We May begin!
The Moonlight found itself in open waters as we sailed into the late spring shoulder season, when the proper thing to do was to steam forward with a quartet of solid shows, presenting artists of whom we could be especially confident. As eager as these old friends were to come play a reformulated Birmingham venue, we were equally ready to give them another welcoming stage, and an energized audience. It seemed that word was gettin’ around, and the summer looked golden—- the biggest question was if the building’s vintage air conditioner would meet the challenge…
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May 4, 2010
Friends of The Moonlight---
So we've said once or twice already that we've begun our business, we had a big Grand Opening, then another show or two in April--- but this weekend feels like it's REALLY the start of our full-time schedule, with four consecutive nights of performers we are very proud to present. Since you have no doubt bookmarked the Moonlight website, it's an easy matter for you to jump over there to get familiar with who, what and when... but hey, we can save you the trouble---->
THIS WEEKEND----
Thursday, May 6th-- PIERCE PETTIS--- One of Alabama's finest contributions to modern American songwriting... a wry, literate observer of our common
complexities, speaking with a regional voice and view that we find all too familiar. Pierce has been acclaimed since his earliest days for his ability to be at once sentimental, witty, droll, and disarming... there's four good reasons he has so many ardent fans. 7:30pm, $15 cash donation
www.piercepettis.com
Pierce Pettis at Moonlight, May 6 2010, $15 admission, 33 present
Friday, May 7th-- BETH WOOD-- To borrow a line from the makers of another widely-appreciated confection, nobody doesn't like Beth Wood-- you can't say whether she's most impressive for her incredible voice, her funny/touching songs, her whole-girl American resplendence, or her unfailingly sunny disposition. All's we know is that men and women alike are smitten with what she does--- and every time we are privileged to present her again, we are treated to a new selection of better and better work, from a truly splendid entertainer. 7:30PM, $10
www.bethwoodmusic.com
Beth Wood at Moonlight, May 7 2010, $10 admission, 18 present
Saturday, May 8th--- FATS KAPLIN and KRISTI ROSE--- Time for something completely new, forged from musical and cultural elements that were first in vogue decades ago.... master instrumentalist Kaplin, in complete command of anything with strings, reeds, resonators, or membranes, blends his inspired interpretations with Rose's powerful, exacting vocals, in a mixture they've called Pulp Country. Stages worldwide, large and small, have hosted them as they've honed their stark Southern Gothic vision of "the hooch-soaked, heartbroke netherworld".... a riveting celebration of "lives haunted by ghosts of regret, disrupted by carnal dreams, yet often given over to rapturous joy." 7:30pm, $10
www.pulpcountry.com
Fats Kaplin and Kristi Rose, May 8 2010, $10 admission, 43 present
***ALSO -- JUST ADDED! *** Opener MELANIE DEKKER, Canadian songwriter fresh back from Europe, twenty-six shows in thirty days--- a suddenly-cancelled date in Tennessee lets us have a brief glimpse of her folk-pop offerings, before she jumps back on a plane to another part of the planet. She'll do a quick handful of songs at the start of the evening, just to see if you like 'em--- tips only, so bring a spot of folding money to tell her you did.
www.melaniedekker.com
Melanie Dekker, May 8 2010
Sunday, May 9th-- MALCOLM HOLCOMBE--- We've been trying to think of a way to suggest that treating your mother to Malcolm's concert would be a great way to celebrate her special day... hang on here, bear with us.... true, he's a looooong way from Perry Como or Tom Jones, what with his tendency to growl, snort, and mutter through a passel of his rawboned western Carolina originals, drifting on occasion from an obvious connection with reality. But once they become convinced that he's not dangerous, ladies of all ages are surprised to find him truly lovable..... Malcolm's marvelous guitar style is insistent and percussive, while his lyrics celebrate family, hard work, and home cookin'. He'll have your old lady solidly in his corner when he starts into "Sittin' Sad and Wonderin'", half-spitting the chorus "Mama's mad and she's DOG tired---" 7:30pm, $10
www.malcolmholcombe.com
Malcolm Holcombe at Moonlight, May 9 2010, $10 admission, 15 present
If you wish, you can make reservations for these shows on the website Calendar page, but they are not necessary---- pack your own nibbles and beverages, have a folding chair handy just in case the turnout is heavy, and pay back a favor that you might owe someone by bringing them with you. Remember, parking at The Moonlight is problematic only if you're careless--- and cash is the only payment we handle for transactions here. Drop by the ATM and let us see you this weekend!
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PLEASE KEEP IN MIND---
The Moonlight is available for private events on nights when a performer is not scheduled--- indeed, since the admission donation you give at the door
goes to the artist, rentals are our chief source of revenue. Rates for use of the facility for social or business gatherings are flexible, and eminently fair... contact us by clicking "Reply" to reserve a date for your party or meeting, before we book it for a concert.... and many thanks for your support!
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