Category Archives: Uncategorized

What’s your IN spot for BBQ?

Personally, I can’t believe it is already July, and we are talking about our 4th of July plans! That also means that the IN nominations are closed and we are shipping the IN guide book off to the printer. Whew!

But, no sense in waiting till the book is out, when you have me as an IN leak!

So in the spirit of being patriotic and ready for some 4th of July cookouts, this week’s IN spots are all about some Birmingham Barbeque. “It’s just sooooooo good!” – Michael N. Check out the list after the jump…

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mewithoutYou play Birmingham tonight

If you’re bored in the Ham on this fine Tuesday night, one of my favorite bands circa high school is playing Bottletree tonight around 8pm: mewithoutYou. Adjectives such as “post-punk” and sounds of distortion come to mind when I think of this band, so I encourage all fans of spoken melodic stuff, the Tooth&Nail/SolidState labels and atmospheric guitar not to miss this. In a strange stroke of irony, I’m old enough to see the show but I’m out of town (Sorry kids, it’s 18+).

Here’s some streaming audio of their new album and more.

In Love With: Art in Plain Sight

Birmingham is not often considered a hot spot for public art, but perhaps we need to take a closer look. Throughout the city, you can find art out in the open—maybe even along the streets you travel every day—representing a kaleidoscope of styles. Here are a few of my favorites, along with the locations so that you can spot them the next time you drive by.

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Got plans this weekend? 6.6 – 6.8

My interest happen to be wide and varied. So are this weekend’s highlighted events.

I don’t think those who know me are one bit surprised by my like of musicals, especially Andrew Lloyd Webber. In town at the BJCC this weekend is Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley. This is a role Ted knows very, very well because he was the first Jesus (1971 on Broadway) and has starred in most of the national tours/productions since then. Although I bet you can’t name the the 1980s rock star who took a stab at the role in 2002. This tour was originally billed as the Ted Neeley farewell tour. I’ve seen Ted a couple of time on the stage and he’s worth seeing if that is indeed true. If you can’t catch the show or feel the need to keep your love of musicals in the closest, I encourage you to rent the movie version for a great performance by my favorite Jesus. You know, besides the real guy … George Burns.

I still love me some festivals, here’s a sampling …

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In Love With: Being Cool

Water Jet. Clearly Ambliguous/FlickrWelcome to summer in Alabama. That means a heaping helping of heat, topped with a thick slab of humidity. If you’re lucky, you’ll feel a breeze. If you’re really lucky, that breeze will not be oven temperature.

When your air conditioner won’t crank up any higher—and when the neighbors finally turn off the sprinkler you’ve been running through—it’s time to find some cool escapes in the city. Follow the jump to check out a few favorites:

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Got plans this weekend? 5.16-5.18

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 1.24 – 1.26

Welcome to Thursday! Fear not, for the weekend is just around the bend and there’s plenty of great shows to take your mind off the daily grind. I’m rhyming today, apparently. Onwards and upwards:

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Haiku and photos at Brewhaha tomorrow night!

As the Myspace bulletin says, June’s Artwalk Brewhaha is a bit different. It’s on a new night (tomorrow) June 23, a new time (the fun starts at 6 p.m.), and there’s some new twists on the popular event.

The art is not changing, at least the inclusion of art isn’t. Lane Finch will have new photography gracing the walls and matted prints for sale.

The difference is partially due to the inclusion of the 2NDHAND reading (click here to view the Timetable entry for more information).

They’ll be hosting a haiku contest based on Finch’s images. The entries will be judged by Wade Kwon (of Wade on Birmingham fame).

The winner will win (yes WIN!) $25 of Artwalk Donor Dollars to use at this year’s show in downtown’s loft district!

PLUS – the winning entry will be published right here on your new arts and culture site tomorrow! So head on down to the Starbucks in Five Points South tomorrow evening and enjoy the new additions to Brewhaha!

“Barkitecture” invades the Magic City

It’s definitely a unique way to raise money for a great local cause.

Gimme Shelter logo The American Institute of Architects Birmingham Chapter (AIA) and The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) have joined forces to bring "Gimme Shelter: Barkitecture Tour & Charity Auction" to the Greater Birmingham area.

The project was conceived to allow local architects and artists a chance to display their creative skills while helping raise funds for the GBHS.

Birmingham area architecture firms and renowned artists have designed and built functional doghouses, or "Barkitecture" and they’ve been placed on public display throughout the metropolitan area. Visit the fundraiser’s Myspace profile to see images of the Barkitecture.

Here’s where and when you can find them around metro Birmingham:

AmSouth Harbert Plaza – through July 2
Greater Birmingham Humane Society – through July 2
McWane Science Center – through July 2
Harbert Center – through July 2
Whole Foods – through July 2
Colonial Brookwood Village – July 2 – July 12

Click here to view the Timetable calendar entry about the event for additional details for the auction and how to purchase tickets.