Reviewed by: Pat Byington
What’s new in Woodlawn– a new mural, jazz club + more
Reading time: 3 minutes
A new, colorful mural has popped up in Woodlawn on the corner of 55th St and 1st Ave N. The building that houses the mural will soon house an upcoming jazz club, Jazz on 55th.
Keep reading to learn more about the new mural and what’s coming soon in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
One of Birmingham’s most ubiquitous artists
If this mural’s style and signature looks familiar to you, it definitely is. Dewon Moton (@dewonmotonart) is the local artist responsible for several of Birmingham’s most well-known murals, such as the John Lewis portrait on 4th Ave N, the exterior of Markarios in Five Points or the new Steel Magnolias mural on 10th Ave N.
Jazz on 55th coming soon
According to Jazz on 55th’s owner C. Ervin Kennedy, the mural’s design was a collaboration between Moton, himself and his uncle, Birmingham artist Everett Spruill. The club will also feature two murals inside to accompany the exterior.
Kennedy says the new spot is likely opening sometime in August, hopefully just in time for the next Woodlawn Street Market. It will be a gathering spot for drinking, socializing and enjoying music right in the heart of Woodlawn.
Woodlawn’s effort to support art and community
The upcoming development of Jazz on 55th and new murals popping up is no coincidence. Both are part of an effort by the Woodlawn community to develop new entertainment venues, create more public art and introduce internal paths between businesses to make the area more walkable.
According to Woodlawn Community and Neighborhood President Jason Avery, the goal is to fill the neighborhood with art and plenty of places to enjoy local entertainment and community. Avery says the new mural on 55th will eventually extend all the way down the wall, connecting with other murals to create an alley of public art.
“When we were first getting started, there were only a few murals in Woodlawn– maybe three or four. I think we want to get up to about 20 by the time we’re done.”
Jason Avery, Woodlawn Community and Neighborhood President and REV Urban Main Facilitator for Design
In addition to public art, Avery says the area around what will soon be Jazz on 55th will feature more new entertainment spots that are still in the works as well as an interior courtyard where community members can hang out, eat and drink, and enjoy the neighborhood.
Enjoy Birmingham’s mural’s? Check out our guide .
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