Category Archives: Entertainment

It’s not a third-world country. It’s Talladega.

The big story making the Internet rounds now implies that some folks up in Washington consider NASCAR fans a health risk. Congressional staffers sent to Talladega Superspeedway last weekend and again to Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend were encouraged to catch up on their vaccinations for hep A and B, flu, diphtheria and tetanus before the fact-finding trip. Seems the guys from the Homeland Security Commission where at the race to study mass gatherings. Well, they also toured some local health facilities and claim that is the reason for the shots but that doesn’t make for good jokes and controversy.

You may think this story is completely without merit but there are some health risks from being around NASCAR fans. For example, we suggest you find out who the person’s favorite driver is before you make an offhand comment about Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson. It could be consider fightin’ words. And never ever make fun of Dale Earnhardt or Litte E anywhere on the grounds of Talladega. Trust us.

There’s lots of places to read more about this, but we like this post on Autoblog.com. To be honest, we’ve got friends there.

UPDATED: What are you doing this weekend?

There’s a lot to do this weekend in metro Birmingham. Assistant editor Christina Tutor shares some of her picks on what to do in our weekly rundown over on Timetable.

Let us know if we missed anything…

NOTE: The column that was here originally has been reposted over on Timetable; we were having backend issues… sorry.

The Original Blues Brothers Band, Alys Stephens Center

Get out that rubber biscuit, turn on your Soul Man, and shake a tailfeather! The Original Blues Brothers Band has put together the ultimate rhythm and blues review. Enjoy an evening at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South, with original members handpicked by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd including Steve Cropper of Booker T. and the MG’s fame and former Saturday Night Live band members Alan “Mr. Fabulous” Rubin and “Blue Lou” Marini. Expect to hear such hits as “Soul Man,” “Knock On Wood,” “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and “Sweet Home Chicago.” And while frontman Eddie Floyd wasn’t in the first movie, he did appear in “Blues Brothers 2000.” And he’s an Alabama native having been born in Montgomery. Now, if you have never seen “The Blues Brothers,” the movie inspired by Belushi and Aykroys’ SNL skit, do yourself a favor and rent it or turn into TV Land Friday (Oct. 5) at 9 p.m. or noon Saturday (Oct. 6).

Cost: $25-45/students $10

Vulcan AfterTunes, Vulcan Park

There’s lots to do this weekend around the Magic City. After all that running around, wouldn’t it be nice to just sit back and listen to some tunes? You can do just that at Vulcan Park Sunday afternoon. The first of three Vulcan AfterTunes Concerts will feature the music of Bobby Bare Jr. and The Michael Warren Band. Here’s the info to know from the Vulcan Park Web site: Lawn chairs and blankets are strongly encouraged. No pets or outside alcohol allowed. A cash bar will be available. Smoke-free environment. RAIN OR SHINE! Gates open at 1 p.m. Limited parking, carpooling encouraged. Additional parking across Valley Avenue at Jefferson County Board of Education — shuttle provided. Can’t make it this Sunday? Future concerts are scheduled for Oct. 14 and Oct. 28.

Cost: $8, children 4 and under and Vulcan Park Foundation members free

The Science of Beer, McWane Science Center

Pop the top off the science of beer making and tasting. Explore and experiment with a team of experts from the Siebel’s Institute as they take you through the exotic tastes of beers from around the world while you enjoy the music of The Spots. The McWane Science Center is located at 200 19th St. North.

Cost: $10 general public, $5 members
Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, free parking
and beer tasting for guests 21 and up

Pompeii Preview Gala, Birmingham Museum of Art

The Junior Patrons of the Birmingham Museum of Art and Crown Automobile present the Pompeii Preview Gala, an exclusive first look at Birmingham’s most anticipated exhibition, Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption. Celebrate the beauty of the rediscovered ancient city with an evening at the museum. Dress in your finest cocktail attire, dance to music by Atlanta’s City Heat, and enjoy Pompeii-inspired hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Complete your night on the town with dinner before the event at Icon Restaurant, just a short walk away in the Tutwiler Hotel. They’ve got a special three-course meal planned for Gala guests. Tickets and dinner details available online.

Cost: $40 per Junior Patron; $60 per Non-Member; $90 per Junior Patron with dinner; $110 per Non Member with dinner

Click here to register to win two (2) tickets to the event courtesy of The Terminal!

“Muse of Fire” auditions, Workplay

The nice folks that bring us Shakespeare at Sloss have announced Round Two auditions at Workplay, 500 23rd St. South, for its 2007 Fall Showcase Benefit performance. They still need a few people for the eight scenes of “tragedy, comedy and history” that will be staged throughout the footpath of Sloss Furnaces. Actors may audition solo or in pairs. All you need to do is prepare your favorite short Shakespearean monologue/scene — no audition materials provided. As it is a fundraiser, the MUSE Fall Showcase does not pay so you’ll have to do it for the love of the Bard. The Fall Showcase Benefit will be Sunday, Nov. 11, from 12 – 4 p.m., with minimal rehearsals the previous two weeks only. Visit www.elizabethofnewyork.com or www.myspace.com/museoffire for more information. To schedule a different audition time or ask questions, please e-mail the director, Elizabeth Hunter, at muse@elizabethofnewyork.com.