Monthly Archives: May 2008

Got plans this weekend? 5.30 – 6.1

Posted on May 30, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Why of course you do. There is so much happening in the Magic City this weekend. Well, that’s if you like beer, crawfish, music and/or our naked statue guy. If you don’t like any of those, you’re out of luck.

Last week I told you about outdoor concerts featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. They’re at it again this weekend, first at Caldwell Park Friday night at 8 then Saturday night same time at Fort McClellan’s Longleaf Park. This weekend’s theme is fit for a movie buff as the symphony performs selections from the Harry Potter movies, Spiderman and more. I’m not typing all the details again, so go read last weekend’s column. Then come right back.

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A few changes to Sidewalk’s Scramble

Posted on May 29, 2008 by | Leave a comment

The word came down this afternoon – there are some changes in store for the upcoming Sidewalk Scramble.

Sidewalk XToday the festival’s parent organization, the Alabama Moving Image Association, announced it’s plans for Scramble X, the first ever 10-day edition of the popular event.

Yeah, it’s just a little longer than the normal “caffeine-fueled 48 hour period, but that’s still not a lot of time. They’re promising a winner take all pot of $500 and a DVD of your creation included with your team’s entry fee.

It starts on July 11 with the films screened at WorkPlay on July 30. More details to come, but to get a better understanding of what this is all about, you may want to check out the competition’s info page on Sidewalk’s website (including a list of the winners of the Winter 2008 Scramble).

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In Love With: Rainy Day Diversions

Posted on May 29, 2008 by | Leave a comment

We’ve needed all the rain that has fallen lately, but honestly, couldn’t it pick some other time than the weekends? If storm clouds cramp your springtime style, consider it an opportunity to explore some of Birmingham’s interior attractions. Like the treasure trove that is Jim Reed Books. Or one of our fine museums—I bet there’s at least one you haven’t visited yet. And then there’s What’s On Second.

A look inside of What's on Second? acnatta/Flickr

If you haven’t yet discovered this establishment at 2306 2nd Avenue North, you’re in for a treat. It’s an antique shop, but probably not the kind you’re used to.

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Got plans this weekend? 5.23 – 5.25

Posted on May 23, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Are you listening to music? The poor guys and gals with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra are not heading to the beach. Instead they are playing TWO outdoor concerts. Join the ASO and The Temptations at Caldwell Park Friday night at 8. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. (FYI, law says you can’t bring your own and you can’t bring glass containers … unless you are very, very sneaky. Just don’t expect us to bail you out.) The park is located at 1116 26th St. South. Tickets are $20/students $10. Call ’em at 251-7727.

Then Saturday, the ASO takes the show on the road to Fort McClellan’s Longleaf Park. In honor of the holiday Monday, the show is patriotic in theme. Tickets at the gate are $25/ages 4-12 $5/and under 3 free. Grounds open at 6 p.m. for picnics and visiting, show starts at 8. Food and drinks will be for sale and picnic baskets/coolers encouraged. I can’t find anything on the Web site that tells you what you can’t have in that cooler, so BYOB. For more info, call (256) 310-0852.

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Got plans this weekend? 5.16-5.18

Posted on May 16, 2008 by | 6 comments

FRIDAY Check out the opening reception at What’s on 2nd? for the exhibit “Lyrics of Color” by Java Lewis. Before the birth of my wonderful kid, I could frequent bars more often. At one of my favorite bars in town, Metro Bistro, I bought a few beers for Java. I like his stuff. I can’t wait to see what’s in the exhibit. The reception is from 5:30-9 p.m. You can find the store at 2306 2nd Ave. North. Tim Hollis, author of “Vintage Birmingham Signs” will also be present, ready to dedicate a book to you. Book and art will cost you, but it’s FREE to look.

More info about a new event in Avondale Park on Saturday after the jump…

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r3vrb destinations 5.15 – 5.17

Posted on May 15, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Back on the horse and better than ever, that’s me. How’s your dead end? At least music can lift you up from the gutter for an instant or two and give you a glimpse of the golden. Here’s your fix for the short term:

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Whitney Duncan shoots video at Sloss

Posted on May 8, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Whitney Duncan at Sloss - Bob Farley/f8Photo

Bob Farley/f8photo

Whitney Duncan, a country singer and former contestant on television show Nashville Star produced music videos for three songs – “Right Road Now,” “Open Road” and “When I Said I Would” – in Birmingham this past week. Wednesday night the Bessemer-based production company Erwin Brothers, shot scenes at Sloss Furnaces. About 200 extras were on hand to play adoring fans and concert goers for the video accompanying her song “When I Said I Would.”

Click on the image above to view images from the video shoot last night. In one scene Duncan signs autographs for a crush of her fans. In the other she and her band perform on the Sloss stage. The single and video for “When I Said I Would” is due out this summer. Duncan records on the Warner Bros. label.

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Got plans this weekend? 5.9 – 5.11

Posted on May 8, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Friday night is the first Spoken Word Night at the new Greencup Books. I don’t think they care what you say as long as you’re willing to get up and say what you got to say. And I love the rules — “No judges, no grudges, just love and rockets.” Sign up starts at 7. FREE to listen and FREE to speak though they would appreciate donations for the drinks. The bookstore is located at 105 Richard Arrington Blvd. South.

Editor’s Note: Don‘t forget to check out Trav’s piece on the bookstore’s opening weekend from February…

You can also Come Out and Play Game Shows Friday night at 7. Release your inner Trebek, hone your rock, paper, scissors strategy and in general, have a good time and maybe win prizes. This FREE fun has a new location — Magic City Motor Scooters, 1305 2nd Ave. North, downtown Birmingham.

More after the jump!

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In Love With: Summer School

Posted on May 6, 2008 by | Leave a comment

The last school bells are ringing, but the pursuit of knowledge doesn’t take the summer off. Businesses and organizations throughout the metro area are offering some very cool, very fascinating classes during the vacation months — and each one is a great opportunity to try a new skill and perhaps get hooked on an entire new hobby.

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Josh Ritter’s near death experience

Posted on May 5, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Yes, Josh Ritter was in town last night and he performed. No, we actually thought that he was kidding (at least a little)…

But according to Josh’s post today on his Huffington Post blog, it sounds like it was just that (though it sounds like he definitely enjoyed his time at The Bottletree last night – great pics too). And he did live to write about it…

We also figured we’d use this space to announce that there will be a concert benefiting The Terminal on Saturday, July 26 @ said Bottletree. More information will be following soon…

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