Boosie Brings High Energy to Legion Field for Safe Summer Concert Series Finale

Stpry and Photos by Marika N. Johnson | For the Birmingham Times

More than 30,000 fans filled Birmingham’s Legion Field Stadium on Sunday night for a free concert headlined by Baton Rouge rapper Boosie BadAzz. Presented in partnership with Councilwoman Crystal Smitherman and Councilman Clinton Woods, the event closed out the year’s Safe Summer Concert Series with an evening of local talent, hip-hop and community connection.

Known for his unapologetic style and hits such as “Wipe Me Down,” “Nasty, Nasty,” and “Period,” Boosie has built a following through his music and raw, unfiltered online commentary. The rapper and businessman has also expanded his brand with his own online platform, Boost Network.

But before the headliner took the stage, the spotlight belonged to Birmingham-area artists who helped set the tone for the evening.

The lineup featured a mix of emerging talent and local performers, including Gabrielle Semoine and Lillian Aleece during the pre-show. DJ BadBoy Butch provided a set, while hip-hop artists 88 DGRZ and singer JP Capone served as the official openers. DJ Dirty Vegas kept the energy up as the crowd waited for Boosie to appear.

Beyond the performances, the evening offered something just as important: a chance for people from across the community to come together, enjoy themselves and share an experience outside their everyday routines.

For concertgoer Donald Smith, that sense of connection and, of course, the music, was part of the night’s highlights.

“This was an amazing experience that brought the community together for a day filled with fun, laughter, and connection! It was wonderful to see people of all ages come out, enjoy themselves, and create lasting memories together,” Smith said. “Events like this remind us of the importance of unity, togetherness, and building stronger bonds within our community. It was truly a great time for everyone!”

The evening also brought a brief visit from gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones, who stopped by to encourage attendees to vote. His appearance added a civic element to the night, with voter engagement joining the conversation alongside the music and entertainment.

Keeping the crowd engaged throughout the evening was Dana “Lady Woo” Woodruff, affectionately known as the “Hostess with the Most-est.” Whether reminding attendees to vote, delivering a joke or dancing alongside concertgoers, Woodruff made the stage feel less like a platform and more like an extension of the crowd.

For Woodruff, hosting in her hometown of Birmingham is about more than holding a microphone. It is about connecting with the people who make the city what it is.

“Emceeing and hosting is an art and gift that I am so grateful for,” Woodruff said. “The role is not often respected or valued until it’s in progress and the show is rolling, the messages are going and the jokes are landing. The power of the mic allows you to make every single attendee feel included and engaged.”

That connection, she said, is especially meaningful when she gets to host events at home.

“It’s important for me to host home shows because Birmingham is a special place and you have to be able to connect to the core of the city and speak to that special! Every time I touch the stage, it’s just me being me and vibing with my people!”

The concert wrapped up shortly after 8 p.m. without any major incidents. Birmingham Police Department officers and Parks and Recreation staff helped clear the stadium as the evening ended.

For the thousands who gathered at Legion Field, the finale offered more than a free concert. It brought together music, local talent and neighbors for a shared experience, leaving attendees with memories of the performances and a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together.