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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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.

MELVIN MILLER & “I HOPE YOU DANCE” COMING TO BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM, AL (March 1, 2013) – Jazz trumpeter, Melvin M Miller (M3), brings “I Hope You Dance” to Birmingham on Thursday, March 21st for the official Birmingham release of his long-awaited, emotionally-charged project, “I Hope You Dance”! The event begins at 7:30 pm at Jazz Underground.

Melvin’s latest project is a collection of songs specifically selected to convey the essence of his mother’s spirit, which includes Funky & Fresh new songs that she would have danced to! The overall vibe is designed to make you emotionally and physically moved…

Some of the songs on the project include: “The Man with the Horn”, a tribute to the name bestowed upon Melvin by his mother; “Don’t Worry About Me” and “Tears of Joy,” two very special songs written by Phil Davis and Jorel “JFly” Flynn respectively to encourage Melvin and honor his mother; and the title song, “I Hope You Dance,” an emotional remake of the country tune originally recorded by Lee Ann Womack. Each of the tracks features a plethora of well-known and distinctive artists & musicians including, Mo Pleasure, Ike Stubblefield, James Barrett, Sonny Emory, Eric Essix, Rick Watford, Brent Carter, Toni Redd, and Fred Vigdor.”

A portion of every CD sold will go toward The M3 Music Foundation CM Scholarship.

Autographed CDs will be available at this event!

“This has been an emotional journey …project for me. It signifies three years of getting to the point of being able to put together what I believe to be a collection of songs that my mother would have enjoyed…Part one of a musical tribute to her spirit.”

For event and ticket information, visit www.jazzunderground5points.com.
For dinner reservations call (205) 202-3640.

For Online Tickets & Reservations Visit: http://guestlistapp.com/events/109326

Jazz Underground host tribute shows highlighting the music of Frankie Beverly and Maze, Smokey Robinson and more!

Throughout 2013 the Jazz Underground Supper Club will host a series of tribute shows which highlights the music of legendary artist such as Frankie Beverly and Maze, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin and many more.

“Music played a very important role during the civil rights music and we would like to do our part in sharing the great songs that helped a generation during those historic time” says Russ McClinton, managing partner at Jazz Underground.

 

“The Music from the Movement campaign will highlight music from those artist that defined R&B and jazz as well help mold the fiber of those that grew up in the 60s.    In addition to our Music from the Movement campaign we have tribute shows from other artist that also played a critical role in defining R&B music” says McClinton

Located in Birmingham’s Five Points South, Jazz Underground is a classy establishment which caters to a mature crowd that loves live music and great food.  One of the highlights of Jazz Underground is its food as Chef Victor Fair brings a true culinary delight to the venue with a variety of menu items which includes chicken, steaks, pasta, salads, shrimp and fish.

To find out more about Jazz Underground visit www.jazzunderground5points.com

UPCOMING TRIBUTE SHOWS

The Connection Band presents Happy Feelings – A Tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze.

Friday – February 22, $10 Admission. Doors open 8:00pm, showtime at 9:30pm.

Music from the Movement – A Tribute to Smokey Robinson. Saturday, February 23, 2013. Doors open at 8:00pm, showtime at 9:30pm. $10 cover.

 

Get style tips for the season during “Fashion Friday” at the Birmingham Public Library

You’ve received your first party invitation of the social season and you have no idea what to wear.
Does that black necklace go with that new sequined dress? Are boots cool for a cocktail event? Exactly what does the host mean when she says the attire is “creative black tie”?

Birmingham fashion blogger Alexis Barton of www.samechicdifferentday.com wants to put your mind at ease when it comes to dressing for special events this time of year. On Friday, Dec. 7 at 12 p.m., she will give style tips as part of “Fashion Friday,” which will be held on the fourth floor of the Linn-Henley Research Library, 2100 Park Place, in downtown Birmingham. The program, presented by the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham Magazine, is free.
“I hope this event will calm people’s anxiety around dressing for social occasions and help them see that there are a variety of options for putting together their own looks,” Barton said. “Sequins will be involved.”
Library fashion books and more will also be available to help you achieve your best look for the season.
Note: The Linn-Henley Research Library is in Linn Park and is across the street from the Birmingham Public Library.
For more information, contact Birmingham Public Library Public Relations Director Chanda Temple at ctemple@bham.lib.al.us.

Laughing with Mrs. V!

Avenue V Entertainment & Big Mouth Productions presents Let Go & Let’s Laugh on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 7:00pm.  This event takes place at Faith Chapels the Bridge located at 100 Lexington Street.

Featuring Mrs. V., Robert Comers, Deidra Gaddis and hosted by J. Shorter. $10 Admission.

Faith Chapels the Bridge located at 100 Lexington Street.

For more information call (205) 531-7078.

Catch Mrs. V. on Heaven 610 AM WAGG  every Saturday at 5:00pm.

 

NEED A RIDE??? Classic Shuttle Info is here!

AVOID THE TRAFFIC & RIDE THE FREE SHUTTLE!

Spectators can once again enjoy a FREE shuttle ride offering three (3) convenient locations that will transport you to and from Legion Field. Shuttles will pick you up at your designated location and transport you directly to the East side drop-off location at Legion Field. After the conclusion of the game, buses will be staged at that same drop-off location for post- game pick-up. Buses will run until thirty (30) minutes after the conclusion of the post-game concert. For more information, click here.

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SHUTTLE STOPS, TIMES & LOCATIONS!

Birmingham Crossplex Shuttle Hours: 9:00 AM – 30 minutes after conclusion of concert Location: Click here.

Sheraton Hotel Shuttle Hours: 12:00 PM – 30 minutes after conclusion of concert

Location: Click here.

7th Avenue N & 23rd St N Shuttle Hours: 12:00 PM – 30 minutes after conclusion of concert Location: Click here.

*Shuttle hours have been extended to accommodate the post-game concert fans.

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Art Porter and George Howard musical tribute comes to Birmingham Thanksgiving Weekend

 

Dee Lucas and Tony Exum, Jr. performs Just for Art and George a Musical Tribute to jazz greats Art Porter and George Howard.

This exciting show takes place Thanksgiving Weekend on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Jazz Underground.

Tickets are on sale now for $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

For more and tickets information visit justforartandgeorgebham.eventbrite.com.

About Art Porter, Jr.
Art Porter, Jr. was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1961. At the age of 9 Porter joined his father’s band as a drummer and played with them into his teenage years. Soon after this, Porter began to be drawn to the saxophone after noticing it’s melodic abilities, and began to play it during shows with the band, “The Art Porter Trio”. Porter is a 1979 graduate of Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School in Little Rock, where he also played in the marching and jazz bands. When Porter turned 16, he began to be barred from clubs because he was under 21. It was during this time that he was arrested and charged with working under-age in a night club serving alcoholic beverages. Then Arkansas Attorney General, and future President of the United States Bill Clinton, who was also a saxophonist, intervened to get the charges dropped and pushed for the law to be changed to allow under-age musicians to appear in adult facilities as long as their legal guardian accompanied them. This law became known as “The Art Porter Bill”.

About George Howard
Howard was born September 15, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the late 1970s, he began touring with Grover Washington, Jr., who was one of his idols. In the early 1980s, Howard released his first and second studio albums, Asphalt Gardens and Steppin’ Out. Both albums were well received and ranked high on the Billboard magazine jazz album charts at number 25 and 9, respectively.

By 1985, Howard’s third album, Dancing in the Sun, had scaled the Billboard Jazz Album chart to number 1. Each of his next three albums, Love Will Follow, A Nice Place to Be and Reflections would also reach this height in the Jazz Album chart. After the success of Dancing in the Sun, Howard left the label GRP Records in order to join MCA through the 1988 release of Reflections. However, he returned to GRP Records in 1990 and released Love Will Follow in 1991. He stayed with GRP until his death of lymphoma on March 22, 1998. His final album, There’s a Riot Goin’ On was released posthumously (one month after his death) on April 21 by Blue Note Records.

The Classic Weekend Event Guide is here!

It’s time to get excited about the 71st Annual Magic City Classic and the official pre game guide event guide is here! This year the legendary Bootsy Collins will serve as the Ambassador,  the largest tailgate party in HBCU Football with Coors Light, Biz Markie and Dougie Fresh with the HBCU College Tour, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly closing out the game and much more!

Preview or download the latest edition of the Classic Weekend Event Guide here and pick up a hard copy next week!

 

Marc Raby presents To the Woman I Love

 

One show Only for Marc Raby’s To The Woman I Love! An Inspirational Stage Play.

Starring Tony Grant of Tyler Perry’s the Marriage Counselor, Shirley Murdock and Gary “Lil G” Jenkins of the Platinum selling R&B group Silk.

Sunday, October 21, 2012 – Doors open at 5:30pm, pre-show at 6:30pm, showtime at 7:30pm.

The Boutwell Auditorium – 1930 Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard Drive – Birmingham, Alabama.

Purchase for only $20 tickets online at www.magiccitytix.com or at the Theater Box Office.

Also plan to attend the Official After Party and Birthday Bash for leading man Tony Grant at Jazz Underground!  Free admission for all ticket holders!  Jazz Underground is located at 2012 Magnolia Avenue in Five Points South.

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