Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil
The Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil is an annual music festival sponsored by Schaeffer Eye Center. It was begun in 1986 as a backyard party hosted by former HealthSouth executive and Shreveport native Aaron Beam. It soon outgrew the Beams' home and over the years the event has grown and moved several times.
1986
The first Beam's Crawfish Boil was held at the home of Aaron and Phyllis Beam with invited guests enjoying 50 pounds of crawfish.
1994
In 1994, Beam partnered with Jack Schaeffer, marking the first Schaeffer Eye Center Beam's Crawfish Boil. The festival was held in the Lakeview district and donations totalling $15,0000 were raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
1995
UAB's Comprehensive Cancer Center became the second official beneficiary and a suggested $2 donation was requested.
1997
15,000 pounds of crawfish were prepared by festival chef Barry Gerald.
1998
The inaugural "Crawfish Crawl" 5K run had 300 participants. George Rodrigue created the first of three "Blue Dog" posters for the event.
1999
The festival was moved from Lakeview to Pepper Place and raised $100,000 for charity.
2000
The festival moved again, this time to the site of the future Railroad Reservation Park at 1st Avenue South and 17th Street. 20,000 pounds of crawfish were prepared for 51,000 attendees.
2001
Aaron Beam ended his association with the event, which is renamed the Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil and held on May 12.
2002
The 2002 Crawfish Boil, headlined by Tonic, benefitted Camp Smile-A-Mile, and the Tanner Center for Multiple Sclerosis.
2003
For the first time the event expanded to two days with 17 performing acts. The event actually lost money as rain swamped the event on the first night during a performance by the Village People. In addition to the 2002 beneficiaries, festival proceeds were shared with the Birmingham Junior League.
2004
Clear Channel-owned Pace Concerts came on board as manager of the festival. Ticket prices increased, but so did the popularity of the performers. Record crowds turned out for Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth and Collective Soul on May 7 & 8.
2005
Once again, record attendance as 40,000 turned out for Seether, Shinedown, The Wallflowers, Drivin' n Cryin', Tonic and Hootie and the Blowfish. Proceeds went to Camp Smile-A-Mile, Magic Moments and Lyrics for Life. A $5,000 donation was given to Camp Smile-A-Mile from the proceeds.
2006
The 2006 event was held on May 5 & 6 at the Railroad Reservation Park. Beginning this year the production was officially owned by the "Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation", and produced by Red Mountain Entertainment. Performers included People in Planes, Gin Blossoms, Cowboy Mouth, Sister Hazel, Blues Traveler, American Minor, Sanders Bohlke, Jason Mraz, P.U.S.A., Better than Ezra, P.O.D. and Live. The Festival's main beneficiary was Camp Smile-A-Mile.
2007
The 2007 event was held on May 4 & 5 at the Railroad Reservation Park. Performers included Operator, Cracker, The Spin Doctors, Akon, Hinder, Cheap Trick, Soul Asylum, Fuel, Papa Roach, Collective Soul and the Barenaked Ladies. Tickets were $15 in advance or $20 at the gate, with VIP passes available for $60.
2008
Due to construction at the Railroad Park site, the 2008 Crawfish Boil moved to vacant land adjoining the 2200-2300 blocks of Richard Arrington, Jr Boulevard North near the BJCC, the site for a planned entertainment district to be called "The Forge". Pop singer Fergie headlines the event, along with Three Doors Down, T-Pain, Flo Rida, Gavin DeGraw, Southern Culture on the Skids, Seether, Corey Smith, Candlebox, Carney and Rue Melo. Day passes are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. VIP access is available in advance for $60. Crawfish costs extra at $10 per plate.