The Sound of Georgia Music Greets States Visitors
ATLANTA, August 18, 2008 - Travelers stopping at Georgia's Visitor Information Centers will now find more than a friendly face and directions: they'll hear a stirring introduction to the state's rich musical heritage.
Nine of the 11 state visitor centers, which are operated by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), are playing songs by Georgia musicians, from marquis names like Ray Charles and R.E.M. to lesser-known talents such as Sonia Leigh and Luke Bryan. 'The Soundtrack of your Life,' a partnership between GDEcD and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, was turned on at 10am on Aug. 15 at the Augusta, Columbus, Kingsland, Lavonia, Ringgold, Savannah, Tallapoosa, Valdosta and West Point centers.
'We welcomed 12 million visitors to our centers last year, which indicated to us that these are the perfect locations to showcase our musical history and attractions to Georgia visitors,' said Charlie Gatlin, GDEcD's Deputy Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing. 'Georgia artists have influenced generations of musicians around the world and we hope visitors will enjoy hearing their music.'
Guests at the state VICs will be greeted by signs showing some of Georgia's most well-known musicians as they enter the centers. The music and associated commentary will entertain and educate travelers, encouraging them to visit the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, which showcases more than 450 Georgia musicians including Little Richard, James Brown, Otis Redding, Trisha Yearwood, the B-52's and the Allman Brothers. The Hall of Fame is currently producing a series of CDs similar to 'The Soundtrack of Your Life' that will reflect the diversity of Georgia's musical landscape.
The music scene in Georgia is active, growing and full of history. Athens, home to hundreds of bands who play jazz, classical, blues, country, hip hop, rock and a multitude of alternative music genres, has a music vibe that is explosively energetic. Attractions unique to the state include the Savannah Music Festival, Georgia's largest musical arts festival, and the James Brown Tour in Augusta, which visits 13 Godfather of Soul-related sites. Enjoy a performance at one of Georgia's newest entertainment venues including the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in northwest Atlanta or the state-of-the-art Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta. Georgia boasts a variety of musical venues, talents and experiences just waiting to be discovered.
Georgia's Visitor Information Centers serve as a gateway to the state and are located on major travel arteries in Augusta, Columbus, Kingsland, Lavonia, Plains, Ringgold, Savannah, Tallapoosa, Valdosta, West Point and Sylvania. Travelers are greeted by information specialists who provide travel information, book hotel rooms and offer directions. The VICS also distribute state travel guide, maps, a variety of brochures and other collateral materials. The Georgia Visitor Information Centers work closely with the 36 Regional Visitor Information Centers located throughout the state to create a positive first impression of Georgia to visitors.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm. The agency attracts new business, encourages the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locates new markets for Georgia products. It also markets Georgia to tourists and promotes the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects. For more information, visit www.exploregeorgia.org.