Perfect Pairing: Birmingham Community Bier Choir Combines Alcohol And Music

BIRMINGHAM, AL — There aren't too many choirs around that will let members have a cold beer while they perform, but alcohol is an integral part of the Birmingham Community Bier Choir. Started by UAB music education student Mallory Bubbett, the choir is an effort to bring music and fun to Birmingham's singers, regardless of their experience or ability.

The Bier Choir meets every couple of weeks at a brewery to down some craft brews and sing music of varying genres — English and German drinking songs, sailor folk tunes, even some songs the members create themselves out nursery rhyme tunes.

"The idea is first and foremost community," Bubbett said. "Music has a power to bring people together, even silly, funny music. Especially silly, funny music."

Bubbett was inspired to create the group when she heard about beer choirs at a National Association of American Choral Directors conference last spring. There are beer choirs all around the country, chapters of a national Beer Choir organization, though the Birmingham Community Bier Choir is not an official chapter.

"I wanted it to be," Bubbett said. "But the response at the conference was absolutely insane. [Beer Choir] was completely overwhelmed and shut down its applications due to the volume of requests it was getting. Since it's copyrighted, we tweaked it and made it our own."

Bubbett said she believes Birmingham is the perfect place for Bier Choir, between the city's music scene and growing craft brewing business. So far, Good People Brewing Company has been the primary host for the Bier Choir's events, but the group will be partnering with the Crestwood Community Band for a joint event in October.

The group has seen a great turnout so far, with anywhere between 30 and 50 people. And even though Bubbett is a college student, the choir encourages singers of all ages to come out and participate.

"As long as they're 21," Bubbett said. "That is literally the only caveat."

The Birmingham Community Bier Choir will host another event at Good People on Sept. 22, and will co-host their Octoberween event with the Crestwood Community Band on Oct. 30 at Cahaba. Both events begin at 6 p.m.

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