Which of these things doesn’t belong?

Ben Sollee's "Ditch the Van" tour rides through The Hangout in Gulf Shores at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2011.

A) cello
B) bicycle
C) smile
D) ticket money

Let’s explore the list.

The cello is the instrument of choice for musical artist Ben Sollee. Influenced by his classical training, his grandfather’s bluegrass music, his father’s R&B guitar style and today’s pop/folk/alternative/world music, Ben has crafted what feels like an entirely new genre of music that requires the cello to mimic other instruments. His effortless vocal tones and impassioned lyrics are grounded by his bow as his fingers dance on the strings. Beautifully balanced percussion completes the minimalist ensemble sound.

The bicycle is the mode of transportation for Ben Sollee’s “Ditch the Van” tour. Ben— along with percussionist Jordan Ellis, the tour manager and a crew member—created this rather unusual caravan to feel more connected to the people and places where they play. It requires them to slow down and appreciate the communities, to connect to the world in a more personal manner than is possible in the typical van, bus or truck that speeds touring performers along the interstate highways from one venue to the next.

A smile is, by generally accepted definition, “a facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth, indicating pleasure.” You’ll find one on the face of Ben Sollee, a natural response to the pure joy he feels when creating and sharing his music. You’ll also find a smile on the face of each person who has chosen to be present for the concert. It will be seen as an expression of interest, appreciation, encouragement and bliss as the music transports each listener to another realm.

It must be obvious by now that the ticket money is the one thing from our list that doesn’t belong. That’s right—this is a free performance hosted by The Hangout in Gulf Shores. You could pay to experience Ben Sollee’s artistry at any number of other tour stops, but it’s an extra bonus to use that money to feed your earthly body while Ben and company feed your musical soul.

On Wednesday, November 2, at 7 p.m., you’ll fully understand the combination of a cello, a bicycle and a smile. Oh, it won’t require any effort—the moment Ben Sollee takes the stage, you’ll know it was meant to be.

Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.

Memorial Day Weekend brings many opportunities for parties and get-togethers. LuLuPalooza promises to be a highlight among all the gatherings, so if you are in the Gulf Shores area, you’ll definitely want to be a part of this musical jamboree.

LuLuPalooza - SIX bands on May 28 and 29 at LuLu's in Gulf Shores!

Saturday, May 28, brings to the stage Cornbred from 1 until 3 p.m., followed by Soul Rebels Brass Band at 4 until 5:30, then Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes beginning at 6:30.

Sunday, May 29, begins with David St. Romain from 1 until 4 p.m., then Randall Bramblett from 5 until 6:30 p.m., and finally Paul Thorn at 7:30.

See the LuLu’s talent information on Meyer’s Concerts & Music page for descriptions of the artists and to listen to their music.

Note: It will be difficult to choose just one act to enjoy in person, so go ahead and plan to spend both days and evenings at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. Don’t worry about food or drinks throughout the day—LuLu’s offers a wonderful menu for all ages, Plus, you can let your young ones play in the sandbox kids area while the young-at-heart enjoy the music.

Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

It’s not every day that you get to experience up-close a guitar virtuoso who developed his own fingerstyle approach to incorporate into folk, jazz, country, rock and blues.

Folk, swing, jazz and more by virtuoso guitarist Mac Walter who uses his own fingerstyle method to create masterful music.

But it’s not an everyday kind of talent that brought Mac Walter to the forefront. Although already playing ukulele at age 15, he was encouraged to explore the guitar. Three months later he was playing in a band and he hasn’t stopped playing since. His fascination with music led him to study at Berklee College in Boston and then continue his studies with inspiring, hard-driving teachers, and Mac is now a role model to the next generations of true guitarists.

Beach CITE Studios—located at SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach, Alabama—is offering you an opportunity on Friday, April 22, 2011, to see, hear and feel the passion that exudes from the heart and fingers of Mac Walter.

As seating is limited at this intimate venue, call 251-981-1989 now to claim chairs for you and your friends. The entertainment begins at 7:30; your donation for admission will be accepted beginning at 7:00.

Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate Vacation Rentalson Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

You might recognize the name of the pianist/composer Scott Joplin. The titles “Maple Leaf Rag” or “The Entertainer” may be familiar. You probably would know “The Entertainer” to hear it even if you don’t recognize the title—it was well-received when it was written in 1902, burst into popularity again in 1973 as the theme music for the Oscar-winning movie The Sting, and is still heard today in commercials, video games and more.

Vibrant, masterful renditions of ragtime piano music will be heard at Beach CITE Studios Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

This style of music is known as ragtime, and encompasses the era of the early 20^th century. It is recognized, along with the blues, as one of the greatest influences on the early development of jazz. But rather than the melodic and harmonic explorations of jazz, ragtime frames its rhythmic syncopation around more traditional harmonies.

On Wednesday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m., you will be gently and masterfully coaxed back a century by pianist Bobby VanDeusen. A classically trained pianist, Bobby honed his ragtime and stride styles while with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. His amazingly gifted fingers have allowed him to headline in Branson, Missouri; play jazz in New Orleans with Al Hirt and Pete Fountain; travel the country as a featured entertainer with Hilton Hotels; and most recently tour with civic orchestras as the soloist in George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Your opportunity to hear this amazing talent and get lost in the sounds of a bygone era is here. The folks at Beach CITE Studios—located in SanRoc Cay, Orange Beach, Alabama—are looking forward to welcoming you to their Listening Room to hear the dazzling sounds of Bobby VanDeusen. Seating is limited, so it’s best to call ahead (251-981-1989) to reserve your spot. Admission is by donation at the door, which will open at 7:00.

Stay informed of local activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

To get audiences even more excited for the three-day Hangout Music Fest (May 20–22, 2011), a series of free concerts will be offered at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The road to great music at Hangout Music Fest is paved with great FREE music at The Hangout in April and May!

Thanks to a partnership between The Hangout, 92 Zew Radio and Meyer Vacation Rentals, beginning April 2, each Saturday will bring a terrific band for a special performance at 7:00 p.m. See the April lineup below:

April 2  —  The Rez

April 9  —  Brian Wright

April 16  —  Seven Day Sonnet with guest Halo Stereo

April 23  —  Halo Stereo with guest Pale

April 30  —  Caleb Lovely with April Smith and The Great Picture Show

The May lineup is still being finalized, so stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, grab your friends and party to some terrific music plus good food and drinks on the beach!

For band and concert info at The Hangout and for Hangout Music Fest, follow the Meyer/Hangout Twitter feed. Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

Each Mardi Gras season brings much talk of new queens and kings, but there is one king who has kept his title year after year—the King of Keys, Mr. Al Martin.

Mardi Gras history is celebrated through piano stylings of Al Martin at Beach CITE Studios March 2, 2011.

No, “Keys” is not the name of one of the numerous Mardi Gras societies. This king creates magic on the piano keys, making even the least musically inclined tap his or her toes and smile widely as he shares his unique stylings. And he can’t wait to get folks keyed up again on Wednesday, March 2, with a special selection of music to put you in the Mardi Gras spirit.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 7:30 show in the Listening Room of Beach CITE Studios, located at SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach. Arrive early to do a little shopping and enjoy dinner, then meet your friends for some lively entertainment. Admission is by donation at the door; call 251-981-1989 to guarantee your place, as this king typically holds court with a full house.

The eager anticipation of Mardi Gras is always strong along the Gulf Coast. Whether you are a curious novice or seasoned veteran, let Al Martin help you celebrate by treating your ears to a musical history of the season.

Stay informed of local activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.