Secret Stages 2013
On August 2-3, downtown Birmingham will welcome the return of the city’s own walking music festival: Secret Stages. Now in its third year, the festival promises to bring in a multitude rising talent from Alabama and around the U.S. The two day festival has become a great way to discover new music. “It’s smaller scale focusing on breaking new talent rather than booking bands that are more obvious,” says Travis Morgan, who manages artist and music production for the event. “These bands are amazing (and by no means amateur – despite being under the radar). Great songwriters, musicians, live acts, and innovators of sound.”
This year, festival goers can expect a full spectrum of musical styles, as Morgan and company have worked tirelessly to book the best hidden and rising talent they could find. Finding these acts requires hours upon hours of research, buying, reading, and listening.
The result is a two-night eclectic block party. Secret Stages will feature over 50 bands from near and far. There’s something for everyone here. You can find all manner of rock, hip-hop, country, jazz, indie, and so on at the festival’s five stages. In one venue you may hear retro psychedelic rock, while next door, the audience is treated to experimental jazz deconstruction. With a focus on emerging talent and commitment to both highlighting local acts and introducing outside bands, Secret Stages has become one of the top music events in Birmingham.
For a full list of bands, look here.
All acts will be spread across downtown’s historic loft district. All the venues will be in walking distance, with music played door-to-door along 2nd Avenue North and surrounding blocks. Music lovers will have easy access to everything the festival has to offer. “They never have to get into a car,” says Morgan.
Folks looking for something extra may spring for VIP tickets. These tickets will grant access to three secret shows per night, priority entrance to any venue, and free entry to the late party on Friday. These tickets will also allow access to the VIP lounge, which features complimentary catering by local restaurants like Slice Pizza. The lounge also offers complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits.
Morgan and company anticipate a good show, and expect another healthy turnout for this music discovery event. Secret Stages has enjoyed strong attendance since its first year, even with rain pouring through downtown. “Overall, we had loads of people who discovered a lot of bands they called amazing which was our goal,” he says. “We expect this year to be the biggest year yet.”
Secret Stages begins Friday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. Fly Golden Eagle kicks off the night on the outdoor stage on 2nd Avenue North. You can order tickets here.
Check out Secret Stages’ Facebook page.
You can also follow the festival on Twitter.
This year’s festival organizers are:
Jon Poor: Event Director
Denise Lovoy Koch: Site Information, Food and Beverage Vending
Travis Morgan: Artist and Music Production
Rashid Qandil: Hip Hop Artist and Music Production
Sam George: Design, Web, and Social Media
Lindsay Garrett: Volunteer Coordinator
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