2023 has arrived! The new year follows one of Birmingham’s best ever when it comes to live music and comedy. 2022 saw living legends come through town, along with a steadily rising local music scene that sounds just as good - if not better - than any other city in the nation. The upcoming 12 months seem ready to carry the baton though, with the eager month of January starting things off on a thrilling note. The country’s funniest comedians and most talented musicians will be convening in the Magic City over the next few weeks. Which shows are you planning to attend? Here are a few of our favorites. 

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Old Crow Medicine Show at Iron City (Saturday, January 7)

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Everybody loves a show, especially an Old Crow Medicine Show. Image from Old Crow Medicine Show

Old Crow Medicine Show is one of the finest acts you’ll see in your lifetime, and the folksy favorite will be at Iron City this Saturday night, January 7th, for what is sure to be a blissful experience. If you’re looking for a reason to get out and enjoy the town - this is it. As an added bonus, the good fellows from the Steel City Jug Slammers will be playing an aftershow next door in the Iron City Grill. 

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Kirkos with Free Candy at The Nick (Friday, January 13)

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Things can get wavy fast at a Kirkos show. Image from Waterman Productions

Kirkos is one of the most exciting music projects that are on the rise. While the band calls St. Louis home, two of the members come from the Magic City. Their show at The Nick on Friday, January 13, will be their first time playing in their home city with the band and it’s sure to be a fun one. Free Candy from Huntsville joins the bill for an even more fun time. 

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La Calle 205 Presents: La Safaera Perreo Cosmico at Zydeco (Saturday, January 14)

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La Calle brings the party back to Zydeco this January. This image and cover image from La Calle

The party people at La Calle 205 are hosting some of the most fun events in the city and doing so at a very rapid pace. The good times continue on Saturday, January 14th, as the celebration returns to one of La Calle’s favorite venues in Zydeco. Xllest Ricky, Louii Blanco, and DJ Nemo are all playing sets. 

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Parachute Show: Captain Kudzo, Playto and Sam Norris at Saturn (Sunday, January 15)

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It’s always a good time when the parachute comes out at Saturn. Image from Captain Kudzu

Saturn continues to spoil us with free parachute show series, which highlights local and indie acts. The Sunday, January 15th edition is another fun showcase with some seriously talented acts taking the stage. Captain Kudzu, Playto, and Sam Norris will all be sharing their songs with an appreciative audience - and you should plan to be there! 

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Fred Hersch and Esperanza Spalding at Alys Stephens Center (Wednesday, January 18)

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Listen to the live album then see this next-level partnership in person! Image from Fred Hersch

Two living jazz icons will be in the Magic City on Wednesday, January 18th, and you need to plan to be there. Fred Hersch and Esperanza Spalding will be sharing their stage at the Alys Stephens Center to highlight their recent collaborative project. This is guaranteed to be a beautiful night that can’t often be seen. 

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Silica Gel, Johnny Coley, TOWU and special guest: GULL at Saturn (Friday, January 20)

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Silica Gel and three other Alabama favorites will be at Saturn this month. Image from Silica Gel

Saturn continues its string of impressive local shows with this stellar lineup coming on Friday, January 20th. Sweet Wreath darlings Silica Gel are taking the stage with fellow local favorites in Johnny Coley (who is featured on Saturn’s Alabama Music Hall of Fame wall), TOWU, and a special appearance from GULL.

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Taylor Hollingsworth at The Nick (Sunday, January 22)

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Any Sunday with Taylor Hollingsworth is a fun day. Image taken by @flip2.poole 

Any opportunity to see Taylor Hollingsworth is the right opportunity to see Taylor Hollingsworth. The Birmingham musician provides some of the most endearing moments to the city each week, and his Sunday Funday series at The Nick is one of the most fun. We’d highly encourage you to check out the Sunday, January 22nd edition. 

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Wanda Sykes at The Lyric Theatre (Sunday, January 29)

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January 29th is a big night in Birmingham as Wanda Sykes comes into town. Image from Wanda Sykes

Comedy royalty is coming to The Lyric Theatre on Sunday, January 29th. Wanda Sykes has been making people grow six-packs through laughter alone for decades now and is ready to bring smiles to the Magic City. 

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