Hope for human trafficking victims: SheRox Festival will benefit the WellHouse
A new kind of music festival will descend upon Birmingham on Saturday, Aug. 15. SheRox, Bham is a female-led multi-band rock concert in support of The WellHouse and victims of human trafficking.
The WellHouse is a locally owned nonprofit that provides a haven for women of all ages who have been trafficked. Human trafficking was specifically criminalized in Alabama in 2010 with House Bill 432, but laws protecting victims are still in the works.
According to executive director of The WellHouse Tajuan McCarty, law enforcement often prosecutes women sold into prostitution as opposed to the pimps or men who purchase sex.
Partnering with Downtown Music Works, SheRox, Bham aims to send a loud, supportive message to women who have been sold into sexual slavery.
Headlining the event is Tennessee-based band The Acorn People. Self-described as blues punk rock, the band is fronted by Grace Jermusyk, who adds gut-busting vocals reminiscent of Pat Benatar (try their 2014 single “Seventeen”) and also plays rhythm guitar. Their sound has just enough twang to hearken back to their roots, thanks to lead guitarist Kris Cagel, according to Downtown Music Works, who wanted to infuse touches of Southern nostalgia without categorizing the band as pure country. The effect is powerful and fitting for an event that so strongly promotes female empowerment and solidarity.
Other acts include Birmingham’s own up-and-comers like indie electronic duo Helen of Coi; the riot grrrl- and classic rock-inspired Two State Nation; and folk-rock singer/songwriter Mandi Rae.
“Mandi Rae … is one of the young performers who is poised to take back country music from the over commercialized grip of the Nashville establishment and give us a genuine taste of the sincere, straightforward narrative and powerful voices of the real south,” wrote Robin Merrit in artFRONT.
SheRox, Bham 2015 will take place at Avondale Brewing Company on Aug. 15, from 3 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information, visit downtownmusicworks.com.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Peter and the Starcatcher — Birmingham Festival Theatre. 1901 11th Ave. S. Rick Elice’s ensemble musical explores the origins of Peter Pan, Neverland, Captain Hook and the Lost Boys. Based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel, City Equity Theatre’s production is an Alabama premiere. Wednesday–Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Closing August 16. $30. For more information, visit cityequitytheatre.org.
Nest of Angels — South City Theatre. 2969 Pelham Parkway. Birmingham Southern College theater professor Alan Litsey wrote this new comedy about a determined playwright who seduces Andrew Lloyd Webber and takes the theater world by storm. Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m. $16. For more information, call (205) 621-2128.
Nitty Gritty Magic City Reading — Desert Island Supply Company. 5500 First Ave. N. Nitty Gritty Magic City Reading Series returns with the latest offering of live poetry and prose reading events. This month, Shaelyn Smith, Lynnell Edwards and Sabrina Orah Mark will share their latest written works. Good People Brewing Company and Church Street Coffee and Books will provide refreshments. 7:30 p.m. Free. For more information, visit desertislandsupplyco.com.
She Kills Monsters — Theatre Downtown. 2410 Fifth Ave. S. Game night just got real. When Agnes Evans opens her deceased sister’s Dungeons and Dragons manual she is thrust into an epic journey toward self-reliance pitted against homicidal fairies, gnarly ogres and, of course, dragons. Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m. Closing Aug. 15. $17. For more information, visit theatredowntown.org.
Sordid Lives — Terrific New Theatre. 2821 Second Ave. S. Del Shores’ original comedy comes to life on stage courtesy of the Terrific New Theatre Players. Ingram family matriarch Peggy has passed on, but her funeral brings out the best and worst in her neighbors and loved ones across three generations. Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Closing Aug. 15. $25. For more information, visit terrificnewtheatre.com.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Alabama Theatre Summer Film Series — Alabama Theatre. 1817 Third Avenue N. Every Friday and Sunday from June through August, the Showplace of the South will screen a different audience-favorite. This week, see Grease on Friday and The Sound of Music on Sunday. Fridays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $8. For the summer’s full lineup, visit alabamatheatre.com.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee — Virginia Samford Theatre. 1116 26th St. S. Brick by Brick Arts presents the Tony Award winning musical about six spelling bee competitors and their quirky chaperones. The one-act is full of audience participation, fierce competition and unforgettable characters. Friday and Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 2 p.m. $16 in advance. $20 at the door. For more information, visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
Tutwiler — The Carver Theatre. 1631 Fourth Ave. N. This independent short film based on a true story will be screening at the Carver Theatre this weekend. Shay attempts to reconnect with her mother who gave birth to her 20 years earlier in Tutwiler prison. 7 p.m. $10. For more information, call (205) 327-9424.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Homewood Library Block Party — Homewood Public Library. 1721 Oxmoor Rd. The Homewood Library Foundation will hold its second annual block party featuring live music, bounce houses, face painting, food, beer and wine. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Homewood Library. 5–8 p.m. $20. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
Ghost Hunt with SyFy Channel — Sloss Furnaces. 20 32nd St. N. The SyFy Channel’s Ghost Hunters will be touring one of Alabama’s most haunted landmarks as part of the series’ Ghost Hunt Weekends. Paranormal investigators Amy Bruni and Adam Berry will lead the mission, sign autographs and answer questions while exploring restricted areas of the Furnaces. 5 p.m.–2 a.m. $45. For more information, call (800) 604-9101.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Red Barn Clipping Clinic — The Red Barn. 2700 Bailey Rd., Leeds. Danielle Burroughs will lead demonstrations on grooming and clipping horses using a variety of electric tools. Burroughs will explain show and everyday clippings. 2–3 p.m. Free. For more information, email katherine@theredbarn.org.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
Iron Cinema: Garden State — Iron City. 513 22nd St. S. Iron Cinema’s Summer Film Series “Cults, Classics and Comedies” continues with Garden State. Before the screening, attendees may taste craft beers and spirits or order from a special dinner-theater menu. Door prizes will be awarded for best costume. Free. 7 p.m. For more information, call (205) 202-5483.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
Are We There Yet? I’m Innocent! — The Carver Theater. 1631 Fourth Ave. N. This episode of Max Rykov’s live talk show will feature interviews with 10th Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Stephen Wallace; Ralph Hendrix, Program Manager for UAB’s Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities; and public defender Kira Fonteneau, about the criminal justice system in Jefferson County. Following the interviews Birmingham locals will participate in a game of “Mafia.” 7:30 p.m. $10. For more information, email mirykov@gmail.com.