Planet weekly 462

JUNE 26 + JULY 102 >>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's souRcE foR EntERtainmEnt, music, spoRts & tHE aRts

Reminder: Civic Hall of Fame Nominations Due July 1

The Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the 2014 class of honorees through July 1. The program is designed to honor citizens who have made significant, long-term contributions to the overall development of Tuscaloosa County. Any organization, business or individual citizen is encouraged to submit a nomina-tion. Get a form on our website homep-age at www.tuscaloosachamber.com, by calling 205-391-0556 or emailing [email protected]. If an individual has been nominated in the past, a new form is required. A monument stands in Govern-ment Plaza and the induction ceremony will be there in September.

Adopt-A-School Breakfast Set for July 29

Celebrating the completion of 29 years of supporting area schools, the annual Adopt-A-School Breakfast Seminar is set for 7:30a.m. on Tues., July 29 at University Church of Christ to officially kickoff the 2014-15 AAS year. The focus this year will be Partnerships...Building the Future To-

>>> N E W S | t H E c H a m B E R o f c o m m E R c E

NEWSADOPT-A-SCHOOL BREAKFAST

gether. Keynote speaker will be Bill Canary, President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). This event provides a unique opportunity for school personnel in both the Tuscaloosa County and City Sys-tems to meet and network with community and business leaders. Early bird registra-tion, $16/person, is available until July 1. Cost is $20/person afterward. Deadline for registration is July 22. Forms will be posted on our website this week. For sponsorship info and more, contact Loo Whitfield at 391.0563 or [email protected].

Community Foundation Funds Children's Center

The Community Foundation of West Ala-bama presented the Tuscaloosa Children's Center, Inc. (TCC) with a grant of $10,000. TCC, in collaboration with local law enforce-ment, the DA's Office and DHR, provides investigative, advocacy, community educa-tion and counseling services to Alabama's smallest victims of crime. The Foundation provides responsible and professional financial management of invested funds and distributes earnings from these investments according to donor intent and community

needs. Visit thecfwa.org for more info.

Save the Date: Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament

The annual Nucor Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Golf Tourney will be held at Ol Colony Golf Course on Sept. 11. Get your teams together! Details to come.Save the Date: Washington Fly-In As always, our schedule while in the na-tion's capital will allow time for interaction with our members of Congress as well as engagements with other elected officials. It's also an opportunity, unlike any other, to network with fellow Chamber members. This year, the agenda will include some fun time at a Washington Nationals baseball game. Make plans to join us Sept. 24-26 and watch for more info coming soon.

Bryant Museum's "Mamma Called" Wins an Emmy

The Paul W. Bryant Museum proudly announces that the documentary on the life and times of legendary Crimson Tide football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was presented the 2014 Emmy for Best Histori-cal Documentary by the Southeast Chapter

of the National Academy for Television Arts and Sciences! Collections from the Museum provided historical info, film footage and photos and was produced by UA Center for Public Television & Radio.

Cookbooks Raise Funds for Secret Meals for Hungry Children

In the Secret Meals program coordinated by Alabama Credit Union, local elementary school administration identifies students who are exhibiting signs of hunger that origi-nate outside of school (hoarding food on Fri. or are unusually eager for breakfast on Mon. morning). School officials provide ACU with a number of food packs needed each week and ACU gets the supplies delivered to the school. The teachers then discreetly deposit the food packs into the at-risk students' backpacks on Fri. afternoon. The confiden-tial program feeds well over 1,100 children so far. For each donation of $10 (and every $10 increment), you can get a beautiful spiral bound cookbook, Serving Alabama. These can be hand-delivered to your busi-ness or you can stop by the main branch on Paul W. Bryant Dr. to pick them up. Email [email protected] for details.

3>>> Visit us on tHE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM JUNE 26 + JULY 10

STORIES4 FOREVER GONE // ANNE R. GIBBONSDestruction of historic structures continues

6 SHOOTING THE BLUES // THELMA PAULSENWe follow a photographer

7 CARRYING THE TORCH // JUDAH MARTINMinimum wage is bumped up at FIVE Bar & Chuck's Fish

8 ENGENDERING SYNCHRONICITY // BRIDGETT TREJOTuscaloosan's unusual success story

14 EXPLORING ALABAMA // JEROME ADAMSImmersion Archaeology

15 FROM THE GROUND, UP // JUDAH MARTINChildren create healthy eating habits

27 UMPHREY'S MCGEE RETURNS // TREY BROOKSComing to the Amp in August

ENTERTAINMENT10-12 RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER

13 MOVIE REVIEW

16-17 EVENTS CALENDAR

18 ROAD TRIP

19 TUSCALOOSA MUSIC

22 THE FLAT SCREEN

23 HOROSCOPES // SUDOKU

24 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HIGH TIDE SPORTS21 CRIMSON TIDE'S TOP 10 COACHES OF ALL TIME

PUBLISHERlinDa W. JoHnson

MANAGING EDITORHERB nEu

ASSISTANT EDITORJuDaH maR tin

COVER DESIGNl au R a l i n E B E R R Y

EVENTSJ u Da H m a R t i n

ROAD TRIPtREY BRooKs

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORK E n Da l l m aY s

DESIGN/PRODUCTIONH E R B n E u

p l a n e t W e e k l yp. o . B o x 2 3 1 5t u s c a l o o s a , a l 3 5 4 0 3p h o n e : 2 0 5 . 7 9 2 . 7 2 3 9 | 2 0 5 . 7 6 5 . 8 0 0 7E m a i l : p u b l i s h e r @ t h e p l a n e t w e e k l y . c o m

please direct correspondence to: [email protected] planet Weekly is a proud member of the West alabama chamber of commerce.

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>>> www.theplanetweekly.com >>> planetweeklyissue462

6 inside 25

under the cover

ADVERTISINGcatRina K at tnER205.523.1460

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJ E R o m E a Da m sc a R a B R a K Et R E Y B R o o K sa n n R . G i B B o n scinDY HuGGinsKEVin lEDGEWooDJ u Da H m a R t i na Da m m i l l E Rt H E l m a pau l s E nJim REEDBREtt REiDJ o n R o G E R sVa n R o B E R t sstEpHEn smitH

8

7 CHUCK'S FISH AND FIVE BAR RAISE MINIMUM WAGE

FEATURE

Photo: Michael C

. Palmer

4 >>> Visit us on tHE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM JUNE 26 + JULY 10

I was appoInted to the Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission for a three-year term in April 2011. I had been approached a couple of years before about my willingness to serve on the HPC. And I was willing, even eager, to serve. I believe in the intrinsic value of historic preservation and was instru-mental in persuading my neighborhood to request (and receive) historic district status.

Following the tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, the number of people applying for a certificate of appropriateness for repairs or rebuilding in historic districts was monumental. The HPC increased the number of meetings to expedite the huge increase in applications, and for several months we met semimonthly instead of only once a month.

The first year I served on the HPC was both painful and rewarding. Painful because at each meeting we saw horrific pictures of the devastation wrought by

the EF4 tornado. From images of debris-filled lots where homes once stood to up-rooted trees and shattered buildings, the color slides shown at each meeting were grim reminders of the storm that changed so many lives--and altered the landscape of Tuscaloosa forever.

The experience was rewarding because almost without exception the commission is made up of people who are advocates for historic preservation in general and the historic preservation of Tuscaloosa in particular. In the months after the tornado, commission members worked diligently to balance the demands of historic preservation with the very urgent need for people to return to their homes. Gradually, the town and its resi-dents began to regain their equilibrium. As the number of petitions for certificates of appropriateness slacked off, the HPC returned to monthly meetings.

Over the next two years I became more and more disillusioned with historic preservation efforts in Tuscaloosa. Most

HPC members recognize the economic and cultural value of preservation and are committed to helping Tuscaloosa retain its historic character. Apparently, city of-ficials do not share that commitment.

In 2010 the city appointed 48 people to serve on the Greater Downtown Advisory Committee. That committee was composed of elected and appointed officials; members of cultural arts groups and the downtown business community; individuals interested in historic pres-ervation; home builders and Realtors; and people with an interest in transit and educational issues. Members of the advi-sory committee brought diverse points of view to the table. Through give and take, compromise and consensus, discussion and debate, those differing views were melded into a thoughtful, comprehen-sive, workable plan for developing and preserving downtown Tuscaloosa. The Greater Downtown Plan lays out in clear detail the steps necessary to create “a vibrant, progressive, and sustainable greater downtown Tuscaloosa.”

But the Greater Downtown Plan is far more than a list of dos and don’ts. It offers us—the people who live, work,

worship, play, and shop in Tuscaloosa—a blueprint for success. It is our town’s equivalent of Coach Saban’s “process”: “The process is what you have to do day in and day out to be successful. We try to define the standard that we want every-body to work toward, adhere to, and do on a consistent basis.”

One of the key components of the downtown plan is the importance of preserving our town’s architectural and cultural history. “Historic preservation is increasingly being recognized as an essential component of a city’s economic development strategy. Studies indicate that the rehabilitation of existing buildings stimulates a greater economic return per dollar spent than do highway construc-tion, new construction, and the expan-sion of industry. Historic preservation has additional economic benefits in terms of tourism, the enhancement of property values, and the promotion of community sustainability. The importance of historic preservation to community revitalization has been demonstrated in thousands of towns all across America and the les-sons they provide are relevant to Greater Downtown Tuscaloosa.”

>>> O P - E D | A N N E R . G I B B O N S

Image courtesy of Jason Townsend

Photo: Preserve Tuscaloosa Photo: Preserve Tuscaloosa

Photo: Preserve Tuscaloosa

GONE FOREVER // WHERE DO PRESERVATIONISTS GO FROM HERE?

5>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's souRcE foR EntERtainmEnt, music, spoRts & tHE aRts JUNE 26 + JULY 10

Jacob Thompson

Donovan Rypkema, a nationally rec-ognized expert on the economic benefits of historic preservation, notes, “I cannot identify a single example of a sustained success story in downtown revitaliza-tion where historic preservation wasn’t a key component of that strategy. Not one. Conversely the examples of very expensive failures in downtown revitaliza-tion have nearly all had the destruction of historic buildings as a major element.”

Sadly, before the Greater Downtown Plan had been implemented, the 4/27 tor-nado struck our town. Not surprisingly, city officials and residents alike turned their attention toward rebuilding and recovery. Before long a plan for renewal and rebirth had been developed. The Tuscaloosa Forward Plan promised mixed-use development, walking and biking paths, parks, and neighborhood stores along the tornado’s path. Tuscaloosa had the opportunity to reinvent itself as a greener, more inclusive, cleaner, safer, altogether superior community.

Was it a perfect plan? No. Would it create a utopia? Certainly not. Was it put together through compromise, give-and-take, and negotiation? Yes.

Not everyone likes Tuscaloosa For-ward. And surely no one likes it in every particular. But whether you love it, hate it, or are supremely indifferent to it, the plan represents the ideas and aspirations of ordinary citizens. No PACs contributed time or money to creating Tuscaloosa For-ward. No special interest group exerted undue influence on the plan. Together, the community created a vision for our town. Together, we were ready to move forward.

Mayor Walt Maddox was the indisput-able local leader in the days, weeks, and months after the EF4 tornado destroyed one-eighth of Tuscaloosa. His caring concern for his constituents was palpa-ble. He and other city employees worked tirelessly coordinating efforts to clean up the city and begin the rebuilding process. The mayor and city council used a tragic event as a catalyst for positive change.

But something happened on the way to implementing the Tuscaloosa Forward Plan. The plan, which represents the cumulative effort of hundreds of volun-teers who collectively spent thousands of hours reading, thinking, debating, nego-tiating, arguing, compiling, and writing, is being systematically dismantled. Through facile zoning variances, ready forgive-ness for planning and zoning infractions, and political double-speak, commissions, agencies, and elected officials are emas-culating the Tuscaloosa Forward Plan. A zoning variance here, a slackening of the rules there, a shrug of the shoulders

at noncompliance are whittling away our community vision. That same disregard for the Tuscaloosa Forward Plan is reflected in the city’s historic preservation efforts—or rather the lack thereof.

“Comprehensive Planning will be es-sential to preserving our neighborhoods, promoting economic development and ensuring a high quality of life.” That’s not a quote from some local preservation-ist or pie-in-the-sky national consultant. That is point 3 on the city of Tuscaloosa’s website under Core Beliefs of the Mad-dox Administration. See for yourself at tuscaloosa.com/Government/Mayor/core-beliefs. Unfortunately, that core belief is being consistently ignored by our elected and appointed officials.

In the past year, we, the residents of Tuscaloosa, have destroyed the Kilgore home on the University of Alabama cam-pus, the Searcy house on Greensboro, and the cluster of homes in the 2600 block of University Boulevard, as well as smaller, less-imposing but no less cultur-ally important homes and businesses. We may not have swung a wrecking ball, torn out planking, or dismantled a stair-case. Nonetheless we have been com-plicit in the destruction of those historic buildings and we continue to allow our heritage to be destroyed. City officials may talk about the importance of historic preservation but they have done almost nothing to protect these significant and irreplaceable structures.

So… Where do we go from here? How can we help preserve what’s left of our town? How can we see that com-prehensive planning is more than just a bulleted item on the city of Tuscaloosa’s website? How can we ensure that the Greater Downtown and Tuscaloosa For-ward plans are fully implemented? How do we begin fulfilling the promises laid out in those two visionary documents?

In the past twelve months some ex-ceptional buildings in our community have been lost—in large part because the city failed to enforce its own zoning laws. We need elected officials who are committed to protecting the cultural and architectural history of Tuscaloosa. We need planners whose vision includes preserving and repurposing older buildings rather than demolishing them. We need to make our voices heard in letters to the editor and in emails and phone calls to elected officials. We need to question candidates about their commitment to historic preservation and make our wishes known at the ballot box. And we need to monitor the actions of city council members to be certain that they are doing more than mouthing empty phrases while allowing developers to

destroy our heritage.The April 27 tornado demolished 12.5

percent of our town. That’s more than enough destruction to last a lifetime.

Anne R. Gibbons is a member of

"Usually, terrible things that are done with the excuse that progress requires them are not really prog-ress at all, but just terrible things."

~ Russell Baker ~

Photo: Judah Martin

Preserve Tuscaloosa, a grass-roots organization devoted to local pres-ervation. A native Tuscaloosan, she lives in the Hillcrest historic district.


staff from the planet Weekly had the opportunity, recently, to attend a performance of the Debbie Bond Trio in the intimate-listening courtyard of the Rock House Eatery in lovely, lakeside Guntersville, Ala. We couldn’t help but notice a photographer moving about, tak-ing multiple shots from all angles, dancing to the rhythm as she went. PW decided to check out this photographing fan, Rachel Bolton, who’d driven in from Huntsville to catch the show. Here’s what we learned:

PW: You are from Huntsville, and you are a civil engineer. What does your job involve?

RB: Right now, I'm working for Croy Engineering. We have a Huntsville office but we are headquartered in Marietta, Georgia. Specifically, I'm working on wid-

ening a road adjacent to a new Walmart, emergency signal preemption, and traffic signal inventory. I also have a strong background in Traffic Incident Manage-ment. I am very passionate about saving lives on our roadways!

PW: You live with your husband, Rich-ard, & dog, Teddy. What does Richard do? And what breed is Teddy?

RB: Well, I'll be nice and mention Rich-ard first (of course!). He has been working as a software engineer for a major financial software company and works from home. He actually has family ties to Pickens County but he's from Oklahoma. A distant relative was rumored to have been hanged by the Home Guard during the Civil War for being a Union sympathizer.

As for Teddy, who is a wire fox terrier,

>>> M U S I C | T H E L M A PAU L S E N

you can imagine the antics he causes but we wouldn't trade him for the world. What a character. He was actually lucky enough to attend this year's Freedom Creek Festival.

PW: How did you first become acquainted with Debbie Bond's music? When was that?

RB: I first saw Debbie in 2010 at the Freedom Creek Festival in Old Memphis at Willie King's old place. I saw an ad for it somewhere in Huntsville and 'Burnside' caught my eye. I think one of his grand-son's was playing that year. I think he was playing on Friday and I went Saturday so I didn't get to see him. It doesn't matter

because I left as a lifelong fan of Willie King, his legacy, Debbie Bond, Mudcat, and Willie Lee Halbert!

PW: Are you a big fan of the blues in general? What other kinds of music are you drawn to?

RB: Absolutely. I love the blues probably the most of all the genres. I like R.L. Burnside, Keb Mo', Murali Coryell, oh! and you can't forget Albert Castiglia. I'm also a huge fan of Bluegrass. I love the Steeldrivers, Cher-ryholmes, Chris Stapleton, Dan Tyminski, and Ronnie Bowman. Check out Ronnie and Chris's song they wrote together 'Here I Am'. You won't be disappointed! I've been to different concerts anywhere from VNV Nation to Danzig to Ozomatli.

PW: How many years have you been attending the Free-dom Creek Festival in Pickens County? Tell us about your experience there. Teddy got to

come along this year. Do you camp?

RB: I have been go-ing since 2010. I didn't get to see Willie King live. He passed away the year before, in 2009. I enjoy listening to stories the various musicians tell about Willie because he influenced everyone differ-ently in their own special way. Everyone has a com-mon theme, and that's being positive about life. Everyone

I've met that knew him just wants to have a good time. I'm a big fan of The Secret. Everything happens for a reason.

I love that Freedom Creek is low key. It's like our own little secret place, once a year. However, it's not at Freedom Creek anymore. It's at Cookieman's Place [an indoor/outdoor venue in Aliceville, avail-able for events and parties]. Who's Cookie Man? I don't really know but I didn't see any cookies while I was there. And I love me some cookies!! It is convenient being closer to town. I hope it survives. I think it will. I still go and everyone always comes back because we all know it's not about the location, it's about the music. The

huge shade tree is nice too! I got to camp one time at

the festival. I remember it was hot, of course. It was at Cookie-man's Place in 2012 and a storm came rolling in. It was in the middle of the afternoon and a dark cloud was in the distance. I told my husband we better head back to the tent and put the rain fly on. Next thing we know we are getting hit by a microburst with 60 plus mile an hour winds. I looked out the tent and saw the tall pines bent over and started

screaming in exhilaration. It was a blast!

FAN FOLLOWING // PHOTOGRAPHER INSPIRED BY THE BLUES // PW INSPIRED BY THE PHOTOG

PHOTOS: Rachel Bolton

Depitction of a prehistoric wedding ceremony

Rachel Bolton

2014 Freedom Creek Festival // Danny "Mudcat" Dudeck (r) with SharBaby Newport in center of photo

Debbie Bond Trio playing at the Rock House Eatery in Guntersville, Ala. Rick Asherson

Debbie Bond / debbiebond.com

Continued on page 26


>>> T H E R I G H T T H I N G |J U DA H M A R T I N

the folks at ChuCk’s Fish and FIVE know that the simple things make all the difference, like when they wrap their shrimp in a strip of bacon. So simple. So brilliant.

Bacon enthusiasts rejoice. The same formula applied when

the restaurant’s management decided in May to raise their starting minimum wage by $3 to $10.25 an hour.

“We want our workers to be able to go out to have a beer when they want to, or to be able to go see a movie, to do all of those little things that will make them happy outside of work,” said Jason Greear, head chef for Chuck’s in Tuscaloosa.

For Alabama, the minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25 an hour and a lot of folks, for one reason or another, would like to keep it that way. The founder of Chuck’s Fish, Charles Morgan III, can’t speak for his father, a man known for his opposition to the ra-cial violence that plagued the south of his generation. Still, the elder Morgan is remembered as a man ahead of his time who, like his son, defied popular opinion in favor of doing what he felt was right.

Known to many by his nickname, "Chuck,” he worked as a civil rights law-yer and, after the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, he de-livered a controversial speech blaming Birmingham's white business establish-ment for profiting from the city’s racial tension. A slew of death threats forced

CARRYING THE TORCH // MINIMUM WAGE RAISED AT CHUCK'S FISH AND FIVE BAR

him to close his office and move his family to Atlanta. There, he established a regional office for the American Civil Liberties Union.

Now, in each of his son’s restaurants, several copies of a photo taken of the elder Morgan holding the 30-pound king mackerel he caught to win a fishing tournament in the 1980’s hang on the walls. The photos are accompanied by a large-type paragraph detailing his work during the civil rights movement.

"The restaurant is basically named for that photograph," the younger Mor-gan told The Birmingham News. "That's 'Chuck's fish.' That's about his only fish, but it was a good one."

While Morgan III may not be as involved in politics as his father, he seems to carry the torch of his legacy of pursuing change by doing something few businesses dare to.

“Some businesses and industries might be attracted to the state of Alabama because of the low minimum wage," Morgan told the Birmingham news. "The reason we're here is be-cause of the abundance of talented people in the work force."

At each location, all employees begin at $10.25 an hour. The store’s employees still work their normal hours, roughly 30 hours per week. Menu prices remain at the fixed rate they were sold for before the raise. Instead, the raise is funded by reallocating some of the restaurant’s normal profits.

"The people that work so hard for us

Charles Morgan III (L) and Chris Eddings (R)

— porters and line cooks — we want to make sure that they have just as much of a chance to earn a decent living, and we want them to be capable of climb-ing the wage ladder just as rapidly as anybody else in our restaurants," Cris Eddings, managing partner for both restaurants, told AL.com. "Across the board, we want everybody to have the same chance to achieve the same qual-ity of life no matter what position you're in in the restaurant. If you work with us, you're going to get paid well.”

According to Greear, the new raise increases the restaurant’s overall wage standard by 30 percent. He said that the standard wage increase for most restaurants usually tends to be only about ten to 15 percent.

“That’s what we feel is reasonable to live on,” Greear said. “A few of [our workers] have children to support. It’s easier for them now to be able to pay their bills and to do the things they need to do. [The decision to raise wages] came from the top down. The guys there saw a need and they ad-dressed it.”

Greear, 37, has worked for Chuck’s for three years, and has watched many employees who began in entry-level posi-tions rise through the restaurant’s ranks.

“They start on these lower stations and work their way up,” Greear said. “Generally, in terms of promotions, it’s all based on tenure and experience: how many stations you can run, what all you can do in the kitchen. And it all depends on the worker. Some of the guys only want to work one station.”

He pointed to an employee slicing a slab of meat behind the counter.

“Antonio over here can work all five stations,” he bragged, smiling.

When Antonio Sanders started working there three years ago, he was hired as a dishwasher. After about eight months, he asked Greear to be moved up to work as a chef. He didn’t have any prior professional experience as a chef, but he was raised in what he described as “a cooking family.” Greear though his skills just needed to be cultivated.

“We’re willing to train guys here,” Greear said. “If somebody has the drive to work, we can teach you and we can work with you.”

Greear said that the restaurant has a remarkably low turnover rate, and he

makes a point to maintain his current staff by training them so that they’re able to operate each of the restaurant’s stations. When he feels a worker has made sufficient progress, he contacts his supervisors to suggest a promotion.

“It’s easier to keep your employees than to have to retrain new people,” he said. “If I had to constantly train new guys, then we’re not going to have the same product and the easiest ways to keep employees is to make them happy.”

Still, the seasonal nature of the restaurant industry does present a small challenge. Typically, Greear oversees about 12 people who work in the kitchen, and another five porters who work in the back of the restaurant. Once business picks up during football season, he plans to hire an additional two kitchen workers for the duration of the season. Luckily, news of their new wage increase has attracted a fair share of applicants.

Maintaining consistency and high wages requires adherence to a formula, though. Greear suggested that a busi-ness can only do it successfully if they make a point to operate with a busi-ness strategy that is contingent on the success of those efforts. The unique thing about Chuck’s is that the store only operates from 5-10 p.m. Most of the workers begin preparing for the shift by coming in a few hours before, thereby allowing them to maintain a 30+ hour weekly schedule. By opening the store later in the day, managers can maintain a full staff with high wages.

“We bring in [new workers] based on skill and need,” Greear said. “I’m not going to hire someone unless I can give them the hours that they need.”


goes. We lived in air conditioned hotels converted to barracks, dined at fancy French restaurants and, in my case, got to rub shoulders with the best foreign news correspondents of the day.”

After the war, Brooks went into broadcast management where he ran a highly successful rock station in Den-ver. Later, he became president of the group that owned it and expanded to 12 stations. Eventually tiring of radio, which had become “absurdly corporatized,” he moved to Europe to salvage values and rediscover himself. In the UK he picked up where Anna Brown had left off; it is here that Brooks returned to writing.

In England’s West Country, he pub-lished a fantasy fiction book about King Arthur’s return. “Actually, it was more of a West Country tourism book.” Yet he credits that book with bringing him and artist Holly Sierra together for a unique project: creating a deck of tarot cards. Brooks is the wordsmith on this collabora-tion and Sierra is the artist. The contribution of both—Sierra's art is otherworld-ly and Brooks' descriptions and instructions are described as wise, clear, entertain-ing—has won accolades and attention; the deck was acquired by U.S. Game Systems, Inc.

When one mentions the word tarot, some people experience mixed emo-tions. This may be because it is so widely misunderstood. Briefly, let’s explain what Tarot is not.

Tarot is not divination in the strict, modern sense of the word; it does not conflict with religion. Everyone enjoys free will and takes, or at least should take, responsibility for their actions. Therefore, it follows there is no fixed, divine will for tarot to apprehend. Destiny is real, fate isn’t. Destiny is derived from the choices we make.

Tarot is a tool for personal and spiri-tual develop-ment. The society we live in tends to devalue the immate-rial – things it cannot see, smell, touch, taste or feel. The mystical is disparaged and dismissed as fringe and irrelevant to busy, mod-

>>> T O W N P R I D E | B R I D G E T T T R E J O

when one admIres a butterfly in all its elegance and beauty, the transition it experienced seldom gives pause. The chrysalis that protected it with hardened proteins, and prepared it for the flight ahead, is all but abandoned and forgot-ten. A similar process can be ascribed to all living things. We must be nurtured and meticulously created before we are born. Even after birth, we continue a journey that guides each individual to his or her destiny. This story is about one person’s inspiring journey; one with an ending that just might surprise you.

Toney Brooks was born and raised in Tuscaloosa. He attended Tuscaloosa High School and the University of Ala-bama.

"We all have mentors in our lives that come and go. My favorite was a teacher, Miss Anna Brown. Miss Anna taught Senior English at Tuscaloosa High School. She dubbed us, 'Little Lambs.' Somehow, Miss Anna made me want to sit still, study and learn, no small ac-complishment. She instilled the desire in her students to memorize Shakespeare. To appreciate Salinger. To marvel at Hemingway, a man who never met an adjective he couldn’t live without. Anna Brown made me and many of my contem-poraries want to write. She was the best teacher I ever had.”

Brooks went into the radio business instead. His 30-year career began in Tuscaloosa working for the legend-ary Bert Bank, a survivor of the WWII Bataan Death March in the Philippines. “Bert inspired, and employed, an entire generation of radio and TV majors at the University.” Brooks had risen in the ranks to program director at WTBC when Viet-nam knocked. But before that war, the children of the sixties narrowly avoided a far worse conflict.

“Bert reluctantly put me on the air in 1962 with strict instructions: play music, watch the wire machine, and don’t talk. Until then, I’d done odd jobs around WTBC ever since graduating high school in 1961. I would do most anything that would allow me to hang out at the sta-

tion, an experience that, to me, was like a dream come true. I went on the air in 1962 when the station converted to a 24-hour broadcast schedule. We did that because we all thought the world might blow sky high at any second. And it very nearly did.

“The Cuban Missile Crisis was an intense time, to say the least. My newly acquired on-air position required that I check the Associated Press wire ma-chine every 10-minutes from 3 a.m. until 6 a.m. No problem; I was officially a disc jockey. Another (more studious) Uni-versity of Alabama student handled the midnight to 3 a.m. shift, a difficult shift for a student. The late Stan Siegal, who eventually went into television, followed my show at 6.

“Stan’s brother, Don, was student body president at the University in 1964. I helped Don with his campaign, as did the radio station and everyone who worked there. We even covered the elec-tion results live from the Student Union (now Reese Phifer Hall). That was a first! Don’s now a partner in a large Birming-ham law firm.”

In Vietnam, shortly after the Tet of-fensive in 1968, Brooks was named War News Editor of the American Forces Vietnam Network located in Saigon. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

“I was the Walter Cronkite of Vietnam. I went on TV each evening to present war news to the troops, the international press corps, and Vietnamese civilians. I don’t know what the locals really thought of American soldiers, since the most popular TV programs at the Saigon sta-tion were Laugh In and Combat. There’s a message there, probably.

“One day after enjoying lunch at the floating restaurant on the Saigon River, a kid came running up to me. He pulled on my sleeve and said, ‘Combat star-ring Rick Jason and Vic Murrow.’ I think it was the only English he knew. I bet he thought I knew Jason and Murrow personally.

“Saigon was easy duty, as the saying

TUSCALOOSA'S TONEY BROOKS // "ENGENDERING SYNCHRONICITY"

IMAGES: HOLLY SIERRA

ern lifestyles. Consequently, there’s a grow-ing hunger for rational spiritu-ality.

Many are awakening to their spirituality through yoga, meditation, reiki, chakra work and other life-changing transformative tools, including tarot. Tarot is first and foremost a journey of self-discovery. It teaches us to listen to the inner voice and trust it.

To change the world, it’s often said that we must first change ourselves. This means we must alter our worldview from one of abject materialism to one that bal-ances the material and spiritual realms. By definition that is a paradigm shift.

Toney Brooks has a very unique way of looking at life that offers much inspira-tion, say those who know him. He and artist Holly Sierra designed Chrysalis Tarot with the idea of enhancing the world by re-imaging the metaphysical and emphasizing a renewed apprecia-tion for nature. Synchronicity, a Jungian concept, is defined as meaningful coin-cidence that aids discernment in making destiny-driven choices.

“We invented a fun-loving group of medieval troubadours made up of artists, musicians, mimes, poets, and muses, to replace traditional tarot court cards. In fact, we threw much of traditional 16th century tarot out the window. It had devolved into a thick and murky dogma with arcane sym-bols, irrelevant Kings, Queens, Knights, Her-mits, Hiero-phants (most people don’t even know what one is), and other subtle religious nuance.”

In addition to engendering synchronic-ity, the tarot deck Brooks and Sierra cre-ated, Chrysalis Tarot – the name suggests personal transformation – teaches how to communicate with one's personal uncon-scious and interact with the Collective Unconscious, which is like a memory bank for humanity. To learn more about Chrysa-lis Tarot, which has won rave reviews from around the world, visit chrysalistarot.com

Bridgett Trejo is a freelance writer liv-ing in New York state.


YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT // THEATRE TUSCALOOSA'S "HAIRSPRAY"

>>> T H E AT R E | A D A M M I L L E R

Blaine Duncan & the Lookers

theatre tusCaloosa presents "haIr-spray" July 18–27 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s Martin Cam-pus. This winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is family-friendly and piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire – to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her 'do!

Directing this production of "Hair-spray" is University of Alabama alumnus and current New York resident Michael Thomas Walker. Theatre Tuscaloosa Ex-ecutive Producer Tina Turley said she is excited to see "Hairspray" come together under Walker’s guidance.

“I had the pleasure of teaching Michael when he was in college, and last January he performed his one-man show, 'Bubba,' as a part of our Second-Stage program,” Turley said. “I am thrilled to have him back this summer to direct 'Hairspray'.”

After graduating from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Walker moved to New York City. He got his MFA in Theatre from Rutgers in 2012 and returned to NYC where he works in theatre, film and television. In 2006, Walker played the role of Edna in the na-tional tour of "Hairspray"; he reprised this role at the Walnut Street Theater in 2008.

“I am looking forward to revisiting this play,” Walker said. “I try to pick shows that

excite me and challenge me as a director, and "Hairspray" definitely does both.”

Walker said audiences should expect an exciting and hilarious musical comedy with a message.

“'Hairspray' is set in the 1960s, yet it’s still relevant in today’s society. The songs are catchy, the dance numbers are big, and there are a lot of humorous moments, but it also speaks about issues that are important right now such as bullying, iden-tity, segregation and racism,” Walker said.

Working alongside Walker, the "Hair-spray" production team includes: Chore-ographer Delle Kincaid, Musical Director Leslie Poss, Scenic Designer Wheeler Kincaid, Lighting Designer Erin Hisey, Costume Designer Jeanette Waterman, Sound Designer Frank Duren and Prop Designer Kim Palm.

The "Hairspray" cast brings together a vibrant mix of Theatre Tuscaloosa veterans and newcomers. Returning to the Bean-Brown stage are Tim Davis, Court-ney Dover, Gavin Dover, Craig First, Diva Hall, Candace Hilton, Clemmie LaShaun Hilton, Israel Hilton, Glen Johnson, Brent Jones, Lindsey Jones, Kaylee MacKnight, Emily McGuire, Drey Mitchell, Kim C. Palm, Charles Prosser, NorQuina Rieves, Wesley Rorex, Jenny Ryan, Christopher Smith, Logan Spradley, Destiny Stewart, William Travis and Kathy Wilson. They are joined by Theatre Tuscaloosa newcomers Matthew Dunkin, Caroline First, LaPorsha Lewis, Nicole Pietrangelo, Karina Simonis, and Emily Hoppe.

Hoppe said she is thrilled to make her Theatre Tuscaloosa debut as Tracy Turnblad.

"This is my second time to play Tracy, and I am just as excited as the first,"

Hoppe said. "'Hairspray' tackles serious issues like self-love and societal accep-tance in an energized, hilarious way. It is brilliantly put together – not a single dull moment. The songs are beyond fun, the scenes zip along, and everything is bigger than life! We are all having a blast, and so will the audience!"

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2013-14 Sea-son: Cheers to 15 Years! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Commu-nity College and is sponsored by Jamison Money Farmer and Co. "Hairspray" is sponsored by Ameriprise Financial, Buf-falo Rock and Play it Forward sponsor Bank of Tuscaloosa. Additional sponsors include Tanner & Guin LLC, Mercedes-Benz, Afflink, Warrior Roofing, Bank of Moundville, Left Hand Soap Company LLC, Randall-Reilly Publishing, f8 Produc-tions LLC, Martin Luther King, Jr. Real-izing The Dream Committee, TotalCom Marketing and Town Square Media.

Performances will take place Thurs-days-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays and Wednesday at 2pm. All proceeds of a pay-what-you-can final dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 17, at 7:30 pm, will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for

seniors (60+), and $14 for students and children. Special rates are available in advance for groups of 10 or more.

For more information or to purchase tick-ets, visit theatretusc.com or call 391-2277.


>>> RESTAURANTS | W H E R E T O E A T I N T U S C A L O O S A

BREAKFAST / DINNERBrown Bag9425 Jones Road | northport // 333.0970its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

City Cafe408 main ave | Downtown northport // 758.9171Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown northport. closed weekends.

CountryPride Restaurant3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215www.ta.travelcenters.comBreakfast 24 hours. lunch and Dinner buffet.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store4800 Doris pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282www.crackerbarrel.com

International House of Pancakes724 skyland Blvd // 366.1130

Jack's1200 Hackberry lane | tuscaloosa // 345.1199

Maggie's Diner1307 ty Rogers Jr. ave | tuscaloosa // 366.0302

Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant2715 mcfarland Blvd | tuscaloosa // 333.9312

Panera Bread1800 mcfarland Blvd *402 | tuscaloosa // 366.8780

Quick Grill1208 university Blvd | the strip | tuscaloosa // 342.0022

Rama Jama’s1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny stadium.

Tuscaloosa Burger & Poboys1014 7th ave. | tusaloosa // 764.1976sports bar, breakfast, seafood, cajun, and of course burgersover 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in tuscaloosaclosed mondays, tue. - thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night

The Waysider1512 Greensboro ave // 345.8239open for breakfast and lunch. smoke free.

MEXICANChipotle Mexican Grill1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 391.0140www.chipotle.com

Don Rafa's2313 4th street | temerson square // 345.9191

El Rincon (2 locations)1225 university Blvd | tuscaloosa, al // 366.08551726 mcfarland Blvd | northport // 330.1274

Fernando's Mexican Grill824 mcfarland Blvd E | northport // 205.331.4587

Iguana Grill1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 752.5895

Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill2001 new Watermelon Rd | northport // 342.3378

LaGran Fiesta9770 Hwy 69 s // 345.8871

Los Calientes Mexican Grill3429 mcfarland Blvd E // 553.1558

Los Tarascos (2 locations)1759 skyland Blvd // 553.88963380 mcfarland Blvd | northport // 330.0919

Margarita's Grill1241 mcfarland Blvd E // 343.0300

Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations)2330 mcfarland Blvd E // 342.14871130 university Blvd // 752.0234moes.com

Pepito’s (2 locations)1203 university Blvd | the strip // 391.90281301 mcfarland Blvd nE // 391.4861

Taco Mama2104 a university Blvd, tuscaloosa409-8173 FINE DININGChuck’s Fish508 Greensboro ave | Downtown tuscaloosa // 248.9370steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. open for dinner andsunday brunch. Great atmosphere and excellent service.ladies night on tuesdays. ladies receive ½ off on drinks.uptown Wednesday - $6 uptown shrimp, $8 uptown tacos. Cypress Inn501 Rice mine Rd // 345.6963fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location.steaks, seafood and more with southern flavor. Wine list,full bar. specialities of the house include shrimp cypress innand smoked chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friend-ly. closed saturday lunch. mike spiller is featured the firstthursday of every month. Happy Hour- mon-fri from 4:30

p.m. - 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails.

Epiphany Cafe19 Greensboro ave | Downtown tuscaloosa // 344.5583“new american cuisine” with a strong emphasis on localproduce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. the menuis always changing and features include an extensive wine list, a large vibrant bar and martini lounge area, as well as patio seating. Reservations are available online at epiph-anyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: mon–sat 5 p.m. - until

Evangeline’s1653 mcfarland Blvd. north // 752.0830located in the tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West alabamatourism award Winning Restaurant. american Eclecticcuisine. lunch: mon–fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: tues–sat 5 p.m. - until... fall: saturday Brunch.

FIVE Bar2324 6th street. // 205.345.6089a restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar.Dinner: sunday - thursday 5-10; friday and saturday 5-12lunch: friday and saturday 11-3; sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3five-bar.com; 205.345.6089

Kozy’s3510 loop Road E | near Va medical center // 556.4112Eclectic menu, extensive wine list. Dinner at Kozy’s is aromantic experience complete with candlelight and a roar-ing fireplace. |killionrestaurants.com/kozys/

Twin3700 6th st, tuscaloosa in tuscaloosa country club | 758-7528 | http://twinpowersactivate.comcertified usDa prime steaks; specialty sushi and cocktails. Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 10 p.m. JAPANESEBenkei Japanese Steak House1223 mcfarland Blvd // 759-5300Hours: mon–thurs 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | fri–sat 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar1306 university Blvd // 758.7426

Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant607 15th street open sunday through thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and friday and saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi502 15th street // 752.8844

Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar6521 Hwy 69 s | Hillcrest center // 366.1177offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. includingcooking at your table, if you choose. sun–thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. fri & sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Kobe Steak House1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 759-1400lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.sat & sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. ITALIANAvenue Pub405 23rd avenue

Broadway Pizzeria2880 Rice mine Road northeast tuscaloosa, // 391.6969

DePalma’s Italian Cafe2300 university Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879menu ranges from sanwiches to finer pasta dishes and pizza.Varied beer and wine selection.Hours: mon–thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | fri & sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.www.depalmascafe.com

Little Italy1130 university Blvd. | tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343

Mellow Mushroom2230 university Blvd // 758.0112pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. open dailyfor lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com

Mr. G’s908 mcfarland Blvd n | northport // 339-8505

Olive Garden2100 mcfarland Blvd E // 750-0321open daily from 11 a.m.www.olivegarden.com CASUAL DININGAvenue Pub405 23rd avenue // tuscaloosathe pub offers a different menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner. feature foods include pineapple french toast, pork sliders, and a house burger which changes daily. the drink menu features specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday Noon p.m. – 9 p.m.

Big Daddy’s Cafe514 Greensboro ave | Downtown tuscaloosa // 759.9925

The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner)450 mcfarland Blvd, northport // 462-3626

Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks2701 Bridge ave | northport // 339.4885

Buffalo Wild Wings2710 mcfarland Blvd // 523.0273mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | thurs–sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

>>> WINE REVIEW | J O N R O G E R S

Castello BanfI Is a family owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany that is known for their commitment to excel-lence and sparking a renaissance in the art of Italian winemaking.

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino is a dry red wine. The varietal is 100% Sangiovese and comes from the Tuscany region of Italy. Although from Tuscany, since it is not a special blend, this wine is not considered a Super Tuscan.

Alcohol content of Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino is 14.0% by volume according to the bottle.

According to the tasting notes, this wine comes from the estate vineyards

in the southern part of Montalcino where the soil is well-structured and calcareous.

Also, Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino is aged for 10-12 months in both French oak and Slavonian oak barrels. Following barrel aging

there is an additional 6 months of aging

in the bottle.For this

review, I had assistance from my friend Dave. He did a great job with a previ-ous review of J Lohr Wild-flower and his help was again much appreci-ated.

In ap-pearance, this Rosso di Montalcino from Banfi

was burgundy in color with per-

CASTELLO BANFI ROSSO di MONTALCINO 2011 // COMPLEX AND IT'S ALL GOOD

haps some copper in the rim.The wine was very leggy with two

waves of legs. The first wave fell really fast and the second fell slowly.

Banfi Rosso di Montalcino was very aromatic and the aroma was noticeable from afar. Dave immediately noticed black pepper, whereas I picked up smokiness and berries. There was a little kick in the nose of alcohol too.

We spent a good deal of time on the nose with this wine. As a result we ended up with some interesting observations. Dave noted the aroma to be similar to the aroma when smoking meats. He also picked up what he called “black ink like from a magic marker.”

I think it’s important to point out that all the complexities of the wine’s aroma were very enjoyable to us.

The Banfi Rosso di Montalcino was in-tense in its flavor, which we liked. Unmis-takably Sangiovese. I noticed berries in the taste with a little hint of dark chocolate at the end.

Tannins were well behaved with just a bit of bitterness noted. Mostly noticed behind the upper lip.

The wine’s finish was long with the alcohol carrying through.

Overall we both really enjoyed this medium dry, medium body Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese. Dave especially enjoyed the aroma and I liked the wine’s general complexity. There’s a lot going on with this wine! Recommend!

Price for Banfi Rosso di Montalcino about $22.00.

Please visit my blog at honestwinere-views.com.

“Wine had such ill effects on Noah’s health that it was all he could do to live 950 years. Show me a total ab-stainer that ever lived that long.”

~ Will Rogers ~


Chicken Salad Chickthe shoppes at midtown & Essex square, northport | said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www.chickensaladchick.com

Chili’s1030 skyland Blvd | near mcfarland mall // 750.8881fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com

Dave’s Dogs1701 mcfarland Blvd E | university mall // 722.2800

Five Guys Burgers & Fries1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 391.0575www.fiveguys.com

Glory Bound Gyro Company2325 university Blvd // 349-0505Glory Bound Gyro company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere.open mon-thu: 11am - 10pm | fri - sat: 11am-10pm |sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Hooligan’s1915 university Blvd // 759.2424from hamburgers to hummus. open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Horny's508 Red Drew ave | tuscaloosa // 345.6869mon 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | tues-thurs 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.fri 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. | sat 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.new orleans style atmosphere in the heart of tuscaloosa onthe strip. Horny's offerings include a full liquor bar, beer, anda variety of classic american food. Horny's Bar and Grill offers a limited late night menu from 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.

Tacogi500 Greensboro ave | Downtown tuscaloosa // 342.3647

Logan's Roadhouse1511 skyland Blvd E // 349.3554

Madear’s1735 culver Road // 343.7773mon–fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar511 Greensboro ave | Downtown tuscaloosa // 391.0572Great burgers & sandwiches. unique setting, full service bar,veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open latewww.mugshotsgrillandbar.com

Newk’s Express Cafe205 university Blvd. East // 758.2455fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.coman express casual dining experience in a refreshing andstylish atmosphere. serving fresh tossed salads, oven bakedsandwiches, california style pizzas and homemade cakes fromnewk’s open kitchen.sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | thurs–sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

O’Charley’s3799 mcfarland Blvd // 556.5143open daily for lunch, dinner and sunday brunchwww.ocharleys.com

Panera Bread1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 366.8780www.panerabread.com

Piccadilly Cafeteria1701 mcfarland Blvd E | university mall // 556.4960www.piccadilly.com

Quick Grill1208 university Blvd | the strip // 342.0022www.bamaquickgrill.com

Ruby Tuesday (2 locations)6421 interstate Drive | cottondale // 633.3939Just off i-20/59 at exit 77. near Hampton inn and microtel inn311 merchants Walk | northport // 345.4540www.rubytuesdays.com

Ryan’s4373 courtney Dr // 366.1114near marriott courtyard and fairfield inn Sitar Indian Cuisine500 15th st // 345-1419

Southland Restaurant5388 skyland Blvd E // 556.3070steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetablesmon–fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

The Southern Dining Room Grill (Behind Ryan's)4251 courtney Dr, tuscaloosa331-4043

T-Town Café500 14th street, tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.co mon - fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., sat: 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. sun: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuscaloosa Burger & Poboys1014 7th ave. | tusaloosa // 764.1976sports bar, breakfast, seafood, cajun, and of course burgersover 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in tuscaloosaclosed mondays, tue. - thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night

Zoe’s Kitchen312 merchants Walk // 344.4450a wonderful selection of Greek foods

SPORTS GRILLBaumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa500 Harper lee Drive | catering-pick-up tuscaloosa //556.5858 | always fresh and always fun. owned by former ua/miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid friendly

Buffalo Phil’s1149 university Blvd | the strip // 758.3318sports grille with tVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar

Billy's Sports GrillHistoric Downtown northport / 879.2238Good food, beverages and family friendlyMonday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday

through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm).

Buffalo Wild Wings2710 mcfarland Blvd. East | tuscaloosa // 523.0273sports grille with tVs galore. Diverse beer and wineselection, full bar

Champs Sports Grille320 paul Bryant Drive | inside four points sheraton Hotel // 752.3200Breakfast and lunch buffets. sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hooter’s5025 oscar Baxter Dr | next to Jameson inn // 758.3035Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girlswww.hooters.com

Innisfree Irish Pub1925 university Blvd | tuscaloosa // 345.1199

Moe's BBQ101 15th street | Downtown tuscaloosa // 752.3616mon-sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.Bar open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m. on fridays

Mugshots Grill & Bar511 Greensboro ave // 391.0572Great burgers. full service bar. open late.www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com

Tuscaloosa Burger & Poboys1014 7th ave. // 764.1976sports bar, breakfast, seafood, cajun, and of course burgersover 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in tuscaloosaclosed mondays, tue. - thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night

Wilhagan’s2209 4th st | Downtown tuscaloosa // 366.0913

Wings U 1800 mcfarland Blvd East suite 218 | pick-up tuscaloosa // 561.3984 features the first coal-fired pizza oven in alabama. owned by former ua/miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. completely open concept! www.wingsu.com

WingZone1241 mcfarland Blvd E | tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUEArchibald & Woodrow's BBQ4215 Greensboro ave | tuscaloosa // 331.4858mon-sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | sun lunch

Bama BBQ & Grill3380 mcfarland Blvd | northport // 333.9816

Dickey's BBQ9770 alabama 69; midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 north at Rose Blvd. Great texas Barbecue.344.6500

Dreamland (2 locations)5535 15th ave | tuscaloosa // 758.8135101 Bridge ave | northport // 343.6677the legend. on game day, get there early if you want to makekickoff. seating is limited. Hours: mon–sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Hick’s BBQ4400 fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // tues–sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Moe's Original BBQ2101 university Blvd.. // 752.3616serving up an award-winning, all things southern BBQand live music experience. come dine-in or sit on thepatio and enjoy some great Que, beers, whiskey, and livemusic on thursday-saturday. Roll tide!mon–sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service mon-sat 2am andfri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm

Pottery Grill (2 locations)Highway 11 cottondale // 554.18153420 alabama 69, northport // 333.5848menu: thepotterygrill.comawesome barbecue. the pottery Grill serves up everything from pork, chicken, ribs and sausage to burgers, hot dogs and salads. take-out and catering available.

Tee’s Ribs and Thangs1702 10th avenue // 366.997411 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKSLogan’s Roadhouse1511 skyland Blvd | next to sams // 349.3554steaks, ribs and spirits

Longhorn Steakhouse1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 345-8244 #412

Nick's In the Sticks4018 culver Rd | tuscaloosa // 758.9316a long-time tuscaloosa tradition.Good steaks at a reasonable pricetry a nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

Outback Steakhouse5001 oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000

Twin Restaurant3700 6th street |tuscaloosa | 758-7528 a full service restaurant specializing in sushi, prime steaks, made fresh daily pasta, and whiskey oriented cocktails11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. // former tuscaloosa country club SEAFOODChuck’s Fish508 Greensboro ave // 248.9370

>>> RESTAURANTS | W H E R E T O E A T I N T U S C A L O O S A ( C O N T . ) >>> BEER REVIEW | B R E T T R E I D

FLORIDA CRACKER // SO-SO // DECENT SUMMER BEER

bites in the back of my cheeks and jaw from all the citrus that has been packed into this beer. It’s just a little too harsh for my tastes, but some people may be into that. There were some nice aspects of the taste, but not enough to make me rave about it.

The mouthfeel was pretty light; good for a summer time beer, as it is intended to be. The main problem I had, was that it was highly carbonated and didn’t feel great on the tongue. Coupled with light body, this would be an alright session beer for the beach or in the summer in general. If the beer had been a bit smoother and had a little less of the harsh citrus, I could drink this beer all day long.

Overall, this was a miss for me by one of my favorite breweries right now. I know that they can’t do everything right all the time, but at the same time, you come to expect a certain standard of quality from a brewery. This just missed on almost all the marks for me and I wish it hadn’t. I would probably only drink this if someone else bought it from now on, because of this experience. I’ll know next time, but more importantly, I’m glad I didn’t make my dad drink this and make him think this is the kind of beer that I enjoy drinking. That would be a lie. A lie on Father’s Day.

In CeleBratIon of father’s Day, I spent the day with my dad working on his new house. We ate some gnarly Mexican food, presented gifts, and then brought the party back home where we sat outside and drank some beers. He chose Coors Light, he has a refined palate as you can tell, and I went with the Florida Cracker from, my favorite as of late, Cigar City. I picked up this six-pack while I was in Orlando and I’m just about to the end of it. I was expect-ing a little more out of this one, and I might even be inclined to say I was a little disappointed. I’ve come to expect so much, but this just really wasn’t hitting the right marks for me.

Being the men that we are, we drank out of the cans, so no pouring was happening here. As always, I looked it up online, and it seems from many reviews that this bad boy pours a cloudy straw color with tons of bright white head that lingers for ages. The smell was quite po-tent, but in a good way, I suppose. There was a lot of lemon and other citrus fruits accompanied by some coriander and something like clove, maybe? There was a light, earthy note to it that didn’t really settle well with me, almost spoiled. It had that classic smell of old stale beer that we’re all so accustomed to, but none of us enjoy, at least I hope you don’t enjoy that rancid smell. Anyways, I was look-ing to move past the aroma, as it left me with some doubts as to what this would actually be like, but I wasn’t completely excited about this one.

The flavor pretty much mirrors the aroma with the lemon and coriander, but the sour taste that I smelled came power-ing in with a vengeance. Midway through, you start to get some flavors in the way of orange peel that seem to continue to the back of your tongue and into the corners of your cheeks. There is an astringent quality that can be accredited to the citrus in this brew, which is somewhat unappealing to me. At the end, you really start to pick up on the malt character that seems to come in around the same time you pick up on the hops. The hop profile is much more earthy and herbal that I would like for a Belgian, but the yeasts pair with it nicely to add a sweetness to it that the beer really needs to make it drinkable. By having this component, the quality of the beer skyrockets by making it very nicely balanced, because you still get some of that sharp lemon bitterness that is now tamed to a consumable level. I continued to keep getting those harsh


>>> RESTAURANTS | W H E R E t o E a t i n t u s c a l o o s a ( c o n t . )

Happy Hour 3pm-6pm with $5 house wine, $5 top shelf, $3 well. $1 off bottle beer

Red Lobster2620 mcfarland Blvd // 553.8810mcfarland plaza shopping center

Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 4851 Rice mine Rd nE #460 // 462.3399mcfarland plaza shopping center & temerson square

Wintzell’s Oyster House1 Bridge ave | northport // 247.7772casual riverfront diningsun–thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | fri–sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

CHINESEBuffet City1747 skyland Blvd E // 553.3308all you can eat buffet. open 7 days a week.

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant1825 mcfarland Blvd n // 391.9131China Fun2600 university Blvd | alberta city // 553.2435

China GardenHwy 69 s | Hillcrest center // 758.0148

Hot Wok Express6751 alabama 69, tuscaloosa // 758.0148

Lee Palace6521 Highway 69 s // 391.9990open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market514 14th st. | in the oz music shopping center //343.6889 // open sun - thu 11am - 9pm,fri & sat 11am - 9:30pm

Pearl Garden2719 lurleen Wallace Blvd | northport // 339.0880

Peking Chinese Restaurant1816 mcfarland | northport // 333.0361open 7 days a week. super lunch and dinner buffet.Hours: sun–thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | fri & sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Swen Chinese Restaurant1130 university Blvd | the strip // 391.9887

Trey Yuen4200 mcfarland Blvd E // 752.0088

ASIAN CUISINERuan Thai1407 university Blvd // 391.9973ruanthaituscaloosa.comExotic thai cuisine. offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining,and a full bar. sushi on thursdays.lunch: mon–sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: mon–thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. fri & sat 5 p.m. -10pm | sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

Surin of Thailand1402 university Blvd // 752.7970authentic thai restaurant and sushi bar. open daily.lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.www.surinofthailand.com

PIZZA AND SUBSA Taste Of Chicago1700 Greensboro avenue 205-342-DoGsmon. - thurs. 10:00am - 9:00pm; fri. - sat. 10:00am - 10:00pm17th street and Greensboro avenue. authentic chicago style foods with a taste of chi-town in every bite. italian Beef sandwiches, chicago Rib tips, and chicago style pizza.View our menu online and order at cRimson2Go.com. follow us @tasteofchicagottown on instagram.

California Underground13552 Highway 43, northport | 339.8660

Firehouse Subs1130 university Blvd | tuscaloosa // 248.0680

Hungry Howie’s (2 locations)1105 southview ln | south tuscaloosa // 345.60001844 mcfarland Blvd | northport // 333.26331211 university Blvd | tuscaloosa | the strip // 366.15004851 Rice mine Rd | northriver/Holt // 345.3737

Lenny’s Sub Shop220 15th st // 752.7450fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com

Little Caesars Pizza1414 10th ave // 366.2220www.littlecaesars.com

Little Italy1130 university Blvd. // 345.4354

Mellow Mushroom2230 university Blvd | Downtown tuscaloosa // 758.0112

Subs n' You2427 university Blvd. | tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088

Roly Poly Sandwiches2300 4th street | tuscaloosa // 366.1222

The Pita Pit1207 university Blvd | the strip // 345.9606Hours: mon–sat 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. | sun 11:30 a.m. - mid-night

Pizza Palace Buffet6521 alabama 69 tuscaloosa, al 35405752.5444

Tut’s Place1306 university Blvd | the strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSENHoneybaked Ham Company421 15th st. E // 345.5508www.honeybaked.com

Jason’s Deli2300 mcfarland Blvd // 752.6192fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.comlocated in the meadowbrook shopping center.

Jimmy John’s (3 locations)1400 university Blvd | the strip // 366.36991875 mcfarland Blvd n | northport // 752.7714815 lurleen B. Wallace s | tuscaloosa // 722.2268Delivery 7 days a week.www.jimmyjohns.com

Manna Grocery & Deli2300 mcfarland Blvd E | tuscaloosa // 752.9955

McAlister’s Deli (2 locations)101 15th st | tuscaloosa // 758.00393021 tyler Dr | northport // 330.7940sandwiches, salads and spudswww.mcalistersdeli.com

Momma Goldberg’s Deli409 23rd ave // 345.5501www.mommagoldbergs.com

Newk's205 university Blvd E | tuscaloosa // 758.2455

Schlotsky’s Deli405 15th st. E // 759.1975schlotskys.com

Which Wichuniversity Blvd.// Downtown tuscaloosa // mon – sat 10:30 – 9 // sunday 11 – 7 // fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

COFFEE SHOPBarnes & Noble1800 mcfarland Blvd E | tuscaloosa349.6366

Chloe's Cup2117 university Blvd.| tuscaloosa // 764.0218

Crimson Cafe International Coffee House & Gourmet Deli1301 university Blvd | the strip // 750.0203mon–fri 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. | sat & sun 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.thecrimsoncafe.com

Five Javacoffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from mary's cakes. open monday - saturday at 7am; 9am on sundays

Heritage House18 mcfarland Blvd | northport // 758.0042

Krispy Kreme Doughnut1400 mcfarland Blvd // 758.6913www.krispykreme.com

Starbucks (2 locations)1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 343.24681901 13th ave East | inside super target // 462.1064starbucks.com

DESSERTSCelebrations Bakery, Inc.1832 mcfarland Blvd n | northport // 339.3221fax: 349.1945

Cold Stone Creamery1130 university Blvd. | tuscaloosa //343.1670www.coldstonecreamery.comspecializes in customized ice creamHours: mon–thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | fri & sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Mary's Cakes & Pastries412 22nd avenue | behind opus | northport // 345.8610www.maryscakesandpastries.common–fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Smoothie King (2 locations)415 15th street | tuscaloosa // 349.1721fax: 349.19451403 university Blvd | tuscaloosa // 462.3664

Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats2217 university Blvd. | Downtown tuscaloosa // 561.6458a fun and friendly make your own creation,yogurt experience!

TCBY (3 Locations)2304 mcfarland Blbd | meadowbrook shopping center //349.4661 // 2 mcfarland Blvd | northport | Essex shoppingcenter // 758.6855 // 1130 univ. Blvd. | the strip // 345.0804

Yogurt In Lovepatriot center 7402 Highway 69 southphone number: 764.9173 fax number: 764.9228monday-thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.friday & saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm..Yogurt Lab920 paul W. Bryant Dr ste 200 | tuscaloosa // 347.9522

Yogurt Mountain1800 mcfarland Blvd E | midtown Village // 342.1484self-serve frozen yogurt experiencemon–thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | fri & sat 11 a.m. - midnight

>>> RESTAURANT REVIEW | C I N D Y H U G G I N S

A TASTE OF TEXAS // DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT // I'M GOING BACK

onCe, I was asked by a Texan if I had ever tried Texas barbecue. I smiled and simply replied, “Have you ever tried Alabama barbecue?” I get a little defen-sive when it comes to Alabama food. Many would argue that Alabama has the best barbecue in the south. How-ever, there is no exact science to what determines the best barbecue. Bringing the taste of Texas to town is Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. Dickey’s provides Texas-style barbecue which is smoked on-site daily. I am pleased to say, I have tried Texas barbecue and it’s pretty darn good.

As soon as my husband opened the door to Dickey’s, I smelled the sweet and smoky aroma of barbecue. My mouth watered. The restaurant is quaint and furnished for casual family dining. The look of the restaurant was that of a western theme with wagon wheel light fixtures and distressed novelty signs. A few flat screen televisions line the walls. As soon as you enter the door your eyes hit the menus hanging from the ceiling. Ordering is done at the counter. All the obvious choices are offered, pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket, and chicken. A few surprises were on the menu, including barbecue honey ham, spicy cheese sausage, and pol-ish sausage. As I read the menu out loud, the employee behind the counter added “and alligator and kangaroo.” His straight face cracked with a smile as he glanced over at his co-worker saying “man, I couldn’t keep a straight face!” The employees were nice and genu-inely pleasant.

As appetizing as the fictional kan-garoo and alligator sounded, I went with the pulled pork plate ($9.50). My husband took a chance and ordered the barbecue ribs plate ($9.50). Including two drinks the ticket came out to just under $30.

My eyes widened with excitement when we rounded the corner to fix our drinks. Sitting at the end of the bev-erage station were complementary ice cream cones! Barbecue and ice cream — such a treat. By the time we topped off our drinks and filled up extra cups of barbecue sauce, our food was served. My pulled pork plate was ac-

companied with a side of macaroni and cheese and barbecue beans. Sweet barbecue sauce was thinly spread across the pork. Dickey’s offers up two other sweet and spicy sauces for your barbecue enjoyment. The spicy sauce had a nice tangy kick to it. A little too hot for my taste buds. The sweeter sauce was a favorite, with a hint of tang. For some reason, I felt the need to start with the sides. Judging by the look of the macaroni and cheese, it was obvious that it was prepared with over-processed cheese, or, as some refer to it today, “liquid gold.” Nonethless, it was not terrible. It was warm, soft, and creamy. The barbecue beans were underwhelming. They were sweet, but lacking a complementary ingredient like bell pepper or sausage. My husband had a side of the macaroni and cheese and waffle fries. The waffle fries were seasoned and had a mild Cajun taste. They were delicious! Next came the main course, the pulled pork. I gathered a little bit of pork off of the top, dabbed it in the sweet sauce, and stabbed a pickle slice. It was very good. The pork was flavorful and honestly did not need too much sauce. My husband’s ribs were tender and had a satisfying amount of meat. The bark with a chunk of meat made the best bite. Even with full bellies, we could not resists the free vanilla ice cream cones. We really enjoyed the taste of Texas Dickey’s Barbecue Pit brings to Bama and will definitely make plans to visit again.

Dickeys Barbecue Pit has two loca-tions in Tuscaloosa and one in North-port. They are open daily from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Tweet us @ThePlan-etWeekly and let us know where you are eating!

Cindy Huggins, RDN, LD is a regis-tered dietitian nutritionist, food service director, and local “ foodie!” Follow her on Twitter @DietitianCindy.


the soldIer that tom Cruise plays in “Edge of Tomorrow” gets his butt kicked all over creation. “Bourne Identity” director Doug Limon’s supercharged, imaginative, science fiction time-loop thriller synthesizes elements of “Starship Troopers” and “Source Code.” Surpass-ing Cruise’s earlier desolation Earth outing “Oblivion,” “Edge of Tomorrow” differs chiefly in terms of story and set-ting. Although “Oblivion” occurred on post-apocalyptic planet Earth, “Edge of Tomorrow” takes place before the apocalypse, with mankind desperately pitted against aggressive extraterrestri-als with no compassion. Lightning-fast, squid-like creatures called ‘Mimics’ have invaded Earth. These invincible whirling dervishes with tentacles have been on the warpath now for the last five years, blitzing their way across the European continent, and advancing toward Eng-land without any sign of slowing down. Predictably, Cruise lands on his feet in the middle of this catastrophic, life and death mayhem. He doesn’t play the usual heroic character that he played in “Top Gun.” This represents the first time Cruise has portrayed a yellow-livered skunk. He goes from being a coward to a hero in an arc that is as entertaining as the film is exciting. You can differen-tiate Tom Cruise movies by how often he gets his butt kicked. Remember “The Last Samurai?” Cruise had to grovel in that splendid fish-out-of-water spectacle set in Japan. Usually Cruise doesn’t grovel. His groveling, however, makes his subsequent acts of heroism all the more convincing. Mind you, “Edge of Tomorrow” would still qualify as a good, solid movie even if Cruise weren’t get-ting kicked all over creation. Mankind is poised on the brink of extinction as these insatiable aliens decimate popula-tions. The futuristic, 80-pound, exoskel-eton combat suits that the soldiers wear looks as cool as the aliens are imitating. Everything about “Edge of Tomorrow” looks great. This isn’t a shiny, chrome-plated, sci-fi epic, but a tarnished, grungy-looking one. Some of the perfor-mances stand out. As Master Sergeant Farrell, Bill Paxton steals every scene BACKROAD ANTHEM

"EDGE OF TOMORROW" // EXCITING AND IMMENSELY ENTERTAINING

>>> F I L M | V A N R O B E R T S

that he has with his Southern-fried drawl, while Brendan Gleeson makes a curt supreme army commander and reminded me of Norman Schwarzkopf. Last but not least, lean-muscled Emily Blunt is pretty hard-nosed and business-like as the pugnacious ‘Angel of Verdun.’ Alongside these fine performers, Cruise holds his own as a disgraced officer who redeems himself in the crucible of combat.

Oscar winning “Usual Suspects” sce-narist Christopher McQuarrie and “Fair Game” co-scribes Jez and John-Henry Butterworth have adapted Japanese au-thor Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel “All You Need is Kill,” which came out in Decem-ber 2004. As a military public relations officer for the United Defense Force, Major William Cage (Tom Cruise of “War of the Worlds”) has never fired a shot in combat, but he does a commendable job as long as he is stationed far behind the lines. Imagine Cage’s horror when UDF General Brigham (Brendan Gleeson of “Braveheart”) decides to embed him with ground troops as they storm the French beaches in a last ditch effort to thwart the Mimics. Cage flatly refuses Brigham’s orders to follow the troops into battle. Not only does Brigham order Cage arrested and demoted to buck private, but he also assigns him to join a first wave combat unit. Although “Edge of Tomorrow” is a sci-fi saga, the beach-head scenes where Cage and his unit are flown into action against the Mim-ics is reminiscent of Spielberg’s classic “Saving Private Ryan.” Like “Starship Troopers,” the soldiers are flown into combat and dropped from helicopter-style planes. Once on the ground, the troops rely on their heavily armed battle suits to shred the Mimics with fusillades of gunfire. The Mimics are slaughter-ing soldiers left and right until one of them smashes headlong into Cage. Our terrified protagonist uses a mine to kill one. When Cage kills a large ‘Alpha’ Mimic, the slimy critter douses him with its blood. Incredibly enough, despite dying from the Mimic’s blood, Cage discovers that he gets another chance to live and fight again! Essentially, like the Jake Gyllenhaal character in “Source

Code,” Cage relives the first day over and over until he encounters another soldier, Sergeant Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt of “Loopers”), who experienced the same sensation when a large ‘Alpha’ Mimic killed her. Before he meets Rita, Cage is killed several times in combat. Meantime, each time that he dies, Cage awakens just as suddenly to find himself back at Camp Heathrow alive and well. Director Doug Limon displays quite a bit of flair in handling the same scene over and over again. Each time that Cage reawakens from his death, he devises new ways to contend with the Mimics. Sergeant Rita explains to Cage that the same thing occurred to her at Verdun until she received a blood transfusion. Eventually, as he relives the same day over and over again ad nauseam, Cage becomes so familiar with the turbulent events of that day that he can anticipate when and where the Mimics will strike. Before long, Rita trains Cage so that they become a dynamic duo, and they dis-cover that the Mimics have a secret that makes them invincible. When they try to convince their superiors, especially Gen-eral Brigham, that they can destroy the Mimics, they are treated as deserters.

Although it boasts some fascinating as well as formidable alien adversaries,

“Edge of Tomorrow” doesn’t emphasize horror so much as tension and sus-pense. Meaning, you can watch it and not worry about leaving your lights on when you sleep for fear of nightmares. Basically, it boils down to a crackerjack mission movie with Cruise and Blunt assembling up their own crew of misfits to destroy the aliens and save the day. Director Doug Limon and his writers steer clear of romance in any way, shape, or form. The single drawback to this otherwise atmospheric, first-rate actioneer is that the filmmakers don’t provide enough details about the invad-ers from space. Nevertheless, watching Tom Cruise get killed dozens of times until he knows what to do is as stimulat-ing as it is amusing.

««« 3 out of 4


>>> EXPLORING ALABAMA | J E R O M E A DA M S

FORT TOMBECBE // IMMERSION ARCHAEOLOGYPhotos: Jerome Adams

thIs sprIng the unIversIty of West Alabama offered an undergraduate course titled Archaeology Field School at Fort Tombecbe under the guidance of Professor Ashley Dumas, designer and anthropologist. Class started at breakfast and ended after supper with a lecture. Wednesday evening's class involved a lab so the collected artifacts could be processed properly. The objectives of the course were stated in the announcement for the course as follows: "Participants will learn the basics of archaeological excava-tion and artifact processing at the colonial Fort Tombecbe site(1736-1797) on the Tombigbee River in west Alabama."

The site had been investigated in the 1980s but not much else had been done since then. Two years ago Dr. Dumas con-ducted a similar class as described above and this year's "dig" was a continuation.

The French were the original build-ers on the site, followed by England and finally, Spain, before the territory became part of the United States of America. Each country built structures generally us-ing the same site with modifications and additions/subtractions. The humidity, soil material and climate in general caused the structures to decay fairly rapidly. Each succeeding group had to rebuild struc-tures using some of the materials left by the others.

Under the shallow topsoil is a huge chalk layer left from when an ocean covered what is now called the Black Belt area. Chalk is the remains of tiny creatures that lived there 80 million years ago and presented a challenge to build-

ers. Europeans constructed ovens for bread-making, using mud and bricks of clay. However, chalk, though rigid at first, crumbles when heated. Clay had to be brought in for ovens and fireplaces. When mixed with the chalk the resulting material was still weak.

In one of the "units" (a marked off area under investigation) that participants BJ and Jean were exploring, broken pieces of orange colored bricks (clay material) indicated what may have been a fireplace of the barracks area for the soldiers. They also uncovered pieces of lead which may have been where the soldiers made shot

for their guns.Dr. Dumas had copies of very old

drawings of the fort site used by the differ-ent military groups and information from previous archaeological investigations. This allowed an "educated" guess of the location of structures. Differences in the colors and textures of the chalk layer indicated walls, trenches, and other clues became data to locate their positions. Near the bottom of one indication of a post was a circular spot where an iron nail had been driven into the post and into the chalk to give more support.

On the day of this investigation partici-pants had been working for three weeks and had become quite familiar with the site and artifacts found. The next day was to be an "Open House" with the commu-nity invited to see the "dig."

All of the students and volunteers working there seemed to be sincerely interested in this archaeological investiga-

tion and were asked if they would like to be involved in another in the future. For most it was the first "hands-on" field study they had ever done.

A "dig" is hard work and in the late spring in Alabama, very warm. However, when artifacts are discovered buried for three hundred years it can be quite rewarding. In par-ticipant Lee's unit he found a small piece of cloth that had survived due to some type of micro-envi-ronmental condition! Dr. Dumas identified it as possibly linen. In other units, pieces of Choctaw pottery with

decorative markings were found. Also, Eu-ropean type ceramic pieces of dishes with decorations and glaze were recovered. Iron nails and lead shot bits, and a red bead were also found. Bones of different kinds of animals such as deer were clues to the diet of the occupants of the forts.

What one hears may soon be forgot-ten. That which one sees may be remem-bered longer. Understanding comes from being involved in the learning. Dr. Ashley Dumas' design of The Archaeology Field School at Fort Tombecbe covered all bases. It is not likely that any participant will ever forget this experience while Ex-ploring Alabama!


>>> CO M M U N I T Y // JUDAH MARTIN

FROM THE GROUND, UP // STUDENTS CREATE HEALTHY EATING HABITS

new ChIldren greet the Druid City Garden Project curriculum with naive wonder.

Wait, so you really can grow food? What about ice cream, can you grow ice cream?

Originally, the Druid City Garden Project was intended to be a part of a nationwide trend of using vacant, ur-ban spaces to grow produce to sell for subsidized rates and give away for free to anyone willing to help out with the farming. Instead, the first space they found was at University Place Elementary School. The project's staff and volunteers realized then that they could potentially make a different kind of impact.

If only they could grow ice cream.The children's questions might seem

cuter if their eating habits were not so troubling. Instead, they are a haunting re-minder of just how far Alabama has drifted away from its not-so-distant agricultural past.

Ironically, Alabama is one of few states

in the U.S. where weather conditions are fair enough that produce can be grown year-round without pause. Temperatures reached a record low for the state during this past winter, and still food was pro-duced.

Given the circumstances, Lindsay Turner, executive director for the Druid City Garden Project, finds it more than just a little unsettling that the concept of growing their own food now seems foreign to so many children.

"We've lost our understanding of why eating food that's grown locally is im-portant," she said. "In Alabama, that's a remarkable change."

Of course this could have something to do with the economic demographics of the schools she has worked in, too. In almost all of the schools, at least 80 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch. For a family living on a compromised in-come, getting to choose where their food comes from and how it is grown can seem like a luxury they can't afford.

Before working with the garden proj-ect, Turner headed Homegrown Alabama Farmer’s Market, where she helped to implement an incentive program for customer’s using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly called food stamps. With the garden proj-ect, low-income families are introduced to farmer’s markets directly, where they can purchase fresh produce from the garden project at subsidized rates.

Turner insists that poverty should not prevent a family for accessing healthy food.

"This is critically important to under-stand," Lindsay said. "Alabama is one of the most obese states in the nation, and a growing number of our children and adults are running into these health conditions like hypertension, blood clots, high blood pressure."

The goal of the Druid City Garden Project is to reach children in the critical habit-forming phases of their youth and change the way they think about food and how it is produced. The project was founded in 2010 after Andrew Grace and his wife, Rashmi, filmed a documentary called Eating Alabama that chronicled a year they spent exploring and eating only locally grown food. Since then, the garden project has moved into two other schools, Woodland Forest Elementary School and the Sunshine High School in Hale County. In the fall, they will implement programs at the Tuscaloosa Magnet School and Oakdale Elementary School.

The project's staff and volunteers designed a curriculum for students that is based on the state's education standards. Now, instead of learning about plants in a classroom, the children can put their feet in the dirt and grow their own.

Josalyn Randall, garden manager for the project and a professor in New Col-lege at the University, guides the students along. Randall, now 34, has been growing her own food and eating locally since she was an undergraduate in college and now spends about 30 hours gardening each week. For her, sharing her knowledge with students is a labor of love.

"The kids are willing to try foods that they wouldn't have before because they've had a part in growing them," Randall said. "They've started those seeds, they've watched them grow into a plant. They'll eat radishes and arugula and salad mix right out of the garden. Kids will come to the farm stands with their parents and they say “Mom, buy that broccoli, I grew that!’"

With her help, the University Place students learn gardening in all of its hideous glory. To their horror, Randall tells them how “amazingly good” worm poop is for their food. They even have their own worm castings, housed in a bin where the worms chew through mounds of discarded cabbage and other types of greens. The bin’s stench is unbearable, but the com-

posting produced is necessary, since the garden’s red clay soil is too mineral-rich to produce food reliably without it. Also, Randall is pretty sure the garden used to be a parking lot at some point.

The garden is divided into multiple sections, and the students work primarily with plants grown in raised beds, growing produce like radishes, collard greens and kale.

“They do tastings sometimes and the lessons will be completely centered around the food, and they'll get to harvest and actually prepare a meal,” Randall said.

That’s usually a lesson for the older kids. To meet the state’s education requirements, the lesson involves using traditional math skills to measure and weigh the food for the meal.

As part of the project’s Budding Entrepreneur’s program, the students learn basic business and financial literacy skills by helping to run the weekly farm. Generally, most items are sold for only a dollar or two, cheaper than grocery store prices and even the other farmer’s market vendors.

Starting in the fall, University Place students will run their garden without the garden project’s help. Though the garden project aims to spend only three years working directly with each school, they have been with University Place for four years, since the school’s original garden was destroyed by the 2011 tornado.

“This year, the students be fully responsible for starting their seeds, doing their planting,” Randall said.

To prepare for the transition, teachers from the school have already formed a gar-den committee. Each participating grade level will have specific responsibilities: third grades will choose “water leaders” respon-sible for keeping the plants hydrated, fourth graders will run the produce stand and fifth graders will choose harvest leaders.

Randall said she will not be too far away, though. The garden project staff will serve as consultants for the school dur-ing their first transition year, and Randall plans to grow back up plants to continue supplementing the produce grown by students.

Now, since students are out of school for summer, Randall and interns for the garden project continue to cultivate the 2,500 square foot garden space at Univer-sity Place to continue raising money for the project by selling produce.

Each summer, Randall seems to run into more students at the farmer’s market. Usually, they excitedly wave to her and shout “Miss Randall!” before dragging their accompanying adult over to the stand.

“The idea is to have a ripple effect,” Randall said. “We hope to change the kid’s eating habits and affect their parents’ eating habits and their neighbor’s eating habits. I think this is something that con-nects people to a bigger community.”


>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T

THURSDAY, JUNE 26“Seven Deadly Sins” ExhibitWHEN: 9 a.m.COST: FreeWHERE: The Arts Council GalleryPHONE: 758.51.95LINK: cac.tuscarts.orgDESCRIPTION: Work by quilter and artist Yvonne Wells at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. The exhibit is the compilation of seven quilts created by Wells from 2004 - 2006, all within the same theme of the Seven Deadly Sins. Exhibit concludes on Friday, June 27.

The Rude MechanicalsWHEN: 7:30 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: Marr’s Spring ParkPHONE: 348.0343LINK: rudemechanicals.comDESCRIPTION: The Rude Mechanicals will perform William Shakespeare’s The Gentlemen of Verona in Marr’s Spring Park, on campus at UA directly behind Rowand-Johnson Hall. Attendants are advised to bring their own picnic blankets and bug spray. Performances end Satur-day, June 28.

UA Sculpture: Summer 2014 ExhibitWHEN: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: University of Alabama GalleryPHONE: 758.5195LINK: cac.tuscarts.orgDESCRIPTION: The UA Gallery is hosting an exhibit of work by Craig Wedderspoon, Associate Professor of Sculpture at the University of Alabama, and Virginia Eck-inger, who is currently opening a studio in Northport.

“Down to the Light” ExhibitWHEN: 10 a.m.COST:WHERE: Tuscaloosa Museum of ArtPHONE: 562.5280LINK: The museum will display paintings by Evan Wilson. The paintings include “Down to the Water, Alabama Baptism,” from the Huntsville Museum of Art, and “Textures,” from the private collection of Mr. and Mrs. John McDowell. The exhibit will end on Friday, July 4.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28Southern Rock and Roll Blues ShowWHEN: 7 p.m.COST: $20WHERE: Bama TheatrePHONE: 758.5195LINK: bamatheatre.orgDESCRIPTION: The Southern Rock and Roll Blues Show will feature performances by local acts like The Blues Crew, The Toney Boys and Cooter Brown. Shawna P, a contestant on NBC’s The Voice, will also perform.

MONDAY, JUNE 30West Alabama Mountain Biking Asso-ciation Weekly Beginner’s RideWHEN: 5:45 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: Monny Sokal ParkPHONE: 562.3220LINK: wambarides.org

DESCRIPTION: Interested in mountain biking but don't know where to ride in Tuscaloosa? Come out to Sokal Park and join the beginners' group that ride out weekly on Monday evenings.

TUESDAY, JULY 1WII for AllWHEN: 3:30 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Brown BranchPHONE: 205.391.9989 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Young children as well as teenagers are invited to spend the afternoon playing Wii video games in the Children’s Books section of the Brown Branch of the Tuscaloosa Public Library.

Bama Art House // "Alan Partridge"WHEN: 7:30 p.m.COST: -$7, general admission-$6, students and seniors-$5, Arts Council membersWHERE: Bama Theatre PHONE: 758.5195LINK: bamatheatre.org/bamaarthouseDESCRIPTION: Starring Steve Coogan.

Taco TuesdayWHEN: All dayCOST: N/AWHERE: Jim N’ Nick’s BBQPHONE: 567. 0256LINK: jimnnicks.comDESCRIPTION: Every Tuesday, local restaurant Jim N Nick’s adds barbecue tacos to their menu, along with queso dip and drink specials.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2Preschool Story TimeWHEN: 10 a.mCOST: FreeWHERE: TPL, Brown BranchPHONE: 391.9989LINK: tuscaloosa-library.orgDESCRIPTION: Preschool story time consists of stories, songs, activities and crafts.

THURSDAY, JULY 3Kentuck Art NightWHEN: 5 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: Kentuck Art CenterPHONE: 758.1257LINK: kentuck.orgDESCRIPTION: Local galleries and their artists are featured in an “open house” atmosphere. Patrons can visit galleries in any order which is convenient, but are encouraged to visit all to take advantage of what is offered.

FRIDAY, JULY 4HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!MONDAY, JULY 7West Alabama Mountain Biking Asso-ciation Weekly Beginner’s RideWHEN: 5:45 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: Monny Sokal Park

MITTENS THE LAP CAT // PRISCILLA THE PUP

>>> PET PLANET | T H I S M O N T H ' S P E T S

Meet Mittens, a beautiful gray and white adult female tabby with perfect tiger strip-ing! Mittens is medium in frame, though she could stand to lose a few pounds! She is very laid-back and not very excitable. She would be an excellent lap cat and would do well with children who can handle her gently. She is not rec-ommended for a home with large dogs. Mittens is negative for FIV/ FeLK, current on her vaccinations and spayed. If you are interested in giving Mittens the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the West Alabama Humane Society athumanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554.0011.

NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.

This precious pup is Priscilla, a nine-to 10-month-old female Terrier mix with a scruffy white coat and red and tan markings. She is all legs right now and weighs only about 13 pounds, though she will fill out and get closer to 25 or 30 pounds in full adulthood. Priscilla has a very sweet and loving personality, though she is still a puppy and will need training and struc-ture to help her develop into a well-mannered adult dog. She should be fine around children 10 and older, though she is not

the best fit for younger children since she is still a bit jumpy and mouthy. She seems to do well with other dogs. Priscilla would be fine in an apartment as long as she gets daily exercise. She will require a fenced yard if left outside unattended. Priscilla has started her crate training. She is up to date on her vet care, will be spayed before adoption, and is micro chipped. She has started her heartworm and flea/tick prevention though she is too young to be tested for heartworms. If you are interested in giving Priscilla the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the West Alabama Humane Society athumanesoci-etyofwa.org or call us at 554.0011.


the arts CounCIl of Tuscaloosa will present the collaborative exhibit “Wash” at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center on July 11, 2014 from 5 – 8 p.m. This installation will feature large format sculp-tures, digital imagery and music created by visual artist Jamey Grimes and composer Rick Snow in the Black Box Theatre. The two artists will blend physical forms, digital images and sound to form one complete sensory experience.

The forms, created by Grimes, are constructed of corrugated plastic which has been cut, melted and suspended from the ceiling. Several color groups exist, but the largest group of white and clear material was chosen and will be filled with original video using projection mapping techniques. The video is coordinated with Snow’s original music to create a living, changing environment that viewers can enter and explore. The abstract forms, col-ors, and sounds are inspired by nature, but remain open to viewer interpretation. Large enough to walk into, the viewer will be surrounded by light and sound within the installations. Video is generated by both artists and is derived from natural patterns, the shape of the sculpture and unique sounds performed during the event.

Variations on this installation have been presented at the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center and the Chipola Center for the Arts in Mariana, Fla. Alternate sculpture and projection pieces from this series will be concurrently on display at Kentuck Art Center's T.E.M.P. Gallery for the month of July, located across the river in downtown Northport. Each time the work is installed, it is unique to its location. The July 11th presentation at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center will be the largest and most complex collaborative work to date.

This performance is an extension of an exhibit in The Arts Council Gallery that will be on display from July 7 – 25. Grimes will fill the gallery with installations that utilize

PHONE: 758.1257LINK:kentuck.orgDESCRIPTION: Children 9-12 are invited to learn basic hand building skills. Stu-dents will take home bug mugs, masks, leaf plates and bowls and face mugs.

THURSDAY, JULY 10Sundown Lecture SeriesWHEN: 5:15 p.m.COST: Preservation Society Members: Free; General public: $5.WHERE: Jemison Van de Graaff MansionPHONE: 758.2238LINK: petalsfromthepast.comDESCRIPTION: Since starting the or-ganization Petals from the Past in 1994, Horticulturists Jason and Shelley Powell have applied contemporary techniques in growing old-garden plants along with new varieties. The topic for the lecture will be “how to propagate plants of the era."

TPL Monthly Book DiscussionWHEN: 5:30 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: TPL, Weaver Bolden BranchPHONE: 758.8291LINK: tuscaloosa-library.orgDESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa Public Library will discuss Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T

PHONE: 562.3220LINK: wambarides.org DESCRIPTION: Interested in mountain biking but don't know where to ride in Tuscaloosa? Come out to Sokal Park and join the beginners' group that ride out weekly on Monday evenings.

TUESDAY, JULY 8Bama Art House // "Under the Skin"WHEN: 7:30 p.m.COST: $7, general admission; $6, stu-dents and seniors; $5, Arts Council membersWHERE: Bama Theatre PHONE: 758.5195LINK: bamatheatre.org/bamaarthouseDESCRIPTION: Starring Scarlett Johans-son and Jeremy McWilliams.

Summer LEGO Camps at CHOM!WHEN: 9:30 a.m.COST: Non-members: $35, Members: $30WHERE: Children’s Hands-On MuseumPHONE: 349.4235LINK: chomonline.orgDESCRIPTION: Learn all about motors, robotics, and pneumatics and where power comes from. Learn how to program using ‘We Do’ Robotic software.

ALSA Support GroupWHEN: 6 p.m.COST: FreeWHERE: Hospice of West AlabamaPHONE: 519.9030LINK: alsalabama.orgDESCRIPTION: The Alabama Chapter was founded in late 2004 to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. The ALS Association sponsors seven ALS Support Groups in Alabama for ALS patients (PALS), their families, caregivers, friends and anyone interested in support-ing the ALS community.

Clay Days with Hayes DobbinsWHEN: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, ThursdayCOST: $95WHERE: Kentuck’s Clay Place

ARTIST JAMEY GRIMES AND COMPOSER RICK SNOW // COLLABORATIVE WORK AT THE CAC

>>> E V E N T | K E V I N L E D G E W O O D

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color and form to create an environment for viewers to explore. The Arts Council Gal-lery hours are 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m. on weekdays.

“My sculptures are fragments of a con-versation with Nature. The dialogue can be hostile, soothing, or both. Storms, trees, and the sea personify heightened emo-tion, wisdom, and awareness. Reflecting on my own vivid experiences with nature, I realize that imagination plays a powerful role, transforming observations into unique, dream-like forms,” commented Grimes. In reference to his technique, Snow created a generative system where material and events can be spun out for an indetermi-nate amount of time without ever repeat-ing. “At times I allow this system to directly create an experience for the audience. In other work I explore the way a performer or even an audience member might interact with the system and influence or even directly control the resulting materials through the use of microphones, sensors or cameras,” noted the composer.

Jamey Grimes is a native of Tuscaloosa, where he is a full-time instructor in the De-partment of Art & Art History at The Univer-sity of Alabama. He received a 2012 - 13 Visual Artist Fellowship from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Grimes has shown his artwork extensively around the U.S.

Rick Snow is a composer of acoustic and electronic music as well as a creator of multi-modal artworks of sound and light. Custom interactive computer sound and projection mapping instruments and instal-lations comprise his most recent work. His work has been performed/exhibited in many venues in the United States as well as selectively in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and Wales. A native of Tuscaloosa, he cur-rently holds a Professor of Practice position at Tulane University in New Orleans where he is the Director of the Music Science and Technology Program.


Fox Theatre660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

The Hangout251.948.3030thehangout1.com

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St615.891.1781

Minglewood Hall1555 Madison Ave901.312.6058

>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more.

Acoustic Café2758 County Hwy 9205.647.3237

Amphitheater at the Wharf23101 Canal Rd251.224.1020

Bridgestone Arena501 Broadway615.770.2000

Centennial Olympic Park265 Park Ave W NW404.223.4412

Moe’s Original BBQ6423 Park Dr251.625.7427

Montgomery Performing Arts Center201 Tallapoosa St334.481.5100

The Nick2514 10th Ave S205.252.3831

Sloss Furnaces20 32nd St N

205.324.1911Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010

Von Braun Center700 Monroe St SW256.551.2345

WorkPlay500 23rd St S205.380.4082

Zydeco2001 15th Ave S205.933.1032

>>> ROAD TRIP | s o u t H E a s t E R n co n c E R t s a n D E V E n t s

THURSDAY, JUNE 26BIRMINGHAMGeorge Lopez, Comedy Club Stardome

MONTGOMERYThe Capitol Sounds Concert Band, The Davis Theater for Performing Arts

NEW ORLEANSWeapon Head, Gasa GasaPlastic Planets, Howlin’ Wolf

NASHVILLEVince Gill, Ryman AuditoriumOld 97’s, Mercy Lounge/Cannery BallroomSummerland Tour, Wildhorse Saloon

FRIDAY, JUNE 27BIRMINGHAMSame As It Ever Was, ZydecoDamon Wayans, Comedy Club StardomeSuper Bob, Iron Horse Café

HUNTSVILLEJim Parkers’ Songwriters Series, Von Braun Concert HallGrandma’s Feather Bed, Renaissance Theater at Lincoln CenterPeter Moon Band, London’s

MONTGOMERYJonathan East Band, Blue Iguana

NASHVILLEKaty Perry, Bridgestone ArenaDave Rawlings Machine, Ryman AuditoriumBlack Flag, Exit InBilly Joe Shaver, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

ATLANTAThe Temptations and the Four Tops, Chastain Park AmphitheaterHoneyhoney, The Masquerade

NEW ORLEANSJustin Moore, Champions Square at Mercedes-Benz SuperdomeCardinal Sons, Gasa Gasa

SATURDAY, JUNE 28BIRMINGHAMTommy Emmanuel, BJCCCannibal Corpse, Iron CityArchnemesis, ZydecoSix Shot Revival, The Nick

ATLANTAPat Benatar, Chastain Park AmphitheaterJose James, Variety PlayhouseJefferson Starship, The Villages Amphitheater

HUNTSVILLETerry McNeal, Moe’s Original BBQBlackbird, Bandito Burrito

MONTGOMERYShane Owens, Double BranchHunting Delilah, Blue Iguana

NEW ORLEANSJohnny Angel and Helldorado, Pour House Saloon

NASHVILLEMimosa and Two Fresh, Anthem

SUNDAY, JUNE 29 ATLANTARebelution, TabernacleA Wilhelm Scream, The Masquerade

NASHVILLEBurlap to Cashmere, Rocketown

NEW ORLEANSDiarrhea Planet w/ Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires, One Eyed JacksNothing More, Howlin’ WolfThe Foreign Exchange, Tipitina’s

MONDAY, JUNE 30NEW ORLEANSMagnetic Ear, Gasa Gasa

NASHVILLESwans, Exit In

ATLANTAD. I., The Masquerade

TUESDAY, JULY 1BIRMINGHAMPhantogram, WorkPlay Theater

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2BIRMINGHAMCatharsus, The Nick

THURSDAY, JULY 3ATLANTA

New Edition, Chastain Park Amphitheater

NASHVILLEYonder Mountain String Band, Ryman AuditoriumJamestown Revival, High Watt

BIRMINGHAMQ Dot Davis, The Nick

HUNTSVILLESage and the Saints, Rock House Eatery, Guntersville

FRIDAY, JULY 4 HUNTSVILLECity Lights and Stars, Burritt Museum

MONTGOMERYKing Bee, Riverwalk Amphitheater

NEW ORLEANSOught and Dub Thompson, Gasa Gasa

SATURDAY, JULY 5MONTGOMERYBeavers Brothers Band, Chuck’s MarinaTimmeh, The SandbarModern Day Job, Head on the Door

NASHVILLEThe Paranormals, High Watt

ATLANTAJackyl, Wild Bill’s

SUNDAY, JULY 6ATLANTAZak Waters, The Masquerade

NASHVILLEBad Suns, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

NEW ORLEANSSpace Waster, Gasa Gasa

MONDAY, JULY 7BIRMINGHAMLindsey Sterling, Iron CityGoatwhore, Zydeco

ATLANTALionel Richie and Cee Lo Green, Chastain Park

MICHAEL THORNTON // MONTGOMERY // DECEMBER 22

to HaVE YouR VEnuE anD

EVEnts listED HERE

plEasE Email

[email protected]

to BE incluDED in tHE

nEXt issuE.

TUESDAY, JULY 8HUNTSVILLEChris Simmons, Sebastien’s on Main

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9BIRMINGHAMTouche Amore, Zydeco

NEW ORLEANSThe Dear Hunter, House of Blues

HUNTSVILLERussell Gulley, Humphrey’sGus Hergert, The Station Bar and Grill

THURSDAY, JULY 10ATLANTATrapt, The Masquerade

BIRMINGHAMmoe., Avondale Brewing Company

MONTGOMERYTony Brook, Niffers at Lake Martin

HUNTSVILLEBeach Boys, Von Braun Concert HallEverymen, Coppertop

JEFFERSON STARSHIP // ATLANTA // JUNE 28

DAMON WAYANS // BIRMINGHAM // JUNE 27

YONDER MOUNTAIN // NASHVILLE // JULY 3

OUGHT & DUB THOMPSON // NEW ORLEANS // JULY 4

BEACH BOYS // HUNTSVILLE // JULY 10


4th & 23rd

1831 // 331-4632

Alcove // 469-9110

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Big Al's // 759-9180

The Booth // 764-0557

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Capones // 248-0255

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Copper Top // 343-6867

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Gallettes // 758-2010

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

Grey Lady // 469-9521

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Innisfree // 345-1199

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

The Jupiter // 248-6611

The Legacy // 345-4848

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

Mike's Place // 764-0185

Mugshots // 391-0572

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Rounders // 345-4848

>>> LO C A L B A R S

>>> LOCAL MUSIC | WHo's plaYinG aRounD toWn

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, repre-sentatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary strug-gle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declara-tion of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jeffer-son. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gather-ings and barbecues.

So, celebrate! Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July experience.

DID'JA KNOW?


THIS STORY IS OUTDATED - 1000-1400 WORDS NEEDED

FOR A REPLACEMENT

>>> H I G H T I D E | S T E P H E N S M I T H

there's more to CoaChIng than hav-ing a clipboard and calling plays. Coaches are mentors. They are called upon to groom and mature players into being bet-ter athletes and people.

To be a successful head coach at Alabama requires three things: class, win-ning titles and strong recruiting skills. Of course, it’s always a plus to defeat Auburn as an Alabama head coach. Here is a list of the top 10 best coaches in Crimson Tide history.

10. Mike DuBose (1997-00)

DuBose became Alabama’s head coach after Gene Stallings left in 1996.

His best coaching seasons were in 1998 and 1999.

In his second year, DuBose guided the Crimson Tide to a 7-5 season.

In 1999, Alabama notched a 10-3 record under DuBose.

DuBose won a SEC title with Alabama in 1999 and was named SEC Coach of the Year in the same season.

He led the Tide to the 2000 FedEx Orange Bowl. (Alabama lost to Michigan 35-34)

Alabama finished the 1999 season ranked No. 8 in the nation. DuBose guided the program to its first top-10 finish in five years.

DuBose placed Shaun Alexander, Chris Samuels, Cornelius Griffin, Deshea Townsend, Curtis Alexander and Fernan-do Bryant in the National Football League.

Overall, DuBose was 24-23 in his tenure at Alabama.

9. Mike Shula (2003-06) Shula took the reins as the Tide’s head coach after Mike Price was terminated in 2003.

His finest coaching performance was in 2005.

After a 6-6 season in 2004, Shula coached Alabama to a 10-2 record in 2005.

He made three bowl appearances as the Tide’s head coach. (Alabama won the

2006 Cotton Bowl 13-10 against Texas Tech)

Under Shula, Alabama finished No. 8 in the nation in 2005.

Shula placed 13 Crimson Tide players in the NFL, including DeMeco Ryans, Brodie Croyle, Roman Harper and Charlie Peprah.

Overall, Shula was 26-23 in his tenure with the Tide.

8. Dennis Franchione (2001-02

Franchione coached two seasons at the Capstone, but posted an overall record of 17-8.

He led Alabama to winning record in his two seasons at the helm.

In 2001, the Crimson Tide notched a 7-5 record under Franchione.

Alabama defeated Iowa State 14-13 in the 2001 Independence Bowl.

In his second season, Franchione guided the Tide to a 10-3 record.

The Crimson Tide defeated Hawaii 21-16 in the Aloha Bowl.

Franchione placed Saleem Rasheed, Jason McAddley, Terry Jones and Freddie Milons in the NFL.

7. Walter R. Perkins (1983-86) Perkins succeeded the legendary Paul Bryant in 1983.

In four seasons, Perkins compiled a 32-15-1 record.

His best seasons were in 1985 and 1986.

In 1985, Perkins coached Alabama to a 9-2-1 season, including a 25-23 victory over Auburn in the 1985 Iron Bowl.

The Crimson Tide defeated Southern California 24-3 (Aloha Bowl) in the same season.

Alabama achieved a 10-3 season in 1986 under Perkins.

The Crimson Tide defeated No. 12 Washington in the Sun Bowl 28-6.

Perkins placed nine players in the NFL, including Joey Jones, Emanuel King and Jon Hand.

6. William A. “Bill” Curry (1987-89)

Curry became Alabama’s head coach in 1987.

He posted a 26-10 record in three seasons as head coach.

Curry’s finest coaching performance was in 1989.

Alabama had a 10-2 record in 1989 and won a share of the SEC title.

Curry was honored in 1989 as the SEC Coach of the Year and received the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

He made bowl appearances in all three seasons. (Alabama won the 1998 Sun Bowl against Army 29-28)

Curry’s 26-10 (72.2 percent) record gave him the highest winning percent-age among Alabama coaches since Paul Bryant.

Curry put 12 Crimson Tide players in the NFL, including Derrick Thomas, Keith McCants and Bobby Humphrey.

5. Eugene C. “Gene” Stallings (1990-1996) Stallings was a Bryant disciple.

He was Alabama’s defense coordina-tor from 1958-64.

Cory Whitsett

Stallings was on Bryant’s staff for two national titles in 1961 and 1964.

His best seasons were in 1991-92, 1994 and 1996.

In 1992, Alabama defeated Florida 28-21 and won an SEC title.

Stallings guided the Tide to the 1993 Sugar Bowl against No. 1 Miami.

Alabama defeated Miami 34-13 and notched its first national title since Bryant.

Stallings coached the Crimson Tide to six SEC West Division titles (1992, 1993, 1994 and 1996).

He won SEC Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1994.

Stallings won numerous awards in 1992, including Walter Camp Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year and the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award.

Stalling placed 29 players in the NFL including, Siran Stacy, Mark McMillian, John Copeland, Eric Curry, Derrick Las-sic, Antonio Langham, David Palmer and Jay Barker.

4. Frank Thomas (1931-46)

Thomas took the helm at the Tide’s head coach in 1931.

In 15 seasons, Thomas compiled a 115-24-7 record.

Thomas never coached a losing sea-son.

His finest coaching season was in 1934 and 1941.

Alabama finished the 1934 season un-defeated (10-0) as SEC Co-Champions.

Thomas coached the Crimson Tide to 1935 Rose Bowl Game.

Alabama defeated Stanford in the Rose Bowl 29-13 and won a national title.

TOP 10 CRIMSON TIDE COACHES OF ALL TIME // GETTING PSYCHED FOR THE SEASONThey carry the weight of the world on their shoulders from the players to the media, but it’s special to have a head coach that knows how to win through it all.

PHOTO: UA Athletics

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PHOTO: UA Athletics

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PHOTO: UA Athletics

PHOTO: UA Athletics


>>> HIGH TIDE | C O N T I N U E D

In 1941, Thomas guided the Tide to a 9-2 season. Alabama defeated Texas A&M 29-21 in the Cotton Bowl Classic and notched a national title.

Thomas made six bowl appearances as Alabama’s head coach, including wins in the Rose Bowl (1935, 1946), Cotton Bowl Classic (1942) and Orange Bowl (1943).

He was the coach and mentor to Hall of Fame coach Paul Bryant.

Thomas placed 47 players in the NFL, including Paul “Bear” Bryant.

3. Wallace Wade (1923-30)

Wade became Alabama’s head coach in 1923.

In seven seasons, Wade posted a 61-13-3 record.

His best coaching seasons were in 1925, 1926 and 1930.

In all three seasons, Alabama won a national title under Wade.

2. Nicholas L. “Nick” Saban, Jr. (2007-present)

Saban took the helm as the Tide’s head coach in 2007.

After finishing 7-6 in 2007, thing start-ed to take shape for Saban and Alabama in 2008.

His finest coaching performances thus far were in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

The dynasty started for Alabama in 2008 under Saban.

Alabama has won three national titles (2009, 2011 and 2012 seasons) in a five-year span.

Under Saban, the Crimson Tide has brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation in six seasons.

He’s coached Alabama’s lone Heisman winner, Mark Ingram (2009).

Saban has collected numerous awards, including SN Coach of the Year

(2008), Home Depot Coach of the Year (2008), Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year (2008) and Walter Camp Coach of the Year (2008).

At Alabama, he’s a two-time SEC Coach of the Year recipient (2008, 2009).

Overall, Saban has posted a 79-15 as Alabama’s head coach.

Since 2007, Saban has put 44 Ala-bama players in the NFL Draft. 16 of the 44 players were first-round picks and four of them are Super Bowl Champions.

1. Paul W. “Bear” Bryant (1958-82)

It’s been 31 years, yet Bryant is still the most revered public figure in Alabama sports history.

He started as an assistant coach from 1936-40.

Under Frank Thomas, Bryant compiled a 29-5-3 record at Alabama.

In 1958, Bryant returned to Alabama and became the Tide’s head coach.

In 25 seasons, Bryant was the epitome of class, winning and college football for Alabama.

He compiled a 323-85-17 record with six national titles (1961, 1964-65, 1973, 1978-79).

Bryant coached the Tide to 13 SEC titles (1961, 1964-66, 1971-75, 1977-79 and 1981).

He was a 3x AFCA Coach of the Year recipient (1961, 1971 and 1973).

At Alabama, Bryant was a 10x SEC Coach of the Year recipient (1961, 1964-65, 1971, 1973-74, 1977-79 and 1981).

Bryant was the winningest head coach in college football history upon his retire-ment in 1982.

He brought fashion to football with his signature houndztooth hat.

Bryant placed 84 players in the NFL, including Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Lee Roy Jordan, Ozzie Newsome, Ray Per-kins, Johnny Musso Woodrow Lowe and Barry Krauss.

PHOTO: UA Athletics

PHOTO: UA Athletics

“It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”

~ Paul "Bear" Bryant ~

DO YOU HAVE THE NOSE? AND THE PALATE?

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so think about it. if you can write, if you can critique, if

you can ask good questions, if you can investigate, if

you can report, or help people, then we'd like to hear

from you. Email [email protected]. please be

sure to attach a sample of your writing. We're also look-

ing for a person who'd like to sell advertising space for

us. Just call 205.792.7239.

PHO

TO: U

A A

thletics


>>> T H E F L AT S C R E E N | C A R A B R A K E

RERUN REVIEW // WELCOME TO THE O.Z.

over the years sInCe it was first published in 1900, there have been dozens of reimaginings on "The Wizard of Oz." From the 1939 film starring screen legend Judy Garland, to the current hit movie, "Oz: The Great and Powerful," starring James Franco and Mila Kunis. In recent years, there has been a trend of warped lands-a-twisted pres-ent or future where the loveable characters we remember are remade into something more sinister and everything is backwards. It’s not surprise that in 2007, SyFy, the top science fiction and fantasy channel, aired a dystopian Oz called "Tin Man" starring Zooey Deschanel and Alan Cumming.

"Tin Man" was about D.G. (Deschanel), a midwestern waitress who finds out her family isn’t what it seems when she’s cast into a tornado by her father to escape the “Long Coats” who are chasing her. She’s deposited into a broken down and dead world referred to as The O.Z.- a once beautiful and lush land. Now, under the reign of Azk-adellia, The O.Z. is a land of control and terror, where the local wildlife is vicious and bloodthirsty, and so are the people. She meets Glitch (Cumming), a brilliant scientist and former advisor to the old queen of The O.Z., who had his brain removed, a former security officer, or “Tin Man” named Wyatt Cain, and a psychic but cowardly lion named Raw. Together they embark on a journey to Center City, each after different things, but with one common purpose-stop Azkadellia from destroying The O.Z.

"Tin Man" has some very familiar faces, and some not so familiar. The most noti-cable is Zooey Deschanel. The dark haired, blue eyed actress leads the cast of "New Girl," runs a website called HelloGiggles.com, and has her own band, She & Him. Alan Cumming, who plays Glitch, is best known for being a Broadway actor in shows like "Cabaret," and for his role in movies such as "Burlesque" and "Spy Kids." Wyatt Cain is played by Neal McDonough, who not only played in "Captain America: The First Aveng-er" as Timothy Dugan, but also tried his hand at video game voicing when he voiced The Flash in the popular video game "Injustice: Gods Among Us." Kathleen Robertson, who plays the sorceress Azkadellia, has appeared on various television shows and has been in a smattering of movies, the biggest name movie being "Scary Movie 2" as the sex bomb Theo.

Though not many have heard of it, "Tin Man" was not ignored by the media. In 2008 it won 6 primetime Emmy’s for outstanding makeup, art direc-tion, costumes, editing, styling, and overall outstanding mini series. It was nominated for 17 other various awards. Critics also awarded praise to the mini series, as the New York Times called it “An ‘Oz’ for a new gilded age”. Be warned, however. "Tin Man" may not be suitable for all ages, as it con-tains references to drug use, some strong language, and non gory violence. "Tin Man" is available for purchase on Amazon, and is also available for stream on Netflix.


a change in your financial situation could see you pondering some fresh ideas. as mercury continues its retrograde phase, you might want to rethink your budget or figure out the best way to save money without cutting back too much. the new moon in cancer on friday may be very helpful for you, encouraging you to make a fresh start in any area you choose. take it easy over the weekend, as someone with a hidden agenda may seem overly friendly.

Have a good plan in place, because some parts of this week could cause you to feel somewhat unsettled. perhaps a friendship is a cause for concern, or a love interest seems to prefer to be alone rather than with you. short trips bring pleasure, as does participation in group activities. sweet words of love can make a relationship come alive. However, you will need to trust your intuition and let your desires take you where they will.

this might not be the best time to ask favors, as others may seem indifferent. an edgy link midweek suggests that certain folks may need space, and they could have a desire to do their own thing. Yet, when it comes to romance, you'll be at your flirtatious best. Whether you're in a long-term relationship or looking for love, social events can add sparkle to the days ahead. the new moon on friday is perfect for starting a new spiritual practice, such as meditation or yoga.

career matters benefit from more interaction with key people. perhaps an informal meeting could help you make the right impression. take it easy midweek, particularly if you feel stressed. a conscious effort to slow down could make it easier to focus. However, if you're living on your nerves it might help to book a massage or spa treatment as a way to soothe ruffled feathers. friday brings a chance of new beginnings in a social setting. perhaps it's time to move in new circles?

You may be curious to explore options for new contracts, jobs, and work in general. With mercury in Gemini and making some spectacular aspects this week, it's a good time to advertise your skills and services, apply for interviews, and get things up and running in general. there is also a lot happening on the home front, with the chance of a surprise visitor showing up. socializing and home entertainment can be fun and delightful, with plenty to anticipate.

anxious feelings could leave you needing to retreat. perhaps it's time to relax and work on stress-busting techniques, especially on Wednesday. far horizons call with a focus on travel, learning, and expanding your options. this week brings a special opportunity to move outside your comfort zone. in particular, the new moon brings a two-week window of opportunity in which to make a fresh start. Be careful in romance this weekend. all that glitters may not be gold.

Don't take it personally if someone backs out of a commitment. this is one of those weeks when disruptions can occur right when you don't need them. midweek may need special attention, as an impulsive desire to shop could affect your finances. if you can't stick to a budget, take a friend with you who can intervene at the right moment. the weekend seems made for romance, but try not to get stuck with someone who is a bit of a drain.

certain friendly ties could be more of a burden than usual, particularly if they're argumentative. Be the best friend you can be, but don't expect the same treatment in return. However, the same folks could revert to their usual open and supportive selves in few days. think about making a fresh start with shared finances. friday's new moon brings opportunities to consolidate debt and make radical changes where necessary. Keep receipts if buying big-ticket items this weekend.

major plans could encounter challenges before they get underway, as conflict between family and career could cause trouble. However, Venus in your spiritual sector enhances your relationship with yourself, so you may find the courage to stand firm. the new moon in cancer is the best time to come to grips with a plan that could be a game changer. there are romantic opportunities this weekend, but don't take someone's word as gospel. if your creative

>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W

You may need all the patience you can muster, especially early in the week. certain folks could let you down and be disruptive. Yet being pushed out of your comfort zone in this way might encourage you to give as good as you get. perhaps it's time to stand up to someone who's been doing this for too long. a new moon in your career sector on friday brings an opportunity for a fresh start, whether it's a new job, contract, or idea for a business.

a dream or moment of quiet contemplation could bring inspiration, thanks to your intuition. When it comes to family affairs, a friend could suggest a radical solution that you might want to adopt. Kindness, sympathy, and good feelings abound, making for easy relationships. friday's new moon can be perfect for starting a diet or fitness routine, particularly if you're eager to get a beach-ready body. a romantic opportunity could be too good to miss on saturday.

It's easy to play Sudoku! simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box so they contain every number between 1 and 9. the game is easy to play but difficult to master! solution page 27

strengthen relationship ties and pursue partnership interests through understanding and listening. though you're willing to discuss key matters, midweek may be a test of your patience. You might feel you've reached a point of no return regarding a certain person. However, a chance to clear the air and come to grips with the central issue could make it easier to cooperate on a range of matters. start home-based DiY projects on friday to coincide with the new moon.

>>> PUZZLEMANIA | s u D o K u


Across1. Alphabetically first pop group with a #1 hit5. Bogart classic "Key ___"10. Struck, old style14. Buckwheat pancake15. Encore16. "Have a ___ day"17. Source of unexpected problems19. "The Green Man" novelist Kingsley20. Kipling's ___ Khan21. Visible23. Completely, after "from"26. Spoken tribute27. Game requiring delicate lifting32. Time for the history books33. Browns34. Volley of gunfire38. Actor-musician Arnez40. Ivan and Boris42. Flooring wood43. "Here am ___ me": Isaiah45. Alters47. High ____ kite48. Auto mechanic51. Traditional ark site54. Exam for a wannabe D.A.55. Watercolor with gum58. Martinez of the Mets62. "___ She Lovely"63. Dental mold66. Altar event67. King of Thebes, in myth68. Joined two loose ends69. Decreasingly70. H.S. class71. Highest number on the dice

Down1. Kindergarten books.2. Vapid

3. Stem4. Arctic jacket5. Statute6. Way back when7. ____ avis8. Walking difficulty9. With no assurance of payment10. Reacts angrily toward11. Outdated copier12. Danish topper13. Irritable and impatient18. Womb occupant22. Northern diving birds24. 11-member cartel25. One of the Gabors27. Kind of cure28. Makes mad29. Project for Poirot30. Animal catchers31. Knesset member's home35. Plumbing problem36. Ornamental receptacle37. Initial39. Thankless types41. Sylvia __-, British leading lady44. Film figure with fangs, for short46. Ivory, Coast et al.49. Study of morals50. Bikini trials, briefly51. "If I Had ___ Like You" (1925 hit)52. ____ the Riveter53. Em, Polly and Rhody56. Irish republic57. X-ray ___ (kids' goggles)59. 503, at the Forum60. Female red deer61. Wave, to a Frenchman64. 1973 Supreme Court decision name65. At wit's ___

>>> PUZZLEMANIA | c R o s s W o R D p u Z Z l E

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIACROSSWORD ON PAGE 27

All winners will receive an email with information as to where to pick up their prizes. No purchase is necessary. In the event of a tie, winners will be chosen at random. A total of up to 10 prizes will be awarded. Contest ends on July 11, 2014.


>>> CO R R E C T I O N |

In issue #460 of the Planet Weekly, which covered from May 29 through June 12, we made an error in the Ham Ham Jam Jam story on page 27 of that issue. Trey Brooks, our music editor, had written a fine tribute about Ham and the groups that participated in this 6th annual event held at Egan's on the Strip. In searching for an authorized photo of the artist, however, our graphics person goofed; he mistakenly chose a picture of Ham Bagby's look-alike, Josh Thomas, thinking it was Ham minus the bushy beard. Well, Josh was amused and made the article his profile picture on his Facebook page. It got a lot of likes. The remarkable resemblance to each other has resulted in this kind of confusion before, according to Ham.

As writer Trey Brooks said, "Ham Ham Jam Jam VI showed just how much Tuscaloosa appreciates its musical heroes. Ham Bagby will continue to be an inspiration to future musicians in and around town. Due to the nature of college bands being around for only a short time, it’s always refreshing to know some things never change, and some artists will grace the scene for years to come."

We meant no disrespect with this innocent error, and apologize for any confusion it may have caused.

Price Hamilton Bagby Josh Thomas

Photo by Michael Palm

er

OOPS // WRONG PHOTO // OUR BAD

The Alabama State Nurses Association, District 2, rec-ognized four Shelton State Community College nurs-ing instructors at a reception at DCH Re-gional Medi-cal Center recently. Kim I. Smith, Vicki Hannah, Julie Jones, and Lauren Yeager were awarded Citations of Excellence for outstanding service and exceptional commitment in the profession of nursing. Arlene Morris, the state president of the Alabama State Nurses Association, was the keynote speaker.

Alabama State Nurses Association Recognizes Shelton State Nursing Faculty


THE GENUINE AUTOMATIC AND GUARANTEED PROFANITY CUT-OFF SWITCH

>>> RED CLAY DIARY | J I M R E E D

©2014 by Jim Reed

the genuIne automatIC and guaranteed profanity cut-off switch has served me well in life. For sixty years, it has kept me out of much trouble…and maybe caused more trouble at certain times.

Let me expound briefly.First thing I learn on Day One of being an actor—at the age of 13—is, don’t carry who

you are onto the stage. Save it for backstage.This means that if you flub a line during a live performance, you don’t curse aloud.

To do so, back in these olden days, will mean instant dismissal. Flub a line, just keep on talking till you find that line, thus making the other actors breathe sighs of relief. When something—anything—goes wrong during performance, don’t burden the audience with it. The show must go on!

I carry this bit of wisdom with me when I begin appearing on live radio shows, then again on live television programs. Flubs are acceptable. Losing It is not acceptable. It is easier on the radio, since you can simply flip a switch on the microphone, burst forth with a profanity or a sneeze, then switch it back on and continue as if nothing happened—the audience being none the wiser. During television shows, you can’t control the sound, so you just repress the urge.

In later life, after the broadcasting career, this little bit of enforced behavior stands me in good stead. When speaking before customers or in front of audiences, I am unable to curse involuntarily. To do so would make the audience uncomfortable, cause the subject at hand to become sidetracked, and generally ruin my timing and pacing—both of which are key to good conversation, good expounding.

To whom do I owe this early wisdom, this enforced behavior? Well, in early broad-casting, my mentors were Harriett Rowand, Don Rollins and Joe Langston. In The Theatre, there were folks like Marian Gallaway, Frank Stallworth, Bill Fegan. I at least got

to thank Joe Langston and Don Rollins for their help. I am guilty of never going back to thank the rest.

It seems that these tiny bits of knowledge, almost unnoticed when born, become bigger and more influential as time goes by. Therefore, in my lifelong archives of columns and stories and true tales, let it be known that my thanks is sincere.

Just sayingJoe Langston Don Rollins

Richard Bolton and Teddy

Darrell Tibbs, well-known percussionist who has toured or recorded with the Neville Bros., Kenny Loggins, Donna Summer, The Moody Blues Band, Michael McDonald, the Huntsville and Muscle Shoals Orchestras, just to name few. Today he resides in Huntsville and joins the Debbie Bond Trio when they play in north Alabama. www.darrelltibbs.net.

Rachel Bolton

When we got out everyone's canopies were blown over and I heard that people took shelter in the building. It passed over real quick and the music just resumed like noth-ing had happened.

PW: Do you go to a lot of other music events?

RB: I really don't go to any large fes-tivals. I guess I don't see the fun in that. I love low key, small venues. I usually avoid big arenas too. I like the setting to be more intimate. It's more special that way. It's all about the connection between you, the friends you meet, and the musicians who drove hundreds of miles to play just for you.

PW: You said you were a fan of long-time bluesman R. L. Burnside. How did you become exposed to the music of him and others like him?

RB: I discovered R.L.'s music from a friend of mine. He had the 'Wish I was in Heaven Sittin' Down' album and I was hooked. From there I started seeking out other artists like him.

PW: You describe yourself as an ama-teur photographer, although that's a nice piece of equipment you use. What type of camera do you shoot with and how long have you been at this hobby?

RB: I have a Nikon D5000, a DSLR. I’ve had mine since 2010. I'm still learn-ing how to use it. Before that I used early digital 'point-and-shoot's' and even further back - 35mm. I was 16 when I started using disposable cameras. I'd also like to add that photographing people can-didly can be very difficult because it's all about predicting their next move.

PW: A big part of Debbie Bond's mes-sage has been that Alabaman's are too often unaware of the blues legacy of the

state, and perhaps even the region. As a young professional, what are your thoughts on this?

RB: Well, I grew up lis-tening to 70s vinyl and ap-preciating the older types of music. I feel like kids and young adults growing up now are being exposed to music that just lacks...well... everything. There are no roots the music can tie back to unless, of course, it's a cover song. Artists get forgotten and people don't tend to seek out what's not on the radio. It's easier that way. It requires no effort on their part. Which is ex-actly what the next genera-tions are all about.

PW: We thought the Debbie Bond Trio gave an outstanding performance at the Rock House last Thurs-day evening. Did you enjoy the show?

RB: I thoroughly en-joyed the show and the food was excellent. It was nice to just take it all in. I really felt privileged to have gotten to hear Darrell Tibbs [the percussionist with the trio]. I heard he recorded with the

Neville Brothers. How cool is that?PW: Any thoughts to add to this inter-

view as we close? RB: Sure. Thanks for coming up to me

and asking to share my story. PW: Thanks so much for talking with

us and for your interest in and support of these important local artists.

>>> M U S I C | CO N T I N U E D FR O M PAG E 6


UMPHREY'S MCGEE RETURNS TO TUSCALOOSA // FROM THE BAMA TO THE AMP

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIACROSSWORD PAGE 24

>>> MUSIC | T R E Y B R O O K S

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIASUDOKO PAGE 23

It’s an InterestIng thIng when you can quite literally watch an artist grow. Some-times the ascent is quite rapid. Many in Tuscaloosa can remember seeing the Alabama Shakes playing at local bars and then opening for Neil Young in less than a year. But more often than not, the growth of an artist is a very slow process. While this may mean they have to wait for the fruit of their labors to become ripe, it also means a loyal fanbase that will stick with you after the critical praise and mainstream radio are gone. It’s that type of foundation that can lead to a long, impactful career in music.

In several ways, Umphrey’s McGee appears to be one of those bands on the rise. Their name keep creeping towards the top of festival lineups, and their choice of venues is growing to include larger crowds. But those who have followed UM can tell you the success has been over a decade in the making. This is a group that formed back in the late 1990’s at Notre Dame before relocating to Chicago. Their main introduc-tion to larger audiences came at the very first Bonnaroo in 2002, and they have been welcomed back to the festival several times as it has grown, including playing the main stage at this year’s event. They have also formed a partnership with the band moe. to host another wildly successful music festival: Summercamp.

On August 28th, Umphrey’s McGee will return to play in Tuscaloosa, and their growth can be noted by which venue they will perform in. Twice in the past they played the Bama Theatre. Given Umphrey’s impressive light show and the artist’s proximity to the crowd, both performances were filled with energy, maybe even too much. The crowds at those shows got wild, even leading to some audience members trying to climb on stage and scaffolding. I would venture to say that the management at the Bama did not approve. Still, the shows were fun and the band played well. However, two years ago they played on campus for Greekfest, opening for Nelly. The show was short, and the crowd was not very into the group. It was easily their worst performance I’ve seen. However, in August they will be playing at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre.

There will certainly be a major difference going from a 1,000-seat theatre like the Bama to a 7,000-seat outdoor-amphitheater. But Umphrey’s are no strangers to these types of venues as most of their career has been spent doing outdoor festivals all over the country. But the move still puzzles me with regards to the management at the Amp. This is a venue that struggles to sell out for much more well-known acts. No doubt UM carries a much less expensive price tag, but I wonder just how many tickets they can sell for a Thursday show. Certainly the return of University students for fall semester helps as they will be the target audience, but the choice remains odd.

However, I will be there nonetheless. This is one of my favorite bands to see live and I can’t pass up the opportunity to see them in Tuscaloosa again. I wonder if the upward momentum of their name will continue, and I wonder just what impression they will leave on the Amp. Still, I will enjoy the music while it lasts. Just like success could always be just around the corner, so too could be the end of a group.

@tREYBRo

oKs88


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