Honoring a local Jazz Legend

Good morning Birmingham!

Fall is always a really busy time with college football, schools back in session, and the type of weather that makes you want to get out of the house! You will notice a longer list of events in the Looking Ahead as there are so many more concerts and other events to look forward to in the coming months. There is always a ton going on in the city, so check out the events as there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Let’s get to it.

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Get ready for an unforgettable evening of smooth jazz magic! This Sunday, Iron City Birmingham transforms into the ultimate jazz destination for the inaugural Magic City Smooth Jazz Legacy Series.

This isn't just any concert – it's a heartfelt celebration honoring the incredible Bernard Lockhart, the visionary who brought free jazz to Birmingham's neighborhoods and created the beloved Jazz in the Park series. Prepare to be mesmerized by headliner Julian Vaughn, whose bass mastery will have you swaying to every melodic groove as he seamlessly blends classical precision with soulful improvisation that'll give you chills. The Daniel José Carr Jazz Quartet will kick off the night with their dynamic energy and rhythmic elegance, setting the perfect tone for an evening you won't forget.

But here's what will truly touch your heart – Bernard's own children, John and Rachel Lockhart, will take the stage for an emotional dance tribute that beautifully honors their father's lifelong passion for bringing communities together through music. This legendary night celebrates not just incredible music, but the lasting legacy of a man who believed jazz could unite and uplift entire neighborhoods. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime tribute that promises smooth vibes, incredible talent, and a celebration of Birmingham's rich jazz heritage! (link)

One of Our Favorites

🌮 Tacos Toluca
Get ready to experience authentic Mexican flavors that will blow your mind at Tacos Toluca, Birmingham's hidden gem food truck located on Pinson Valley Parkway!

Named after the owner's beloved hometown, this incredible Latin-based eatery has become legendary for their mouthwatering Quesabirria tacos that come with the most amazing dipping sauce you've ever tasted. Every bite is a flavor explosion featuring fresh, never-from-a-jar ingredients like their incredible guacamole and perfectly seasoned meats that arrive piping hot and ready to devour. Customers rave about the generous portions and authentic taste that transports you straight to Mexico with every single bite.

Whether you're craving their famous birria tacos, steak Mexican tacos, or want to dive into their delicious rice and beans, Tacos Toluca delivers an unforgettable culinary adventure that will have you coming back for more. Don't miss out on what locals are calling the best Mexican food experience in Birmingham – your taste buds will thank you! (link)

☕️ Bandido Coffee

Get ready to fall in love with Birmingham's coolest new coffee spot – Bandido Coffee in Five Points South! I stumbled across this incredible Latino-owned gem on TikTok and knew I had to feature them in this week's newsletter because they're absolutely crushing it with their unique vibe and amazing coffee.

Owner Raul Chavez has created something totally different from your typical coffee shop – think edgy dive bar meets cafecito culture, where you can sip on nostalgic Mexican-inspired flavors while surrounded by customer stickers decorating every table and chair. They're serving up fresh horchata lattes, pan dulce, and house-made syrups that'll transport you straight to coffee heaven, all while supporting Birmingham's first Latino-owned coffee shop.

Located in the heart of Five Points South, tucked in the alley next to Bay Leaf, with both cozy indoor seating and a gorgeous outdoor patio, Bandido is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 4 PM, ready to fuel your day with serious coffee magic. Trust me, once you experience their "cafecito y pan dulce" vibes, you'll be planning your next visit before you even finish your first cup! (tiktok) (website)

🔬 Birmingham Invests $170K to Extend McWane Science Center Student Programs Through 2025

This is the kind of investment that can truly change lives! The Birmingham City Council has approved $170,000 in crucial funding to extend the city's partnership with the McWane Science Center through December 2025, ensuring that underprivileged and needy youth across Birmingham continue to have access to incredible educational opportunities they might never experience otherwise.

These aren't just field trips – these are life-changing interactive experiences that blend art, design, and STEAM principles, opening doors to science and creativity for kids who desperately need these pathways to brighter futures. For many students in underserved communities, programs like this can be the spark that ignites a passion for learning, discovery, and potential career paths they never knew existed.

Birmingham City Council President Darrell O'Quinn perfectly captured the importance of this investment, emphasizing how the city is stepping up to support organizations that provide these additional learning opportunities for students who need them most. When we invest in programs like this, we're not just funding education – we're investing in breaking cycles, creating possibilities, and giving every child a chance to dream bigger! (link)

🏗️ From Steel City to Smart City: Visionary Plan Could Transform Jefferson County into “Smart County”

This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking vision that gets me excited about Birmingham's future! The article outlines an ambitious "smart county" proposal that would transform Jefferson County into the nation's first fully connected, data-driven region by linking all 35 municipalities through shared sensors, databases, and digital infrastructure.

The plan would launch with smart healthcare (leveraging UAB) and smart education programs that empower young people to build apps and train adults for tech jobs, potentially creating hundreds of positions while lifting thousands out of poverty. The initiative would expand to include everything from advanced traffic systems and water management to tiny house communities, all connected through existing fiber networks.

I absolutely love when visionaries refuse to accept the status quo and instead ask "what if we could completely reimagine how our region works?" – that's the bold thinking that transforms cities! (link)

🚚 Birmingham's McLeod Software Partners with Aurora to Pioneer Autonomous Trucking Revolution

A new business partnership emerged that shows how Birmingham businesses are helping shape the future of transportation! Pittsburgh-based autonomous trucking startup Aurora has teamed up with our own McLeod Software to revolutionize the self-driving truck industry through a groundbreaking integration.

McLeod, based right here in Birmingham, provides Transportation Management System (TMS) software to over 1,200 trucking clients, and by integrating with Aurora's autonomous technology, they're making it seamless for carriers to adopt self-driving trucks within their existing systems. This partnership marks a first in the autonomous trucking industry and allows Aurora to tap into McLeod's deep roster of customers, accelerating the adoption of driverless trucks that can operate 24/7 with advanced safety features.

Aurora's trucks, worth about $11 billion in company value, can "see" more than four football fields ahead and give 11 seconds longer response time than human drivers. It's incredible to see a Birmingham-based company like McLeod at the forefront of this technological revolution, helping to make autonomous trucking feel familiar and accessible to carriers across the country! (link)

🎨 Birmingham Art Walk | 20th St N | 9/6-9/7 | More
Two day arts festival in the heart of downtown featuring hundreds of artists, live music, street performers, vendors, and kid’s activites!

🏎️  GT World Challenge | Baber Motorsports Track | 9/5-9/7 | More
Aston Martins, McLarens, and other exotic cars blazing around the truck featuring a kids zone with face painting, food trucks, vendors, and more!

🎶  Wicked the Musical | BJCC Concert Hall | 9/3-9/21 | More
The Wicked Witch of the West at Birmingham's featuring the show-stopping anthem "Defying Gravity!"

🧸 We-R-Toys | Painted Tree Boutiques | 09/06 | More
Opening day for the newest We-R-Toys store featuring classic barbies, marvel super heroes, and other vintage toys!

🔨 Kids Workshops at Home Depot | The Home Depot | 09/06 | More
Workshop for kids between 5-12 to learn how to build simple wooden projects and basic tool skills and safety!

🪴 Fall Plant Sale | Birmingham Botanical Gardens | 09/06 | More 
Come get your Natives, Perennials, Houseplants, and more while supporting the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens nonprofit!

🎶 Music at Park 124 | Park 124 | 09/07 | More
Free live music, bounce houses, face paint, balloon artist, games and food trucks!

🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 09/06 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

🎩 Mr. B’s Magic Show | Homewood Public Library | 09/04 | More
Two magic shows (4pm and 5:30pm) for kids between 0-12 at the Homewood library!

🎸 Anderson East | Workplay | 09/04 | More
Fellow Alabamian singer/songwriter and guitarist bringing his unique combination of R&B, Soul, and roots rock to Workplay!

🎙️ Jessie Murph | Coco Cola Amphitheater | 09/06 | More
Jessie Murph bringing her genre-blending country-pop-trap sound back to her home state at the Coca Cola Amphitheater!

🦐 Captain Midnight Boil | 502 Park St | Crestline Park | 09/06 | More
Shrimp, Beer, Booze, and Waterbed Rock and Roll with a donation at the door!

🏈 CahabaQue Tailgate Challenge | Cahaba Brewing | 09/06 | More
All you cant eat food, craft beer, college football, and tailgate setups while supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama

🎸 Pierre Bensusan | Avondale Brewing | 09/07 | More
Best World Music Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine live on Sunday night!

🎸 Pixies | Avondale Brewing | 09/08 | More
Boston based alternative alt rock band featuring special guests Spoon & Fazerdaze!

Looking Ahead

🎸 Phish | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/13-09/14 | More
The iconic jam band playing a full two day show at the downtown Amphitheater!

🏙️  Volunteer Orientation | Birmingham Civil Rights Institute | 09/17 | More
Register at the link above to become a volunteer at the Civil Rights Institute - you’d be hard pressed to find a better local volunteer opportunity than this!

🎤 Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/17 | More
Leon Bridges' smooth R&B soul style joins Charley Crockett's country authenticity for a unique cross-genre collaboration at the downtown Amphitheater!

🥐 Southbound Food Fest | Downtown | 09/19-09/28 | More
Featuring over 100 chefs for a 10 day festival held at Sloss Furnaces, Pepper Place, and local restuarants!

🍻 Oktoberfest | Cahaba Brewing | 09/20 | More
Festive day of Bavarian activities such as weiner dog races, keg toss, and of course drinking beer!

🎸 Jason Aldean | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/17 | More
Jason Aldean showcasing his signature blend of country rock hits at the city's new outdoor music venue!

🗣️ Corresponding Angles | Levite Jewish Community Center | 09/18 | More
A powerful Holocaust remembrance program where Gail Cohn (daughter of an American liberator) and Dr. Reuben Sloan (son of a Holocaust survivor) share the extraordinary discovery that their fathers' lives intersected during the Holocaust.

🎵 Nelly and Ja Rule | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/18 | More
Nelly and Ja Rule delivering a nostalgic hip-hop showcase featuring two of the early 2000s' biggest rap stars!

🇬🇷 Greek Food Festival | Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral | 10/02-10/04 | More
Opa! Fun filled weekend immersed in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Greece!

🎸 Thomas Rhett | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 10/09 | More
Thomas Rhett delivering his signature blend of country-pop hits and chart-topping singles to the outdoor venue!

🪄 Harry Potter in Concert | BJCC Concert Hall | 10/10-10/12 | More
The 5th installment of Harry Potter live in concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra!

🎸 St. Paul & The Broken Bones | Avondale Brewing | 10/17 | More
Our hometown band showcasing their powerful blend of Southern soul, R&B, and rock with frontman Paul Janeway's dynamic vocals at our favorite Avondale venue.

🎸 Twenty One Pilots | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 10/17 | More
Twenty One Pilots showcasing their unique blend of alternative rock, pop, and hip-hop with their theatrical live performance style!

🏆 Parkinson’s Moving Day | Railroad Park | 10/25 | More
A wonderful community event honoring loved ones with Parkinson’s disease and supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation!

🎸 The Revivalists | Avondale Brewing | 10/31 | More
The Revivalists celebrating a decade of their acclaimed album with their signature blend of rock, soul, and New Orleans-influenced sounds!