Since opening its doors almost a year ago, Alabama Music Box at 455 Dauphin St., has strived to build a reputation of being one of the most eclectic music venues in Mobile, but all that may change. On April 14, the Mobile City Council will convene to decide how to deal with the numerous noise complaints that have been lodged against the venue, and many LoDa business owners fear a possible noise ordinance.

This has not been the first legal obstacle this venue has had to tackle as far as local government and their neighbors. Music Box owner David Mathews claims that the venue’s first challenge came when they applied for a business license and liquor license. “When we first applied for our license with the city and ABC, we were met with instant protest,” Mathews said.

“Jeff Jordan (LoDa resident and Music Box neighbor) was convinced that we had ties with the owners of the Bizmark (the former club). As a result, we had to fight for the right to get a license. There were times that the ABC board almost said, ‘No’ just based on the fact that the location had proved to be a problem for them due to Jeff Jordan’s constant complaints.”

In the end, Alabama Music Box was granted both a business license and a liquor license. Mathews claims an offensive then began based on the venue’s noise levels, but he states that he has been more than willing to work with both the city and any disgruntled neighbors, though some neighbor’s have disagreed with those claims.

“We have already gone above and beyond our civic duty by even agreeing to find a compromise with the neighbors,” Mathews said. “We have done so in a public forum and still they refuse to take us off the agenda. They want us to cooperate but aren’t willing to give back.”

Moe’s Original BBQ and Blues Revue in Daphne at 6423 Bayfront Park Drive will be giving the public a little taste of Swamp Meat 3 with two shows. On April 16 at 7 p.m., Moe’s will be the place to meet the “Friends of Swamp Meat” ($10 cover at the door). Even though Papa Mali and Col. Bruce Hampton are billed as the headliners, this could erupt into a legendary jam session featuring many familiar names such as bassists Tommy Sciple and Kris Dale as well as guitarist Guthrie Trapp. In addition, there will be local representation in the form of Chris Spies, John Milham, El Cantador and Ryan Balthrop.

On Saturday, April 18 at 12 p.m., Moe’s Original BBQ in on 25603 Perdidio Beach Blvd in Orange Beach will be the site for “Lunch Meat” (no cover). The denizens of Swamp Meat 3 will have the chance hop on the Swamp Meat shuttle and cure their munchies with some of Moe’s excellent barbecue. While the lunch crowd gorge themselves, they will also have the opportunity to take in some of Fat Man Squeeze’s “Bluegrass Trash.”

Also, Just before press time Lagniappe caught word that the Saenger will be opening its doors to country star Randy Travis for a laid back concert at 7:00 p.m. on May 17.