When is a relatively small beach concert a “monumental” occasion? When the sunset capital of Alabama finally gets to reopen a sunset concert series after missing a year due to COVID and having to rebuild a site blasted by hurricanes, that’s when.
It happens Sunday, May 30, on Dauphin Island, when the group SWING takes the stage at the West End Beach. Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier said it’ll be more than just a pleasant get-together. “It’s kind of going to be an opportunity to look back at the past year and say, ‘Hey, we made it through all that,’” he said.
“I think this is a big deal on a lot of different levels, beyond just ‘getting back to normal,’” Collier said. “It’s getting back to providing events for people to come and enjoy what the island has to offer.”
The format of the concert series, produced by Alabama Coasting, is straightforward: The monthly concerts start about 90 minutes before sunset, with sunset serving as the end of the show. Participants are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating, snacks and beverages. Sunscreen isn’t a must, this late in the day, but insect repellent might come in handy. Admission is $5 per person, free for children 12 and younger.
“The main thing they need to do is bring beach chairs or blankets,” said Collier.
West End Beach was closed for seven months due to damage from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta. It reopened in late April. Collier said at the time that removing about 150,000 tons of sand from roadways and the beach parking lot cost more than $250,000, an expense eligible for partial FEMA reimbursement. The town made an additional investment to increase the beach’s parking capacity from 120 vehicles to 200 and constructed a new public restroom.
The full concert series:
Sunday, May 30 (Memorial Day Weekend) - SWING, 6-8 p.m. (sunset 7:49 p.m.)
Sunday, June 27 - Eric Erdman with special guest, 6-8 p.m. (sunset 7:58 p.m.)
Sunday, July 25 - Mo’ Jazz, 6-8 p.m. (sunset 7:50 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 15 - Reggae theme, group TBA, 5:30-7:45 p.m. (sunset 7:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Sept. 5 - Jonesy’s Crowned Jewelz, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (sunset 7:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 10 (Fort Gaines) - Roman Street, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (sunset 6:26 p.m.)