Birmingham, AL.

Two hours from Atlanta, three hours from Nashville and four hours from Memphis, Birmingham lands smack in the middle of most bands’ tours of the Southeast. The capital of Alabama specializes — as one would expect — in the roots sounds of America. Expect a lot of country, Americana, blues, soul and no-frills rock ‘n’ roll. Strangely enough, though, the city has still been responsible for American Idol contestants Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks and Rubben Studdard. Though the city is still seen as earthy and blue-collared, the arts scene is becoming more sophisticated and more young professionals are choosing to make the city their home. Trendy clubs like Bottletree (featured in our Birmingham news section) and DIY punk venues like Cave 9 are giving other genres more outlets to get started in the city’s music scene.

Guide to Gigging in Birmingham

>>Book a Gig: Venues

Workplay Theatre

500 23rd Street S

Birmingham, AL 35233

(205) 879-4773

www.workplay.com

If you fancy making a stop at a venue that can produce your band’s next music video, lay down any nagging tracks, put on your show and walk out with a live recording, then Workplay Theatre will have you covered. Offering two rooms to choose from, the 400-capacity venue books a variety of genres, with a hefty dose of jam bands and indie rock. Email todd@workplay.com for booking.

Zydeco

2001 15th Ave S

Birmingham, AL 35205

(205) 933-1032

www.zydecobirmingham.com

From the people who brought you Nashville’s Exit/In, Zydeco has been around since 1989. And while the venue specializes in the good, straightforward old rock ‘n’ roll that Birmingham folks hold near and dear to their hearts, don’t think they won’t book some great indie rock like Joseph Arthur. The venue is all ages and books live music seven nights a week. If you’re planning on selling anything, keep in mind that the venue takes 20 percent from merchandise sales. Email laynef@zydecobirmingham.com for more information.

Brother’s Bar

204 S Pelham Road

Jacksonville, AL 36265

(256) 435-6090

www.mybrothersbar.net

Packed with students from nearby Jacksonville State University, be prepared for the college atmosphere this venue brings. Brothers Bar has strong associations with Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta and The Nick in Birmingham, so if you’ve toured through either of those clubs, booking might go more smoothly. In the bar’s long history (it’s been open since 1976), Brother’s have booked now-legendary acts such as The Allman Brothers Band and Marshall Tucker Band, as well as up-and-comers like Taylor Hollingsworth. Email booking@mybrothersbar.net for booking information or call (404) 876-8436.

Cave 9

2237 Magnolia Avenue S

Birmingham, AL 35205

www.cave9.com

Run completely by volunteers, this non-profit music venue has just the basics in the 250-capacity room. Money from the door keeps the place open, so don’t expect a lot of profit from your gig. Specializing in mostly punk but also welcoming indie rock, Cave 9 books acts Thursday through Sunday. For most genres email cave9rock@aol.com or “Hugs and High Fives Booking” at hugsandhighfivesbooking@gmail.com. Hardcore and metal acts should email Mike Parsons at xmikeparsonsx@gmail.com.

>>Promote a Gig: Media

Birmingham Weekly

2014 Sixth Avenue North

Birmingham, AL 35205

(205) 939-4030

www.bhamweekly.com

Second in readership only to The Birmingham News, Birmingham Weekly is the city’s alternative free weekly rag, complete with listings and commentary. The newspaper’s blog, Mixed Media, also features random tidbits throughout the week. Email your show’s listing to events@bhamweekly.com or to pitch a bigger piece for the paper or blog email Editor-in-Chief Glenny Brock at editor@bhamweekly.com.

Fleabomb.com

www.fleabomb.com

For a more in-depth show preview, leave a note for the guys at fleabomb.com. If they’re excited about a gig, they’ll add wise-cracking quips to the link for the show listing, and maybe even throw in a video to accompany their comments. Fill out the form at the Contact Us page to get a mention.

>>Gear/ Repairs

Burns Instrument Repair

3027 Central Ave.

Birmingham, AL 35209

(205) 879-1690

www.burnsrepair.com

Specializing in complicated repairs for guitars, violins, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and many more stringed instruments, Burns Instrument Repair also sells a stunning array of guitars and builds custom made guitars.

A & A Music

1251 Grayson Valley Parkway

Birmingham, AL 35235

(205) 815-8180

www.aandamusic.com

After 30 years of repairing and selling instruments, A & A Music has recently moved to a bigger place and made room for some lesson rooms – just in case you have time for any pointers. The store has a large selection of guitars, amps, drums, keyboards and PA gear, as well as more obscure instruments like mandolins and horns.