A renovation of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall has just been completed. This is the first major overhaul since the Concert Hall opened in the early 70s. This facility is not much loved in Birmingham, and it should be, since so much performing arts history has taken place there. The renovation seems to cheer up the austere modernism of the lobby and house (which for many years had plain orange carpeting and upholstery). Additional concession space, restrooms, and improved accessibility will be appreciated. Click here for B’ham News photos (new squiggly red carpeting in full glory, as well as other changes).
Old publicity photo of the stage. I don't remember the "ribs" of the shell being grazed by spotlighting.
Unfortunately, some planned acoustic tweaks to existing [ ! ] reverberation chambers above the still ugly stage got budgeted out. (The infamous plywood and 2×4s shell painted blue remains.) Since the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s classical concerts have been moved to the glorious acoustics of the Alys Stephens Center on UAB’s campus, this is not so much of an issue anymore. The BJCC Concert Hall now serves mostly for traveling shows, ASO Pops Concerts, and rock/country/pop concerts, which all rely on amplification. (The Alabama Ballet performs at Samford’s Wright Center *gasp*. BTW, click here to see some dubious changes made to the Wright Concert Hall since olden times!)
There are big plans for the BJCC. It looks like Mayor Langford’s domed stadium is finally going to materialize next to the site (even as the county goes broke from digging a court mandated sewer tunnel that can’t be used). And we’re going to host the Olympics in 20 years or so (yea, right).
Looks much nicer than it used too. I guess Langford is getting ready for next year when the BJCC will host the Oscars. Or is it the Golden Globes?
Langford gives “think outside the box” awards (statuettes of, you guessed it: Rodin’s The Thinker).