Be Seen, Be Heard, Get Involved!!

This Thursday is the second annual YP Expo-- a networking and socializing event for young professionals sponsored by the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. Last year, over 550 YP's came out for the event-- more than anyone could have expected. This year, it's going to be bigger and better: more YP civic organizations, more invitees, more space, and (hopefully) more fun!
The great thing about the Expo is that it not only gives young professionals a chance to socialize in these lazy summer months, but also get involved in the civic scene. Right now, there are 30 YP groups signed up to exhibit-- there is a group for everyone to join, whatever your flavor. So come out on Thursday, June 26th from 5:30-9 PM at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

And if you need any more convincing, did I mention that it's free?

Wine Down this Summer…..

At Morgan Creek Vineyards and Winery, summer fun is being taken to a new level. In addition to being open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm for (free!) winery tours and tastings, Morgan Creek is hosting a series of summer events called “Music and Fireworks in the Vineyard.” I attended June 7^th, picnic in hand, to the Vineyard in Harpersville (which is about 25 minutes outside the city), only to be amazed by the number of young professionals, families, sommeliers and friends lounging on the Vineyard’s green. The band Bonus Round played cover songs (ranging from Outkast to John Mayer) all night as attendees enjoyed picnics, the wine tasting tent, tours of the vineyard and barbeque available on the premise. We capped the night off with fireworks and coffee cake (which we brought ourselves!).

If you missed out, you have a few more chances---

July 4^th and August 16^th-- Music begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m..

September 20^th –“Grapestomp” 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be a Lucy-Lookalike contest, food, music, old fashioned grape stomping and a grape harvester demonstration.

Also, unique to the vineyard is their blueberry field--- and you can pick your own starting June 16th! $12 Gallon U-Pick, $6 Half Gallon. They provide the buckets. Picking hours are from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m.

http://www.morgancreekwinery.com/

Free the Hops!

4,000 attendees last year

250 beers from around the world

10 local food vendors

Just some numbers from the Magic City Brewfest, which took place last weekend at Sloss Furnace. With musical acts like Blue Moon (not the beer), Highwater and Honeybaked, the event was exciting as well as familial. Saturday was sold out—beer lovers were turned away at the door. Sunday was a little more relaxed – despite the rain—as patrons were able to move about the festival freely. There weren’t even significant lines to deal with, despite over 6,000 estimated attendees over the course of the weekend. As I enjoyed the festival with some of my closest friends, I couldn’t help but imagine the headline: Local grassroots organization does good.

Free the Hops, which organizes Magic City Brewfest, is a group working to pass alcohol legislation in Alabama through lobbying as well as educational initiatives: beer tasting, a comprehensive website, and festivals like Brewfest. Although legislation supporting gourmet beers in Alabama has hit a speed bump in recent weeks, fans of Brewfest and Free the Hops showed Birmingham this weekend that their passions aren’t going anywhere.

Guess you need to get your tickets early next year…….

It's still nice to have you in Birmingham.......

Our favorite blog/news website—The Terminal--- in the face of either folding or sticking out some tough financial times is holding a concert at The Bottletree July 26^th, featuring The Green Seed, The Monarchs, Vulture Whale, with Fresh Ground Comic Christopher Davis as the host. Come support The Terminal, the First Amendment, and hear some great music all at the same time!