[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Music is one of the most important things we as humans get to celebrate together . . . It helps us find the humanity in others.” – Dsto Moore[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It started as one photographer’s vision to showcase the diversity and depth of his community, seeking through his lens a way document and share the eclectic, yet belongingness power of Macon music found among its people. The result is one of the most prolific and comprehensive portrait collections of local, homegrown talent.

In 2019, Dsto Moore started capturing photos of local individuals who reflect Macon’s musical spirit. With each portrait, there is a common prop: a well-worn, wood-encased speaker. That speaker is the unifying symbol – a soapbox or an amplifier – so to speak, of a Macon that still has something to say. And often, it’s best said through music.

Since launching the Macon Music Project, Moore has photographed dozens of local subjects. There are stalwarts, young guns, disruptors, elders, entertainers and keepers of the flame. Some are well-known performers, while others are bourgeoning on the scene; some are obscure, while others remain unsung.

Moore debuted a gallery exhibit of the project at Mercer University in February 2022 and hopes for more exhibits with additional subjects. The project remains a work in progress; Moore continues to add portraits to his online gallery and physical collection.

In a city known for its music legends, the Macon Music Project is a mixed tape and a shared soundtrack where, no matter the playback or success, there will always be a story and a song.

As part of Macon Magazine’s first commemorative music issue, we are proud to present a sampling of the people and places from Dsto Moore’s Macon Music Project, which you will find here and throughout the pages of this issue.

Discover the entire collection online at:
dstomoore.com[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14380″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Universal Messenger
Dean Brown, Musician
Cherry St. Alleyway
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14382″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Icon Archivist
Kirk West, Photographer
Gallery West
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14386″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Commander of Club Stage
Blk Pearl
Grant’s Lounge[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14384″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Multi-Talented Classicist
Kelley Dixson
Second St. Alleyway[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14381″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Positive Disruptors
Mark Wingfield and Martaze Blackmon, 478Legacy
Sofkee Neighborhood[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14383″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Virtuoso Future
Virgil Moore
Robert McDuffie Center for Strings
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14385″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Heart Center
Amber Valentine
Third St. Park Fountain
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14389″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Sound and Soul of Stage
Charles Davis
Theatre Macon
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14388″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Torch-Bearer
Karla Redding-Andrews
Otis Redding Foundation
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”14387″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Southern Rock Insider
Chris Hicks
Capricorn Studios
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