By Nicole S. Daniel

Sometimes the best events aren’t the biggest ones. They’re the ones that create space for genuine conversation, meaningful connections and unforgettable moments.

That was the atmosphere at the inaugural Matcha Mondays, a new monthly conversation series that made its Birmingham debut on June 30 at the historic A.G. Gaston Motel. Bringing together community leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives and music lovers, the evening blended culture, conversation and live music in a way that felt both refreshing and intentional.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Nicole Sadé and curated by Kendra Woodfin, Matcha Mondays is presented by Alicia’s Coffee and Voltron Printing. The new series is designed to bring people together through meaningful dialogue, networking and community while highlighting Birmingham’s rich history and creative culture.

From the moment guests arrived, the energy in the room was undeniable. Professionals from different industries mingled, exchanged ideas and built new connections. It was one of those rare evenings where everyone seemed willing to put their phones down, be present and simply enjoy the experience.

The event opened with a ceremonial matcha demonstration before transitioning into conversations centered on leadership, Birmingham’s legacy and the evolution of R&B music.

Before taking the stage that evening, multi-platinum recording artist Case spent time exploring Birmingham’s historic Civil Rights District. His tour included visits to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church and the A.G. Gaston Motel Museum, allowing him to experience firsthand the places that shaped one of the nation’s most significant chapters in the Civil Rights Movement.

During the onstage conversation, with award-winning journalist, Nicole Sade’, Case reflected on how seeing those historic landmarks in person impacted him.

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

The singer shared that hearing one of the survivors of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing speak during the visit left a lasting impression on him and reinforced the message behind some of his more socially conscious music.

The discussion later shifted to love, songwriting and the current state of R&B.

For Case, love remains the foundation of his music.

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

When asked about today’s R&B landscape, the Grammy-nominated artist pushed back on the idea that great music no longer exists.

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

Following the conversation, Case transformed the intimate gathering into a live concert, performing several of his signature hits, including “Missing You.” One of the evening’s standout moments came when he performed an a cappella rendition of “Happily Ever After,” prompting audience members to sing along word for word inside one of Birmingham’s most historic venues.

It was a fitting conclusion to an evening built around connection.

More than just another networking event, Matcha Mondays introduced a new concept for Birmingham, one that blends thoughtful conversation with culture, history, business and the arts. The setting, the dialogue and the music created an experience that encouraged guests not only to network but to engage, reflect and build community.

If the inaugural event is any indication, Matcha Mondays has the potential to become a staple on Birmingham’s cultural calendar. By bringing influential voices together in intimate spaces and creating opportunities for authentic conversations, the series offers something that often feels rare in today’s fast-paced world: meaningful connection.