Sloss Music and Arts Festiva held July 18-19 brought locally and nationally recognized musicians, artists, and vendors to Birmingham, AL for the city's event of the summer.
The Music
The event's lineup went above and beyond what I thought possible for a first year festival. I was overwhelmingly surprised when I saw names like Modest Mouse, Young the Giant, and Cage the Elephant on the list to perform. It never occurred to me that Birmingham, AL would be able to attract talent that performs nationwide on a regular basis. Singing every song in the Cage the Elephant set at the top of my lungs with thousands of my fellow sweaty, screaming festival goers is now one of my fondest memories, and I have Sloss Fest to thank for that. You can view the full lineup here.
I came into the festival with the mindset that the only shows worth seeing were the musicians I already know and love but I could not have been more wrong. The festival introduced me to artists like St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Judah and The Lion, Lord Huron, and so many others. I left the festival with a new found excitement for music and curiosity about what emerging talent the festival will showcase next year.
The Art
Sloss Fest brought more to Birmingham than music. Art in the form of posters, jewelry, body paint, merchandise, and even iron poured on site were for sale and on display throughout the festival grounds.
While I was primarily at the festival for the music, the art on display made an outstanding contribution to the festival's atmosphere. Getting to interact with local and regional artists and see their work firsthand brought the festival back to Birmingham. The big name bands were incredible, but being able to experience art born in the heart of the city reminded me of just how much the city of Birmingham has to offer.
The Vendors
Even the vendors and food trucks expressed the festival's commitment to embracing both local and regional/national brands. Jim 'N Nick's, being one of the more familiar brands, was one of three eateries represented by food truck. Food vendors also strayed from the familiar with menu items ranging from alligator tail po'boy's from Phat Daddy's all the way to jalapeno corndogs from Jalapeno Corndog.
Music and art were the heart of the festival, but like the saying goes "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach". This phrase is true for myself and the thousands of Sloss Fest participants. Enjoying both new and familiar food throughout the weekend made the overall experience that much more memorable.
As a Birmingham native who got to experience the first ever Sloss Fest, I have to say the best part of the festival was that it was in my city. The festival as a whole played out very well and I can only imagine the continued success it will have in the years to come. The city of Birmingham is growing exponentially and I couldn't be more proud to call it home.
For those of you who didn't make it to this years festival, here's a recap of the weekend to show you just what you missed out on!
