Big Friendly Productions Prepares For Killer Avondale Concert Series February 3, 2022 18:43

I think all music lovers in the Birmingham area would agree that Big Friendly Productions has been a beacon of light over the past two years. The event and production company, which officially launched in 2014, has been providing sound, lighting, and even staging for many of the city's biggest and best events for nearly eight years now. When the initial surge of COVID-19 shut down the entire music industry, Big Friendly was hit as hard as any. Their entire calendar was put on hold, as the future of concert production was very much in question.

Co-owners Alex Cape and Seth Hanna immediately went to the drawing board and created an online concert series known as Hunker in the Bunker. This series of live streams was held in the warehouse of local music equipment/instrument store Toms Sound. While this wouldn't guarantee anywhere near the revenue that they were preparing for in 2020, it allowed their company, staff, and a collection of regional acts to perform in a safe environment for their fans. Those who tuned in had the option to contribute to the cause via Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp, and it literally kept live music alive in Birmingham for the time being.

As socially distanced, pod-style shows began to surface at Avondale Brewing Company, Big Friendly was there to provide their elite level of production. While COVID continues to cause cancellations across the country, we have thankfully reached a point where bands are touring and those that work the hardest behind the scenes can make a living. We should all take a moment to thank the event and production staff that work so tirelessly to allow us these incredible concert experiences.

Big Friendly's latest venture comes in the form of a real, in-person concert series known as Big Friendly Takeover at Avondale Brewery's upstairs event space. They will be providing staging, sound, and lighting for several of this region's most promising acts, and we couldn't be more grateful for their team. While COVID unfortunately shut down the first scheduled show with Rob Aldridge & The Proponents last Friday, BFP and Avondale are ready for an incredible concert series, which officially kicks off with Nerf The World and Little Raine Band on Friday, February 11th.

The Takeover continues with The Mummy Cats and Audiophile on Saturday, February 12th, Rob Aldridge & The Proponents and Flying Buffaloes on Friday, February 18th, Daniel Donato and Taylor Hunnicutt on Saturday, February 19th, and Winston Ramble on Friday, February 25th. We had a chance to speak with Founder/Co-Owner Alex Cape earlier this week, who shared his vision and overall thoughts on the concert series:

We also have some really exciting projects and shows in the works for the rest of the year.  We are very grateful to do what we do.  We hope people come out and have fun," said Cape.

In addition to BFP's Takeover, the production company has also announced plans for two exciting outdoor shows on Avondale's main stage. The Wild Feathers make their return to Birmingham with special guest Myron Elkins on Thursday, March 10th. Virginia-based jam band Kendall Street Company will take the Avondale stage, with support from Atlanta'a Underground Springhouse, on Saturday, March 19th. 

Tickets for all upcoming Big Friendly shows at Avondale Brewing Company can be purchased by clicking here. We encourage all who plan to attend to purchase their tickets in advance, as this an intimate, indoor venue which could easily sell out on any given night. Make sure to follow Big Friendly Productions on Facebook and Instagram for all of the latest updates on this series and future events. See below for a video from each band that BFP is bringing to Avondale below.

Little Raine Band

Nerf The World

Rob Aldridge & The Proponents

Flying Buffaloes

Daniel Donato

Taylor Hunnicutt

Winston Ramble