Loud at the Library Presents Books, Blues & BBQ Concert on September 25 at Downtown Birmingham Public Library

What happens when you mix the sounds of the blues with good barbecue in one of Birmingham's best places to gather? You get an evening of Books, Blues & BBQ at the downtown Birmingham Public Library (BPL).

BPL's 2026 Loud at the Library series concludes on Friday, September 25, with a free concert featuring Rachel Edwards with John Holaway at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place. From soulful blues and great music to barbecue and the welcoming atmosphere of the library, this is a Friday evening designed for music lovers, families, friends, and anyone looking for something fun to do.

Books, Blues & BBQ

📅 When: Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203
🎶 Who: Rachel Edwards with John Holaway
💵 Admission: Free and open to the public

Blues and barbecue are a perfect pairing. Add books and a library setting, and you have a recipe for a memorable Birmingham evening.

Meet Rachel Edwards

Rachel Bernice Edwards is an accomplished vocalist and singer-songwriter from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Classically trained and steeped in soulful Southern blues, Edwards has performed in Germany for the 250th Anniversary of Amadeus Mozart, at Carnegie Hall, the International Blues Competition, and at festivals, venues, and juke joints throughout the Southeast.

She has shared the stage with legendary performers including Bobby Rush, Ruthie Foster, and Chuck Leavell. Her powerful voice, soulful style, and infectious joy make her a performer who can quickly connect with an audience.

Edwards was inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame as a Master Blues Artist in July 2019, adding another significant honor to her accomplished career.

Meet John Holaway

John Holaway is a guitarist, vocalist, and music educator based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A performer throughout the Southeast, Holaway blends blues, funk, jazz, R&B, country, and rock with a laid-back, soulful style.

Whether he's performing onstage or teaching others, Holaway is passionate about sharing the joy of music.

Together, Rachel Edwards and John Holaway will bring their soulful sound to the downtown library for an evening of live music, community, and fun.

And, of course, there will be barbecue.

BBQ will be available while supplies last.

So grab a friend, bring the family, and make plans to spend Friday evening downtown with the Birmingham Public Library.

Come for the books. Stay for the blues. And enjoy the BBQ.

For more information about Loud at the Library and other Birmingham Public Library programs, visit www.cobpl.org or follow BPL on social media.

Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist for Birmingham Public Library