April 2024

Birmingham's Big Night Out, April 4, at the Daxton

The Big Night Out is more than just an event; it’s a celebration that embodies the essence of belonging to a warm and caring community.

The bringing together of Next members, town officials, community leaders, and involved residents all made the first event an incredible success (with an overwhelming wait list). So much has happened since the inaugural event, including the purchase of the YMCA building which will become the new home for Next and its hundreds of programs, classes and events.

As part of this change, Birmingham's Big Night Out will not only continue to be a community celebration but an important fundraiser, helping to usher in a new era in our city. This transition will require significant effort but the impact on our town will be amazing!

The support of several businesses and individuals helped us launch, and now widespread local support will help Next thrive in our mission to provide lifelong engagement for the mind, body and soul of our 50+ residents, now and well into the future.

Beyond lifelong engagement, Next is a dynamic hub for community connections. Regular interactions foster a sense of familiarity; shared experiences and life challenges naturally give rise to friendships. With the upcoming move to the new facility, the aim is to broaden this sense of belonging throughout the community. This endeavor extends beyond social interaction, recognizing that humans are inherently social beings, and a connected community mitigates feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing to improved mental and physical health.

This year’s event is about building on the very successful inaugural event, but it is also so much more. It is about sowing the seeds of community.

When we think about community, it is organizations supporting residents in need of assistance or helping enrich their lives.

It is business owners joining in with residents to support these organizations because a supported community thrives.

And it is those same residents who support local businesses even though they can probably get a similar item maybe a little less expensive or faster elsewhere, but don’t because we are part of the same community.

Birmingham’s Big Night Out is your chance to join in the excitement of the evening while supporting your community.

Picture the fabulous ballroom at the Daxton transformed into a 40s night club reminiscent of The Copacabana, The Chi Chi Room and the Rainbow Room. Dance the night away to the amazing sounds of Mark Randisi and the Motor City Horns, who are frequently compared to Frank Sinatra, and featured guests, the incredible a cappella group The Unforgettables.

The room will be filled with the nostalgic music you love, bringing back memories of a time when cheerful friends and neighbors shared a night of conviviality, then – add plenty of delicious strolling appetizers and desserts, special surprises and so much community goodwill, all to create an exceptional and truly memorable evening.

A night like this doesn’t come around often.

Together, we can create a more robust, united, and inclusive community that enhances the lives of all residents.

Tickets are available at BirminghamNext.org.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next