Birmingham native and comedian Rickey Smiley brought the energy and excitement of his syndicated radio show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, to a live audience at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Concert Hall Friday morning, Oct. 25, as part of the Magic City Classic weekend.
From 5 a.m to 9 a.m., fans gathered for a free, high-energy broadcast sponsored by the city of Birmingham, with doors opening as early as 4:15 a.m.
The live show, a tradition during Magic City Classic weekend dating back to the 1990s, was packed with appearances by special guests Gary with Da Tea, Da Brat, Rock T, Special K, Maria More, Jahlion and singer Kandi Burruss. The event also saw appearances from notable figures including Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Alabama State University President Quinton T. Ross Jr. and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical President Daniel K. Wims.
Smiley expressed his enthusiasm for the annual tradition, saying in a statement, “Our Magic City Classic show is one of those events I look forward to every year. Thanks to Mayor Woodfin and the people of Birmingham, this year we’re turning the BJCC into the biggest party in town!”
Attendees shared their excitement for the live experience.
“I enjoyed every personality that was brought out today. From Rickey to Kandi and even the mayor. I felt like I was actually in the radio station; the live audience just made it 10 times better,” said Korey Vickers, a Birmingham resident.
Darryl Rivers echoed the positive vibe, saying, “I enjoyed the event quite well. I love the music and how they supported that young man and his hit single. I love being around good people and good vibes.”
Keisha Collins highlighted the humor and entertainment, saying, “I loved the morning show! My favorite part was Gary with Da Tea! He is so funny and full of personality. Overall, the show was amazing. It was worth waking up super early for sure.”
Attendee Arial Brown shared it was her first time experiencing a live morning show.
“The morning show was great. I love Gary with Da Tea, Rickey Smiley, and I love Kandi and the girl group she brought out,” Brown said. “My favorite part was the wake-up calls, especially how he booted people out the way when they were taking too long. This is my first time coming to a live morning show, and it was a great experience.”
Representing Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Vanae Lee showed her school pride while praising the show.
“I’m here representing A&M loud and proud! But on a serious note, the morning show was outstanding,” she said. “The audience was live, Rickey was entertaining as always, and I enjoyed all of the special guests as well.”
Damon Thomas appreciated the community focus, saying, “Great show, very well put together. I love how it brought the community together, and it was a free event, you can’t beat that.”
For longtime listener Sheryl Johnson, attending the live show added a new level of excitement.
“I tune into the station every morning!” Johnson said. “To be here and be a part of it in person was so much fun! I loved seeing Kandi, Da Brat and Gary with Da Tea.”
