Beers, blooms and tunes

Photo | Nerf the World

Band: Bellingrath’s Beers & Blooms
Date: Saturday, March 6 at noon
Venue: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, bellingrath.org
Tickets: $25 advance, $30 day-of available at bellingrath.org

Spring is slowly creeping into the area. In South Mobile County, the flora covering the grounds of Bellingrath Gardens and Home is preparing to explode with a pageantry of blooms. This historic destination is taking advantage of the seasonable weather with an event that could be a new local tradition.

Bellingrath’s Beers & Blooms will feature an extensive lineup of beer from 13 craft breweries from around the Southeast. Participating breweries include Avondale, Back Forty, Black Warrior, Braided River, Fairhope, Ghost Train, Grayton Beer, Old Majestic, Oyster City, Props, Second Line, Serda and Yellowhammer. In between sips, attendees can stroll amongst food trucks and vendors. In true Mobile fashion, Bellingrath’s Beers & Blooms will also feature a lineup of local bands to provide an eclectic soundtrack that should please all musical tastes.

Lee Yankie will set the tone for the event. For years, this local artist has pulled crowds with both his original material and longstanding favorites. When he takes the stage, Yankie makes his presence known with a thrilling live show. Epic jams are constructed on the foundation of Yankie’s guitar mastery. 

Since the demise of The Sideliners, guitarist/vocalist Ryan Dreibelbis has been concentrating on his own material. The Ryan Dreibelbis Band’s set will be a chance to sample this promising up-and-comer’s debut single, “Where We Started.” This song delivers a smooth, hypnotic dose of indie-pop laced with soul and R&B. Dreibelbis is maintaining a creative momentum that serves as a harbinger for a studio release.

Azalea City diva Symone French will be on the scene with her Trouille Troupe. French and her collective of talented local musicians have been thrilling crowds along the Gulf Coast with a soulful mix of originals and covers. In the live setting, Symone French & the Trouille Troupe brings a bright and lively musical experience filled with energetic grooves that are emotionally overwhelming.

Nerf the World will be the headliner for Bellingrath’s Beers & Blooms. This trio consists of Chris Spies (keyboards), Brooks Hubbert III (guitar) and John Milham (drums). With the members’ respective backgrounds steeped in improv, each Nerf the World show is truly a unique experience. Hopefully, the denizens of the Azalea City will soon be getting a studio album from this great band.