It’s not supposed to be this good.

Somebody get me a tissue.

Birmingham is making Mama so proud.

I can’t even believe that, within the last three weeks, all bloody hell/fire/brimstone of a good time hath descendeth on Jones Valley.

Need me to translate?

Okay. But first, let me backtrack.

Remember when I got all hot and bothered and ultimately confused when a friend casually suggested that “there’s just nothing to do” in Birmingham? Well, perhaps I was being a bit dramatic. After all, I’ve been here only a few short years, spared the decades-long struggle of many natives and tenured transplants who have been fighting the good fight. And maybe I’m a bit short-sighted, given so many of my “rah rah rahs” involve (1) events that are (2) in and around my neighborhood. I’ll admit it – I’m in somewhat of a bubble. What I know, professionally, are events; what I know, personally, is my community. I guess that’s how I measure things. We’re all imperfect, right?

Now that I’ve come clean, let’s get on with my tunnel-vision recollection of why Birmingham is enjoying a super hot summer!

And first there was the beer.

It all started at Magic City Brewfest, an event six years running that has turned in to an epic local favorite. We took the boys and were  judged by only a few stumbling beer-seekers. {Next year, we’ll be sure to confirm with the babysitter, months in advance.}

In a place that has only been able to supply its thirsty population with {real} beer since 2009 (see: Free The Hops’ Gourmet Beer Bill}, it is quite astonishing/amazing/absurd to have a grand ole’ occasion such as Brewfest here in the Magic City. It is a damn good time. It is oozing with coolness. It is, like, my favorite new bash a la beer.

And then came pizza.

I’ll tip my hat to the organizers of SliceFest, for it was an incredible inaugural fete and anniversary celebration for Lakeview’s hottest little pizzeria. The hops were flowing, the music was rockin’, the bouncy house was bumpin’, and the on-site, hand-tossed pizzas were smokin’. Boss and I had the opportunity to check it out, just the two of us. A little rain came down and made it all the sweeter. (Because it was *so* well produced/planned, we needed only an umbrella and sense of humor – the rest was provided). I’m hoping and praying the Slice crew will bring this one back in 2013. I’ll be there… bells on… with all my Magic City peeps.

And, alas, there was a big screen.

One of my earliest wishes upon moving to Crestwood was that I would sit among friends and neighbors in a renovated Avondale Park amphitheater. And last week, I finally did. I smuggled in a load of freshly popped popcorn and cut watermelon and sat in the most lovely of all amphitheaters as my little four-pack watched “Cars” on the big screen under a crescent moon. The memory of it gives me the giggles. It was an outstanding way to spend a Tuesday evening in the South, and I’ll be back this week for the next installment of Movies at Avondale Park.

And at last they gave me a farm full of fun/food/festivity.

This past weekend would have been the anniversary of the first ever City Stages, yet on the east side of downtown a healthy crowd gathered for the first ever Freshworks! Festival, centered around the blooming (and beautiful) Jones Valley Teaching Farm. There were popsicles and bands and more beer and food trucks than Jones Valley has ever seen. Kids of all ages were pouring in to this outdoor event, smiling and laughing and meeting and seeing and having a great time. I was beyond myself. Everything I enjoy (culinary diversity, urban farming, locally-brewed beer, a mixed crowd, kid-friendly entertainment, electric guitars, pork belly) – it was all spread out for the taking. And I took, voraciously. Already, I crave more. (I’d be willing to bet you a whole crop of radishes that this event will become one of Birmingham’s signature throwdowns. Just you wait and see.)

 

So, anyway…

I’m usually writing about deep-seated issues and dysfunctional isms that are unique to Birmingham. Maybe the consecutive weekends of IPA are still fogging my thinking. Perhaps I’m still on cloud nine from being so lucky to live in a place that’s bursting with so much new potential. And maybe I can’t focus on the negative because I’m too busy shaking my tailfeather and mingling with all the other pleasure-seekers in and about these city streets. Maybe I’m just naive…

But from where I stand there is just too much to do, everywhere. Even though I tend to stay close to Jones Valley, good times are waiting all over the place – in Homewood, Ensley, Mountain Brook, Hoover, and beyond. Who wants to join us this weekend when we hit up Gip’s Place (Bessemer)? This sticky hot Su’thun’ heat is just perfect for some juke joint jivin’… and I need to stretch out a bit.

Whether or not it’s supposed to be this good doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’re all getting it while the gettin’s hot! Y’all can just kiss my tush while I scurry off to yet another good time, right here in Birmingham. All. Summer. Long.