443 planetweekly

// IN THIS ISSUE

ALABAMA BREWFEST SABAN WANTS BETTER THE LITTLE BAR THAT COULD

>>>

NEWS |

T H E C H AM B E R OF COMM E R C E

NEWS

AREA GOLFERS HELP 21 PUBLIC SCHOOLS JUNIOR LEAGUE T-Town Shop Around Cards Available Shop Local with the 2013 T-Town Shop Around Card presented by the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. More than 63 retailers and restaurants in the area are offering discounts Oct. 18-Nov. 3. Purchase your card for $20 at www.jltuscaloosa.org . Proceeds benefit the community partners of the Junior League including Holt Elementary School, Junior Achievement, Kids in the Kitchen, Beautiful Health and Alabama REACH. Area Golfers Support Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament

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Thanks to Title Sponsor Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa and Eagle Sponsors American General Life Companies; Ellis Architects; Harrison Construction Company; Learning Experiences; McGiffert & Associates; Phifer Incorporated; and Planit Solutions, the 23rd Annual Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Benefit Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 19 at Ol’ Colony Golf Course. Thirty-two teams participated representing 21 area public schools. The Brookwood Oil team (pictured) had the lowest NET score of the tournament, thus claiming rights for Brookwood High to display the winning trophy at the school until next year's tournament. The victory also secured $500 in cash for the school! Playing on the winning team were Chris Gibson, Rusty Brasher, Terry Cagle and Ryan Ballard.

Oakdale Elementary, Cottondale Elementary, and Holt High tied for having the most golfers represent their school and each will receive a cash award. Westwood Elementary School will receive a cash award for the random drawing from all schools represented. This annual event

provides critical funding for the coordination of AAS. iPad Productivity: It's All in the Applications This one-day class on Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. will focus on two areas of learning. The first part will be devoted to top productivity and social media applications you should consider using on your iPad. The second part will be devoted to handson training of specific business applications. Get details at tuscaloosachamber. com (see Fall Training Info icon). Location is the Chamber office located at 2201 Jack Warner Pkwy NE, 2nd floor (35401).

Registration fee is $125/person (Chamber members) and includes a workbook. Deadline to register is Wed., Oct. 9. Seating is limited so reserve your seat today! Contact Stacey Gann at 205.391.0559, or stacey@ tuscaloosachamber.com.

Earl Mitchell is Northport Citizen of the Year The 2013 Northport Citizen of the Year Banquet and awards program was

presented

by The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama on the evening of October 1 at Five Points Baptist Church to honor those who have contributed to the betterment of Northport during the last year.

Keynote speaker was former Congressman Jo Bonner, who currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Economic Development for The University of Alabama System.

Earl Mitchell, Manager of Sunset Funeral Home, was named the 2013 Northport Citizen of the Year. He was honored for the compassion he has shown in his profession over many years as well as his work in community organizations including the Jaycees (directing the fair), local schools, Warrior Baseball at Kentuck Park, Black Warrior Boy Scouts, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and Five Points Baptist Church.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

7 9 >>> www.theplanetweekly.com Complete our online survey to be entered in a drawing to select the restaurant of your choice for dinner for two. Other prizes include concert tickets, theatre tickets, Planet Weekly t-shirts, and more.

inside

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>>> planetweeklyissue443 SPORTS

FEATURES

4 ALABAMA AUTHOR RICK BRAGG // SASHA REYNOLDS-NEU 21 HIGH TIDE

Will speak at Public Library

// GARY HARRIS

Recruiting Update

7 THE FAMILY // VAN ROBERTS Movie review gets 3 out of 4 stars PUBLISHER LIN DA W. J OHNSON MANAGING EDITOR H ER B NEU ASSISTANT EDITOR RYAN PHILLIPS COVER DESIGN LAU R A LIN E B E R R Y SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR R YAN P H ILLIPS DESIGN/LAYOUT HERB NEU

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS W ILLIAM B A R S H OP CA R A B R A K E W H ITN E Y WATSON R YAN P H ILLIPS SAS H A R E Y NOL D S - N E U LIN D SAY W OO D ALL T R E Y B R OO K S VAN R O B E R TS GARY HARRIS JEROME ADAMS REGGIE ALLEN JIM REED

ADVERTISING

2 05. 79 2 . 7 2 3 9 Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 T u s c a l o o s a , AL 3 5 4 0 3 Phone: 205.792.7239 | 205.765.8007 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 2013 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark.

Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than two copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft (as if...).

The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

9 INVITED BY THE COACH // LINDSAY WOODALL Amazing talent gets noticed by Crimson Tide Coaches / Fans 10 WINE REVIEW // RYAN PHILLIPS With some help from Carpé Vino

13 BANKHEAD NTL. FOREST

// JEROME ADAMS

Incredible beauty

14 KENTUCK FESTIVAL// WILLIAM BARSHOP New artists invited to one of America's best events 25 SIMONE SAYS // ADVICE FOR THE ASKING 27 R.I.P. THE JUNKYARD // Trey Brooks Musical epicenter demolished

entertainment 10-12

RESTAURANT GUIDE

16-17

Events Calendar

18

Road Trip

19

Tuscaloosa music

FEATURE // RYAN PHILLIPS

SWEETWATER RAIN 6 True to form

23 Horoscopes // Sudoku 24 CROSSWORD PUZZLe

under the cover >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

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>>> BOOKS | SAS H A R E Y NOL D S - N E U

RICK BRAGG // ACCLAIMED ALABAMA AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT TUSCALOOSA PUBLIC LIBRARY

He hails from the hills northeast of Birmingham, a place he has declared the most beautiful place on earth. Rick Bragg has written extensively about that place and those people, his people, from which he eventually made his entrance upon the world stage as a wordsmith of the first order: a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (as well as winning dozens of other awards), a memoirist, a prolific and poetic teller of stories, and now a professor of journalism at UA. His journey from the reddirt backroads of northeast Alabama to writer of international renown wasn’t conventional or predictable, unless one really ponders his genius, and then it seems inevitable that he would emerge as a stand-out in the crowd.

Bragg hadn’t earned a journalism degree when he began his writing career as a reporter for the Jacksonville News, but that seemed unimportant by the time he’d made it all the way to The New York Times, where he won the Pulitzer for feature writing in 1996. Along the way he turned out a number of successful books — among them: All Over but the Shoutin’, Ava’s Man and The Prince of Frogtown — chronicling the hard-

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scrabble roots that form the foundation of his perspective on truth. For more than a few years now, Rick Bragg has also written a monthly feature for Southern Living magazine.

Often, when I am reading his work, I will read and re-read a passage in order to absorb and re-absorb the beauty of the words, the powerful imagery he has brought into my mind, and the means by which he did it. Paragraph one of Chapter One, All Over but the Shoutin’: “My mother and father were born in the most beautiful place on earth, in the foothills of the Appalachians along the AlabamaGeorgia line. It is a place where gray mists hid the tops of low, deep-green mountains, where redbone and bluetick hounds flashed through the pines as they chased possums into the sacks of old men in frayed overalls, where old women in bonnets dipped Bruton snuff and hummed 'Faded Love and Winter Roses' as they shelled purple hulls, canned peaches and made biscuits too good for this world...It was a place where the screams of panthers, like a woman’s anguished cry, still haunted the most remote ridges and hollows in the dead of night, where children believed they could choke off the cries of night

birds by circling one wrist with a thumb and forefinger and squeezing tight, and where the cotton blew off the wagons and hung like scraps of cloud in the branches of trees.”

I lived in Tuscaloosa when the tornado tore through on April 27, 2011. Afterward, my husband and I rode down Hargrove over and over, each time re-amazed that when we reached the curve coming up to Fifteenth Street, we were unable to recognize where we were, even though we knew. It was a realityshifting, emotional time for anyone in or near the city, including Rick Bragg and his wife, whose nearby neighborhood was devastated. When I read (and re-read) his piece on the tornado in Southern Living, “What Stands in a Storm:

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

When the Winds Died Down”, I was once again moved by his artistry, by the power of his well-woven words to stir the soul — “Almost nothing stood.

Where the awful winds bore down, massive oaks, 100 years old, were shoved over like stems of grass, and great pines, as big around as 55-gallon drums, snapped like sticks.

Church sanctuaries, built on the Rock of Ages, tumbled into random piles of brick...It was as if the very curve of the Earth was altered, horizons erased altogether, the landscape so ruined and unfamiliar that those who ran from this thing, some of them, could not find their way home.”

Rick Bragg found his way home, and you can see him and hear him at the Tuscaloosa Public Library on Tuesday, October 15 at 6 p.m.

>>> BREWFEST | R Y AN P H ILLIPS

SLIP-SLIDIN' OUR WAY // THE ALABAMA BREWFEST // MUSIC, FOOD, AND BEER (A LOT) As the inaugural Alabama Brewfest in Tuscaloosa approaches during the second week of October, vendors are excited at the chance to bring their craft brews to T-Town.

Druid City Brewing Company, a Tuscaloosa-based brewery that has gained notoriety since its recent opening, is one of approximately 20 Alabama vendors that will be set up at Alabama Brewfest, and around 10 more from other parts of the U.S. Elliot Roberts, coowner of Druid City Brewing Company, said that they plan to bring their own specials flavors to the event while giving face time to patrons to answer questions and contribute to a fun environment.

“We'll have a selection of our regular rotations of beers, plus an interesting Dopplebock - a big, dark German lager”, he said. “We'll also have folks pouring beer! Bo Hicks, the other owner, and I will be there to answer questions about the beer and generally being the entertaining guys.”

Along with their colorful selection of craft beers, Druid City Brewing Company will also offer promotional gear to those in attendance.

“We'll also have t-shirts, koozies and pint glasses”, he said. “We will also bring hats and our other collection of swag that's usually available at the tap room for sale.”

Although Druid City Brewing Company is fairly new on the craft beer scene, Roberts said, they are no strangers to providing event goers with quality products amidst a fun atmosphere.

“This will be our 4th festival, as we're a little less than a year old”, he said.

Most recently, we attended the Top of the Hops festival in Orange Beach. We really enjoy getting out an interacting with other beer drinkers, getting feedback on the beer, and trying the new stuff everyone else has.”

Roberts encouraged fans of Druid City Brewing and beer aficionados alike to attend the event to support local business and enjoy what downtown Tuscaloosa has to offer.

“We love Tuscaloosa, and it's an event here in Tuscaloosa”, he said. “We couldn't miss it. It's going to be a great time, and we're really looking forward to it.”

Michael Sellers from Good People Brewing Company in Birmingham said that their brewery will also be set up at Brewfest, providing more than just beer to thirsty patrons.

“We'll have IPA and Coffee Oatmeal Stout and maybe some Snake Handler”, he said.” We will also have Smiles, High Fives and Pseudo clean jokes” Already an established brewery in their own right, Good People Brewing Company has participated in more festivals than they can count.

“Not sure how many festivals we have been vendors at”, he said. “This year we've been to festivals in Nashville, Destin, Bonnaroo, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Cullman, Florence, Birmingham, Mobile, Auburn, Knoxville, Orange Beach and Chattanooga.”

According to Sellers, the brew masters are excited to bring their specially crafted products to T-Town while showing festivalgoers what makes Good People great.

“Tuscaloosa is always a good time”, he said. “We love it down there and Roll Tide!”

On the newly functional Alabama Brewfest website, the organizers not only provide information concerning the upcoming event, they also highlight statistics and information regarding the beer market at large. According to the site, there are 24 breweries in Alabama, offering 176 varieties of craft beer. Given the statistics, the first annual Brewfest will host nearly all of these Alabama-based beer makers.

Haley Ackerman, marketing director and volunteer coordinator for Alabama

Brewfest, said that the wheels are in motion to make the event possible and volunteers are always welcome.

“We intend on selling 1000 tickets that Friday and another 1000 tickets on Saturday and right now we simply need more volunteers”, Ackerman said. “For those interested and who sign up, we will have a meeting that Thursday before the festival where they will get ready for their sessions “.

Alabama Brewfest will be held at the L&N Station at 301 Greensboro Avenue in Downtown Tuscaloosa on October 11 & 12. Tickets are $30 a session and $10 for designated driver wristbands, the proceeds of which will go to benefit Arts ‘N Autism and the Alabama Brewers Guild. The event will also feature food vendors and live music.

For those interested in tickets, visitbrownpapertickets.com and for a complete listing of participating brewers visit albrewfest.com and Alabama Brewfest on Facebook and Twitter.

TASTY FOOD AND BRILLIANT BREWS

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

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>>> A M P H I T H E AT E R | R Y AN P H ILLIPS

SWEETWATER RAIN // STAYING TRUE TO WHO THEY ARE

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Danny Rivera of Sweetwater Rain, who will be opening for Rascal Flatts on the Tuscaloosa leg of the Live and Loud Tour. We discussed inspiration, new music and women as Rivera and Sweetwater Rain prepare for a much-anticipated show at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on Thursday, Oct. 10. Danny is the lead vocalist and plays guitar and banjo for the group.

Q: When and where did Sweetwater Rain originate?

A: We got our start all over the place really.

We were all in different parts of Texas and kind of came together but then the guys were in Nashville while I was still in Texas so I had to fly in and out of Nashville to keep the band together. We have just been doing things one at a time and little by little things are getting bigger for us.

Q: Have you released any new material recently?

A: We have a new song called Pray For Me. We have been doing it at live shows for awhile and we always have people come up to us after the shows that either have tears in their eyes or who have identified with the song and we always hear stories of how people relate. It is just a reminder of how one simple small act of kindness can go such a long way with someone else and there is a lyric video to the song that we just put on YouTube and on our website.

Q: How would you describe your musical style both in the studio and on the road?

A: In the studio it is a lot of fun. Gener-

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ally anything we do, we are going to have fun doing it because if you’re not having fun doing it, you’re doing it wrong. Even singing for me in the studio is like acting audibly. I want to convey a story and emotion, so when you hear it, you hear the story. When we go out on a live show its crazy but it is always a lot of fun. We try to paint a picture visually so you can see what the song looks like in our minds when you hear it.

Q: What notable acts have you played with recently? Favorite?

A: It seems like we’ve worked with everybody. We did some shows with The Band Perry a couple of months ago. We worked with Lady Antebellum a while back.

Earlier this fall we did a show with Kenny Chesney and now we are out with Rascal Flatts on the Live and Loud Tour. They pull in some great crowds and we can’t wait to get on the stage to rock it.

Q: What originally inspired you to be a musician?

A: The girls! I learned to play guitar because I saw a friend approach girls and he could impress them by his singing and playing guitar so I thought, ‘I have no game—I need to learn how to play guitar’.

Q: What kind of music have you been listening to recently? Has that translated into your songwriting or performances?

A: Just taking from all kinds of stuff, you can’t get away from pop and rock, but going back to country working with people like Rob Crosby and John Ritter brings back more of the country stuff and there is a lot of good stuff on the radio now.

We want to stay current but we also want to stay true to who we are. It is just a big mixture of trying to find the right balance.

Q: What has been your favorite city and or venue to play in up to this point?

A: I think Tuscaloosa will be our favorite city because we have never been there but we have always wanted to go. We are going to have a lot of friends and family that will be at the show so it will definitely be fun for me to see family I have not seen in awhile

Q: What can fans expect when seeing Sweetwater Rain live for the first time?

A: A pretty energetic show, we have a lot of stuff going on. We do a lot of crazy stuff on stage and we try to be visual so people can also listen with their eyes. It gets a little wild, it gets a little crazy but there is always crowd interaction and we think it is a different approach than a lot of bands take. We try to imagine the crowd is onstage with us and we are in the audience watching, it just makes it fun.

Q: What has made your success up to

this point possible?

A: Hard work. We have worked extremely hard and we keep pushing forward and we have stuck together and kept breaking new ground. It’s been a great ride and we’ve done a lot of great stuff. There has been 43 states that we have covered together and after this Rascal Flatts tour we will have covered 46 states together so we are looking forward to that.

Q: Anything I did not cover that you would want readers to know?

A: We are actually shooting a video and will have a film crew there for the Tuscaloosa date. We have a deal where you bring a poster that is your ticket to the backstage show. You possibly may see or run into Rascal Flatts backstage too. We are going to do an acoustic gig backstage for people who bring their posters and if you hold your poster up during the show you will have a chance to be in the video so we want as many people out there with posters that say Sweetwater Rain and Pray For Me’.

For more information on the band and upcoming shows, visit sweetwaterrain. com. Link to ‘Pray For Me’: youtube.com/ watch?v=pwluDi5Xv0k

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> F I L M | V AN R O B E R TS

"THE FAMILY" // ADAPTING TO A WITNESS «««« PROTECTION PROGRAM 3 out of 4

You cannot really appreciate “The Family” unless you’ve seen Robert De Niro’s gangster movies. The Oscar winning “Raging Bull” actor mobbed up in “The Gang that Couldn’t Shoot Straight” (1971), “Mean Streets” (1973), “The Godfather, Part II” (1974), “Once Upon A Time in America” (1984), “The Untouchables” (1987), “Goodfellas” (1990), “Heat” (1995), and “Casino” (1995). Later, he spoofed his wise-guy image with the psychological comedies “Analyze This” (1999) and its lackluster 2002 sequel “Analyze That.” Now, De Niro and his “Stardust” co-star Michelle Pfeiffer topline an iconic but ironic epic about a notorious Brooklyn crime family in the Justice Department’s Witness Protection Program. “La Femme Nikita” helmer Luc Besson and “Sopranos” scenarist Mike Caleo have adapted French writer Tonino Benacquista’s novel “Malavita” with closer than usual fidelity to the source material. A synopsis of Benacquista’s book sounds drastically similar to Besson’s movie. Of course, minor differences crop up but few of significance. Appropriately enough, “Goodfellas” director Martin Scorsese received credit as an executive producer on “The Family.” Not surprisingly, Besson has constructed an entire scene around “Goodfellas” as an obvious homage to Scorsese. After all, aside from Francis Ford Coppola, Scorsese is one of the Godfathers of Mafia movies. In general, “The Family” celebrates mob pictures.

The hitmen dress in black like those traditional Mafia gunsels hulking and skulking through Scorsese’s mob operas.

Besson stages the Brooklyn flashbacks of “The Family” with De Niro and his wise-guy cronies in settings reminiscent of those in the crime sagas of Scorsese and Coppola. Happily, the film benefits from this sense of authenticity and atmosphere. You don’t so much watch “The Family” as take a whack at it.

Despite its laudable source material fidelity and its admiration for all things Mafia, “The Family” may alienate audiences with its audacious synthesis of comedy and violence. Rated R for

language, violence and brief sexuality, Besson’s film resembles those amoral Euro-trash epics from the 1970s when filmmakers toyed with gritty methods of torture and death. For example, director Tulio Demicheli’s “Ricco the Mean Machine” (1973) with Christopher Mitchum boasts some horrific body disposal methods. In “The Family,” Besson lets your own imagination fill in what good taste prevents him from depicting without landing an NC-17 rating. This is the kind of crime thriller where innocent bystanders die in the line of gunfire. In traditional Hollywood crime melodramas, only integral characters or their minions involved in the main plot ran the risk of death. Besson crosses this line and several of Giovanna’s neighbors suffer the consequences for associating with him.

What makes “The Family” relatively entertaining is it focuses as much on the parents as their children as they struggle to fit into French society. Basically, “The Family” is a fish-out-of-water saga. Fishout-of-water because the protagonists are strangers in a strange land. The action opens with former Mafia chieftain Giovanna Manzoni (Robert De Niro), wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer of “Married to the Mob”), their 14-year old son Warren (John D’Leo) and 17-year old daughter Belle (Dianna Agron) departing from the French Rivera in the dead of night to drive to Normandy. Giovanna is in the Witness Protection Program, and FBI Agent Robert Stansfield (a curmudgeonly Tommy Lee Jones of “U.S. Marshals”) supervises him.

Agents Di Cicco (Jimmy Palumbo of “Beer League”) and Caputo (Domenick Lombardozzi of “S.W.A.T.”), maintain around-the-clock surveillance for Stansfield on Giovanna. After they arrive in Normandy, Giovanna decides to masquerade as a writer.

Actually, Giovanna has found a portable Brother typewriter, and he is banging out his memoirs, much to Stansfield’s chagrin.

Rarely do Stansfield and Giovanna see eye-to-eye, and the veteran FBI agent has grown weary of moving the mobster-inhiding around every three months.

Giovanna has been in Witness Protection for about six years, but he behaves as if he were running things for himself. Giovanni’s cavalier attitude creates no end of problems for the long-suffering Stanfield. De Niro and Tommy Lee have about four scenes together where they argue with each other through grimaces. Meanwhile, Maggie blows up a market after the employees ridicule her. She is especially upset because nobody in France sells peanut butter. Later, she discovers the drinking water is brown and insists Giovanna resolve the issue. Simultaneously, Warren and Belle find themselves attending a French high school. Belle defends her honor against lusty lads with pimples, while Warren succumbs to a black & blue beating at the hands of the school bullies. Like most of the violence, everything is larger-than-life, so Warren gets the snot beaten out of him. Eventually, everybody pays back everybody who requires pay-back, but in terms of flesh and blood. If this weren’t enough, the Mafia figure that Giovanna snitched on, Don Luchese (Stan Carp of “The Sopranos”), wants him dead and has assassins scouring Europe for him.

“The Family” never runs out of plot.

Although “The Family” purports to be funny, Besson doesn’t direct it like a laugh-out-

loud comedy. Besson’s shoot’em up shares little in common with the Steve Martin comedy “My Blue Heaven.” The protagonists in “The Family” walk on the wild side, and they do nothing by halves. Most comedies would refrain from the brutal violence that Giovanna and his family resort to without a Cloud Atlas qualm of conscience. When a smartaleck plumber disrespects Giovanna, the former mafia chieftain cites Al Capone and brandishes a Louisville slugger. Giovanna’s daughter Belle wields a wicked tennis racquet when a quartet of teens invites her to a picnic.

Giovanna’s torture scenes look downright dreadful. Besson takes into consideration our reaction. Some of the violence that he stages is imaginary.

Giovanna imagines what it would be like to shove a glowing barbecue coal down an obnoxious man’s throat at a cookout. The performances in “The Family” are excellent, but Michelle Pfeiffer really stands out. Altogether, “The Family” is an immoral but hilarious criminal comedy of errors where the good guys—De Niro and his family—are more villainous than heroic, but the villainy of their enemies far overshadows their own villainy.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

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>>> CRIMSON TIDE ART | LIN D SA Y W OO D ALL

PRISCILLA WADSWORTH // INVITED BY THE COACH // IT'S A DRAW Williams and his wife Shelia invited her to a tour and Priscilla of course said yes, and was very thankful of Coach Williams for the opportunity. After all, it's not everyday that an Alabama football coach invites someone down to the facilities to hang out, aside from highly coveted recruits.

She showed the coaches some of her drawings, including a drawing of coach Mal Moore that was still in progress and remembers defensive coordinator Kirby Smart being especially impressed. It was then that word reached head coach Nick Saban, and she was told that he wanted to meet her. It did not take long for Coach Saban to request one of her drawings for his own, not surprisingly his favorite, "Number 15". Within a few months, coach Saban was requesting another larger print for his collection.

When Priscilla Wad to turn her passion into a career about a year ago, she never thought it would land her in the athletic offices of the University of Alabama. No, she is not a coach, and she can't really explain what the inside trap is, but boy could she draw the play up and make it look good on a chalkboard.

What started as a hobby at the age of 16, Priscilla has turned her art into a full-time career, and her drawings had all the coaches wowed when she toured the athletic offices earlier this year. Special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Bobby Williams had seen her drawings on her Facebook page and sent her a message requesting a drawing of Mark Ingram. When she delivered the drawing, Coach sworth decided

Priscilla has never had any formal lessons and after seeing her drawings, it is not hard to believe because the art she creates is something that cannot be taught and can only come from a deep well of talent. Using only pencils and charcoal, she creates drawings so realistic and detailed, it goes beyond words and begs the question, "How does she do that?"

Hundreds of hours are spent on each drawing, creating the meticulous detail that brings her art to life. She says she feels like she gets to know her subjects better after all the time she spends on them, especially while drawing their eyes, as she says, "The eyes are the window to the soul."

Already a Bama fan, Priscilla was inspired to draw Alabama subjects because of her respect for what the university and the football team stand for: integrity, perseverance and passion. She now feels a unique connection to the university and through her drawings, she aims to celebrate the individuals who contribute to the football program.

Along with Coach Saban and his assistant coaches, Mark Ingram, Eddie Lacy, Gene Stallings, Jay Barker, AJ McCarron, and Mal Moore's family all own a drawing

done by Priscilla. Some anticipated and much requested future drawings are of Joe Namath, Frank Thomas, TJ Yeldon, Julio Jones, Jay Barker and maybe even Big Al and Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Her most recent drawing "The Bear" has received great praise and has become very popular.

Let's all hope in a few more months, Priscilla will be starting on a new drawing "Three In a Row", and it becomes the most popular of all her drawings.

To view and Priscilla's art, please visit priscillawadsworth.com, or visit her Facebook page at facebook.com/PriscillaWadsworthPencilDrawings.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

9

>>> wine REVIEW | R y a n p h i l l i p s

>>> RESTAURANTS |

Halter Ranch OfFers Tasty Whites And Reds

BREAKFAST / DINNER

// SURPRISING ROSé, CÔTES DE PASO, & CAB

This past Carpè Vino in downtown Tuscaloosa, several wines from Halter Ranch Vineyards were available for tasting and proved to be popular commodities among tasters.

Based in Paso Robles, which is nestled deep in California wine country, Halter Ranch offers a wide spectrum of whites and reds that compliment an equally wide range of edibles. In regards to the winemaking process at Halter Ranch, environmentally conscious drinkers will be pleased to learn just how much thought is put into each finely crafted bottle.

According to the Halter Ranch website, “Historic Halter Ranch is a vineyard and winery located in the heart of the Paso Robles' Westside Adelaida District. California’s Central Coast Wine Country has ideal conditions for growing superior wine grapes and producing world-class wines.

We craft 100% estate-grown wines, which are sustainably farmed on westside limestone soils. Tradition and innovation mix at Halter Ranch to produce Bordeaux and Rhône wines of the highest quality.”

First on deck for the evening was the Halter Ranch Rosé, a pink-tinted mix of strawberry and watermelon flavor that is a combination of four different varietals including Grenache, Mourvèdre, Picpoul Blanc and Syrah. In developing this distinct flavor that leans heavy towards a strawberry tinge, this particular wine is aged for three months in a stainless steel tank rather than an oak barrel. Given the light and sweet nature of the Rosé, it will most certainly pair well with grilled vegetables or heavy pasta.

If you are looking for an early fall treat to combat the last dog days of summer, Halter Ranch offers a crisp white that is sure to cool you down while bringing out the tastes of the season.

The Côtes De Paso Blanc is a quirky blend of pineapple, lemon blossom and jasmine that is an unconventional, yet tasty, approach to a chilled white that is actually heavier than its contemporaries. According the winemakers, what makes this fruity taste possible is the blend of varietals that include Grenache week at

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Blanc, Roussanne, Picpoul Blanc and Viognier. In preparing this wine, the winemaker’s age it for five months in 100% neutral French oak barrels which is clearly evident in the oak undertaste of this wine.

Given its fruity taste, this white pairs well with any poultry, seafood or soft cheeses.

In this reviewer’s opinion, the pairing choices make The Côtes De Paso Blanc the most versatile wine on the bill.

Moving to flavors of the red variety, Halter Ranch offers their Côtes De Paso, a southern Rhône-style red that is a warm, savory compliment to hard cheeses and grilled meat. This particular red has a high acidity, which lends to its pungent nose that evokes the 14-month, oak barrel aging process.

According to the tasting notes, “This red Rhône blend emphasizes fruit and acidity with seamless integration. Grenache from dry-farmed, head-trained vines combined with hillside grown Syrah, results in a wine that has bright fruit and lighter tannins. Mourvèdre supplies red fruit and spice, while Tannin brings color, acidity and tannin.”

While sticking with the red motif, Halter Ranch also has a Cabernet Sauvignon that may be the most palatable on this list of selections. With a smooth bitterness that is slightly less acidic than the Côtes De Paso, this Cabernet is uncharacteristically light on the stomach while maintaining a crisp taste that tingles the taste buds to the last drop. The nose on this particular Cabernet is also subtle with less bite than competitors or other reds offered

by Halter Ranch. Those who are new to red wine should give this Cabernet a try in order to get an idea of quality, while not being overpowered with bitterness and weight.

According to the Cabernet’s tasting notes, “Blended with traditional Bordeaux varieties, our Cabernet Sauvignon is crimson red with a light purple hue. Deeply concentrated, this wine displays aromas of blackberry brambles, black currant, fig and a touch of cocoa. The attack on the palate is driven by an explosion of red and black fruit, framed by elegant structure. Soft integrated tannins guide this beautiful wine through a smooth, rich finish. Delicious now with grilled steak and lamb, prime rib, venison stew and other hearty meat dishes, it will age well for another 10-15 years.”

These wines can be found in Tuscaloosa at Carpé Vino on Greensboro Avenue in Downtown Tuscaloosa.

W here t o E a t i n T u s c a l o o s a

15th Street Diner 1036 15th St // 750.8750 Open for most lunch and dinners, with limited hours on weekends.

City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends.

CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Maggie's Diner 1307 Ty Rogers Jr. Ave | Tuscaloosa // 366.0302 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Northport Diner 450 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.7190 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its 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.

The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

MEXICAN Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Don Rafa's 2313 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa, AL // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895

Epiphany Cafe 19 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 344.5583 “New American cuisine” with a strong emphasis on local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. The menu is 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 epiphanyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: Mon–Sat 5 p.m.

- until Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. - until... Fall: Saturday Brunch.

The Globe 405 23rd Avenue Owned by legendary thespian and chef, Jeff Wilson. The decor takes one back to merry old England. The food is internationally acclaimed, priced reasonably, and the service is cheerful and professional. Cocktails are excellent as are the wines. Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and from 5-9 pm. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A 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 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089 Kozy’s 3510 Loop Road E | near VA Medical Center // 556.0665 Eclectic menu, extensive wine list. Dinner at Kozy’s is a romantic experience complete with candlelight and a roaring fireplace. | www.kozysrestarant.com

JAPANESE Benkei Japanese Steak House 1223 McFarland Blvd // 759-5300 Hours: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Fri–Sat 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426 Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant REOPENING SOON! Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844 Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 6521 Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 366.1177 Offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. Including cooking at your table, if you choose. Sun–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri & Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Kobe Steak House 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 759-1400 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

ITALIAN Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969

LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871

DePalma’s Italian Cafe 2300 University Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879 Menu 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

Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558

Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343

Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919

Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com

Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 moes.com Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861

FINE DINING

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Open for dinner and Sunday 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 Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location.

Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly.

Closed Saturday lunch. Mike Spiller is featured the first Thursday 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.

Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. www.olivegarden.com

CASUAL DINING Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Cafe J 2523 University Blvd // 343.0040 Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Desperados Steak House 1530 McFarland Blvd // 343.1700

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

W here t o E a t i n T u s c a l o o s a ( c o n t . )

Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11p.m.

FIG (Food Is Good) 1351 McFarland Blvd NE // 345.8888 Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory 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’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Horny's 508 Red Drew Ave | Tuscaloosa // 345.6869 Mon 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 on the strip. Horny's offerings include a full liquor bar, beer, and a 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. So, if you're hungry after "last-call for drinks," Horny's is the place to be.

KK’s Steakhouse 13242 Hwy 69 South // 633.1032 Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com An express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen.

Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com The Local Catch // 331.4496 2321 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa Full Menu including breakfast served all day.

Live Music Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - close | Sun 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule http://localcatch30a.com/ Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegtables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

SPORTS GRILL Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa 500 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’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com

HOPSECUTIONER BITES GOOD // TREEHUGGER ALE MORE VERSATILE

Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Moe's BBQ 101 15th Street | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 752.3616 Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Bar open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m. on Fridays Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Wilhagan’s 2209 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 WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Billy's BBQ Downtown Northport 364.1400 We specialize in BBQ, fresh ground beef, poultry, and pork made fresh, served fresh. Ask about our specialty potatoes.

Mon & Tues 10-7// Wed. 10 – 5:30// Thurs, Fri, & Sat. 10 - 9 Costa's Famous BBQ and Steaks 760 Skyland Blvd // 331.4526 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Serving up an award-winning, all things Southern BBQ and Live music experience. Come dine-in or sit on the patio and enjoy some great Que, beers, whiskey, and live music on Thursday-Saturday. Roll Tide!

Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm Pottery Grill Highway 11 // 554.1815 Awesome 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 Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412 Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition.

Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000 Desperados 1530 McFarland Blvd. N. | Tuscaloosa // 343-1700 Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

SEAFOOD Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave // 248.9370 Local Catch Bar & Grill 2321 University Blvd // 205-331-4496 American, Seafood, Cajun/Creole. Coastal Cuisine with a Southern Twist!.

Monday & Wednesdays half off house wine and appetizers at happy hour Tuesday $3 fried shrimp taco all day Thursday ladies night 20% off ladies tabs 4pm-close Sunday half off mimosas and bloody Marys all day Lunch 11am-2pm; Dinner 11am-until Happy Hour 3pm-6pm with $5 house wine, $5 top shelf, $3 well. $1 off bottle beer Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd // 553.8810 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center Wintzell’s Oyster House 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 247.7772

>>> beer review | R Y AN P H ILLIPS

For those interested in a southern beer that is meticulously crafted, Terrapin Beer Company will satisfy your craving.

Based out of Athens, Ga., Terrapin Beer Co. has produced quality craft beers since 2002 and currently offers a wide range of year-round and seasonal beer aimed at highlighted their specific approach to brewing.

Terrapin introduced its first beer, the Rye Pale Ale in April of 2002. Six months later while only available on draft in Athens, Terrapin’s sole offering won the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival. Only six months old, Terrapin had arrived in style.

Some beers present a personal challenge to novice drinkers and Terrapin’s Hopsecutioner aims to overtake the drinker with a powerful burst of hops that is not for the faint of heart. Sporting an ABV of 7.30%, the Hopsecutioner is a darker IPA that bites harder than an alligator snapping turtle. The hops included in this brew are Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, and Amarillo while the malts accent the heavy taste. For lovers of spicy foods, this beer would pair well with anything that leaves the consumer sweating and thirsty.

This beer also proves perfect for pairing with Burgers, Jambalaya, Buffalo Wings or Spicy barbeque.

The blend of hops is what sets Hopsecutioner apart from pretenders.

“You love hops, you ask for hops, and Hopsecutioner delivers”, say the brewers. “This Killer IPA earns its title by being brewed with six different hops to create an aggressive, yet exceptionally wellbalanced, beer. Expect citrus and pine on the nose with a beautifully bitter finish; a strong malt backbone keeps the bitterness in check. We brewed this IPA for hop lovers and you may lose your hop head over this one.”

On a softer note, let’s transition to Terrapin’s Treehugger Ale. Sporting a crisp Amber color, this ale is light enough in ABV (5.10%) but strong in taste. The Treehugger’s taste is derived from a blend of Mt.Hood and Vanguard hops along with five varieties of malts, which makes for a well-rounded, balanced finish.

The Terrapin Treehugger is also a versatile pairing beer, which will accent the flavors of grilled vegetables, seafood and pizza. This brew is somewhat more filling that competitors but for lovers of the fall grilling season, that should be beside the point.

Moving on to flavors of the season,

Terrapin offers a flavored beer that celebrates an iconic taste of fall: the pumpkin.

With the seasonal Pumpkin Fest from Terrapin, customers are given a bold blend of pumpkin flavor and seasonal spices that aim to accent any holiday get together.

With an ABV of 6,1%, the Pumpkin Fest sits in the middle of the road and is a light approach to the often-heavy tradition of pumpkin spice brews. While the pairing recommendations will ultimately center around fall treats, Pumpkin Fest will prove a refreshing addition to any kind of poultry dish but strangely enough, can also pair well with a wide range of cheeses, making it suitable for autumn socials. The availability of the Pumpkin Fest started in early August and comes in packs of four.

The brew master's notes show a sense of pride when stacking their Pumpkin Fest up with other tastes of fall.

“It’s not fall at Terrapin until we can fill our steins with Pumpkinfest”, the notes read. “This seasonal brew encompasses your Thanksgiving spread in one tasty sip.

Perfectly balanced pumpkin (real pumpkin!) and spices are added to, without overwhelming, this German style brew.

Expect a pumpkin pie nose followed by a strong malt backbone, low hop bitterness and authentic fall taste, all wrapped in a light bodied beer.”

Terrapin was born out of a need for creativity and in the brewer’s bio, their mantra is provided to give customers an idea of the brewer behind the brew.

“Terrapin Beer Company was born when two brewers met while working together at a microbrewery in Atlanta”, the bio reads. ”Looking around at what other breweries in the SE were doing, Spike and John felt they could make a contribution.

Realizing that anyone could make just another pale ale, brown ale or stout, Spike and John set their sights on crafting beers unlike any that were currently available in the Southeast.”

“Ever since man became sapient he has devised means of intoxicating himself” ~ Ian Spencer Hornsey’s A History of Beer and Brewing ~

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OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

W here t o E a t i n T u s c a l o o s a ( c o n t . )

Casual riverfront dining Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

CHINESE Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week.

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 China Garden Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 758.0148 Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 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 Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

ASIAN CUISINE Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic 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 Thailand 1402 University Blvd // 752.7970 Authentic 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 SUBS A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10:00am - 9:00pm; Fri. - Sat. 10:00am - 10:00pm 17th 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.

Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 www.honeybaked.com Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center.

Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com

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OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

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Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955 McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

COFFEE SHOP Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218 Crimson Cafe International Coffee House & Gourmet Deli 1301 University Blvd | The Strip // 750.0203 Mon–Fri 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sat & Sun 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. thecrimsoncafe.com Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 18 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 758.0042 Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

DESSERTS Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 www.coldstonecreamery.com Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: 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 & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A 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 Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Self-serve frozen yogurt experience Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

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>>> E X P LO R I N G A L A B A M A | J E R OM E A D AMS

BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST // AND NATURAL BRIDGE PARK // INCREDIBLE BEAUTY

R ecently my friend , D onna , and I explored Bankhead National Forest and Natural Bridge State Park. The national forest was a first for her, and on the way back to T-town we stopped at Natural Bridge and that was a first for the writer. Both are natural wonders, close to each other, and offer wanderers chances to visit places much different from the rest of Alabama. These chances to explore Alabama are not terribly far from Tuscaloosa and the cost is low.

Doug Phillips of Discovering Alabama fame once taught a class called Wilderness Education offered of course through the College of Home Economics of the U of A. How that

actually happened I don’t remember the answer. He took us hiking and camping and exploring nature in several environments such as Talladega National Forest (Oakmulgee Division) and Bankhead National Forest. We enjoyed what we were doing and learned a great amount about nature. The end hike was in Bankhead where we camped for three days. Doug led hikers into the forest until along a lonely dirt road he said this is the place so we got out of our vehicles and took our provisions and felt our way into the dark forest. It was night in October or November and overcast so there was little if any light. No flashlights were allowed! We camped with many of our tents put together to shed the light drizzle that soon began. We explored Bankhead through hiking and camping and compass orienteering.

I’m pretty sure none of us have ever forgotten the experience!

My friend and I traveled about an hour and 45 minutes to Bankhead National forest and specifically to Borden Creek where I had been about five years ago during the very early spring. Warm weather had not quite arrived to the forest yet indicated by the sheets of ice on some parts of the creek. We parked at the entrance to the trail and walked about a half mile to the creek. A curved, steel bridge spans the stream and is elevated about 40-50 feet above its surface and can be used only by horseback

riders and foot traffic. The creek below is small and curves through high hills that are remnants of the Appalachian Mountains.

Crossing the creek via the bridge, we descended to a path off the left side. This path is one that has served modern trekkers and ancient ones for thousands of years. Part of the writer’s heritage is Native American so I like to think my feet are treading the same as some of my ancestors and other kin and viewing the same creek and huge boulders that had to have come from above a very long time ago. At some points the extended banks are hundred feet or more above the floor. Walking along we heard one of the waterfalls the park is noted for having. A careful climb revealed it to be beautiful but tiny stream falling and splashing on the rocky floor below. On one of my prior adventures there many small falls were seen and most were still frozen.

The day had already been rainy and as we walked it began to fall again so our exploring came to an end for that day. Another trip in the near future will increase our knowledge and ap-

preciation for this natural wonder.

On the way back to Tuscaloosa and not far from the national forest is Natural Bridge which I had heard of but never visited. The rain had stopped so this was added to our adventure.

There was no charge at Bankhead National forest though there may be if one were to camp. However, Natural Bridge Park did have a small fee.

We entered through the park souvenir store and walked a short distance to the cavern under the natural rock bridges above. Our state is fortunate enough to have the largest natural bridge east of the Mississippi River.

There are other nature trails on the compound and places to picnic.

As explorers, Donna and I saw some very beautiful and interesting parts of our state. Neither the national forest nor the natural bridges are very far from Tuscaloosa and costs are low.

As readers you are encouraged to get out and explore Alabama. Bring along friends, family and especially children to build appreciation of nature and some of the wonders of our beautiful state!

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

13

>>> THE ARTS | W ILLIAM B A R S H OP

KENTUCK FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS // "SHE SAID, 'GO PAINT ME A PICTURE…' SHE MADE ME DO THAT" Kentuck Festival of the Arts is returning to Northport, Ala., with more than 270 artists and craftspeople scheduled to display their work in on Oct. 19 and 20.

Emily Leigh, the interim director for Kentuck Art Center, said she expects the festival’s 42nd anniversary to be one of the best years yet.

Folk and outsider artists have been gathering at Kentuck since 1971, sharing and selling their work to a wide audience.

One tradition Leigh said she loves is inviting guest artists each year to participate in the festival.

“Historically, the guest artists were invited because they were isolated, didn’t have access to the commercial world,” Leigh said. “A lot of these artists do something unusual and we want them to be a part of Kentuck.”

This year, among the more than 270 guest artists are Gabriel Shaffer and Sam Ezell. The pair create vastly different

works of art, but both cite prominent folk artists as major sources of inspiration.

Shaffer, 38, describes himself on his Twitter account as “Artist, Illustrator, Debaser,” and is the youngest guest artist invited to this year’s festival.

“It’s really particularly exciting for me, and an honor,” he said. “I’m pretty well aware of Kentuck and they chose me as someone they wanted to be there.”

Shaffer’s mother, Cher Shaffer, is a renowned folk artist who has been active at Kentuck for years.

Cher has been painting across three decades, and continues to be a prolific contributor to the folk and outsider art community.

Shaffer said that his exposure to folk art at gatherings like Kentuck in his childhood was a major inspiration to him, and he is grateful that his mother is also a passionate artist.

“I’ve been thinking back to some of the great work that has been shown there

over the years.” Shaffer said. “I’m really glad to be a part of it.”

Gabriel Shaffer creates images of mythical creatures and urban landscapes with graffiti, collage and illustration.

Steven Matijicio, the curator of contemporary art at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, said Shaffer “translates material history and mystic tradition into the fodder for prophetic dreaming and creates a platform for ancient deities to travel to the present.”

Shaffer’s work has appeared in the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Asheville museum of art, and he’s been named one of the best painters in western North Carolina by the Best of WNC awards.

Sam Ezell, born in 1953, and brought up in Durham, NC, had an atypical rise to artistic acclaim. He said he didn’t think of himself as an artist at all until 2007, when outsider artist Bernice Sims encouraged him to pick up a paintbrush.

“I couldn’t paint a wall,” Ezell said.

Now people come up to me and say, ‘Sam you’re famous.’”

Sims, another Kentuck veteran, has been called the grandmother of Southern memory painting, and has been recreating scenes from the battle for civil rights since they happened in her home state of Alabama. When Ezell visited her in a time of personal struggle, Sims requested he bring her back a painting. He protested, but Ezell says that first painting is what propelled him to his current success.

“She said, ‘go paint me a picture,’” Ezell said. “And I’m sure glad she did, I’m glad she made me do that.”

Now Ezell has shown his work in galleries and shows across the country. He says he rarely goes to Slotin Folk Fest without selling every painting he brings.

“I say ‘No, I’m not famous,’ because it doesn’t feel like I am,” Ezell said. “I feel like I’m just another person making something.”

Ezell’s paintings feature bright colors, bold shapes and characters that show an honest love for the simple life of rural America.

See the advertisement below for more information about the Kentuck Festival of the Arts.

Love Isn’t So Simple Journey through the relationship of Jeff and Teresa—from dating to matrimony, family and children—and life’s many changes. This is a powerful, entertaining and emotionally satisfying play. It holds nothing back and covers most everything a couple can encounter during their lives together. You will see through her eyes and you will see through his eyes.

There are many “aha” moments. Don’t miss this event.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

BAMA THEATRE

3 P.M. AND 8 P.M. (pre-show reception 30-minutes prior) General Admission $25

www.loveisn’tsosimple.brownpapertickets.com OR: www.vahidmanagementand production.com 404.285.8367 Visit “Love Isn’t So Simple” on FACEBOOK

14

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> L O C A L B U S I N E S S | CA R A B R A K E

ROLY POLY // TASTY WITH LOTS OF OPTIONS

The only thing harder than finding a good parking spot on game day is finding a good place to get dinner.

With so many choices, where can you get the best deal for your money?

I went to Roly Poly at Temerson Square for lunch on Thursday, and I found it to be a place to get good food for a fair price. The sandwich restaurant is best known for it’s “rolled sandwiches”, or sandwiches made and pressed in a tortilla. The sand-

wiches come soft or crunchy, with the customer’s choice of side. There is also a build your own sandwich option, with numerous ways to customize your sandwich. The neat thing about the menu, I noticed, was the addition of a fruits and nuts option, where the customer could get various fruits and nuts put on their sandwich.

Upon entering, I was welcomed almost immediately by the cashier. The restaurant is warm, with natural brick

on three walls, and the accent wall a cheery yellow. The walls are lined with local art pieces, candy machines, and tables. The front lobby is not cluttered, leaving the main entryway open for customers to stand comfortably.

The menu was printed clearly, so it was easy to see, even with my bad eye sight. I was greeted at the register quickly, my order taken and paid for. After about a five to seven minute wait, my food was served.The turkey on my sandwich was moist and sliced well-not too thick, but thick enough that I could taste it with the ranch dressing. The food is tasty, but you might want to eat it over the tray they give you—each end of the roll is open, so if you get any drippy sauces like ranch or honey mustard, you may find sauce and a bit of turkey on your lap. While I only got cranberries for my topping, there were enough on my sandwich to taste, but not too many that it overpowered everything. To add it all together, I ordered a turkey wrap with ranch dressing and dried cranberries, and I was overall satisfied with the order, dripping aside. There are some good vegetarian options as well, such as the Nut and Honey, a premade sandwich that includes Cream Cheese, Raisins, Sunflower Seeds, Cashews, Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato, Carrot, Avocado, Sprouts, and Honey Mustard.

The sides are simple but good, including cold salads, desserts, soft drinks and bottled drinks. As

customary in a sandwich shop, chips and cookies are also served.

The music in-store was not very loud, which gave it a very quiet and soothing feel. There’s also some lovely outdoor seating, with umbrella-topped tables on a stone patio, sharing the space with the other restaurants on that strip. Inside, the lighting is dim, using dome shaped overhead lights to add ambiance to add to the restaurant’s soothing air.

I would highly recommend Roly Poly for lunch or dinner. The prices are fair, the food is delicious, and the service is friendly and efficient. Roly Poly is located just off University, by Mellow Mushroom. The restaurant is open Sunday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

15

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

Kentuck Art Night WHEN: 5 – 8 p.m.

WHERE: Historic Downtown Northport COST: Free CONTACT: 205.758.1257 EMAIL: Kentuck@kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: Kentcuk presents the work of featured artists, performances by local musicians, and pizza made in our own cob oven. All held in Kentuck's magnificent Courtyard of Wonders.

Darkness into Life Exhibit WHEN: During Library hours COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library PHONE: 205.345.5820 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org/calendar-ofevents DESCRIPTION: Runs through Oct. 27. Offers glimpses into the private memories of Alabama men and women who were children and teenagers during the Holocaust.

Their stories are a complicated patchwork of suffering, loss, cruelty, despair, bravery and hope.

Umoja // The Spirit of Unity (exhibit) WHEN: 10 a.m. 6 p.m., noon - 8 p.m.

Thursday. Closed Saturday & Sunday WHERE: Paul R. Jones Gallery, 2306 6th St. COST: Free CONTACT: infojonesgallery@gmail.com DESCRIPTION: Works from the collection of Carnetta and Norm Davis. Continues through Saturday, October 5.

Toddler Time WHEN: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library Story Castle COST: Free DESCRIPTION: Toddler Time consists of stories, songs, activities and crafts. Ages 24 months to 36 months

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

First Friday WHEN: 5 – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Tuscaloosa COST: Free.

CONTACT: tuscarts.org/artnight.php

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

Women's Volleyball // Against Florida Gators WHEN: 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Foster Auditorium UA campus COST: $5 LINK: rolltide.com/sports Basic Microsoft Word/Excel 2010 WHEN: 9 - 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library Main Branch, Computer Lab COST: Free

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OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

CONTACT: 205.345.5820, ext. 1264 to register.

DESCRIPTION: Become familiar with tools to make document creation faster/ easier: inserting headers and footers, page numbers, using borders, creating labels and envelopes and learn how to create graphs and charts, along with inserting formulas into spreadsheets.

Continuation or a "part 2" class.

The Birmingham Seven (B&7) Concert WHEN: 7:30 p.m WHERE: Bean

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

Bama Art House // "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt You" WHEN: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. (doors and bar open at 6:30) WHERE: Bama Theatre COST: Varies PHONE: 205.758.5195 LINK: tuscarts.org/calendar of events.php Pre-School Story Time WHEN: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Story Castle COST: Free (age 3 - 5) CONTACT: 205.391.9989 EMAIL: childrens@tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Simple stories, songs, activities and crafts.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 Homework Help WHEN: 3 - 5 p.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Weaver Branch COST: Free CONTACT: 205.345.5820 DESCRIPTION: Provides one-on-one homework assistance to students K-8th grade. It is a drop-in service; students may come and go at any time during session and must have homework with them in order to attend. This is a Monday through Thursday activity.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

Janis Edwards "Ephemeral and Enduring" art exhibit WHEN: During gallery hours WHERE: Arts Council Gallery at the CACCOST: Free.

PHONE: 205.758.5195 CONTACT: tuscarts.org/calendar of events.php

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7

T H E SOUT H E AST ' S LA R G E ST

Introduction to the Mac WHEN: 10:30 a.m. – noon.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Taylorville Brown Branch COST: Free DESCRIPTION: Learn basics of MacBook Pro Computers, along with iPad tablets.

CONTACT: 205.391.9989 to register.

>>> PET PLANET | T H IS MONT H ' S P E TS

MEET MOOSE AND DOMINO // PRECIOUS, LOVING PUPS Meet Moose or, “Ms. Moosie” as the HSWA volunteers like to call her! Moose is a three year old female Chocolate Labrador mix with beautiful golden eyes and a smooth brown coat and white markings on her chest. She is a little small for a Lab, weighing only 36 pounds. Moose is a very sweet, loving dog. She excited to see human companions but does settle down and is pretty easy going. Being a mature lab, she has grown out of the typical puppy behavior associated with Labs. Moose should be great with children and seems to do well with other dogs, though she does seem to like being the dominant dog and she has never been around cats. Moose has started her crate training. She is up to date on her vet care, spayed, microchipped and is heartworm negative. She has started heartworm and flea/tick prevention. If you are interested in adopting Moose, contact the West Alabama Humane Society by calling 205.554.0011, or visit us online at humanesocietyofwa.org

Domino is a 4-monthold female Hound/Terrier mix with a smooth white coat and black markings.

She is still a puppy and weighs 12 pounds now, though she will likely weigh around 30 pounds when full grown. As with any puppy, she will need proper training and guidance to help her develop into a well-mannered adult dog. Domino has had her first two rounds of puppy shots and is dewormed. Domino is a sweet and loving dog in need of a good home! If you are interested in giving Domino the forever home she wants and deserves, contact the West Alabama Humane Society by calling 205.554.0011, or visit us online at humanesocietyofwa.org

Accoustic Night Featuring Walter Parks WHEN: 7:30 – 9:30 pm WHERE: Bama Theatre COST: $10 LINK: tuscarts.org/calendar of events/php DESCRIPTION: Doors open at 7 p.m. Full bar available.

Basic Microsoft Word/Excel 2010 WHEN: 10:30 a.m – noon WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library: Weaver Bolden Branch COST: Free CONTACT: 205.758.8291 to register DESCRIPTION: Learn the basics about word processing. And Learn about basic

Benefits of Volunteering

Make a difference in the lives of homeless pets and work towards a community that is more humane for animals.

Develop new skills while exploring the field of animal welfare.

Meet new people with similar interests.

Acquire experience for future endeavors.

Enjoy a wagging tail or a soft purr.

Get the satisfaction of knowing you have helped an animal in need.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

>>> THE ARTS COUNCIL | W H ITN E Y WATSON

DOUBLE EXPOSURE // ALABAMA PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPETITION

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | (cont'd)

spreadsheets and using them to compute financial data with a simple formula. Users should have a basic understanding of how to use a computer, with the keyboard and mouse.

Toddler Time WHEN: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library Story Castle COST: Free - ages 2 - 3 year-olds EMAIL: seymour.emily@gmail.com LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org/calendar-ofevents DESCRIPTION: Stories, songs, activities and crafts.

Men's Tennis Southern Regional Championships // USTA/ITA WHEN: All day WHERE: UA Campus COST: Free LINK: rolltide.com/sports DESCRIPTION: This a five day tournament running through October 14.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 The A rts Council of Tuscaloosa will be presenting the eleventh annual Double Exposure Juried Photography Exhibition at the Bama Theatre January 21 through February 14, 2014. The competition is open to all Alabama photographers to enter with a deadline for submissions via CD by November 27, 2013. Submissions will be divided into two divisions, for adults ages 18 and over as well as a junior division for younger artists ages 12 through 17. All photographic media submitted for entry by the deadline will be accepted.

A fee of $35 will be charged to enter three images into the Adult division competition. Two additional images may be submitted (with a maximum of five) for $5 per piece. A $25 entry fee will be charged to submit three images into the Junior division, with two to five additional pieces again costing $5 each to enter.

No entry fees will be refunded.

This competition is an opportunity to showcase exclusively local artists, being open only to Alabama residents. All competitors will be subject to two rounds of judging. First, judges will select the pieces that will appear in the exhibit from the CD entries, and then the second round will occur between all the selected works at the Bama Theatre to select the winners. Accepted works to be presented in the exhibition will be posted on The Arts Councils website on December 13, and winners will be posted January 17, 2014. All entries must be original work done within the last two years and never previously shown in a Tuscaloosa Arts Council exhibit.

Awards in the Adult Division include a $500 Purchase Award for Best of Show as well as four other $250 cash awards.

The Purchase Award winner will also be invited to present a solo exhibit in an Arts Council gallery at a later date.

The Adult Division Purchase Award and

cash prizes are being sponsored by Tuscaloosa’s Harrison Galleries. Junior Division awards include a $250 cash award for Best of Show plus four $125 cash awards.

Entries submitted for judging must be on a CD, and works chosen to be shown in the exhibit must be framed up to professional standards and be ready for hanging. Framed works should be no larger than 32” x 32”.

A complete list of requirements and specifications as well as all application forms can be found on The Arts Council’s website at www.tuscarts.org/competitiondoubleexposure The exhibit will open January 21, 2014 at the Bama Theatre, located in downtown Tuscaloosa at 600 Greensboro Avenue. The exhibit will be open to the public during gallery hours until February 14, 2014, and an awards ceremony and reception will take place Sunday, February 2, from 2 p.m.– 3p.m. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., or during any other Bama Theatre events. For more information on the Bama Theatre or The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, patrons are welcome to visit either group’s Facebook or Twitter.

T H E SOUT H E AST ' S LA R G E ST

Readers' Theater for Children WHEN: 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library main branch Story Castle COST: Free CONTACT: 205.345.5820, ext. 1134 EMAIL: childrens@tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Fun, interactive story time where children listen to a story, think and ask questions about the story, and then become a part of the story by acting it out with their friends. This activity is also held the first Saturday of each month in the Story Castle at 10:30 a.m.

Steve Brown's Annual Stillman College Homecoming Comedy Show WHEN: 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)

WHERE: Stillman College LINK: stillman.edu

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Cosplay WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library main branch COST: Free CONTACT: 205.345.5820 DESCRIPTION: Costume play, sometimes thought of as performance art. Portraying a fictional character by wearing a costume and accessories.

25th Anniversary of the Holtkamp Organ Recital WHEN: 4 – 6 p.m.

WHERE: Concert Hall, Moody Music Building, UA Campus COST: Free

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14

Intermediate Microsoft Word/Excel 2010 WHEN: 9 - 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library Main Branch, Computer Lab COST: Free CONTACT: 205.345.5820, ext. 1264 to register.

DESCRIPTION: Become familiar with

tools to make document creation faster/ easier: inserting headers and footers, page numbers, using borders, creating labels and envelopes and learn how to create graphs and charts, along with inserting formulas into spreadsheets.

Continuation or a "part 2" class.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15

Meet Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Rick Bragg WHEN: 6 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library Rotary Room PHONE: 205.345.5820 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org/calendar-ofevents DESCRIPTION: Rick Bragg will be discussing his books, telling wonderful stories and taking questions.

Bama Art House // "Much Ado About Nothing WHEN: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. (doors and bar open at 6:30) WHERE: Bama Theatre COST: Varies PHONE: 205.758.5195 LINK: tuscarts.org/calendar of events.php

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16

William Willis // "A Span of Painting" // Artist Lecture WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: 203 Garland Hall, University Campus COST: Free PHONE: 205.348.5967 LINK: art.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Mid-career modernist artist William Willis is widely exhibited throughout the United States. The exhibit opens officially on Thursday, October 17, preceded by an opening reception from 6 – 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17

Accoustic Night Featuring Debbie Bond Trio WHEN: 7:30 – 9:30 pm WHERE: Bama Theatre COST: $5 LINK: tuscarts.org/calendar of events/php DESCRIPTION: CD release party for "That Thing Called Love: Doors open at 7 p.m. Full bar available.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

42nd Annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE: Kentuck Park, Northport COST: $10 LINK: kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: One of America's top 10 arts gatherings. More than 270 folk, visionary and contemporary artists and artisans will be present. Live music, storytelling and free hands-on art-making for children.

PUBLICIZE YOUR NONPROFIT EVENT. CONTACT

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

planeteditor@yahoo.com OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

17

>>> ROAD TRIP | SOUT H E AST E R N CONC E R TS AN D E V E NTS MATT NATHANSON // BIRMINGHAM // OCTOBER 15

HAIM // NEW ORLEANS // OCTOBER 6

FANTASIA //

GREG ALLMAN // MONTGOMERY // OCTOBER 11

AUGUST 24 // MONTGOMERY

THURSday, OCTOBER 3

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

ATLANTA

MONTGOMERY

Zac Brown Band, The Villages Amphitheater

Anthony Hamilton, Garret Coliseum

NASHVILLE

ATLANTA

Montgomery

Luke Bryan, Ingram Farms Riders in the Sky, Troy University

Atoms for Peace, Nashville War Memorial Auditorium Kendrick Lamar, Vanderbilt Memorial Gym

Sick Puppies, Masquerade

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

The National, Ryman Auditorium Chris Isaak, Nashville War Memorial Auditorium

Sigur Ros, BJCC Needtobreathe, WorkPlay Theater

Haim, One Eyed Jack’s

Birmingham

NEW ORLEANS

NASHVILLE

Montgomery

ATLANTA

J. Cole, Fabulous Fox Theater Aimee Mann, Variety Playhouse Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck, Chastain Park Amphitheater Dane Cook, Tabernacle

NASHVILLE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7

THURSday, OCTOBER 10

NASHVILLE

Brian Regan, Saenger Theater

Sevendust, Zydeco

NEW ORLEANS

Queens of the Stone Age, Nashville Municipal Auditorium Vampire Weekend, Ryman Auditorium Jake Bugg, Marathon Music Works The Time Jumpers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

Greensky Bluegrass, House of Blues DL Hughely, Saenger Theater

ATLANTA

fun. , Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park

saturday, OCTOBER 5

NASHVILLE

BIRMINGHAM

Arctic Monkeys, Marathon Music Works

Green River Ordinance, WorkPlay Theater Slave to the Day, Zydeco

Shuggie Otis, Exit In

Birmingham

Walk the Moon and the Mowglis, Tiptina’s

NEW ORLEANS

ATLANTA

NASHVILLE

NEW ORLEANS

Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, Bridgestone Arena

India Arie, Ryman Auditorium

Passion Pit, Masquerade

NEW ORLEANS

Black Jacket Symphony, Montgomery Performing Arts Center One-Eyed Doll and Mushroomhead, Rock Bottom

Shooter Jennings and the Reverend Peyton’s Big Dam Band, WorkPlay Theater Tim Reynolds, Zydeco

NEW ORLEANS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

Montgomery

Gregg Allman, Montgomery Performing Arts Center Dustin Lynch, Storybook Farm

ATLANTA

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Vinyl Dr. Dog, Masquerade

New orleans

Passion Pit, The Civic Theater Red Baraat, Tiptina’s

NASHVILLE

Sigur Ros, Mansion at Fontanel 3 Doors Down, Nashville War Memorial Auditorium Anthony Jeselnik, James K. Polk Theater

MONTGOMERY

Hinder and Candlebox, House of Blues The Mavericks, Tiptina’s

Chonda Pierce, Montgomery Performing Arts Center Josh Turner, Alabama National Fair Velcro Pygmies, War Eagle Supper Club

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 Birmingham

Sarah Brightman, Fabulous Fox Theater

NASHVILLE Ricky Scaggs and Bruce Hornsby, Ryman Auditorium

NEW ORLEANS

Jimmy Eat World, House of Blues

ATLANTA

NASHVILLE

Cask and Drum Festival

THURSday, OCTOBER 10

BIRMINGHAM

Michael McDonald, Symphony Hall Atlanta Dwight Yoakam, The Buckhead Theater

NASHVILLE

Kid Cudi, Bridgestone Arena Mayday Parade, Rocketown

NEW ORLEANS

Wynton Marsalis, Saenger Theater October 13: Jason Isbell, House of Blues

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14

NEW ORLEANS

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Civic Theater

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15

NASHVILLE

Franz Ferdinand, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom

ATLANTA

Avenged Sevenfold, Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood Aaron Carter, The Buckhead Theater

Birmingham Matt Nathanson, WorkPlay Theater

WEDNESday, OCTOBER 16

NASHVILLE

Eagles, Bridgestone Arena

NEW ORLEANS

ATLANTA

The Beach Boys, Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Montgomery

Kid Cudi, The Masquerade Danzig, Center Stage Wanda Sykes, Cobb energy Performing Arts Centre

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Moe’s Original BBQ 6423 Park Dr 251.625.7427

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

sunday, OCTOBER 13

ATLANTA

Montgomery

>>> 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.

18

NEW ORLEANS

Bo Burnham, The Civic Theater

The Black Crowes, The Civic Theater October 2- Local Natives plus Wild Nothing, Tiptina’s

King Bee, Riverwalk Amphitheatre

India Arie, Ryman Auditorium

NASHVILLE

Pretty Lights, Herschel Greer Stadium The Lumineers, Ryman Auditorium

205.324.1911 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010

THURSday, OCTOBER 17

ATLANTA

Atlas Genius, Vinyl

Birmingham Twiztid, Zydeco

Montgomery

John Bull Band, Alley Bar

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

TO HAVE YOUR VENUE AND EVENTS LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> TUSCALOOSA MUSIC | WHO'S PLAYING AROUND TOWN MODOC

GREEN BAR // OCTOBER 10

TRIGGER PROOF //

ROUNDERS // OCTOBER 5

DRUID CITY SLICK //

RHYTHM & BREWS // OCTOBER 17

OCTOBER 11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

Jupiter Bar: Red Clay Revival Green Bar: Comedy Night // HTRosen & Jordan Stylez Rounders: Warrior Blues and DJ Spinnzz Rhythm & Brews: Mojo Trio

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

Rounders: Trigger Proof and DJ Spinnzz Green Bar: Trivial Pursuits live Podcast / Matt Devine & Mark Kimbrell Jupiter Bar: Sean Rivers Band Rhythm & Brews: Lynam

Green Bar: Loup Garou / One Hand Dan Rounders: Tyler Barron and The Box, DJ Spinnzz Jupiter Bar: YelaWolf Rhythm & Brews: Reckless

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Rounders: The Devines, DJ Spinnzz Jupiter Bar: DJ Silence Green Bar: Pink Box Burlesque

wednesday, OCTOBER 16

Rhythm & Brews: Karaoke Green Bar: Open Mic

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

Rounders: Trigger Proof, Sean Griff and DJ Spinnzz Green Bar: Ham Bagby with Cat Mountain Rhythm & Brews: Snazz Jupiter Bar: DJ Silence

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9

Rhythm & Brews: Karaoke Rounders: Borland Green Bar: Open Mic

thursday, OCTOBER 17

YELA WOLF

JUPITER BAR // OCTOBER 11

Rounders: Bond Band, DJ Spinnzz Green Bar: Junkyard Kings Jupiter Bar: WVUA 90.7 Benefit with Doctors & Lawyers and MotherFunk Rhythm & Brews: Druid City Slick

FRIday, OCTOBER 18

Rounders: DJ Spinnzz and Trigger Proof Jupiter Bar: Bama Gamblers Rhythm & Brews: Jason Miller

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

Jupiter Bar: 10-Cherub Green Bar: Modoc / Looksy Rounders: Soul Tide and DJ Spinnzz

TO HAVE YOUR BAR AND MUSIC EVENT LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

FRIDAY, >>> LO C A L B A R S 4th & 23rd

Bo's // 759-1331

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Innisfree // 345-1199

Mugshots // 391-0572

1831 // 331-4632

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Gallettes // 758-2010

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

The Red Shed // 344-4372

Alcove // 469-9110

Capones // 248-0255

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

The Jupiter // 248-6611

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Grey Lady // 469-9521

The Legacy // 345-4848

Rooster's Blues House // 334-4507 Rounders // 345-4848

Big Al's // 759-9180

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

The Booth // 764-0557

Copper Top // 343-6867

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Mikes Place // 764-0185

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

19

>>> HEALTHY TRENDS | ry a n p h i l l i p s

FITNESS SOUTH BREAKS AWAY FROM STEREOTYPES

20

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

>>> HIGH TIDE | G A R Y H A R R IS

BAMA RECRUITING UPDATE // HAMPTON HAS GREAT EXPERIENCE IN TUSCALOOSA

O n e o f A l a ba m a' s to p r em a i n targets in the class of 2014 is Meridian, MS safety C.J. Hampton.

The 6 -2, 195 -pound Hampton, who is committed to Ole Miss, was in Tuscaloosa for the Tide's shutout win over the Rebels.

What did Hampton think about the game?

"It was an awesome atmosphere to watch a game," he says. "It was just incredible. It was so loud. The fans really stood out to me."

Those fans who stood out the most were in the student section.

"They were yelling my name, saying that they wanted me. That was awesome " Hampton says. "It 's actually happened before at other places, but it 's nothing like it was at Alabama. It 's just dif ferent. It 's a little stronger at Alabama."

During the visit, Hampton hung out with some of the friends he's ing

met on the recruiting trail, such as line backer Shaun Dion Hamilton, quar terback David Cornwell and of fensive lineman Cameron Robinson, who are all committed to Alabama.

"They're all real good guys," Hampton says. "I enjoyed hanging out with them.

They didn' t tr y to recruit me for Alabama or any thing like that. They didn' t push me. They showed respect. I know they want me to come and join them at Alabama, but they're just good guys. They weren' t tr ying to impose what they want on me."

Af ter the game, Hampton spent some time with Alabama junior safety HaHa Clinton- Dix. " HaHa told me that if you're a DB, Alabama is the place to C.J. Hampton be," Hampton says. " He said the coaching is exceptional.

You just don' t get any better coaching any where if you're a DB. He had nothing but great things to say about his experience at Alabama."

Clinton- Dix didn' t bring up the possibility that he might depar t early for the NFL this spring, but Tide coaches mentioned it.

"Coach Saban and Coach Brown both said there's a chance that HaHa might leave," Hampton says.

"They said there's a chance that I could be counted on to step in early and play. They told me that they re ally need me. They told me I'm at the top of their DB board. They said I have a chance to compete early."

Hampton says that he made the trip with t wo of his high school coaches. " My coaches were telling me that they could see me doing really well in Alabama's defense," Hampton says. "They really had a good time. I'd already seen the new facilities, but they wanted to see them.

They were ver y impressed."

Hampton remains committed to Ole Miss. But he's also considering Alabama and Auburn. He'll take an unof ficial visit to Auburn this Saturday

for the Ole Miss game. He's making an of ficial visit to Ole Miss for the Texas A&M game on October 12th.

He hasn' t set up his of ficial visit date to Alabama yet.

HOLCOMBE IS ALL AL ABAMA Linebacker Enjoyed Visit Tuscaloosa- Hillcrest senior line backer and UA commitment Keith Holcombe has been to numerous Alabama games in his life. But Holcombe, the son of former UA of fensive lineman Danny Holcombe, had never attended a Bama game as a recruit until recently.

"That is a dif ferent perspective," says Holcombe, who visited for the Colorado State game. "I really enjoyed ever y thing. The atmosphere was great. The crowd. Just being there was ver y exciting for me.

"I talked with the coaches. They were happy that I came and excited to see me."

The 6 -3½, 212-pound Holcombe kept a close eye on the Tide de fense.

"I thought the defense played ver y well," Holcombe says. "I think that playing against Coach McElwain

might have made it a little tougher for them. But I thought that they played ver y well. I was impressed watching them. They played extremely well and I thought they were ver y physical."

Holcombe, who runs a 4.46 40, has been a standout at linebacker throughout his high school career.

"They really haven' t said for sure where I'll play," Holcombe says.

"They've told me that with my instincts I could play safety or line backer. Wherever they need me is where I'll play."

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

21

>>> MUSIC | R E G G I E ALL E N

MODOC // MOVIN' ON UP TO THE BIG TIME // THE EMBODIMENT OF ROCK 'N ROLL

From the outside looking in, having one’s band compared to the most prominent household names in the rock 'n roll music industry or having on their songs played as a promotion for a cable network television show would be impressive for some, but for the Nashville-based band MODOC, they could be anything but prideful.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Clint Culbertson was in the presence of children, Sunday afternoon when I called him for the interview and spoke very humbly of his band experiences. After a show in Dayton, Ohio, it marked their break before continuing their tour the following week.

Of that tour, one of their stops is Tuscaloosa, at Green Bar for an October 10 performance.

MODOC, a band unique in not only being one of the few Rock 'n Roll themed bands that hail from The (mostly country) Music City, but that they were a fully functional band before even coming up with a name. After performing their first show, the band turned to Culbertson, who had moved frequently in his youth, to name all the cities he had lived; after naming all the cities, Modoc a small city in Indiana clicked.

The name did click, but as more of a misconception than an actual catchy band title.

Culbertson tells that in the past they have been mistaken for an elephant, the Missouri Department of Corrections and the Marvel Comic book villain of the same name.

With other successful bands out there, the four members of MODOC feel that in comparison to them, the Nashville-based band are just getting started and it could

22

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

be better.

Meeting at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, members : Clint Culbertson(Vocals and Guitar,) Caleb Crockett(Bass and Vocals,) John Carlson( Drums and Vocals) and Kyle Addison(Lead Guitar and Vocals) decided that after playing together, that music could be an option.

“We played with the same crowd, but eventually we decided to play Rock n Roll and went ahead and became friends.”

Lead man Culbertson said.

MODOC made their way to Nashville some time in 2010, but Culbertson said that the group were initially “naïve” for the first three years before getting more serious, but, they knew that they had big city hopes.

“It was Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles. Nashville, just happened to be closer to where we were” Culbertson said.

In January of 2012, the Nashville rockers released “Fortune and Fame,” a four track CD that featured songs like “Coward.” Months later, the self-titled album “MODOC” , a 12 track CD with songs like “Coward”were taken from it’s predecessor to the newly released album. When asked why the band chose to release a self-titled album first, Culbertson said that it was a nod at thire first go with their label and management, the Nashville label Zavitson Music Group.

“It was a way to introduce ourselves and not make an album without a particular subject.”

Of the self-titled album was the song “Devil on my shoulders,” a song that would

later appear as of promotion of the ABC channel television show, 666 Avenue( which got cancelled not to soon after it’s release.)

Culbertson remembers hearing his voice on television, but not believing it was him. It wasn’t until he got a text from a friend that he actually believed it for himself.

Truth be told, the dark themed song was originally meant for the last installment of the Twilight film series, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 2. While many would be ecstatic about the ordeal, Culbertson says that other artist have many of their song played, but they don’t want their songs just anywhere.

“We (MODOC) aren’t interested in

being an Oscar Meyer Weiner band,” Culbertson said.” But, we are careful at what they choose to be decisive not to say that really matters.”

While Culbertson would not disclose what other networks had contacted them for their music, he did mention that they would rather have their music where they feel it belongs than give it to anyone that offers to put their music on their network.

Recently, they have performed different festivals like LouFest and SummerFest. While MODOC performs at concert halls and small venues, it is small clubs and venues like Green Bar that Culbertson says give their performances the intimate and sweaty feeling that rock 'n roll embodies.

According to Culbertson’s memory, he is almost sure that though the band has previously toured in the state of Alabama, they have never been to Tuscaloosa.

When asked if they follow Alabama Football, Culbertson said that if anything they are more into collegiate basketball; a sport that Culbertson was offered to play for the United States Navy, but declined.

Though Culbertson graduated with a degree in Telecommunications, a major that he felt was closest to his love for music, he couldn’t see himself leaving the music department completely.

“I would have been an entertainment lawyer for the music industry, but getting there would take a lot of time and money.”

Of the four members, only two (including Culbertson) of the band’s members stayed in college, while the other two realized their true potential with music.

With their second album out, Culbertson said that they are not wasting any time with their music and have more songs in the writing stages. Culbertson said that they hopefully plan to spend some time in the recording room in the winter and having something out in the fall.

MODOC will perform along with Tuscaloosa-based band Looksy, October 10.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> HOROSCOPES |

>>> PUZZLEMAniA |

week l y o verv i ew

Sudoku

Have you been putting off some work? It may be weighing on your mind. You could work extra hard this week to get it out of the way.

Afterward you'll feel relieved, but don't push yourself too hard or you won't have any energy left for tomorrow. If some of the tasks don't get done, that's OK. They've waited this long, so another day won't hurt.

A powerful creative urge may come upon you this week. Your intuition should play a strong role in whatever you produce. You may feel driven to finish your project. The only downside might be that your partner may not understand why you want to work instead of go out. Follow your heart and keep working. Your friend will see it differently when you show the results.

A couple, perhaps friends, could visit this week. Perhaps you've moved into a new home or redecorated and want to show them around. They'll be impressed and you'll enjoy the company. Do they share an interest in dreams with you? The subject of dreams may come up in the conversation. You could be surprised at the insights your friends have.

Romance blossoms for you this week. If you're single, a walk around the neighborhood could put you in touch with someone new and exciting. If you're involved, you and your significant other could plan a trip out of town, perhaps a weekend getaway. The trip may be partly related to business. This is a great time to write, even if it's only a letter to a relative.

Are you attracted to someone connected with your work? If so, romance with this person could be in your immediate future. Don't be surprised if your colleague suddenly seems to express an interest in you. What you do about it depends on your situation, but at least you'll be flattered. You could make a new friend.

You could be feeling energetic and driven. There's something you feel you absolutely must work on this week. Chances are you won't be able to shake this conviction, so it's best if you just roll up your sleeves and get going on it. You'll undoubtedly get more accomplished than usual and be proud of the results.

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

Do you have the uncomfortable feeling that there's something you ought to be doing but can't think what it is? This feeling could bother you all day. It's best to try to remember. Try sitting in a hot tub. Lean back, close your eyes and let the water flow around you. You may not recall it right now, but it will probably come to you later.

Are you involved in an important group activity, possibly with close friends? If so, you might be working on a vital task, probably involving communication. A love partner might also be involved.

You can be rather intense at times like this, so don't come on too strong with those around you. Use all your people skills, be a good listener, and you should accomplish what you want.

Career matters may force you into the public eye just when you'd prefer to sequester yourself and work alone. This could be frustrating, but significant financial benefits could depend on it. So come out of your shell and meet your public! In the end, you'll be glad you did. You could make some great contacts and even some new friends.

Romance with someone from far away who shares your spiritual inclinations could arise today. This could be a very intense, loving, and supportive relationship. Don't be shy, and don't let your insecurities get the better of you. There's never any guarantee that a love relationship will last, but don't hold off because of that. Get to know this

You may have a very busy day ahead, but you might not be able to concentrate. Too many issues could churn up from the past. Old emotional traumas, money problems from years ago that still haunt you, even past dreams could be on your mind. Don't fight it. This is a healing process. Clear the psychic space to make way for more positive input.

A business or romantic partner could be gloomy today. Don't ask.

Your friend might lash out at you. Your concern isn't unappreciated, but sometimes people prefer to work things out on their own. Be a good listener, but back away if necessary. Do something by yourself.

Your partner will speak when he or she is ready.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

23

>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R OSS W O R D PU Z Z L E

24

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

Across 1. Warsaw ___ of 1955 5. King had one 10. Slugged, old-style 14. From a different perspective, in chat room lingo 15. Kings Peak range 16. Turner of Hollywood 17. Hardly ordinary 19. Dancer Bruhn 20. "___ With Love" (1967 hit) 21. High repute 23. Agribusiness establishment 26. Logarithms inventor 27. Some staffers at The New Yorker 32. 'Now is the winter of ___ discontent' (opening line of 'Richard III') 33. Eucalyptus dweller 34. "Yow!" 38. Alert 40. Derisive sound 42. El ___ (Pacific Ocean phenomenon) 43. Recurrent element 45. "___ well it were done quickly": "Macbeth" 47. Ancient Tokyo 48. Hoodwink 51. Once more 54. MMMVIII รท II 55. Keep 58. Journalist Ellerbee 62. Pointer 63. "The Battleship Potemkin" director 66. "I can't believe ___..." (old ad catchphrase) 67. ____ nous 68. "Diary of ___ Housewife," 1970 film 69. Short drink 70. Englishman in colonial India 71. Major TV brand Down 1. Lippy look

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2. ___ risk: safe 3. Baby's murmurings 4. Budgeter's talent 5. Forehead-slapper's cry 6. Los del ___ ("Macarena" duo) 7. "The Never Ending Story" author Michael 8. Chemistry book chapter,with "the" 9. Waters in Congress 10. Ignores the alarm 11. Singer Nixon 12. Where mammoths have been found 13. Giver's opposite 18. __ and field 22. ___ a one (zip) 24. Greek R's 25. Treating unkindly 27. Froth 28. Coupe or sedan 29. Lit ___ (college course, informally) 30. Performer with a painted on smile 31. Laker teammate of Magic 35. Bleaching vat 36. Inner: Comb. form 37. Just minutes from now 39. Smoker's mouthpiece 41. ____ the boards (acted) 44. Electrical safeguard 46. Ills 49. Treys 50. LuPone and Madonna 51. Green garden bug 52. Tuck, e.g.

53. "___-Cop" (Reynolds film) 56. Indian stringed instrument 57. Man from Tallinn 59. Pixar clownfish 60. Gorilla watcher Fossey 61. Singer Williams 64. Aria, "___ tu" SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 27

>>> ADVICE | J UST AS K

SIMONE says...

Q: Simone, I have a problem, but somehow I feel petty for even bringing it up. I just completed a master’s degree in education and am taking a year off to work and breathe before beginning work on a Ph.D. in the same field. I have moved in with a new roommate, a friend of a friend. I like her. She’s a good person. The problem is she’s messy, and I’m extremely orderly; everyone in my family is. Occasionally friends have joked that I’m “anal”. Ugh! But I really can’t be messy, even if I try!

We each have our own bedroom and bath, so those spaces aren’t so much the problem. It’s the common areas: living room, kitchen, dining room, balcony that pose the problem to my psyche, although I don’t think she has a clue. I’ve tried to drop some hints (sometimes in the form of snide Traincomments — shame on me), but nothing has changed and I’m getting resentful, obsessive even.

Let me clarify about my roommate’s habits. She will read the newspaper and leave it semi-folded on the coffee table for days. She often leaves her shoes in the living room or her laptop on the dining room table when she goes to bed and dishes in the sink until the next morning, although she will put them in the dishwasher and clean the kitchen the next morning.

We share weekly vacuuming and mopping, so that part is covered. It’s really just the day-to-day stuff that is making me CRAZY!! In the past I’ve roomed with my sister who is a neat-freak like me, a friend who is the same, or lived alone. This is a first.

Signed, “CRAZY!” A: Dear “Craze...,” You say everyone in your family is very orderly and that you “can’t be messy”.

Through the years, I’ve observed that people seem to be biologically programmed for innate orderliness, extreme messiness or something in between. Not that training and habit formation don’t play a role in establishing our patterns, but it seems to run a bit deeper than that.

So, getting in touch with your own patterns and where they come from may be a good starting place Then think carefully about your comfort zone; decide how important it all is. Get as clear on the issue as you can, then you’ll know where your real boundaries are and how to approach the situation.

The habits of your roommate may be a real challenge to a true neat-nick, but, as you describe them, they sound fairly mild and in the middle ground. The question is whether both of you can bend some.

Consider approaching her to discuss the

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

matter. Let her know that you recognize your innate neatness and appreciate how responsible she is overall. Then see if there is room to make some rules for one another; explore a comfortable middle ground. If you want to keep the roommate and your friendship with her, you must be diplomatic and real. I’m certain your “problem” can and will be resolved.

Cheers to moderation and mediation.

Signed, Simone Q: Simone, I’m a twenty-eight year-old guy in a relationship with a twenty-four year old single mom of a neat three-year-old boy. We’ll call him Charlie. My girlfriend is a teacher; I own a pretty successful landscaping business. We’ve been dating for about a year and see each other at least every other day. I’m incredibly fond of Charlie and am pleasantly surprised at how good I am with him, if I do say so myself. And I’m incredibly fond of his mom; I guess I’m in love. But I’m just not ready to move faster than that. I don’t want to lose her or Charlie, but I get this very subtle vibe that my girlfriend wants and needs more than I am ready to commit to, although it is never said out loud.

I think we need a lot more time to get to know one another and to move through some experiences together. Too much is at stake not to, in my opinion.

Yet I don’t know how to address the issue.

Maybe I’m afraid that if I say it, she’ll want to move on. Maybe she thinks that if she tells me, I’ll want to do the same. It seems so simple to solve, but I’m afraid to make the first move. I’m not even sure what that move should be, but I think we now have an elephant in the living room, and tension is building. Input appreciated.

Signed, “Needing to know”

Flo Rida

A: Dear “Needing...”, Well, it seems that the elephant needs to leave the room; it is time. There is nothing wrong with your level of commitment, and you don’t need to psychoanalyze how you feel. But if you follow through with your plan to talk, and I see it is a wise and good one, you’ll need to explain what you think and how you feel. You haven’t said that you’re not open to the a stronger commitment in the future, but you need to be honest and be able to be honest in order for the relationship to move forward. She will likely appreciate your honesty, even if it scares her some, and be willing to move at a flexible pace. But if she isn’t, and it still doesn’t feel okay for you, then perhaps you will both need to move on. Should that scary outcome occur, believe that a right person is there for each of you down the line, and that your time together has been good. May there be peace and a positive outcome in the path for you both ( I guess I should say all three).

Signed, Simone ©2013 Simone Says. Simone, a pseudonym, is a clinical social worker licensed to practice in Alabama. If you have a question for Simone, email planeteditor@yahoo.com, subject: Simone. All queries will be held in confidence.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

25

>>> RED CLAY DIARY | J IM R E E D

THE MYSTERY OF THE TILTED SKIRT AND THE AIRY TOGA

©2013 by Jim Reed

In memory most fertile, my time machine takes me back to Tuscaloosa and THE STAGE… THE THEATRE… THE COMPANY OF THESPIANS. I’m way back in time now, when I am a young teenager who loves nothing better than to be On Stage, acting in a play. Performing gets into my blood early on, in grammar school, when I learn that the only time anybody pays attention to what I do or say is when I am in front of an audience.

Don’t ask me why this is true, I don’t understand it myself. Other shy people have shared similar experiences—being shy, some of them naturally gravitate toward the performing arts.

Anyhow, being an ACTOR is fun. Mainly, because I get to be around ACTRESSES—they pay attention to me while girls at school primarily ignore me.

The fact that I’m an ACTOR instead of an ACTRESS is quite a relief. I’ve learned that wearing a dress or skirt or toga on stage is no fun at all.

For instance, I go down to the Tuscaloosa high school auditorium to try out for a part in a touring PASSION PLAY—the theatrical troupe needs local extras and I’ve never been in a national production, so I hang around till they cast me as one of Jesus’ disciples. I’m in yet another play!

During first rehearsal, I learn two valuable lessons—first, never do anything to distract the audience. I’m sitting at the Last Supper and Jesus is passing around bread and wine. As the bread nears, I notice that a cup is blocking the way and will probably be knocked over by the distracted actor sitting next to me. I quickly move the cup—just in time—but am also quickly chastised for the unrehearsed movement. Oops! I just upstaged Jesus himself!

The other lesson I learn is that biblical garb is airy—I’m wearing a short gladiatorlength tunic and feel about as naked as a newborn. How do women adjust to this kind of potential exposure? Being a “pro,” I pretend it’s not a problem and manage to perform in the play and retain my modesty, but a major life decision is made: I’ll never accept a stage role that requires any garb other than pants. I’m not cut out to dress like modern women or ancient men.

My father is partially relieved, since his generation quietly fears that, by hanging around gay men and loose women in the theatre, I just might “become” one of the former or carouse with one of the latter. I wind up carousing with less-than-loose women a bit, so he replaces his homophobia with loosewomenaphobia. Talk about mixed emotions—he’s relieved I’m not gay, but now he’s worried I’m going to get into trouble with them female types!

Anyhow, I still enjoy the fact that women usually wear dresses and skirts, but I’m glad I’m not required to wear them. After acting, I know how it feels, and I am left with a kind of awe at how self-confident women must be compared to men. Makes me respect them that much more.

Guess I’ll hitch up my pants and see whether Liz would like to carouse.

26

OCTOBER 3 + OCTOBER 17 2013

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> MUSIC | t rey br o o k s

R.I.P. THE JUNKYARD // MUSICAL EPICENTER N ot all music are bars, theaters or arenas.

Not all centers of culture require a ticket to enter.

Sometimes the creative heart of a community beats in most inconspicuous of places. These places that are forgotten by the authorities and planners of the city are relished by those seeking creative freedom. They are also pretty cool places to party as well. Needless to say, these places rarely stand the test of time. Like Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco or CBGB’s in New York, they often fall victim to the ever changing landscapes and demographics that most American cities endure. Progress is great, but it often comes with a price.

At the corner of 12th St. and Stallings Dr. are several small apartment buildings that are currently being torn down in order to renovate the area. The residents of these buildings for years had been creating a community built around the area between the buildings. Known affectionately as “The Junkyard” for its assortment of abandoned cars and other random debris, this area became a thriving center of interaction and musical creation. The Junkyard was both an open door to the student community and a world all of its own. The area was just a few blocks from the Strip and was easily accessible, yet because the buildings hid it so well, it was nearly impossible to see from the road. While it may not have been a city landmark, those who lived on 12th St. and the surrounding area took full advantage of the Junkyard for parties, mini concerts and other social gatherings. Impromptu celebrations were not uncommon.

Musically, the Junkyard was an epicenter for Tuscaloosa bands. The aptly named Junkyard Kings led the party, using the area as both a practice space and a full on concert venue. The Kings grew throughout their brief time in the Junkyard, and one would imagine they will continue to honor their namesake in the future in whatever ways possible. Another Tuscaloosa mainstay to appear at the makeshift venue was Red Clay Revival, whose members even helped build the stage that graced theWidespread back fence Panic of the area. Other groups included Raid on Little Bohemia and the Shrapnel Petals, who acted as the host band often before two of its members left to create the Junkyard Kings.

Other musicians and artists were among the many whom frequented events at the Junkyard, and the place was always alive with the daily activity of the apartment residents.

However, all good things must eventually come to an end. The Junkyard hosted its last event just last week: a birthday party for a long-time junkyarder, with bands playing as they had so many times in the past. Now, a different kind of debris fills the Junkyard: the debris of the former apartment buildings that once hid this cultural oasis from the outside world. Personally, my fondest memory of the Junkyard was the afterparty following WidespreadDispatch Panic’s show at the Amphitheater in 2011. That was a campfire night that included some fairly creative DJing, though I cannot remember who it was working the turntables on the stage that night. But it was nights like that which made the Junkyard a special place for many in this town.

Where will the bands get together now? That remains to be seen, but it will be a long time before those who were there forget the Junkyard. venues

Snoop Lion

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