Events
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The Musical Coal-Man at Ben’s Bread (RSVP REQUIRED)
An RSVP for the Ben’s Bread event is required due to occupancy limits!
In late 17th- and early 18th-century London, a humble coal merchant named Thomas Britton hosted some of the city’s most remarkable concerts in the attic above his shop. Aristocrats and tradespeople alike climbed up the rickety, narrow stairs to the attic and gathered by candlelight to hear the best music and musicians in London.
For one afternoon only, Thomas Britton’s attic appears again at Ben’s Bread.
Join us for a Britton-style concert previewing the next day’s concert, performed on period instruments. You’ll hear the exact music, instruments, and composers Britton and his audiences would have known: Purcell, Handel (who is said to have played at one of the concerts), Banister,, Matteis, and more. Come early, sit close, enjoy refreshments by Ben’s Bread, and explore a forgotten sound world brought back to life by Bama Baroque’s talented musicians.
Admission is free, with free parking and refreshments available. Seating is limited due to occupancy and our last concert was nearly full, so tickets are required to reserve your place - a good problem for us to have! Come as you are - we’re saving you a seat.
The Musical Coal-Man
In the late 17th- and early 18th centuries, a humble coal merchant named Thomas Britton hosted some of London’s most remarkable concerts… in the loft above his coal shop.
Before Thomas Britton, most concerts in England took place in courts, churches, or elite circles. But beginning in 1678 (and continuing for the next forty years), for a small fee, aristocrats, scholars, merchants, and apprentices alike climbed the same rickety, narrow staircase to Britton’s attic to hear the same music together, often featuring London’s finest musicians and the latest music by premier composers.
This unusual mix of listeners was a bit radical for the time, and Britton’s belief that great music should be accessible to everyone laid the foundation for what we now recognize as public concerts and musical seasons. The “coal loft concerts” are often recognized as the first truly public concert series.
For one afternoon only, Britton’s attic reappears at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa. Hear music by Purcell, Handel (who is said to have performed at one of Britton’s concerts), Banister, Matteis, and more on period instruments, with Q&As, demonstrations, storytelling, and more fun along the way.
Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted. Free parking is available at and around the church. Come early, sit close, and bring your curiosity (and your family and friends!) for this rare and welcoming musical gathering, right here in the heart of Alabama.
Bachtoberfest! 2025
This event has ended.
Join Bama Baroque and the Cahaba Chamber Chorale for a fun-filled weekend of Baroque music!
Friday, October 3 • 6:30pm CST
Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Avenue S, Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
Bama Baroque is joining forces with the Cahaba Chamber Chorale for an evening of Baroque & brews. Grab a pint and join us!
Sunday, October 5 • 3:00pm CST
Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 1912 Canyon Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Close out the weekend with a selection of Bach’s most beautiful motets, performed by the Cahaba Chamber Chorale and Bama Baroque at A=415 and with regard to historical performance practice.
Come celebrate good music, good company, good drinks, and the beauty of autumn in our great state! We hope to greet you at a concert soon!
Coffee & Grounds
Bama Baroque kicks off a fun-filled weekend of early music across Alabama with a concert at Ben’s Bread, a locally owned cafe and bakery in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Bama Baroque will perform cafe, tavern, and dance music of the 17th and 18th centuries on period instruments – a rarity in Alabama, but that’s exactly what Bama Baroque is hoping to change!
Inaugural Concert
This event has ended.
Details:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 || 6:30 pm CST
University of Alabama Recital Hall (Moody Music Building 140), 810 2nd Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Featuring a harpsichord and lautenwerck built by renowned Tuscaloosa-based maker Anden Houben
Program:
Uccellini: Aria sopra la Bergamasca, Op. 3 Aria 5
Clerambault: Sonata in G Major “La Felicite”
Oswald: Sonata of Scotch Tunes
Schmelzer: Chaconne in A Major
J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major