Anniversary Weekend at Jazz Underground with Dee Lucas, The Connection Band & The Salsa Sunday Cinco de Mayo Celebration!

Don’t miss the weekend long Anniversary Celebration at Jazz Underground with a live performance by national jazz artist Dee Lucas ($15), two nights of live music from the popular Connection Band on Friday and Saturday ($10) PLUS Salsa Sunday’s Cinco de Mayo celebration!  ($5)

Jazz Underground
2012 Magnolia Avenue in Five Points South
Birmingham, AL 35205

For dinner reservations or additional information please call (205) 202-3640.

 

Dominque LIVE at the Comedy Club Stardome!

Dominique will be Live at the Comedy Club Stardome this weekend, May 3rd – May 5th!

You know her from Comedy Central, Def Comedy Jam and the Tom Joyner Morning Show!

For tickets and information please call (205) 444-0008 or visit www.stardome.com

VIDEO

How about a FREE pair of VIP tickets to the Preserve Jazz Festival!

WIN! WIN! WIN! A “JAZZ UNDERGROUND” Exclusive :: Enter for a chance to win by dropping your business card or name and contact information in one of the Mason Jars at Jazz Underground. Estimated 2013 Lexus Platinum VIP prize package value $250. Prize is transferable but has no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for cash. Winner will be chosen by random drawing May 25, 2013. Must be 21 years or older to enter and win!

Jazz Underground is located at 2012 Magnolia Avenue in Five Points South (below Cosmos Pizza). Featuring Live Jazz and an all night Happy Hour every Thursday, Live Music Friday and Saturday and Salsa Dancing every Sunday!  For more information call (205) 202-3640

Dee Lucas returns to Birmingham for Thursday Night Jazz

If you are looking for the best in live smooth Jazz don’t miss Thursday Night Jazz with national Jazz recording artist Dee Lucas.  This special event will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at Jazz Underground.

Tickets are on sale now for $15.00.

Doors open at 6:30pm, showtime at 7:30pm.  For dinner reservations visit www.jazzunderground5points.com or call (205) 202-3640.

Jazz Underground is located at 2012 Magnolia Avenue in Five Points South (Below Cosmos Pizza).

Ticket Link: http://dinnerjazzdeelucas.eventbrite.com/

Legendary Birmingham City Schools Teacher Annie Lindsay Retires After Five Decades

Legendary Birmingham City Schools Teacher Annie Lindsay Retires After Five Decades

 

Annie Bell Howard Lindsay is an academic and artistic icon to many. Known as Mrs. Lindsay to her more than 6000 students, or “Auntie” to her 30+ adoring nieces and nephews she has been a staple in the Birmingham City School System for more than 50 years, with 43 of those years spent at the renowned Erskine Ramsay High School atop Birmingham’s Southside. On April 27, 2013 at 3:00pmMrs. Lindsay will take her final bow as an instructor at Ramsay High School leaving behind a legacy that’s as rich, diverse and impacting as the lives of the students she touched.

A dancer, a teacher, a mentor and a living legend, Annie Lindsay was reared in Fort Deposit, Alabama and received her education at Birmingham’s Lincoln Elementary School, Parker High School, Miles College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She met her loving and overwhelmingly supportive husband of 60 years, William Lindsay when she worked in the Lindsay Tailoring Shop. Annie Lindsay began her teaching career at Ullman High School after many years as a substitute teacher. Her love affair with dance blossomed later in life after taking her first dance class at the age of 36 years. Practically teaching herself to dance through classes at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Montevallo and through workshops at the internationally known Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, from her first dance move to now, Annie Lindsay has never looked back.

Thought to be the oldest working dance instructor, Annie Lindsay has been spotlighted on local and national television and in print. She was featured internationally on 60 Minutes CBS News Early Show’s, “Can’t Stop Dancing”. She was also highlighted in “Saving the Last Dance” published in National Teacher Magazine and garnering nationwide press for the City of Birmingham and Ramsay High School. Most notably in the article was the fact that, at 76 years old at the time, Mrs. Lindsay was still continuing to drive 60 miles daily roundtrip to ensure that Ramsay’s dance program continued. In response to what drives her drive to teach, Mrs. Lindsay said,” I promised my student, my children I would work until they graduated.”

A strong faith in God and a dedication to spiritual growth, intellectual and cultural development and morals, manners and etiquette, Annie Lindsay is the quintessential leader who has spent more than half of her life expressing her love to others through her love of dance. With a spirit as beautiful as the poetic dance pieces she choreographs, Annie Bell Howard Lindsay has made it her mission to instill faith, purpose and direction with the many past and present students fortunate enough to have been under her tutelage. She has gracefully done this one dance move at a time.

The retirement celebration for Annie Bell Howard Lindsay will be Saturday, April 27th 2013 at 3:00PM in the Erskine Ramsay High School Auditorium at 1800 13th Ave South, Birmingham AL 35205. A reception will follow the presentation. Please RSVP no later than April 22, 2013 by 5:00PM. All past and present students, faculty and well-wishers are invited to attend. For more information or to RSVP please contact: Myrna Ria Ross at 205-222-1187. For media interviews please contact Karzetta Bester at 205-231-7052. You may also email: mross@bhm.k12.al.us

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Alabama State Representative John Rogers Gets Served on a Platter for a Good Cause

Alabama State Representative John Rogers Gets Served on a Platter for a Good Cause   BABJ hosts scholarship fund benefit and newsmaker roast   The Birmingham Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) is hosting the highly anticipated and entertaining Newsmaker Roast of Alabama State Representative John Rogers. There are few Alabama newsmakers with the impact, reach and personality of Representative Rogers. He will be the subject of spirited commentary, jokes and presentations about his leadership tenure at this event.   Alabama leaders such as former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington, Jefferson County CEO, Tony Petelos, State Rep. Oliver Robinson, State Rep. Juandalynn Givan and al.com/Birmingham News columnist John Archibald, along with other special guests, will highlight the follies and exciting memorable moments in the life of Rogers.   Comedian Roy Wood Jr. will do a video “tribute” to Rogers, and his brother, Roy Wood Jr., will serve as Master of Ceremony.   This event will raise funds for BABJ scholarships which are awarded to deserving Alabama students pursuing media-related degree programs at accredited colleges and universities.   “This will be a fun night as we set aside partisan and personal differences to raise funds for a good cause,” said Sherrel Wheeler Stewart, BABJ event chairperson. “State Rep. Rogers is truly a newsmaker who has impacted state government for many years.”   The event will take place Friday, April 26 at The Harbert Center. Cocktail reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner/program will follow at 6:30 p.m.   Tickets are $60.00 per person and $1,000.00 for a table of eight. For more information, tickets or sponsorship packets please contact babjroast@babj.net. You Think You Know John Rogers! This scholarship benefit event will raise funds for a great cause in the spirit of good humor. You don’t want to miss it.

$1,000.00 Per Table $60.00 Per Ticket   Raising Funds for Students Pursuing Careers in Journalism     Birmingham Association of Black Journalists P.O. Box 10023 Birmingham AL 35202 babjroast@babj.net REGISTER HERE

ALABAMA CHILD PRODIGY SUBJECT OF NEW DOCUMENTARY

ALABAMA CHILD PRODIGY SUBJECT OF NEW DOCUMENTARY

 

“Little Music Manchild: The Malik Kofi Story” Documentary Sneak Preview

Hosted by The Birmingham Change Fund and Strategic Media Relations Inc.

 

 

“Little Music Manchild: The Malik Kofi Story”, is an upcoming documentary that is touching, inspiring, and capturing local and national attention. Malena Cunningham of Strategic Media Relations, Inc., the writer and producer, follows Malik Kofi, the astounding 11-year old prodigy, Birmingham native, musician, scholar, public speaker, and future leader as he uses his musical skills to grab attention in the world of classical music.

 

On April 23, 2013, The Birmingham Change Fund and Strategic Media Relations will host an official sneak preview and concert performance –The Malik Kofi Story–at the Harbert Center at 5:00 p.m. The event will give the audience a look at the life of this young, rising musician and the family making it possible for him to achieve his goals. The event will also be used to raise funds to help supplement Kofi’s advanced musical training. Those who attend will witness the youth’s phenomenal talents firsthand.

 

Malena Cunningham

 

“My journey into trying to capture the essence of Malik Kofi has taken me into a musical world that I’ve experienced from afar, but never witnessed up close and personal,” said Cunningham, Emmy award winning former television News Anchor and producer for the biographical project. “Birmingham is known for its rich musical heritage. Malik is an amazing talent destined to put a new focus on the ‘The Magic City in the classical music arena.”

 

“Little Music Manchild: The Malik Kofi Story” also features appearances by Reuben and Robert Cox, Malik’s older twin brothers; Udi Bar-David, an international cellist, member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the founding director of Intercultural Journeys-a peace initiative organization. Also in the documentary is Craig Hultgren, an international cellist and member of the Alabama Symphony; Ray Robinson, international drummer; and Dr. Frank Adams, renowned Birmingham jazz musician.

 

 

www.musicmanchild.com

 

$50.00 per person. Click here to register.

Special free attendance RSVP list for all youth 16-years old and younger.

RSVP must be sent to info@musicmanchild.com by Monday, April 22.

More Information   Kofi has been trained by professionals to play percussion and cello. He is self-taught on keyboard, saxophone, guitar, and African drums. Born and raised in Birmingham, he is home schooled by his grandmother, Ruby Cox. Cox reports,” Malik spoke in sentences at 8 months. He was reading fluently at two-years old. He started drum lessons at four-years-old and cello lessons at five-years old. Cox states, “I tried sending Malik to school when he was six-years old to first grade; it did not go well at all. In five short weeks, it was over. I have home schooled him since.” Kofi is currently studying to take the SAT in May, and would like to attend a major institute of music or an ivy-league college.   For information about Malik Kofi and this event, please contact Bryna Reid at info@musicmanchild.com. For additional information about “Little Music Manchild: The Malik Kofi Story”, please visit www.musicmanchild.com. Find the documentary trailer on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MusicManchild and Twitter at @MusicManchild. About Strategic Media Relations, Inc. Strategic Media Relations, Inc. is a Media Relations/Public Relations consulting firm founded in September 2004 by Malena Cunningham. The firm specializes in working with companies and organizations handling media and public relations issues. The company also conducts media training, seminars and produces video projects.   About the Birmingham Change Fund The Birmingham Change Fund is organized as a Giving Circle – a community philanthropy vehicle with an intentional focus on encouraging donors of color to give collectively thereby leveraging both financial and social capital toward strategic purposes.   The Birmingham Change Fund is a Field of Interest fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, a Foundation that provides professional asset management and proven grant making distribution.”The Giving Circle a founding member of the Community Investment Network, the nation’s leading philanthropic organization serving communities of color.

BIRMINGHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT HOST BIENNIAL VICTIMS ISSUES CONFERENCE

Birmingham, AL – April 16, 2013—The Birmingham Police Department will host its Biennial Victims Issues Conference, Project S.A.F.E.-Stopping Abuse in the Family Environment, on Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday 24, 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm.   

The Birmingham Police Department has partnered with the City of Birmingham, Verizon Wireless, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, The Federal Bureau of Investigations-Birmingham Division, The United States Attorney’s Office-Northern District of Alabama, UAB Police, YWCA of Central Alabama and N-Motion Consulting to provide information and resources which address issues of family and community violence.

Pastor J.R. Thicklin, President and CEO of the Florida based organization Destiny By Choice, Inc. is a nationally recognized expert and advocate on domestic violence, and will serve as the Keynote Speaker.  Other speakers include State Representative Juandalynn Givan, Chief A.C. Roper, Deputy Chief Assistant Daniel Fortune of the US Attorney’s Office-Northern District of Alabama; Interculturalist Bettina Byrd Giles of Byrd’s Nest LLC; Assistant Director Amanda Carmichael YWCA-Central Alabama; Program Managers Arthur Wynn and Martese Prince of The ELITE Project AIDS Alabama; Adjunct Project Jason Branch of UAB; DHR Program Specialist, Valencia Curry; Assistant Director of the Crisis Center Meg McGlammery; Director of Prevention, AIDS Alabama Daphina Ward; Dr. Quanda Watson-Steveson of C.A.P.E.; Captain Melvin Brown, Birmingham Fire & Rescue; Director Jeffrey Moore of UAB; Ombudsmans Alicia Thomas and Rene Breland, State of Alabama; 2012 Ms. Wheelchair Alabama-USA Ammie Morgan, and Metro Birmingham Branch NAACP Human Trafficking Task Force Chairwoman Sunnetta “Sunny” Slaughter.

The conference will cover a broad base of topics from Domestic Violence, Cultural Communication, HIV/AIDS Awareness, LGBTQIA, Social Networking Dangers, Bullying, Sexual Violence, Children of Violence, Human Trafficking and more.

The Endangered LIVE at Jazz Underground

 

The Endangered is Maiya Sykes, Nick Block, Frank Abraham and Gene Coye. Founded in Los Angeles in 2009, guitarist Nick Block and drummer Gene Coye, who met while attending California Institute of the Arts, enlisted Berklee College of Music graduate, bassist Frank Abraham, to establish a start-up music production house dedicated to writing songs for others. While working together the three realized that they were in need of a talented in-house vocalist and turned to singer Maiya Sykes to write lyrics and perform the trio’s compositions. Sykes, a brilliant performer who not only sings back-up for Macy Gray and fronts the house band for the uber-trendy Sayers Club in Hollywood, was an undeniable first choice. Prior to teaming up as The Endangered, Sykes had previously played with both Coye and Abraham.

According to guitarist Nick Block “We’d established a unique sound based on the eclectic mix of all our personal influences and realized it made more sense to depart from the concept of selling our recordings for other artists to cover, and embrace the idea of making a true band out of the relationship the four of us developed as writers.” It was then that these collaborators decided to officially become The Endangered.

“We named the group The Endangered because we felt that the type of music we enjoyed playing was slowly being edged out of the popular music lexicon,” says Sykes. She continues, “As musicians, we enjoy a wide variety of musical genres and we wanted the freedom to create music that celebrated what drew us to music in the first place. We hope to make music that is popular and thought-provoking.”

The Endangered has since been committed to composing, recording and performing original material that brings to life their unique blend of Vintage Soul, Adult Contemporary R&B, Rock, Hip-Hop and Jazz. A sonic reflection of The Endangered’s unique, cross-genre artistry, the band’s live set list includes covers of Radiohead’s ‘There, There’ and The Police’s ‘Message In A Bottle’. The Endangered actively gigs all over Los Angeles and has performed at landmark venues like Molly Malones.

May 22, 2012 marked the release of the band’s first EP, The Endangered. Produced by Grammy-winning, industry veteran, Steven Miller (Jack Johnson, Pink, Dave Matthews Band and more), The Endangered is comprised of five tracks including ‘Broke Heart’ – the first song written by this group, along with the band’s first single, an emotional ballad about overcoming heartbreak entitled ‘Calling On You’.

Catch The Endangered at Jazz Underground on Friday, April 26, 2013.  Doors open at 7:30pm, showtime at 8:30pm.  For more information and dinner reservations call Jazz Underground at (205) 202-3640.

Jazz Underground
2012 Magnolia Avenue
Located in Five Points South
(205) 202-3640

 

 

Marti Turnipseed march and celebration

On April 24, 1963, Birmingham-Southern sophomore Martha “Marti” Turnipseed chose to join seven African-American students at a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s food counter in downtown Birmingham.

The other students were arrested, and BSC officials told Marti—a third-generation BSC student—that she had to leave campus. She was allowed to return a year later and complete her degree, and died in 1972 in a tragic car accident.

Now the college is honoring Marti’s brave decision to stand up for what she knew was right. On Wednesday, April 24, beginning at 9:30 a.m., BSC President Gen. Charles C. Krulak and Birmingham Mayor William Bell will lead students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community on a march from campus to downtown’s Kelly Ingram Park, tracing Marti’s footsteps. Rev. Spencer Turnipseed, Marti’s brother, will also attend and speak at the event. Watch the video (www.bsc.edu/video/turnipseed/index.cfm) to find out more about why he says that “it matters, even 50 years later, that the school and the city have recognized that this remarkable act occurred.”

The entire Birmingham community is invited to join the 2.1 mile march. Area gospel choirs will ine the route and join the marchers as they progress , and the BSC Concert Choir will perform at the closing ceremony.

Read more about Marti’s story here.

Read Gen. Krulak’s op-ed in The Birmingham News about Marti here.

Find out more about BSC’s Forward, Ever Birmingham events here.

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