Secret Stages Headed Back to Downtown Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL - On the heels of its largest music festival at Sloss Furnaces just two weeks ago, downtown Birmingham is the site for another music festival this weekend, as Secret Stages returns for its seventh year. The festival, which takes place in downtown's Loft District Aug. 4-5, includes more than 60 bands - some local, some regional, some national. Described as a "discovery festival," the two-day event makes use of the Loft Districts existing music and entertainment venues as well as outdoor spaces.

What has set Secret Stages apart from Birmingham's other music festivals over the years has been festival founder Travis Morgan's notion that the event serves the purpose of allowing music fans the chance to discover new musicians they have not already seen or heard. Rather than booking big-name headliners, Morgan carefully selects a balanced mix of acts varying in genre and geography. All, however, are up-and-coming musicians looking to get discovered by new fans. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Birmingham Patch morning newsletter.)

"I think it's important for folks to have an 'a ha, moment," Morgan said. " It's important for us as human beings to continue to be surprised, impressed, and wowed by the creations of others. I think that people often have their guards down because there is so much media and art for them to consume so they walk into any given situation with lower expectations. That sets Secret Stages up to blow people's minds because these bands are unbelievable."

Morgan added that he hopes to attract some more industry executives to the festival, in addition to music fans. "I hope we see a growing number of music industry folks attending the event," Morgan said. "There are labels, booking agents, managers and music press coming to cover the event and that provides an important platform for the bands to help their music careers."

Morgan said having having people in the industry present is important because these people will see Birmingham in a different light. "I hope it proves to them that Birmingham has a special thing going on and underscores the importance of them keeping a close eye on what's happening here."

The festival schedule includes two outdoor stages, and performances at Pale Eddie's Pour House, Rogue Tavern, Jazzy's on First and Urban Standard. The first performances begin at 5 p.m. Friday.