Celebration of Life: A Red Carpet Event

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and this year marks the 100th year discovery of Sickle Cell Disease in America.  Watch the posts all month right here on Urbanham as you learn about Sickle Cell.  Support this event that affects so many who consider themselves as the forgotten within our community.

We will cap off the month with a “Party With A Purpose” at the Steel on Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 5-9pm hosted by Iva Williams.

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

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.”

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.

Dear Dad Tour with Ky Mani Marley

Pure Vibes promotions is proud to present nationally known son of Reggae Icon, BOB MARLEY -  KY-MANI MARLEY, “live” in concert on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 7 pm.  The concert will be held at Verizon Wireless Music Center, 1000 Amphitheatre Road, Pelham, Alabama 35124 and tickets are available on line at www.livenation.com. Alabama will witness reggae music with one of Jamaica’s infamous Reggae Artist when this concert presents “live” on stage, Ky-Mani Marley!!

The only child of Jamaican table tennis champion Anita Belnavis and Reggae Icon and legend Bob Marley, Kymani was born in  Falmouth, Jamaica on February 26, 1976. He is the second youngest of Bob Marley’s eleven children.  He spent many summers with his father and his father’s wife, Rita as a child.

Kymani moved to the U.S. at the age of 7 settling in Miami Florida. He inherited a love of sports from his mother and father and never intended to play music, until his mother encouraged him to take piano and guitar lessons. Eventually he ended up as the trumpet player in his high school band. Also based in Miami producer/manager Clifton “Specialist” Dillon who had mega-success in the early 90’s with Shabba Ranks, Patra and Mad Cobra saw the potential in Ky-mani’s hybrid of reggae/dancehall with the American music forms he grew up listening such as hip-hop and R&B. Kymani signed to Specialist’s label Shang Records and recorded several singles including, “Judge Not” with label-mate Patra and the Sly Dunbar produced “Dear Dad” in which he put to music a letter that he had written to his dad who passed away when Kymani was only 5.

His collaboration with Pras from the Fugee’s on the cover of Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” brought him to the national spotlight. The buzz was out that this was a Marley marching to the beat of a different drum. The labels came bidding, and under the guidance of Specialist and Shang he eventually signed an album deal with a New York based independent label called Gee Street/V2. His debut album “The Journey” hit the streets in 1999 to much critical acclaim and anticipation. In addition to “Dear Dad” it also featured “Country Journey” recorded with Morgan Heritage at their studios in New York. After touring the World in support of “The Journey” and often joining his brothers Damian, Stephen and Ziggy on stage he released his sophomore CD, “Many Roads.”

Not only has Kymani made a name for himself in music, he starred with dancehall deejay Spragga Benz, and Jamaican actor Paul Campbell in the movie “Shottas”, directed by Cess Silvera that told the story of two young gangsters hustling and running drugs in both Kingston and Miami. He also appeared in another movie called “One Love” as the lead character ‘Kassa.’ with singer Cherine Anderson in 2003 (a love story about a Rasta musician who meets a gospel singer when they both enter a music contest in Kingston); and as singer John the Baptist in 2004’s Haven , starring Bill Paxton and Orlando Bloom (a love story-cum-underworld revenge drama set on a exotic island). His television credits include: Living the Life of Marley on BET J; NBC/Telemundo’s The Shuffle; FOX Business’s Happy Hour with Cody Willard and Rebecca Gomez; plus Music Choice, MTV Jams and VH1 Soul, to name a few.

Remaining true to his Jamaican culture, Ky-Mani’s fondness for all genres of music influences the work he creates.  He is an artist with no limits.  Incorporating world music, hip hop, blues, rock and a grass roots sound into his music, the end product is the pure representation of life for Ky-Mani.  His sound is one that transcends cultural lines and prohibits him from being categorized as only a reggae artist.  His raw, unadulterated, gruff sound captures the listener and reverberates the essence of Ky-Mani’s life story.  Songs such as “Dear Dad” and “I Pray,” and “Ghetto soldier” displays the versatility and fiery-passion he exudes when sharing his voyage through song.  Peace. One Love. Unity. Street Life.  These are the makings of Ky-Mani’s music.

Ky-Mani is on a book tour for his latest book “DEAR DAD” and will be available at his book signing which will take place at the same venue; on the same day between 6pm and 7 pm. Ky-Mani will also be available for phone interview.  Please contact Patrick at 205-985-4900 to set up a time that is convenient.
Please visit Ky-Mani on his website at www.kymanimarley.com. Alabama will witness reggae as it has never witnessed before at this concert!!!!!

Old School Jam :: For the Love of Hip Hop and R&B

Throwback Productions presents the Old School Jam :: For the Love of Hip Hop and R&B this Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Old Car Heaven.

Doors open at 9:00 pm, COMPLIMENTARY BUFFET, Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door!

ALL OLD SCHOOL CLASSICS …. ALL NIGHT!

For tickets, information and reserved tables call Terrell at (205) 515-5601 visit www.throwbackbham.com

Old Car Heaven
115 35th Street South

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