Vulcan AfterTunes wraps up Oct. 23

Great live music featuring local acts. Good local beer. A spectacular setting on Red Mountain overlooking the Birmingham skyline. Those are the elements that have made Vulcan AfterTunes, an annual music series at Vulcan Park & Museum, so popular.

The events are a chance to “chill out in Birmingham’s backyard with your lawn chairs and blankets and bring the whole family out to enjoy some of the country’s best new entertainers,” said Morgan Berney, Vulcan’s director of marketing and public relations.

Best of all, AfterTunes has two more concerts in October before the series ends:

► Oct. 9: Big Sam’s Funky Nation with Tragic City. The headliner, Funky Nation, has been playing a high-energy, New Orleans-influenced music called “Noladelic PowerFunk” for a decade. Tragic City is from Birmingham. Tragic City begins at 2:30 p.m. Big Sam’s Funky Nation begins at 4 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company is the featured local brewer.

► Oct. 23: Amanda Shires with Jesse Payne. Shires, who has three solo albums,  began her career as a teen playing fiddle with the Texas Playboys. She has toured and recorded with John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Justin Townes Earle, Shovels & Rope and her husband, Jason Isbell. Jesse Payne, a well-regarded Birmingham singer-songwriter, will play at 2:30 p.m. Shires begins at 4 p.m. Good People Brewing Company will provide the local beer.

The AfterTunes series has been successful because it’s affordable and fun for the family, Berney said.

“We work really hard to bring performers that appeal to a wide range of musical interests,” she said.

For all shows, gates open at 1 p.m., and tickets and seating are first-come, first-served. Light snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available. 

General admission is $15. Admission for Vulcan Park members and children is $8. Children ages 4 and younger are free. 

For more information, call 933-1409 or go to visitvulcan.com.