August 21st, 2010
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Author: Published: Saturday, August 21, 2010, 8:43 PM Updated: Saturday, August 21, 2010, 8:56 PM
Fans Birmingham’s local music scene hopped from nightclub to nightclub today to hear their favorite bands or to experience the sounds of other unfamiliar musicians for the first time.
Organizers of BAAM, the Birmingham Arts and Music Festival, said they’re pleased with the initial feedback they’ve received about the festival from the first two days.
“It’s been absolutely incredible and has far exceeded expectations,” said Kelly Marshall, BAAM spokeswoman. “All the venues were happy. We don’t have any officials numbers but we had more people than we expected and we’re happy with the turnout.”
BAAM features more than 150 music acts in 13 bars, nightclubs and restaurants in the downtown area.
Paula Gardner, 33, of Pelham said the festival is a great way to expose the community to musicians in the Birmingham area.
“I think this brings attention to the fact we have so many good local artists,” she said.
But some say the festival can be improved.
Angwin said the $15 daily pass to gain entrance to the 13 venues may have been cost prohibitive for patrons interested only in attending their regular clubs.
“Everybody’s not out to chase bands around,” he said. “They just want to go to their local club, have a beer, eat dinner and go home.”
He also said the event needs to better coordinate its transportation schedule with its venues. Angwin said he bought a $40 pass which included transportation. But buses didn’t start running until 6 p.m., he said.
The music festival started as earlier as 1 p.m. at some venues.
Marshall said the festival would try to work out any kinks so it will be better next year.
She encourages those with suggestions to email their comments to suggestions@baamfest.com.
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