The 10: Soar into this week with Jefferson Starship, plus lots more music and BBQ in Montgomery
From classic rock to space-age funk and R&B, we've got an amazing amount of music coming to Montgomery for the week of Aug. 22-28. Come hungry, too, because the barbecue is fierce. Check it out in this week's The 10:
Jefferson Starship soars into the MPAC
More than four decades of rock are coming to the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The legendary group Jefferson Starship formed in 1974 with a bunch of musicians, some of which were former members of Jefferson Airplane. In the decade that followed, they earned three platinum and eight gold records with songs like "We Built This City," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Sara." Tickets are $27-$42. Get them online at mpaconline.org or call the box office at 334-481-5100.
Shared Walls debuts, with Electric Blue Yonder and Bad Hygiene at The Sanctuary
Montgomery's The Sanctuary, 432 S. Goldthwaite St., has brought us some amazing nights of music with a mix of local and visiting talent. They're keeping that trend up Friday at 8 p.m. with the venue debut of Shared Walls. It's an Austin, Texas. surf rock project by Hersh Cohen. Shared walls has a digital album out now called "Close the Door if You're Leaving." There are two other familiar local favorites playing as well: Montgomery space folk rockers Electric Blue Yonder and Bad Hygiene, a group that describes their sound as "bedroom jams by grown men."
Women's Equality Day
More than a hundred years have passed since the 19th Amendment was passed, ensuring women had the right to vote. Here in Montgomery, one way we're celebrating Women's Equality Day is a one-mile walk or run on Friday. One way to do it is Walk The Ballot at 7 a.m. at Freedom Park in Maxwell Air Force Base. For in-person participants, they'll have snacks and water. If you can't make it onto the base, no problem. This is something you can do anywhere — in your neighborhood, at the mall, at a park. Wherever. It's a time to run and reflect on the amazing progress we have made over the last century. When you're done, record your distance and time on the “results” page (https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/117107#resultSetId-268638;perpage:100). Find out more by contacting the organizers online at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Montgomery/WomensEqualityDay.
Hog Days of Summer
Some music lovers also love barbecue. Some barbecue lovers also love music. Well, they all ought to be head over heels for Montgomery on Saturday when the annual Hog Days of Summer music and BBQ event returns to take over Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water St. It starts at 2 p.m. This is the fifth annual Hog Days presented by The Druids Charity Club. Along with several groups chopping and saucing up some of the best barbecue you've ever tasted, they've got two stages that will be packed with blues, country, roots, and Americana music all day: Sam Bush, Anders Osborne, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Ally Venable Band, Ben Prestage, and Ms. Aretta Woodruff. This is a charity event to benefit Hogs for the Cause and other carefully selected local charities. General admission tickets are $40 in advance, and $45 on the day of the show. Children 12 and under get in free with an adult, and they'll have plenty of fun in the Kids Zone. The barbecue and drinks are sold separately. Feel free to bring lawn chairs. Get tickets and learn more online at hogdays.org.
Kiwanis Back to School Concert for Kids
With school getting back into action, there's a special treat for the young ones on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Ave., Montgomery. They've got an interactive Back to School concert planned with ensemble VIM! They'll have an instrument petting zoo and time for questions. https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200023108537228
Get some plant-based junk food
Who says comfort food can't be vegan? Certainly not Common Bond Brewers, 424 Bibb St., Montgomery, Suite 150. Saturday at 1 p.m. they'll be serving up items like their Crispy Chik'n Sandwiches and Loaded Fries. It's cooked in oil that contains soy, entirely nut-free. The fries are made with GF ingredients. The patties are made from soy, wheat, and peas. They'll post the full menu Saturday morning. No pre-orders. You've got to show up in person to get them. https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200023108534615
Luau Night at GTSouth
Summer is winding down, and you probably haven't made it to Hawaii this year, have you? No prob. They're bringing the island life to you on Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at GTSouth Geek & Gaming Tavern, 2015 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery. It's GTSouth's official summer luau and dance party. Come dressed in your swimwear if you prefer, and don't forget those colorful Hawaiian shirts. They'll have DJ Henngod on the tracks. Remember, this is for ages 21 and up.
R&B Blues Picnic at the amphitheater
After the past couple of years, we all need some soul healing. That's what they've got planned Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Montgomery's Riverwalk Amphitheater for the Montgomery R&B and Blues Picnic. They'll have live DJs, food, soul and R&B music, games, and vendors. Yes, you can bring a cooler (no glass). Tickets are $25-$1,000. www.rnbbluespicnic.com
A fairy good time for kids in Wetumpka
Tinkerbell and her fairy friends are making a stop in Wetumpka on Sunday from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Party Place, 1032A U.S. 231. It's the A Very Fairy Ball. Each child will play and dance with fairies, take photos, make wishes, and treasure hunt with the Trickster. And, yes, your child can become a fairy, also. Add on a pair of fairy wings for them when buying your tickets, which are $10-$30. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-very-fairy-ball-tickets-381340438517
Dress to impress at the Sneaker Ball
It's time for honors at the W.J. Hawks Basketball Club, a youth-based program helping to build future leaders through character, education, and creating a positive impact in the community. They'll have their first Sneaker Ball awards banquet on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m., with music, fashion, and philanthropy. It's happening at the Montgomery Therapeutic Recreation Center, 604 Augusta Ave. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. Get them by calling 334-209-7973. Ages 10 and younger get in free with a canned good. Dress attire is "dope sneakers" and formal wear. This club is in honor of the late W.J.J. Jr.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel at sheupel@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: The 10: Soar into the week with music & BBQ coming to Montgomery
