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SECRET HISTORY PRODUCTIONS:
Guide to Birmingham and The Bottletree
Welcome to Birmingham, Alabama and the Bottletree Café. Alabama can truly be remarkable place for music. Some of our alumni include: Hank Williams Sr., Sun Ra, Sam Phillips, Sonny James, The Louvin Bros., Wilson Pickett, Emmylou Harris, and of course, Mr. Lionel Richie himself.
We hope you have a wonderful experience while in our humble city. The Bottletree was started by brother/sister Brad and Merrilee Challiss in 2006. It was/is intended to be a small oasis in Alabama for healthy/vegetarian food and independent music and film.
Bottletree Cafe
Address: 3719 3rd Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35222.
Phone number: 205.533-6288
Website: www.thebottletree.com
Secret History Productions was created by Brian Teasley and Leah Hutchison to do shows independently in the Birmingham area. They are your promoters for the evening. If you need anything at all, please immediately contact them, and they will help you in any way possible. Brian’s cell phone is 678.612-5366 and his email is tbag@chunklet.com. The website is www.secrethistoryproductions.com and the myspace is www.myspace.com/secrethistoryproductions.
Promotional materials should be sent to 4218 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35222. Faxes should be sent to: 205.986-9961.
Brian Tealsey has played in various bands, including Man or Astro-Man?, Servotron, The Causey Way, Shannon Wright, The Japancakes, The Vue, Har Mar Superstar, The Polyphonic Spree, and St. Vincent. He has opened shows for the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Cheap Trick, and Brian Wilson. Despite the loss of much sanity, he has played 2,500 shows in 33 countries, 50 states, and 600 cities. He has seen every way shows can be put on badly. Brian has written for the NME, Flipside, Creative Loafing, Stomp and Stammer, and CMJ monthly. He is also the head writer for Chunklet magazine.
Leah Hutchison teaches college English at various local universities, runs blog site Red Blondhead.com, writes and edits concert reviews for Pitchfork rival Tinymixtapes.com, and writes for Chunklet Magazine (www.chunklet.com).
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PRODUCTION
Bus / van parking and load-in are directly behind the club in the alley. Buses should come up the alley on the 37th St. side of 3rd Ave. The best way is to go head first perpendicularly to the club in the parking lot directly behind backstage. There is no shore power, but a water line can be made available pre-show. We have never had a problem with vehicles behind the club, but please lock your doors.
Please let us know if you need something specifically locked up. You will have access to keep anything in the safe you need. The backstage Airstream can be locked up, but only upon request.
We do not have a production office per se, but you are welcome to use our office if you need to print or fax anything.
Please let us know if you need us to post printed set times for the bands. We can do so upon request.
For quiet performers we often tape up signs that ask the audience to be respectful in their conversation volumes during softer music. Please let us know if you do not wish us to do this.
Soundcheck usually commences at 4:30 PM, and our doors are at 8:00 PM. Our curfew is 2:00 AM. For all ages shows we try to have all music over by midnight. PLEASE NOTE: The café is usually open during soundcheck, and closed soundchecks are usually reserved for bigger shows and only by request per advance.
General PA info:
We have a 32x8 Sound Craft Series Two console. We do monitors off this board from the house position. We are a 3-way stereo system with 6 Turbosound flown cabs and 2, 2x18 subs. We also have full 2 small delay fills halfway back in the venue. We run the system off 13 Crown CE 1200 amps. We have a BSS Opal house eq, D-Two, M-1, SPX-90, 10 Channels of DBX 1066/1046 compression, gate, limiting, etc. Our mic selection includes basic stuff like Sennheiser MD-421s, EV Re20s, plenty of SM 57s, 58s, Beta 57s, Beta 58s, Audix OM5s, Ev 468s, Audix D2, D3, D4, D6, Shure Beta 52, Akg D112, SM 91, E609s, E604s, and a moderate but good selection of small diaphragm condensers plus a large diaphragm condenser or two floating around.
The main thing to note is that we have a rather small stage—16’x20’. We like to think of it as cozy, but we do have plenty of room for dead cases and are more than happy to help you move anything that can’t be backlined during an opening band’s set. We run 5 monitor mixes from the house position. There are 3 auxes each with running 2 Turbosound wedges, a full band fill that is flown directly above stage center, and the drum fill is bi-amped with an 18" sub. We have the ability to bring out 2 extra floor wedges for an additional floor mix but please tell us beforehand if you need this.
Any required backline should be advanced at least 3 weeks prior to the show.
Please let our house person know if you have any specific lighting instructions.
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HOSPITALITY
BACKSTAGE:
There is a converted 1968 Airstream trailer that serves as our odd little backstage for headlining bands. PLEASE NOTE: If you are an opening band, please stay in the general band area unless there is an open invitation from the headlining band to have you in the Airstream. While in the Airstream, feel free to nap in one of the bunks, watch a movie, or catch up on some reading with one of the many loose books circulating backstage.
FOOD/DRINKS:
A hospitality person / runner will be provided for you and available from 5:00 PM-10:00 PM unless specifically requested for other times per advance.
The majority of our catering is done in-house. Please let us know if there is something specifically on your rider that you did not get and need. There is usually an ample supply of water and beer backstage as well as drink tickets afforded to the band (three per band member). PLEASE NOTE: THE KITCHEN CLOSES AT 10:00 PM, so please order your food by then. You will give your order directly to the hospitality person—please do not order at the bar, as this will just confuse things. Also, meals can be prepared before 10:00 PM and stored in the restaurant cooler for those who prefer to eat after their performance. Desserts and small snacks can be made available post-show upon request. Local bands have a half-off deal on any meal.
WIRELESS INTERNET:
Wireless internet is open and available throughout the entire club. There is no log-in password
COFFEE:
Coffee is usually readily available at the bar. For higher-end coffee, your runner can get whatever you request.
CIGARETTES/BATTERIES/ETC.:
There are a couple of gas stations just a few blocks away on 3rd Ave. S. and 41ST ST. One of the promoters or hospitality people will be happy to drive you there. Also, if you need a 9-volt battery, a ¼” cable, or something else, please ask the soundperson to help you out.
BATHROOM/SHOWER SITUATION:
Being just a year old, Bottletree has not begun construction on a backstage bathroom/shower area. We realize this is a major flaw and apologize for the inconvenience. Public bathrooms are located at the front of the club. We have a “festival style” port-john back by the Airstream and we do our best to keep it rather clean. There is also a very clean house 3 blocks away from the venue that can be made available for showers and such either pre- or post-show.
LAUNDRY:
There is a house with laundry facilities just a few blocks from the venue. Please let us know if you need anything laundered.
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TRANSPORTATION
RUNNERS:
Your hospitality person/runner should be able to take you any where within reasonable distance in downtown Birmingham between load-in and show start. But after 10:00 PM you will need to get a cab.
CABS:
Cabs are available in Birmingham only by phone. Here are a few:
Aiport Taxi: 205-567-7089 (24 hrs.)
Yellow Cab: 205-328-4444 (24 hrs.)
The Birmingham Cab Co.: 205-567-7890 (24 hrs.)
AIRLINES:
Bottletree is only a five minute drive from the Birmingham Airport. It is a small airport and easy to get through, but we recommend counting on an hour and fifteen minutes to check-in and board. Getting to Bottletree from the airport is only a five minute cab ride. Birmingham is a small hub for Southwest Airlines. There are also flights available through Air France, American, Continental, Northwest/KLM, US Airways, and various private charters.
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PLACES TO STAY
HOTEL OPTIONS - BUDGET:
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND STAYING IN ONE OF THE AIRPORT HOTELS AS THE NEIGHBORHOUD IS PRETTY SKETCHY.
Medical Center Inn: 800 11th Street South; Birmingham, Alabama 35205. 205.933.1900. Ask about their discount for Bottletree bands. There is a late-night diner attached to the hotel.
Howard Johnson Express Birmingham: 275 Oxmoor Road; Birmingham, AL 35209. 205.942.0919. This one doesn’t have the best reviews but is a super-inexpensive option for those who need it.
Motel 6 Birmingham / Red Roof Inn: 151 Vulcan Road; Birmingham, AL 35209. 205.942.9414. As expected, this is an inexpensive hotel with basic services. Don’t expect a foot massage or even breakfast, but this one rates fairly well for a budget hotel.
Deluxe Inn & Suites [sic]: 7905 Crestwood Boulevard; Birmingham, AL 35210. 205.956.4440. An older motel that is close to late-night eats.
HOTEL OPTIONS – MID-PRICE/HISTORIC:
The Doubletree: 808 20th Street South; Birmingham, AL 35205. 205.933.9000. Mid-priced Hilton hotel located on University Boulevard close to 5 Points. Lucy’s Tea (support the locals!) and Starbucks are located across the street.
The Redmont: 2101 5th Ave N; Birmingham, AL 35203. 205.324.2101. Ranked #1 of specialty hotels in Birmingham on tripadvisor.com. One of the oldest hotels in Birmingham that is still in use, first opened on May 1, 1925.
The Tutwiler: 2021 Park Place; Birmingham, AL 35203. 205.322.2100. The Tutwiler is one of the most highly rated historic hotels in Birmingham and is moderately priced for the amenities, according to reviewers.
OTHER OPTIONS:
The Airstream: Occasionally, bands stay in the Airstream. We only recommend this in dire situations. Nonetheless, it can be a comfortable stay in fair weather, but in the winter or summer it can get rather cold or hot, so be prepared to bundle up or strip down. There are 2 beds, 2 couch areas, and space on the floor which will work for 5 people max.
Homes: Brian’s home is conveniently located just a few blocks away and has a locking back gate for vans. Note: Not friendly to those allergic to cats—there is a small gang of them. If you are in a pinch, you can talk to Brian about this option.
Also, Birmingham people are friendly, and many residents have agreeably and graciously put bands up for the night, so meet some new friends and stay at their place.
Camping: If on the westward route to Texas there are several state/national parks to stay at on the way in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Information on these can be found at: http://www.nps.gov.
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MUSIC INSTRUMENT STORES/RESOURCES:
Apex Electronics: Alan Helms can do service calls for amp/speaker repair if you can get him. Try him at: 205.956-5111 or 205.542.2169.
Bailey Brothers: Firmly established ‘maw and paw’ general music store. General repair 1006 20th Street South; Birmingham, AL 35205. (205)714-7827. They close at 7:00 PM.
Fretted Instruments: Another ‘maw and paw’ resource and repair store that heavily specializes in folk instruments. 2906 Linden Ave; Birmingham, AL 35209. (205)879-.6489.
Guitar Center: No explanation needed. 1694 Montgomery Hwy; Hoover, Alabama 35216. 205.824.6454. They close at 9:00 PM
Highland Music: Guitar and amp specialist. Guitar and amp repair. 3000 Clairmont Ave S; Birmingham, AL 35205. (205)254-3288. They close at 6:00 PM.
Homewood Musical Instrument Company: Your go-to store for banjos, fiddles and violins, ukuleles, and guitars. 3027 Central Ave; Birmingham, Alabama 35209. (205)879-4868
Sound Services: Can do service calls for amp/electronics trouble. Ask for Tom or Lloyd. Also, it is right down the street, but they close at 5:30 PM. 4401 4th Ave S., Birmingham, Al 35222. (205)595-4530.
RECORD STORES
Charlemagne Records: New and used vinyl, CDs, memorabilia. 1924 1/2 11th Ave. S.; Birmingham, AL 35205 (205)322-5349
Renaissance Records: 2020 11th Ave S; Birmingham AL 35205. 205.933.8000
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PLACES OF INTEREST
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: The largest living museum in the state of Alabama fills 67 acres along the Birmingham – Mountain Brook line. Open daily, 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, The Gardens are filled with sculptures, exquisite plantings, and both local and world wide species. 2612 Lane Park Road; Birmingham, AL 35223. 205.414.3900
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: An inspiring tribute to the turbulent and triumphant struggle of Civil Rights in Birmingham.
PLEASE NOTE: Brian can arrange you for a free tour of the museum if you have time.
Reed Books: One of the most eclectic book/poster/weird artifact stores around. 2021 3rd Avenue N; Birmingham AL 35203. 205.326.4460
Sixteenth Street Baptist Church: The church where the battle for the civil rights movement reached a horrifying climax with the deaths of four young girls in 1963 and became a major catalyst for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Spike Lee did an amazing documentary on this event simply titled 4 Little Girls. Tours are arranged from 10 – 4 Tuesday through Saturday and are made by appointment only on Saturdays. Located at the intersection of 16th Street and 6th Avenue.
Sloss Furnaces: Sloss Furnaces began producing iron and did not stop until ninety years later. Over the decades, Sloss Furnaces gave rise to the city of Birmingham and served as a battleground for economic, employment, and social reform. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Sloss Furnaces is open to the public as a museum of industry which speaks to the contributions of the working men who labored there. There are occasionally concerts there. Past performers include Fugazi, The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Cramps, The Replacements, Nirvana, The Pogues, etc. The furnaces are just a few blocks from Bottletree located at 20 32nd Street N; Birmingham AL 35222.
Vulcan Park and Museum: Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 and has stood as a symbol of Birmingham for over 100 years. On a fair day, enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of Vulcan, the world’s largest cast iron statue. 1701 Valley View Drive; Birmingham, AL 35209
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Bottletree has done shows with:
MELVINS, BORIS, WILL OLDHAM, BAND OF HORSES, OF MONTREAL, DAVE BAZAN, ISIS, AKRON/FAMILY, CURSIVE, VAMPIRE WEEKEND, ART BRUT, JOSH RITTER, MINUS THE BEAR, MIDLAKE, PATTON OSWALT,VOXTROT, PELICAN, !!!, THE DONNAS, BLACK HEART PROCESSION, TED LEO AND THE PHARMICIST, ROGUE WAVE, DEADBOY AND THE ELEPHANTMEN, JELLO BIAFRA, THE SMOKING POPES, EARTH, HARVEY MILK, ANIMAL COLLECTIVE, THE DUKE SPIRIT, MAN MAN, THE SLITS, TORCHE WOLF EYES, THE BLACK LIPS, MARY TIMONY, TODD BARRY, HELLA, FINAL FANTASY, SUNSET RUBDOWN, QUI, CALIFONE, ST. VICENT, TAPES ‘N’ TAPES, ENON, FIERY FURNACES, PINBACK, OKKERVIL RIVER, HIDDEN CAMERAS, SIERRA LEONE REFUGEE ALL-STARS, LESLIE AND THE LY’S, HIGH ON FIRE, FLOWERS FOREVER, RTX, THE FUCKING CHAMPS, BRIGHT BLACK MORNING LIGHT, MARIA TAYLOR, THE WALKMEN, STATE RADION, MEWITHOUTYOU, SECRET CHIEFS III, THE WEAKERTHANS, THE DIRTBOMBS, JOHN VANDERSLICE, FLEET FOXES, MARGOT AND THE NUCLEAR SO AND SO’S, CELEBRTION, RICHARD BUCKNER, ELF POWER, EL VEZ, SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, THE LONG WINTERS, THE NEW AMSTERDAMS, LAGNHORNE SLIM, MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER, THE SWORD, MATT AND KIM, MONOTONIX, CHAD VANGAALEN, AIDS WOLF, SUNSET RUBDOWN, MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO., NINA NASTASIA, LOW, LUCERO, PAUL F. THOMPKINS, BILL FRISELL, JACK DEJOHNETTE, JEROME HARRIS, ZACH GALIFIANAKIS, BLOWFLY, MONOTONIX, DOUG STANDHOPE, JESU, THE OXFORD COLLAPSE, CELEBRATION, GREAT NORTHERN, ROBBERS ON HIGH STREET, MR. QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT, XBXRX, BE YOUR OWN PET, THE HOLD STEADY, APPLESEED CAST, THE LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS, TORCHE, THE LOCUST, MELT BANANA, YIP YIP, GRAND BUFFET, MARGOT AND THE NUCLEAR SOS AND SO’S, GIL MANTERA’S PARTY DREAM, SCOTT BONDY, THE OCTOPUS PROJECT, TARA JANE O’NEIL, THE SUPERSUCKERS, PARTS AND LABOR, SAY HI TO YOUR MOM, ASOBI SEKSU, BABY DEE, AU REVOIR SIMONE, EVANGELICALS, FATAL FLYING GULLIOTINES, SUBTLE, HEALTH, SOLILLAQUIST OF SOUND, CADENCE WEAPON, BLUE MOUNTAIN, EARLIMART, DAN DEACON, LONEY DEAR, PREFUSE 73, THE BLACK ANGELS, THE WARLOCKS, MARAH, THE MOUNTAIN GOATS, SMOG, THE APPLES IN STEREO, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, SCOTT H. BIRAM, THE A-SIDES, UNSANE, DAUGHETRS, YOUNG WIDOWS, THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES, DR. DOG, BLITZEN TRAPPER, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE, THE FELICE BROTHERS, NUMBERS,THE ROSEBUDS, AND MANY MORE.
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Click here to download a text version of this guide
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