In its 11th year, Art, Beats and Lyrics presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and affectionately known nationwide as AB+L, returned to Birmingham bringing with it its eclectic mix of stunning visuals and stirring sounds, merging art and audience in an experience which was as sophisticated as it was raw. The contemporary, yet cultured affair was hosted at the Birmingham Museum of Art on March 10th to a crowd of thousands who were treated to the best of all forms of art and cutting-edge culture. The shoulder-to-shoulder, standing room only affair offered the best of visual art, music and social hobnobbing a free admission could buy.
Featured visual artists included Frank Morrison , Miya Bailey, Rahiem, and Amirkan, whose works were crowd pleasers, along with AB+L curator and co-producer, Dubelyoo, who eagerly shared his vision of the event with early media guests. Guests were able to be up-close and connected to the art through an accessible and intimate feel initially foreign to some, but quite familiar by nights end.
Lyrical artists gracing the stages inside and outside of the museum included hip-hop headliner and New Orleans own Mannie “Figgie” Fresh, plus crowd favorites Wally Sparks, Birmingham’s DJ Rahdu and more. The Birmingham Museum of Art was lit, literally, as beams of beautiful lighting from various angles shone perfectly against the concrete and glass backdrops of the event. As if the night couldn’t get any more electric, title sponsor Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey delighted guests with specially crafted Jack Honey cocktails flowing throughout the evening. Long lines couldn’t stop crowds from capturing a sip or two of their strong and sweet elixir.
AB+L curator and co-producer, Dubelyoo
Art, Beats and Lyrics came to Birmingham with a mission to mesh art and music under one roof with an experience not soon to be forgotten by guests. Mission accomplished and so much more. Until next year…
***Presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, AB+L is a traveling art and music showcase celebrating the uniqueness, creativity and diversity of art and music which began in Atlanta, GA. Now the largest exhibit of its kind, AB+L features some of the newest visual artists in the urban art industry, while also celebrating the vets and paying proper respect to their craft. Simultaneously, it highlights DJs, musical artists and poets who grace each city with some of the freshest beats, hottest performances and dopest lines. Past performing artists include: Master P, Twista, Teddy Riley and Kendrick Lamar.
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