By Ellen Johnson | Culture EditorĀ
While Tuscaloosa is perfectly capable of holding its own when it comes to live music this fall, Birmingham also boasts a superb lineup of artists and bands heading to the Iron City this fall. Travel time to many venues in the ‘Ham is only an hour or less, so you have no excuse not to hear at least one of the acts performing in the upcoming weeks and months. From arenas and amphitheaters to concert halls and taverns, an array of musical talents and genres are accessible in Birmingham. Here are six notable bands and musicians hitting Birmingham this fall.
Future Islands at Iron City
This band, whose song “Seasons (Waiting on You)” was coined Best Track of 2014 by Pitchfork, will perform at Iron City on September 10. Since that legendary single, they’ve celebrated 10 years as a band and released “The Far Field” this year. They are raucous live performers, with lead vocalist Samuel T. Herring providing a soul-shaking take on every song. He uses his whole body, beating on his chest and growling out the lyrics, giving the audience a taste of his fervor for live performances.Ā
Sunday, Sept. 10, 8 p.m. Doors at 7. Tickets $22.50-$25 at www.ironcitybham.com.
CBDB at Zydeco
Usually you don’t need to leave Tuscaloosa to see this hometown group, but if you can’t wait until their Druid City Music Hall performance on Sept. 29, head to the Zydeco on Saturday, Sept. 9 to check out their jazz-infused, rock-infused, jam-infused live show. If you’re already planning to see CBDB at Druid City, it can never hurt to see them again.Ā
Saturday, Sept. 9, 9:30 p.m. Tickets at www.zydecobirmingham.com.Ā
Young the Giant at BJCC Concert Hall
Young the Giant with guests Cold War Kids and Joywave are hitting the BJCC Concert Hall in Birmingham on Tuesday, Sept. 26. One of their biggest hits is “Cough Syrup,” a catchy track that got the band attention back in 2011. They released an album in 2016 called “Home of the Strange.”Ā
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 8 p.m. Tickets at www.bjcc.org.
Joseph at Iron CityĀ
Much like Haim, but also not very much like Haim at all, these three sisters sing together in a band. Haim is comprised of sisters, too, but the Closner sisters of Joseph are softer toned and more acoustic driven. Their 2016 record is “I’m Alone, No You’re Not,” which includes their most streamed track, “White Flag.” For fans of sibling singers and female power groups, Joseph is one to check out.Ā
Friday, Sept. 29, 8 p.m. Doors at 7. Tickets $20-$25 at www.ironcitybham.com.Ā
Whitney at Saturn
The lead singer of Whitney is a drummer, which is, in most groups, a rarity. While that fact makes the band stand out on its own, their sound is not soon-to-be-forgotten either. With a twinge of a Frankie Valli-like falsetto, lead singer Julien Ehrlich sings with a tone that is both melancholic and happy. He and Whitney guitarist Max Kakacek are both ex-members of the band Smith Westerns. Whitney is currently touring their first full length album “Light Upon the Lake.”
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Doors at 7. Tickets $14-$16 at www.saturnbirmingham.com
Wilco at Alabama Theatre
Even though they’ve been on the circuit since the mid ’90s, Wilco is still a force to be reckoned with in the live music world. Birmingham Mountain Radio presents Wilco in a special performance at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. Tickets will probably sell out, so make sure to buy yours in advance. Wilco released “Schmilco” last year, which included the track “If I Ever Was a Child.”
Saturday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6:30. Tickets at www.alabamatheatre.com.
