Free fun: Art Walk

photo: Sarah Cannon via the artist's blog

Hey hey Birmingham...

Looking for something fun (& free) to do this upcoming weekend? Well, it's time to head downtown again. This time it's for the 10th annual Birmingham Art Walk Festival. I went to my first Art Walk last year and really enjoyed myself. There are many things I love about it: seeing the incredible local talent/art we have, stepping inside offices and stores I otherwise wouldn't typically frequent and it's just always nice to enjoy a good stroll around downtown, especially at night.

But of course, what I love most about this event is that you can spend as much, or as little, as you like. There is plenty to be entertained with for free if you want to just walk around and check out all of the incredible art pieces. Or if you wanted to really, truly show your support for local artists, you can purchase a piece right there on the spot.

Either way, it's a great event and if you're in town, be sure not to miss it. You've got two chances: Friday September 9th from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday September 10th from noon - 6:00 p.m.

Grooveshark picks for June

I realize I already posted some Grooveshark picks earlier this month, but technically those should have been for May, but you know, my May was kinda intense. Anyhow, I thought I'd go ahead and post a few more and hope to stay on schedule going forward.

So here are five more albums that I can't get enough of right now.

Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
Album: Codes and Keys (it's not complete, but it's the best I could find)
Why I love it: It's classic Death Cab. At first you think it all sounds the same, but then you listen to it repetitively and realize how amazing it is.
For fans of: The Decemberists, The Temper Trap

Artist: The Secret Sisters
Album: The Secret Sisters
Why I love it: The whole album is so lovely and old school country that it makes "my heart skip a beat."
For fans of: Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline

Artist: Peter, Bjorn and John
Album: Gimme Some
Why I love it: It's just so fun and upbeat...oh yeah, and kinda weird.
For fans of: Matt & Kim, TV on the Radio

Artist: Gregory Alan Isakov

Album: This Empty Northern Hemisphere

Why I love it: I just found out about this guy on Monday and I'm already choosing this album as a GS pick. It's just that pretty and peaceful.  

For fans of: Leonard Cohen, Great Lake Swimmers

Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Album: Rumours
Why I love it: Yes, I realize this album has been around 30+ years, but honestly I couldn't get into the Mac until the Glee epi on this album a month or so ago. Yeah, I know. Go ahead. Judge me.
For fans of: Uhhh, Fleetwood Mac?
Bonus: If you're in the Birmingham area, the Black Jacket Symphony will be performing the Rumours album at Sloss Furnace Friday August 12th. You should probably get your tickets soon, these guys sell out every time.

New Grooveshark picks

Hello everyone!!! Sorry for being so MIA lately. Things have been kinda bananas in my life lately with lots of change, including to my schedule, so I've been a bit "off" - but no worries, I am back! I had been planning to do my Grooveshark picks over a week ago, but better late than never right? So let's get started.

Here are five albums I can't get enough of right now.

Artist: The Head and the Heart
Album: The Head and the Heart
Why I love it: It's the most "moving" music I have heard in a while. This band and this album definitely makes you feel.
For fans of: The Low Anthem, The Civil Wars

Artist: Sarah Jarosz

Album: Song Up In Her Head

Why I love it: There's nothing like some good ole blue grass, especially when it's a chick that's pickin'! And singing sweetly too I might add. 

For fans of: Court Yard Hounds, Alison Krauss & Union Station

Bonus: She has a new album, "Follow Me Down," that was just released May 17th. I haven't listened to it yet, but I'm sure it will make an appearance on a future GS pick soon. 

Artist: David Mayfield Parade

Album: David Mayfield Parade

Why I love it: It's country-meets-singer-songwriter, which turns out to be a pretty good combo! 

For fans of: The Avett Brothers, James Taylor

Bonus: You HAVE to see this band live in person. I have never laughed so hard in my life, David Mayfield is highly entertaining. If you're in Bham, you're in luck! You can see them at Workplay June 22nd for only $10!

Artist: My Morning Jacket
Album: Circuital
Why I love it: It's so MMJ. I mean, it has their sound, but it's also a little bit inventive and different from previous albums. And that's what they seem to do with every album they produce.
For fans of: Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses
Bonus: Sign up on their website for a FREE track from this brand new album.

Artist: Fleet Foxes
Album: Helplessness Blues
Why I love it: There is no reason NOT to love this album. In one word, it's beautiful. You don't need much more of a reason to love an album than that.
For fans of: Blitzen Trapper, Bon Iver