Hmmm … what to do, what to do? It’s still hot as heck outside, so I don’t really want to leave the house. On the other hand, I sure do love me a gigantic yard sale. Decisions, decisions …

Actually, this is a pretty easy decision for me. I do like driving the World’s Longest Yard Sale. And me and the hubby have found some goodies in the past. But some of the shopping/driving can be stop and go. Add in a toddler + heat and the logistic problems multiply. So go and discover your own treasures through Sunday. Take lots of small bills and water. And if you see the first issue of “Martha Stewart Living” in perfect condition, I’ll pay you back.

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Hello, hello.

I’ve been preoccupied for the past couple of days with the sheer lack of things to get me off the couch in our fair city. Well, today is a little different? I’ve read up (and heard raving reviews from people in my office) about the Austin, TX band playing Bottletree tonight: What Made Milwaukee Famous

I recently came across an IGN review where WMMF’s album What Doesn’t Kill Us was described using the line “If you buy one album this spring…”. Them’s powerful words.

I know, I know. Lots of bands with iffy names are lucky enough to entertain me and this one has a chance to win me over tonight around 7-8ish. It’s actually an all ages show, so bring the kids (or maybe not because this is all the research you get for free) and $10 and you’re in.

Also, Black Joe Lewis hails from Austin as well and this is an awesome chance to see local band the Photonicas (not listed on flyer) in action.

YAY! All Jay-Z/R. Kelly lyric references aside, I’ve been all about this show since I found out two weeks ago. You see, I was stoked enough to find out Birmingham was putting on a Folk Festival (at Avondale Park, no less) and then, dun dun DUH, the afterparty!

I met with The White Oaks this past Wednesday. They were in the process of shooting a short film based around their song How Do You Sleep?. They were in full rehearsal mode at The Playhouse, complete with directors (Chad Crowley), storyboards and guest star Lonnie Holley (world renowned folk artist). This was an event. Lonnie’s work has been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. His work has also been displayed at the White House. This was an amazing opportunity for the band, and for Birmingham.

After settling in for a break, the guys were eager to talk about their set at the after-party, but I was interested in hearing about their music.
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Duquette Johnson. Photo by Morgan Jones.

Duquette is a seemingly soft-spoken guy with a hectic schedule and even more crazy background. But that’s what bios & MySpace pages are for.

What Duquette and I talked about yesterday was Birmingham and the endless possibilities that come from finally utilizing an (up until now) recently under-used venue: Avondale Park and specifically, it’s amphitheater.

“I hear guys all the time talk about the amphitheater but I can’t think of any of us that have played there,” he says. “I remember seeing pictures from the ’30s when people would be all decked out and bands playing…” Duquette played the first incarnation of an Alabama roots music type festival last year, at a farm in Hoover. This year, when time came for booking, he was one of the first on board. “I see myself in more of a rock and roll type deal, but this festival runs the spectrum from bluegrass to indie and even indie bluegrass.” He waits a minute, and reminiscent of a proud parent he says, “This is a good way to handle a festival”.

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To be honest, I don’t have much for you this weekend. Rightly so, the smart folk have left August alone to let us all stay in the pool or house, wearing as little clothing as allowed. And there is still a little time to head to the beach before school starts. If you are headed to school yourself, or have young’uns who are, then you may enjoy this weekend’s tax-free event to stock up on the needed supplies. Bookbags, clothes, computers all qualify - here are the offical rules. I suggest if you hate shopping, then stay the heck away from any big-box store near you.

More after the jump…

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So, now the the Terminal’s benefit show went off without a hitch, local music fans can exercise that bleeding heart muscle for another cause: Cave 9’s financial troubles.

Our good friends Vulture Whale are heading up a lineup for the venue tonight where all proceeds go to helping the DIY operation stay open. For a refresher of what’s going on at the Cave, check out the about section of their site (located on the front page).

ON DECK: The Photonicas, To Light a Fire and Vulture Whale. According to Cave 9’s MySpace profile, Kings of Metropolis and Fireflies are also playing.

DOORS OPEN: 7 p.m.

TIX: $6