Alan Walden Memorial Weekend to Honor a Legacy of Music, Recovery, Love and Community

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

Family, friends, musicians, music industry colleagues and admirers from across Georgia and beyond are invited to gather in Macon to honor the life and far-reaching legacy of legendary music executive Alan Walden during Alan Walden Memorial Weekend, September 19–20, 2026.

Taking place during both Georgia Music Month and National Recovery Month, the two-day observance brings together two significant parts of Alan’s story — a music career that helped shape Georgia’s internationally recognized Southern music legacy and a deeply personal connection to recovery — alongside the family, friendships, community and love that defined his life.

The weekend also carries special meaning for Alan’s wife, Tosha, with whom he shared 38 years, including nearly 30 years of marriage. September 20 would have marked their 30th wedding anniversary.

The weekend begins Saturday, September 19, with Passionate Grace, Inc.’s Color Me Graceful: A 5K Run for Recovery at Georgia Premier Cross Country Course in Macon.

Those wishing to participate in Alan’s honor may register as part of Team Alan & Tosha, joining family, friends and supporters in recognizing Alan’s personal connection to recovery and his support of Passionate Grace’s mission prior to his passing.

Held during National Recovery Month, the event is open to runners, walkers, families and community supporters. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., with the race starting at 9:00 a.m.

Passionate Grace, Inc. is working to develop structured recovery housing and long-term stabilization support for adult men rebuilding their lives following addiction. Through Team Alan & Tosha, participants can honor an important part of Alan’s story while helping create opportunities for others pursuing lasting recovery and a new chapter in life.

The remembrance continues Sunday, September 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with “Alan Walden: A Life Well Played — 30 Years of Love • Music • Mayhem” at The Society Garden.

Fittingly held during Georgia Music Month, the free public Celebration of Life will bring together family, friends, musicians, colleagues and fans for an evening of live music, stories, laughter and memories honoring Alan’s extraordinary life, relationships and influence on Georgia music and beyond.

Roger Walden will serve as co-host and emcee, while longtime friend Chris Hicks will serve as co-host and musical director, helping lead the evening’s performances.

Loose Change will be among the featured performers. The announced lineup also includes Last Living Souls, Charlie Wooten Project, Lizella Reign, Freebird Atlanta, 2 Lane Blacktop, Rachel Forehand and Willie Morris, along with additional guests and performances.

The Sunday celebration will also feature a silent auction of music memorabilia from Alan Walden’s personal collection, offering attendees a rare opportunity to own pieces tied directly to his life, career and decades in the music industry.

Admission to Sunday’s Celebration of Life is free and open to the public, with donations accepted during the event.

Throughout the weekend, commemorative Alan Walden merchandise and copies of his memoir, Southern Man: Music and Mayhem in the American South, will be available to the public.

The public can honor Alan and stand beside Tosha throughout the weekend by joining Team Alan & Tosha for Saturday’s 5K Run/Walk, attending Sunday’s Celebration of Life, participating in the silent auction, purchasing commemorative merchandise or copies of Alan’s memoir, or contributing to the Alan Walden Memorial Fund.

Together, the two days offer a fitting September tribute to the many chapters of Alan Walden’s life — music, recovery, love, friendship and community — while recognizing the lasting mark he left on Georgia music and the deeply personal legacy carried forward by those who knew and loved him.