Autumn is almost here, and that means football and fun in Tuscaloosa. When you aren’t watching the Tide roll (or your favorite team), head out to see some live music or enjoy some fun activities with the kids.
Drew Ellis at Rhythm & Brews
Rhythm and Brews was packed with people to see Farmer’s Daughter last weekend as part of the Druid City Music Festival, and they are keeping the great music going again this weekend. Drew Ellis will take the stage Saturday, August 31, playing his brand of traditional and outlaw country. The American veteran is a singer/songwriter of heartfelt songs that are influenced by war as well as everyday life. Drew lives what he sings, and that’s why you won’t want to miss him Saturday night at Rhythm & Brews. For more info visit this Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/rhythmtuscaloosa/
The 9th Annual Johnny Shines Blues Festival
Tuscaloosa’s got the blues this weekend at the Johnny Shines Blues Festival. This day-long event will have you singing and enjoying great live music from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. This family-friendly event will have games and face painting for kids, The Little Miss Johnny Shines Beauty Pageant, food and lots of fun. Doors at 8 a.m., with a motorcycle contest from 9-10; Little Miss Johnny Shines 10-11; children’s carnival from 10 to noon; church choirs at 3:30 p.m.; Drum Nation at 4; ABP at 4:45; Country Gold 5:15; Earl “Guitar” Williams 6:15; DuChaine 7:15; Carroline Shines and Impulse Band 8:15; and Little Jimmy Reed 9:15. For more information contact Carole Taylor At The McAbee Activity Center at 205-562-3235. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the event.
Jazz in the Park
Jazz in the Park is a free concert series for the public that travels each weekend to various communities throughout the state of Alabama. This Sunday, September 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m experience live jazz music in lovely Capitol Park courtsey of Magic City Smooth Jazz. This organization has put on over 125 free concerts to the public around Alabama. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a Sunday evening full of jazz.
Children’s Hands-On Museum
It’s a conundrum of a weekend this Saturday at the Children’s Hands-On Museum with Brain Games. Kids will solve puzzles, be confounded by riddles, and can solve all the mysteries to win a prize. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It’s summer in Tuscaloosa and locals and tourists alike are looking for ways to spend their free time. Luckily for us, The City of Tuscaloosa is hosting Live at the Plaza for the fourth consecutive summer. For those who are unfamiliar, Live at the Plaza is held every Friday night in June and July at the Government Plaza and features live music from local musicians. To prepare you for the excitement of this event, we’ve come up with 5 reasons why you should attend Live at The Plaza this summer.
It’s Free!
Live music, a great atmosphere, and a fun, new way to spend a Friday evening- for no cost! If you ask us, it doesn’t get much better than that. If you’re looking for a way to save money and still get the most out of your summer, this is a perfect opportunity for you. All you have to do is show up, bring a blanket or a lawn chair, sit back, and enjoy.
The music
There are two things in life that are pretty hard to beat: A well put on show and quality music. Live at the Plaza provides the opportunity for the community to gather together and enjoy the talent showcased not only from right here in Tuscaloosa but all over the South. The diversity of performances over the summer will satisfy music lovers few and far between. There will be a variety of music played from jazz, alternative, country, rock, and others. Some highlights from this year’s musical lineup include the Lamont Landers Band, The John Wilson Band and Orange Constant. For other bands check out our lineup list here.
The food trucks and vendors
Along with enjoying the performance, you will have the opportunity to shop and eat. Local vendors and food trucks can apply to have a space surrounding the lawn to sell their goods. Look out for local nonprofits and retailers that you’ve seen around town. And we can’t forget about the food! Although we don’t know exactly who will be there yet, we know it’s going to be good. Participants can count on some of the most popular businesses around our area renting out the space. Look out for some of your favorites, such as Local Roots or La Mexicana.
It’s fun for everyone
One of the greatest aspects about Live of the Plaza is that anyone can go and enjoy their time. It’s the perfect opportunity to get the family out of the house and spend quality time together. Kids and adults alike will love the lively atmosphere of the concert. And you can bring your pets! Additionally, it’s the perfect way to enjoy time with friends, or a date night. Although you can’t bring your own alcohol, you are allowed to purchase drinks from surrounding bars and restaurants and stroll around the Plaza while enjoying the music and atmosphere. They’ve got it all covered: the food, the drinks, the music. How much better does it get?
The location
The Government Plaza is right in the middle of all the Downtown action. There’s retail stores, coffee shops, restaurants and bars all within walking distance. And its outside! Even though it can get hot here in the summer, the concerts are at night which will cool things off. You can bring a picnic blanket or a lawn chair as you enjoy the show. The atmosphere of Live at the Plaza is hard to beat- and something you won’t want to miss.
Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect, it’s time to get excited. Tell your family and friends so they can look forward to it as well. Live at the Plaza is going to be a hit, just as it has been in the summers before. We hope this has helped you know what to look forward to, and we hope to see you there!
Written by Anna McAbee
Live at the Plaza Concert Lineup
The City of Tuscaloosa has scheduled the musical acts highlighting the diverse musical offerings of Tuscaloosa area for the fourth annual Live at the Plaza concert series in Government Plaza every Friday night in June and July.
Each week’s free concert will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature a local band in the family-friendly atmosphere of Government Plaza, adjacent to the downtown Intermodal Facility parking deck behind City Hall.
The scheduled acts, which are subject to change, are:
June 1: John Wilson Band
June 8: Orange Constant
June 15: Jake Austell (of the J’s ) Trio and then 4G
June 22: Druid City Songwriters and then Mulligan Brothers
June 29: Lamont Landers Band
July 6: The Kemistry Project
July 13: Alabama Blues Project and then Earl “Guitar” Williams
July 20: Corey Nolan and then Plato Jones
July 27: Tim Few and then Sweet Home Symphony
New this year is the addition of exhibitor space on Government Plaza during each concert. Local non-profits, organizations and retailers are encouraged to rent exhibitor space for just $25 at each performance. Food trucks and catering vendors may also apply to serve at each performance. Food vendors and exhibitors may apply at tuscaloosa.com/latp.
This year’s shows will coincide with the downtown entertainment district. Under the new entertainment district, alcohol can be purchased from participating restaurants and bars within and on the district boundaries and taken to Government Plaza and other areas within the district, which includes several surrounding blocks.
To hear music from local Tuscaloosa artists like Lamont Landers, check out our Spotify playlist below.