Many of the bands showcased in the festival come from different cities for the festival. All of the Secret Stages acts are within a two-block radius, so people can come to the city center while still being in walking distance of a variety of restaurants.
Travis Morgan, the head music curator for Secret Stages, said the festival’s distinction comes from showcasing bands that are more under the radar.
“[Secret Stages] is different than your average music festival,” Morgan said. “We are all in one area of Birmingham and we use more outdoor stages and venues and people can check out many different genres of music.”
The Burning Peppermints will play at Secret Stages, and guitarist Jake Wittig said the band was excited to be chosen to perform. When listening to the band’s music, Wittig said people should expect powerful, thought-provoking sounds.
“[The band] wants people to have fun, but also be a little reflective on what is happening,” Wittig said. “The music should give people a psychedelic feel.”
Holy Youth started playing at Secret Stages a couple of years ago and will return for the festival’s fifth anniversary. Singer and guitarist Chris McCauley said he wants people to appreciate the energy their music brings to the crowd.
“[We play] dreamy-energetic rock music,” McCauley said. “I hope that people enjoy the music [while watching] a group of guys who like writing songs together.”
Secret Stages allows people to volunteer and gives music lovers exclusive looks inside the music business, Morgan said. Volunteering provides an opportunity for people looking to work in music to meet different labels, recording engineers, music journalists and booking agents.
Secret Stages is for people who enjoy new sounds and a different kind of musical experience, Morgan said.
“People who live their lives through music will enjoy Secret Stages,” he said.
Secret Stages provides both VIP ($75) and Weekend ($35) passes. The VIP passes allow festival-goers access to every show at the event and an additional three secret sets in the VIP lounge each day. Complementary food and drinks for VIP pass owners will be catered by Savoie Catering and Carrigan’s Public House, among others. Additional information can be found at secretstages.net.
