Welcome to Concert City, USA - also known as Birmingham, Alabama. The Magic City has built its way into the upper realms of live music destinations, with 2023 already seeming like a victory lap of a year. The celebration continues as we really dive into concert season this May. National favorites and local treasures are all taking Magic City stages this week. Here are some that we are anticipating the most.
The Disco Biscuits at Iron City (Wednesday, May 3rd)
There’s a reason that The Disco Biscuits have a huge fanbase that often follows them from show to show - they put on a spectacular live performance! Free spirits, great tunes, and a famously air conditioned room are sure to make for a great concert at Iron City on Wednesday, May 3rd, to start off the month.
Mel’s 30th Birthday Show w/ Mel. Crozby, Richard Daniel, Ethos, and Black Plastique at The Upstairs at Avondale (Thursday, May 4th)
Let’s start with the facts: Mel. Crozby is a Birmingham treasure. The musician pours his heart into songs to create relatable anthems for those who listen. The musical mastermind has chosen to ring in his 30th birthday party with a truly incredible lineup featuring Richard Daniel, Ethos, and Black Plastique at The Upstairs at Avondale on Thursday, May 4th - and all are invited!
Father John Misty at Lyric Theatre (Friday, May 5th)
Father John Misty is known for his piercing commentaries on religion, popular culture, and political wrongs through beautiful melodies and harmonized vocals. His live performances are equally enthralling and shouldn’t be missed when he comes through town. He will be playing at the Lyric Theatre in Birmingham on Friday, May 5th.
Pony Bradshaw with Will Stewart at The Upstairs at Avondale (Thursday, May 10th)
Avondale Brewery has firmly established itself as one of Birmingham’s best concert venues. While the backyard brings the big names to the Magic City, The Upstairs at Avondale is bringing through the hottest acts and best Bham musicians. This is shown in May by the Pony Bradshaw and Will Stewart concert on Thursday, May 10th, coming less than a week after the Mel. birthday concert - and there are plenty of other shows upstairs all month!
Salvo (fka Pain) at Satun (Saturday, May 13th)
The story of the band Pain, who later became Salvo, is a fascinating one that we’ve been fortunate to cover. If you can believe it, the band’s music is even more entertaining! This group has been bringing a good time to the people of Birmingham and beyond since the reformation, and we can’t wait to take in the Saturn concert on Saturday, May 13th.
Straight Jokes! No Chaser Comedy Tour (Saturday, May 13th)
Some of the biggest names in comedy while be in Birmingham for a hilarious show at The BJCC on Saturday, May 13th. The Straight Jokes! No Chaser comedy tour brings Earthquake, D.L. Hughly, Mike Epps, and Cedric the Entertainer to the same stage in one evening - meaning you’re going to want to be there.
Bad Omens at Iron City - SOLD OUT (Wednesday, May 17th)
Iron City has been on a tear when it comes to hosting sold out shows. Bad Omens comes into town on Wednesday, May 17th, to keep that streak going. The band has a large following that is very enthused and anticipatedly waiting for this mid-may musical experience.
Godsmack & I Prevail at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre (Wednesday, May 17th)
May 17th is a great day to be a rock music enthusiast in the Magic City. In addition to Bad Omens at Iron City, two heavy hitters in Godsmack and I Prevail will be causing heads to bang at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. The weather should be great for this loud and exciting outdoor concert.
Brooks & Dunn: REBOOTT Tour 2023 at The BJCC (Thursday, May 18th)
Are the two names in country more famous when put together than Brooks & Dunn? The music icons are back on the road playing songs that helped shaped many of us for decades, and Birmingham is on the tour date list! They will be at The BJCC on Thursday, May 18th.
K.Flay at Zydeco (Saturday, May 20th)
When it comes to talented singer-songwriters in the 21st century, it’s important to not look over K.Flay. The musicians continues to grow and excel with each new year in an exciting decade+ career. Their Saturday, May 20th, show at Zydeco would be a great opportunity to witness this firsthand.
Kirkos with Lemon’s at The Nick (Saturday, May 20th)
Kirkos is one of the most thrilling rising bands to watch in the music scene today, and it’s even better that they have a Birmingham connection. The band is coming back to rock The Nick with Lemon’s on Saturday, May 20th, fresh off a fun series of shows including a recent stop at Backwoods Music Festival.
Playto, Matt Bryant, and Captain Kudzu at The Upstairs at Avondale (Friday, May 26th)
While most humans would have to take a little breather after going hard for nearly a whole month, The Upstairs at Avondale needs no such rest. The venue brings another all-star lineup to the city on Friday, May 26th, with Playto, Matt Bryant, and Captain Kudzu all taking the stage.
Cover image from Kirkos