The 5 Best Entertainment Stories of 2022

There are many things that make Sweet Home Alabama “sweet,” but that includes the quality time we enjoy with our friends and family in the state.

Surrounding metropolitan and cultural districts such as New Orleans, Nashville and Atlanta, known for their unique music, food and entertainment industries, are often overlooked, and it’s easy to underestimate Alabama’s talent.

In 2020, 1819 News did its best not only to expose the corruption in our state, but to highlight all that is great about Alabama, including the state’s arts talent and recreational facilities.

Here are five of Alabama’s top entertainment stories for 2022:

American music is Southern music. Blues, country, jazz and rock’n’roll all took root under Mason Dixon. Alabama, in particular, sits at the intersection of many musical traditions.

Throughout 2022, 1819 News highlights Alabama’s musical talent, from historic Muscle Shoals studios to young entertainers just getting their start in the real Los Angeles: Lower Alabama.

Burnell A cross-genre improv band that finds itself in the crosshairs of Bob Dylan’s folk music and the grunge scene of the Athens, Georgia-based artist, REM.

1819 News interviews country music star Tim Dug. Dugger started performing at NASCAR races in Talladega and will perform for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry in December 2021.

barry woldupa native of Randolph County and owner of the world’s largest banjo shop, has joined the studio with successful artists such as Vince Gill, Radney Foster, Warren Haynes, Spoonao Durham and Alter Burr Bridge.

1819 News interviews the legendary Muscle Shoals singer-songwriter Walter Aldridge. Aldridge began working for FAME Studios in the late 1970s and eventually went on to write several popular songs such as Conway Twitty’s “Only One Thing on Her Mind” (1989) and ” Modern Bonnie and Clyde” (2000) Travis Treat.

Joe Cagle BandIts music is a “country, rock and jazz fusion” inspired by jam icons Dave Matthews and the Grateful Dead.

Drew Travis is the lead singer and keyboardist of the band back seat driver, a mobile area improv band whose members are all in their teens and early twenties. Backseat Drivers, albeit young, recorded an album in 2020 at Mobile’s Dauphin Street Sound.

We live in a crazy world. As serious as it gets at times, it doesn’t hurt to have a good laugh now and then.opelika native jody fuller with dusty will help you.

1819 News interviewed Fuller in September. Fuller, a military veteran, Auburn Tigers fan and lifelong stutterer, built his career by telling jokes on stage. Fuller’s comedy experience has led him to inspirational speaking gigs and the writing of several books, and in April he released a Dry Bar Comedy special in which he recounts accidentally calling all three boys at a middle school football game. Pause the story and read the knock-knock kid joke.

Slay used to live in a trailer park and work at Western Sizzlin. Now, he makes a living telling jokes. His “We’re Having a Good Time Podcast” cites his signature habit of raising his hand between jokes to tell listeners “We’re having a good time.” In addition to his solo show, Slay just co-hosted the “Nateland” podcast with Nashville comedians Nate Bargatze, Aaron Webber and Brian Bates. He also set 30 minutes on Netflix’s “The Standups.”

However, not all entertaining stories are happy ones. in october, News broke In a move that could see Pelham lose its beloved Oak Hill amphitheatre, which will be replaced by a new amphitheater venue in North Birmingham.

Since then, the move has continued to bear fruit, with multiple elections fork funds The new 8,500 to 9,000-seat entertainment venue will be owned by the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center but managed by Live Nation.

Although Shelby County officials have mostly silent Regarding the proposed move, it has the support of other state and local figures, including State Sen. Jabo Wagoner (R-Vestavia Hills) and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.

August 1819 News at Cullman Classic Country Concert rock south. show Featured Country music stars Morgan Wallen, Koe Wetzel, Jamey Johnson and Fort Payne native Alabama Southern rock band.

Rock the South has been held since 2012 to celebrate the Cullman area’s recovery from the EF4 tornado that hit the area in 2011. Sam Hunt, Dierks Bently, Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, Thomas Rhett, and Eric Church.

In 2023, the concert will be extended to three day scheduleas announced in November.

Aside from the laughter, Alabama’s dining and entertainment industry is in full swing emerging from the lockdown era. Notably, one of Huntsville’s entertainment districts is located on the former campus of SR Butler High School, offering residents a place to hang out, play games, and enjoy a glass of Alabama beer. A similar location in Pelham is following suit.

Huntsville’s Campus 805 is home to two of Alabama’s most popular breweries, Straight to Ale and Yellowhammer, and also includes a speakeasy, an ax throwing range and an indoor golf simulator.

Pelham’s Campus No. 124, located in the former Valley Elementary School, is still under construction but already boasts a steak and seafood restaurant, Half Shell Oyster House and Beer Hog, a brewpub featuring Alabama craft beers.

To contact the author of this story or to leave a comment, please email will.blakely@1819news.com or find him Twitter with Facebook.

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