Author Archives: André Natta

In Love With: Magic City Art Connection

For me springtime in Birmingham means beautiful weather, colorful flowers, and Magic City Art Connection. Even before I dabbled in art, I enjoyed wandering among the artists, soaking in all the creativity in the air (floating alongside the intoxicating scent of funnel cakes). In fact, it was at a Magic City Art Connection that I rediscovered block printmaking and got inspired to explore it again.

The 25th edition of the city’s biggest art festival is this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Linn Park downtown. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, it’s free, and it’s a vibrant event you really shouldn’t skip. More than 200 artists from around the city, state, and country will be scattered throughout the park, showing the magic they’ve made using paint, watercolor, pencils, ink, wood, fiber, metal, and who knows what else. You don’t have to buy anything, but I guarantee you’ll see something you’ll like—and perhaps something to spark your own artistic ideas.

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Got plans this weekend? 4.18 – 4.20

This weekend it’s all about being green — 100% politically correct, counting up your carbon footprint, not just for hippies anymore GREEN. And the best way to save Mother Earth is to get the younger generation on board. In that effort, there are three (Yes, THREE) Earth Day events this weekend with the little kiddos in mind. And I promised you festivals, there’s a couple of them too. Read on and promise to plant a tree.

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Got plans this weekend? 4.11 – 4.13

I love April and September. Cooler temperatures (sometimes, maybe not this week) means lots and lots of festivals. Big, small — I love ’em all.

This Friday and Saturday is the 10th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival at St. Elias Maronite Church, 836 8th St. South. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Good food, dancing, tours of the church, did I mention the food? Follow the link to see this year’s menu. In case you’re at work, I’ll warn you that the festival website plays traditional music … but that just puts me in the mood to go hear the real thing by the band coming in from NYC. The fest is FREE but the food is not.

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Art on the Rocks rolls into 2008

2007 Art on the Rocks logoOne of central Alabama’s hottest tickets returns for a 4th season as Art on the Rocks turns the Birmingham Museum of Art into one of the hottest venues in town. This year’s series begins on May 16 with a performance by The Dynamites (before you . We’ll be updating the destinations calendar with dates and information in the coming days, but follow the jump to take a look at the acts that will be (weather permitting) gracing the Sculpture Garden with their presence (and music). As always, the doors open at 5 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. Continue reading

In Love With: Freebies

free - TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³/Flickr

free. TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³/Flickr

You’ve seen the news. The economy dips while the price of gas, food, and everything else rises. If you’re trying to watch your budget or boost your savings, your entertainment options can get limited pretty quickly. Fortunately the Birmingham area is home to plenty of spots where you can have fun for free. Here are some to seek out no matter the state of the economy:

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Got plans this weekend? 4.4 – 4.6

April showers bring May flowers … that’s if you stock up at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens big sale. Big is an understatement. This is the largest plant sale in Alabama history! Lots to choose from, good prices and all proceeds go to the Gardens. I myself want to do everything possible to support the Gardens and keep the admission free. It will break my heart if they ever start charging. To attend the sale is free too and the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Happy planting!

More after the jump…

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Old Crow Medicine Show at City Stages XX?

Old Crow Medicine Show

Old Crow Medicine Show – courtesy of the band’s website.

A quick check of the Pollstar schedule for Birmingham (and their own website) confirms that Old Crow Medicine Show has joined the City Stages 20 lineup in Birmingham’s city center with a June 13 performance closing out the set on the Legacy Credit Union Stage beginning at 10 p.m.

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Got plans this weekend? 3.28 – 3.30

And so another month comes to a close. Here’s what you can do during the last weekend of March, starting with lunch.

Today from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is the 5th Annual Empty Bowls Event at St. Vincent’s Hospital in the Bruno’s Conference Center. Except the bowls aren’t really empty.

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In Love With: Dining al Fresco

You know it’s spring here when, at the first sign of warmth, people are throwing on the T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. It seems we in Alabama can’t stand to be cooped up in our houses when the sun is shining, the trees are budding, and the breeze is just right. We’re ready to move our activities outside. And naturally, that includes eating.

Enjoying a meal outside is one of the great pleasures of this time of year, especially when the clock springs forward and allows the sun to illuminate the city in golden light in the evenings. And plenty of local restaurants are happy to oblige (though I wish more of them would do it). Continue reading

Got plans this weekend? 3.21 – 3.23

It’s Spring Break for most area schools and the liturgical calendar puts us in Holy Week leading up to Easter. This combination has lots of folks out of town. Those of us left, fear not. Thanks to Birmingham’s cultural scene, there is more than just egg hunts to occupy our time.

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