Gip’s Place Takes A Stand

On Saturday, May 4, Bessemer police shut down the backyard blues party at Gip’s Place. The long-standing juke joint has been throwing informal house shows since 1952, and is one of the last authentic juke joints in existence. Host Gip Gipson and friends are fighting to save the Alabama institution, but will have to overcome financial and legal issues before they can play a victory tune.

 Noise complaints and disorderly guests are cited as reasons for the police shutdown. The city also alleges that Gip is operating an unlicensed business through his backyard parties. Those allegations have prompted a fervent reaction from Gip’s friends and blues fans from Bessemer, Birmingham, and beyond.  

 At the following Bessemer City Council meeting, a crowd of supporters accompanied Gip to plead their case. “Our goal was to show the city and Gip the amount of support he has,” says Gip’s friend, Cindi McGee. The council was not persuaded, though, and has not yet allowed the issue on their meeting agenda.

 The act of solidarity was not lost on Gip, though. “The people who came have shown him a lot of love,” says McGee. “He knows that so many people are on his side.”

 Gip’s most recent Saturday blues event still drew a crowd, but attendees had to pass police road blocks along the way. “There were several traffic citations given out that night,” says McGee.  

 The show itself, featuring the Jim “Dawg” Parks Band, was shorter than previous Gip’s Place events, but was still a successful evening. “The police did ask Gip to turn the music down,” says McGee. “So much of the show was acoustic.”  

 Gip and friends are now working with attorneys to keep the juke joint open. “A lot of the attorneys are donating their time, but there will be court fees and other expenses,” says McGee. “We also have to make improvements and updates to Gip’s Place. The costs are adding up quickly”

 To aid Gip, local producer Jonathan Barbee has launched a donation page where supporters can contribute to the legal fund. The goal is set at $15,000, to meet the cost of legal fees and an online campaign. Any funds remaining after all legal issues are resolved will go to maintenance of the juke joint. The page has raised $900 as of Monday morning, May 13.

 “The donors are fighting for a piece of our culture,” says McGee. “They’re trying to save this historical gem.”

 Music lovers are welcome to go here to make a donation to the Gip’s Place Legal Fund.