Welcome to Birmingham aka the concert capital of the world! At least that’s how it feels in the year 2023. September is the perfect example of our city’s musical rebirth. Live shows of all genres and crowd capacities come into town - not to mention Furnace Fest returning. This is going to be a great month for shows - you just have to find the ones that suit you best! Here are a few of our favorites.
Moneybagg Yo w/ Finesse2Tymes, Sexyy Red, Luh Tyler, Big Boogie, YTB Fatt at the Legacy Arena (Thursday, September 7th)
The biggest names in modern rap are all coming to the BJCC’s Legacy Arena on Thursday, September 7th, for Moneybagg Yo’s “Larger Than Life” tour. The radio mainstay in joined by other mainstream favorites in Finess2Tymes, Sexxy Red (who is returning to Birmingham in October for a sold out show at Iron City) Luh Tyler, Big Boogie, and YTB Fatt. This is going to be a fun one.
Coheed and Cambria at Avondale Brewing (Saturday, September 9th)
Saturday, September 9th, is the perfect example of the type of concert city that Birmingham has become. There are multitudes of fantastic shows on this date - a few of which we have listed in this article. One of the biggest would have to be the legendary Coheed and Cambria playing at Avondale Brewing, which feels like a monumental moment for the city.
Curren$y (Live Band) w/ Frank Luke at Zydeco (Saturday, September 9th)
Seeing Curren$y play to a packed show in a Southern city is something that should be on everyone's bucket list. Birmingham gets all that and more as the New Orleans hip-hop artist comes into town with a live band to play at Zydeco on Saturday, September 9th. Even better - local favorite Frank Luke is opening. Be there or be square as the kids say.
Shadows of the Wind with The Murder of Jane Crow, Blood Moon Riot, and Crimson Mask at The Nick (Saturday, September 9th)
Spooky season starts early at The Nick on Saturday, September 9th, as three of the city’s finest gothic acts take the stage at the city’s cherished dive bar/concert hall. The Murder of Jane Crow (who I’ve been looking to see again after an incredible set in a cemetery pre-pandemic) is joined by Blood Moon Riot and Crimson Mask for an evening of hauntingly beautiful tunes.
Dance Gavin Dance at Iron City (Sunday, September 10th)
September is the ultimate month for Birmigham’s emo and punk lovers, with Dance Gavin Dance starting things off on a strong note at Iron City on Sunday, September 10th. There’s a lot of chatter in the city in excitement over this show, so be sure to get your finest grooving outfit on and join in the festivities.
Cowboy Mouth at WorkPlay (Friday, September 15th)
While we haven’t seen as many concerts from WorkPlay lately, the acts they book are always sure to bring a great time. Cowboy Mouth is the definition of fun, especially when the band takes on a Magic City stage. This Friday night show on September 15th is a great way to celebrate the middle of the month.
Ham Bagby & The Siege with The Sick Fucks at The Nick (Friday, September 15th)
Two of the most exciting musical acts in Birmingham will be taking on The Nick on Friday, September 15th. Ham Bagby & The Siege will be headlining the evening with support from one of the fastest-rising bands in Birmingham - Sick Fucks. Consider this a can’t miss local show.
Furnace Fest at Sloss Furnaces (Weekend of September 22 - 24)
Furnace Fest has been in its reincarnation for a few years now, and quickly turned Birmingham into a travel destination for fans of punk, hardcore, emo, goth, and similar genres. In addition to three days of all-star lineups at Sloss Furnaces, there will also be countless pre-parties, after parties, and all sorts of other celebrations. Make sure to take in at least a brief moment of this glorious weekend.
Gasolina: Reggaeton Party at Zydeco (Friday, September 22nd)
Nothing gets the masses moving like music, and one form of tune is above all the rest at getting the people dancing. I’m talking about reggaeton, of course. The biggest hits and cherished gems of this genre will be on full display at Zydeco on Friday, September 22nd, as the Gasolina Reggaeton Party comes into town.
Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, and Keller & The Keels at Avondale Brewing (Sunday, September 24th)
Land Aid is back in Birmingham for its 14th installment to benefit the Freshwater Land Trust, and it brought one of its best lineups yet. The Sunday, September 24th, show at Avondale Brewing has three of the grooviest bands you’ll ever hear in Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, and Keller & The Keels. Great music for a great cause? Count us in.
Deon Cole at the Alabama Theatre (Friday, September 29th)
In the midst of all the great concerts, don’t forget to enjoy a little comedy as well! Alabama Theatre presented a great opportunity to do exactly that when they booked Deon Cole for Friday, September 29th. The stand-up act is also a well-known actor with credits including prominent roles in “Black-ish”, “You People”, and many more. This is a guaranteed good time for fans of laughing and enjoying life.
Fantasia with Joe at the Legacy Arena (Friday, September 29th)
The Legacy Arena is the place to be on Friday, September 29th, as two of R&B’s most respected singers come into town to wow Birmingham audiences. Fantasia and Joe have both been singing hit songs to the masses for years now and it’s sure to be hit after hit at the BJCC when this end-of-month show finally comes around.
Cover image from Furnace Fest