The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House is bringing Southern rock back to its roots with a free Saturday concert featuring Statesboro, an Allman Brothers tribute band.
“Many are called, but few are chosen — well, Statesboro is one of the chosen few,” said John Lynskey, resident historian at the Big House, in a statement published on the Visit Macon website. “When Statesboro cranks it up, all you have to do is close your eyes and let the music carry you back to the days of At Fillmore East and Eat a Peach.”
The Statesboro band is headed by Arne Wendt, the lead vocalist, and the Macarone brothers of Charlie, Freddie and Pete make up the rest of the band.
Neil Grasso is a photographer for CBS News who manages the band and said that “(Charlie) is as close as you can get to Duane Allman.”
Charlie Macarone is the lead guitarist for the band. Freddie and Pete Macarone are the drummers, Muddy Shews is on the bass guitar and Rob Chiarappa is on the dual lead guitar and harmonies, according to Grasso.
The Macarone brothers’ love for the Allman brothers started when they were kids. According to Grasso, the kids would set up in their hometown park in New Jersey and play all of the Allman Brothers greatest hits.
“A tribute band’s performance here in Macon is more than just a concert,” said Richard Brent, executive director of the Big House Museum. “It’s a continuation of the legacy in the very place where it was forged. It connects current musicians and fans to the band’s roots, creating a sense of authenticity and reverence that can’t be replicated elsewhere.”
From 1970 to 1973, the Big House served as the communal home for members of The Allman Brothers Band, their families and roadies.
“It was the creative and social hub where much of the band’s early music and identity were shaped,” Brent said. “The house became a symbol of the band’s spirit and the birthplace of many iconic songs and jam sessions.”
Now a historic museum, the Big House honors Macon’s role in the birth of Southern rock and showcases memorabilia, preserved rooms and interactive exhibits that visitors can explore on guided tours. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday and serves as “a pilgrimage site for fans and music historians alike, offering a deep dive into the band’s influence on American music,” Brent said.
“If you’ve never been to the Big House before, what are you waiting for?” Brent said. “Come take the tour, enjoy some great music and learn all about the fathers of Southern rock.”
The Big House plans to resume outdoor concerts in April 2026 following several private events in December.
The Statesboro event will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Big House. It is free to attend but donations are welcome.
