Matcha Mondays Debuts with Conversations on Community, Culture and an Intimate Performance by Case

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

A new monthly conversation series made its Birmingham debut Monday evening, bringing together community leaders, local entrepreneurs and music lovers for an event centered on conversation, culture and connection.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Nicole Sadé and curated by Kendra Woodfin, Matcha Mondays — presented by Alicia’s Coffee and Voltron Printing — welcomed guests to the historic A.G. Gaston Motel for an evening that paired a ceremonial matcha demonstration with discussions on leadership, Birmingham’s history and R&B music before closing with a live performance by multi-platinum recording artist Case.

The program opened with remarks from Woodfin, who thanked attendees, community partners and everyone involved in helping launch the inaugural event.

Guests then joined Alicia’s Coffee owner Naimah Elmore for a lesson on the origins and preparation of matcha tea. During the demonstration, Birmingham City Council District 6 representative Crystal N. Smitherman participated in the ceremonial preparation, sifting and whisking the tea while Elmore explained its cultural roots.

“It comes from another culture, so it’s really a ceremonial drink,” Elmore said. “That’s why we make the matcha with a ceremonial bowl, a whisk and a sifter.”

Elmore also discussed matcha’s nutritional benefits before explaining how Alicia’s Coffee has created its own signature variations while still honoring the traditional preparation. While Smitherman is a familiar face throughout District 6 and regularly engages with constituents through community meetings and neighborhood events, Matcha Mondays offered attendees a more intimate opportunity to hear from the councilwoman in a conversational setting.

As the demonstration continued, the conversation shifted to Smitherman’s personal style after Elmore noted the councilwoman’s signature sneakers.

“I am a sneakerhead,” Smitherman said.

She added that women in leadership should not feel confined by traditional expectations of professional attire.

“I think for women, we have to get away from this traditional thing that we have to wear skirts and heels,” she said. “You can be professional by looking professional.”

Before introducing the evening’s featured guest, Mayor Randall Woodfin offered brief remarks about the significance of the venue, noting he was attending in support of his wife rather than in his official role as mayor.

“I actually am not here in my capacity as mayor of the City of Birmingham,” he said. “I am here to support my wife.”

Mayor Woodfin encouraged guests to appreciate the history surrounding them inside the A.G. Gaston Motel, explaining that the room once served as part of the property’s dining and social gathering space.

“Part of what we wanted to do is take a piece of the heritage and respect the history here, but also in our own way in 2026 and beyond, just have an intimate moment and activate this space in civil rights history,” he said.

The evening continued with a conversation between Sadé and Case, who is celebrating 30 years in the music industry.

“I feel blessed,” Case said. “To still do what I love… still come and still sing for people. So it’s a blessing.”

Sadé also asked the singer about his visit earlier in the day to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church and the A.G. Gaston Motel Museum.

“It’s different to see it on TV or hear about it or learn about it in school,” Case said. “But just to be there is a whole lot different.”

He said hearing one of the survivors of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing speak during his visit left a lasting impression and reinforced the message behind his recent socially conscious music.

The conversation later turned to the evolution of R&B and the role love continues to play in his music.

“I think love is important no matter what’s going on,” Case said. “Love conquers everything.”

When asked about the current state of R&B, the singer said quality music still exists but has become more difficult for audiences to discover.

“There’s always been good music,” he said. “It’s just that nowadays it’s harder to find it. You gotta go look for it.”

Following the conversation, Case treated attendees to an intimate live performance featuring several of his signature hits, including “Missing You.” He also delivered an a cappella rendition of “Happily Ever After,” drawing enthusiastic singalongs from audience members gathered inside the historic venue.

The inaugural Matcha Mondays marked the beginning of what organizers envision as an ongoing series designed to bring together conversations around culture, community, business and the arts in an intimate setting while highlighting Birmingham’s historic spaces and creative voices.