TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2013
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The Homewood Star Volume 3 | Issue 6 | September 2013
Heroes remembered
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Million-dollar voice Homewood’s Dr. Levin is on the sidelines every Saturday as Voice of the Million Dollar Band
Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan salutes during last year’s Patriot Day Ceremony. This year’s event will take place in Mountain Brook.
City page 11
Tribute to summer
Dr. Robert Levin stands next to his microphone at midfield during the halftime show of the BCS Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame in January 2013 in Miami. Photo courtesy of Dr. Robert Levin.
By CHANDLER JONES Homewood’s Dr. Robert Levin is center stage every SEC Saturday, but it’s not his athletic ability that finds its way to the spotlight. Rather, it’s his voice that’s worth a million dollars. As The University of Ala-
The freedom of summer may have been lost to fall routines, but take one grand look back with our Summer Fun Photo Contest. See the winners inside.
Special page 16
bama’s “Voice of the Million Dollar Band,” Levin’s words have filled Bryant-Denny Stadium during the pregame and halftime shows since 1990. “It’s about the band. What I’m trying to do is highlight what they’re doing,” Levin said. “I want to call attention to the band, try to give an
had somebody in your class that would imitate people, and I was that guy. I like sports and comedy, and the combination sort of led me to doing this.” Now, Levin can’t wait for his 23rd season.
See VOICE | page 29
Hot Strings heading to Brookwood Organizers anticipate more than 7,000 will attend Oct. 6 event
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By MADOLINE MARKHAM
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exciting introduction or explanation of what they’re doing.” Levin happened upon the opportunity when he met thenband director Kathryn Scott at a party in 1990. “I was just talking to her,” Levin said. “I tend to be a funny person. You know you probably
Hot Strings is bringing its family-friendly music and arts festival to Colonial Brookwood Village this year. Photo courtesy of The Foundry.
When the Hot Strings festival began four years ago, organizers hoped to have 1,000 people show up. Around 2,500 people ended up maxing out Sloss Furnaces’ capacity, and about 6,000 came to The Preserve in Hoover for the 2012 event. This year, Hot Strings is moving to the more centrally located Colonial Brookwood Village and hopes to have 7,000 to 8,000 attendees. Organizers suggest buying tickets online as their number is limited. The family event is all about staying local. It benefits local rescue mission and recovery center The Foundry, and three out of four bands are Birmingham-based. “There is a tremendous following between Matthew Mayfield, Act of
Congress and Three on a String,” said Lesley Searcy, director of stewardship at The Foundry. “All of them have a lot of local support. We are excited they want to get behind the event, and we hope the community will get out and see them.” Searcy is quick to emphasize that that the family-friendly, alcohol-free atmosphere of the concert attracts all demographics. “There is plenty to do for families with children or for people who just want to bring a lawn chair, get barbecue and listen to music,” she said. “People love it because it’s a safe, clean, very positive environment for people to enjoy an afternoon of great music and great food.” Searcy, a Homewood resident
See HOT STRINGS | page 29