Author Archives: André Natta

Enter to win tickets to The Duke Spirit next Friday!

Posted on November 19, 2008 | Leave a comment

So while we’d like to be giving away tickets to this weekend’s 2nd anniversary show at The Bottletree, we can’t. But we can give away five (5) pairs of tickets to next weekend’s The Duke Spirit show at The Bottletree instead!

For those not familiar with the UK-based band, they’ve opened for REM and are currently on tour with the Eagles of Metal Death – but they’ll be headling on the 28th (Black Friday) with Eulogies and The Black Fortys opening for them at the popular music venue.

Special thanks to the folks at Shangri La Music for helping us out with this giveway. For a chance to win, use our trusty contest entry form below and then wait until Monday at 3 p.m., when we’ll pick the winners.

BTW, in case you are not able to win one of the pairs here, we’re not the only ones with free tickets to the show…

Good luck!

Photo: courtesy of Shangri La Music

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Maki Fresh brings new choices to Mountain Brook

Posted on November 18, 2008 | 4 comments

Maki Fresh on Hwy 280

My stomach started rumbling as I passed by my old standby eatery, Newk’s on Highway 280 on my way home at about 1:30p.m. So, I turned in and headed toward a parking space,  but as I got out of my car I saw a “Now Open” sign in a catchy lime green color a few shops down.

I had heard about John Cassimus’ (of Zoë’s fame) new concept through the grapevine, and being a fan of that restaurant I decided to give it a try.

Maki Fresh interior

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See The Boy in the Striped Pajamas on Thursday

Posted on November 17, 2008 | Leave a comment

There’s going to be a free screening of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas here in Birmingham on Thursday evening, November 20, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Rave Motions Pictures in Vestavia.

If you visit the film’s website, click on the advanced screenings link under the photo on the home page and follow the prompts, you’ll be able to register for your free pass. Thank the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival for the heads up.

Photo courtesy of the film’s website.

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Peppermags talks to Merrilee

Posted on November 14, 2008 | Leave a comment

Merrilee Challiss of The Bottletree that is. The “blog about design” did a sit down with the owner of the popular music venue to talk about her other passion – her artwork.

Image: Lungs by Merrilee Challiss

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A busy night for YPs

Posted on November 13, 2008 | 1 comment

There are a few options for Birmingham’s young professional crowd (and everybody else) on this wet but unseasonably comfortable Thursday afternoon. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens has just sent out word that this evening’s finale for their 2008 Cocktails in the Gardens series will go on as planned (complete with Rollin’ in the Hay) inside the center’s auditorium while the folks at the Museum of Art and Sloss Furnaces hope that you’ll come out and join them for tonight’s Iron Pour. For those that still can’t decide between the first two, The Wine Loft’s downtown location we will be hosting Spill the Wine, a fundraiser for The Great American Bake Sale and Crestline Early Learning Center, complete with a silent auction and wine tasting. We know there’s more, so get to sharing…

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Get your Zine on this weekend at GreenCup

Posted on November 13, 2008 | Leave a comment

The Greencup Book, Zine, Music and Arts Fair gets birthed this weekend, November 14 & 15, courtesy of Greencup Books, Bare Hands Gallery and THE2NDHAND. It will be a one-stop shop for folks to find local and regional writers, lit magazines, small presses, comic artists, area record labels and bands, zine makers and handmade book artists. The fun takes place on Southside (directions). There will be info tables telling you about the local zines and music sources as well as readings from area authors and of course, music. Friday night’s welcome party/meet & greet will include a reading courtesy of THE2NDHAND. Saturday’s events include an after party at Greencup Books.

After the jump, check out the performances scheduled for the weekend: Continue reading →

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[adult swim] cartoon hero mc chris in dixie

Posted on November 7, 2008 | Leave a comment

So, I was lucky enough to meet an adolescent obsession of mine this past week: Chris Ward IV, better known as mc chris. Known for his high-pitched voice and recurring characters on Space Ghost, The Brak Show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Sealab 2021, he made a rare appearance in the Heart of Dixie on his headlining tour.

A surprisingly quiet guy, but who can blame him after a friend of mine commented that “maybe he’s just tired of words after using 75,000 of them in every song”? We talked about his recent stint on the Warped Tour and his upcoming projects with Williams Street Productions (the folks responsible for bringing you some of your favorite programming on Cartoon Network). One of which is a feature film and another a cartoon series dedicated solely to mc chris imagery and the misadventures of his character.

All this goes to say that the NYU screenwriting grad and cartoon animator has now officially crossed over into a world where he has legions of hyperloyal fans and one of the best TV networks essentially under his thumb.

Check out his music, blog and updates on his insanely productive schedule on his website.

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Got plans this weekend? 10.31 – 11.2

Posted on October 31, 2008 | 3 comments

Sad to say, my plans include telling you good folks bye-bye. This is your last “Got plans?” column from yours truly. And it’s not going to be a very good one – in the next 30 minutes I’ve got to finish hemming my son’s costume, go buy a fruit tray for his classroom Halloween party and figure out how to make tissue-paper ghosts, my craft contribution to the party. Yep, my time management skills are out of control. Something had to go so this will be short and sweet.

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Got plans this weekend? 10.24 – 10.26

Posted on October 24, 2008 | 1 comment

Sure today is all dreary and rainy, but Saturday and Sunday look nice with crisp fall temperatures to put a rosy glow in your cheeks. So bundle up, don’t forget the kids, and head outside.

First up on Saturday, the 6th annual Art in Avondale Park festival. Art activities for the kids, jazz on the stage, arts and craft vendors. The festival kicks off with a children’s parade at 10, wraps up at 4. New this year is the music. Since this is down the street from me, we’ll definitely be there. Free admission.

Next, there are harvest celebrations at both botanical gardens Saturday — Aldridge and Birmingham. I’ll take them in alphabetical order. Aldridge promises “folk artists, food vendors, pumpkin painting, face painting, John Scalici’s drum circle, magician Michael Baker and pop/rock group Vasa.” Kids should wear their costumes for the contest and parade. Free admission, hours 9 to 1. Moving on, the BBG is hosting their first Great Pumpkin festival from 10 to 2, also free admission. Here’s what they offer: “cotton candy, scavenger hunt, and a showing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Jones Valley Farm will display a giant pumpkin with a celebrity pumpkin carver! Specialty children’s menu provided by Kathy G, costume contest with prizes. Artists and various vendors will be there displaying their work.” Both guaranteed to give my boy a good naptime.

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Got plans this weekend? 10.17 – 10.19

Posted on October 17, 2008 | 1 comment

Okay, here’s what I’m either doing or would like to be doing this weekend. Other ideas? Put them in the comment section. I love comments and I’m nosy so I love to know your plans too.

Now that gas is cheaper, driving to Tuscaloosa/Northport for an art show doesn’t seem that crazy of an idea. And with the money you save on gas, you can buy something cool to hang on the wall. Better investment than the stock market right now. The 37th Annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts is Saturday and Sunday, 9 to 5 both days. Daily tickets are $10, under 12 free. I went last year for the first time and really enjoyed the selection of works and the music. Fair warning, the food is a little pricey and you’ll want to get in line early.

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