Roadside Glorious Christmas Show Dec. 21 at Big Beach

By Fran Thompson
Roadside Glorious, the New Orleans based southern rock soulsters led by Gulf Shores native Basch Jernigan, is back at Big Beach Brewing Company for a 6 p.m. “throwdown” on Dec. 21.
“We have some holiday-themed fun up our sleeve,’’ Jernigan said. “I don’t want to give away too much, but I’d say maybe look at some old soul and R&B christmas covers, like the Jackson 5 christmas album for some hints.’
Founded by Jernigan and fellow GSHS grad Aydan Closson in 2016, Roadside Glorious released its debut album, Brawn and Bone, last year.
While at GSHS, Basch started Katawompus with Rob Gordon on bass and Blaine Kaiser on drums. When his bandmates graduated in 2010, Harrison Butler and Aydan came on board until Basch left for college at Tulane.
Closson gave up the rock n roll life after putting his stamp on Roadside’s debut release. The band also includes lead guitarist Evan Hall and bass guitarist Tyler Self, both from New Orleans.
“After playing with a few different guys earlier this year, we’ve been playing consistently with a friend and great drummer from New Orleans, Israel Howard,’’ Jernigan said. “We’re hoping to hold on to him as long as we can.’’
Jernigan said reaction to Brawn and Bone has been more like a rising tide than a tumbling wave.
“It’s really been more of a process of watching more and more people gradually discover the album and the album gaining a following as a result,’’ he said. “Seeing more and more people showing up to shows singing the lyrics to the songs has been a crazy, amazing experience.’’
Jernigan said Big Beach Brewing Company (300 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores) is the band’s go-to venue when he’s back home for many reasons.
“We keep returning to Big Beach because of the way they treat people and their community. They are a community-first organization that believes in good people and good local, original live music,’’ he said. “They definitely did welcome us from the get-go, which is something we will always appreciate. But what’s keeping us there now is really the atmosphere they’ve created and the impressive strides they make every year to get more and more original talent from all over the southeast.’’
“We really believe in their vision, and they’re doing it in a way that legitimately feels like its about the people above everything else. Creating a happy, welcoming environment for everyone in the community. That’s the kind of business we believe in and love to get behind.’’
While chilling with his family and friends during the holidays is first up for Jernigan, he is already looking forward to releasing a follow-up to Brawn and Bone.
“We have a lot of exciting opportunities coming in 2020 in town, out of state, and out of country, as well as a new album that we will be releasing,’’ he said. “It’s going to be a big year for us, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.
“A lot of dreams that we’ve had musically our entire lives are coming true.’’
Pictured: Basch Jernigan.