This week has been somewhat spotty and the Birmingham scene has taken some days off local music-wise, but Friday makes up for it.

#1: Speakeasy is hosting a Birmingham Folk Festival benefit with some great acts, including a Grey Watson (Sorry Saints) solo set so you can check him out before his band plays The Terminal’s benefit on the 26^th. Drop by 1920 3^rd Ave N. and enjoy your Friday night.

More after the jump

#2: One of our favorite (and newly befriended) bands, The Green Seed (R-Tist and DJ FX, anyway) will be performing at Java and Jams Friday night starting at 8. THIS IS AMAZING. Local Birmingham hip-hop artists in the same vein as Jurassic 5 and Kidz in the Hall. SPEAKING OF WHICH (dun dun DUH), akil the mc of Jurassic 5 is playing there too. NO, REALLY. Some superstars in our midst. If you miss this, you honestly can just stick to listening all the world’s good hip-hop on your iPod instead of seeing it live when you have the chance!

#3: The 3 acts playing Bottletree tonight are described as “country, singer-songwriter, punk”. They are: SLEEPY HORSES / CARY ANN HEARST / THRIFT STORE COWBOYS. It’s 18 and up and $8 at the door.

Like we’ve said before, next week I’m kicking into music overload. Look for interviews by yours truly with the bands Vulture Whale, the Green Seed and Sorry Saints. George Cowgill of Speakeasy and recent theft victim (oh noooo!) Taylor Hollingsworth will drop by for some Q & A as well.

Hopefully the Magic City will provide you with enough music to combat the sweltering summer boredom.