Category Archives: Social

“inter-ART-ive,” Alys Stephens Center

Join the Alys Stephens Center, Reg’s Coffee House and Free the Hops for “inter-ART-ive,” an ASC Social Club outdoor patio party celebrating Birmingham’s thriving arts and culture scene, 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. The “inter-ART-ive” party is an invitation for young professionals to participate in the arts. Admission is FREE.

The evening includes a craft beer tasting sponsored by Free the Hops and Birmingham Budweiser, free products from Vitamin Water, prize giveaways including tickets to upcoming shows at the Alys Stephens Center, and great food from Bottletree, Cosmo’s Pizza and Rojo. Guests can enjoy live music from The White Oaks and open mic performances from local musicians, hosted by Bottletree. An after-party is planned for Bottletree, 3719 Third Ave. South.

Interested in performing in the open mic competition? E-mail jesssimpson@uab.edu. One of the evening’s participants will be invited to perform during the ASC season!

The ASC Social Club brings young professionals ages 21-40 together to experience great live performances and social gatherings presented by the Alys Stephens Center. Membership includes ticket discounts, special events, meet-the-artist opportunities, prize giveaways and more. Cost is $25 for students; $40 for individuals; and $75 for couples. To join, contact Kimberly Kirklin at 205-943-0862 or kkirklin@uab.edu.

Cost: FREE

Blind wine tasting, the loft at Flower Stems

And just what is a blind wine tasting? Here are the rules: Come as a team of four. Each team must bring four bottles of the SAME WINE. There is not a designated wine, so bring your favorite. Upon arrival, three of your team’s bottles are opened and placed in a bag to hide their identify, randomly numbered and set out to taste. The remaining bottle is placed in reserve. Doors open at 6 p.m. Beginning at 7, you can taste the wines, enjoy food and entertainment and socialize with other hip tasters. Votes will be placed for “best” wine and the winning team will take home the reserve bottles. In addition to the wine tasting, a cash bar will be available.

Cost: In advance, $10 per person for team of four; individual tickets $25. At the door (cash please they ask), $25 per individual or team participant. All proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, serving more than 2,000 infants, children and adults with disabilities. Presented by the UCP Junior Board.

To register, contact Meredith Smith at mesmith@ucpbham.com or (205) 944-3907. You can also register online now. The Loft at Flower Stems is located at 213 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South.

Picasso Pets, Cahaba Grand Conference Center

Enjoy dinner, drinks and a live auction of “arfwork” created by celebrity pets and local artists. This is the big fundraisers for Hand-in-Paw. The group “provides professionally trained handler and animal teams to promote human health and well-being through animal-assisted therapy.” In other words, they bring the healing unconditional love of animals to area hospitals, schools and nursing homes. Get a sneak peak at the art work here.

Cost: Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online or by calling 322-5144. The Cahaba Grand Conference Center is located at 1 HealthSouth Parkway South.

Critical Mass ride, Linn Park fountain

Every last Friday of the month area cyclists meet at the Linn Park fountain to … well, cycle. They tell me there is no ride leader or leader of any sort but it’s an easy way to socialize and cruise Birmingham while celebrating cycling. For more information, you can e-mail the group at cm.bham@gmail.com or connect with their Facebook page, Critical Mass Birmingham. Just make sure you get the right Birmingham.

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

Happi boutique opening, downtown Homewood

Calling all fashionistas and fashionistos to 1817-B 29th Ave. South, next to Dave’s Pizza. There you will find HAPPI (site under construction), the metro area’s newest boutique for men and women. Enjoy wine and light hors d’oeuvres while you mingle with special guest and co-owner, super model Camilla Barungi from Project Runway, Season 3.

One lucky guy and one lucky girl will win a $250 gift certificate. If it’s you, you’ll be able to spend that money on fabulous designers like Gsus, William Rast, 575, Scotch & Soda and Skunkfunk.

Cost: Free

Location:

1817-B 29th Ave. South (directions)

RSVP to info@happiclothing.com

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