BILLY REID'S SHINDIG SHINES SOME LIGHT ON THE AMERICAN SOUTH
Billy Reid and Brittany of the Alabama Shakes backstage before the show
With that hurricane/tropical story thing heading right towards New Orleans and some political convention happening in Tampa Florida, whether you like it or not, our eyes are firmly planted on the American South. While those two stories don’t really give us much to smile about, renown man of style, Billy Reid, has also added a story to the bunch that has given us reason to curl our lips upwards. This weekend in the location of the CFDA award winning designer’s flagship store—, Florence, Alabama, Billy Reid hosted his annual Shindig—a weekend of music and fine Southern culture, now in its fourth year. There were book signings in the store, lots of amazing Southern food in a park but the main event was at Shoals Theater in downtown Florence for an epic sold out show by the Alabama Shakes, performing for the first time in their home state since they blew up on the music scene earlier this year. The after party carried on long into the night behind the Billy Reid store with a performance by Wild Cub who invited Billy to join them on stage and jam out until the wee hours. When all is said and done, Billy Reid’s annual Shindig does two things. First, it pulls back the curtains and gives us deeper insight into the designers’s world and mind frame. Second, it reminds us of the good parts about the American South. The hospitality, the food, the charm the music and its classic and unmistakable style, which Billy Reid’s been genius at refining, interpreting and beaming out to the rest of the world.
Billy Reid jamming with Jonny Cordawg
Alabama Shakes performing at the Shoals Theater
The Pine Hill Haints performing at the concert in the park
The lake party
Billy Reid with Wild Cub
The BBQ spread from Fat Back Collective
The Shoals Theater marquee
