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Southeast top 20 events this fall

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:56:15 -0500

Top 20 Events � October 2008
Oct. 1-25, Covered Bridge Festival. Spotlight on Blount County�s historic covered bridges, with month-long fun including bridge tours and river walks, crafts shows, pageants, parades, Family Fun Run, golf tourneys and antique car how.Oneonta, Ala., 205-274-2153; cvbridge@otelco.net (blountoneontachamber.org)

Oct. 3-4, 6th Annual Cajun, Country, Swamp Pop Music Fest & Car Show. Jam-packed charity event draws 30,000 to the coast for non-stop entertainment, kids� activities, southern favorites and fresh seafood at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. Gulfport, Miss., 228-547-7323.

Oct. 3-5, 30th Annual Destin Seafood Festival. Kick-off the Destin Fishing Rodeo at HarborWalk Village with 25,000 partygoers enjoying music, street dancing, crafts, kids� fun and a bounty of succulent sea treats! Destin, Fla., 850-837-6241; rgarner@destinchamber.com (destinseafoodfestival.org)

Oct. 3-5, Gretna Heritage Festival. Mississippi River madness includes a midway, carnival, crafts, beer gardens and a deliciously diverse display of foods attracting all cultures pledging their international allegiance to good times! Gretna, La., 504-361-7748; info@gretnafest.com (gretnafest.com)

Oct. 3-5, Invasion of the Pirates Flotilla & Treasure Hunt. That scurvy crew of the Meka II be back! Pirate�s Ball, Flotilla, street fair, costume contest, treasure hunt and fireworks over the river. Wilmington, N.C., 910-815-3426; dianeboissiere@bellsouth.net (invasionofthepirates.com)

Oct. 3-5, 22nd Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival. Fund-raiser brings fun to all with chef demonstrations, boat show, regatta, SasSea's Island Playground for Children, golf and fishing tourneys, fireworks, Open Aire Seafood Market. Morehead City, N.C., 252-726-6273; fun@ncseafoodfestival.org (ncseafoodfestival.org)

Oct. 4, Celebration of Cultures Festival. Awesome event that�s free for all! Come share the fun honoring and exploring the diversity of Nashville�s multi-cultural fabric. Exotic foods and ethic music, dance, storytelling and crafts. Nashville, Tenn., 615-340-8804; cpolitte@scarrittbennett.org (celebrationofcultures.org)

Oct. 4-5, The Cotton Pickin� Fair. Lovely little community attracts over 30,000 with a return to the early 1900s at the Farmhouse, Cotton Gin and Cotton Warehouse. Mountain music, crafts and farming demonstrations. Gay, Ga., 706-538-6814; info@cpfair.org (cpfair.org)

Oct. 4,11,18,25, 25th Anniversary of the Lasershow Spectacular. Re-mastered, Silver Anniversary celebration of music, lights and fireworks with themes from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, High School Musical, patriotic medleys and more! Stone Mountain, Ga., 770-413-5058; generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com (stonemountainpark.com)

Oct. 9-12, Museum of Appalachia Tennessee Fall Homecoming. Authentic log cabin village; craft fair with hundreds of costumed artisans sharing farming, spinning, sawmilling skills and more. Bluegrass, gospel and folk music; fabulous food, too! Norris, Tenn., 865-494-7680; museum@museumofappalachia.org (museumofappalachia.org)

Oct. 9-12, 37th Annual National Shrimp Festival. Hit the Public Beach for back-to-back music, Sand Sculpture Contest, Children�s Activity Village, hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and shrimp prepared every which way! Gulf Shores, Ala., 251-968-6094; info@alagulfcoastchamer.com (nationalshrimpfestival.com)

Oct. 11-12, DeltaFest. Celebration of the culture, food and music of North Louisiana is family-oriented fun with a Kid�s Zone, jumpers, water slides and music entertainment. Motorcycle Poker Run to the chicken Cook-off! Monroe, La., 318-329-4947; myra.gatling@ci.monroe.la.us (ladeltafest.com)

Oct. 11-13, Heritage Days 2008. Historic homes, picturesque town square and quaint shops provide a warm welcome for this community celebration, with music, storytellers, pioneer skills, traditional foods, kids events and crafts show. Rogersville, Tenn., 423-2721961; phumbert@rogersvilleheritage.org (rogersvilleheritage.org)

Oct. 17-19, 37th Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival. Proceeds from five acres of fun keep the volunteer fire department running each year! Cajun music, dancing and foods; raffle, auction and a carnival with midway. Chackbay, La., 985-633-7789; lagumbofest@mobiletel.com (lagumbofest.com)

Oct. 18, International Gold Cup Races. Exciting racing over brush and timber fences in the classic steeplechase tradition, with a purse of over $100K at stake, attracts the finest jump/race contenders in the country! The Plains, Va., 800-69RACES. (vagoldcup.com)

Oct. 18-20, Kentuck Festival of the Arts. Celebrating thirty-seven years of nurturing artistic expression! Fine and folk artists, traditional and heritage crafters, two stages of live entertainment, hands-on fun for kids, barbeque and Cajun foods. Northport, Ala., 205-758-1257; kentuck@dbtech.net (kentuck.org)

Oct. 24-26, Carolina BalloonFest. Coming to a sky near you! Over 50 hot air balloons, the Amazing Balloon Glow, Kid�s Fun Zone, BB&T Wine Festival, live music, local crafts and great food all weekend long! Statesville, N.C, 704-873-2892; info@visitstatesville.org (carolinaballoonfest.com)

Oct. 25, 25th Annual Barbecue Festival. Rides, games, antique cars, bicycle stunts, 50-ton Pig-Themed Sand Sculpture, juried arts and crafts, �Hogway Speedway� pig races and barbecue complemented by Childress Vineyards� Fine Swine Wine! Lexington, N.C., 336-956-1880; ss@barbecuefestival.com (barbecuefestival.com)

Oct. 25-26, Alabama Renaissance Faire. Trolls, wizards, sword fighters, minstrels, knights in armor and ladies fair are under the King�s command to eat, drink and be merry during this weekend of medieval gaiety! Florence, Ala., 888-FLO-Tour; lindsey@visitflorenceal.com (www.alarenfaire.org)

Oct. 25-26, Mountain Makins Festival. Fall in love with East Tennessee! Juried crafters demonstrate traditional Appalachia quilting, woodcarving, blacksmithing, basket weaving and lye soap making skills. Southern foods and kids� activities. Morristown, Tenn., 423-581-4330; rosecenter@musfiber.com (rosecenter.org)

Top 20 Events � November 2008

Nov. 1-2, Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival. More than 300 arts and crafts vendors offering everything from paintings, prints and pottery, to sculptures, metals and woodworks! Great food and just $2 admission. Ocean Springs, Miss., 228-875-4424; mail@oceanspringschamber.com (oceanspringschamber.com)

Nov. 2-11, West Virginia University Mountaineer Week. Multi-faceted activities offer a diverse celebration of Appalachia history and culture. Crafts Fair of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, music and local foods. Morgantown, W.V., 304-293-2702; Sonja.wilson@mail.wvu.edu (mountaineerweek.wvu.edu)

Nov. 6-8, Christmas Jubilee 2008. Do all your holiday shopping at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds and enjoy Girls� Night Out, Santa Breakfast, Jubilee Art Walk, Author�s Corner and Hall of Wreaths. One-of-a-kind items! Mobile, Ala., 251-471-3348; christmasjubilee@juniorleaguemobile.org (juniorleaguemobile.org)

Nov. 7-9, Craftsmen�s Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Festival. Over 500 artists and crafters sell unique and unusual creations at this event voted #6 on Sunshine Artists magazine�s �100 Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows.� Richmond, Va., 336-282-5550; contact@gilmoreshows.com (www.craftshow.com)

Nov. 7-Dec. 21, Christmas in the Valley. Nostalgic country Christmas celebration turns the town into a charming, magical land of seasonal fun, with light displays, holiday shopping, dining, plays and gospel choirs. Renfro Valley, Ky., 800-765-7464; specialevents@renfrovalley.com (renfrovalley.com)

Nov. 8-9, 23rd Annual Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Music Festival. Join in the fun of friendly wrestling and piping competitions, medieval village, Irish dance workshops, children�s games, parade, Scottish vendors, Celtic Dog Show and bagpipes! Gulfport, Miss., 228-860-5642. (highlandsandislands.org)

Nov. 8-30 and Dec. 5-30, Stone Mountain Christmas. Crossroads will be decked with over 2 million magical lights, nightly snowfalls, The Polar Express 4D Experience, train rides, and nightly Santa visits. A holiday treat! Stone Mountain, Ga., 770-413-5058; generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com (stonemountainpark.com)

Nov. 15, Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show. Over 300,000 enjoy free admission to see sky-high thrills provided by the famous precision flight demonstration team that makes its home at the historic seaside city�s Naval Air Station. Pensacola, Fla. 850-452-2583; (blueangels.navy.mil)

Nov. 15-Dec. 31, Lights of the Ozarks. Half a million twinkling lights set Downtown aglow! Visits from Santa Claus, Light the Night parade and horse drawn carriage rides around the illuminated square. Pets welcome! Fayetteville, Ark., 479-521-1710; info@experiencefayetteville.com (lightsoftheozarks.org)

Nov. 20-Dec. 31, Galaxy of Lights. New displays and added animation to old favorites, like the icicle forest, flying dolphins and nursery rhyme characters. 500 larger than life exhibits sparkling with more than 4 million lights! Huntsville, Ala., 256-830-4447 (http://www.hsvbg.org)

Nov. 21-Dec. 31, Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park. Enchanting spectacular with miles of lavish, lighted displays, Mini Express Train, carousel-themed pony rides, holiday crafts, model railway, seasonal music. Lexington, Ky., 859-255-5727; foundation@khpfoundation.org (khpfoundation.org)

Nov. 22-23, Seagrove Pottery Festival. Exquisite pieces by nearly 100 potters! Celebrating more than 200 years of creating pottery for everything from basic utility to ornate glazes and museum quality art. Seagrove, N.C., 336-873-7887; ncpottery122@embarqmail.com (www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com)

Nov. 22-Dec. 30, Lights Before Christmas. Enter the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden under a canopy of lights, and then wind past hundreds of hand-crafted animal images illuminated by 500,000 lights. Enchanting light shows and musicales. Columbia, S.C., 803-779-8717; dbroadway@riverbanks.org (riverbanks.org)

Nov. 22-Dec. 31, Christmas in Roswell. Historic District celebrates with candlelight tours of antebellum homes decked in seasonal splendor. Reenactments of Mittie Bullock�s Christmastime 1853 wedding to Theodore Roosevelt, High Teas, holiday shopping and musicals. Roswell, Ga., 800-776-7935; info@cvb.roswell.ga.us (www.cvb.roswell.ga.us)

Nov. 22-Dec. 31, Holidays in the City. Unique, multi-city, multi-cultural celebration in the Hampton Roads region celebrates Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year�s. Check for web-based promotions, savings and an online map! Norfolk, Va., 757-623-1757; hic@downtownnorfolk.org (downtownnorfolk.org)

Nov. 25-Jan. 1, Christmas on the Cumberland. Holiday festival illuminates the city�s signature RiverWalk with traditional and whimsical holiday creations, visits by Santa, night parade of lighted floats, Downtown for the Holidays celebration. Clarksville, Tenn., 931-648-6129; Jennifer.byard@cityofclarksville.com (christmasonthecumberland.com)

Nov. 27-Dec. 30, Christmas at the Falls. Walk or ride the train, caroling down the tracks through Noccalula Falls Park, transformed into a winter wonderland of blinking lights, snowmen, decorations and kids� play area. Gadsden, Ala., 256-549-4643; kpayne@cityofgadsden.com (cityofgadsden.com)

Nov. 28-29, North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach. Kick off the holiday season beach-style! Tree lighting ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, illuminated boat parade and awesome fireworks! Wrightsville Beach, N.C., 910-256-2120; info@ncholidayflotilla.org (ncholidayflotilla.org)

Nov. 28-Jan. 1, Newport Aquarium�s �Scuba Santa�s� Water Wonderland. Delightful event features Scuba Santa dive shows and thousands of fish and animals, with underwater decorations and a sleigh pulled by seahorses! Newport, Ky., 859-261-7444; info@newportaquarium.com (newportaquarium.com)

Nov. 29, Jacksonville Light Parade. More than 200,000 come to enjoy Downtown�s holiday decorations, celebrations at local eateries, spectacular fireworks and the St. Johns River transformed into a sparkling cavalcade of festive vessels on parade! Jacksonville, Fla., 904-630-3690; events@coj.net (coj.net)

Top 20 Events � December 2008

Dec. 1, 2008 Hometown Holidays Parade. Picturesque downtown comes to light as dozens of floats wind down the streets in illuminated night parade. Marching bands, beauty queens, dance troupes, St. Nick and the Mrs.! Forsyth, Ga., 888-642-4628; Beverly@forsyth-monroechamber.com (themiddleofeverywhere.com)

Dec. 1-6, Christmas on the River. Fair in the Square and a week of fun with small town appeal culminates with a huge nautical parade and fireworks shot from the banks of the Tombigbee River. Demopolis, Ala., 334-289-0270; dacc@westal.net (christmasontheriver.net)

Dec. 1-31, Christmas in Charleston. Historic homes and plantations decorated in period fashion, quaint shops and unique boutiques offering holiday values, delicious dining and candlelight garden tours. Charleston, S.C., 843-805-3081; cburbage@charlestoncvb.com (christmasincharleston.com)

Dec. 1-31, Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival. Fifty-thousand people celebrate the season in Calcasieu County with a lighted flotilla, giant balloon parade, carnival, �snow,� fireworks and mistletoe-topped trees. Somebody�s gonna get a Christmas kiss! Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org (visitlakecharles.org)

Dec. 4-6, Campagna Center�s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. The fresh scent of heather and bagpipes usher in the season! Nearly 100 clans in colorful tartans, Celtic Concert, scotch tastings and a charming, children�s gingerbread tea. Alexandria, Va., 703-549-0111; info@campagnacenter.org (scottishchristmaswalk.com)

Dec. 4-7, 41st Annual Snowball Derby. More than 30,000 fans cheer some of the biggest names in motorsports competing in this 300-lap race at Five Flags Speedway. Premier short track event! Pensacola, Fla., 850-944-8400; tim@snowballderby.com (www.fiveflagsspeedway.com)

Dec. 5, Hollydazzle. High-tech special effects, lighting of the 44-foot, animated light structure, fireworks, glowing fountains and holiday entertainment encircling the city�s five-acre pond. Strolling musicians, stilt walkers, kids� crafts and costumed characters. Newport News, Va., 757-926-1400; festivals@nngov.com (nngov.com)

Dec. 5-7, Chimneyville Crafts Festival. Master crafters gather at the MS Trade Mart to show fine and unusual creations. Juried event includes wine and spirits; hosted by the Craftsmen�s Guild of Mississippi. Jackson, Miss., 601-856-7546; info@mscrafts.org (mscrafts.org)

Dec. 5-7,12-14,19-21, Christmas Shop at Gumdrop Square. Around decorated trees, children share their wishes with Santa, and elves assist the wee ones as they find gifts for their families in the �Secret Shop�. Adorable event! Warrenton, Va., 540-349-8606. (www.historicwarrenton.org)

Dec. 6-7, Christmas Candlelight Tours. Costumed interpreters, including enslaved African Americans, depict holiday plantation life and the holiday traditions of the 1800s. Period costumed Santa, wassailing party, storytelling, ornament-making and nightly tours of historic sites. McConnels, S.C., 803-684-2327. (chmuseums.org)

Dec. 6-7, Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. Historic homes decorated for the holidays, Decorator Showcase at the restored Strand Theatre, Candlelight Shopping on the Square and treats at the elegant �Merry Olde Marietta Tea Room.� Marietta, Ga., 800-835-0445; welcomem@bellsouth.net (mariettapilgrimage.com)

Dec. 6-7, Core Sound Decoy Festival. Proceeds support local services and preserves the art of decoy carving, with competitions consisting of decorative and non-decorative (floating) contemporary carvings. Decoy painting, retriever contests, kids� events. Harkers Island, N.C., 252-838-8818; info@decoyguild.com (decoyguild.com)

Dec. 6-7, Old Wilmington by Candlelight. Lower Cape Fear Historical Society takes you on breathtaking walking tours of homes, churches and historical sites throughout the lovely downtown area. Tour lamplighters, storytellers and strolling carolers. Wilmington, N.C., 910-762-0492; cmcgreevy@latimerhouse.org (latimerhouse.org)

Dec. 7,14,21, SunTrust Dickens of a Christmas. St. Nicholas, tree lighting, toy workshop, live Nativity, Victorian era costumed street musicians and carolers, horse-drawn carriages, storytelling, parade and an adorable pet costume contest! Roanoke, Va. 540-342-2028, x10; tinaw@downtownroanoke.org (downtownroanoke.org)

Dec. 13, NCAA Division II Championship Game. Football fans from around the nation come for this exciting game at Braly Stadium and awarding of the Harlon Hill trophy to the season�s most valuable player. Florence, Ala., 256-764-4661; Lindsey@visitflorenceal.com (d2championship.com)

Dec. 13, 7th Annual Christmas on the Bayou. Lighted boat parade features 25 decked out watercrafts floating down Bayou Bernard and ends with a gigantic party the whole family can enjoy! Gulfport, Miss., 228-324-2724; jenniferclark81@gmail.com (christmasonthebayou.org)

Dec. 13, Seminole Hard Rock WINTERFEST Boat Parade. The world�s most watched parade with over a million spectators along the New River and Intracoastal waterways! Brightly colored boatloads of celebrities, musicians and more! Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 954-767-0686; boats@winterfestparade.com (winterfestparade.com)

Dec. 13-14, 15th Annual Holiday Tour of Inns. Specialty foods and wine sampling; Christmas trimmings and trolley trips highlight this holiday tour of 26 historic inns along the decorated streets of our nation�s oldest city. St. Augustine, Fla., 904-543-0785; chuckday@bellsouth.net (www.staugustineinns.com)

Dec. 13,20, Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens Christmas Candlelight Tour. It�s 1770 and Governor Tryon invites you to an elegant evening of dining, dancing and fireworks to celebrate his palace�s completion and King George�s birthday! New Bern, N.C., 800-767-1560; info@tryonpalace.org (www.tryonpalace.org)

Dec. 24, Old Country Store Christmas Eve Breakfast. Take the entire family to this delightful holiday tradition in Casey Jones Village, where the Southern-style buffet is just $3.99 for adults and $1.99 for kids until 2pm! Jackson, Tenn., 800-748-9588; caseyjonestn@yahoo.com (caseyjones.com)

Montgomery AIDS Outreach seeking volunteers for Springfest

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:08:47 -0500

MAO will be sponsoring the inaugural community art and music festival, Springfest at the Riverwalk May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help MAO. Specific tasks would be: ticket taking for games, popcorn machine helpers, ice cream booth helpers, store helpers and of course set up and tear down help. They are requesting volunteers arrive to the Riverwalk around 9 a.m. May 17.

Springfest is going to be an annual event that celebrates the area�s non profit agencies in a family-friendly festival in Montgomery�s beautiful new Riverwalk and Amphitheater. There is no charge to the public to attend.

There will be live music, entertainment and artists along the Riverwalk, food, fun and games for all ages including a Kidsfest with games, running through the Riverfront�s splash pad, moonwalks, gymnastics (The Big Green Bus), face painting, a magician, Big Mo from the Biscuits and other characters that kids love. There will also be an exhibition by the Col. Biggs Waterksi Show Team, boat rides on the river and as much fun as we can pack into the Riverwalk.

The community will celebrate in a fair-like atmosphere where non-profit agencies will educate the public about their organizations, raise awareness, network and conduct health promotion services.

There will be family friendly music and performances on the amphitheater stage including The Montgomery Ballet, Clint and Kip, the Southern Comfort Blues Band, Pan Hellenistic Alumni Step Teams and the Dimensions of Praise Gospel Choir.

Some of the organizations participating include the City of Montgomery, American Red Cross, Sickle Cell Foundation, Salvation Army, Montgomery AIDS Outreach, YMCA, American Cancer Society, Lighthouse, Hospice Montgomery, Old Alabama Town, PFLAG, Goodwill Industries, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Council on Substance Abuse and SANYO.

Please email riverwalk2008@yahoo.com for more information.

TroyFest entertainment all jazzed up

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:06:42 -0500

By Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger

Just when one might think that TroyFest couldn't get any better, it did.

TroyFest 2008 is all jazzed up.

From beginning to end on Saturday, April 26, the downtown Troy area will sound and feel like New Orleans as TroyFest presents Jazz Fest.

A festival within a festival is the way Shelia Jackson, Troy public relations director, described Jazz Fest.

"The staging area will be at the corner of East Walnut and Market streets and we'll be jazzed up from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.," Jackson said. "We'll have some of the best high school jazz bands in the area on the Troy Cable Entertainment Stage and five outstanding jazz groups from Troy University. If you enjoy jazz, there won't be a better place anywhere than the Jazz Fest at TroyFest."

The Jazz Fest featured artists, Jim Bell, an Alabama Hall of Fame jazz pianist, and Shelia Jackson will perform the Jazz Fest finale at 4 p.m. on the Troy Cable Entertainment Stage.

Jazz Fest will be the venue for the world premier of one of Bill Liston's arrangements. Liston is a freelance arranger, orchestraor and woodwind player from the Los Angeles area.

Some of Liston's credits include recording with Bette Middler, Ray Charles, James Brown, James Taylor, Paul Anka, Michael Bolton, Chicago, Tony Bennett and Barry Manilow.

A few of his current motion picture performing credits include: "Spiderman 3," "Hairspray" "King Kong," "Meet The Fockers," "Robots," "Chicago," "Mystic River," "Polar Express," "Charlie�s Angels" and "Dr. Dolittle II."

Ray Smith, Troy University School of Music professor, said the Troy University Dixieland Jazz Band will kick off Jazz Fest at 10:30 a.m. on the festival stage and continue playing at festival sites throughout the day.

High school jazz bands from Charles Henderson, Pike County and New Brockton will be featured during the morning hours.

Following a lunch break from 12:30 to 1 p.m., the Troy University Wednesday Night Jazz Combo will jazz things up again. The afternoon lineup will feature high school jazz bands and Troy University groups alternating at 30-minute intervals.

Daleville High School Jazz Band will take the stage at 1:30 p.m. followed by Troy University Jazz Ensemble 2, Carroll High School Jazz Band, Troy Jazz Chamber Ensemble, Northview High School Jazz Band and the Troy University Jazz Ensemble 1.

"We are very excited to celebrate jazz for the 2008 TroyFest and looking forward to having such accomplished talent on our stage," said Stephanie Baker, festival committee chair. "Jim Bell will be returning to his native Troy and joining local favorite Shelia Jackson.

"We welcome the Troy University jazz bands as well as high school jazz bands from the area," she added. "We invite everyone to bring a lawn chair and come out and enjoy a full day of jazz at TroyFest and then come back on Sunday when we will feature our local 'homegrown' entertainers who will sing, dance and clog for us."

The April 27 entertainment lineup will include, In His Steps, SheBANG, Troy School of Dance, the Troy Elementary School Orff Ensemble, Tucker Park and Devine with Henry Everette, Larry Thomas and Shelia Jackson.

By Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger

Alabama Arts calendar

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:02:43 -0500

SAMFORD'S OLD HOWARD 100
SAT 9 p.m. $40-$15. Judson College, 302 Bibb St., Marion. Bike riders can choose between 30, 50, 70 and 100 miles. A benefit for Sowing Seeds of Hope. 726-2771

"CABARET"
WED THRU SAT 7:30 p.m. 4/20 2 p.m. $15 adults/$12 students Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Theatre UAB performs the classic musical. 205-975-2787.

A DISCUSSION OF "IN COLD BLOOD"
THU 7 p.m. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive. Discussion of Truman Capote's classic book. 444-7888.

"THE CONSUL AND THE TELEPHONE"
FRI 7:30 P.M. Birmingham-Southern College, 9090 Arkadelphia Road. Gian Carlo Menotti's play about two lovers living in a police state. 226-4780.

"SAND MOUNTAIN SATURDAY NITE"
SUN 2:30 p.m. $20 Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St. South. Six actor/musicians play 24 characters at a music festival in Marvin Pritchard's living room. Written and directed by Norton Dill. 251-1206.

MUSIC
UAB PIANO ENSEMBLES CONCERT
SUN 3 p.m. UAB, 950 13th St. South. 975-9652. FREE

BSC CONCERT CHOIR HOMECOMING CONCERT
SUN 5 p.m. Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road. 871-4695. FREE

STUDENT CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
MON 7:30 p.m. University of Montevallo.

KATHRYN FOUSE AND TONY PATTIN
TUE 7:30 p.m. Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. FREE

UAB WIND SYMPHONY AND SYMPHONY BAND
TUE 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. 975-2787. FREE

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS STUDENT MUSIC RECITAL
WED 9:50 a.m. Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Eighth Ave. North. 252-9241.

UAB DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC STUDENT RECITAL
WED Noon UAB, 950 13th St. South. 975-9652.

LEIF OVE ANDSNES
4/20 3 p.m. $62/$52/$28. Alys Stephens Center's Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. The Norwegian pianist performs. A pre-concert discussion starts at 2 p.m. Part of the Birmingham Music Club's season. 975-2787.

UM CHORAL CONCERT
4/20 3 p.m. University of Montevallo, LeBaron Recital Hall, Montevallo.

TUSCALOOSA WINDS
4/20 4 p.m. University of Alabama, Concert Hall, Moody Music Building, Tuscaloosa. Part of The Big Time series. 205-348-7111.

THEATER
"A PIECE OF MY HEART"
SUN 7:30 p.m.; MON 2:30 p.m. $10 adults/$8 seniors/$6 students Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. Based on the book by Keith Walker, Shirley Lauro's look at six women sent to Vietnam in various capacities. 726-2853.

"COMPANY"
SUN 2 p.m. University of Montevallo, University. Stephen Sondheim's musical about Bobby and his friends, who all want to see Bobby settle down and get married. Songs include "Another Hundred People" and "Being Alive."

"ROMEO AND JULIET"
THRU 6/28 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive. The classic Shakespeare tragedy. Continues through June 28. 800-841-4273.

"SAND MOUNTAIN SATURDAY NITE"
SUN 2:30 p.m. $20 Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St. South. Six actor/musicians play 24 characters at a music festival in Marvin Pritchard's living room. Written and directed by Norton Dill. 251-1206.

"GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS"
THU THRU SAT 8 p.m. Playhouse, 1816 Third Ave. North. Billy Ray Brewton directs David Mamet's acclaimed play. Presented by Theatre Downtown. 306-1470.

"M*A*S*H"
SUN & 4/20 2 p.m. THU THRU SAT 8 p.m. $15 South City Theatre, 109 Cloverdale Drive. A stage version of the movie and TV series about medics during the Korean War. 621-2128.

WORKS FROM "TALKING HEADS"
SUN 2 p.m. $50 Saturday/$25 Sunday Terrific New Theatre, 2821 Second Ave. South. Dolores Hydock presents some of Alan Bennett's monologues as a benefit for Terrific New Theatre. Saturday performance preceded by a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception. Sunday performance followed by a dessert reception. 328-0868.

"PEOPLE DON'T CHANGE .�.�. OR DO THEY?"
SUN 5 p.m. Calvary Resurrection Church, 8440 Fifth Ave. North. Laneta Fullenwiley Evans' drama about relationships. 836-8022. FREE

"THE NAME OF RAIN"
MON 6:15 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, 2100 Fourth Ave. North. The true experiences of New Orlean's first responders and evacuees who evacuated to Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. Written by Rev. Hawley Wolfe. Parental advisement: References to prostitution and drug usage are in the play. 322-5469.

"THE ODD COUPLE"
TUE THRU SAT 7:30 p.m. SAT & 4/20 2 p.m. $6 University of Alabama. UA Theatre presents the all-female version of Neil Simon's comedy. 205-348-3400.

"CABARET"
WED THRU SAT 7:30 p.m. 4/20 2 p.m. $15 adults/$12 students Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Theatre UAB performs the classic musical. 205-975-2787.

"WEST SIDE STORY"
THU THRU SAT 7:30 p.m. $7/$5 for students, Briarwood Christian High School, 6255 Cahaba Valley Road. Performed by the Briarwood Christian High School Fine Arts Department. 776-5612.

"HANK AND MY HONKY TONK HEROES"
FRI 7 p.m. SAT 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $25 Pell City Center, 25 Williamson Drive. 226-4928.

"NOISES OFF"
FRI SAT and 4/25-26 7:30 p.m. 4/20 & 27 2 p.m. ACTA Theatre, 225 Parkway Drive. Michael Frayn's comedy about what happens behind the scenes during a theater production. 655-3902.

APRIL 19-20
"DOWN THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD"
SAT 10 a.m & 1 p.m. 4/20 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $7. Alys Stephens Center Odess Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. South. Dorothy and a familiar cast of characters try to find their way home. 975-2787. FAM

LECTURES/LITERARY
A DISCUSSION OF "IN COLD BLOOD"
THU 7 p.m. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive. Discussion of Truman Capote's classic book. 444-7888.

ALABAMA BOOK FESTIVAL

SAT 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Alabama Town, Montgomery. A festival filled with publishers, authors, illustrators and performers.

EVENTS
PLEIN AIR ART WEEK
MON THRU FRI 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Aldridge Botanical Garden, 3530 Lorna Road. Any artist may set up an easel and create. 682-8019.

SAMFORD'S OLD HOWARD 100
SAT 9 p.m. $40-$15. Judson College, 302 Bibb St., Marion. Bike riders can choose between 30, 50, 70 and 100 miles. A benefit for Sowing Seeds of Hope. 726-2771.

27TH ANNUAL SPRING ART SHOW
SAT 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Crestline Elementary School Athletic Field, 3785 Jackson Blvd., Mountain Brook. More than 100 local artists will show their latest works. Hosted by the Mountain Brook Art Association. www.mbartassociation.org

TASTE OF ASIA
SAT 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Hosted by the Asian American Organization at UAB. Featuring performances and cuisine.

"SPIRIT OF UGANDA"
SAT 7:30 p.m. $22/$15/$7 for students. University of Alabama, Concert Hall, Moody Music Building, Tuscaloosa. The Celebrity Series sponsored by the Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation. This concert is also co-sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility. 205-348-7111.

OPERA
"THE CONSUL AND THE TELEPHONE"
FRI 7:30 P.M. Birmingham-Southern College, 9090 Arkadelphia Road. Gian Carlo Menotti's play about two lovers living in a police state. 226-4780.

MISC. MUSIC
UAB JAZZ ENSEMBLE
THU 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. 205-975-2787. FREE

"LEGENDARY BROADWAY MUSICALS"
FRI 8 p.m. $20-$50 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs with the Birmingham Concert Chorale Men's Chorus. 205-458-8400.

UAB CHOIRS SPRING CONCERT
FRI 8 P.M. Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Featuring the UAB Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Women's Chorale, along with the Oxford Civic Chorus from Mississippi. 205-975-2787. FREE

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

BSC BFA EXHIBITION II
THRU FRI Birmingham-Southern College, Doris Wainwright Kennedy Art Center/Azar Art Studios, Durbin Gallery, 900 Arkadelphia Road. 226-4928

UNA STUDENT EXHIBIT
THRU 4/24 University of North Alabama, 1 Harrison Plaza, Florence.

ABSTRACTION
THRU 4/25 Space One Eleven, 2409 Second Ave. North. Work by Carolyn Goldsmith, Jurgen Tarrasch, Guido Maus, George Long and Susan Perry. 328-0553

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS VISUAL ARTS SENIOR SHOW
THRU 4/25 Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Eighth Ave. North. 252-9241

JADE: CRYSTALLIZED MOONLIGHT
THRU 4/27 Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Ave. North. A collection of 16th to 19th century jades. 254-2565 or www.artsbma.org.

TOMMY MATHIS AND MARIGAIL MATHIS
THRU 4/30 Monty Stabler Art Galleries, 1811 29th Ave. South, Homewood. New work by the Alabama artists.

ANNUAL ART FACULTY SHOW
THRU 4/30 Samford University Art Gallery, 800 Lakeshore Drive. Featuring faculty work in all forms. Reception and presentation of art student academic awards on 4/30, 4-6 p.m. 726-2840.

HELEN BROWN
THRU 4/30 St. Vincent's East Art Gallery, 50 Medical Park East Drive. Oils, watercolors and acrylics.

THE 2 MAN SHOW
THRU 4/30 Soon-Bok Lee Sellers Art Gallery, 571 Park Ave., Hoover. Featuring works by Don Estes and Arthur Umlauf.

NINA PITCHFORD
THRU 4/30 Cobb Lane Gallery, 1 Cobb Lane. Spring scenes mixed and rabbit families from this gallery member. www.cobblanegallery.com.

PEGGY A. SMITH
THRU 5/1 Leeds Theater and Arts Center Gallery, 8140 Parkway Drive, Leeds. 444-7816.

2008 SOUTHERN ROOTS VISUAL ARTS JURIED EXHIBITION
THRU 5/2 Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place North, Fourth Floor.

MARY MARGARET ROLL
THRU 5/2 St. Vincent's Gallery, 810 St. Vincent's Drive. Landscapes and still lifes in oils.

MARLENE ROSE
THRU 5/3 Hawthorn Gallery, 2017 Third Ave. North. 879-2588

ANTIQUE PRINT SHOW AND SALE
THRU 5/3 Lyda Rose Gallery, 2817 Crescent Ave. Prints, gardens, castles and botanicals.

"YARD ART"
THRU 5/3 Naked Art, 3815 Clairmont Ave. Functional art for the garden. 595-3553

"INTO THE WOODS: AMERICAN ART AND THE NATURAL SUBLIME"
THRU 5/3 Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Ave. North. A sequel to last summer's "Sea Fever" exhibit, this includes work from the permanent collection exploring how the wilderness influenced artists and authors. 254-2565 or www.artsbma.org.

JOSEPH LONGORIA
THRU 5/11 Little Savannah Restaurant, 3811 Clairmont Ave. "Music and Inspirations," featuring music-inspired pieces by the artist. Opening reception Tuesday, 5-7 p.m.

THE WRITING ON THE WALL: IMAGES FROM "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD"
THRU 5/11 Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Ave. North. Jefferson County middle and high schoolers respond to the novel via art. 254-2565 or www.artsbma.org.

CONCRETE JUNGLE: BLOSSOMING ARTISTS IN AN URBAN WORLD
THRU 5/18 Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Ave. North. Presented by the Teen Advisory Board. 254-2565 or www.artsbma.org.

48th ANNIVERSARY GROUP SHOW
THRU 5/24 Littlehouse Galleries, 2915 Linden Ave.

"KATHRYN TUCKER WINDHAM: MY LAND, MY PEOPLE"
THRU 5/25 Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Ave. North. Photographs by Alabama's master storyteller. 254-2565 or www.artsbma.org.

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ART SHOW
THRU 5/30 UAB's Lister Hill Library Museum, 1700 University Blvd., third floor.

TOM DAMERON
THRU 5/31 Hoover Public Library. Works inspired by a visit to Monet's home in France.

CAROLYN BRENT, NANCY HAMMOND, PAT PALMER, ROBIN ROBERTS, DOT STUART
THRU 6/5 Artists Incorporated, 3365 Morgan Drive, Vestavia Hills. 979-8990

"VANISHING WORLDS: ART AND RITUAL IN AMAZONIA"
THRU 7/27 Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Ave. North. Works by the Amazonian culture, including baskets, weapons, pottery and costumes. 254-2565 or www.artsbma.org.

"CHILDREN, LET'S PROTECT OUR FORESTS"
THRU 7/27 Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Eighth Ave. North. Paintings by Peruvian children of the Amazon. 254-2565 or www.artsbma.org.

BIRMINGHAM ROCKS! HISTORY AND USE OF NATIVE SANDSTONE IN OUR LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE
THRU 8/31 Vulcan Park and Museum. Videos, interviews and photographs exploring the geology of sandstone, an abundant resource in Birmingham.

Huntsille Madison Latin dance at Kinesthetic Cue Dance Club

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:02:02 -0500

There will be a Latin dance at Kinesthetic Cue Dance Club Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 celebrating two years of monthly Latin dances. Experienced dancers will be on hand to offer informal help if needed. The fun starts at 8 pm and it's only $5 per person or couple at the door. Open to the public so bring your friends. A map as well as driving directions are at http://www.madisonal.com/kcdc/contact.htm

Magic City art festival ranks in top 20 for best events in '08

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:09:01 -0500

Operation New Birmingham's Magic City Art Connection was ranked as one of the top 20 events to attend in April 2008 by an Atlanta-based organization. Southeast Tourism Society ranked the yearly art festival as part of its competitive top 20 event listings. The travel and tourism industry group picks the top 20 events in the Southeast each month. The lists are used widely by media from around the country. Magic City Art Connection will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year when the event is held again in April in downtown's Linn Park. Huntsville Botanical Garden's Spring Festival of Flowers was the only other Alabama event ranked in the top 20 for the same month.

Make your plans with this festival list

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:19:37 -0500

JANUARY Polar Bear Dip. Jan. 1. Run from white as snow sand around the infamous Flora-Bama Lounge into the bracing, blue Gulf. Steaming bowls of lucky black-eyed peas, hot music and New Year's toasts! Perdido Key, Fl., 800-874-1234, www.florabama.com. Mario Villafuerte / Bloomberg News (ENLARGE) Mardi Gras celebrations are happening throughout the Southeast in January and February. RELATED LINKS: � Read more Travel stories Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana. Jan. 6-Feb. 6. Festivities begin with the Twelfth Night celebration and feature 43 krewes and 2,000 royalty members in seven colorful parades. Special events for kids and seniors. Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952, www.visitlakecharles.org. 51st Annual Fur and Wildlife Festival. Jan. 11-12. The oldest and coldest festival in Louisiana has sporting competitions, hunting instruction, oyster shucking, retriever dog trials, food booths and carnival rides. Cameron, La., 800-456-7952, www.furfestival.com. Florida Classic Clusters AKC All-Breed Dog Show. Jan. 11-14; 16-20. More than 18,000 four-legged friends compete in individual breed shows and judging; obedience and rally trials. Bring your pets to the "Doggie Fun Zone!" Brooksville, Fl., 813-215-3580, www.floridaclassicpark.com. Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition Festival. Jan. 19-21. Festival salutes the achievements of the civil rights activist with parades, concerts and a candlelight vigil. Lake Charles, La., 1-800-456-7952, www.visitlakecharles.org. Wilderness Wildlife Week. Jan. 12-19. Naturalists host 175 seminars covering the history, mystery, past, present and future of the Great Smoky Mountains. Hands-on activities from fly-fishing instruction to mandolin lessons. Pigeon Forge, Tn., 1-800-946-8373, www.mypigeonforge.com. Dog Days of Winter and Bow-wow Bone-anza. Jan. 12-Feb. 29. Canine carnival, dog and master look-alike contest and a no leash zone. Huntsville, Al., 256-830-4447, ext. 290, www.hsvbg.org. Augusta Futurity. Jan. 17-26. Cutting horse competition with a $1 million purse attracts nearly 50,000 fans. Western Family Fun Festival and Championship Bullriding, dancing, quarter horse sale and an cowboy parade. Augusta, Ga., 706-823-3362, www.augustafuturity.com. Cape Fear Model Railroad Club Inc.'s 11th Annual Model Railroad Show & Sale. Jan. 26. Train supplies, trains and all types of railroad memorabilia. Wilmington, N.C., 910-270-2696, www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org. Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade. Jan. 26. Activities include bands, a kids parade, a pets parade, dance team performances, carriage rides and shopping. Monroe-West Monroe, La., 318-338-3172, www.kreweofjanus.com. Kumquat Festival. Jan. 26. Come for kumquats, stay for the fun. Crafts show, four stages of entertainment, kids' area. Dade City, Fla., 352-567-3769, www.dadecitychamber.org. North Carolina Jazz Festival. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. World renown jazz musicians featuring B.E.D., violin prodigy, Jonathan Russell and Big Band swing by the University of N.C. at Wilmington in a cozy, cabaret-style setting. Wilmington, N.C., 910-793-1111, www.capefearjazz.com. Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo/Western Heritage Days. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. "The Greatest Show on Dirt," thrills thousands with rodeo events, livestock shows, Wild West Gun Fights and a live cattle drive. Lake Charles, La., 1-800-456-7952, www.ssrodeo.com . Opry at the Ryman. Jan. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 and Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23. Celebrate the history of country music at the Opry. Entertainment ranging from legends to newcomers, Opry House tours, shopping and Blue grass celebrations. Nashville, Tn., 1-800-733-6779, www.opry.com. FEBRUARY Pensacola Mardi Gras parades. Feb. 1-3. 100,000 revelers line the streets during the illuminated parade Feb. 1 that lights up the night with twinkling floats, marching bands and colorfully costumed celebrants tossing trinkets, treats and doubloons. Day parades rolls Feb. 2-3. Pensacola, Fla., 850-436-7638, www.pensacolamardigras.com. Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival. Feb. 7-9. Old West sagas and cowboy poetry, scary stories, liars contests, spoken word workshops and more. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 800-WINTERFEST, www.mypigeonforge.com. Antiques and Garden Show. Feb. 13-17. Discover paintings, antiques and other collectibles. Nashville, Tenn., 1-800-891-8075, www.antiquesandgardenshow.com. Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Feb. 15-17. Appearances by Jack Hanna, 400 international artists, Busch Gardens Wildlife Exhibits and outdoor fun. Charleston, S.C., 843-723-1748, www.sewe.com. Antique Appraisal Fair and Show. Feb. 16. Bring your treasures for appraisal. Antiques and art sale and live auction follows. Greeneville, Tenn., 423-638-4111, www.greenecountypartnership.com. Georgia National Rodeo. Feb. 21-23. Cowboys and cowgirls competing in PRCA-sanctioned saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and more. Livestock show, 4-H and FFA student competitions. Perry, Ga., 478-987-3247, www.gnfa.com. Saddle Up! Feb. 21-24. Western music and cowboy poetry, swing dancing, songwriters' workshops, Dutch oven cooking competitions and cowboy church. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 1-800-WINTERFEST, www.mypigeonforge.com. Dogwood Arts Festival House & Garden Show. Feb. 22-24. 10,000 square-feet of fully landscaped gardens and blooming flowers, 250 exhibitors. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com. Charleston Food and Wine Festival. Feb. 28-Mar. 2. Lowcountry fare, gospel brunch, barbecue, beer, guest chefs, sommeliers and more! Charleston, S.C., 843-722-5547, www.charlestonfoodandwine.com. Black Heritage Festival. Feb. 29-Mar. 1. Cultural and performing arts, gospel, R&B and a Zydeco street dance and seminars. Lake Charles, La., 1-800-456-7952, www.bhflc.org. MARCH Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire. Mar. 1-2. Make medieval merriment with costumed musicians and dancers, jousting knights, swashbucklers, wizards, jesters and jugglers. Period food, drink, crafts and wares. Pensacola, Fla., 877-429-8462, www.gcrf.net. Festival of Flowers. Mar. 5-9. Blossoms from around the world, life-size landscapes, children's area. Mobile, Ala., 251-639-2050, www.festivalofflowers.com. Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Mar. 5-11. Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents two dozen contestants ages 18-30 vying for $24,000 in prizes during this acclaimed competition. Hilton Head Island, S.C., 843-842-5880, www.hhipc.org. Canadian American Days. Mar. 8-16. Nine-day fete that centers on Canadian and American visitors. Shag dance competition, kitefest, golf competition and more. Hosted by U.S. and Canadian ambassadors. Myrtle Beach, S.C., 843-626-7444, www.canamdays.com. Kentucky Crafted. Mar. 8-9. Pottery, paintings, baskets, metal works; the finest traditional, folk and contemporary Kentucky crafts. Frankfort, Ky., www.kycraft.ky.gov. A Mountain Quiltfest. Mar. 12-16. 20,000 quilting enthusiasts and crafters attend sewing sessions, master classes for cloth artisans of all skill levels, and compete in the multi-category quilt show. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 1-800-251-9100, www.mountainquiltfest.com. Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens and Antiques Show. Mar. 13-Apr. 12. Enjoy the port city's brilliant blooming season exploring gardens and private interiors of 150 colonial and antebellum homes. Charleston, S.C., 843-723-1623, www.historiccharleston.org. Beaches to Peaches Yard Sale. Mar. 14-15. More than 200 miles of bargain hunting along scenic Highway 341. Antiques, collectibles, glassware, linens, coins and more in 11 counties and 24 friendly communities. Culloden to Brunswick, Ga., 912-375-5035, www.goldenislesparkway.com. Iowa Rabbit Festival. Mar. 14-16. More than 35,000 revelers celebrate the rabbit industry with music, carnival rides, parades, a petting zoo, pony rides, Miss Bunny Pageant and food. Iowa, La., 1-800-456-7952, www.visitlakecharles.org. Annual Runabout in the Royal District Car Show. Mar. 15. Vintage, classic and antique cars; tractors, motorcycles and trains; swap meet, historic tours, scavenger hunt and music. Kingsland, Ga., 912-729-2848, www.kingslandgeorgia.com. Savannah Music Festival. Mar. 20-Apr. 5. The world comes to the historic city for 18 days of performances by renowned classical, jazz, blues and bluegrass national and international artists. Savannah, Ga., 912-234-3378, www.savannahmusicfestival.org. Columbus Spring Pilgrimage. Mar. 24-Apr. 5. Tour historic homes and churches amid blossoming gardens of azaleas, dogwoods, irises and roses. Carriage rides, artisans market and nightly "Tales from the Crypt" at Friendship Cemetery. Columbus, Miss., 1-800-920-3533, www.historic-columbus.org. Chasco Fiesta. Mar. 27-Apr. 6. Pithlachascotee River pow wow has street and boat parades; antique show and flea market; Native American arts and crafts; sports tournaments; carnival and music. New Port Richey, Fla., 877-424-2726; www.chascofiesta.com. Walking Tour of Private Houses and Gardens. Mar. 28-29. Picturesque peek into the historic port city's most beautiful private homes and gardens. Charleston, S.C., 843-530-5164, www.thegardenclubofcharleston.org. Springtime Tallahassee. Mar. 29. More than 200,000 festival-goers welcome the season with colorful parades and marching bands, seafood feasts, beer gardens and crafts show. Tallahassee, Fla., 850-224-5012, www.springtimetallahassee.com. Ramp It Up! Festival. Mar. 29. Tasty day of trout fishing, ramp samplings, barbecue cook-off, entertainment and an "Honor the Elders Day" recognizing the more seasoned citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Cherokee, N.C., 828-259-9910, ext. 108, www.cherokee-nc.com.

Huntsville Bridal Fair Coming January 12th

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:43:42 -0500

The 24th annual WZYP Bridal Fair is January 12th in the North Hall of the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The Bridal Fair is a great opportunity for anyone in the bridal industry�or any business that targets women or new families.

This event can give your business the opportunity to present your product and services to thousands of potential customers. Last year, over 2,500 people attended the Bridal Fair, including over 700 registered brides!

Each bride who attends must fill out a detailed 39-question survey about the planning of their wedding. These questions include whether the bride has made arrangements for flowers, invitations, photographer, receptions facility, honeymoon and much more. Vendors who participate in the Bridal Fair receive all this information, plus all contact information of the bride and groom, including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address.

Of the more than 700 brides from last year:

72 percent needed a photographer
76 percent needed a florist
75 percent needed invitations
74 percent needed a caterer
82 percent need formal wear
83 percent needed to arrange for music/dj
91 percent needed a videographer
83 percent needed to arrange for a rehearsal dinner

If your business would like to participate in the 2008 Bridal Fair, please click here for more details. Space is limited!

Phillip Tutor: Off to meet the Peanut Festival queen

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:42:25 -0500

Wayne Flynt, the noted Alabama historian, has it right. �Alabama,� his famous passage goes, �is like a disease. Once it infects a person, it is hard to cure the ailment.� So chalk me up as one who suffers from this malady, has sought relief, and has failed miserably to find a remedy. As with baldness, I�m stuck with it. Which isn�t a bad thing, of course. Alabama�s low cost of living, wonderful weather � the danged drought notwithstanding � mostly pleasant people and sweaty love affair with college sports make it a pretty fair place to reside. If only we could stop making the same, senseless mistakes over and over and over � anyone who�s studied Alabama history knows what I�m talking about � it would be about perfect. Makes visiting places a heap of fun. I like college towns, so Tuscaloosa and Auburn usually are a gas. I like � umm, love � most types of seafood, so any trip to the Alabama coast is worth suffering through that snore of a drive down Interstate 65. I like Huntsville�s aura: its space-age heritage, the attitude of its citizenry, just something you don�t get elsewhere. Birmingham? Lived there once. Montgomery? It�s the state capital, plus you can�t ignore its historical value. Even Florence (W.C. Handy Music Festival), Decatur (the Alabama Jubilee) and Fort Payne (hey, it�s halfway to Chattanooga!) are worth the effort. But Dothan? Dothan? Never driven through it. Never stayed overnight in it. Never even thought much about it other than it seems stuck in the middle of nowhere, so far removed from the rest of us that it might as well be annexed by Florida. Nothing personal or unfair; it�s just an interminable drive, and for what? Well, you can guess what�s coming next. I�m heading to Dothan. Wanna go? Call it a twist of fate. My son�s gotta go, the rest of my family�s signed on for this little excursion, and if I want to keep a semblance of household peace � and avoid the deadbeat-dad label � I must follow suit. So Dothan it is. Oh, and the fate part? Apparently, I need to go. From what I�ve learned the last few days, Dothan may indeed be in the middle of nowhere, but it�s not the Gadsden of southeast Alabama. In fact, what�s piqued my curiosity is the comparison between Houston County � in which most of Dothan rests, if you�re not up to speed on your Dothan geography � and Calhoun County. And, as you can imagine, seeing the list of things there that are not here. Dothan�s in the Bible; not our Dothan, of course. Genesis 37:17. Dothan�s close to Fort Rucker � 20 miles or so � so it can claim military township, or enough so that those of us in Anniston, a former military town, won�t quibble much. Dothan has an airport. Unlike Anniston�s, it actually has commercial flights. Quick test: Name a famous Dothanite. Here�s a few: Johnny Mack Brown, the former Crimson Tide and movie star; Bill Baxley, the former lieutenant governor; Heather Whitestone, the former Miss America; Artis Gilmore, the former pro basketball standout. And, don�t forget, the Circle City is the home of all things peanut. This week, as fate would have it, Dothan is hosting the National Peanut Festival � has since 1938 � that, organizers claim, honors peanut growers and �celebrates the harvest season.� Why Dothan? Because about 50 percent of the peanuts grown in the United States each year are harvested within a 100-mile radius of Dothan. The festival has, among other things, a beauty pageant � Miss National Peanut Festival and Little Miss National Peanut Festival � a parade, concerts and, presumably, ready-to-eat peanuts. There�s also a Peanut Monument, which proclaims Dothan as the peanut capital of the world, and a �Peanuts Around Town� public art display that houses five-foot tall peanut sculptures, all decorated and spread across the city. Can�t wait to see that. Actually, I can�t. The sickness that Flynt so eloquently describes has taken me to many Alabama locales: Opp and Gordo, Arab and Andalusia, Lafayette and Fayette, Guin and Winfield, with Gu-Win stuck in between. But it�s never taken me to Dothan, which apparently is an expanding, developing south Alabama city of about 65,000 people that�s doing more things right than it is wrong. Maybe it�s my fault that I�ve never been smart enough to see this on my own. So Dothan it is. We�re off to explore Houston County, and see if that part of Alabama knows something our part doesn�t. It�s worth the effort, don�t you think? About Phillip Tutor: Phillip Tutor is the commentary editor. He was formerly The Star's managing editor, news editor, sports editor and sports columnist. He lives in Golden Springs with his wife and two children.

Registration Open for the 15th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:38:49 -0500

Registration is open for the 15^th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race. High school and college students design and build a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems similar to those faced by the original lunar-roving vehicle team. Each school may enter up to two teams. The race will take place April 4-5, 2008, in Huntsville, Ala., at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2008. For more information about the competition and to register online, visit: http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov/index.html