GULF SHORES — Big Beach Brewing, a local brewery at the corner of East 24th Avenue and Canal Street, has become a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike since its opening in 2016.

Ryan Shamburger, the general manager, said he thinks live music is an integral part of their establishment's identity.

"First and foremost, we seek variety," Shamburger said. "We like different sounds and something that fits the space. We look for folks that can keep their volume at a level where people can carry conversations and not blast people out of here."

To create their live music lineup, Shamburger said he and Jesse McCraw, talent buyer, seek out local artists through requests and rely on recommendations from trusted professionals in the music business. This ensures a diverse range of talent that can cater to the tastes of all guests.

The brewery invites artists to perform Thursday through Sunday, offering a weekend full of music. Shamburger added that the genre of music depends on the day of the week.

According to Shamburger, whose parents started the brewery and whose sister runs marketing and social media, music not only enhances the ambiance but also gives people a reason to stay longer.

"It's not just that we enjoy the music and it brings in business, but we really feel proud to support our local artists," he said.

On June 13, customers had a chance to taste the in-house brewed beer and listen to melodies from Justin Gannon, a Birmingham native who moved to Gulf Shores five years ago. Gannon serenaded the crowd with acoustic covers of songs by Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac and more. Guests sang along, sipping on a range of brews from IPAs to sours and lagers.

Gannon, an artist who values the intimacy of smaller venues, expressed his delight in performing at Big Beach Brewing.

"This is my third time performing here, and I enjoy it because of how intimate it is," he said.

He also offered some advice to aspiring artists, urging them to bring something unique to their performances.

"You have to get up there," he said, "and do something other people aren't doing."