What do Jeezy, Luke Bryan and Dude Perfect Have in Common?

Good morning Birmingham!

We’ve got a jam packed weekend ahead of us. From live music, movies at the park, tax free shopping, and professional sports there should be plenty for everyone. So I hope you’re ready for some fun!

We also recently passed 6000 subscribers! 🤯 I’d like to thank each and every one of you for reading each week. I always felt like I was missing out on all the local happenings so I figured I would give this a shot. It appears many others felt the same!

My biggest passion is working with small businesses, and it’s what I do every day in my work. So if anyone knows a local business owner that would like to get featured or even sponsor a future edition, send them our way!

Let’s get to it.

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Get Ready to Shake It for Country Music's Golden Boy!

Y'all better dust off those cowboy boots because Luke Bryan is bringing his "Country Song Came On Tour" to Birmingham's brand-new Coca-Cola Amphitheater on Saturday, July 19th at 7:00 PM! This isn't just any concert venue – it's our shiny new 9,300-capacity outdoor amphitheater that just opened in June 2025, so you'll basically be experiencing country music history in the making.

Luke's rolling into town with an all-star lineup featuring George Birge, Avery Anna, and Drake Milligan – because apparently one heartthrob wasn't enough for Birmingham! DJ Rock will be spinning the tunes all night long, keeping the party going between sets.

The amphitheater offers stunning views of downtown Birmingham's skyline, so you can enjoy Luke's smooth vocals while soaking in some serious Alabama eye candy. Whether he's belting out "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" or getting everyone misty-eyed with "Drink a Beer," this is your chance to sing along (probably off-key) with thousands of your new best friends under the stars. (link)

Honorable Mention

Jeezy Brings the Heat with a Symphony Twist!

Get ready for something special! Hip-hop icon Jeezy is hitting the BJCC Concert Hall on Friday, July 18th at 8:00 PM for a one-of-a-kind show celebrating the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101".

This isn't your typical rap concert – Jeezy is teaming up with the Color of Noize Orchestra to blend the raw energy of his iconic street anthems with the power and elegance of a full symphony. Think trap music meets classical sophistication! It's billed as an elevated black-tie experience that fuses hip-hop and classical music, paying tribute to an album that literally redefined the genre.

Building on the orchestral magic first showcased with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, this tour brings a fresh, classically inspired take on songs from the album. With special guest DJ Drama joining him on the road, it's going to be an unforgettable night where street credibility meets symphony hall elegance.

One album. One orchestra. One night you definitely don't want to miss! (link)

One of our Favorites

🌮 Salud Taqueria: Where Mexico Meets Magic City!

Forget the typical enchilada-and-combo-platter routine – Salud Taqueria is serving up authentic Mexican street food that'll transport your taste buds straight to the corners of southern Mexico! Located on 2nd Ave N in downtown Birmingham, this family-run gem combines the grilling expertise of Tabasco with the bold sauces and marinades of Puebla – because why settle for one region's flavors when you can have two?

Jesús Méndez and José Medina Camacho are bringing you hand-held happiness with tacos, torta sandwiches, and burritos made the way abuela intended, featuring freshly made corn tortillas, melted Oaxaca cheese, and proteins you might need to Google but will definitely want to devour! The vibe? Think banana leaf-inspired lighting, oak wood walls, and earthy floors that make you feel like you're dining in someone's cool Mexican home – if that home happened to be in one of Birmingham's oldest surviving buildings from 1871.

🧋 Magic City Nutrition: Your Downtown Health Haven

Located on 2nd Ave S in downtown Birmingham, Magic City Nutrition is your perfect go-to spot for energy teas and meal replacement shakes that actually taste amazing! This cozy nutrition club proves healthy eating doesn't have to taste like cardboard.

Our Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I stopped by Monday morning for the first time in several years and was absolutely delighted by the two gentlemen working behind the bar (their names escape me, so if anyone reading knows them please let me know)! Their friendly service and helpful recommendations made the experience even better. The lemon lagoon tea tastes like summer while packing the same amount of caffeine as a monster energy drink.

The cozy atmosphere with free WiFi makes it ideal for fueling up while getting work done. Whether you need a quick breakfast replacement or an afternoon energy boost, Magic City Nutrition delivers both nutrition and flavor in every sip!

🚌 Birmingham Transit Gets a Major Glow-Up with $25 Million Grant

Great news for Birmingham commuters! Rep. Terri Sewell announced that the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority just scored a massive $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build a shiny new maintenance and operations facility.

This isn't just about fixing buses in a fancier garage – we're talking about a full transit transformation! The funding will help introduce some seriously cool tech like hydrogen fuel cell buses, compressed natural gas vehicles, and electric vehicle charging stations. Basically, Birmingham's public transit is about to get a very green makeover.

The project promises to create jobs during construction and beyond, while making it easier for folks across the region to get around town. It's one of those win-win situations where the environment gets cleaner, people get better transportation options, and the local economy gets a nice boost. All aboard the modernization express! (link)

💰️ Alabama's Tax-Free Weekend: Time to Shop Till You Drop (Responsibly)!

Get ready to celebrate Alabama's 20th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday! From Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, 2025, shoppers can snag school supplies, clothing, computers, and books without paying Alabama's 4% state sales tax.

Items like pencils, paper, binders, calculators, rulers, school uniforms, and computers are all fair game for tax-free shopping. But here's the fun part – you don't have to be a student to benefit! The weekend covers everything from diapers to printer ink to art supplies, so there's literally something for everyone.

To qualify for the savings, clothing must be $100 or less per item, school supplies $50 or less, and computers $750 or less. Many counties and cities are also participating by waiving their local sales taxes too, which means even bigger savings for savvy shoppers!

As one retailer puts it, "Parents have become accustomed to the sales tax holiday, and they look forward to it every year" – and honestly, who doesn't love a good excuse to shop guilt-free? Whether you're stocking up for the kids or just treating yourself to some new gear, this weekend is your wallet's best friend! (link)

🥐 Birmingham Restaurant Week: Your Foodie Adventure Awaits!

Birmingham's biggest culinary celebration is back for its 15th year! This 10-day dining event brings together local restaurants, cafes, bars, and food trucks throughout metro Birmingham, offering special prix-fixe menus ranging from just $5 to $50 per person.

Whether you're craving food truck innovations or that fancy restaurant you've been eyeing, this is your chance to taste Birmingham's diverse dishes without breaking the bank. The event also gives back to the community, recently donating $2,500 to help fight local hunger.

Started in 2010 to celebrate the local food scene, Birmingham Restaurant Week has become the perfect excuse to eat your way through the Magic City while supporting the incredible people who feed our community. Time to loosen those belts! (link)

⚽️ Birmingham Legion FC | Protective Stadium | 07/19 | More
Our local USL team hosts the Colorado Springs Switchbacks downtown!

⚾️ Birmingham Barons | Regions Field | 07/18-07/20 | More
Triple header weekend against the Knoxville Smokies!

🏀 Dude Perfect Tour | BJCC | 07/20 | More
YouTube stars Dude Perfect bring featuring live trick shots, comedy, and high-energy stunts from the five friends who became internet sensations.

🎻 Lake Street Dive | Avondale Brewing Company | 07/20 | More
The beloved indie folk-pop band known brings their soulful harmonies to Avondale!

🎶 Whiskey Myers | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 07/18 | More
Southern rock band brings the “What We Were Born To Do” tour to our new amphitheater!

🎸 Myles Morgan | Iron City Birmingham | 07/18 | More
Hoover native and rising country star Myles Morgan headlines Iron City Birmingham!

🎥 Irondale Screen Scene Movie Night | Beacon Park | 07/18 | More
Featuring “The Wild Robot”, FREE train rides, snow cones, hot dogs, popcorn, and more!

🎙️ Party on the Patio | Troup’s Pizza | 07/17 | More
Pizza and live music from the amazing Bailey Tolbert!