The Place

ISSUE 9 SUMMER 2018

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BIRMINGHAM'S FRONT PORCH

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BACK FORTY BEER COMPANY COMES TO SLOSS DOCKS

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THE LINE BETWEEN ART AND CRAFT

with Thrive Clay Studios

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TA B L E O F CO NTENTS 1

WELCOME

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BIRMINGHAM'S FRONT PORCH

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BACK FORTY: FRONT AND CENTER

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THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE AIR

A LETTER FROM

Cathy Sloss Jones A PLACE IN THE SUN

Pepper Place's down-to-Earth app developer Airship is on the rise

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CHEFS AT THE MARKET Monthly Chef Demonstrations

Hi friends, The sun is out, seedlings have become plants in full bloom, the Barons have taken the field at Region’s Park, and folks from across Birmingham are flocking to our market and our patios every day of the week to enjoy the weather, the food, the drink, and the company. I can’t express how rewarding it is to see this project that’s over 30 years in the making evolve and grow from year to year, season to season, day to day. Only in my wildest dreams did I imagine that this quiet corner of Birmingham could be bustling with the life and activity we see every day here at Pepper Place.

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CHEF HOLT'S SUMMER SUCCOTASH PICO DE GALLO A fresh recipe for you to make this season

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HOP CITY'S FRUITY BREWS FOR SUMMER

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THRIVING ON THE LINE BETWEEN ART AND CRAFT Thrive Clay Studio brings both art and craft

Because we just can’t get enough of this beautiful sunshine, this issue of The Place is focused on the unsung heroes of Pepper Place: its patios. While our tenants are always open for business within any of our renovated office spaces, our patios are where we really come together as a community. Just like the front porch you probably grew up with, our patios are multipurpose. When it’s time for a song, they act as a stage.

When it’s time to eat, they act as a dining room. When it’s time to dance, the bricks become a dance floor. When it’s time to relax and enjoy a good cup of coffee and a great conversation, the patios are patios—a place of familiarity and comfort away from the everyday hustle and bustle.

We hope this issue of The Place does our patios justice. And if it doesn’t, well, I guess you’ll just have to come see them for yourself!

Regards,

Cathy Sloss Jones President Sloss Real Estate

to Pepper Place

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GOOD FOOD AND GOOD TUNES: A PERFECT PAIRING Local music at The Market at Pepper Place

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PATIO OVATION Charlie Thigpen’s guide to sprucing up your outside space.

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EVENTS

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MAP OF PEPPER PLACE

There’s an alleyway that runs the length of Pepper Place between 28th and 31st Streets. If you start at the west end and head east through the heart of our neighborhood, you’ll see Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery on your left and James Beard Awardwinning Chef Chris Hastings’ live fire-inspired OvenBird on your right. Tucked in amongst Charlie’s greenery and draped in OvenBird’s alluring, smoky aromas is an inviting garden patio — a joint effort in comfort and craft between the two establishments. It’s always open to peruse Charlie’s selection of plants, planters, and garden decorations, and every evening from Monday through Saturday you‘ll find diners enjoying the much-lauded food and cocktails.

Continuing east, you’ll come to the Market Parking lot where up to 10,000 people will come in a single Saturday to shop local from some of Alabama’s best growers and makers. On the east side of the parking lot you’ll see a porch coming off the back of the Dr Pepper Building 2 — home of Richard Tubb Interiors and numerous office spaces. Most of the week, it’s a modest porch where coworkers gather for lunch or a coffee. But if you happen to come on a Saturday this porch transforms into The Porch. A rotating cast of musicians — usually belting old-time country tunes — entertains market goers, the stairs transform into a makeshift picnic table, and the sidewalk below becomes a dance floor for toddlers. For those few hours every Saturday, Birmingham becomes a family, and this is its porch.

Crossing 29th Street South you’ll come to the patios in front of Cantina Tortilla Grill and Bettola. By day, the patio is a gathering space not only for the people who work at Pepper Place but also

for people from all over Birmingham looking for a quick, affordable, delicious bite for lunch. When the sun goes down, the lights come on, the music picks up, and the patio is filled with folks looking for some of the best flavors in Birmingham.

Last but certainly not least, the westernmost side of Pepper Place is home to one of Birmingham’s most expansive selections of beer and wine at Hop City as well as the newly-opened Blueprint on 3rd — upscale Southern fare in an elegant early 20th Century art deco environment. At Hop City, you can sample from the dozens of brews they have on tap and enjoy them out on the patio. And when the Blueprint Building renevation is complete later this year, our outdoor gathering area will extend all the way to 31st Street.

YOU’RE WALKING ON HOLEY GROUND Did you know Birmingham gets more rain every year that Seattle? We want that water to return to the soil as quickly, efficiently, and cleanly as possible. When water gets back into the ground, that’s better for the environment as a whole, the city’s water supply, and ultimately for the Alabama farmers we so rely on. To help that happen, permeable pavers are incorporated into the landscape architecture throughout Pepper Place. When you’re here, look down. That’s them.

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From humble Gadsden beginnings, Back Forty Beer Company has become a leader in the Alabama craft brewing scene. Over the last 8 years, business has grown exponentially, and now the company is expanding its operation to Birmingham where it will be a flagship location of the Sloss Docks redevelopment.

Back Forty Beer Company gets its name from the agricultural term that refers to the wildest, most unkempt, rarely visited part of a plot of land. But why Back Forty beer? Because the “back forty” often has the most fertile soil.

Prior to 2008, the state of Alabama’s laws restricted wouldbe brewers from producing and selling high-quality craft beer.

When those laws were lifted in 2008, Gadsden’s Jason Wilson and Brewmaster Jamie Ray jumped at the opportunity to make their mark on Alabama’s new and booming beer scene.

In early July, under the leadership of Owner & CEO Doug Brown, Back Forty opened the doors on its first expansion brewery in Birmingham. Sticking to that ethos of growing something up out of forgotten land, Back Forty’s Birmingham location is situated around the corner from Pepper Place and across the street from Sloss Furnaces on the outskirts of the vibrant Lakeview District.

The anchor development of what Sloss Real Estate plans to be a complete overhaul of its 120,000 square foot Sloss Docks property, Back Forty is setting up shop in what has long been a traditional warehouse space.

Continuing Sloss Real Estate’s efforts to connect Birmingham’s downtown neighborhoods, the location of Sloss Docks and Back Forty at 32nd St and 1st Ave N, across the entrance to Sloss Furnaces, will serve a crucial role in connecting Pepper Place to the nearby Avondale neighborhood — home to several popular bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues — and bridge the gap not just between north and south sides of downtown but between commercial and industrial parts of the area. “In a lot of ways, this is virgin territory,” said Brown. “We’ll be the only brewery in this part of Birmingham,” which will likely bring in new commercial tenants as well.

jobs. Opening in mid-2018, the new brewery will also feature a restaurant, a beer garden, a stage for live performances, two decks, an outdoor bar, and a 65-foot bar inside.

“Until I hear otherwise, we’ve got the longest bar in Birmingham,” said Brown, pointing out the expansive stone tabletop. Behind the bar is an impressive array of stainless steel brewing equipment rising up like the towers at Sloss Furnace. “We’ll be brewing all the Back Forty classics— Naked Pig Pale Ale and Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale, as well as specialty brews like the Mandarin Chief Imperial Black IPA. But we’re also working on some exciting new beers just for Birmingham.”

They’ve come a long way from the back forty, and we’re thrilled to have them in Birmingham.

BACK FORTY’S BIRMINGHAM BREWS

Back Forty Beer Company opened in early July with 2 beers inspired by different aspects of the Sloss Furnace: WAR BABY WHEAT (WITH APRICOT) HONORS FRISCO 4018, the "war baby" train engine parked at Sloss' 32nd Street entrance.

THEOPHOLIS' HEART (RED ALE) is named for Theopholis Calvin Jowers whose ghost is rumored to haunt Sloss Furnaces. After a tragically fiery death, local papers reported that there were few remains. Jowers’ wife, however, claimed that in the molten iron was found Theopholis’ heart.

In addition to a brewery producing 2,000 barrels of beer per year, the location will feature a full-service restaurant with executive chef Russ Bodner, former sous chef for chef Rob McDaniel at SpringHouse on Lake Martin before becoming the executive chef of Kowaliga, also on Lake Martin. Bodner is content to keep the specifics under wraps, but promises there will be an enticing spread of upscale pub fare, made with local ingredients, and prepared almost exclusively in-house.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Back Forty’s first satellite location will anchor the redevelopment of the 120,000-square-foot Sloss Docks, which neighbors both the historic Sloss Furnaces and Pepper Place. The brewery project is a $1.6 million investment to convert a former 6,230-squarefoot former warehouse into an attraction with up to 30 new

TO KEEP UP WITH THE PROGRESS ON THEIR NEW SPACE, FOLLOW BACK FORTY ON INSTAGRAM @BACKFORTYBEER AND @SLOSSDOCKS.

JOIN BACK FORTY FOR THEIR GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION ON JULY 21ST! MON: 3-10 PM | TUE: CLOSED | WED: 3-10 PM THU: 11 AM-10 PM | FRI: 11 AM-12 AM SAT: 11 AM-12 AM | SUN: 11 AM-9 PM

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It doesn’t take long to realize there’s something a little different about Airship. For starters, The Place sat down for a chat with Katie Deck, the app developer’s Market Cartographer.

“Originally, I was just listed as ‘Cartographer,’ but then actual cartographers started reaching out to me asking ‘When did you become a cartographer?’ So we had to add the Market part.” There are also Opportunity Explorers who, in any other agency, would be called sales people. Then there are the Project Navigators, or project managers, and Builders both Master and Journeyman—A.K.A. developers. They take their clients through a process that begins with Mapping, takes them on a Journey, and sticks with them for the long, successful Voyage. Their website uses phrases like “Ahoy!”

THE IDEA WAS BORN OUT OF THE FRUSTRATIONS THE MAYFIELDS EXPERIENCED WHEN TRYING TO FIND AND BOOK TRUSTWORTHY CHILDCARE.

“We’re a little cheesy,” adds Deck.

It may not be the cheese, but there’s certainly something in Airship’s determination to do things differently that’s brought them such success. Over the last five years, Airship has grown from a small startup to a company of 14. And they’re growing, expanding their modern office at Pepper Place to accommodate a blossoming team of Builders and Navigators and Cartographers. After moving their offices to Pepper Place a little over a year ago, the team immediately fell in love with Pepper Place. “The parking, the food, the people, and being so close to downtown—it’s all so good.”

Recently, when the team was considering expanding, they looked to other parts of Birmingham and simply couldn’t find anything to top what Pepper Place had to offer. “We even waited around for space to open up so that we could expand here rather than move into a new space.”

In a playful, Airshippian nod to Peter Pan, the name Wyndy is a reference to Wendy from Peter Pan. "What sets Wyndy apart from other babysitting options is that the sitters, who are called ‘Wyndys,’ must apply online and pass a background check before they are allowed access to the platform.”

Thousands of parents and college students have signed up since the app launched in March of 2017. In April of 2017, Wyndy won $80,000.00 from Alabama Launchpad, a competition for Alabamabased start ups. The operation has expanded beyond Birmingham ino Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Charlottesville, VA with additional markets in the works.

Thanks to the quirky little software developer that could, parents across the Southeast can enjoy a carefree night out.

And when you see some of the work the Airship team is capable of, it makes perfect sense that things are bouncing along so buoyantly.

One of their many successful projects—and one that’s perfectly suited for those parents looking for a carefree evening out to one of Pepper Place’s wonderful eateries—is a little app called Wyndy.

From the folks at Airship, “The idea was born out of the frustrations experienced when trying to find and book trustworthy childcare."

They dreamed of a way to eliminate endless texts, late-night trips to the ATM, and running out of babysitters. Wyndy solves these problems by leveraging modern technology to dramatically simplify the process of finding, booking, and paying college sitters.

GET TO KNOW WYNDY @ WYNDY.COM SAIL THE DIGITAL SEAS WITH AIRSHIP @ TEAMAIRSHIP.COM

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CHEFS AT THE MARKET MONTHLY CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE PEPPER PL ACE M ARKET GIVE GUESTS THE INSIDE SCOOP ON SOME OF THE CIT Y ’S BEST DISHES. It’s no secret that the Market at Pepper Place is a foodie’s paradise. From the pages of the Washington Post to the Andrew Zimmern’s Travel Channel series, this cornerstone of the new Birmingham has come to stand as a rallying point for anyone who loves good food, who’s conscientious of where it comes from, and who loves to spend time in the kitchen.

To bring all of those elements together, the Market at Pepper Place, with support from the Birmingham Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, hosts a different chef each Saturday. From the traditional to the exotic, from down home cookin’ to highbrow cuisine, the chefs at the demo table show the diversity and vibrancy of Birmingham’s singular food culture.

HE RE ’ S A BRIE F G LIMP S E OF SOME OF OU R RECE NT DEMO CHE F S .

ADAM EVANS We’re very excited that our soon-to-be neighbor Chef Adam Evans joined us at the chef demo table this season.

His new, as-yet unnamed restaurant will be just two blocks from Pepper Place, and the rooftop bar will be a very welcome addition to the Lakeview District. With culinary endeavors at Atlanta’s acclaimed Optimist, Tom Collichio’s Craft in New York, and La Petit Grocery in New Orleans, we can’t wait to see what Chef Evans brings to Birmingham.

DANIEL BRIGGS One of the reasons Chef Daniel Briggs fits in so nicely at the Pepper Place Market chef’s demo table is that his love of gardening led to his interest in cooking. According to Chef Briggs, food should speak for itself. That’s why he uses the freshest seasonal produce available with as little processing as possible. This season, Chef Briggs demonstrated a new angle on a southern classic: spicy pineapple collards. To experience his freshness firsthand, visit DG Restaurant in Mountain Brook and the fast-casual Serendipity at Innovation Depot.

JORGE CASTRO Whether it’s the giant Cinco de Mayo celebration or a fast, relaxing lunch on the patio, Chef Jorge Castro has been a key ingredient in many of the good times that happen at Pepper Place. For the last 10 years, Cantina Tortilla Grill has kept the bar high for casual dining and fresh Mexican food. His approach to cuisine manages to bring a little fun to high-end cuisine, and that’s no better exemplified than in his demo dish for this season — shrimp tacos with mango salsa.

CLIFTON HOLT There’s a lot to love about Chef Clifton Holt—his fresh take on Southern fare at his acclaimed restaurant Little Savannah, his infectious passion for cooking, his chocolate bread pudding. But one of the things we most appreciate about this staple of our Pepper Place Market Chef demonstrations is his preference to grow his very own herbs and vegetables. It’s that kind of effort, attention to detail, and hyper-local thinking the Market organizers strive for, and Chef Holt totally embodies it. Where some chefs might prefer to keep their secrets to themselves, Chef Holt chooses to share his passion for the culinary arts. In addition to his regular showings at the Market demo table, he has managed the cooking class experiences at Mountain Brook’s Grand Bohemian Hotel and regularly offers small group classes through Little Savannah.

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CHEF HOLT’S SUMMER SUCCOTASH PICO DE GALLO INGREDIENTS:

1 red pepper, diced 1 jalapeño pepper, diced 1 small red onion, diced 1 garlic pod, minced 6 ears corn, roasted or grilled in husk 3 cups fresh peas, cooked until tender 3 peaches, under ripe, diced 3 tomatoes, diced 2 limes, zested and juiced 12 okra, sliced thin 1 bunch cilantro leaves, minced ¼ teaspoon cumin Salt & pepper to taste Combine all ingredients, except okra and cilantro, mix and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Combine okra and cilantro just before serving. Serve with tortilla strips or as a side dish to meats and seafood.

CHEF SCHEDULE JULY 14TH

SEPTEMBER 1ST

BARE NAKED NOODLES

LES DAMES TAKEOVER

JULY 21ST

SEPTEMBER 8TH

BETTOLA

SHERRON GOLDSTEIN

JULY 28TH

SEPTEMBER 15TH

CHRIS VIZZINA

AUGUST 4TH

KATHY G'S CATERING

AUGUST 11TH

LES DAMES SAMFORD NUTRITION

SEPTEMBER 22ND

KATHY G'S CATERING

ICEHOUSE BBQ MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE

SEPTEMBER 29TH

AUGUST 18TH

OCTOBER 6TH

LES DAMES

BLACK SHEEP KITCHEN

BOTTEGA/HIGHLANDS

AUGUST 25TH

OCTOBER 13TH

HOMEWOOD GOURMET

ROOT TO TAIL

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SUMMER IS HERE, AND WITH IT IS A VERITABLE FLOOD OF NEW AND INVENTIVE BEER TO TICKLE TASTE BUDS AND CONTRIBUTE TO ULTIMATE RELAXATION. It can be a little intimidating to wade through all the options, but fortunately our friends at Hop City Birmingham are here to point out a few fruity options that go against the mainstream. These beers pack an extra special punch of refreshment for those hot summer days, and are guaranteed to make an interesting addition to your next barbecue.

UINITA BREWING’S MANGO LIME PILSNER

Available from May to September, this crisp and immensely refreshing small batch pilsner features a mild malt flavor herbal hop character, with hints of fresh mango and lime. With a natural citrus flavor and a bright sweetness, this Pilsner is a perfect match for a sunny day, a pool, a great big bowl of fresh guacamole, and a patio full of friends.

TRIMTAB BREWING CO.’S PARADISE NOW RASPBERRY BERLINER WEISSE A Birmingham hometown favorite and 2017 GABF bronze medal winner for the fruited wheat category, TrimTab Berliner Weisse is a tart, refreshing wheat ale that is brewed with raspberry and tart cherry puree.

According to the brewers, bread-y wheat notes provide a soft background and delicate mouthfeel, while the fruit and acidic flavors contrast to create a very refreshing, but undeniably unique summer style.

STEVENS POINT WHOLE HOG PEACH HEFEWEIZEN

Handcrafted with rich red wheat, German malts, Mt. Hood hops, and juicy peaches, this well-balanced hefeweizen is guaranteed to perk up your senses with its fresh-picked aroma. This golden amber and smells of juicy peaches and malty grain. Golden amber in color with a rich and fruity flavor, this medium-bodied hefeweizen is a perfect departure from other sweet, citrusy brews of the season. Try it with a good burger topped with sharp cheese.

CHANDELEUR ISLAND BREWING CO.’S H90 SURFSIDE PINEAPPLE WHEAT ALE

Wheat beers are a staple of summer, and for good reason. Light in flavor and highly effervescent, these crisp, bubbly brews provide an excellent respite on a warm day. Whereas many wheat beers lean into orange or lemon flavors, this pleasant little wheat brew is dry and tart with a pineapple scent. This beer from the Mississippi coast is shot through with tropical flavor.

CAHABA BREWING CO.’S KIWI KOLSCH

A golden-hued ale with hints of kiwi and coriander, the subtle fruity notes of this bright, crisp kolsch offer a clean finish to refresh your palette on a hot summer day. This Birmingham brewery’s summer seasonal has quickly become a favorite, so be sure to stock up on it before it’s gone. Fire up the grill and pair this delicious brew with some shrimp kabobs.

AND SINCE A GRAPE IS ALSO A FRUIT, WE WANTED TO POINT OUR WINE DRINKERS TO

HOUSE CANNED WINES

LIMITED EDITION ROSÉ BUBBLES

Crisp and elegant aromas of fresh berries lead to lively citrus flavors on the palate. Bright, fruity, and flavorful. And $2 from each case sold of House Wine Rainbow Rosé Bubbles will be donated to the Human Rights Campaign.

BRUT BUBBLES

This well-balanced and food friendly sparkler offers bright, crisp acidity complemented by notes of green apple and citrus.

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THRIVING ON THE LINE BETWEEN CRAFT AND ART

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“Pottery is on a line between craft and art. A lot of people ride that line, and I’m included in it. I like the challenge of form and function. You can’t just make something pretty.

You have to make something pretty that works.”

and they have a desire to put that creativity into the world. That’s where Thrive came from.”

“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands. If I’m in production for a day—say I throw 40 mugs for an order—the way they’re all lined up,

Lana Hobbs grew up with an artist mother and an engineer father

totally finished, it’s such a fulfilling feeling. But also, I love watching

who encouraged her in all forms of art and creativity, but it

people figure it out. There’s such a steep learning curve at the

wasn’t guaranteed that she would find a career as an artist. In

beginning, especially on the pottery wheel. Seeing it click for people

fact, Pepper Place’s newest tenant and infinitely skilled artisan

is really exciting to see the clay take hold of them.”

didn’t even take a class in pottery until she was already through with her undergraduate degree in Spanish. “I just fell in love with

Hobbs started as a market vendor at the Market at Pepper Place.

it,” says Hobbs. “And when my husband saw that I loved it, he

Although she had a studio in Bluff Park, she met many of her students

made it so that I could do pottery at home. Eventually I realized

at Pepper Place. “From a practical standpoint, it made sense to set up

that no matter what odd job I was doing, I was using art to help

shop at Pepper Place. I believe in working toward the good of our city,

teach people. So, I went and studied art education at Montevallo,

and now we have so many people coming here on the weekend, and

worked as a studio assistant with Susan Gordon at MAKEbhm,

during the week. It’s an opportunity to be at this connection point.”

launched my own studio in 2014, and now I’m here.”

For Hobbs, making pottery is as much about creating art as it is Combining that love of education with her creative spirit, Lana

about creating community. “I would love to really put down roots

launched Thrive Clay Studio not just to further her own practice and

here, and have people come in and share this space. I want people

career in sculpture, but to pass her passion and know-how along to

to feel ownership of Thrive. Pottery is a messy hobby, and I want

others. “I think people have an innate desire to create something,

everyone to be able to give it a shot.”

THRIVE UPCOMING EVENTS

WALL POCKET WORKSHOP: JUL 10, 2018

PLATTER WORKSHOP: JUL 24, 2018

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GOOD FOOD AND GOOD TUNES: A PERFECT PAIRING Like peaches and cream, like Hall and Oates, good food and good music just go together. In fact, the organizers of the Market at Pepper Place are so fond of this pairing that on any given Saturday you can find not one but two music stages featuring some of the city and the region’s best musicians.

The Front Porch Music Stage overlooks the produce side of the market, and the stairs regularly serve as an impromptu dance floor for kids of all ages. Meanwhile, one block over, the 29th Street Music Stage serves as a nice background for folks browsing the vendor tents or grabbing a quick bite.

From bluegrass to Bach and all points in between, here are just a few of the many bands that have graced our stages.

THE OLD PAINTS If on a Saturday morning you wander by the 29th Street Stage, you’re likely to hear something a little different than the usual string

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band vibe found at most markets. That jangly, plugged-in, gritty backwoods punk rock is the sound of The Old Paints, a particularly Birmingham band for a particularly Birmingham venue. The Old Paints formed in 2013 after Breely Flower met Andy Harris at his weekly open mic. The two have played hundreds of shows together now, from Alabama to New York and all points in between. In 2016, the duo added musician Aleia Briggs to the act and set out on their Never Ending Tour, during which the Paints played 25 shows up to New York and back during July 2016. The trio has been a regular feature of the Market’s 29th Street Music Stage since 2015.

THE RED MOUNTAIN YELLOWHAMMERS You’re guaranteed to hear music coming from the Front Porch Music Stage on Saturday mornings. If the Red Mountain Yellowhammers are playing, you’re also guaranteed to hear laughter. In the spirit of old-time, good-time string band musicians before them, the Red Mountain Yellowhammers weave a lot of jokes in between the tunes.

Fiddler Jim Cauthen, guitarist Joyce Cauthen, mandolin player Phil Foster, harmonica/banjo ukulelist Jamie Finley, and bassist Nancy

play high-energy dance tunes, old-timey blues, and sing songs from the earliest days of country music, when folks like the Carter Family and the Delmore Brothers were the stars.

GYPSY CORNBREAD With musical influences from Hank Williams to Mozart, the eclectic influences of Gypsy Cornbread’s singular sound couldn't be much

and Maria Muldaur, both of whom she cites as being influences in her music. The truth is that Debbie does it her way, playing a dynamic mix of soulful originals and covers. Her impressive musical story includes years of performing with older traditional Alabama blues musicians, including Johnny Shines, Eddie Kirkland and Willie King. Her immersion in the blues has deeply flavored her guitar playing, soulful voice and original song writing, yet her sound is contemporary and original.

more different. And maybe that’s why they fit in so well at the Market.

Take a look around at the Saturday crowd and you’ll see a diverse

MIKE HIPP

cross-section of Birmingham’s population all brought together by

Hipp Music is the duo act of Mike and Melissa Hipp of Pelham,

a love of food and festivity. Gypsy Cornbread is a group of three

Alabama. Mike Hipp has been playing music in the Birmingham area

native Alabamians who grew up in the middle of blues, rock and roll,

for over three decades as a solo act, with various bluegrass bands,

country, and soul. And just like the market, this thing they call "gypsy

recently on-stage with the Black Jacket Symphony, and currently

jazz" is a blend of all the good things they love.

with groups Over The Mountain (bluegrass/Americana) and Uptown Rounders (Americana). In 2007, Mike married Melissa and soon after

DEBBIE BOND

his solo act became a duo. Melissa plays guitar and will often serve

Debbie Bond has been paying her dues in the Alabama backwoods for

as backup harmony to Mike. Quite often, their friend and fellow

more than 30 years. Her singing has been compared to Bonnie Raitt

musician Dwayne Tew will join them on stage.

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PATIO

OVATION

C H A R L I E T H I G P E N ’ S G U I D E T O S P R U C I N G U P YO U R O U T S I D E S PAC E .

As the heart of Birmingham’s Design District, Pepper Place has become synonymous with interior design thanks to our esteemed design tenants like Richard Tubb, Cantley & Co., Atmosphere, Design Supply, and King’s House. There’s plenty of goodness to be had for the great, air-conditioned indoors. But if you’re looking to add a touch of refinement to your outdoor space, Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery has just the thing… or things.

A SPOT TO SIT A SPELL Lawn chairs are fine, hammocks are great, and porch swings are a key ingredient in any Southern summer. But there are other ways to relax, too. Check out this funky, foldable outdoor table and chairs for a conversation piece that’s perfectly designed for a cup of coffee and a conversation.

INTRODUCING INDUSTRIAL CHIC Iron makes the perfect accent piece for the history buff.

Blending these reminders of Birmingham’s hardscrabble industrial heritage with the softness of bright summer flowers can make for a really interesting, unique contrast.

A HOME FOR YOUR LOVELIES Terra cotta planters certainly get the job done, but your plant life shouldn’t be the only thing bringing color to your patio. Formal or flashy, refined or rustic, there’s guaranteed to be a planter to match your aesthetic.

IF IT AIN’T BAROQUE, THAT’S OKAY Man’s best friend? The mythical Green Man? A meditating frog? Half a face? What form conveys your personality, your interests? Introducing a statue into your patio design can really set the mood for your outdoor space and let guests know who you are.

GO WITH THE FLOW A babbling brook, a lazy river, a meandering stream — unfortunately none of these are super common in Birmingham. But there’s hope! No matter the size of your patio, whether it’s a balcony or a veritable plaza, there’s a water feature that can heighten the outdoor experience.

Especially in small spaces, the steady, calming sound of flowing water brings a feeling of space and peace.

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Atmosphere Summer Sale

There is a change in the Atmosphere as owner Barri Thompson has decided to focus on her interior design business and is closing her beloved store after 14 years. You will find some great deals in the shop this summer!

Alabama Outdoors Pop-up at Pepper Place We are excited to welcome Alabama Outdoors to Pepper Place! They are open Tuesday-Friday from 11 AM-3 PM and Saturday 7 AM-1 PM.

Blueprint on 3rd Opening

Stop in soon to enjoy some of the delicious dishes and cocktails they are serving up at Pepper Place's newest eatery.

Back Forty Opening

In July Back Forty brewery will open at Sloss Docks! This awesome brewery will offer spectacular views of Sloss Furnace, American Pub Food and delicious Back Forty beer!

SLOSS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

July 14th and 15th: 44 bands on 4 stages plus craft beer, arts and crafts, and live iron pouring.

Cantina 15th Anniversary Celebration

On July 19th Cantina will celebrate their 15th Anniversary with a DJ and food and drink specials!

Hop City Rose Wine Dinner

On July 29th Hop City will host a Rose Wine Dinner! Go to hopcitybeer.com for tickets and information! Rose all day!

Terrific New Theatre

Shirley Valentine starring Dolores Hydock runs through June 30: June 21/22/23 at 8 PM, Sun June 24 at 2:30 PM, and June 28/29/30 at 8 PM. July 13, 14, and 15, Jamie Campbell will perform his solo show, “The Devil on the Wall or, That Time I Got Kidnapped.�

About Town Pre-Sloss Fest Party

Friday, July 13th: About Town will be kicking off Sloss Fest weekend featuring a special brew from Back Forty made exclusively for Sloss Fest and 3 bands who will be performing at the Festival. Tickets are $25! For tickets and information go to abouttown.io

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F R E E PA R K I N G

RETAIL & SHOWROOMS 3. AERO JOE PILATES www.aerojoepilates.com

6. ATMOSPHERE HOME ESSENTIALS www.atmospherehomeessentials.com

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS 6. ABOUT TOWN www.abouttownsite.com 4. AIRSHIP, LLC www.teamairship.com

6. CANTLEY & COMPANY www.cantleyandcompany.com

4. BLACK BENAK, LLC www.blackbenak.com

3. CHARLIE THIGPEN’S GARDEN GALLERY www.charliethigpensgardengallery.com

6. FRED www.thinkfred.com

4. THE COLLECTIVE www.thecollectivebham.com

5. COUNTRY LIVING www.countryliving.com

5. DEKALB OFFICE www.dekalboffice.com

4. HODGES AND ASSOCIATES www.thehighroad.com

6. DESIGN SUPPLY www.artgallery1930.com/designsupply

6. MURPHY MEDIA, INC www.murphymedia.com

1. EISYS, INC www.elsys-inc.com

4. PEPPERMINT PHOTOGRAPHY www.apeppermintphoto.com

2. FERGUSON www.ferguson.com 9. FRONTERA www.fronterairon.com 4. RICHARD TUBB INTERIORS www.richardtubbinteriors.com 6. THRIVE CLAY STUDIO www.thriveclay.com

4. PERITUS PR, LLC www.perituspr.com

ZYP BIKESHARE

OFFICES 5. AQ2 TECHNOLOGIES www.aq2tech.com

3. LIVE DESIGN GROUP www.livedesigngroup.com

5. BATTLE & WINN LLP www.battlewinn.com

6. MOMENTUM www.momentumleaders.org

5. BRIK REALTY www.brikrealty.com

4. RYAN FREEMAN INC www.rfibuilders.com

6. CHAPEL STEEL www.chapelsteel.com

6. SCHILLECI & TORTORICI, PC www.themillenniallawyer.com

5. CHIP REWARDS INC www.chiprewards.com 5. EPIC www.epicbrokers.com

4. SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER www.southernenvironment.org

3. HASKINS JONES, LLC www.haskinsjones.com

4. THE WATSON FIRM www.birminghambusinesslaw.com

6. KRUMDIECK A+I DESIGN www.krumdieck.com

4. YEATTS LAW FIRM www.yeattsfirm.com

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE www.pepperplacemarket.com 5. BETTOLA www.bettolarestaurant.com 6. BIRMINGHAM CANDY CO. POP-UP SHOP www.birminghamcandycompany.com 8. BLUEPRINT ON 3RD www.blueprinton3rd.com

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PEPPERPLACE.COM

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5. CANTINA www.cantinatortillagrill.com

7. HOP CITY www.hopcitybeer.com 6. THE LUMBAR (Opening late Summer 2018) www.lumbarbham.com 6. OVENBIRD www.ovenbirdrestaurant.com 5. THE RED CAT www.theredcatcoffeehouse.com 6. TERRIFIC NEW THEATRE, INC www.terrificnewtheatre.com