Author Archives: André Natta

Got plans this weekend? 12.14 – 12.16

Posted on December 14, 2007 | Leave a comment

Zoolight Safari signageBaby it’s cold(er) outside. Just in time for the Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo. I like Christmas, I like the holiday season and I really, REALLY like me some lights, which means I’m so going to the zoo like a dozen times starting tonight. And I can because it’s open 15 nights – December 14-23 and 26-30 from 5-9 p.m. Besides the half a million lights, there’s a light show with music, crafts for the kids at the Barn in the Children’s Zoo, Santa and snow. Snow? Yes, the zoo claims to be “the only place in Birmingham where it snows every night.” That I’ve got to see. And since I’m going to want to see it again and again, it’s a good thing I’m a member. Members get in free, so now is a great time to join and support your local zoo. Regular admission is $7 and everyone pays to ride the train.

Here’s some fine print: The zoo will be closing at 4 p.m. on Zoolight Safari days. Animal exhibits will be closed during the event. Continue reading →

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Posted in 35203, 35223, art, weekend plans

The Paper premieres on APTV tonight

Posted on December 11, 2007 | Leave a comment

Attendees to September’s Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival will probably remember The Paper as one of the documentary films shown over at the Harbert Center. The piece chronicled moments in the life of the student newspaper at Penn State, The Daily Collegian.

Well, as promised during the piece’s question and answer session, it is making its network premiere on PBS’ Independent Lens tonight at 11:30 p.m.

Here’s a sneak peek for those who missed it:

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/kNSSJhjZcJQ" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

You do have some other chances to watch the documentary this month (well, at least TiVo it), since its on at 3 a.m. in the morning on December 12 & 16.

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Posted in film, television

Back to back book signings this weekend

Posted on December 7, 2007 | Leave a comment

The Alabama Booksmith is hosting Michael Knight tonight at 6pm. He’s signing his new book The Holiday Season. The book contains two novellas exploring loss, loneliness and family. This is a book that had the New York Book Review calling Knight “… authentic and intense.”

And then Saturday, at 3:30 p.m., Wayne Greenhaw will stop by The Alabama Booksmith to sign his latest, Ghosts on the Road. With this latest release, Greenhaw fans will be treated to a peek at his “poet’s soul” as they flip through page after page of “portraits…” which he describes as “…snatches of myself, my observations, my life that has been so enhanced by loved ones and great friends, some of whom I remember here.”

trav blogs regularly at {head}:sub/head, about reading, publishing, books and Birmingham.

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Posted in books, events, homewood

Got plans this weekend? 12.7 – 12.9

Posted on December 7, 2007 | Leave a comment

This week I am relying on the kindness of strangers. Strangers that have e-mailed about theater. So . . .

You can see “Simple Gifts” by the Red Mountain Theatre Company at their own Red Mountain Cabaret in the basement of the old Kress building (301 19th St. North, downtown). Here’s what RMTC has to say about it

“Bringing you the best of RMTC’s original holiday productions, Simple Gifts pays tribute to past classics, highlights new performances and combines our greatest musical moments into one delightful treat! Enjoy your favorite holiday hits in this cheerful celebration that is sure to spread the humor and heart of the season. Join us an hour before each Friday and Saturday performance for pre-show music by the Youth Programs, a cash bar and yummy Cabaret snacks.”

Holiday bonus: Santa will make an appearance before the Saturday and Sunday shows to visit with young guests. Tickets are $30. You can catch the show through Dec. 16. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m./Sunday matinee, 2:00 p.m.

More choices after the jump: Continue reading →

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Posted in 35205, 35233, weekend plans

BPL launches book review podcasts

Posted on December 6, 2007 | Leave a comment

The Birmingham Public Library has posted a stocking full of podcasts. They feature local librarians’ reviews and recommendations for gift-worthy reads this season. Looks like they’re using PodBean and it loads verrrry fast! So it’s no hassle to cruise them all rather quickly. Very cool!I’m going to have to check out Yvonne Crumpler’s take on Wayne Flynt’s book to see if we agree. And then check back later to see what else she recommends.

trav blogs regularly at {head}:sub/head, about reading, publishing, books and Birmingham

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Posted in birmingham, books

Here we go a bowling…

Posted on December 3, 2007 | 1 comment

We are aware that with college football bowl season upon us, many will see these games as their form of entertainment over the next month.

We figured we’d provide just a little more information for you as you decide just how you’ll spend that time in front of the television at home, at the bar, or at the stadium because you didn’t get us tickets to go along with you. We hope it helps…

The list begins after the jump (NOTE: all times listed are central):

Continue reading →

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Posted in alabama, sports

Got plans this weekend? 11.30 – 12.2

Posted on November 30, 2007 | Leave a comment

Wow! December 1 might be the most over-scheduled day of the year – everyone wants to kick off their holiday season Saturday. Makes me wonder what we’re going to do the rest of the month besides fight the crowds at the mall.

If you like a parade, there’s four to choose from:

Homewood: 9 a.m.
Starts at Homewood Library, through downtown Homewood and ends on Central Avenue at Homewood Park. Downtown Homewood is said to be the best location to view the parade.

Center Point: 11 a.m.
Starts at Cathedral of the Cross church near the Birmingham city limits and ends at the Post Office Shopping Center.

Vestavia Hills: 10 a.m.
Parade travels down Highway 31 South from Shades Crest Road to Canyon Road.

Mountain Brook: 3 p.m.
Starts at Crestline Elementary, heads through Crestline Village to end at Dan Watkins Drive. The shops of Crestline Village will have their annual Home for the Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft fairs and movies on the other side of the jump…

Continue reading →

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Posted in alabama, art, events, holiday, homewood, mountain brook, Vestavia Hills

Bob Dylan plays APTV this weekend

Posted on November 29, 2007 | Leave a comment

Dylan fans will be able to enjoy their man during APTV’s December pledge drive (yes, it’s already time). Bob Dylan: Live in Newport 1963-1965 will begin its engagement on APTV beginning this Saturday. The special is based on a DVD released by Legacy Recordings: The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival, who announced the special’s PBS schedule on their Soundboard blog.

Here’s a taste of what to expect on December 1 @ 10 p.m. or on the DVD (released back on October 30).

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/S1TKUk9nXjk" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

You can also check out this review of the DVD courtesy of The New Yorker.

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Posted in alabama, film

What to do when you’re in town waiting for a bowl game

Posted on November 29, 2007 | 4 comments

As promised, we’ve started a list of things for folks visiting during this year’s PapaJohns.com Bowl to do when they’re not out tailgating and cheering on their respective teams.

Feel free to add on (we’re hoping that you do):

There’s also some great food options too (especially since you love barbecue) – Full Moon, Dreamland, Golden Rule and Jim n Nick’s are the “big names” but there are others. You can head on over to Bhamdining.com to get some more information about what options exist.

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Posted in alabama, birmingham, citywide, events, sports

Got plans this weekend? 11.16 – 11.18

Posted on November 16, 2007 | 1 comment

I suggest you start the weekend off at The Nick (Rocks). Should be a good show tonight. I caught Dead Confederate at last year’s City Stages and though I hadn’t heard of them before, I liked what a heard. Reg of Reg’s Coffeehouse likes them so much, he stepped out of the booth to support the guys. Show is on paper to start at 10 p.m. but we know how that goes. Just plan on staying up really, really late. The Nick didn’t share a cost on their Web site so I can’t tell you either.

If you read this every Friday, you’re the best. Besides that, you’re starting to figure out that I really like telling you about The Bottletree. Them nice folks have been in business a year and have a great party planned Saturday to celebrate. The best part for me and the folks at my house, is that the first half of the party is a kid-friendly fall carnival with games. Second half will have some great music by The Hold Steady and Art Brut starting around 8.

Just like in years past here in the South, it has just now gotten cold. Right when I suggest you spend all night outdoors staring at the sky. Not because I’ve lost my mind, but because now is the best time to catch the Leonid meteor shower. So before you head home from your Saturday night activities, I suggest you head to Krispy Kreme, pick up some nice hot donuts and coffee, and find a nice SAFE dark spot to watch this free entertainment from the heavens.

P.S. Makes a great date, trust me. Here’s more info from the folks at Earth & Sky.

The Magic City is a big place so there’s lots happening around here. What are your plans? Tell us.

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Posted in alabama, birmingham, events, music