// IN THIS ISSUE HOLLER & DASH THE BIG PICTURE NAILBITER OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS
Monday – $5 Bud Light Pitchers Tuesday – Free Poker Tournament Wednesday – $3 Pint Night @7 p.m.
Thursday – Live Team Trivia and beer specials @8 p.m.
Sunday – Free Poker Tournament @2:30 p.m.
DOWNTOWN TUSCALOOSA 205.366.0913 2
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REGINALD ALLEN R A I H A B A J WA WILLIAM BARSHOP CO U R T N E Y BLA N CH A R D K A I T LY N B LO U N T TREY BROOKS KELSEY CAMERON JORDAN CISSELL MARGIE GOLDSMITH SHEENA QUIZON GREGG GARY HARRIS C I N DY H U G G I N S KEVIN LEDGEWOOD BRETT REID VA N R O B E R T S JON ROGERS RACHEL STEINER ALEJANDRA TENORIO
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STORIES
ENTERTAINMENT
4 MARIANAS TRENCH: LARGER THAN LIFE // ALAN SCULLEY
5 CHAMBER NEWS
Bringing the biggest show it can fit into clubs and theaters on tour. the band's new tour is a sign of things to come.
L I N DA W. J OHN S ON
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7 MEET THE NEW INSTAGRAM // EMMA FITZPATRICK
Brace yourself: Instagram is unleashing a whole new slew of tools and features for businesses.
10 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR JOINT PAIN // RACHEL STEINER
Joint pain is caused for various reasons including injury, anomalies from birth that make one more prone to joint destruction, obesity, and overuse to name a few. There are different ways of managing the pain depending on what is the underlying condition.
22 COMMUNITY ARTS // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD Acoustic Night with Matt Jones and The Parkers.
6 WINE REVIEW 7 BOOK REVIEW 9 RESTAURANT REVIEW & GUIDE 15 MOVIE REVIEW 16 PET PLANET 17 EVENTS 19 ROAD TRIP
Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239
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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.
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© 2015 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 four copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft. The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.
HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 RECRUIT UPDATE GARY HARRIS
ASTORIA: The new album by Marianas Trench
under the cover >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
JULY 7 + JULY 21
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F E AT U R E | A L A N S C U L L E Y
MARIANAS TRENCH // LARGER THAN LIFE
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MARIANASTRENCH.NET
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arianas Trench is bringing the biggest show it can fit into clubs and theaters on tour. “What we’re doing is we’re trying to bring an arena show into a club setting,” singer/guitarist Josh Ramsay said in a recent phone interview. “So it’s super theatrical and it is still very larger than life.” More than that, Ramsay hopes this tour is a sign of things to come with Marianas Trench. “I remember years ago, I saw Lady Gaga in Vancouver when she was doing club shows, or theater shows, “ Ramsay said. “Like you watched her show and you thought to yourself, the next time she’s here, she’s going to be in the arena. She’s ready to be in the arena because she’s already doing that (type of) show. I wanted people to have our version of that experience coming to our shows in America.” Don’t bet against the group making that kind of leap. In its home country of Canada, Mariana’s Trench, which also includes guitarist Matt Webb, bassist Mike Ayley and drummer Ian Casselman, is already a bona fide arena headliner and one of the most popular groups in that country, having reached that level with its 2011 album, “Ever After.” “Our band has basically a very organic exponential growth since its inception,” Ransay said, “We’ve never had one overnight success thing. We kind of had, the first time we were touring Canada, it was like two people would come to the show. Then next time, we were in that city it was four people. And it just kind of went all the way up to arenas. And we graduated to the arena stage with ‘Ever After.’” Ramsay’s enthusiasm for the future has to please fans of the band, who waited four years for the arrival of the follow-up to “Ever After,” the recently released album, “Astoria.” The long gap between albums was a product of several upheavals in Ramsay’s life that slowed his progress in writing songs for “Astoria,” despite the fact that early on he had already settled on a concept and musical direction for the album. Each of the three previous Marianas Trench albums had been built around a theme, and Ramsay knew what he wanted to create next. “I thought ‘80s adventure movies could be a fun one (concept) because everyone kind of likes ‘80s adventure movies,” he said. “And I thought there could be a lot of elements that we could pull from with that, like both with dressing and the stage show and also some (1980s) sonic qualities, different sounds and stuff. I thought we could figure out a way to have an all-encompassing world.” Things were clearly looking up. By early 2013, the band had landed a major label deal with Cherrytree/ Interscope, giving it a level of worldwide promotional support that up to that point had only existed in Canada. Ramsay was also engaged and anticipating that new stage in his personal life. He had also gained notoriety and acclaim – not to mention no small amount in royalties – for co-writing and producing the Carly Rae Jepsen hit, “Call Me Maybe.” The smash single earned him a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. But that achievement turned out to be a double-edged sword for Ramsay. “It’s an interesting thing when you have (something like that). Forever after that you always see your name say ‘Grammy nominated songwriter,’” he said. “And there’s a pride that goes with that, but there’s also for me personally – I don’t know about other people who have experienced that – but there’s also a fair amount of pressure because you feel once you’ve worked on a song that took over the world, you feel a certain amount of expectation on your future work. That can be a difficult hurdle.” The expectations created by “Call Me Maybe,” coupled with feeling that the next album would represent the big opportunity for Marianas Trench to break through to wordwide stardom sent Ramsay into a serious case of writer’s block. Making matters considerably worse, Ramsay’s mother was stricken with Lewy Body Dementia, an illness that acts like a combination of Alzheimers and Parkinson’s diseases – two incurable, gradually debilitating conditions. “You sort of watch somebody disappear,” Ramsay said. “It’s really hard because they still for the most part look like them, but they’re slowly just slipping.” Ramsay didn’t react well to his challenges, and his frustrations took a toll on his relationship, leading to a breakup up with his fiancé. “I put so much pressure on myself with songwriting and I would go up to my studio every day,” Ramsay said. “And the stuff with my family was really difficult and I felt like all the stuff I was coming up with sucked. I would go and sit in the studio for 10 hours and then come home having done nothing. I would come home just like hating myself, and that’s a difficult energy for
people to be around.” Ramsay finally hit bottom in 2014, when he was hospitalized for problems with his gallbladder and pancreas. But during that stay, he did some soul searching that helped him put his life – and the “Astoria” album – back on track. He realized he couldn’t fix his broken engagement or his heal his mother. But he could control his music. Recognizing that music gave his life purpose, Ramsay tossed aside the issues that had plagued him and started writing songs, even completing one of the tunes on “Astoria” (“Dearly Departed”) before
he was discharged. Infused with new energy and inspiration, ideas came rolling out, and in short order, Ramsay decided he wanted to turn his apartment into a recording space that would foster creativity and the ‘80s personality he wanted to bring to “Astoria.” “I kind of thought this apartment was where I got so low and dark. Wouldn’t it be cool if I took this same space and used it to make the best thing I’d ever done?” he said. “Right then and there I just went to the studio and started picking up gear. I literally stayed up for five or six days just changing my whole
apartment.” The music that emerged on “Astoria” makes good on the initial concept of an album that tips its hat to ‘80s rock and pop, while evoking the feeling of that era’s action adventure movies. The album opens and closes with a pair of tracks – “Astoria” and “End of an Era” – that work like mini-suites, shifting from one distinct segment to another, while the other songs are more concise and energetic. Several songs cleverly quote ‘80s bands – “Burning Up” nicks INXS’s “Need You Now,” “Yesterday” incorporates bits of Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” while “Wildfire” opens by quoting Police’s “King of Pain” – while the album as a whole weaves ‘80s beats and tones into its sonic approach. Happily, the songs only touch on their influences before taking on their own character and delivering hook after hook. One thing that changed from the original vision for “Astoria” was the lyrics. Ramsay’s songwriting, naturally enough, couldn’t help but reflect the difficulties he’d experienced. But he thinks “Astoria” is better for the darker dimensions that pepper some of his lyrics. “It’s got a lot more emotional depth and range than stuff that we’ve done in the past,” Ramsay said. “I feel like conceptually, the sort of journey through the record ends up being a really emotional one. There are a lot of big emotions in that. And that really works to me with the movie theme idea, too, because big emotions are very cinematic.”
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>>> N E W S | T H E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
NEWS
ADOPT-A-SCHOOL NEWS Early Bird Registration for Adopt-A-School Golf Tourney Open
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Early Bird registration for the 26th Annual Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa Adopt-A-School Golf Tournament is now available. The four-person scramble tournament will be held on Thursday, September 8th at Ol’ Colony Golf Complex. Early Bird cost of $500 per team is available now through August 1st. After that date, regular registration will resume and the cost will be $600 per team. Proceeds from the annual tournament will benefit the Adopt-A-School Program. We hope that you will take advantage of the discount available! For more information, contact robin@tuscaloosachamber.com or (205) 391-0561. To download the registration form, visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com.
Chamber Ambassadors Chris Crawford of Walker Associates and Jennifer Taylor of the City of Tuscaloosa.
Chamber Recognizes Ambassadors at Appreciation Dinner
Chamber Ambassadors gathered recently for the biannual Ambassador Appreciation Dinner, enjoying drinks and appetizers and socializing with Chamber staff and board members. Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers who welcome new members to the Chamber and share ways to get the most out of membership through an informal mentor relationship. They assist with groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and networking events, as well as serving as greetings at most Chamber events. The Ambassador program provides a great networking experience for participants and develops future Chamber leaders. The Ambassador Appreciation Dinner was sponsored by Dr. Paul Diaz and Riverview Dental Designs.
Mobile Workforce Unit Deploys to Outreach Events
The Mobile Workforce Unit, a joint project of West Alabama Works and Shelton State Community College, has deployed to Ready to Work events in the West Alabama area. The unit is a Mercedes Sprinter van customized as a training lab and designed to be used for pre-employment training in rural and underserved communities throughout the region. In the initial stages the unit is being used in Hale County, as funds are available from a $368,000 Appalachian Regional Commission Grant for a workforce training program designed to recruit, train and prepare workers for Alabama’s automotive industry. To date, the unit has been used at events in the following locations: Springfield Baptist Church Greensboro High School Bethlehem Baptist Church Downtown Greensboro Fullers Grocery Store Hale County High School First Baptist Newbern First Baptist Moundville More than 200 people attended the events, with 177 registering with the Career Connect System. Some applicants are beginning Ready to Work classes, while others have begun adult education or GED classes, and some have enrolled in the Automotive Logistics program.
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
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>>> W I N E R E V I E W | J O N R O G E R S
LINDEMANS PINOT GRIGIO
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indemans Pinot Grigio is a white wine from Southeastern Australia. According to the wine’s tasting notes, the grapes for this wine were harvested from January to February of 2015. That year saw a very warm spring with low rainfall. Fortunately, after that period, the weather was more dry with less extreme heat. As a result, the season balanced out and provided “ideal fruit ripening.” REVIEW Lindemans Pinot Grigio Wine Review FROM THE BOTTLE … With crisp fruit flavors and a contemporary, easy-drinking style, Bin 85 Pinot Grigio goes perfectly with food, family and friends. I tasted the 2015 vintage of this wine with my friend Al. Sample received for review purposes. APPEARANCE Lindemans Pinot Grigio is light and brassy in color. The glass that was poured first had lots of tiny bubbles on the bottom of the glass. We noted many legs that were tightly packed and slowly falling, taking awhile to get started. AROMA The wine’s aroma was subtle and only noticeable up close to the glass. The nose revealed florals and light citrus similar to Meyer lemon. We also noted a hint of sweetness, similar to cantaloupe. The tasting notes indicated we were to experience toasty oak in the wine’s aroma. We didn’t agree with that. We noticed no oak in the aroma, not surprising given the wine was not aged in oak, but rather in stainless steel. Additionally, there was no sting of
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alcohol. Lindemans Pinot Grigio alcohol content 12.5% by volume per the bottle. TASTE It took us a bit to determine how to characterize this wine’s flavor. I noted an enjoyable, warm, tangy flavor. After a few sips, my best guess was unripened peach. Al felt there was some Bing cherry in there as well. We both agreed there was a bit of bitterness in the flavor that lasts through to the finish. FINISH Lindemans Pinot Grigio presented us with a silky mouthfeel and a medium length finish. More specifically, the finish starts tart with a moderate bitterness that fades more quickly than the tartness. OVERALL OPINION We both enjoyed this wine. For myself, it was due to the fact that it was challenging to nail down the flavor profile. I also enjoyed the understated crispness of the wine’s flavor. Al felt the strong points were that it was “mysterious, hard to put a finger on some of the flavors, and also refreshing.” Given the wine’s value oriented price point, give this wine a go, especially if you like a refreshing warm weather white. Lindemans Pinot Grigio price $6.49. The SRP on the tasting notes said $5.99, so consider shopping around for the best price.
>>> B O O K R E V I E W | B R E T T R E I D
THE POLITICS OF THE SUPERFICIAL ABOUT THE BOOK In The Politics of the Superficial: Visual Rhetoric and the Protocol of Display, Brett Ommen explores the increasing reliance on images as a mode of communication in contemporary life. He shows that graphic design is a layered experience of images and space. Before images, viewers engage in the personal experience of aesthetics and individual identity. In space, viewers engage in the negotiation of meaning and collective belonging. Graphic design, then, fits the consumerist present precisely because it prompts viewers to differentiate between our collective commitments and individual sense of self. Ommen argues, for example, that on viewing a billboard, a driver isn’t merely being exposed to a set of commercial messages or exhortations, but rather responding in a self-aware way that differentiates her from her collective associations like Democrat, Republican, rich, poor, Catholic, or Jewish. By examining graphic design—as a profession, practice, and academic field— as the nexus for understanding visual display in public culture, The Politics of the Superficialdevelops two arguments about contemporary visual communication practices: first, that the study of visual communication privileges visual content at the expense of other dynamics, such as context; and second, that interpretations focusing on content conceal the most persuasive and subversive dimensions of the visual. Wide-ranging and stimulating, The Politics of the Superficial ultimately posits that, far from serving as a communal
SUGGESTED FOOD PAIRING The wine’s tasting notes recommend pairing Lindemans Pinot Grigio with “seafood, pasta, chicken or veal.” We both agreed this wine would go great with a nice clean haddock or sea bass. As mentioned above… Give it a go!
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oasis for public imagination, contemporary visual culture offers the possibility for politically engaged communication and persuasion while simultaneously threatening the health of public discourse by atomizing its constituent parts. It will serve as a vital contribution to the field of visual rhetoric. REVIEWS "The book is tightly argued and well written. I felt engaged as though in a dialectic with it; I would mentally pose objections only to have the author address them nearly immediately in subsequent arguments. This is a fine book." — Lawrence Prelli, author of A Rhetoric of Science: Inventing Scientific Discourse and editor of Rhetorics of Display "This is an engaged and engaging work. It speaks in provocative and important ways to many of the key concerns of theorists of design and especially rhetorical/ cultural theorists." —John Louis Lucaites, coauthor of No Caption Needed: Iconic Photographs, Public Culture, and Liberal Democracy ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brett Ommen (left) is an independent scholar and writer.
>>> F E AT U R E | E M M A F I T Z P A T R I C K
MEET THE NEW INSTAGRAM // BUILT FOR BUSINESS
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nstagram has been hearing your company's wish list — and making it come true. Just a few months ago, the platform added the ability to switch between multiple accounts. That change was just the start. Brace yourself: Instagram is unleashing a whole new slew of tools and features for businesses. Most excitingly, your brand can create a specific business profile. With that huge change, your brand will be able to connect and convert followers in a whole new way. Let's meet the new business-friendly version of Instagram. Read on to learn how to take advantage of the additions to better stand out, track your successes and discover new customers on Instagram. NEW BUSINESS PROFILES It's about time! Now, you can finally differentiate your business page from personal profiles. You may be prompted to switch your account to a business profile. If not, in the "Options" menu, click "Account Settings" and find the "Switch to Business Account." It's that easy. Then, your business can reap the benefits of the business profiles. Here are the biggest advantages: Contact button: Right next to the "Follow" button at the top of your profile, you'll see a "Contact" button. You can have users call, text or email you through that feature. Wondering how much of an impact that small button could have? Click-to-call buttons have about a 70 percent use rate on other platforms. Meaning, contact buttons like this one can lead to a 200 percent increase in conversions, according to Flight Media. Business categories: You can now add a business category to your page, making it easier for those browsing to instantly learn what you do. Plus, this will help new users discover your brand. Improved location: If you have a physical store, you can input your address. Then, when users click this, directions will pop up on their mobile device. Now, that's an easy way to drive foot traffic. AMPED-UP ANALYTICS Once you have a business profile, you unlock Instagram's new Insights. To reveal this exciting, new data, click on the graph icon on your profile page. With the new Insights, your business can discover: • How many impressions, or views, each post got • Number of new followers per week • Where your followers are located (both by country and by city) • What time of day and what days of the week your followers are most active • Gender of followers • Age range of followers PROMOTED POSTS For better or for worse, it will also be easier for your brand to promote successful posts. In a single click, you can transform an old photo into a promoted post. Plus, you can target who will see these promoted posts. These will function the same as sponsored posts on your Facebook feed. As you already know, the pricing system for those is complicated. Emma Fitzpatrick is a freelance writer and marketer, whose specialties include content marketing, social marketing and short, snappy writing. Pick her brain more at emma.l.fitzpatrick@gmail.com.
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
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>>> R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W | S H E E N A G R E G G
>>> RESTAURANTS |
HOLLER & DASH // BISCUIT HOUSE COMES TO TTOWN
BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag
W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA
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. 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 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 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. Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.
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f you haven’t experienced a good biscuit, then you haven’t truly lived. At least, that’s what us folks in the South believe. If you’ve found yourself in the biscuit predicament, have no fear because Holler & Dash Biscuit House is about to be here. Debuting midJuly, the originally Homewood-based restaurant is expanding its wings to the strip in Tuscaloosa. According to Chief Operating Officer Mike Chissler, Tuscaloosa was the natural next spot for this southern based brand. “We love all that Tuscaloosa has to offer as a community with rich tradition and a local-feel. We are really interested in becoming part of the community and contributing as a local business to help Tuscaloosa thrive,” says Chissler. Opening in the previous Coldstone Creamery location, Holler & Dash have good expectation that it will get a good local following as well as huge business on gamedays due to the strip location. “Gamedays are going to be crazy and we can’t wait to be in the mix of all of it,” says Chissler. Chef Brandon Frohne, Director of Culinary for H & D, is no stranger to the foodie scene. As a fifth generation chef and winner of the 2015 Chef of the Year Award by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association, H & D is not skimping on the food quality. “Our biscuits are certainly the star of the show but we definitely believe in seasonality as well. Our plan is to have a majority of our items consistently on the menu, but we’re also looking forward to having some items that reflect what’s in season,” says Frohne. Both Frohne and Chissler agree that despite how fantastic the food menu is, the impressive beverage menu will keep folks coming in day in and day out. “Our house-made craft sodas with flavors like huckleberry peach and strawberry lemongrass will definitely
Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Thrifty Dietitian.” Follow her on Twitter @ TheThriftyRD
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 // 556.4112 Great locally-sourced foods and live piono music on the weekends. |killionrestaurants.com/kozys/ The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 thesidebysiderestaurant.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 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ichiban Japanese Grill & 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.
MEXICAN Chipotle Mexican Grill
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.
Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191
Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969
El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585
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
1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com
make a difference. Our selection of beer, wine, and mimosas are sure to be next level as well. And we haven’t even mentioned the coffee yet!” says Chissler. Coffee vendors for Holler & Dash include Collectivo Coffee out of Wisconsin and Dark Matter Coffee out of Chicago. Aside from the regular hot brew, patrons can look forward to a delicious cold and nitro brew coffee as part of their morning or afternoon routine. When asked what other things will set the biscuit house apart from other eateries in Tuscaloosa, both Chissler and Frohne agree that it would be their staff. According to Chissler, every staff member has been hired based on their personality. “We want our staff to have fun with their customers and really let their personalities come out,” says Chissler. Though the expected opening date is Tuesday, July 12th, customers join in early on the fun with an upcoming pre-launch Biscuit Bash happening on Saturday July 9th from 12pm-2pm. The pre-launch party will feature an opportunity to observe the biscuit making process, play tailgate games, and win a variety of prizes. The first 200 guests will receive a free biscuit with toppings. Holler & Dash is located at 1130 University Boulevard next to GNC on The Strip. Tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating!
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.
El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 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
ITALIAN
Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343
Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378
Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com
LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871
Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505
Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558
Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. | www.olivegarden.com
Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919 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 Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd, Tuscaloosa // 409.8173
FINE DINING
Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials: Monday - $20 Bottles of Wine; Tuesday - Ladies Night 1/2 off Domestic Beer and House Wine, Select $5 Martinis, $2 off Select Sushi Rolls for Everyone; Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp; Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine. 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. 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
CASUAL DINING
Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m. Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tue. - Thu.: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat.: 11 a.m. 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 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. Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www. chickensaladchick.com 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 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.
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
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>>> RESTAURANTS |
W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA
Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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
Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com
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.
Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913
Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554
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
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
WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473
Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com 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 lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch // www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com
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 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 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.
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
Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
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
Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm
Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents. Wine and Signature cocktails
Pottery Grill (2 locations) Highway 11 | Cottondale // 554.1815 3420 Alabama 69 | Northport // 333.5848 Menu: thepotterygrill.com 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
Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits
T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.co Mon - Fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat: 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412
Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647
New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Boulevard |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. 248-7666
Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts.
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.
Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods
Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000
SEAFOOD
SPORTS GRILL
Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials.
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 Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238 Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm). Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine, 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 Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Blvd |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. // 248-7666 Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM) Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Over 160 craft beers. Large selection of decadent desserts. The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-3 PM (Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 2 PM-6 PM) leveebarandgrill.com
CHINESE
Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week.
>>> H E A LT H | D R . R AC H E L S T E I N E R
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR JOINT PAIN
I
t is estimated that 52.5 million American adults (22.7%) annually are told by their doctor that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. By 2040, an estimated 78 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctordiagnosed arthritis. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the leading cause of disability in the United States and have been for the past 15 years. Joint pain is caused for various reasons including injury, anomalies from birth that make one more prone to joint destruction, obesity, and overuse to name a few. Other causes of joint pain are a result of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. There are obviously different ways of managing joint pain depending on what is the underlying condition, but here are some quick tips that can benefit everyone and are easy and natural. EXERCISE Exercise is crucial for people with arthritis. It increases strength, flexibility, reduces joint pain, and keeps motion in the joints. Though you might think exercise will aggravate joint pain, which is not the case at all. Lack of exercise actually can make your joints even more painful and stiff. Keeping your muscles, ligaments, and surrounding tissue strong is crucial for supporting your bones. Not exercising causes weakness that will result in more stress on your joints. Low impact exercises are best for those with joint pain such as swimming, water aerobics, or bicycling. NON-INFLAMMATORY DIET A common question people with any form of arthritis have is, “Is there an arthritis diet?” Or more to the point, “What can I eat to help my joints?” Fortunately, many foods can help with arthritis. Following a diet low in processed foods and saturated fat will decrease the inflammatory process in your body that can lead to joint pain. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wild caught fish, nuts, and beans are low inflammatory and are great for your body. These foods also help with lowering blood pressure and risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. GLUCOSAMINE Glucosamine is a major component of joint cartilage and supplementation of it has shown to slow deterioration of cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (like shrimp, lobster, and crab) or from vegetable sources. Glucosamine has been shown to relieve osteoarthritic pain and improve joint
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mobility. Glucosamine is produced in the body and provides natural building blocks for growth, repair and maintenance of cartilage. It has been proven to lubricate joints, help cartilage retain water and prevent breakdown. WHITE WILLOW BARK White willow bark is nature’s aspirin. It is effective because it contains an active ingredient called salicin. Salicin is converted in the body into salicylic acid-similar to acetyl salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. But because the naturally occurring salicin is converted after it passes through the stomach, it results in less irritation and side effects. White willow can be taken in a capsule form, but it is more popular as a tea. Ingredients for this are 2 teaspoons of powdered or chipped white willow bark, 1 cup or water, and honey or lemon to taste. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Add 2 teaspoons of white willow bark and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste, as the tea can be bitter. Hopefully these tips sound easy enough to add to your daily routine. The most of important part of managing joint pain is figuring out what the underlying condition is that is causing pain that should be determined by a doctor.
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
11
>>> RESTAURANTS |
W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O S A (CO N T.) McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com
Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435
Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com
Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088
Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455
Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148
Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com
Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 / Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673
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
ASIAN CUISINE
Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880
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.
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.
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
Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088
PIZZA AND SUBS
A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. 17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza. California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 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 | 1www.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 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444 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 Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955
COFFEE SHOP
Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 349.6366 Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes. Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 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 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. Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com 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 In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm. Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnigh
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>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
>>> M O V I E R E V I E W | V A N R O B E R T S
THE SHALLOWS // A NAILBITER
★★★
OU T OF 4
S
panish helmer Jaume Collet-Serra, who directed Liam Neeson in “Unknown,” “Non-Stop,” “Run All Night,” and has plans for another film with Neeson entitled “The Commuter,” must have felt that pitting his favorite Irish actor against a ferocious Great White shark would be unfair to it. Instead, Collet-Serra has “Age of Adaline” actress Blake Lively contend with this colossal Carcharodon carcharias in “The Shallows,” an entertaining, often suspenseful, but largely improbable B-movie survivalist saga. Summer movies are typically sprawling, impersonal, and larger-than-life blockbusters, about clashes between titans and extraterrestrials, such as “Captain America: Civil War,” “X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Independence Day: Resurgence,” “Warcraft,” and “Teenage Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.” Although Collet-Serra’s film boasts a pugnacious predator roughly the size of a medium-class submarine, “The Shallows” remains more personal in scope than traditional summer fare. The exploits depicted in this Sony/Columbia Pictures release do not pose a threat to civilization as we know it. Indeed, the events occur in relative anonymity without television networks broadcasting commentary about them as they unfold. Ultimately, nobody knows what is happening until the narrative concludes. Aside from Blake Lively, “The Shallows” features only seven actors, six relatively unknown males and one female confined to supporting roles. Not only does Lively play a sympathetic character, but also you cannot take your eyes off her while she is locked into life-anddeath combat with a tenaciously toothy terrornaut that doesn’t know when to quit. Comparably, “The Shallows” reminded me of the grim finale in Ridley Scott’s classic, 1979, sci-fi shocker “Alien.” Virtually the entire crew of the ill-fated, space merchant vessel Nostromo had died in a fight with an indestructible space monster whose blood was as corrosive as acid. The last survivor, sexy Sigourney Weaver, had slipped into something comfort to go to sleep for the long voyage home when she discovered to her horror that she was sharing her escape spacecraft with that fearsome fiend. Similarly, after about fifteen minutes of watching shapely Blake arrive at a remote stretch of scenic beach, strip down to a bikini, and plunge into the bay for a little surfing, the infamous shark shows up without fanfare and turns out to be quite the scene stealer for the remaining 72 white-knuckled minutes. Essentially, what Jaswinski and Collet-Serra have wrought amounts to a synthesis of “Jaws,” “Blue Crush,” and “Soul Surfer.” Nancy Adams (Blake Lively of “Savages”) has just withdrawn from nursing school. The gruesome experience of watching her long suffering mother succumb to cancer has devastated her.
Nancy just wants to retreat and ponder her future. She remembers her pregnant mother told her about a secret stretch of beach in Mexico that she had gone to while she was carrying her. A friendly native gives Nancy a lift in his battered pick-up truck through the jungle to the beach, and the beach looks like a dream with its azure skies, creamy surf, and faraway islands forming a barrier against the ocean. Initially, Nancy came with a girlfriend, but her girlfriend left her for a cute guy. Alone but content, Nancy swims out into the secluded bay and encounters two other surfer dudes. Their English is as inadequate as her Spanish, and they share some waves before they hang it up. Afterward, Nancy spots a gigantic rotting whale carcass adrift and investigates it before making her final surf for the day. As she is riding the crest of a wave, a Great White shark smashes into her like a torpedo and topples her off her surfboard. The shark chomps on her left thigh, but Nancy finds sanctuary on a small outcropping of rock fewer than 200 yards from shore. This sinister shark cruises in circles around her like a war party of Apaches rampaging around a wagon train of pioneers in the Old West. Nancy uses pieces of jewelry to stitch up her chewed up thigh, but she fears the onset of gangrene if she isn’t rescued soon. Soon, however, isn’t going to be soon enough, and she is trapped at the mercy of the shark. Talk about a tight-spot! “The Shallows” never wears out its welcome. “Kristy” scenarist Anthony Jaswinski and Collet-Serra observe all the standard conventions of vintage suspense thrillers. They isolate our valiant heroine and subject her to one frightening predicament after another, and she must rely on her own savvy
and stamina. Occasionally, when Nancy cannot outwit her adversary, the filmmakers create obstacles that the shark cannot overcome in its ravenous lust to make her into mincemeat. For example, a steel hook embedded in its jaw gets snagged on a buoy, and the Great White wallows turbulently before it dislodges itself and renews its feverish attack. At other times, the shark deals with marine life such as a school of jelly fish and the craggy underwater terrain that thwarts its momentum. The irony is that our heroine is—as the title indicates—in shallow waters instead of far out in the briny blue deep. The Great White shark appears sufficiently menacing, and computer-generated visual effects are top-notch. The predator’s initial appearance through a wave is ominously dramatic. If you’ve seen the trailer, the scene where the Great White lurches above the waves to gobble a surfer is sensational stuff. The whale carcass that
our heroine initially takes refuge on until the shark forces her to abandon it looks pretty realistic, too. The shift into tone and atmosphere from dream to nightmare for Nancy is very palatable, too. Although this woman-in-jeopardy nail-biter is set in Mexico, the filmmakers lensed it on location in sunny Australia. Of course, “The Shallows” doesn’t surpass Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” with its atmospheric music and its charismatic ensemble male cast. In a scene reminiscent of the “Jaws” finale when Roy Schneider fires a rifle at the shark that kills it, our heroine appropriates a flare pistol and fires it at the marauding shark. Characterization remains on the lean side since Blake Lively’s solitary surfer is the only three dimensional character on display. Nevertheless, just as “Jaws” exploited our anxieties about splashing around in the sea without a second thought, “The Shallows” may make you think twice about wading into surf.
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
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>>> PET PLANET
LAYLA // THE WHOLE PACKAGE Smart, sweet and pretty! She’s the whole package! This pretty pup is Layla, a 1-year-old Yellow Labrador mix. She has a smooth white/ yellow coat and weighs around 50 pounds, and she is full-grown. Layla was pulled from our local animal shelter, where she was picked up by Animal Control and no one came to claim her after about a month! Poor girl! Layla is a very sweet, friendly, playful dog!! She loves to be around you and still has some cute puppy energy. Layla seems to get along well with other dogs and tends to be more submissive. She should be fine with children over 6 years old, and she will require a fenced in yard if left outside at all unattended. Layla may be a bit too big for an apartment unless she gets a lot of exercise. As with any young dog, she will need training and structure to help her develop into a well-mannered adult. Here’s an update from her foster home: “She is completely house and crate trained, she plays really well with other dogs and also walks well on a leash. She has energy for an active lifestyle but is also content with just laying around the house all day. She isn’t destructive with any furniture.” Layla is up to date on her vet care, spayed, heartworm negative and is microchipped. She is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Layla is simply a nice young pup who will make a wonderful addition to your family!
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY HOUSETRAINING AN OLDER DOG
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ouse training older dogs is a more delicate process than with younger dogs. If you are looking to adopt an older dog that was not previously exposed to any house training at a young age, it is going to bring along its bad habits such as chewing, excessive barking, making holes in the yard or "marking" the territory. Furthermore, you will also experience more difficulties in house training older dogs as they tend to respond and progress much slower to most training methods and commands than younger dogs. Here are 3 useful tips that can help you in house training older dogs successfully. 1. First and foremost, a complete check-up at the vet is necessary in order to eliminate any existing health problems or complications such as urinary tract or flea infections. Older dogs may also experience some form of diarrhea if there is a sudden change from their previous dietary habits. Do not punish him for these "mistakes". Instead be patient and allow your dog a week to adapt to the changes gradually. If conditions did not improve, consult your vet. 2. Always establish a routine schedule for eating and drinking for your dog. This helps you to easily monitor your dog's toilet habits and decide when to bring your pet out for a walk every time he or she finishes its meals. Most adult dogs tend to eliminate 30 - 45 minutes after eating or drinking. Learn the signs and watch out for clues of circling and sniffing the floor. 2. Older dogs have shorter attention spans therefore more repetitions are needed during the house training process to reinforce the desired habits. Never use violence on them if they make a mess in the house. Scolding the dog is pointless unless you actually see it eliminating indoors. Use a firm voice command "No" and guide the dog to its designated spot. Praise or reward your dog when it relieves itself outdoors. Therefore, house training an older dog successfully depend a lot on your consistency, discipline and perseverance. Treating the dog with patience and understanding, using the appropriate house training methods are the main ingredients to developing a well behaved adult dog with good toilet habits.
PETEY // HANDSOME AND THEN SOME
This is handsome guy is Petey, a sweet adult male orange and white tabby. He is right at five years old. Petey is a playful fellow! He loves to play, jump and climb! When he isn’t playing, he’s snuggling! He loves to socialize with other cats, but really loves when he can snuggle with a person. This means he would do well as a companion cat or as the only cat in the household. His lucky birth date is 7/7/11. Sweet Petey is negative for FIV/ FeLK, current on vaccinations and neutered. If you are interested in giving LAYLA or PETEY the forever home they want and deserve, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.
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The Humane Society of West Alabama is in need of volunteers for both the cat and dog facilities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhswa@gmail.com or go ahead and download a volunteer application from www.humanesocietyofwa. org/formsinfo.html and send to the same email.
VOLUNTEER
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
>>> E V E N T S FRIDAY, JULY 8
Drive-In Movie Night WHEN: 7:00pm-12:00am COST: $5-$8 WHERE: Oasis Baptist Church 1761 McFarland Blvd North, Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 523-6756 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: We all know of service organizations that hold fundraising events, and many do so with the sole purpose of providing money for students. The Oasis Baptist Church is embarking on a scholarship fundraiser that is sure to bring feelings of nostalgia while introducing younger people to a novelty. “Drive-In Movie Night” will be held at the Oasis (1761 McFarland Blvd N; Tuscaloosa, AL 35406) on July 8th. The doors will open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $5 in advance and $8 at the gate. More information on sponsorship and vending opportunities is available by calling (205) 523-6756. Live At The Plaza WHEN: 6:00pm-9:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Government Plaza 7th St. and 22th Ave. SE. Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 469-2182 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: Fridays through Friday July 29. Each concert will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. Children and dogs are welcome. The public is invited to bring coolers, food, lawn chairs, blankets and settle in for a great musical line-up. This week will feature Voodoo Saints. Great local jazz group.
SATURDAY, JULY 9
2nd Saturday WHEN: 2:00pm-8:00pm COST: free WHERE: The Avenue Pub 405 23rd Street Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 759-4900 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: Downtown Tuscaloosa will transform into an entertainment district on Saturday as part of Temerson Square’s
‘Second Saturday’s’ event throughout the summer. From 2-8 PM on June 11, residents and patrons can walk around a designated area of downtown with open alcohol containers and not have to worry about a penalty. TUESDAY, JULY 12-14 Summer LEGO Camps at CHOM! Session #2 WHEN: 9:30am-12:00pm COST: Vendor prices WHERE: Children’s Hands on Museum (CHOM) 2213 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 349-4276 LINK: www.chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: This Summer’s Themes are: “Motor Mayhem” and “Terrific Towers”! There are 2 Age Groups: 6-8 years * 9-13 years Morning Session: 9:3012:00 Noon Afternoon Session: 1:003:30 pm 3 Camp Dates! Camp 1: June 14,15,16 Camp 2: July 12,13,14 Camp 3” July 26,27,28 Early Pre-Registration is Suggested! HOW TO REGISTER: Phone: Carla (205)-349-4235 Ext.24 Email: carla@ chomonline.org
July 21st at 7:30 PM Friday, July 22nd at 7:30 PM Saturday, July 23rd at 2 PM *NEW TIME FOR SECOND SATURDAYS! Sunday, July 24th at 2 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16 Black Warrior SUP Championship 2016 WHEN: 7:30am-12:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Smith Lake Paddle Boards 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy NE Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 736-3002 LINK: paddleguru.com/races/
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FRIDAY, JUNE 15
“The Producers” WHEN: 7:30pm-12:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Theatre Tuscaloosa 9500 Old Greenboro Road #135 Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 391-2277 LINK:www.theatretusc.com DESCRIPTION: This record-breaking winner of 12 Tony Awards is the story of down-on-his-luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his mousy accountant, Leo Bloom. Together, this mismatched team sets out to cheat their investors – every little old lady in New York – by producing Springtime for Hitler, the biggest flop in Broadway history! Adapted from Mel Brooks’ cult classic film, The Producers takes no prisoners in this zany musical comedy. PERFORMANCE DATES: Friday, July 15th at 7:30 PM Saturday, July 16th at 7:30 PM Sunday, July 17th at 2 PM Wednesday, July 20th at 2 PM Thursday,
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
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>>> E V E N T S , continued
BJCC WELCOMED BIG CROWDS FOR BROADWAY'S WICKED
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he Broadway musical WICKED attracted more than 40,000 guests to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex during its two-week run, with thousands from neighboring states joining those in the greater Birmingham area being enchanted by the heralded musical. “Hosting one of the most popular touring Broadway shows for the extended run in Birmingham has been an honor and a pleasure,” said BJCC Executive Director Tad Snider. “Working with Theater League in bringing a defining musical such as WICKED to the BJCC and having it so warmly embraced has been extremely rewarding for our team.” WICKED is a extensive production that requires 13 tractor trailers to move the set and costumes from city to city. It takes setup crews 30 hours to assemble all the elements necessary to perform in each venue the touring show visits. Steve Quinn, company manager for WICKED, said Birmingham has embraced the show with standing ovations and enthusiastic responses every night. “I love Birmingham,” he said. “We wish we could stay longer, not only to enjoy these audiences, but to explore more dining options. This city has so many wonderful places to choose from, we need more than two weeks to explore them all.” Social media posts from the BJCC skyrocketed thanks in part to a new Guest Experience program. The program focuses on welcoming and guiding guests, and WICKED was the first event to benefit from the program. For WICKED, the team created “S-Elphie”. Spots (named for wicked witch Elphaba), which were stickers on the ground that were strategically placed to make for a great selfie photo. ABOUT THE BJCC The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is Alabama’s foremost convention, meeting and entertainment center. It is home to over 200,000 square feet of exhibit halls, a vast array of meeting rooms and three entertainment venues including Legacy Arena, the state’s largest indoor event space. The BJCC campus also includes Alabama’s largest hotel in the 757 room Sheraton Birmingham, the 294 room Westin Birmingham Hotel and the Uptown Entertainment District. Follow the BJCC on Facebook (@TheBJCC), Twitter (@BJCC) and Instagram (@theBJCC).
TRuTV IMPRACTICAL JOKERS ‘SANTIAGO SENT US?’ TOUR
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he Tenderloins, a New York-based comedy troupe, whose four members - Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn and Sal Vulcano - are the creators, executive producers, and stars of truTV’s hit series, Impractical Jokers. Currently in its 5th season, Impractical Jokers follows the guys as they coerce one another into doing public pranks while being filmed by hidden cameras. The 4th season premiere drew more than two million viewers and the program consistently earns Top Five rankings in its timeslot for key demos. This season continues to take dares to outrageous levels with a whole new arsenal of over-the-top hijinks, bringing the show and the guys to new locations and setting each other up for some of the most uncomfortable antics yet. Their highly successful tour, the truTV Impractical Jokers’ ‘Santiago Sent Us’ tour starring the Tenderloins,” is a mix of stand-up, never-before-seen hidden camera videos, stories and insight. The tour has crisscrossed the country playing to 2000-8000 people per market. For more information, please visit: thetenderloins.com or ImpracticalJokers.com. Coming to the BJCC Concert Hall Saturday, October 15 at 7 pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 24 10am CST at Ticketmaster.
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
JEFF DUNHAM LAUNCHES SECOND LEG OF "PERFECTLY UNBALANCED" INTERNATIONAL TOUR
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nternational comedy sensation Comic/Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, has performed in front of sold out audiences worldwide showcasing the undeniable power of induced laughter. Dunham along with his cast of hilarious characters are set to embark on the second leg of their hugely successful “Perfectly Unbalanced” Tour. The show is packed with new surprises and old favorites. The second leg of the tour kicks off October 19th in Erie, PA with stops in 57 cities including; NYC, Charlotte, Knoxville, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Raleigh and includes several cities in Canada. Tickets go on sale July 15th in select cities at www.jeffdunham.com. December of 2015 Dunham and his sidekicks set out on the first leg of their red hot “Perfectly Unbalanced” tour, selling out hundreds of thousands of seats across North America. Fans came out in masses to find themselves intoxicated by the non-stop hilarity, proving his continued overwhelming popularity. This fall Jeff and his hilariously devilish partners can been seen hosting the Food Networks “Halloween Baking Championships.” The countries top bakers will compete to create ghoulishly delicious confections. Baking has never been so funny! Dunham’s dedication to his craft and relentless innovation will be recognized as his one of a kind comedy empire has been nominated to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Over the past 46 years Dunham and his world famous characters; Walter, Achmed, Bubba J, Peanut and Jose Jalapeno have garnered numerous accolades; from being named Forbes' Celebrity 100 list of Most Powerful Entertainers, as well as setting the Guinness World Records for the “Most Tickets Sold for a Stand-Up Comedy Tour,” to setting the record for viewership on Comedy Central. He has sold more than 7 million DVDs worldwide and has nearly a billion views on YouTube. Dunham’s seventh comedy special Jeff Dunham: “Unhinged in Hollywood,” aired on NBC earning the top spot as the Most-Watched Non-Sports program in primetime viewing in the period. “Unhinged in Hollywood” is available on DVD/Blu-ray nationwide. Dunham hand-crafts each character personally from conception to the final coat of paint then brings them to life on stage. His beloved troupe of sidekicks are: Walter the Grumpy Retiree, Ached the Dead Terrorist, the beer-fueled redneck Bubba J, the manic purple creature Peanut, the spicy pepper from south of the border Jose Jalapeno and Little Jeff, a mini-version of the ringmaster himself. The famed comedian has literally been all over the map, visiting five continents and twelve countries including the UK, South Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia where he continuously performed to sold-out arenas. Dunham has carved a unique corner in the comedy world that’s as funny as it is popular. The New York Times Magazine declared Jeff Dunham “the most successful comedian working in America.” He has been named Pollstar’s #1 Comedy Tour in North America for three years running as well as their Top Worldwide Tour for two years in a row. Visit: www.jeffdunham.com, twitter: @jeffdunham, facebook.com/JeffDunham
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>>> ROAD TRIP | S O U T H E A S T E R N CO N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S BIRMINGHAM FRIDAY, JULY 8 Robert Earl Keen // Avondale Brewing Company SUNDAY, JULY 10 Vertigo // The Alabama Theatre WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 Marianas Trench // Iron City
FRIDAY, JULY 15 The Boy Illinois // Workplay Theatre The Goonies // The Alabama Theatre 33rd Annual World Deer Expo // BJCC
SATURDAY, JULY 16 Bun B // Bill Harris Arena Deontay Wilder // Legacy Arena at the BJCC
SUNDAY, JULY 17 Sloss Music & Arts Festival Weekend // Sloss Furnaces
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 Never Shout Never // Workplay Theatre FRIDAY, JULY 22 5 Seconds of Summer // Oak Mountain Amphitheatre SATURDAY, JULY 23 Snoop Dogg // Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
MONDAY, JULY 11 The Time Jumpers // 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 Weezer and Panic // Ascend Amphitheater
THURSDAY, JULY 14 And Evening with Tony Bennett // Schermerhorn Symphony Center Flight of the Conchord // Ascend Amphitheater David Allan Coe // Marathon Music Works Louis C.K. // Bridgestone Arena
FRIDAY, JULY 15 G-Eazy and Logic // Bridgestone Arena Maxwell // Ascend Amphitheater SATURDAY, JULY 16 Gary Clark Jr. // Ascend Amphitheater SUNDAY, JULY 17 Melissa Etheridge // Ryman Auditorium
TUESDAY, JULY 19 Modest Mouse with Brand New // Ascend Amphitheater WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 Journey & Dave Mason // Ascend Amphitheater
NASHVILLE
ATLANTA
FRIDAY, JULY 8 Leann Rimes with the Nashville Symphony // Schermerhorn Symphony Center
SATURDAY, JULY 9 The Commodores // The Villages Amphitheater
SATURDAY, JULY 9 Guns N’ Roses // Nissan Satdium
SUNDAY, JULY 10 Leon Russell // City Winery Nashville
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SUNDAY, JULY 10 Modest Mouse with Brand New // Chastain Park Amphitheater
TUESDAY, JULY 12 Robert Earl Keen // Ponce City Market Flight of the Conchords // Chastain Park Amphitheater
Flight of the Conchords // July 12, 14 THURSDAY, JULY 14 Boyz 11 Men // Chastain Park Amphitheater
FRIDAY, JULY 15 Steve Miller Band // The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater Dierks Bentley/ Somewhere on the Beach // Lakewood Amphitheatre
SATURDAY, JULY 16 Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo & Melissa Etheridge // Chastain Park Amphitheater I love the 90”s Salt N Pepa, Kid N Play, Coolio, All 4 One // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
SUNDAY, JULY 17 Josh Groban with Sarah McLachlan // Chastain Park Amphitheater Shawn Mendes // Fabulous Fox Theatre TUESDAY, JULY 19 Hillsong United // Lakewood Amphitheatre
FRIDAY, JULY 22 Garbage // Tabernacle Gucci Mane // Fabulous Fox Theatre Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Kevin Gates // Lakewood Amphitheatre SATURDAY, JULY 23 Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
SUNDAY, JULY 24 Ted Nugent – Sonic Baptizm 2016 // Symphony Hall Atlanta MONDAY, JULY 25 Counting Crows // Chastain Park Amphitheater
FRIDAY, JULY 29 Kellie Pickler // The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater 311 // Tabernacle Gwen Stefani & Eve // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre SATURDAY, JULY 30 Ray Lamontagne // Fabulous Fox Theatre
>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more. Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237
Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100
Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100
Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345
Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020
The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com
The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831
WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082
Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000
Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781
Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911
Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032
Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412
Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
JULY 7 + JULY 21
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>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E
Across 1. Papal bull, e.g. 6. Dance groups 13. Nobelist Pauling 14. Thinker 15. Musical beginning 16. Make stronger 17. Yours, in Tours 18. Walt Disney World visitors 19. Clumsy type 20. Phonies 22. Faulkner's ___ Varner 23. Polishes 24. Watery expanse 25. Nanny's nappy 26. Tutti-___ ice cream 27. Fixed, as a loose lace 28. Give to a fund 29. Jog the brain 30. Filmed a new version of 31. Nobelist Wiesel and namesakes 32. Must 33. Precious stones 34. Create again 38. ___ Andric (1961 Literature Nobelist) 39. Quaintly illuminated 40. Hip bones 41. 1979 Woody Allen film 43. Moroccan capital 44. Keats poem (1818) 45. ____ and a leg 46. Second wife's boy 47. School assignment SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21
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Down 1. A biblical name for God 2. ___ Moore stew 3. ___ physical condition 4. Novel objects 5. General on a menu 6. Luther posted 95 7. Tears 8. Punch in the gut responses 9. With "Art," Toscanini's first name 10. Spin 11. Intensify 12. Gwen who sang "Don't Speak," 1996 14. Ride a seesaw 16. Demolished 18. Bellyached 21. Shackles 22. Quito residents 24. Elaborately done 25. Society's fringe-dwellers 26. Incite 27. On topic 28. Prepare, as shrimp 29. Orders 30. Sleeve style 32. Movie Moses 34. Proportional relationship 35. Serenades for lovers parting at dawn 36. Formal headwear 37. "____ shorts!" (Bart Simpson comment) 39. Legs, slangily 42. Triangle part (abbr.) 43. "Norma ____" (Sally Field film)
>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U
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 21
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>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W Get ready for an interesting week in which you'll be eager to broaden your horizons. The only thing that might stop you is any doubt you may harbor. Someone could step in as a mentor, encouraging you to relax your comfort zone and try. The New Moon on Monday is the perfect time to write down your goals for this week and next and psyche yourself up to reach for them. All that's needed is for you to take that first step! Monday's New Moon could start a revolution in your financial sector, encouraging you to manage your money more efficiently. Over the rest of the week, conversations and opportunities that come your way could open doors that help you earn more. The potential for increasing your income is certainly there. You only need to be alert to take advantage while you can. If you're willing to put in a little more effort, you could get big results. Monday's Cancer New Moon is the best of the year for you, as it allows you a platform to make a fresh start. This New Moon is like having another birthday - there's the possibility of your wishes being granted. It would be worthwhile to spend time thinking about what things you want to achieve in the coming year and writing them down. You may be surprised by how many items come true as a result. One budding romance could blossom, too.
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With a lineup in your sector of spirituality and reflection, Monday's New Moon could encourage greater focus on the subtler aspects of life. This might mean taking up a practice like meditation or yoga that can help you expand your awareness and understand yourself a little better. You might also find that inspiration flows freely, bringing ideas for your creative plans and projects. If a vivid dream wakes you up, you might want to write it down. Your social scene sparkles this week, with plenty of encouragement from the cosmos to network on plans and projects. Monday's New Moon might be the jumping-off point for a collaboration that proves very fruitful. However, the week isn't without its difficulties, as Thursday brings the potential for misunderstandings. You may be willing to compromise if it means keeping your friendships intact. Romantic opportunities look plentiful, with one in particular worth pursuing. It seems you're in the limelight, which is probably one of the best places to be this week. With a New Moon in your sector of career and ambition, you will be well placed to make a start on a goal that could have the potential to change your life. There may be others who disagree with you, and you might need to have a heartto-heart talk with some. However, it may only take a diplomatic approach to win them over. Far horizons beckon, with a wonderful New Moon early in the week calling you to go on new adventures. This could be a time when you choose to take a class, travel, or even work or retire abroad. What could stop you from taking that first step is a desire to hang on to the past. However, nothing stays the same. The urge you have to push forward and take on new challenges is one that you should consider very seriously. In what do you most want to invest? Whatever it is, Monday's New Moon encourages you to move in a direction that brings the best possible outcome. You could have more resources at your disposal than you realize, and they include faith in yourself and in what you're hoping to achieve. If you're worried that you might lose out, it could be because certain fears are getting in the way. They may begin to dissipate when you take the first step. Relationships could be very rewarding this week, particularly with a New Moon in your sector of connections and companionship bringing new possibilities your way. This is certainly a time to negotiate as opposed to trying to force the pace or bend a situation to meet your needs. Gaining the cooperation of others might mean that you can achieve a lot more than you could alone. If you have influential friends, they may be willing to pull a few strings for you. With a focus on your lifestyle sector, this is an opportunity to reorganize your routines so that you can achieve more even as you have more fun. You should avoid days that are completely devoid of relaxation. In fact, Thursday could bring an event your way that helps you realize the fruitlessness of an attitude of "all work and no play." Think about treating yourself to a spa day, movie, or anything else that makes you feel really good.
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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
This is your time to strut into the limelight and showcase your skills and talents. With a focus on a dynamic sector of your chart, this isn't the time to hide your light under a barrel. Shine brightly so that everyone can see. Monday's New Moon is the best time to set your intention to get your creative ideas out to the world. Romance is also in the cards, with the week ahead bringing options for some sizzling nights out - or in! The week ahead brings an opportunity for a new start on the home front. If you've had a vision of how you want a room, garden, or the whole property to look, the week ahead could spur you on to make it happen. And with a positive link between Venus and Mars, it seems that the funds will be available for you to go ahead. However, you and your partner or other loved ones may need to negotiate plans that work for everyone.
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JULY 7 + JULY 21
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>>> C O M M U N I T Y A R T S
JULY ACOUSTIC NIGHT WILL FEATURE THE MATT JONES BAND AND THE PARKERS
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he Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will present The Matt Jones Band and The Parkers in concert on Acoustic Night, July 23, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bama Theatre’s Greensboro Room. Cover charge is $5 with a full service bar available. For over a decade, both established and up and coming artists have brought their unique sounds to the Bama’s Greensboro Room. Audiences are not only drawn to the music presented by both solo artists and ensembles, but the intimate atmosphere of the Greensboro Room. From folk to blues and country to Celtic, Acoustic Night continues to draw audiences with a performance experience unique to the area. THE MATT JONES BAND Matt Jones is a seasoned singer/songwriter based in Tuscaloosa, Ala., with an arsenal of original music. His song “Farmer” is a tribute to the men and women he works with at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market. His songs have been presented on both the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel. Accompanied by Cajon player/singer Ted Perry, upright bass player Steve Walch and Tommy Bowen on trumpet, the group tends to make a lot of racquet for a few guys. The ensemble features authentic instrumentation with a focus on songwriting. THE PARKERS Joey Dukes (drums), Mike Orlin(guitar and vocals), and David Allgood (guitar and vocals) have been playing together off and on since the late 70's. During their years as full-time musicians based in Atlanta, they shared the stage (in various combinations) with John Prine, Roseanne Cash, John Hartford, Ricky Nelson, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Poco, Firefall and many other national and international artists. They reunited a couple of years ago and have been playing at venues in Atlanta and Tuscaloosa. Their original music is inspired by years of listening to The Beatles, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, Little Feat and Crowded House. The Parkers are excited to announce the recent addition of Tuscaloosa musician, Bob McKinney, on bass guitar.
ONGOING & UPCOMING EXHIBITS JUN 3-JUL 29 Paintings by David Gosselin, UA Gallery and Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC, Tuscaloosa JUL 1-31 Community Postcard Show, Kentuck Gallery; David Betak, Clarke Gallery, Northport AUG 4 Art Night at Kentuck: Laquita Thomson, Kentuck Gallery; Anne Stickney, Clarke Gallery, Northport (through Aug 31) AUG 15-SEP 1 Alabama National Exhibition, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA SEP 2 First Friday Reception, UAB/UA Faculty Exhibition, DWCAC, 5-8 pm AUG 5-SEP 30 UAB/UA Faculty Exhibition, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Tuscaloosa SEP 14-OCT 31 Smithsonian exhibit: Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America, Black Belt Museum,sponsored by the University of West Alabama
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DAMEON PIERCE
Sold on Bama's greatness
The Crimson Tide picked up a big commitment for the 2018 class last week when Bainbridge, GA star Dameon Pierce chose Alabama. The 5-11, 208-pound running back selected Bama over Auburn, Florida, FSU and Georgia, among others. "I had thought about it and felt that I knew where I wanted to go," Pierce says. "The overall greatness of the program was really the main thing in my decision. They're all about winning and developing every player to his potential." As a sophomore last season, Pierce ran for 2,064 yards and 34 touchdowns. "I love Coach Burns. He's quite a character," Pierce says. "He's a great coach and he's all about bettering his running backs. I think Alabama is a great fit for me. Coach Sabam said that I fit the kind of running back they want. It just seems like it's a good fit for me." Pierce knows that his commitment is not going to slow down recruiters, especially Georgia's Kirby Smart, who played his high school ball at Bainbridge. "For the most part, I've made up my mind," Pierce says. "I know where I want to be. I'm pretty sure I want to further myself at Alabama. I'm excited about it."
RECRUITING ROUNDUP
Bama is after another terrific class Alabama isn't completely out of the picture for highly-touted running back Cam Akers. The former Tide commit from Clinton, MS is expected to visit Tuscaloosa this month. Over the last two weeks, Akers has been to FSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Ohio State. Ole Miss sources remain confident about the Rebs chances.
Some think that Fayetteville, AR standout DL Akial Byers is a difference-maker. Byers visited Alabama last month. He's expected to return with his mother in July. Alabama, FSU and Ohio State are atop his list. Leesburg, GA star Aubrey Solomon recently committed to Michigan, but several sources don't think that will stick. Alabama and Georgia have been strongly in the mix with Solomon. LATEST ON THE SECONDARY
The Tide continues to be in position to flip Jacksonville-Trinity Christian, FL star corner Shaun Wade from Ohio State. Wade plans to wait until after his senior season to announce a final decision. Another corner very high on Alabama's board is A.J. Terrell of AtlantaWestlake. Terrell has a top six of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. The Tide feels good about it chances with both Wade and Terrell. Alabama is also in very good shape with Concord, NC star Hamsah Nasirildeen. The tall, rangy safety is an incredible athlete. He's slated to visit Tuscaloosa sometime this month.
TIGHT END IS A PRIORITY
Tight end is a key position in this recruiting class. Jimmy Jaggers of Roseville, CA was recently in Tuscaloosa and picked up an offer. A tight end to keep a very close eye on is Bullard, TX star Major Tennison. The 6-6, 245-pound Tennison is a Texas commit who is looking around. He's slated to visit UA soon.
BAMA EXPECTS BIG RECEIVER HAUL
Alabama picked a huge commitment in June from Lewisville, TX wide receiver Tyrell Shavers. Word is that the Tide staff was a bit surprised, and highly pleased, when the 6-6, 200-pound star pulled the trigger during an unofficial visit. Shavers has definite star potential. Alabama is still in great shape with other high profile receivers, including Henry Ruggs of Montgomery-Lee, DeVonta Smith of Amite, LA and Jerry Jeudy of Deerfield Beach, FL. Ruggs is expected to commit to Alabama in August. Smith is considered a virtual Tide lock. The Tide has been the longtime leader for Jeudy, but Miami continues to push. Clay-Chalkville standout Nico Collins also remains a strong target. The elusive Jeff Thomas of East St. Louis, IL was highly impressive at the Tide's recent 7-on-7 camp. If Thomas takes care of his homework next fall, he'll be another one to keep a close eye on. DEFENSIVE LINE IS A HUGE PRIORITY
A huge priority for the 2017 class is the defensive line. Right now, it appears that Alabama is in very good shape with two outstanding in-state DLs -- LaBryan Ray of Madison-James Clemens and Ryan Johnson of Mobile-St. Paul's. >>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
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