Rocket City Scene & Happenings

“We’ll Meet Again: A New American Musical” coming to Princess Theatre

By STAFF REPORTS

DECATUR - “We’ll Meet Again: A New American Musical” comes to life Sept. 6 and 7 on The Princess Theatre stage. A patriotic and life-affirming story, “We’ll Meet Again” is inspired by the life of Henry Stern and his family’s remarkable odyssey and narrow escape from Nazi Germany, their immigration to America, and their integration and settlement in Alabama.

In 1937, then 5-year-old Heinz Stern and his family escaped Westheim, Germany, under Nazi occupation. They were welcomed with open arms by the small town of Opelika, Alabama, where Stern’s family found love and acceptance. However, war left missing pieces for Henry Stern, as he became known, and for more than 60 years, he continued to search the United States for other family members who survived the

Holocaust.

After experiencing “We’ll Meet Again,” renowned Auburn basketball Coach Bruce Pearl and his wife, Brandy, immediately knew its importance as a moving story that everyone should experience with their families. Subsequently, the Pearls helped encourage and support this current Southern Tour of the show.

“We want as many people to experience this production as possible,” said Coach Pearl, “so that others can laugh and cry and be moved and inspired by the music, the story, and the dancing – just like Brandy and I were.”

The musical features 1930s and 1940s-era music, including many of the most popular songs and swing dances of the WWII era. Classics include “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and “Juke Box Saturday Night,” as well as several beloved Jewish and Hebrew songs

intimately integrated into the story, including the favorite “Hava Nagila.”

“We’ll Meet Again” was created and written by Jim Harris, directed by Richard Rose, with vocal arrangements and musical orchestra-

tions by Mark Hayes. “Our hope in creating this show is to capture the essence of what America has meant to the world in our best moments,” said playwright Jim Harris. Tickets are available online at princesstheatre.org.

CO M I N G EV EN T S!

Aug. 18th 7 p.m. Muscle Shoals Meets the Eagles

Aug 24th 7 p.m. True Grit (movie)

Aug. 26th 7 p.m. Elvis Remembered (tribute concer t)

Sept. 2nd 7 p.m. Ray Wylie Hubbard

Sept. 3rd 2:30 p.m Monster Grizzly movie

Sept. 5th 7 p.m. Oliver Wood Trio

Sept. 6th 7 p.m. “We’ll Meet Again” musical

Sept. 8th 7 p.m. Drake White & the Big Fire

Sept. 10th 5 p.m. Amerifest

Sept. 14th 7 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Shannon Lawson

Sept. 16th 7 p.m. Blues Ar tist Ruthie Foster (Ally Free opens)

Sept. 20th 7 p.m. The Wilder Blue

Sept. 28th 7 p.m. Goldpine & Charlie Argo. – in the Listening Room

Oct. 6th 7 p.m.

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Festival Times:

Friday, Sept. 15

5 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 16 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Sunday, Sept.17 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Redstone Arsenal to host 26th Annual Oktoberfest Sept. 15-17

By STAFF REPORTS

SCENE & HAPPENINGS

EDITOR

John Few

256-763-1150

john@themadisonrecord.com

GENERAL MANAGER

French Salter

ADVERTISING SALES

Donna Counts

256-714-7152

donna.counts@theredstonerocket.com

Rocket City Scene & Happenings is a product of Tennessee Valley Media, Inc 7734 Madison Blvd 15, Huntsville, Al 35806 • www.themadisonrecord.com

Copyright 2023

HUNTSVILLE - This year’s Oktoberfest at Redstone Arsenal will take place Sept. 15-17 at the Activity Field on Aerobee Road and is open to the entire North Alabama community. It promises fun for all.

The annual Redstone festival attracts thousands of people each year. Some attend for the Ferris wheel and other carnival rides, others for the live entertainment, which this year will include The King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band, DJ Slim Robb, DJ Jammin’ Jeff, karaoke, The Pollies (a Muscle Shoals band) and Buck’d Up, a Huntsville-based eclectic band.

Always a draw to Oktoberfest is the cuisine, such as grilled brats and schnitzel plates (German potato salad, sauerkraut, dill pickle spear and Brotchen), pretzels and beer cheese and more.

This year’s event will cost $15 for general admission and $25 for admission with unlimited rides. Parking is free.

Proceeds from the Oktoberfest are returned to the Redstone communi-

ty in the form of improvements to Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and recreational offerings. Details on events can be found in future issues of the Redstone Rocket and at redstone.armymwr.com.

The annual Redstone festival attracts thousands of people each year. Go to redstone.armymwr.com for more details.

Broadway Theatre League’s 2023-2024 season is finally here. Laughs, finger snaps and even hope will interlace the spectrum of performances. The upcoming slate offers six straight-from-NYC productions, along with four season specials. Here are some of the offering from Broadway Theatre League being presented over the next few months. All show are held at the Mark C Smith Concert Hall at the VBC in Huntsville. For more information, visit broadwaytheatreleague.org.

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

August 23

Wednesday 6 p.m.

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Company.

October 18

Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Experience the MAN IN BLACK like never before with state of the art projection, a live band, and on screen narration by John Carter Cash. Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience brings songs and stories from the “Man in Black” to the stage in a way that audiences haven’t seen or heard before. With video of Johnny from episodes of The Johnny Cash TV Show projected on a screen above the stage, a live band and singers will accompany him in perfect sync. This concert experience will showcase iconic performances from the TV show and highlight the spirit of the legend by revisiting some of his memorable words and anecdotes. Cash will perform some of his biggest hits.

10 ROUND GOLF PASS $450

Offer expires AUG. 31, 2023

COME FROM AWAY

October 27-29

Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 8 p.m.

Sunday 1 & 6:30 p.m.

Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony Award-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashely. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

BEETLEJUICE

November 28 - December 3

Tuesday - Thursday 7:30 p.m. Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 8 p.m. Sunday 1 & 6:30 p.m.

He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Huntsville. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, and astonishing set, and a score that’s out this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And Under it’s uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

JOHNNY CASH: THE OFFICIAL CONCERT EXPERIENCE

Special events at Burritt On The Mountain Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive • www.burrittonthemountain.com.

BURRITT’S OKTOBERFEST DINNER 2023

September 14 (6-8 p.m.)

Raise a glass at Burritt on the Mountain with stunning views overlooking the city of Huntsville. Oktoberfest is always celebrated in September because of the longer days and warmer weather. Oktoberfest has been a German tradition since 1810. It was originally built to commemorate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess of Bavaria. This year, Bavarians were treated to days of beer, food and entertainment. Start your evening with a German Pretzel Buffet followed by the Oktoberfest Dinner. The “Ein Zwei Duo” will entertain all with polkas and of course everyone’s favorite “Ein Prosit”. $45 per person.

CITY LIGHTS & STARS CONCERT SERIES

2023 ROUND TOP FOLK FESTIVAL

November 4 - 5

Where Traditional Art and Music Come Alive Featuring Burritt Folk School Instructors and other Local Artists Burritt on the Mountain and The Burritt Folk School are proud to announce the 2nd Annual Round Top Folk Festival Kickoff Concert Friday Evening – November 3rd Saturday, November 4th & Sunday, November 5th – Saturday & Sunday Festival Day Passes will be sold onsite at Burritt on the Mountain with no advanced purchase necessary. Burritt Members Day Pass $5 for Children & Adults. General Public Day Pass: Adults $15, Children $8.

September 8 & 22 at 7:30 p.m. • Burritt on the Mountain • burrittonthemountain.com

City Lights & Stars Concert Series 30th season! Pack a picnic, dress casually, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a spectacular view of the city while listening to great music. Food trucks will be onsite with food and dessert available for purchase. Beer and wine available for purchase.

September 8 – Calypso Vision

Eclectic “Gumbo Mix” of Buffett-Style Trop and Classic Rock, grounded in good alternative roots, and a few Hippie Surprises, Calypso Vision brings its beach party ready to go, with all the spontaneous fun you need to turn an evening into a trip down island! Offering a “better attitude from another latitude”.

September 22 – In the Mood Swing Band

Calling Huntsville “Hometown”, Huntsville’s In the Mood is an exciting 21 piece big band. Specializing in swing and jazz making every occasion an exciting event. Influences include Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Cole Porter Bobby Darrin, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie.

TRADITIONAL ART & MUSIC COME ALIVE

NOVEMBER 4TH & 5TH

FEATURING BURRITT FOLK SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS AND OTHER LOCAL ARTISANS & MUSICIANS

learn. see. experience. a slice of north alabama culture and history

artisan Market

artisans & craftspeople representing culinary arts, handmade crafts and visual arts

outdoor family fun in the historic park

authentic historic settings

traditional music | arts, skills & crafts demonstrations

- FESTIVAL DAY PASSES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONSITE THE DAY OF THE EVENT -

KICKOFF THE WEEKEND WITH TOPHOUSE

A FOLK BAND FROM WESTERN MONTANA LIVING IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD | 6:00PM

ADVANCED CONCERTTICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONLINE

GARDEN SOIRÉE • Tuesday, September 19 • 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Huntsville Botanical Garden • hsvbg.org

The Garden Soirée is an enchanting evening of philanthropy outside at the Garden, featuring cocktails, a three-course dinner by James Boyce, and a live auction. Guests enjoy a night of natural elegance, all to benefit the mission activities of the Garden. All proceeds from the Garden Soirée support the Garden’s mission work of connecting people to plants in order to create a healthier quality of life for the region.

FESTIFALL

Huntsville Botanical Garden • hsvbg.org/festifall

It’s almost harvest time, and nothing says FALL quite like Festifall at the Huntsville Botanical Garden! Their two-month celebration of the changing seasons features pumpkins, scarecrows, campouts, nature hikes, and more. As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change color, there’s no better place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of autumn. For more fall events at the Garden, go to hsvbg.org/festifall.

C A L L I N G A L L C R O W S !

The Scarecrow Trail is a fall family tradition at the Garden, and this is your chance to be a par t of the fun! Families, community groups, businesses, schools, and individuals are all invited to build a scarecrow for the Scarecrow Trail.

E N T RY F E E:

$45 per scarecrow for individuals, families, and school or community groups

$100 per scarecrow for businesses

Registration Deadline: August 24, 2023

4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville

The popular WhistleStop BBQ Festival will be held at MidCity this fall. The WhistleStop Barbecue Festival made headlines in January this year when the host of the event, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, announced it would no longer hold the event, but its now back on! EarlyWorks had been hosting the festival since 2001 as a major fundraising opportunity. i3 and MidCity came to the rescue after news broke earlier this year of the festival coming to an end. i3 is the official presenting sponsor of the festival and MidCity is taking on the honor of supplying the venue. Attendees can still expect loads of tasty barbecue and an official KCBS competition. There will be live music, vendors, and special STEM-oriented children’s activities. The two day long festival will be held October 20-21 and team registration for the competition is open now. Visit whistestopweekend.com to register and for more information on the festival’s grand return.

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Take care, my pretties (and the little dog, too)! The beautiful, the brazen and the bad creatures will fly in to town for the second annual Madison Witches Ride, Roll & Stroll. This funfilled, two-mile bike ride/walk and pet parade will feature festive local witches of all sorts riding their brooms (bikes), parading their pets. These witches do have good personalities as they spread Halloween cheer by throwing candy to hundreds of onlooking children along the route. The Witches Ride takes off at 2 p.m. on Oct. 22. Registration opens Sept. 1 at noon. All witches welcome – good and bad, sweet or spooky, goofy or gorgeous. Get your friends together and form a Witch Squad with your favorite costumes or fly solo. The witches will congregate at Journey Middle School. To learn more, visit mvpmadison.org/ madison-witches-ride.

MADISON STREET FESTIVAL - The Madison Street Festival is just around the corner. The annual festival is in its 41st year and includes many fun areas including arts and crafts, exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, a variety of food vendors, a community parade, information vendors, a sponsor row, and a children’s and teen area with lots of activities. Come spend the day Madison’s historic downtown on October 7 from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, go to madisonstreetfestival.org.

isit “ he General”

This course has a setting of rolling hills that tie in with the river Its length is a definite challenge to golfers, but is a ver y fun course to play for the novice

Food&Drink

Tom Brown’s adds to family with Hays Farm location

By MARIA RAKOCZY

HUNTSVILLE - Tom Brown’s Restaurant has been winning a place in the hearts of locals with its exceptional food and trendy, one-ofa-kind décor at its Madison location since the restaurant debuted in the summer of 2020, and now the restaurant has expanded to the Huntsville community with its new location at Hays Farm.

Tom Brown’s Huntsville opened last month on July 5 with great fanfare. Opening day came as an exciting sigh of relief to the Tom Brown’s team, a satisfying moment that all the hard work, long days, and long nights over the last few years paid off.

Whitney Pritchett, Marketing Coordinator for Tom Brown’s, described it as “ecstatic”. “It was just a beautiful energy that is just overwhelming with gratitude and excitement,” she said. “Just to

watch Tom and Ashley go through that and persevere was a beautiful thing. I learned so much from watching them just walk through doors that opened and then push through whenever they thought they couldn’t push through anymore.”

The Huntsville location was three years in the making. Husband and wife owners Tom and Ashley Brown made the decision to expand in 2020, not too long after opening the first restaurant in The Shoppes of Madison center. The only question was the location of the second restaurant. The Browns were approached about expanding beyond Madison to several different places in north and central Alabama, but ultimately settled on South Huntsville.

It was an unexpected turn in their site search, but they found a home in the up and coming Hays Farm development along Memorial Parkway after receiving an offer they

felt they simply couldn’t refuse. This first unexpected turn was perhaps indicative of the road ahead that brought even more twists and turns.

“Your average person would have walked away two years ago,” Ashley Brown recalled. “If you can think it happened, it happened times ten.”

They originally planned to open in July of 2022 but only received the building a few months before in February, pushing back the timeline by an entire year. They were continuously plagued by the supply chain issues of the post-pandemic world, which made acquiring all the supplies needed to build a restaurant from scratch difficult. From foam pads for chairs to the chairs themselves, the team struggled to find manufacturers with enough supplies available for their needs. They went to great lengths to acquire everything they needed, even flying to Mexico for a switch gear.

In this issue we have decided to take a quick look at what is new with our dining advertisers. These are some of the absolute best places to satisfy your hunger while enjoying a unique atmosphere in the greater Huntsville area.

Tom Brown

The experience was eye-opening on the effect of the pandemic on businesses that were experiencing their own struggles.

A lesson that really stuck for Brown was, “Don’t ever judge someone on the chapter you walked in on their life because you have absolutely no idea what it took to get them there because the average person, I’ll say it time and time again, I’ll say it to anyone, would have walked away.”

The team was able to involve the community in their journey through updates on their social media sites that launched for the Huntsville location in April of 2022.

“We got to show people every step of the way. Even the delays, we tried to keep them as informed as possible. This is why we’re not moving. This is why we’ve stopped,” Baileigh Payne, a member of the marketing and social media team, shared. “It was pretty cool to see the power of social media influence on the

restaurant and see the people’s reactions when we have not even opened our doors. They were begging us to open the entire time.”

Through it all, the Tom Brown team persevered and the team became more like a family.

“It’s all-hands on deck,” Payne said. “Everyone’s trying to put in work. Even if it’s not necessarily your job category, because we all know each other and we’re such a team, we all can pivot to different positions when needed.”

Brown praised her husband, and the restaurant’s namesake, for his cool and determined presence through it all, “He just hit it in the face, and [asked] ‘What do you need from me to get to the next step?’ And he would make it happen.”

“He would never give himself any credit for that,” she added.

All the challenges were certainly worth it for the truly stunning final product guests can enjoy at Tom Brown’s Huntsville. Much like

If you haven’t tried their Bison Filet, you’re missing out! Wrapped in bacon and cooked to the perfect medium rare! Bison is leaner and slightly more tender than beef and just melts in your mouth!

they did with the Madison location, the Browns took a bare bones shell in a strip mall and transformed it into a transportive, immersive experience. Ashley Brown applied the same mentality she pioneered at the Madison restaurant to the new location to create a chic, bright, and unique atmosphere that she observed was really wanted by the people of Huntsville and Madison.

“People were begging for a place to chill, a place to hang out, pretty things to look at, comfy seating, great cocktails,” Ashley remarked.

She wanted to create that kind of environment but that differed from other restaurants of the same caliber, which she noticed sported a dark, more masculine atmosphere.

“I wanted something chic, bright, high energy,” she said. “Ninety percent of the time the female decides where they go eat. Why not make it their place because that’s where they want to go? Why not make it photographable? Why not make it

Instagram-worthy?”

“She also wanted to just create a space where when you stepped in, it was like you were being transported outside of Huntsville, like you’re on vacation. You’re in this trendy place,” Pritchett said of Brown’s vision.

The Hays Farm restaurant accomplishes this chic, appealing style but in a way that stands out from its predecessor. The Huntsville location sports primary colors giving it a more “moody” and “maximalist” feel. Plush seating beckons diners to sit for an impeccable meal, and custom artwork surrounds guests. An entire wall is graced by portraits of Alabama icons, including Mae Jemison, Helen Keller, and Channing Tatum, and other Southern icons, Nick Saban and Dolly Parton observe the dining room from their wall perch. Life-size giraffe figurines add a surprising, endearing touch. The bar glows in

Continued on page 23

Salt Factory Pub

6000 Stax Street NW - MidCity District in Huntsville

Salt Factory Pub, in the MidCity District, is an upscale gastropub that offers modern and approachable cuisine with an unbeatable beer list. The creative menu features a variety of classic comfort foods with international influences.

The dishes at Salt Factory Pub are comprised of local and organic ingredients designed to complement the notable beer line-up of more than 50 different draft and bottled brews.

Modeled after the pubs of the English countryside, Salt Factories are known for their enticing interior designs with exposed brick walls, dark hardwood floors, cozy tufted booths, and custom dim lighting. The energy of the setting and service creates an upscale, cozy “neighborhood” experience, fun and vibrant, yet familiar at the same time.

A look through their menu certainly has my mouth watering. Short-Smoked Salmon Tostadas are a delicious starter. Perfectly layered with charred corn pico, radishes, cilantro, and chipotle lime crema. Then it’s on to a wide selection of entrees, like their 12oz New York Strip and Filet Mignon Medallions – both served with sautéed green beans and garlic mashed potatoes.

Salt Factory Pub also has a delicious choice of brunch and lunch offerings. To see what they have, simply go to www.saltfactorypub.com.

Casua l Dining

Lunch Monday - Saturday 11am-2pm Dinner star ting at 5:00pm

Main Street Cafe reopens after fire

By GREGG PARKER

MADISON – Rebounding from a June 29 fire to the building’s west side, Main Street Cafe in downtown Madison reopened on Aug. 16, which is good news for the restaurant’s loyal following of guests.

The well-prepared savory and sweet foods on the menu have not changed, Tammy Hall said. Tammy and John Hall own Main Street Cafe.

“The fire destroyed our outside storage area and our dry storage area (StoStorage) located at the back of the kitchen. Because smoke entered the kitchen, we had to go through a full recovery process removing all plastics and contaminated materials,” Tammy said.

In addition, the building at 101 Main St. lost electricity, which led to losing all food products in the Halls’ cooler and freezer. Fortunately, the fire caused minimal damage to the kitchen and almost no damage to the dining room.

“For the time being, we will use the jail cells as storage. (Madison City Hall, complete with two jail cells for offenders, formerly occupied this building.) That will unfortunately limit our seating capacity,” Tammy said. “We should be getting a temperature-controlled storage unit soon. We will store all that product there once it becomes available.”

The cause of the fire “was cigarette ashes that were discarded onto cardboard that was broken down outside,” Tammy said.

Cafe employees and first responders reacted quickly to deal with the fire. “Carlton, Kerry and Tim all made an attempt to control the fire until the fire department could come. (The fire’s strength) was more than any amount of extinguishers could handle,” Tammy said.

“My servers Janice, September, Megan and Kirstin made sure to evacuate everyone from the dining area to across the street. Spe-

After repairs from a fire that damaged interior and exterior storage space, Main Street Cafe reopened last week with lunch starting at 11 a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. Owners Tammy and John Hall will offer the same menu without any changes. The landmark restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Madison.

cial thanks to North Alabama Gas Company for quickly turning off the gas that day and to the Madison Fire Department for arriving so quickly and getting the fire under control,” Tammy said.

Servpro discarded all the contaminated materials. Graham Construction upgraded the electrical system, replaced ceiling tiles, painted the walk-in cooler and freezer, upgraded the hot water heater and gas lines and demolished the storage area that was burned. Mark Harbin with Continental Roofing will finish work on the roof.

After the danger was over, employees had to face the loss of their jobs (during months of repairs). “Thankfully, we were able to compensate them while we have gone through this process,” Tammy said. “Some did some temporary work. They are all good workers. We are blessed to have them. They have all been a great help getting the restaurant ready to reopen.”

The menu at Main Street Cafe remains the same. All the entrees, salads, desserts and other orders will be available to guests.

Tammy and John Hall had “no doubts at all” to reopen the cafe. “This was the first time we’ve been through something like this. My husband John handled the insurance, Servpro and construction. I handled product replacement and scheduling, once we could return to the restaurant,” Tammy said.

During ‘time off’ from Main Street Cafe, the Halls were thankful to have their other business, Lanier House Tea Room, at 20 Martin St. in downtown Madison. “I have spent time trying to make sure it can run smoothly. I have a fantastic staff there. They will take care of it while I have to shift back to Main Street,” Tammy said.

For more information, call 256461-8096 or visit mainstreetcafemadison.com or Facebook/Main

Continued on page 23

Lanier House Tea Room

20 Martin Street - downtown Madison

Any day is a special day when you plan a visit to the Lanier House Madison, located at 20 Martin Street in the historic district of Downtown Madison. It is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or make an ordinary day something extraordinary with your family and friends.

Owner Tammy Hall created this amazing tearoom after being inspired by similar places she would visit in her travels. She began to visit tearooms wherever she went, including Italy, and took a mental note of the things she liked. Those mental notes turned into the realization of her dream when in October 2022 the Lanier House opened.

“Our hope is to create a beautiful atmosphere open for anyone to join us for a lovely afternoon tea,” Hall said.

Served using eloquent China piec-

es, the tea flavors as well as the food offerings change monthly, allowing Hall to keep things fresh and new for customers.

The offering is afternoon tea which includes a tea pairing for a savory, a bread and a sweet tray. “The first tray is the heavier food, so you want a heavy tea to go with it. The second is usually a light tea, such as a herbal tea, and then with the sweets we usually go with a light black tea,” Hall said.

The Lanier House is also be available for private venue bookings. Bridal luncheons, tea with an old or new friend, birthdays, baby showers, children’s parties, rehearsal dinners and more will all find their perfect space here.

To view the menu and to make reservations, go to www.lanierhousemadison.com.

Baumhower’s Victory Grille

2309 Memorial Pkwy SW in Huntsville

It all started in 1981, when Bob Baumhower, the All-American from the University of Alabama and six time AllPro for the Miami Dolphins, decided to share his foodie passion with the world and introduce Buffalo-style chicken wings to the state of Alabama. What better place to lay the foundation for the next chapter in life than his old college stomping grounds? Baumhower’s first restaurant opened in Tuscaloosa, AL and the rest is history!

Following a name change to Baumhower’s Victory Grille in order to embrace the comprehensive and expansive menu featured at each restaurant, there are now ten total locations throughout the state of Alabama, including one in Huntsville. Alabama residents have embraced Baumhower’s as one of the top dining experiences in the state.

From its inception Baumhower’s has been synonymous with sports, fun

times and quality food! Baumhower’s has always been known for their signature wings, but there’s so much more!

One of the most popular and unique dishes on the menu, the Hot Bama Brown, was even featured on the list of 100 Things to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.

It is the constant goal of all Baumhower’s locations to have the food to be the best it can be. This is achieved using fresh, local ingredients, creating sauces and other key ingredients, a growing menu that follows the latest food trends and one of the most organized and technologically advanced kitchens in the industry. It is the aspiration of each and every employee to provide the highest quality food, excellent, unrivaled service and an overall enjoyable and pleasant experience for each and every guest.

Check out www.baumhowers.com.

Furniture Factory

Meridian Street and The Village of Providence in Huntsville

Folks in Huntsville familiar with the city’s night life certainly know about the Furniture Factory Bar & Grill — one of Huntsville’s premier live music venues and a popular bar and restaurant on Meridian Street. Last year they opened a new location with the same vibe in the Village of Providence. They host some of the area’s top performers and serve some of the best food. Entrée options range from a long list of sandwiches – including a prime rib sandwich, Factory cheeseburger, grilled Portobello mushroom sandwich, fried or grilled tilapia sandwich, Cuban and more – to steaks and salads. They also have a South of the Border menu with Tex Mex favorites such as nachos, fish tacos, chef’s burrito and fajitas. For details, go to furniturefactorybargrill.com

Market Fun

LOWE MILL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT OUTDOOR MARKET

Every Saturday • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., from through October 21 for their Outdoor Market. Vendors from all over the area will present their finest products, whether made-by-hand, second-hand or made by the earth. Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment will host this event throughout the grounds providing patrons, pickers, and art lovers with an open air shopping experience (weather permitting). For more information, go to www.lowemill. art/outdoor-market.

MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday 8 a.m. to noon • 1088 Hughes Road

Located at 1088 Hughes Road, next to Trinity Baptist Church, Madison City Farmers Market is a producer-only farmers market founded in 2007. Vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers. Come see creations from local artisans including handmade cards, soaps, lotions, candles, wood crafts, sewn items and other handmade products. For more go to madisoncityfarmersmarket.com.

AMA ZING BANDS FUN TIMES GRE AT FOOD

MIDCITY MARKET

Every Sunday • Noon to 4 p.m. • The Camp in Huntsville

Each Sunday MidCity hosts a wide range of vendors, from food to goodies. The Market will be held each week from 12-4 p.m. It is located at The Camp, 5909 University Drive in Huntsville. For your ears, “The Camp Counselors” are on stage at The Camp every Sunday providing great live music. All products are grown, created, baked, or produced within 150 miles of the Market at MidCity. Go to www.explorethecamp.com/market for vendor list.

The Show is the premier event for building, remodeling, home and garden products in the North Alabama area, bringing consumers all the latest trends and technology for the home under one roof. The Show allows consumers the opportunity to see, learn about and buy the latest products and services from reputable companies they can trust. Occupying over 52,000 square feet of exhibit space in the South Hall of the Von Braun Center and featuring over 100 companies, the Show is the one-stop source for information, products and services for your home!

At the Von Braun Center

For a complete list of events at the Von Braun Center, go to www.vonbrauncenter.com.

‘A Heroes & Friends

Tribute to Randy Travis - 1 Night, 1 Place, 1 Time’ is coming to Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama on Tuesday, October 24 at 7 pm. The night will be filled with many of Randy’s twenty-three global # 1 hits being performed live by some of his musical ‘Heroes and Friends’ in a once-in-a-lifetime event. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Randy Travis Foundation. The foundation is focused on stroke and aphasia awareness and supporting music education in schools. “We are excited to host this fantastic tribute concert in the VBC Propst Arena,” said Steve Maples, Executive Director at Von Braun Center. “Other tribute shows received great support from the Huntsville community. We anticipate a lot of excitement for this tribute to Randy Travis and look forward to what is sure to be another historic musical event!” Tickets are on sale at the Von Braun Center box office as well as ticketmaster. com and randytravis.com.

August 26 • www.artshunstville.org

Explore local art collections in the Madison area and get inspired at Art Tour of Homes. Whether you’re just discovering the local arts scene or are a long-time collector hoping to discover something new – get a dose of inspiration at the Art Tour of Homes, presented by Valley MLS. The Art Tour of Homes is on Saturday, August 26 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Check website for ticket information.

L ive Mu sic Food Trucks

ART TOUR OF HOMES - Madison, Mooresville & Huntsville

The Rocket City Fair returns September 14-23 with big rides and bold moves! The 2023 Rocket City Fair will be held next month at John Hunt Park, 2195 Jaycee Way in Huntsville, AL 35801. You won’t want to miss the classic fair food (funnel cake, anyone?), thrilling rides, live music, and fun for the entire family! There will also be entertainment, such as The Tickled Pink Petting Zoo starring Larry the Llama, Lady Houdini’s World-Renowned Escape Show, and the 2023 Concert Series. For more details, go to www.rocketcityfair.com

Venardos Circus “Let’s Build a Dream” Tour coming to Huntsville

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - Back by popular demand the fabulous Venardos Circus (veh-NARR-dos), a Broadway-style animal-free circus, is returning to Huntsville. The show will be held at MidCity Plaza with its all-new “Let’s Build a Dream” Tour from October 19 - 29.

This season the wondrous Venardos Circus cast will take audiences on a journey under the big top as it unveils a fresh, magical, and allnew experience for fans. The show features an original score, amazing performers, stunning lighting, and dazzling costumes. The 2023 Venardos Circus is traveling with a new, custom-crafted, Italian-made redand-white striped tent that offers expanded seating around a central stage for an immersive experience.

“Our cast and crew is thrilled to be returning to the Huntsville MidCity District with a brand-new show,” said ringmaster and producer, Kevin Venardos. “This story promises to amaze and inspire and

may even tug at a few heartstrings. It takes heart, courage, and tenacity to build a dream, but the outcome can be beautiful. That’s the message we hope to convey and share with the people of Huntsville and the surrounding area.”

Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. The circus performers are also the crew in this traveling tour, much like the original circus tradition. There are no animals in Venardos Circus.

Show schedule will be as follows:

• Thursday, Oct. 19 – 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 20 – 7 p.m.

• Sat., Oct. 21 – 11 a.m., 2 & 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 22 – 11 a.m., 2 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 25 – 7 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 26 – 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 27 – 7 p.m.

• Sat. Oct. 28 – 11 a.m., 2 & 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 29 – 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Doors open an hour prior to showtime. Complete show schedule available at VenardosCircus.com.

MILITARY TRIBUTE NIGHT • September 16

Toyota Field in Madison •www.trashpandasbaseball.com

Come support those who serve on September 16 at Toyota Field for our fourth annual Military Tribute Night Softball Game! Cheer on the USA Patriots vs. the AUSA Softball team and enjoy a postgame fireworks show!

HUNTSVILLE CITY FC Joe Davis Stadium

Huntsville professional soccer team has four remaining home games in the 2023 regular season. They will be at Joe Davis Stadium, Aug. 19, 27, Sept. 10 and 24. For times and tickets, go to www.mlsnextpro.com/ huntsvillecityfc.

Tom Brown’s

red and blue backlights, and even the bathrooms are picture-worthy. Truly, no detail was left unattended, evidence that the Tom Brown team did not leave behind the high level of excellence and attention to detail exhibited beautifully in the original restaurant.

Though the Browns wanted the Huntsville location’s interior design to be entirely different from Madison’s design, they made sure that the signature Tom Brown experience of casual fine dining with exceptional service and the menu of beloved dishes stayed the same.

According to Pritchett, “You

Main Street Cafe

Street Cafe.

DEAD PARROTS SOCIETY - Ghastly

ghosts, scary spirits and hair-raising hauntings will permeate the air at Dead Parrots Society Bash. Tickets are available now. Rotary Club of Madison, sponsor for Dead Parrots Society, hosts the bone-chilling event as its major fundraiser to continue its ‘service-over-self’ commitment to provide charitable services both locally and internationally. The bash on Oct. 28 will welcome guests from 6 to 11 p.m. at the venue, NOW Soccer Academy at 147 Westchester Drive, Bldg. E in Madison. JUICE will entertain the ghouls and goblins. This dynamic and seasoned party band from Huntsville is a true testament to musical talent and skill. Their performances are not only energetic and soulful but also showcase the incredible talent of each musician. Tickets are $25. Visit eventbrite.com, and type “Dead Parrots Society” in the “Search events” box. Click the link to the bash, and complete the page for tickets. For more information, visit madisonalrotary.org/fundraiser.

can count on going to any of our restaurants and having the same delicious food. You do not have to worry about if your fish is going to taste the same, if your steak is going to taste the same, if your dessert is going to taste the same. It’s going to be the same across the board, but you’re going to go to Madison, you’re going to go to Huntsville and you’re going to have two different experiences.”

Guests can expect the same fresh seafood and high quality meats paired with exceptional hospitality that established Tom Brown’s in Madison, now in South Huntsville.

Next month, the “Pinta”, a Replica of a Portuguese caravel used by Columbus and many early explorers will open as a “floating museum” for dockside educational tours. The ship will be docked starting Sept. 8 at Ditto Landing Marina in Huntsville until her departure on Sept. 18. In 2005, the Pinta was launched in Brazil after three years of construction. The ship was built by eighth-generation Portuguese shipwrights using the same methods and hand tools that were used to build the original in the 15th century. The Pinta was the first ship to sight land on the famous voyage of discovery on October 12, 1492. The general public is invited to step back in time and explore the Pinta for self guided tours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. No reservations are necessary. Tickets are purchased at the ship and prices are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors/military (65+), and $6 for children (5 - 16). Children four and under are free. Call 251-293-4193 or email ninapintatour@gmail.com for any inquires. Check out www.ninapinta.org.

About Main Street Cafe

Housed inside Madison’s 3rd City Hall (circa 1955), guests at Main Street Cafe enjoy an eclectic blend of Southern Comfort food coupled with an ever-changing list of daily specials sure to tame even the toughest of appetites. You can have lunch or dinner in jail...without having to break any laws! How

amazing is that? One of the most popular lunch orders is Poulet de Normandie, a hearty dressing casserole of stuffing, chicken, celery, mayo, mushroom sauce, and cheese. “It’s that dish people see walking by and ask, ‘What is that?’

It’s comfort food 101,” Tammy said. They also offer other lunch entrees, such as Tilapia with Mango Salsa, Stuffed Roasted Porkloin and Poppyseed Chicken Casserole.