Art in the Heart of Augusta Festival, and the importance of arts funding for community growth. Special Guest Denise Tucker, Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council Key Topics The role of the Greater Augusta Arts Council in promoting arts and culture Details about the Art in the Heart of Augusta Festival, including its history and activities The economic and community impact of arts festivals in Augusta The importance of arts funding and advocacy for local artists and nonprofits Future visions for Augusta's arts scene and community healing through arts Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Augusta's Arts and Culture Scene 01:19 Meet Denise Tucker: Augusta Arts Council's Leadership Journey 02:48 The Vision and Role of the Greater Augusta Arts Council 03:51 Details of the Art in the Heart of Augusta Festival 05:16 Festival Activities: Art Jurors, Food, and Entertainment Stages 06:44 Young Artists Market and Artist Participation 07:53 Geographic Reach of Festival Artists and Local Involvement 08:18 Why Augusta Can Handle Large-Scale Arts Events 09:31 Economic Impact of the Arts Festival on Augusta 10:23 Year-Round Initiatives of the Arts Council 11:51 Public Art Projects and Community Engagement 12:53 Funding Challenges and Advocacy for Arts Funding 13:55 The Broader Impact of Arts in Education and Community 15:49 The Cultural Significance of the South and Augusta’s Unique Voice 17:48 The South’s Soulfulness and Cultural Diversity 19:19 Future Visions: Community Conversations and Inclusivity 23:20 Building a Creative and Inclusive Augusta 24:38 Top Recommendations for Experiencing Augusta’s Arts Scene 25:59 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook Resources Augusta Arts Council - https://augustaarts.com/ Arts in the Heart of Augusta - https://www.freshtix.com/events/arts-in-the-heart-of-augusta-festival-2026 This episode is brought to you in partnership with Experience Augusta - The Feel Good City. Order your free Augusta Experience Guide today & start planning your visit! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What if your next road trip followed the music? In this episode of The Sound & Soul of the South, we explore Music Roadtrip, a free travel app built for music fans looking to discover the places, people and stories behind the songs. From legendary museums and historic recording sites to record stores, album-cover locations, hidden venues and tonight’s live music, discover how Music Roadtrip is connecting travelers with music history—and helping them find the music being made right now. Key Topics The inspiration behind the Music Roadtrip app Why music tourism goes far beyond Nashville, Memphis and other established “music cities” Finding hidden music landmarks and off-the-beaten-path experiences Macon’s Allman Brothers and Otis Redding connections Music museums, historic markers, cemeteries and iconic album-cover locations Connecting travelers with emerging and local musicians Finding both ticketed and free/non-ticketed live music Using technology, geolocation and Spotify to bring music history to life The Seeker weekly music-travel newsletter Building trips around music festivals and destinations Booking tickets and accommodations through the app Planning the ultimate Southern music road trip Chapters 00:13 Meet the Team Behind Music Roadtrip 01:25 Why Music Travelers Needed Their Own App 03:07 Discovering the Music You Never Knew Was There 05:02 Hidden Music History from Tulsa to Macon 08:02 Why Music Fans Want to Stand Where History Happened 10:01 Finding Local Artists & Off-the-Beaten-Path Venues 13:12 The Seeker: A Weekly Guide to Music Travel 16:17 What’s Next for Music Roadtrip 19:04 Finding Live Music Wherever You Are 23:32 Building the Ultimate Southern Music Road Trip Resources Music Roadtrip — https://musicroadtrip.com/ The Seeker — https://musicroadtrip.com/ (select “The Seeker”) DiddyTV — https://www.diddytv.com/ Ready to follow the music? Download the free Music Roadtrip app and turn your next getaway into a journey through the places, stories, landmarks and live sounds that shaped the music you love. Start planning at MusicRoadtrip.com. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, we explore the vibrant music scene in Memphis and the impactful work of Music Export Memphis, led by founder Elizabeth K-Wan. Kia Johnson shares her journey as a musician and actress, highlighting how Memphis' rich musical heritage continues to inspire and support artists today. Special Guest Elizabeth Cawein & Keia Johnson Key Topics Music Export Memphis's role in supporting artists The impact of Memphis' music history on current scenes International collaborations like Liverpool project The ambassador program and artist support initiatives The importance of local culture in artist development Keia Johnson's journey as a musician and actress Memphis' diverse music genres and scenes The role of music in community and economic development Chapters 00:21 Welcome to Memphis: A City Built on Music 02:17 Music Export Memphis: Sending Memphis Music Worldwide 03:44 Turning Memphis Musicians into Ambassadors 07:09 Why Elizabeth Cawein Built Music Export Memphis 11:37 Music as Economic Development & Destination Marketing 14:40 Beyond the Legends: Memphis Music Today 17:39 From Memphis to Liverpool & Building Artist Careers 21:45 72 Hours in Memphis: Elizabeth’s Must-Do List 24:34 Meet Memphis Singer & Actress Kia Johnson 32:01 The Moment Kia Knew Music Was Her Calling 39:42 Billie Holiday, International Stages & Finding Memphis 45:27 An Artist’s Perspective on Music Export Memphis 49:04 Kia’s Guide to Eating, Drinking & Hearing Memphis 52:35 Why Music Cities Should Take Notes from Memphis Resources Music Export Memphis — https://musicexportmemphis.org/ WYXR 91.7 FM – Straight from the Source — https://wyxr.org/programs/straight-from-the-source/ Memphis Travel — https://www.memphistravel.com/ Stax Museum of American Soul Music — https://staxmuseum.org/ National Civil Rights Museum — https://civilrightsmuseum.org/ Sun Studio — https://www.sunstudio.com/ Beale Street — https://www.memphistravel.com/beale-street Bar DKDC — https://www.bardkdc.com/ Ghost River Brewing Co. — https://www.ghostriverbrewing.com/ B.B. King’s Blues Club Memphis — https://www.bbkings.com/memphis/ This episode is brought to you in partnership with Memphis Music Exports. Order your free Memphis Map & Travel Guide today & start planning your visit! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Explore the rich history of Dyess, Arkansas, the birthplace of Johnny Cash, and learn about the preservation efforts, cultural significance, and upcoming events at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home managed by Arkansas State University. Special Guest Dr. Adam Long and Penny Toombs Key Topics History of Dyess, Arkansas as a New Deal resettlement colony Johnny Cash's childhood and connection to Dice Heritage preservation efforts by Arkansas State University Cultural significance of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Upcoming events like the Sunken Lands Songwriting Circle and Arkansas Roots Music Festival Impact of the Mississippi River and Southern roots on American music and culture Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dyess, Arkansas and Johnny Cash 01:55 Arkansas State University's Heritage Sites Program 03:59 History of Dyess as a New Deal Resettlement Colony 07:51 Johnny Cash's Family and Childhood in Dyess 12:01 The Cultural and Community Impact of Dyess 14:09 Restoration and Preservation of Johnny Cash's House 18:03 Tourism, Events, and Johnny Cash Legacy 21:55 Upcoming Festivals and Fundraisers 26:51 The Significance of the Arkansas Delta in American Music 31:59 Visiting Dyess and the Johnny Cash Heritage Experience Resources Arkansas State University - https://www.astate.edu/outreach/history-and-heritage/heritage-sites/dyess-cash/index.html Arkansas Tourism/Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash - https://www.arkansas.com/experiences/discover/attraction-listings/historic-dyess-colony-johnny-cash-boyhood-home Arkansas Delta Byways Tourism Association - https://deltabyways.com/ This episode is brought to you in partnership with Arkansas State University Heritage Sites, Historic Dyess Colony & Arkansas Delta Byways. Order your free Arkansas Delta Byways Travel Guide today & start planning your visit! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Coco Rubio shares his journey from a music-loving kid in Augusta to a key figure in revitalizing downtown Augusta's music scene. He discusses the history of Augusta's music culture, the impact of James Brown, and the ongoing growth of local arts and entertainment. Special Guest Coco Rubio Key Topics Coco Rubio's background and connection to Augusta The role of music in community building The history and influence of James Brown in Augusta The development of downtown Augusta's music venues Support for local and original music scenes Impact of urban revitalization on arts and culture The importance of cultural identity in music Future plans for Augusta's music and arts scene Chapters 00:00 Meet Coco Rubio, the “Mayor of Downtown Augusta” 02:11 How Coco Fell in Love with Music 04:35 The Birth of Soul Bar 08:42 James Brown & the Sound of Augusta 14:40 Music Helps Revive Downtown Augusta 21:08 Augusta Embraces the Godfather of Soul 23:46 The Night James Brown Walked Into Soul Bar 28:48 What Makes Southern Music Different? 31:39 Sharon Jones Comes Home 34:22 Where to Hear Live Music in Augusta 37:45 Augusta’s Next Generation of Musicians 39:14 Keeping Augusta’s Music Scene Alive Resources Soul Bar - https://www.visitaugusta.com/plan/experience-passes/soul-starts-here/soul-bar/ Augusta Museum - https://www.augustamuseum.org James Brown Family Foundation - https://www.jamesbrownlegacy.com This episode is brought to you in partnership with Experience Augusta - The Feel Good City. Order your free Augusta Experience Guide today & start planning your visit! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★