b'Later, he started devoting more of his time to the concertWhile McAlpin still represents Jewell, more than five years later, business and began representing bands and artists as a bookinghe has also been able to grow his business. agent. Over the years, McAlpin has landed more prominent names, both for his concerts and as an agent. McAlpin says people travel from across the country, and internationally, to South Georgia for concerts he produces. Its kind of funny looking back on it because as the concert sideHe recalls last year that a concertgoer came from the United was snowballing, the booking side was snowballing too, saysKingdom to South Georgia for a Joe Nichols concert. McAlpin. I ended up getting to where I was actually working with some of the guys in Nashville that were with biggerIn the past three years, McAlpin says, concertgoers traveling to agencies, and they had some success. South Georgia have represented more than 300 cities, and 21 states. He estimates that people travel an average of 170 miles to One of McAlpins first clients, Buddy Jewell, season one winner ofcome to a McAlpin Entertainment concert.Nashville Star, whose first two singles Sweet Southern Comfort and Help Pour Out the Rain (Laceys Song), landed in the topWhile he doesnt have a specific dollar amount, McAlpin says he five on the singles chart.is confident the concerts are making an economic impact in the area through food and lodging.After that, you couldnt tell me nothing, he says. I was off to the races and hungry and nave, and its dangerous to be both,Despite his success and the impact it has made in South Georgia, but its a good thing too. You dont know what you dont knowMcAlpin says he tries to stay humble. I just had a wild idea and and trust meI didnt really know a whole lot. thought it might work, and it has so far.Explore the Magic of the Holidaysin Downtown AdelA week of events and celebrations to put you in the holiday spirit.Saturday, Nov 30 Monday, Dec 2 Tuesday, Dec 3Small Business Saturday &Downtown Store FrontFine Arts Extravaganza Cookies with Santa Decorating Contest at the Carolyn Harris (Limited reservations, for tickets callPerforming Arts Center229.223.6904) 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.Wednesday, Dec 4 Thursday, Dec 5 Friday, Dec 6Lighting of the Festival ofChristmas at the Movies Live Nativity Scene, Tree Trees Themed Parade Lighting, Movie Night, 5:30 p.m. at The Depot (Trees decorated bystarting at 5:30 p.m. Carriage Rides, Musiclocal businesses) 5:30 to 10:00p.m.Saturday, Dec 7Mr. Centennial Pageant & Beard Contest, Soap Box Race, Market, South GA Dance Co., Train Rides, Snow Slide10:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.Questions? 229.896.2281 or adelcookchamber.org60 SG MAGAZINE| FALL 2019 BUSINESS + CULTURE61'