Who We Are!!!
The Magic City Blues Society is a 501 (c ) (3) organization that was founded on January 10, 1993. At that time there was a small group of people who wanted to do more to bring the Blues to Birmingham. It all came together at about the same time that the citizens of the community living under the shadow of the world’s largest iron statue, Vulcan, protested the bare butt that Vulcan so proudly displayed.
Today, the membership of the Magic City Blues Society has grown from a select few to over 100. And if you are reading this and not a member, WE WANT YOU!!! The purposes of the Magic City Blues Society are, and not limited to:
To encourage the performance of the BluesTo encourage the preservation of the BluesTo develop an appreciation of the Blues within the communityTo participate in other charitable, literary, or cultural activities within the community consistent with the purposes of the Society.
Blues Music is very much a part of Southern life and history, deserving recognition as a valid and historical folk art form.
The Society hosts a variety of events throughout the year, bringing in national acts as well as supporting our local musicians. From events like Junkyard Juke, the Phelan Park Music Series, the Blues Ball, and Blues Stages (our house concert series), the Magic City Blues Society is working hard to promote our mission to preserving the Blues.
And as for Vulcan, he still proudly watches over our city with a bare butt!
The Magic City Blues Society is keepin’ the Blues alive in the ‘Ham – Nothin’ Butt the Blues!!!!
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FROM THE PREZ
Hello Fellow Blues Lovers!!!
October is shaping up to be a great month for the Blues.
Friday October 11th Mikey Jr. will be at the new Shelby County Arts Council. The doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7:30 with 2Blu opening.
A couple of extra goodies is Hwy 65 South in now open all the way, so traffic should not be an issue and if you buy tickets on their web page and use Code: MCBS you can get 1/2 price tickets.
This is going to be a great show, Don't miss out!!!
Saturday October 19th Jesse Cotton Stone will be rocking the Red Wolf at 9 p.m. Only $10 at the door.
The last time Jesse was here he played the Wednesday Jam at the Red Wolf and closed the place down around 2:30 a.m.. If you have not been to the Red Wolf, now is the time. This is one of the best, most authentic juke joints around. Across the tracks!!! Back in the back!!! You come in the door and You party like that!!!
Sunday October 20th Jesse and our good friend Jock Webb Sr. are preforming at our next BlueStages house concert.
This event is being held in the home of one of our supporters and it is a BYOB, pot luck concert. $20 suggested donation and all the funds go to the band. Doors at 2:30 music from 3-6. These events have a tendency to turn into dance parties so wear comfortable shoes. Sign up at Bluestages@att.net. You will be emailed the address and directions a few days before the event. Limited space available so sign up early.
More information at https://www.facebook.com/events/621038441756688/.
These 2 shows are guaranteed to be very different, so to get the compete package, try to attend both.
As always thanks for supporting the Blues & Live Music!!!
Todd Eckstrom
Prez
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HENRY "GIP" GIPSON
Alabama native and blues musician Henry “Gip” Gipson has passed. Gipson died Tuesday October 8th at a nursing home in Bessemer. He was 99.
Gipson was known worldwide for his Saturday night backyard parties. “Gip’s Place,” his Bessemer juke joint, has been the gathering spot for blues since the early 50s. Each Saturday, Gipson would start the party with a prayer followed by his favorite gospel song, “Amazing Grace.”
Gipson was a gravedigger by day and a bluesman by night. He hadn’t performed at the juke joint in nearly five months. Gipson spent his last days in a nursing home, but visiting artists have kept the tradition going.
Mr. Gipson wanted everyone to feel welcome when they came to Gip’s Place.
“He tried to bring people together. His motto is no whites, no blacks, just the blues."
Gipson’s knowledge and influence of the blues was strong. He’ll be remembered for keeping the blues alive right in his own backyard!!!
