Birmingham Restaurant Week

Bon Appetit, Birmingham!

Are you ready for the start of the first ever Birmingham Restaurant Week?  Are you ready to dine (and sip) your way around Birmingham? Well we are and here are some details and general information so you can make your plans!

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 17th through Saturday, September 25th, when more than 50 participating restaurants and bars in the downtown, Five Points South,  Southside and surrounding areas of Birmingham will be offering signature lunch specials and three-course prix fixe dinner menus for a pittance ranging from just $10.10, to $20.10 to $30.10!

There’s never been any thing like it in Birmingham before!

Check out the Birmingham Restaurant Week website which was created to help you get every last bite of discounted deliciousness out of this nine day event. Check back often to see who’s serving what and when.  Make sure you peruse participating restaurant menus – you can even book your table at participating restaurants!

Don’t miss the kick-off event, Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at the Highland Conference Center in Five Points South!Enjoy live music by Top Secret Trio and scrumptuous samples from participating chefs.

Birmingham Restaurant Week Kick Off Event
Wednesday, September 15
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Highland Conference Center, located at 1023 20th Street South  (Street and garage parking available, or valet in front of the hotel.)

Tickets:
$20.10 (individual) in advance / $25 at the door
$30.10 (couple) in advance / $35 at the door

*Admission includes two drink tickets, provided by Jack Daniels and Birmingham Beverage Company and Good People Brewing.

Models and Martinis, the Fashion on Canvas kick-off event

Join local models, designers and fans of fashion for Models and Martinis the Fashion on Canvas Kick-off Event at the H Bar on Monday, September 20, 2010.  The event will feature an opportunity for area designers, models and fans of fashion to mingle and network.  Complimentary Champagne, while it last, will be available for all registered guest. Food, martinis and specialty drinks from the H Bar menu will also be available.  The kick off event will take place from 6pm - 10pm.

Fashion on Canvas: Art on the Runway takes place on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at the Highland Conference Center.  The show, which is currently in its second year, will feature unique runway fashions and body art from area artist.  Prior to the show there will be a VIP Gallery Reception which will give art lovers an opportunity to mingle with participating artist and see a preview art collections and pieces that are for sale.

Fashion on Canvas: Art on the Runway
Sunday, September 26, 2010
VIP Gallery + Fashion Show: 5:30 PM
Fashion Show Only: 6:30 PM

For tickets and information call (205) 218-0605 visit www.artontherunway.com

Ticket outlets

• The H Bar
• Flirt
• Capelli
• Paint -N- Party
• Urbanham.com Office

ACTING OUT - A Stage Play

ACTING OUT - A Stage Play
Written by: Dr. Carolyn Marzette-Bolivar
Directed by: Erika Freeman

In today’s world of hyper-dramatic plays for stage, it is refreshing to experience a stage play showing a connection to
real life problems and situations affecting our youth trying to carve out their purpose amid a blurred destiny.
Acting Out was perhaps written to fill that gap. Set in the Valley of the Moon, this three-act drama and diverse cast
explore a surreal view of teenage life in dramedy with a sci-fi twist that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. These youth have been searching for someone to hear them. No one earth has time anymore. People are just too busy. But someone, not from this planet, is willing to listen. These teens are ready to tell the world and beyond why they are indeed Acting Out.

Dr. Carolyn Marzette-Bolivar, Ph.D. is a native of Birmingham (Fairfield) Al. After graduating from Parker H.S., she received a B.A. from Spelman College (Atlanta, GA), earned a M.A. at the Univ. of Al B’Ham, and a Ph.D. from Columbia Pacific Univ. (San Rafael, CA)

It was through her experience as Director of a multi-faceted counseling agency assisting at-risk youth that she gathered real life experience in working with youth and thus inspiration for the riveting stage play, Acting Out . Dr. Bolivar authored Swing Lowe (Vantage, 2001) and has been a feature writer for Sonoma Style Magazine (CA) and the Birmingham Times newspaper, where she also edited Showtime. Dr. Bolivar continues her work with youth at the Jefferson County Counseling and Learning Center, Birmingham.

The Director, Erika Freeman, is a native of Houston, TX and comes with years of experience as a child actor, writer,
inspirational speaker and director. Since relocating to Birmingham, Ms. Freeman has directed short films Man
Enough (2009) and Tired of Dying (2010). Some of her previous work includes performing in youth ensembles with HITS, Kuumba House Reparatory, and Ensemble Theatre (all in Houston, TX). She wrote and directed We Are One, with the Jack Yates H.S. Players, performed with The People’s Workshop and Where Were You in 65? (Thomas Meloncon, Music Hall). She was also selected as a spoken word artist for WordFest (Harlem, NY). Most recently, Ms. Freeman wrote the screenplay, Camp Mile , for On The Set Film Camp (Birmingham, AL) starring Malik Yoba (Why Did I Get Married Too) set to premier in November 2010. She will make her professional stage directorial debut with Acting Out .

The Production Designer is artist, G. Bodile Balams whose experience includes work as a scenic painter for the Spike Lee film, School Daze, and Joe Bed-Sty We Cut Heads will certainly add visual presentation to a magnificent mass of the variety of young, seasoned and first time talented performers.

VENUE: CARVER THEATRE
Downtown 4th Avenue Business District
Birmingham, AL

Admission: $20 Advanced
Saturday - October 23, 2010 7PM

For information on this event contact:
Mr. L. Harris – 205-243-9861
Erika Freeman – 205-994-4115
Dr. Carolyn Bolivar – 205-999-3211
Email: actingoutplay@gmail.com

The H Bar adds Top Secret to its line-up

The popular music group Top Secret will kick off a regular Wednesday night live music session at the H Bar starting Wednesday, September 1, 2010.  The trendy martini bar has become a cool hang out for jazz lovers and business professionals looking for live music in a great environment. Located inside the very hip Hotel Highland in Five Points South,  The H Bar offers food and top shelf drinks in an atmosphere that is simply magical.

H Bar Weekly Line Up

• Monday Night Jazz returns this fall with Monday night football.
• Tuesday night catch Jack and Jazz featuring Shaun Pezant, Norris Jones and Mike Ham.
• Top Secret performs live every Wednesday night.  Live music coming to the patio this fall!
• Thursday night Jack and Jazz returns with Shaun, Norris and Mike
• Friday the All Stars deliver the best live band karaoke in the city.
• Saturday get the Blues with the legendary Elnora Spencer.

For additional information visit www.thehbar.com

BIRMINGHAM HUSBAND AND WIFE MIX MAKE-UP AND MARRIAGE FOR THE PERFECT BLEND

Birmingham, AL–Not your average husband and wife team, Darrius and Meagan Peace are taking the business of make-up to beautiful new heights. Launched in 2007, after years of research, the Birmingham-based couple’s Hayah Mineral Cosmetics line carries a roster of representatives nationwide who sell the products specifically designed for women of color.

Developed after multiple failed attempts to find a suitable cosmetic line that “worked” for the diverse spectrum of African American complexions, the Peace family researched and developed a deep, rich line of foundations, lip shades, eye shadows and more made from naturally occurring minerals. All of this was successfully done while rearing three young children under the age of three.

Co-founder Darrius Peace says Hayah is a family business that is not just about cosmetics. It’s about confidence. “Hayah means ‘Iam’. So each time a woman wears our products she can say ‘I am Sensational’ or ‘I am Beautiful’, which are the names of two of our popular products,” said Darrius.

Hayah Mineral Cosmetics

is sold online at www.hayahcosmetics.com and through national consultants. The Peaces say they are gearing up for expansion in other cities across the country and that the success in Birmingham and surrounding areas is only the beginning. “Meagan and I are driven, not only in our goal to continue to thrive in business, but more importantly in our quest to help each woman know how uniquely special she is,” said Darrius.For more information on Darrius and Meagan Peace or Hayah Mineral Cosmetics contact Meagan Peace at mpeace@hayahcosmetics.com or call 1-877-81-hayah (42924).

Smash House TV delivers new Mr. Mal video “Celebration”

Glenn Jones, keeping R&B alive

At long last, R&B music is making a change for the better and it’s not by coincidence that GLENN JONES will be present for the evolution. “After such an intensive focus on the youth-oriented market, this music is now gaining more substance. It seems that R&B is coming back to the raw deal - real music, real singers,” he notes…happily.  With a voice as memorable as his lyrics sincere, GLENN JONES has crafted some of R&B’s most significant love songs to date. After enjoying success with chart-topping hits including “Here I Go Again,” “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)”, “Baby  Come Home” “I’ve Been Searching” “Show Me” and  His Current Single “I Wonder Why,” JONES returns to the music scene a little older, a lot wiser and with his warm, distinctive riffs in tow. Having lent a helping hand in laying the groundwork for many of today’s most celebrated male vocalists (Joe, Donell Jones, Case and Jaheim, among them), JONES releases his debut CD, “Feels Good” on Peak Records.

The album, which boasts 12 solid tracks, features the songwriting talents of JONES alongside frequent collaborators Barry Eastmond (Barry White, Rachelle Ferrell) and Ross Vannelli (Celine Dion, Howard Hewett) as well as Herb Middleton (Ann Nesby, Al Green) and Grammy Award®-winning songwriter, Gordon Chambers (Anita Baker, Brownstone). “I really wanted to be myself on this album and for the first time, I was able to write freely. Anybody can relate to the songs, regardless of demographics,” he adds. “This is the kind of record I’ve always wanted to have.”  “I Wonder Why,” the album’s lead single, poses unanswered questions to a distant lover. Co-written by JONES and Vannelli, the song takes the listener on a seemingly unsuccessful quest to make things right as JONES replays the episode through song. In addition to the interlude, “I’ll Always Be Here,” which he performs with his wife and creative partner, Genobia Jeter Jones, he also shared the recording booth with fellow label mate, Regina Belle. On their heartfelt collaboration, “From Now On,” their voices are flawlessly matched. And against the backdrop of a gentle guitar, JONES makes his point, subtly, on the infectious track, “When Love Breaks You Down.” Long before the chorus fades, the message is clear.

No stranger to pen and paper, JONES was nominated for a Grammy in (2003) and has received the Stella award for his crafty lyrics, superior vocals and for lending his production talents to the gospel quartet, Canton Spirituals (Verity Records), garnering favorites including “Never Let Go” and “They Need to Belong.” In conjunction with his writing, producing and recording schedule, JONES has spent time on the road gigging and most recently, added acting to his repertoire. Between album projects, he joined the casts of both “The Devil Made Me Do It” and “When a Woman’s Fed Up,” touring across the nation for nearly two years. “We performed eight shows a week and I gradually saw my skills improving,” he notes. “Learning to act has been great training for me as a performer.”

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, JONES fondly recalls, “Since the age of 4 or 5, I’ve always loved music.” Reared in the Pentecostal church, he often found himself risking punishment just to sneak a listen to the secular sounds of Stevie, Bobby, Marvin and Donny, in particular. Heavily influenced by the sounds of the time, JONES formed his first group, “The Modulations,” at the age of fourteen and was later discovered by the late, great gospel legend, Reverend James Cleveland. Although he initially made his mark in the gospel arena, JONES’ voice caught the ear of acclaimed musician, Norman Connors, with whom he toured and ultimately began performing R&B music.    Having officially made the transition from gospel to R&B, JONES joined the roster at RCA Records.  Four years later, he signed with Jive Records and enjoyed success with his self-titled album, which spawned the hit singles, “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)” and “Stay,” respectively. His move to Atlantic Records produced contemporary up tempo hits “Here I Go Again” and “I’ve Been Searching (Nobody Like You).” During 1998, JONES signed with SAR for the independent release of “It’s Time,” which sold nearly 200,000 copies, via a combination of internet, event and retail sales. In addition, the album included the hit single “Baby Come Home,” a Top 5 R&B single that was one of the Top Ten Most Played Records for 2000, according to Billboard Monitor. Jones was overwhelmed by the success of his last project and feels blessed to have an underground fan base that has sustained his career for over a decade.
Having endured the full spectrum of euphoric highs and creative pitfalls associated with the major label system. During early 2002, JONES reevaluated his focus and opted to follow an independent path, thus inking his current deal with Peak Records. At ease with his new label home, JONES notes, “The ‘indie’ route is best for me.  There’s no red tape - I can pick up the phone and speak with anyone at the label. They are always open and willing to work with me, individually, without trying to force me into a mold.”

Marketing, imaging and sleek packaging aside, GLENN JONES clearly understands the dynamics of creating a solid vocal performance and has consistently delivered - “Feels Good” is no exception! “My primary goal for this album was to make some feel good music. I want listeners to feel the sincerity in my songs and be open to giving the Adult Contemporary chart a chance, too.”

Showplace home in West End combines old with new

A home for sale at 3017 Wenonah Circle in Birmingham’s West End is worthy of any television makeover show.

The one-owner, 1968 red brick rancher with white trim still maintains its mid-century era’s best assets, including original hardwood floors and mature trees. However, extensive remodeling has resulted in an updated neighborhood showplace.

More of this article

To inquire about this beautiful home click here

Takes A Village Mentoring Program Announces their official kickoff celebration Saturday August 21st 2010

Birmingham, Al August 17, 2010:  Takes A Village Mentoring Program in collaboration with New Direction Church kick off our mentoring program Saturday August 21st 2010 5pm-8pm at Abbey Wooley Park in Alabaster, Al We invite parents to come out and encourage them bring their children for an afternoon of Food, Fun, Fellowship and Entertainment! Our target age group is for children between the ages of 12 to 18 We are a group of concerned and empowered young Christian professionals that see a need for positive influence in our children lives. Our purpose is to help lead the next generation to their divine potential and destiny by providing positive examples of how to become great men and women. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment that promotes growth spiritually and mentality. Our foundation is Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

We truly believe it Takes A Village to accomplish this goal! Therefore we are inviting all mentoring programs around the city far and wide to come out and take part in this event. By working together as one common unit we can do so much more. This event is a FREE event!! We look forward to seeing you Saturday August 21st 2010 at Abbey Wooley Park in Alabaster, Al

Press Contacts:

Sly King
205-427-0602
slyking48@gmail.com

Pastor Roderick Sailes
205-492-6006
pastorsailes@hotmail.com

Takes A Village Mentoring Program
P.O Box 614  Montevallo, Al 35115
tavmentoring@gmail.com

THE 4TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY GOLDEN CLASSIC

FAIRFIELD, AL.- The Golden Bears of Miles College will face off against the Tigers of Stillman College Sunday, September 5, 2010  6:00p.m. at Birmingham’s Historic Legion Field in the 4th Annual Labor Day Golden Classic.  Tickets can be purchased at all Easy Money locations and at the Miles College Business Office.   For up to the minute updates on all things Labor Day Golden Classic text LDGC to 69302.

Miles College’s 4th Annual Labor Day Golden Classic…Oh, Its Golden Baby!

LABOR DAY GOLDEN CLASSIC EVENTS: OH, IT’S GOLDEN BABY!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 THE LABOR DAY GOLDEN CLASSIC OFFICIAL KICK OFF PEP-RALLY
7:00P.M. TO 10:00P.M. LEGION FIELD featuring LOCAL RAPPER GRIZ.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2010 1ST LABOR DAY GOLDEN CLASSIC BRIDGING THE GAP ALUMNI STEP SHOW 7:00P.M. MILES COLLEGE GYMNASIUM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2010 THE T.J. PAPA KNOX BENEFIT CONCERT Featuring the S.O.S BAND
7:30P.M. UNTIL FAIRPARK ARENA

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010 THE BATTLE OF 20/59 BEGINS
3:00P.M. AT&T PRESENTS,  “THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” LABOR DAY GOLDEN CLASSIC PRE-GAME CONCERT FEATURING JAAFAR (Miles) AND LOGAN (Stillman).

KICK OFF:  6:00P.M.

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