Tales from the Road Vol. 9: Ala-BAMA!!

First off, my apologies for the tardiness of these blogs.  Yes, they are coming in a few weeks late but nonetheless comprehensive and I promise to improve upon my immediacy.

Anywho, let's catch up.

Alabama.

Or as my favorite movie character did say with flaunting emphasis, "Ala-BAMA!!!" (Forrest Gump obvi).

It was a legitimate pleasure finding ourselves in the Yellowhammer state (Wikipedia).  Our first stop found us in what has historically been called the "Pittsburgh of the South"; Birmingham.  It was dubbed so for its strength as an industrial town; producing a lot of steel amongst other products in its time.  (Too many semicolons?).

Birmingham fit like a cozy shoe for us rust-belters.  We were hosted by the excellent Birmingham Mountain Radio for an intimate interview/acoustic performance prior to our show at The Nick with The London Souls.  A righteous night it was of grungy, gritty rock and roll in one of America's great dive bars where attitude will eternally thrive.  Sharing the bill with a true blues rock revival outfit in The London Souls was certainly a thrill.  We hope to repeat the experience!

Following Birmingham was a stop in Auburn where we visited our old friend Wild Man Steve to perform and chat on his wonderful radio program: Wild Man Steve Radio!  Without a doubt it is always about the music there which gave us some solid inspiration for another greasy night in Jacksonville, Alabama where we rocked Brother's Bar.

From here we had a very welcome, extended stay in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  All I can say is, "When do we come back?"  We had the absolute privilege of rocking the glorious outdoor stage at The Hangout, part of the Countdown to Hangout Music Festival series sponsored by Mobile's WZEW.  And what a time we had.  Little did we know coming into this gig that we would be performing an hour and a half past curfew due to the crowd's intense demand that night and the following three days as well.  We felt right at home in Gulf Shores and enough thanks cannot be given to The Hangout staff, especially Chris Swinney,  Tim Camp at 92 ZEW for making it all possible, The Southern Rambler, and Stephanie Drake Photography for their fervent support.

Read more about our experience in Gulf Shores here: Southern Rambler Interview & Stephanie Drake Blog

On our way to the final stop on tour in New Orleans, we had a quick visit to WZEW 92.1 in Mobile, Alabama for a very pleasant performance and interview with 92 ZEW's own Tim Camp.  After a necessary chow down session at Mobile's famous Dreamland BBQ, we were on our way to The Big Easy.  As always it was a magnificent occurrence just being in the city that birthed jazz and boasts a funky character unlike any other in our great nation.  Our show at Checkpoint Charlie's was certainly a treat.  Although the visit was unfortunately brief it was utmost enjoyable.  Until the next time through I shall have to be content to dream of gumbo and brass bands.

But for now, it is time to make our way back to our temporary homes until the next run.

Til then,

Ty