LIFE

‘The Last Man Standing’

Homewood Theatre Kicks Off 2021-22 Season, Embraces Change at Brookwood Village

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

Homewood Theatre’s 2019-20 season was filled with promise. It was the first season the theater performed in its own venue, which is in Brookwood Village.

Executive Director Kyle Bass recalls moving into the space in the summer of 2019 with its first performance held in August of 2019.

As they continued through their first fall, the location in the mall seemed to be the perfect fit.

“We would hold people’s bags from Macy’s behind the bar,” Bass said. They would also store patron’s leftovers from dinner at a nearby restaurant such as Brio or Cocina Superior in the venue’s refrigerator.

“We did four shows in this space and felt like we were rocking and rolling, then, all of a sudden …,” Bass said. Everything came to a screeching halt in March 2020.

“We had already planned a music series and were planning to do camps that summer. All of that went away,” he added.

Not only were productions in limbo, the mall began experiencing a rapid decline as businesses closed their doors.

Some of the major losses were Books-aMillion, Brio Tuscan Grille, Cocina Superior, Jason’s Deli and, most recently, Chick-fil-A.

“People have their place where they park when they come to Brookwood Village,” Bass said, choosing to park in their regular area whether they are going to Macy’s or to the food court. As patrons walked through the building, he said they were shocked by how empty it was.

“We’re the last man standing,” Bass said, but brighter days are on the horizon.

In August, news broke that the majority of the mall had been sold to Birmingham-based Fairway Investments and Pope & Land Real Estate, out of Atlanta.

“I cannot say strongly enough that this group, Fairway Investments, is on the ball,” Bass said. “They have been very gracious with us, a little nonprofit theater.”

Homewood Theatre offered their space as a venue for community meetings with the property’s previous owners, who seemed dedicated to a plan to turn the mall into a mixed-use facility with apartments.

Bass said Fairway seems to be more invested in feedback from local residents who wish to see the mall continue to be centered on retail and restaurant offerings.

“They are local folks, and they know what is important to the surrounding community,” Bass said, noting that some of the new owners’ team members have a history with the mall when it was known as Colonial Brookwood Village.

Updates to the building are needed, but Bass said the new owners have been more than accommodating.

“They asked us if we would be willing to move to another space in the mall to ride out the construction,” Bass said.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald Adapting to changes is a skill that Executive Director Kyle Bass and his theater staff has had time to master in 2020 and 2021.

A Season of Adaptations

While it’s another challenge for the young theater, Bass is up for it. Adapting to changes is a skill the theater staff has had time to master in 2020 and 2021.

The changes have brought opportunities to create new theater arts experiences.

Last year, Bass worked with local actors to create an outdoor storytelling production. Performers created monologues recounting their pandemic experiences, titled “Working Without Pants.”

Stories included accounts of losing jobs and even one in which a woman rekindled a love of baking, quit her day job and opened a bakery.

“Then we had a guy who works in news and on the radio. He had been laid off for a while,” Bass said. “In one of his stories he said something about getting kind of tired of working without pants. I said, there’s our title.”

Over the summer, Bass and his team have

See THEATRE, page 11

Alabama Ballet Sets Its Schedule for the 40th Anniversary Season

Alabama Ballet’s season opens with an Alabama Ballet at Home performance of selected repertoire presented Friday and Saturday in the more intimate atmosphere of the company’s studio in the Lakeview area.

Tickets for the event are $20, which includes complimentary drinks. They can be bought at the door as well as online or by phone.

Next up is “Ovation,” a mixed-repertory performance being presented Oct. 22-24 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex theater. In the performance will be segments of classic ballets and contemporary works, including an original work by choreographer Garrett Smith titled “Imitations” and George Balanchine’s “Western Symphony.”

In December, “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” will be performed at the BJCC concert hall. The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world granted the rights to perform this holiday classic, which includes opulent costumes and extravagant sets.

On Feb. 25-27, the company presents “Blue Suede Shoes,” by Dennis Nahat, at the BJCC concert hall. The ballet is danced to 36 master recordings of Elvis Presley songs, combining classical dance and classic rock with a helping of jazz thrown in. The 90-minute ballet incorporates 280 costumes, all designed by Bob Mackie, and 16 sets.

FALL ARTS PREVIEW CALENDAR

ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Private Picnic in the Park, Sept. 26

The family-oriented organization Symphony 30 will host an ASO fundraiser where patrons can order a picnic dinner, including two adult meals, two kid meals, Cookie Fix cookies, beverages, a fall children’s craft and links to download ASO music while eating. Picnic blankets will be available for purchase. Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

ALYS STEPHENS CENTER

Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz

Orchestra, Oct. 14 NEA Jazz Master and Grammy award-winning producer Delfeayo Marsalis, hails from one of the most talented family of jazz musicians. The Uptown Jazz Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from New Orleans street band songs, swing, bebop and the blues to modern and contemporary jazz. Jemison Concert Hall.

Sierra Hull, Oct. 16

After making her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 10, the Tennessee-bred virtuoso mandolinist Sierra Hull played Carnegie Hall at age 12, then landed a deal with Rounder Records just a year later. Now 28-years-old, Hull is set to deliver her fourth full-length for Rounder: 25 Trips. Jemison Concert Hall.

Robert Cray Band, Nov. 9

In just over 40 years, five-time Grammy Awardwinning singer, guitarist and songwriter Robert Cray and his band have recorded 20 studio releases, 15 of which have been on the Billboard charts, and played in bars, concert halls, festivals and arenas around the world. Jemison Concert Hall.

Chris Thile, Nov. 16

Grammy award winner and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile, a member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, and now the host of Live from Here, is a mandolin virtuoso, composer and vocalist with a broad outlook that encompasses classical, rock, jazz and bluegrass. Jemison Concert Hall.

BIRMINGHAM BROADWAY SERIES

Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles Nov. 10

In celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road, Rain will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to all your early Beatles favorites. BJCC Theatre.

Waitress, Oct. 15-17

Inspired by the beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town. BJCC Theatre.

BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Dot and Ziggy, Sept. 4, Sept. 11 and Sept. 18

With the help of a wise spider, and the encouragement of the audience, neighbors Dot, a ladybug, and Ziggy, a skunk, will learn how to share. BCT is offering a new series of shows specifically for its youngest audiences featuring engaging, interactive, immersive experiences for early learners. Birmingham Children’s Theatre..

Red Mountain Theatre Kicks Off a 5-Show Season in December

Red Mountain Theatre has announced five shows that will make up the 2021-2022 inaugural season in its new, state-of-the-art facility.

The season will begin Dec. 3 with the Red Mountain Theatre Holiday Spectacular, featuring the Red Mountain Theatre Youth Ensemble (formerly RMT Conservatory), along with adults performing classic holiday favorites.

The Holiday Spectacular will take place Wednesdays through Sundays, Dec. 3 to Dec. 19. The shows on Wednesdays through Fridays will begin at 8 p.m. Saturdays’ shows will begin at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays’ at 2 p.m.

The remainder of the season will include performances of “Once on This Island,” “Once,” “Kinky Boots” and Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

“We’re so excited for the first season of shows to take place at our Arts Campus,” said Red Mountain Theatre Executive Director Keith Cromwell. “Each of these shows offers a unique and wonderful theatrical experience for both audience and performers. We can’t wait to see these shows come to life on our stages.”

“Once on This Island is a two-act musical set in the Caribbean Sea that tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl on an island who uses the power of love to unite people of varying social classes.

The play is an adaptation of the popular fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” and garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run in 1990-91, including best musical, book and score.

Performances will begin Feb. 11 and be held each Thursday through Sunday until Feb. 27. Thursday and Friday shows will lift the curtain at 8 p.m., with Saturday shows starting at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday shows beginning at 2 p.m.

“Once,” a 2011 musical based on the 2007 film of the same name by John Carney and adapted for the stage by Enda Walsh, tells the story of an Irish street performer known only as ‘Guy’ and his love interest ‘Girl,’ who fall for each other over their shared love of music.

Once will make its debut at Red Mountain Theatre April 8 and will run Thursdays–Sundays through April 24. Thursday and Friday shows will begin at 8 p.m., with shows on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday shows beginning at 2 p.m.

Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Kinky Boots” is set to a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and based on a hilarious book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein.

The plot centers on the character of Charlie Price, a man attempting to save his family’s Northampton, England, shoe business who eventually begins to focus on producing highheeled boots for drag performers.

The show will premiere June 3 and run Thursdays to Sundays through June 26. Thursday and Friday shows will begin at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows on Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” tells the classic story of a girl forced to live with her evil stepmother until a fairy godmother rescues her and delivers her into the arms of Prince Charming.

Performances will begin July 15 and run Tuesdays to Sundays through Aug. 7. Tuesday to Friday shows will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday shows will begin at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and there will be a single 2 p.m. show on Sundays.

All performances will take place at Red Mountain Theatre’s Arts Campus, at 1600 Third Ave. South in Birmingham.

Tickets can be purchased to each show individually or in various packages. Season subscriptions are available at RedMountainTheatre.org. Individual show tickets will go on sale in October.

Photo courtesy RMTC

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To: Becky From: Over the Mountain Journal 823-9646 ph, Date: August 2021

This is your AD PROOF FOR OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the august 26th issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes.

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2021 Season Begins September 7

•Parent/Toddler •Movement-to-Music •”Let’s Get Moving” for students with disabilities •Ballet •Modern •Jazz •Tap •Hip Hop •Musical Theatre

Live piano accompaniment for classes through first grade.

Call or register online

205.870.0073 thedancefoundation.org 1715 27th Ct S, Homewood

Welcome back to Samford Arts

We are rolling out the red carpet for our Samford friends to come see our ensembles, guest artists, faculty and more. Make sure to check out our art and music classes for all ages at the Academy of the Arts.

Art Gallery Events:

Matter + Spirit • Tad Gloeckler • Jamaal Barber Samford faculty and student exhibits

Theatre and Opera Events:

The Wind in the Willows • Crumbs from the Table of Joy A Christmas Carol, the Musical • The Laramie Project Dance Concert • The Magic Flute

Music Events:

Faculty Gala and Recitals • A Cappella Choir University Chorale • Orchestra • Jazz Chamber Ensembles • Commercial Music Worship Arts Ensemble • Samford Worship Team

Davis Architects Guest Artist Series:

Misha Dichter • Rachel Barton Pine Sandbox Percussion • Invoke

Make sure to check our website for events, times and ticket information at samford.edu/arts/events.

Pandemic Brought Five Homewood Residents Together to Form a Neighborhood Band

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

The Kensingtons, a relatively new local band, is made up of five neighbors who knew each other very little, if at all, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Homewood residents Ben Leach, Bob Blalock, Ethan White, Sam Gentle and Chris Horwedel all live on the same street, Kensington Road. What brought them together was a desire to play music and have some fun during the height of pandemic shutdowns.

“To me … there have certainly been some very difficult and hard things that have happened over the past year with COVID, but this has been a huge silver-lining,” said Leach, the lead vocalist.

For about a year, the band has performed exclusively in their neighborhood.

They’ll soon break out of their bubble to play at the Homewood City Schools Foundation’s Grateful Dads concert fundraiser Sept. 26 at Pizzeria GM in West Homewood.

Also included in the lineup will be the band Thrine, which also includes Homewood residents.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to be a part of something that is raising money and giving back to the city schools,” Leach said. “We were thrilled we were asked.”

Each member of the band has a connection to the organization and its impact on the Homewood community. Leach’s oldest son just started kindergarten at Shades Cahaba Elementary School and Gentle has kids who will soon age into the school system.

While Blalock’s kids have all graduated, he was a member of the Homewood City Schools Foundation during their time in the school system.

“It is a wonderful organization that provides great support for teachers and schools in Homewood,” Blalock said. “When Ben mentioned the possibility, I was all in.”

Bonding During Lockdown

What both Leach and Blalock find to be one of the most fascinating things about the formation of The Kensingtons is that they hardly knew each other before the pandemic.

“My wife and I have lived here for about nine or 10 years, and we didn’t really know any of our neighbors,” Leach said. “We should have, but we just didn’t.”

White and Blalock were the only two who had an established relationship, but it was simply as next-door neighbors.

During the initial shutdowns, the two got to talking at one of White’s lawn parties. He would host them during the weekends with neighbors gathering for drinks outdoors while social distancing.

“Ethan kept talking up this idea of starting a neighborhood band,” Blalock said. White knew that Blalock played guitar and wanted him to sign on.

Meanwhile, Leach had caught wind of White’s lawn parties and was hoping to join in on the fun.

“I drove by one day and told my wife, Laura, we’ve got to get invited to this. We need to be a part of this,” he said.

As fate would have it, Leach ended up connecting with White through work. Through his job in commercial banking with Progress Bank, he worked on a PPP Loan for White’s physical therapy clinic, EW Motion Therapy.

Leach noticed White’s Kensington Road address, dropped some hints, and White invited him to bring his wife and kids to the next event.

At his first party, Leach was asked the inevitable question, “Do you play any instruments?”

“Before I could say anything, my wife blurted out, ‘You know, Ben was in a band in college. He was a singer,’” Leach said.

While he noted that the last time he was in a band was many years ago, it didn’t matter. He was asked to come back to White’s house on Saturday to play around.

“It took on a life of its own,” Blalock said.

White, Blalock and Leach worked through a couple of songs that Saturday and were soon approached by Gentle. He’s a physician working in neonatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, but he has a history as a seasoned musician.

“He walked up one day and said, ‘Guys, I see what you’re doing here and I’m in. Let’s do it,’” Leach said with a laugh.

The group now had a drummer, all of the core makings of a band, and they began meeting on Saturdays to play around with some songs.

Their first gig was purely for fun, an outdoor neighborhood concert on Blalock’s wife’s 60th birthday.

“We were terrible,” Blalock said, mostly in jest. “We stunk. Especially the lead guitarist, which was the role I was trying to fill.”

Despite being critical of himself, Blalock and the band caught the eye of Horwedel – a seasoned guitarist who wanted to help out.

“Chris is a phenomenal guitarist,” Leach said. “He’s probably one of the best I’ve ever played with.”

“He is much, much better than I could ever dream of being,” Blalock said. “He rounded out the band and at that point we didn’t need three guitarists. We didn’t have a bass player, so I thought I could figure that out.”

Throughout the pandemic, the band has been practicing once or twice a week and periodically hosting concerts for the neighborhood while developing quite a following.

Leach notes that one of their last shows in May had an audience of somewhere between 200 and 250 people.

“We’re trying to move beyond Sam’s front porch,” Bob said. “So, this show coming up on Sept. 26 will be the first big step.”

The band also plans to do host a neighborhood show on Halloween, followed by a performance at a fundraiser for Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic School in mid-November.

Bandmates Chris Horwedel, Ben Leach, Bob Blalock, Sam Gentle and Ethan White all live on the same street in Homewood, Kensington Road.

Generations United

Audiences will hear an eclectic set list when they see the Kensingtons, but mostly they play alternative and classic rock ranging from the White Stripes to the Rolling Stones.

“It reflects our ages,” Blalock said. “I’m the old guy in the band, so I like classic rock, and some of the other guys like Ben and Sam are much younger.”

Blalock has found that learning to play her bandmates favorite songs has broadened his taste in music.

He’s developed a new appreciation for familiar songs that he had previously overlooked, for example “Times Like These” by Foo Fighters and “Tomorrow” by Silverchair.

In turn, he offered up “Rock and Roll” by the Velvet Underground, which is now one of Horwedel’s favorite songs that they play.

“COVID has just been awful – all of the sickness all of the death, businesses being shuddered or closing forever,” Blalock said. “But this was something good that came out of it for us. I’ve really enjoyed getting together with those guys and making music. I think we all do.”

From page 8

“Don Quixote,” a classical ballet about a nobleman obsessed with stories of ancient chivalry, is scheduled for April 22-24 at the BJCC concert hall to close out the season.

“This season brings an exciting variety of works, from classic to contemporary and timeless to never before seen,” said Tracey Alvey, artistic director of Alabama Ballet. “It offers a little something for everyone – comedy, tragedy, family friendly and one-of-akind. I look forward to bringing these performances along with a wealth of talent to this year’s stage.”

Alabama Ballet is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The company began in 1981 as an outgrowth of the Birmingham Civic Ballet, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Ballet and Ballet Alabama, and under the coartistic direction of worldrenowned dancers Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski.

In addition, Alabama Ballet will be celebrating Artistic Director Tracey Alvey’s 15th anniversary and Associate Artistic Director Roger VanFleteren’s 25th anniversary with the organization.

Alabama Ballet season tickets can be purchased for $265 online at www.alabamaballet. org or by calling the Alabama Ballet office at 205-322-4300. Tickets to the Alabama at Home performance are not part of the season package and can be bought at the door, online or by phone.

THEATRE

From page 8 been trying to rebuild. The theater produced a concert series featuring local musicians and songwriters and hosted Birmingham Children’s Theatre summer camps.

Bass also introduced a new After Dark series, something he has been promising his coworkers for a while. They would bring him a show they wanted to produce, but it would be just beyond the theater’s content rating.

“We’re not G-rated,” Bass said. “I always tell people we’re just a little bit naughty. That’s about all we can do.”

With the After Dark Series clearly stating an intent to present shows with adult themes, Bass was able to produce the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Proof” by David Auburn.

In mid-August, the 2021-22 season kicked off with Part 4 of the theater’s ongoing “Bill Bugg and Friends” show, featuring songs from the Great American Songbook performed by Bugg and other local theater arts legends, such as Kristi Tingle Higginbotham and Jan Hunter.

“The few shows we’ve done since the shutdowns, we probably had people stay and talk after shows longer than any that we used to do,” Bass said. They have even started to open up the doors and allow patrons to spill out into the mall so everyone is able to spread out and socially distance.

On the horizon, Bass is looking forward to the season’s next production “Natalie Needs a Nightie,” by Neil and Caroline Schaffner.

Bass describes it as a fun, lighthearted comedy with a “Three’s Company” vibe.

It will run for two weekends, with performances Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, visit homewoodtheatre.com.

EXHIBITION Opens Oct. 9, 2021

LOST REALMS OF THE MOUNDBUILDERS

ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE SOUTH AND MIDWEST

Lost Realms of the Moundbuilders: Ancient Native Americans of the South and Midwest (originally titled Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World) is organized by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

This exhibition is supported in part by the Henry Luce Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The local presentation is made possible by the Estate of Mr. Harris Saunders, Jr. and Jean Saunders. Additional support is provided by the Jefferson County Community Service Fund at the recommendation of Alabama Representative Jim Carns, HD 48.

Effigy pipe of seated male figure. Identified as Morning Star or the hero Red Horn. Le Flore County, Oklahoma, Spiro site, 1100 – 1200. Bauxite (flint clay). Photograph by John Lamberton. Image courtesy the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Fayetteville, University of Arkansas Museum. 47-2-1.

Artist Looks Forward to Return of Birmingham Art Crawl and “Good Ol’ Artsy Convos”

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

Homewood resident Amber Orr of Amber O’s Art is happy to be back.

She is a regular at Birmingham Art Crawl, a community arts event that since it was founded in 2014 has been providing a space for local artists and makers to not only sell their creations but also to engage with members of the community.

Birmingham Art Crawl took a break during pandemic shutdowns, returning in May. Events are held on the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at The Pizitz. Next up is Sept. 11.

“Any art event is crucial,” Orr said. “Our art needs to be seen, especially during this time.

“Oftentimes our art can communicate something words cannot,” she added. “I meet many people who couldn’t explain what a piece did to them, but it spoke to them. It made them feel better, reminded them of someone.”

She finds that artists need the social interaction with each other and the public, as well.

“For me, returning to festival life has been refreshing,” she said. “I feel normal, like I have a purpose again. I feel at peace. I feel at home. I’m having those good ol’ artsy convos again. Man, I really have missed those simple interactions.”

While simply being a part of the community has been a blessing, Orr said that some of her favorite experiences at Birmingham Art Crawl have been her interactions with kids. They’re genuine, she said.

“They have the best reactions to art,” she said. “They don’t hold back. They give praise or criticism without filters. It’s the best. I especially love giving advice to the ones who are hesitant (or their parents and guardians are) about pursuing an art career.”

Orr’s work is very much a product of where she is mentally. She describes her work as a “visual diary,” a product of self-expression. She describes her pieces as stream of consciousness art, combining abstract and realistic style elements with color and imagery based on her mood at the time. “I tend to draw a face from my imagination or real life,” she said. “I’m fascinated with natural hair and the exaggeration of eyes and lips.”

The pandemic was a rollercoaster not only for Orr but also for her family, and the sense of chaos was reflected in her work.

“I’m a pretty bubbly and social person,” she said. “Being snatched away from my family, friends and art community was torture. My work went from light to dark during the lockdown.”

Part of her sadness during the pandemic was due to the isolation that anti-COVID measures created.

She found herself emotionally drawn to medical personnel, creating work inspired by and dedicated to the people working on the front lines of the pandemic.

Currently, her work is inspired by her daydreams. According to one of Orr’s close friends, she goes into a trance while at work.

“As an artist, it’s kinda an involuntary obligation to grow,” Orr said. “Experiences, both positive and negative, have helped mold me into something new. Also, when I feel inspired, I break my comfort zone/routine to shake things up.”

Amber Orr

ARTS

From page 8

Ruff!, Sept. 25, Oct. 16 and Oct. 30

A “tail” of two shelter dogs: Axel is rough and tumble, Buddy is friendly and eager, Ruff! tackles themes of identity, self-esteem and confidence, friendship and the challenge of stepping forward without fear. Birmingham Children’s Theatre.

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART

All Things Bright and Beautiful, Oct. 6 - Jan. 2022

This exhibit brings together works primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection that look at themes of power and agency. This exhibition takes its name from a painting by Amy Sherald, whose portraits depict Black sitters with pride, dignity, and joy, representations historically only afforded to white people. Pizitz Gallery.

Wall to Wall - Merritt Johnson, Oct. 6-Dec. 2022

This new ongoing project invites artists to activate the Museum’s lobby and cafe with artwork inspired by the city. The inaugural iteration of Wall to Wall will feature four works created by Alaska-based artist Merritt Johnson. After visiting Birmingham and learning about its environment and inhabitants.8th Avenue Lobby and Oscar’s Cafe.

THE STATE’S PREMIER PROFESSIONAL BALLET COMPANY

Moundbuilders: Ancient Native Americans of the South and Midwest, Oct. 9 - Feb. 6, 2022

More than 1000 years ago, Alabama was home to the Mississippian civilization, one of the largest and most important Native American cultures ever to exist, also known as the Moundbuilders, created an empire comparable to that of the Aztec, Mayan and Incan cultures. Jemison Galleries.

Voices So True: New Native American Art from the Clyde Oyster Bequest, Oct. 9, 2021 - Jan. 30, 2022

Voices So True: New Native American Art from the Clyde Oyster Bequest features the work of seven contemporary Native American artists, whose vision gives voice to Native American perspectives, past and present. Arrington Gallery.

BLUFF PARK ART ASSOCIATION

Bluff Park Art Show, Oct. 2

The Bluff Park Art Association will host its 58th annual art show featuring works in a variety of mediums created by local and regional artists. The Park at Shades Cliff. returns to Hoover Library. Registration Required. Children’s Patio.

Artist Talk with Elizabeth Pellathy - HPL Galleries: Artist Talk Series, Sept. 24

Meet artist and educator Elizabeth Pellathy in this Zoom artist talk. She will discuss and share her artwork in this prerecorded virtual event.

Madeleine Peyroux - In Concert, Oct. 4-5

Madeleine Peyroux is an American jazz singer and songwriter. The Library Theatre.

Paula Cole - In Concert, Nov. 5

Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter Paula Cole released her tenth studio album, American Quilt, this year. The Library Theatre.

FIND ART BIRMINGHAM

Moss Rock Festival, Nov. 6-7

This 16th annual eco-creative festival invites guests to explore Nature, Smart Living, Art and Design. Hoover Metropolitan Complex.

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE

Human Rights New Works Festival, Sept. 24-26

The theatre’s annual festival features works that explore difficult issues and emotions to spark world-changing conversations. The four new works presented this year include Memorial, True North, Survivors and Bar Mitzvah in Birmingham. Discovery Theatre.

The Addams Family - Young@Part, Oct. 1-3

Featuring young artists, this production will present a comingof-age tale as the Addams family hosts a dinner party for Wednesday Addams’ “normal” boyfriend and his family.

Jekyll & Hyde in Concert, Oct. 29-Nov. 7

Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Jekyll & Hyde will feature a score of pop rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Briscusse.

STUDIO BY THE TRACKS

“Music Icons”, through Oct. 3

Studio By the Track’s artist Michael Hall will showcase his series of works titled “Music Icons” in a solo show at Seasick Records. All of Hall’s work will be for sale along with a special t-shirt design. Seasick Records.

VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Oct. 14-21

An eclectic group of six midpubescents compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Each of the tweens candidly discloses both comedic and touching stories from their home lives as they spell their way through a series of words, hoping they don’t hear the bell that signals a spelling mistake. VST Mainstage.

The Glass Menagerie, Oct. 28-Nov. 7

This memory play by Tennessee Williams, set in St. Louis in 1937, is drawn from the memories of the narrator, Tom Wingfield, an aspiring poet who toils in a shoe warehouse to support his mother, Amanda, and his fragile sister, Laura. Directed by David McMahon. Martha Moore Sykes Studio Theatre.

Stars Presents: Madagascar A Musical Adventure Jr., Nov. 18-21

The theater’s VSTARS youth performers will showcase a musical rendition of DreamWork’s hit animated motion picture, featuring Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, plotting penguins and more. VST Mainstage.

Samford University’s School of the Arts has set a packed schedule starting this month to welcome patrons back to in-person arts events.

Performances and exhibits will take place in the Art Gallery, Brock Recital Hall, Wright Center, Reid Chapel, Hodges Chapel, Bonnie Bolding Studio and Harrison Theatre, which had renovations this summer.

Additionally, the school will celebrate 15-year anniversaries of Brock Recital Hall and the Bonnie Bolding Studio.

“The School of the Arts is excited to have you back in our spaces and cheering for our students,” said Joe Hopkins, dean of the School of the Arts. “It is important to our students to have visible support from our community, and we have a tremendous season planned. We encourage our friends to come back to campus and enjoy the talent of our faculty, students and guest artists.”

See the full list of events and details at Samford.edu/arts/events.

The season began with the Matter & Spirit art exhibit presented by the Clarence Brooks Art & Design Series and on display at the Samford Art Gallery through Oct. 7.

The exhibit features a group of traveling artists, 10 American and 10 Chinese, who explored the relationship between Christianity and art.

The Patty McDonald Faculty Gala is the first event of the season. It will be at Brock Recital Hall on Sept. 14, 7:30-9 p.m., and will be available through the school’s livestream. The evening will showcase talented faculty members from the school.

The Randy Atcheson Christian Ministry Benefit Concert will be held Sept. 19, 4-5:30 p.m., at Reid Chapel. The concert will benefit the Christian ministry scholarship for Samford students preparing for Christian service as pastors, evangelists, worship leaders, youth leaders, missionaries and other vocations.

Clarinetist Brian Viliunas will perform as part of the Mary Louise Hodges Faculty Series Sept. 21, 7:309 p.m., at Brock Recital Hall. Viliunas conducts the Samford orchestra and travels extensively as a guest artist.

Samford’s A Cappella Choir will present choral vespers Sept. 24, 5:306:30 p.m. at Hodges Chapel.

Parents of students, along with faculty and friends of the school, can attend Tea With the Dean on Sept 25, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., during Family Weekend. The reception will be at the Brock Recital Hall Lobby.

The same weekend, Singing in Heaven!, the annual hymn sing, will be happening Sept. 26, 2-3 p.m., at Reid Chapel.

On Sept. 30, the Mary Louise Hodges Faculty Series presents Angela Yoon, soprano, at Brock Recital Hall from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The Wind in the Willows,” is being presented by the Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth Series Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at Harrison Theatre.

The production is a witty and magical adaptation by Moses Goldberg based on the book by Kenneth Grahame. Set in the English countryside, the tale of friendship and bravery follows Mole’s adventure to explore the Riverbank, during which he makes friends with fellow adventurers to travel through the Wild Wood.

On its first night, the production will be invitation-only and will begin at 7 p.m., with preshow activities starting at 6:16 p.m. Subsequent showings on Friday and Saturday begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday’s performance at 2:30 p.m.

A concert by professor Brad Diamond, tenor, accompanied by John Robertson on the piano will be presented as part of the Mary Louise Hodges Faculty Recital Series Oct. 3, 2:30-4 p.m., at Brock Recital Hall.

The Samford Orchestra will perform Oct. 5, 7:30-9 p.m., at Brock Recital Hall as part of the Patty McDonald Orchestra Series.

Kathleen Buccleugh, soprano, and Cindy St. Clair, piano, will perform Oct. 17, 2:30-4 p.m., at the Brock Recital Hall as part of the Mary Louise Hodges Faculty Recital Series.

The Fall Combined Choirs Concert will take place Oct. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Reid Chapel. The event is part of the Steven and Gena Brown Vinyard Choral Series and will feature the University Chorale and the Samford A Cappella Choir.

Samford’s newest Commercial Music Ensemble will perform popular music from the 1960s to modern day, in addition to performing originals written by Samford students and faculty, Oct. 26, 7:30-9 p.m., at Boren Courtyard, weather permitting.

“Crumbs From the Table of Joy” will be presented by the Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series at the Harrison Theatre. The production will be 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 28-30, and 2:30 to 4 p.m., Oct. 31.

The history of the Crump family as they move to 1950s New York after the death of their mother is told through the eyes of 17-year-old Ernestine. The coming-of-age story is part of the School of the Arts Diversity Series and is sponsored by Alabama Power and The Daniel Foundation.

Chamber Ensemble, featuring several student chamber ensembles will be presented Nov. 16, 7:30-9 p.m., at Brock Recital Hall.

The Worship Arts Ensemble Fall Concert will be presented Nov. 18, 7:30-9 p.m., at Reid Chapel.

The Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series is showcasing opera vignettes during its annual Opera Workshops on Nov. 19-20 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Bolding Studio.

“A Christmas Carol,” the musical, will be presented as part of the Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series Dec. 2-5 at the Wright Center. The presentation will be from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first three days and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5.

Photo courtesy Samford University

On Sept. 30, the Mary Louise Hodges Faculty Series presents Angela Yoon, soprano, at Brock Recital Hall from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

—Ashley Smith

SANSPOINTE

From Page One dle school student workshops and other programs.

“We’re creating new work for the community and it’s really important to us to make it accessible,” Foshee said. “We don’t want to push anyone away from modern dance.”

The company began prepping for the 2021 season in 2020 not knowing what the pandemic landscape would look like today.

“We were trying to decide if we could even have a show at the time, so we were thinking outside the norm,” she said. “Let’s make some dance outside. If we can do anything, we can do it outside.”

“Here” will be presented outdoors at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, a space that has been a neighborhood haven for Foshee and her children during the pandemic.

“Hopefully we will have good weather, but it will be rain or shine because we can move it into the pavilion,” Foshee said. “We’re going to make it work.”

Company officials acclimated themselves to the outdoor performance style earlier this summer with its “Tiny Dances.” The event included a multimedia display at the Pizitz Food Hall downtown as well as an outdoor performance.

“Here” will feature four new works created by Foshee, Wallace and Rachel Inman.

In addition to the dancers, live music will be provided by Iron Giant Percussion, coordinated by Music Director Justin Wallace with vocals by Wilder Atkins.

The show will conclude with a community dance featuring volunteer dancers, or “community movers,” Foshee said. Members of the community were invited to sign up to participate in the finale regardless of their experience on the stage.

“We are calling them ‘movers,’ because it is anyone,” Foshee said. “We have some people who have never danced in their life and then some that have.”

The movers will begin rehearsals in the coming weeks on a piece created with their input.

“We’ll be asking them some questions about how they dealt with losing community and how they found community during 2020,” Foshee said.

“We’re hoping they will feel comfortable. It’s daunting, but once they get there, I think, on that first day they will realize that anyone can do what we’re doing.”

She hopes that the experience will prove to be a form of dance therapy for those participating as well as those watching the show.

“Anybody can move their body and it feels good to do that, but you can also tell a story,” Foshee said.

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