THOMASVILLE- Due South 2025 brings an unforgettable fusion of music, art, food, and a kaleidoscope of colors to The Ritz Amphitheater on Saturday, April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. Downtown Thomasville will come alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans to benefit Thomasville Center for the Arts.

Now in its 13th year, Due South continues to build upon the Center’s legacy of producing high-quality artistic events which serve the dual purposes of creating a vibrant downtown, stimulating the creative economy, enhancing community interest in the arts, and raising funds for arts education.

A family-friendly event, presented by The Wright Group and Flowers Auto Group, Due South 2025 boasts a heavy-hitting lineup of New Orleans style favorites. Three live bands, a variety of food vendors, and two public art exhibitions combine for the ultimate art-lover’s experience. Festival-goers are encouraged to eat, drink, and bring a chair.

The Music

Headlining this year’s festivities is the legendary Rebirth Brass Band, Grammy Award winners who electrify audiences with their signature New Orleans sound. Since their formation, they’ve grown from French Quarter street performers to international sensations, capturing the prestigious Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album.

For nearly four decades, Rebirth has redefined what it means to bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans music to the world. Founded in 1983, the band blends the traditional brass sounds of the Big Easy with modern funk, jazz, soul, and hip-hop influences. What began as a group of high school musicians performing on the streets of New Orleans has now evolved into a world-renowned musical force, solidifying Rebirth’s place as both guardians of tradition and pioneers of innovation.

Taking the stage as the featured artist is Cha Wa, the Grammy-nominated powerhouse that embodies New Orleans’ vibrant Mardi Indian culture.

“Mardi Gras Indian songs are inherently songs about freedom,” says Cha Wa drummer Joe Gelini. “And that struggle is as relevant today as it’s ever been.”

The first documentation of Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans dates back to the late 19th century. These were African-American men who paraded on the city streets on Fat Tuesday morning and St. Joseph’s Night in celebratory groups with raw and primal chants, playing handheld percussion like glass bottles, tambourines, and cowbells. Cha Wa melds these traditional sounds with today’s funk, hip-hop, and contemporary R&B.

“I’m especially excited to bring a bit of the Big Easy to Thomasville with Rebirth Brass Band and Cha Wa,” said Haile McCollum, Center for the Arts board member and Due South event chairperson. “Due South has always celebrated southern music, but this is the first time we’ve brought the New Orleans brass band tradition with jazz, funk, and soul influences layered on top to Thomasville.”

Pharaohs of Funk, known simply as Pho-Funk to Tallahassee locals, will open the event. Pho-Funk provides a musical atmosphere where people come together to be free in the heart, mind, and spirit.

Due South tickets start at $30 for Center members. Non-members may purchase tickets in advance for $40 or at the gate for $50. Children ages 12 and under are free. Gates open at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m.

The Art

The Due South experience spans beyond the music though. On concert day, visitors to The Ritz Amphitheater will be immersed in 14 Decades of Music in Thomasville, a historic photography exhibition exploring the evolution of music and music photography styles across decades, genres, cultures, and locations. The exhibition includes portraits, images of live performances, behind-the-scenes moments, clothing, and architectural themes.

The 14 Decades collection of over 50 images honors and celebrates Thomasville’s music culture from 1890 to today. It includes icons such as Thomasville Entertainment Foundation, with their claim as one of the first and oldest concert presenter organizations in the nation; Thomasville’s Cocroft Music Company, believed to be the longest operating music store in Georgia at the time of closing (1922-2009); and Thomasville’s WPAX, which received its first broadcasting license in 1922 and was just the third to do so in Georgia and the 20th in the United States.

The images also tell a story that begins on the cusp of the 20th century and travels through the World Wars, civil and economic upheaval, peace and love, ideological pendulums, technological advancement, and encroaching modernity through the present day. Opera, orchestras, garage bands, and concerts demonstrate that a strong community will continue to push forward through hardships and good times, always creating a way to include music in daily life. This collection of imagery is valuable for understanding our history and providing insight into societal changes and advancements, allowing visitors to take a journey through time.

Additionally, a new mural by Clay Byars, inspired by a historical image of The Ritz, showcases the entertainment venue once located in The Sandy Bottom District; and a month-long public art yarn bomb entitled Stop & Smell the Roses will pop-up throughout Downtown Thomasville from April 3 – May 1.

New this year, a Makers Market will include vendors Ghostie Gang Art, FetchEm Up Farms, Simple Splendor Designs, and Spence & Lane.

The Food

On top of the cravings for soulful music of the south, guests should bring their appetite for down-home southern delicacies, too. On-site food trucks include Climmie’s H&M Bar-B-Que and Soul Food, Pyle’s Chicken Delight, Pinappétit, Nina’s Creamery, Bank’s Italian Ice, and Cochon King BBQ.

“Food options are going to be fantastic this year with The Crawfish King rolling in from Louisiana,” added McCollum.

For those who choose to upgrade their Due South experience by purchasing sponsor tickets, additional tastes and treats await as part of the all-inclusive sponsor party. There, guests will enjoy New Orleans-inspired drinks and food, as well as an authentic crawfish boil. Packages start at $1,000 and are partially tax-deductible.

The Impact

Thomasville Center for Arts’ mission is the driving force behind Due South. Each year, proceeds go directly back to the Center for youth and adult arts education, artist development, and exhibitions.

“It’s the generosity and support of our community that always impresses us,” said Thomasville Center for the Arts executive director Erin Wolfe Bell. “Not only does Thomasville and the surrounding region enjoy our events, but people also deeply understand the purpose in what we do, and they feel confident that their participation is lighting the path for better and brighter lives.”

The Center for the Arts boasts a robust arts education program, including youth camps, after school classes, adult workshops, hands-on 2nd Saturday activities for all ages, and immersions in local schools. On exhibition throughout March in the Center’s galleries is the Youth Arts Month show which highlights the many artistic kids and young adults in our community.

“Due South is a fantastic music event, plus support for Thomasville Center for the Arts programming,” said McCollum. “It’s a winning combination.”

For a full schedule of events and tickets to Due South 2025, visit thomasvillearts.org/duesouth or call (229) 225-6461.