Moonlight’s highest calling was presenting traveling performers who might otherwise bypass Central Alabama, as their tour routes carried them through the Southeast… but no music menu could be complete without the hefty involvement of local musicians, whose in-town opportunities for getting an audience mostly meant sharing its attention with a giant TV in a raucous sports bar.
We kept our standards high by screening the selection of area players, and instituting a bi-weekly Open Mic to sample the talents of hopefuls who angled for a spot on our schedule. As word spread of the sweet little hippodrome on the hilltop, acoustic players of all degrees checked in with inquiries—- and set us up for many, many happy discoveries in the times to come.
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May 12, 2010
Friends of the Moonlight:
A little mid-week notice here about our performances this weekend--- lotsa other things going on, but you know it's worth a short ride up here to see these players close at hand... no reservations needed, just come on!
***THURSDAY, May 13th, 7:30pm-- SHADES MOUNTAIN AIR
Birmingham-based bluegrass/gospel band, hot pickers, some old standards, plus many original songs that SOUND like old standards---- plus opener Daniel Bailey comes down from Nashville to hand us a sample of what he does. A great evening of family-friendly entertainment, $15
www.shadesmountainair.com
Shades Mountain Air, May 13 2010, $15, 21 present
***FRIDAY, May 14th, 7:30pm-- CAHALEN DAVID MORRISON, and CARY HUDSON
Morrison wowed new listeners in a Birmingham show some months ago, his mastery of a half-dozen stringed instruments in support of his reel-roots material a thing of wonder indeed. Cary Hudson, founder of seminal alt-country band Blue Mountain, fills out a second half of the evening, in a solo precursor to his full-band appearance at next month's Birmingham Brewfest. One night, two fine artists, $12
www.cahalen.com
www.caryhudson.com
Cahalen David Morrison, May 14 2010, $12, 24 present
Cary Hudson, May 14, 2010
***SATURDAY, May 15th--- private event
Just a reminder here that The Moonlight is available for hosting family, social, or corporate gatherings of almost any kind---- indeed, that's the primary method by which we'll pay the overhead here. Email, or drop by to discuss dates and ideas for your own meeting or celebration. Thanks!
SUNDAY, May 16th, 7:30pm--- ROY SCHNEIDER, and JEFF and VIDA
Roy's folksy repertoire features his set of clever, engaging tunes, interspersed with a unique monologue that makes you think he might be lost relative... he's a traveler, a dad, and a part-time cartoonist... all of which gives him plenty of material to work with. Southern duo Jeff & Vida circle back to their bluegrass roots for their newest CD, bending the traditional instruments and vocal harmonies into edgier forms that reflect their country, blues, and rock backgrounds... both artists bring you their best for only $12
www.royschneider.com
www.jeffandvida.com
Roy Schneider, May 16 2010, 14 present
Jeff and Vida, May 16 2010
Photos and additional links are on the Moonlight website, which we sure hope you have bookmarked---
www.moonlightonthemtn.com
and by now you know that you can bring your own snacks and beverages to the shows, since we aren't in the business of selling anything but the music. Good idea to throw a folding chair in the car, too, we might get lucky and run out of seats to offer you--- bring your friends, and come see what we got happening here--- many thanks!
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ALSO---
The Small Stages House Concert Series presents ELIOT MORRIS in a living room show on Thursday, May 20th--- to find out more, go to their website:
www.smallstages.com
to make reservations, and to encourage more traveling acoustic performers to make a stop in Birmingham!
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As a former member of Shades Mountain Air, it was such a rare gift to have a quiet place to play music we loved for people who wanted to be there. Due to Keith's love, humor and positivity, the vibe was always just right, and honestly, I would have paid HIM to get to play at the Moonlight!