United Way of Central Georgia and Mercer University Athletics are excited to announce the return of 478 Sings United. The event will again celebrate and recognize the great musical talent in Central Georgia all while helping to give back to our community in need. The virtual singing competition and fundraiser is for local bands and musicians connected to the 14 counties served by United Way of Central Georgia: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Hancock, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Macon, Monroe, Peach, Putnam, Twiggs, Washington, and Wilkinson. At least one member of the musical group (or solo artist) must be from, go to school (past or present), live, or perform in one of the counties mentioned. The Grand Prize winner will receive $2,500, plus perform at a 2021 Mercer Bears football game as part of the 2021 Ford Mercer Concert Series, and record a track at Capricorn Sound Studios in Macon.
The competition will be organized in a single elimination bracket tournament [like March Madness] organized by a selection committee and dependent on the number of entrants. Musicians/bands must submit registration for the tournament by May 3 at 9 am. The bracket and first round match-up dates will be announced soon after. The winner of each match-up is based on the number of votes in the fundraising/singing competition. Each $1 contributed counts as one vote, with all funds benefiting Central Georgia.
This year, United Way is partnering with the Macon Arts Alliance to continue to support musicians in Central Georgia by contributing 50% of the contest proceeds. Last year, United Way and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia created the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to address the immediate and urgent needs of Central Georgians in response to the pandemic. The funds raised by 478 Sings United supported that fund. Macon Arts Alliance was one of many local organizations hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, Macon Arts Alliance received $40,000 from the COVID-19 fund and used the grant money to distribute directly to artists (60-70% musicians) who were negatively impacted by the effects of COVID-19 in Central Georgia. With the continued funding support from the 478 Sings United fundraiser, Macon Arts Alliance will continue to support musicians suffering from revenue loss.
For eligibility requirements and to enter the tournament, musicians and bands can visit www.unitedwaycg.org/Sings. Musician registration is open now.