Planet weekly 454

>>> N E W S | T H E C H AM B E R OF COMM E R C E

NEWS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Montgomery Drive-In Registration Still Available The Chamber's 2014 Montgomery Drive-In will be Wed., Mar. 19 - Thurs., Mar. 20. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with our state's elected leadership, advocate for important issues and network with other local business leaders. Visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com to register and get details. There are a few rooms left.

Sickle Cell of WA Named Difference Maker for February

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The West Alabama Chapter of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America was honored at our Feb. mixer as a Difference Maker. They give direct assistance to those who have been diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease as well as helping make a difference in the lives of the families who have a member diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease. They have 4 goals 1) improve the health status of affected persons 2) increase community awareness of sickle cell disease 3) help alleviate the impact on family resources 4) provide education, genetic counseling, screening and detection through testing for sickle cell disease. This chapter serves nine West Alabama Counties. They raise awareness of the effects of this disease. Knowing the level of one's sickle cell trait can help in the management of the effects on quality of health, premature death, and future children. The group also connects families with resources for help. For more info, call 758.1761 or email sicklewest@aol.com. Together with Moody Radio, we recognize a group each month.

Nominate a group today (even your own) at moodyradiosouth.fm.

Winter-Spring Training Series Offered Our Professional Development Training Schedule is now available for Winter/ Spring 2014. We're proud to once again, along with our Chamber member partners, offer professional development training at a price that is budget friendly. Check out the new schedule at tuscaloosachamber.com. You'll find subject matters that are timely and relevant for any company or organization: Social Media, Technology Training (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Workforce and Employment Law, Customer Service, Sales and Leadership. All classes are limited in seating so if you see something you're interested in, make the reservation today! Don't wait until it's too late. A 'deadline to register' does not guarantee a seat. All reservations must be made by e-mail at Stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com or phone, 391.0559.

in the job shadow event, the fifth grade students wrote essays explaining why they would be a good Spiller employee! The top ten essays were chosen by Spiller employees and those students participated in a mock interview. Five students were then chosen to spend the morning at the Spiller home office. The students toured the facility, were given a brief history of the company and learned about the processes involved in running the business. Also, the students participated in a mock board meeting conducted by President and CEO Shane Spiller where they chose the new logo for Spiller. The students discussed the pros and cons of each proposed logo and chose the one pictured in the photo.

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Crestmont Elementary Students Job Shadow with Spiller Furniture Several Crestmont Elementary students spent a morning with Spiller Furniture employees recently. In order to participate

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inside

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>>> planetweeklyissue452 SPORTS

FEATURES 6 PW EDITORIAL CARTOONIST // JEN SORENSEN

21 HIGH TIDE // GARY HARRIS Junior Day feels good

First female to win this award

8 VANISHING TRADE

// JUDAH MARTIN

The roadside produce stand

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 ADVERTISING

CAT R INA K ATTN E R 2 05. 52 3 . 1 4 6 0

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS R AC H E L A H R NS E N c a r a br a ke J E R OM E A D AMS R YAN P H ILLIPS W ILLIAM B A R S H OP ALY X C H AN D L E R K E V IN L E D G E W OO D T R E Y B R OO K S VAN R O B E R TS TIM STEELE JIM REED JUDAH MARTIN KEITH LENNOX

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

15 ST. VINCENT

// WILLIAM BARSHOP Delightfully distorted // Album review

17 ACOUSTIC NIGHT // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD Brantley & Holly and Sofia Talvik

20 THE FLAT SCREEN // CARA BRAKE "Shameless" remains shameless 25 SIMONE SAYS // ADVICE Dumped by the boyfriend 27 CLASSIC ROCK AT THE AMP // TREY BROOKS

From his Red Clay Diary

entertainment

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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© 2013 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

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Events Calendar

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.

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

MOVIE REVIEW

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Road Trip

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Tuscaloosa music

FEATURE // RACHEL AHRNSEN

12 TWIN // FRESH FINE DINING A unique dining experience

23 Horoscopes // Sudoku 24 CROSSWORD PUZZLe

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MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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>>> DOING GOOD // J U D A H M A R T I N

CARRYING THE WORD // LOCAL MINISTRY REACHES OUT TO ALICEVILLE WOMEN

Miss Emily’s Tomatoes

Lynn Gregory was a little disappointed that she didn’t get to spend any one-onone time with the residents of Aliceville Federal Correctional Institute.

Gregory, 59, has lived in Greene County for 30 years and has spent ten of those years with Tuscaloosa First Methodist Church. Nevertheless, it wasn't until November 2013 that she and 36 fellow female parishioners would conduct a Kairos Prison Ministry program at the Aliceville Women's Prison.

True, it was Gregory's first time in a women's prison, yet she wasn't afraid.

"I had wanted to do this," Gregory said, her voice firm. "I knew plenty of men who did the men's Kairos program, and I had thought for a long time about doing the women's work."

While Tuscaloosa First Methodist Church has had a men's Kairos team for 29 years, the women's Kairos team began operating only a year ago, after the Aliceville prison opened.

To prepare for the weekend, Gregory

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spent four consecutive Saturdays in Kairos meetings at the church. At those meetings, each of which lasted most of the day, members practiced scripted conversations and learned appropriate questions and terms.

According to Teann Yeager, state chair for Kairos of Alabama, Kairos requires that all volunteers be trained at least 32 hours.

Gregory assumed the training was the easy part.

"I'm not sure what I was expecting," her voice trailed off. She took a moment to mull over her thoughts and, after a few seconds, continued.

"I guess I was expecting women who were real bitter," she said, confidence returning to her voice. "These women had been moved around a lot, there were even a couple women from different countries. I guess I just expected a lot of distrust. [The Kairos leaders] told us when you're in prison you depend on yourself, you don't trust anyone."

On the first day, when the team arrived in the room to be used as a chapel, it was stark. Like the rest of the prison, its walls were gray bricks. Dismal, uninspiring gray bricks.

The team had planned ahead for this, too. Once the chairs and tables were brought into the room, volunteers took to hanging up pictures and construction paper prayer chains made by children in the church. There were enough prayer chains to be wrapped around the entire room.

Next the room was divided in half, with tables at one end and a makeshift chapel and prayer area at the other. Each Kairos volunteer was paired with a resident, and they sat three to a table, with volunteers on one side and residents on the other.

Gregory didn't spend the entire weekend in one-on-sessions, but when she did, she found that the assumption about distrust was mostly true.

She described the young woman she worked with most as shy.

"She didn't realize how much was involved," Gregory recalled. "You could tell she was real hesitant to trust. Her demeanor was just kind of 'umm... maybe I'll do this, maybe not.'"

Over the course of the day, Gregory came to realize, at least in part, why the girl seemed so sad.

"It sounded like the girl had kids. And I learned that her mother lived nearby, but that she was sick and she couldn't come to see her," she said Though she was unable to work with the woman for the duration of the weekend, Gregory was nevertheless satisfied to observe her progress.

"At the end of the weekend you could tell she was trusting the other girls that were in the prison," Gregory said. "I saw her showing them how to train other girls so that they could be a support to each other."

Gregory found that one of the greatest differences made in the Aliceville facility is the way that the warden, Waston Adduci, interacted with the residents.

Kairos is characterized by their tradition of bringing cookies to their charges.

At the Aliceville prison, though, visitors are not allowed to bring in food. The warden took this fact into consideration.

There was nothing she could to allow Kairos to bring in the cookies, that was just the rule.

So, she did the next best thing.

"On Sunday, the warden had the kitchen staff bake cookies, and then turn around and make more cookies with milk for the girls," Gregory said.

The Kairos team developed several activities specifically designed to establish kinship between themselves and the residents.

Gregory found letter-writing to be the most effective method. Of course, the Kairos members aren't allowed to bring in sealed envelopes. They're not even allowed to correspond with the residents or

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visit them on their own. That's where the warden stepped in again.

The volunteers wrote the letters before the trip and, when they arrived at the prison, they were provided with envelopes they could use to seal them there.

"I could just tell the difference in [the second resident I spoke with] that Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening," Gregory said. "That's about the time they got the letters."

The team wrote 36 letters and, though their content had to be somewhat generic, Gregory made a conscious effort to extend compassion in the letters she wrote.

"It wasn't a real long letter, but I would mainly just say that I was glad they chose to participate and that I hoped they'd gained something from the experience, that they had made friends," Gregory said. "I'd try to encourage them to keep a strong faith and to share with others so they could spread the word about Kairos."

That's the idea-- to have a ripple effect. It's the reason Kairos seeks residents with at least two years left in their sentences so that they'll have time to build their own support groups in the prison.

Gregory noted that several residents decided to plan additional planning meeting times for support groups "I'm under the impression that a good bit of the girls were there because they got caught carrying drugs from people.

Maybe the guy got caught and he got less time for telling on the girl, and the girls got longer sentences."

Gregory said none of the women’s' crimes were discussed unless volunteered by the women themselves.

"Toward the end of the weekend, there was also a forgiveness service where the residents kind of focused on the people they needed to forgive," Gregory said.

"For example, maybe some needed to forgive the men they were in there for. And to forgive themselves. I think that is an extremely moving service for many of the women, it seemed to be the point where most of them opened up."

Gregory's initial fears that she'd not be able to reach the residents were assuaged, and she left the experience with good feeling.

"One thing I did learn about the prison there was that a lot of people who had been involved with Kairos, some of them went down before it was even settled that the prison would be built and they prayed at the area," Gregory said. "Some of them even volunteered and helped do things like paint. One of the comments a lot of the women had was that, when they were transferred to the Aliceville facility, they felt a peace. They felt a sacredness, a holiness"

@jrphillips82689

>>>M U S I C | K E I T H L E N N O X

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN A LOOK BACK AT '80s SCOTTISH ROCK BAND

Flo Rida

In the mid -1980s there came a band out of East Kilbride, Scotland who sounded so fresh, so full of something new, that there has never been a sound anywhere near the same before or since in the world of rock music. The Jesus and Mary Chain (TJAMC) arrived on the music scene when rock and roll was in trouble……electronic pop had taken over the direction that music seemed to be following and the rock guitar was essentially on life-support. In a time when Billboard No. 1s were made up of such forgettable songs such as “Like a Virgin,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “I Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Sussudio,” and “Everytime You Go Away,” it was beyond a breath of fresh air to hear a back-to-thebasics rock band with an emphasis on the written song and blistering guitars.

The Jesus and Mary Chain were founded by songwriting brothers Jim and William Reid. They stood out in an era where all things music seemed so according to formula, so contrived, and so utterly predictable that if one longed for something new and cutting edge ,it was not to be found on radio stations or in the Top 20 album section of your local record store.

It was music you heard from friends or sought out at record stores in larger cities, but once you heard it, seek it out you did.

It had a draw that had not been heard of for some time and was so refreshing and vibrant that you knew intrinsically you had stumbled upon something very special.

They were an amphetamine-laced violent whirl that barnstormed stages wherever they played with sonically loud sets that rarely lasted for more than a half an hour. They left their audiences with their ears bleeding and wondering aloud what the band members actually looked like, seeing as they almost exclusively played with their backs facing the crowd.

Although some maintain that the music of TJAMC has not held up well, I am not of that camp. When listening to it recently, although not exactly sounding

fresh, it still had enough beat and sexually driven lyrics to hold its own and let’s face it, these lads did what few were willing to do, to take back rock music from the a post punk, pre-gangsta-rap era that was the mid-80s. If for nothing else, a tip of the hat must be extended to them for the sheer balls it required to play spinemelting guitar feedback filled music with a somewhat sweet pop song lyric in front—very brave indeed. An example of this is the menacingly lovely “Upside Down” (youtube.com/watch?v=UnO41rKUsc). This song has a sound so foreign and hard-as-marble that even as the listener is almost assuredly repulsed by William Reid’s chain saw-mimicking guitar, the lyrics, and the story it tells, will not let you leave the track. You find yourself drawn to its morbidity and, as much as you wish you could, you are helpless to turn the volume down as an escape.

That being said, I shall leave you with one of TJAMC’s more commercially successful numbers (youtube.com/ watch?v=W1AL2oTiTU0). The beatbox rhythm that accompanies the uncannily catchy “Sidewalking” lays proof before us that this was not just a band that outlived its usefulness with any kind of rapidity.

They were a band who we should all thank going forward for clawing its way out of the abyss that was the world of music in the mid 1980s. A world filled with disco, gag-inducing pop ballads, bands and artists who were so driven towards commercial success that they forgot the most important thing…staying true to the music…staying true to the giants on whose shoulders they stood.

Keith Lennox—Writer, political junkie, rabid British rock music fan, amateur gardener, astronomer, and ornithologist, cook extraordinaire, sipper of fine wine and more than once, the funniest guy in the room. Owner and publisher of Alllen-All.com

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

Jacob Thompson MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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>>> T H E AT R E |STAFF R E PO R T

"CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION"

Theatre Tuscaloosa will present Circle Mirror Transformation March 18-20 in the Dance Studio on the Shelton State Martin Campus.

In an artsy small town, an unlikely collection of strangers including a recently divorced carpenter, a high school junior, a former actress, and the teacher’s husband, sign up for Marty’s “Adult Creative Drama.” The group plays Marty’s imaginative (and sometimes awkward) theatre games, but through the course of the class the seemingly silly games generate some real-life drama.

This comedy from new playwright Annie Baker was featured on Top Ten lists of The New York Times and The New Yorker in 2010. It won Obie Awards for “Best New American Play” and “Performance, Ensemble” and was nominated for multiple Drama Desk Awards during its four-time extended run at Playwrights Horizon in 2009-10.

Brian Ernsberger, director of Circle Mirror Transformation, is excited about bringing the work of Annie Baker to Tuscaloosa.

“The play explores the lives of a diverse group of characters,” said Ernsberger. “Through the dramatic games and exercises in the class, the play explores their lives – their hopes, fears, and dreams. The playwright is so adept at writing her characters so that they speak like real people, with all of the awkward pauses, unfinished sentences, and humor.”

Ernsberger is an MFA candidate in Theatre Management at The University of Alabama. He has previously worked in both educational and community theatre as an actor, director and designer.

The five-member cast consists of new and returning faces to Theatre Tuscaloosa productions, including Bobbie Deahl, Renwick Jones, Debo-

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rah Parker, Gabrielle Perkins, and Wescott Youngson.

The SecondStage performances will take place in the Shelton State Dance Studio, a venue different from previous performances. “I think the space in which we have chosen to present the piece will bring the audience into the class with these characters,” said Ernsberger.

SecondStage is an extension of Theatre Tuscaloosa. The purpose of SecondStage is to provide a platform for trying new things: new plays, new ideas, and new talent. “Everybody needs a safe place to take a chance,” said Tina Turley, Executive Producer for Theatre Tuscaloosa. “SecondStage is a place to try out a new idea or to say what’s on your mind.”

The last SecondStage performance was Bubba, which took place in January 2013. Bubba is a one-man show written by Michael Thomas Walker, a UA grad, who will be returning to Tuscaloosa to direct Theatre Tuscaloosa’s summer musical, Hairspray.

Circle Mirror Transformation will be presented March 18 – 20 at the Shelton State Martin Campus, 9500 Old Greensboro Road. Each performance will be at 7:30pm and will have general-admission seating. Tickets are $5 each and are on sale now.

For more information about SecondStage, Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2014 season, or to purchase tickets, visit theatretusc.com or call 391.2277.

>>> AWA R D |STAFF R E PO R T

PW CARTOONIST WINS AWARD // 1ST FEMALE Jen Sorensen, whose editorial cartoons appear in the Planet Weekly, was named the winner of the 2014 Herblock Prize for editorial cartooning.

Sorensen is the first female to win the Prize since it began in 2004.

Jen Sorensen’s cartoons appear in approximately twenty alternative newspapers, including her local weekly, The Austin Chronicle. They are also published regularly in The Nation, Ms. Magazine, The Progressive, Politico, and on a variety of websites, including Daily Kos and NPR.org.

Sorensen serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, as well as on the Advisory Board of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at Ohio State University.

The prize is awarded annually by The Herb Block Foundation for “distinguished examples of editorial cartooning that exemplify the courageous independent standard set by Herblock.” The winner receives a $15,000 after-tax cash prize and

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a sterling silver Tiffany trophy. Sorensen will receive the prize April 29th in a ceremony held at the Library of Congress.

Bob Woodward, associate editor of The Washington Post and prolific author, will deliver the annual Herblock Lecture at the awards ceremony. Judges for this year’s contest were Dan Perkins, pen name Tom Tomorrow, creator of the weekly political cartoon “This Modern World” and winner of the 2013 Herblock Prize; Sara Duke, curator of Popular and Applied Graphic Art at the Library of Congress; and Tony Auth, editorial cartoonist at The Philadelphia Inquirer for 41 years and currently Digital Artist of Residence at WHYY’s NewsWorks.org.

The judges stated “Jen Sorensen’s strong portfolio addresses issues that were important to Herblock, such as gun control, racism, income inequality, healthcare, and sexism. Her style allows her to incorporate information which backs up the arguments she presents. Her art is engaging and her humor is sharp and on target.”

The Herb Block Foundation seeks to further the recognition and support of editorial cartooning.

>>> F I L M | V A N R O B E R T S

"NON-STOP" // PREPOSTEROUS BUT THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING «««

2.5 ou t of 4

Despite its shoddy CGI shots of a bogus jetliner plunging earthward with two jet fighters flanking it, "Non-Stop" qualifies as an extremely preposterous but thoroughly entertaining airborne mystery-thriller. At 61-years of age, rugged Liam Neeson stars as troubled U.S. Air Marshal William Marks. Not only has Marks survived the death of his cancer-ridden, adolescent daughter, but he has also experienced a devastating divorce along with the loss of his 25-year job as a New York City Police Department detective. Meantime, the unshaven Marks has deteriorated into a guilt-ridden, nicotine-addicted, alcoholic plagued by memories of his grim past. At one point during this tense as well as terse PG-13-rated melodrama, our hero exposes his clay feet and describes himself as a deplorable dad. A flawed hero usually wins an audience’s sympathy, and the scruffy Neeson emerges as an affable enough protagonist with a dark mood or two. He winds up tangling with a homicidal hijacker who has skewered his authority in the eyes of his superiors.

Spanish director Jaume Collet-Serra of “Orphan” and rookie writers John W. Richardson, Christopher Roach, and Ryan Engle challenge us with a gallery of unusual suspects when they aren’t playing a game of charades with us about the hijacker's identity. Naturally, they dole out red herrings galore to throw us off the scent. Unless you’re blessed as a psychic, you may have a difficult time exposing the perpetrator. Cunningly, for the better part of its white-knuckled 106 minutes, Collet-Serra keeps a variety of paranoid passengers bottled up inside the cramped confines of an airliner and kindles sufficient tension within this combustible setting after our hero discovers a ticking time-bomb on board. Rarely does Collet-Serra and company relieve the tension by cross-cutting to exterior scenes of ground personnel until the end. Indeed, you may find yourself feeling a little claustrophobic before an explosive but formulaic finale. Unfortunately, "Non-Stop" suffers from a dire lack of plausibility, but the filmmakers compensate with a compelling mystery, slickly staged

combat action scenes, and a brisk, snappy pace that never lets up. Although neither as gripping as either "Flightplan" nor as serious as 9/11 hijacking epic"United 93," "Non-Stop" generates more than enough suspenseful, edge-0f-the-seat seconds to offset its superficial moments. What it does wrong may be overlooked charitably enough because it is a movie instead of a real-life predicament. Whoever heard of a cop accepting a gun from a man that he doesn’t know and then neglecting to see if the firearm is loaded? The cast is strong and does a good job of diverting us from the identity of the hijacker.

William Marks isn’t having the time of his life as an undercover U.S. Federal Air Marshal when he boards British Aqualantic Flight 10 heading for Heathrow. Initially, he coaxes an anxious little girl aboard the 767 airliner after he recovers the plush toy she left behind. What better way could the filmmakers have aligned our sympathies with the hero than by showing him sticking up for a lonely little girl on her first flight. Ironically, Marks loses it every time the plane that he is guarding takes off. He wraps a ribbon around his hand that once belonged to daughter before she succumbed to cancer. Later, when Flight 10 reaches its halfway point across the Atlantic, suspicious text messages show up on the Marks’ secure phone by means of the aircraft’s WiFi. Grimly, Marks realizes with mounting dread that his wily, anonymous adversary is undoubtedly a passenger aboard Flight 10. Basically, according to these messages, a person will die every 20 minutes until $150 million is wired to a specific bank account. The big surprise is that the dough lands in Marks’ own bank account and his own people on the ground disown him.

Eventually, chief pilot Captain David McMillan (Linus Roache of “Batman Begins”) insists that Marks surrender his badge and his automatic pistol. Despite deep misgivings, our unhappy hero complies with the captain’s request, but this doesn’t discourage him from ferreting out the perpetrator with the help of some passengers,primarily frequent-flyer business woman, Jen Summers (Julianne Moore of “Carrie”) who

looks pretty suspicious herself; a balded, NYPD cop (Corey Stroll of (“House of Cards”); former U.S. soldier Tom Bowen (Scoot McNairy of “Killing Them Softly”), and a kindly Arab, Dr. Fahim Nasir (Omar Metwally of “Munich”).

Along the way, Marks discovers an attaché case packed with cocaine as well as a bomb.

By this time, Marks has been thoroughly incriminated as the hijacker thanks to a passenger who has caught some of our hero’s questionable actions on video and has somehow wired them to news agencies. The situation grows even worse when Captain McMillan dies inexplicably from poisoning while he is flying the jetliner.

Nobody can enter the flight deck where the pilot and co-pilot stay, and this bit of skullduggery really gives Marks as well as the audience something to think about as the seconds to doom tick inexorably ahead.

“Non-Stop” doesn’t let up until the last minute when all hope seems to be lost not only for the passengers but also our hero.

Meantime, little else can be said about this exciting, nerve racking, nail-biter without divulging important plot points. Interestingly

enough, Oscar winning “12 Years A Slave” actress Lupita Nyong'o appears in a minor role as one of several flight attendants.

Altogether, Liam Neeson fans should be pleased with most of what occurs in “NonStop.”

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Cloud Atlas

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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>>> R OA D S I D E | J U DA H M A R T I N

A VANISHING TRADE // THE ROADSIDE STAND

PHOTOS BY JUDAH MARTIN

Most days if it’s not raining, you can hang a left at the red light next to the Alberta Winn Dixie, keep driving for a spell, and you’ll run right into Billy Carr.

He’s on the left side of the road, across from the cemetery, standing under the shade as best he can. Even if you don’t see him, the bright reds of tomatoes and exotic looking chili peppers and the vividly saturated greens of the bell peppers and collards on his roadside stand should catch your eye from the road.

“Well, I just sit around here all day and don’t make any money,” he chuckled.

This is partially Carr’s own fault. He tends to give generous discounts to his customers. He gave a few free apples to his first customer of the day, his nephew Randy, who stops by every now and again.

Luckily, supplementing his income is only an after-thought for Carr. He dabbled in myriad professional trades before retiring seven years ago. For instance, he was a welder for awhile, and later he spent a few years in construction, framing houses.

Throughout it all, growing and selling fresh produce has been just about the only constant in his life.

“I’ve always enjoyed gardening. I love it,” he said.

A Tuscaloosa native, Carr grew up on a farm in Brookwood, just a few miles from his produce stand. There his family mostly grew corn and raised livestock.

“My daddy sold coal for a living, so my two brothers did most of the farming until they got mad and moved away,” he said.

Carr was the youngest of eight siblings and his mother and father were 45 and 52 years old when he was born. Growing up, Carr quickly learned the tricks of the trade. In addition to gardening, Carr was charged with untraditional, sometimes hazardous chores, like picking and disposing of the bugs on the farm’s potato leaves.

“We didn’t have all this stuff to spray on them to get rid of them back then,” he said. “You’d take a bucket and go out there and thump ‘em in. Then you’d pour gas on them and burn ‘em.”

He recalls getting burned more than a

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few times, but never anything serious.

Now 69, Carr has lived in all sorts of places like Houston, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Pensacola, Fla. He never stayed away too long, though. Most of the time he lived in apartments, so Florida was the only place where he could carry his gardening hobby with him.

“I always wound up back here, so when I retired I decided I wasn’t going to ever move again,” he said.

Thirty years ago, a good friend of Carr’s owned a general store that stood just a few feet from his produce stand until it was blown away by a tornado.

When Carr returned home to Tuscaloosa his friend, now 86, gave him permission to set up his stand on the edge of her property.

Though he grows just about all of his own crops, Carr makes the occasional trip to the Birmingham market to get a few things that don’t grow as well at home.

“Now, don’t nobody make no tomatoes in this part of the country during this time of year,” he picked up a tomato from one of the neatly arranged rows on his table.

“These here come from Sand Mountain.

You have to be careful with tomatoes, because they can go rotten the same day you buy them.”

According to Carr, the tomatoes he gets from Birmingham are his most popular item. Being on the side of the road, he gets all sorts of customers, but he depends mostly on a few loyal return customers.

“I’ve got one lady who comes over here about every two weeks from Northport to buy tomatoes ,” he said. “I don’t know if they’ve just got bad tomatoes over there or if she thinks I’m cute.”

Reaching in his shirt pocket, Carr pulled out a Winston cigarette and brought it to his lips.

“If my okra had done good, it would have been my biggest seller. Everybody likes the okra,” he reasoned. “But we had too much rain.”

Carr picked up a habanero pepper and

held it at eye length.

“At one time the habanera was the hottest pepper,” he said. “But now they’ve got a ghost pepper that’s supposed to be 8,000 times hotter than that. People have died from eating it. If you get seeds to try to raise your own ghost pepper plants, you have to sign a waiver that they’re not responsible for anyone who dies from it.”

Carr doesn’t raise ghost peppers. He eyed a small, oddly proportioned orange pepper and held it up.

“Now this here is what they call a ‘Peter Pepper,’” he said, a smirk decorating his face. “Bet you can’t guess why they call it that.”

Carr lit another Winston and traced over to the back of his Chevrolet pickup truck.

“There ain’t too many of us left,” he said, as he pulled two cardboard boxes from beneath a tarp.

Several old whiskey bottles were strategically arranged inside the boxes, the liquor now replaced with various families of hot peppers.

“If I want to make something real spicy, I pour some whiskey in with these peppers. I like to pour that over my greens,” Carr said. “Boy, that’ll light you up.”

He stared for a few moments into one of the jars. A long trail of ash clung briefly to the cigarette dangling from his mouth until a light breeze blew it onto the sleeve of his shirt.

“I hear talk that you can’t do this over in Northport,” he said, nodding to his produce stand. “You have to pay all kind of taxes on what you sell. I think they were talking about doing it that way in Tuscaloosa, too.”

His eyes wandered back to the jar of peppers in his hands.

“I tell you what you do is, you take and dry some of these bell peppers and cut ‘em up. Keep them in a jar like this in your cabinet and whenever you get ready to make something, just reach in and grab a handful,” he said. “I use them for my meatloaf.”

He placed the jar back down and attempted a drag from his cigarette. Finding that it was no longer lit, he reached in his

pocket and found his plastic lighter.

“I bet that in about ten years or so, you won’t even see people like me on the side of the road anymore,” he said.

While his nephew dabbles occasionally with gardening, Carr is the last of his family generation with a real knack for the craft.

But roadside produce salesmen aren’t necessarily disappearing so to speak, most have just found a new place to sell their product.

According to Don Wambles, director of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority, Alabama experienced a rapid growth in the presence of farmers markets over the last 15 years. In 1999, Alabama had only 17 markets. Today, there are 152 markets in the state.

“People have really been drawn back to being able to put a face on the food they’re eating,” Wambles said. “When you go into a farmer’s market, you’re in an atmosphere where you’re socializing with other people. It’s just a wonderful relationship that the customer establishes with the seller.”

Wambles credited the recent resurgence of popularity in farmers markets to two programs the Market Authority implemented in Alabama. With money from the federal Market Nutrition Fund, the Authority allocates farmers market vouchers to low-income senior citizens.

Wambles also cited the Buy Fresh, Buy Local movement, a joint venture of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority and the Alabama Farmers Federation that promotes Alabama-grown fruits and vegetables.

“We had a gradual growth in farmers markets between 1999 and 2004, but after ’04 it really took off,” Wambles said. “[After implementing the programs], we had markets in counties where there had previously not been any market for fresh produce. Once we had those markets we had something that we could build up and grow.”

Wambles also credited the nation’s growing concern with eating healthier food.

Carr describes his nephew Randy as one of his most frequent customers.

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“Farmers are the backbone; they’re the bread and butter of our society,” Wambles said. “They provide our food. That’s something that has really driven the growth in farmers markets. People are drawn to the vibrant colors of fresh produce just as much as they are drawn to that interaction with the farmers.”

Charles E. Parker, assistant marketer for Northport Farmer's Market, observed that, though the city of Tuscaloosa has had a farmer’s market in residence since the 1980’s, the local market has also seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years.

“Well, last Saturday we had twelve sellers, but in the summer we usually have about 18 or 19,” Parker said.

While there’s money to be made in such a trade, there are more than a few stipulations to which produce vendors must adhere.

"You have to go to the extension office and get a farmers permit,” Parker said.

Parker said the market discourages famers from buying products from other markets and reselling them, also.

“The vendors have to actually grow the products that they sell here at the market,” Parker said. “There are a lot of people in Tuscaloosa who go up to the market in Birmingham and buy produce to sell back here. The problem with that scenario is that there's no telling how long that [produce] has been on the road or where it came from."

According to Millie Christian, senior business tax officer for the City of Tuscaloosa, farmer’s exemption allows sellers who grow their own product to sell it at their home or on another person’s property, with their approval, without being required to pay for taxes or a permit.

“We can't allow people to sell just anywhere,” Christian said. “If they have approval, that’s one thing. But you’re not allowed to actually run a business from your home. People have offices in their home, that’s one thing. But we can’t have people advertising, for instance, or selling merchandise out of their home. If that happened, the city would have to ask them to cease.”

Wambles said that, though the popularity of farmers markets has unques-

tionably relocated many farmers who previously sold independently from their property, there are still a few market vendors who occasionally sell from a roadside stand.

“We don’t discourage purchasing from individual farm stands at all,” Wambles said. “People really like that when they purchase food from a farmer, whether at a market or a roadside stand, they can look that man in the eye who grew the food that they’re going to take home and feed their family with.”

That interaction is Carr’s favorite part of the job, next to raising the produce.

It’s that enjoyment that leads Carr out of his apartment on Skyland Boulevard and back to his stand each day. He doesn’t even mind putting up with the weather, especially now that he’s got a tent to stand under. After recently suffering his third heart attack, though, he tries to take it as easy as he can.

“You can be out here one day feeling good and all of a sudden you’re sick, feeling real bad,” he said.

Later on the next week, Carr found himself feeling bad again, so much so that he didn’t return to his stand until the following Monday afternoon.

Nevertheless, Carr was excited to finally be back to his garden. It was time to cut the okra. Though much of his okra plants didn’t fare as well as he’d hoped this season, he still expected a moderate return.

“It’s a lot of work involved in having a garden, but I sure enjoy it,” he said.

After taking a moment to sharpen up his artillery knife, he grabbed a white bucket and trotted over to the three rows of okra stalks at the front of his garden.

When he got to the nearest row he stopped, scratched under his baseball cap, and ran a finger over an okra stalk.

“I believe somebody came up here and helped their self to my okra,” Carr said. His voice was nonchalant but, as he moved down each row, collecting two okra pods apiece from stalks that typically produce about 40 pods each, he became silent.

When he arrived at the end of the final row of okra stalks, he looked down at the five gallon bucket he’d expected to fill.

“Well I can still see the bottom of the bucket,” he sighed.

It seems the occasional thief isn’t Carr’s only adversary, at least not according to local weather reports.

“That cold weather will kill all these, every one of them,” he said, pointing to a row of peppers. “I was wanting them to turn red, but don’t look like it’s going to do it before the cold weather comes.”

Though he’s a little worried about the effect cold weather will have on his collard greens, he’s got plenty of rations to tide him over.

Cold weather or not, Carr plans to continue selling the produce that ripened before the arrival of cold weather. A jacket and wildcat whiskey mixed with honey and hard peppermint candy ought to keep him warm, he predicted.

“Ask some of the old people about that,” he said as his familiar, mischievous grin returned to his face.

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

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

9

>>> wine REVIEW | R Y A N P H I L L I P S

>>> RESTAURANTS |

PEJU 2011 CABERNET // A BOLD BORDEAUX BLEND

BREAKFAST / DINNER

W here to E at in T uscaloosa

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

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.

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

Wine is meant to be drinkable, enjoyable and a reflection of the personality that made it possible. Even for the snootiest wino, price does not necessarily dictate a stunning flavor profile—they teach you that on the first day. On retail shelves across the country, lowpriced wines are decorated with medals and can be bought with something less than an Alexander Hamilton. What about the good stuff?

The aspects needed to craft a proper red wine are not made, but cultivated through generations of time-tested tradition tending to the vine amidst the dirt and clay. In the rolling hills of California wine country, one winery stays true to its nature and offers a diverse sampling of treats from the vine aimed at all of the taste buds.

For the last 30 years, Peju Winery in the pristine Napa Valley, has offered a wide range of treats featuring 20 estate grown varietals. Each blend is a rare glimpse into high-end wine drinking made affordable by master craftsmen at the top of their game. While the price may range from low to high, Peju patrons are sure to get their money’s worth down to the last savory drop.

On the more affordable side, the Peju 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is a product of a cool, wet growing season for the varietals used in this California treat. Harvested in October of 2011, the varietals used immediately hit the drinker with a refreshing west coast breeze of plum and oak accents among other flavors. Despite lower alcohol content, the 2011 Peju Cabernet is hearty with a bold Smokey finish and remarkably light in weight.

The nose on this particular cabernet is rich and sharp, without overwhelming a novice to a red wine. For a new wine drinker, this is a perfect starter to introduce the pallet to red wine varietals, due to the mild tones masked by the bold aroma.

A light hint of thyme and vanilla can be found in the finish of the 2011 Cabernet,

10

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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.

which is made whole and complimented by the mild tannins utilized. According to the taste profile, all five-Bordeaux varietals went in to the crafting of this hidden treasure. While many Bordeaux style wines may sit heavy on the gut, the Peju 2011 Cabernet compensates for its lack of weight with its rich taste. Not too light for pairing and not too heavy for drinking.

Try pairing the Peju 2011 Cabernet with a thick cut of beef, preferably of the steak variety. Heavy red meats bring out the lush, refreshing quality of this moderately priced red. Soft cheeses also work well to accent the diverse ingredients of the Cabernet, but feel free to branch out.

The Peju Cabernet is an extremely versatile red that can pair with many grilled or sautéed dishes. Teriyaki Chicken, weirdly enough, also pairs well with the Cabernet and is a personal suggestion when trying this red for the first time.

If given a blind taste test, this reviewer would assume that a glass of this cabernet would cost around $20. You will be pleasantly surprised to learn the price of the 2011 Cabernet is marked at $50. Compared to other wines with similar profiles and from other prestigious wineries in California, the 2011 Cabernet stands out as an all-star for Peju and is affordable on almost any budget. Perfect for that fancy dinner party or social engagement where finger foods will be served.

Treat your guests like royalty and hear them boast about the exotic flavors of this wine to their friends. Making this choice could make even the newest wine drinker seem like a connoisseur of fine vino, so grab a bottle. Now available for purchase at Carpe Vino in downtown Tuscaloosa for the price listed above.

Tuscaloosa Burger & Poboys 1014 7th Ave. | Tusaloosa // 764.1976 Sports bar, breakfast, seafood, Cajun, and of course burgers Over 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in Tuscaloosa Closed Mondays, Tue. - Thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night 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

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 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.

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 Twin 3700 6th St, Tuscaloosa | 758-7528 Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 10 p.m.

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.

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 Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue 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

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

FINE DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa The pub offers a different menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Feature foods include pineapple French toast, pork sliders, and a house burger which changes daily. The drink menu features specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine.

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday Noon p.m. – 9 p.m.

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

Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925

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.

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Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W here to E at in T uscaloosa ( cont . )

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 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.

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.

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

GREET THE GRAS // NOLA BREWING COMPANY

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 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 Tuscaloosa Burger & Poboys 1014 7th Ave. // 764.1976 Sports bar, breakfast, seafood, Cajun, and of course burgers Over 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in Tuscaloosa Closed Mondays, Tue. - Thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night 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 Dickey's BBQ 9770 Alabama 69 344.6500 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.

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.

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/

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

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 vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Tuscaloosa Burger & Poboys 1014 7th Ave. | Tusaloosa // 764.1976 Sports bar, breakfast, seafood, Cajun, and of course burgers Over 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in Tuscaloosa Closed Mondays, Tue. - Thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night 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

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

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 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

SEAFOOD

Chuck’s Fish

Mardi Gras season is here again, and whether you are enjoying a handgrenade in The French Quarter or eating jambalaya on the banks of the Black Warrior River, the holiday spirit is sure to find you thirsty and looking for refreshment. For many during Mardi Gras, beer is just as important as catching a strand of plastic beads from a stranger on a float or witnessing various colorful scenes on double-decker balconies.

A multitude of rich beer hails from the Big Easy, and many fit the festive occasion in theme and taste. Like the food of this historically and culturally rich hub, the beer of this city is in a class of its own. While you may not have the money to make it to Bourbon Street or ride a steamboat on the Mississippi River, you can have a bit of its spirit in a glass bottle or on draft at one properly placed location.

New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company, located on historic Tchoupitoulas Street, is a necessary stop for anyone visiting New Orleans. In a city of a million drinks, this beer can be found at a central Mardi Gras location, perfect for a quick tourist stop. The beer is a tasteful representation of the city and is well worth the time of any craft beer enthusiast.

The crown jewel of the NOLA Brewing Co. is the Blonde Ale. Sporting a light amber hue, and an uncharacteristically thick head, this beer is pleasing even to the casual beer drinker. However, compared to other Blonde Ale’s, it rests fairly heavy after a glass and the citrus hint is quite sharp after a couple. While many would enjoy an orange slice in this type of beer, the citrus is already provided, which may appeal to some and may turn others away—take your pick. I choose my orange slice, but for the taste, the Blonde Ale is delicious without a fruit compliment.

Naturally, you would pair this treat with spicy Cajun dishes to commemorate a southern tradition. Crawfish pair well with the light nature of this Blonde Ale. This

refreshing quality also works great to fight off the sweats induced by creole seasoning and is a solid warm weather beer. The Blonde Ale’s reputation speaks for itself and leads well into the heavier beers.

The NOLA Brown Ale is a heavier alternative to the Blonde that is a dark English ale. Flavors of coffee, caramel and chocolate works to bring this particular brew to life that also works well as a dessert beer. While sweet, the bitter undertones balance the taste and control the rich quality that often bogs brown ale drinkers down.

A characteristically thick head that leads to a lush first splash of flavor that is savory like a moon pie tops off the Brown Ale. The finish is smooth and makes for a very drinkable beer—meaning six packs will not fill you up.

As a personal suggestion, try pairing this beer with crispy fish or blackened shrimp to fully highlight the malty sweetness. Po Boys, complete with fresh lettuce and shrimp, also make for a fine companion for such a tasteful brew. With a beer this sweet, it is hard to miss on a pairing, so long as the food does not consist of chocolate.

NOLA Brewing Co. also offers a wide range of other beers at their central location and around New Orleans and the surrounding region.

When all is said and done, many people will not care what they are drinking at 2 a.m. in the French Quarter, but if you get the itch for something special to taste what the city has to offer, you might find it on Tchoupitoulas Street.

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

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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>>> RESTAURANT REVIEW | R A C H E L A H R N S E N

TWIN // A FRESH FINE DINING EXPERIENCE

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

508 Greensboro Ave // 248.9370 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 & Temerson Square Wintzell’s Oyster House 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 247.7772 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.

Twin restaurant, which first opened in November 2013 in the former Tuscaloosa Country Club, has now reopened after renovations.

Identical twins Lee and Reeves Bell operate the restaurant, in addition to being the head chefs.

“I’m not aware that anywhere else in the whole world has identical twin chefs, one doing classic dishes, and one doing sushi. I mean, how could that not be awesome?” says Reeves.

Reeves Bell, the sushi chef, can be distinguished by the industrial piercing through his left ear and a colorful bandanna wrapped around his forehead.

The bandannas are a key part of Twin’s image.

“A bandanna helps keep focus while you’re working with razor sharp blades... my sushi knives can cut God. When I put it on and tighten it around my head, it makes me feel ready to go. It also keeps sweat from falling in your eye. It’s just our thing here.”

His brother, Lee, has a raspier voice and fewer laugh lines around his eyes.

He is in command of classic dishes, and management of the restaurant.

Reeves describes his brother as, “the serious one. It’s right on our logo. We both have huge personalities, but we run different kinds of kitchens. When he’s working, my brother's more serious. In his kitchen, he’s kind of the in-control guy, he wants to get it done. He’s yelling, running around. In mine, I’m always smiling, joking around. That’s what you have to do as a sushi chef. You’re right in front of the customer, so you’re entertaining them and having a fun time, all while you’ve got the razor sharp knives.

If you’re not relaxed and calm and happy, it shows in the sushi you make. It won’t come together.”

The brothers began in the restaurant business as a way to pay for college,

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and it developed into a passion. Lee says, “There’s nothing that more mirrors the human condition in art form than to create something beautiful with all five of your senses. And to enjoy it, you’ve got to destroy it. Which is just so much fun.”

Reeves jokes that the key to working successfully with his twin is, “to stay drunk most of the time.”

“Really, it’s great working with Lee. At the end of the day, it’s great to have a business partner I can 100 percent fully trust, because he shares my exact DNA. Also, we get into a really bad fight once a year, and I always win,” says Reeves.

Lee adds, “We weren’t always close, we hated each other when we were kids.

Then Reeves got into a horrible accident when he was about 21. He died, came back to life, the whole nine yards. After that, we were inseparable. Working with him, it’s awesome. We’re like an old married couple, we work together, we live together.”

When friends purchased the Tuscaloosa Country Club in April 2013, they invited Lee and Reeves to transform it into a restaurant.

“Every chef dreams about having their own restaurant...it was impossible to say no,” says Reeves.

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

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 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

Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222

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

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

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

Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088

Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 752.5444 Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

TO HAVE YOUR RESTAURANT LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

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

>>> R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W | CO N T I N U E D

The country club is a stately building by the river, tucked away on 6th street in a historic district. It was built in 1920, and overlooks one of the oldest golf courses in Alabama. Its history is glimpsed in the details; narrow doors, an abundance of chandeliers, and the silver plaques with the names of former members on the lockers in the former locker rooms, which have been converted into restrooms.

Lee says, “The potential here is amazing. It’s got the bones. The location is part of its charm. It’s kind of out of the way, nobody knows about you.

They keep wanting me to get a sign. But I think I’m not going to.”

Reeves chimes in, “Yeah, I say we need to put snipers on the roof in case anybody finds this place.”

“It’s an interesting balance here, trying to appease the old members of the club and keep a respectful nod to the tradition of the place, but still moving forward,” says Lee. For Reeves and Lee, one of the key parts of moving forward is their innovative, quirky menu. The menu focuses on the eclectic mix of steak, sushi, and classic dishes. On the drinks menu, whiskey is the priority.

The Bell brothers say their menu was born out of a desire to fill a niche.

“One thing that was lacking in this town was a great steakhouse, that’s where it started. To my knowledge, there’s no one in town now who’s only serving USDA prime and nobody cooks on a 1600 degree infrared broiler like we do,” says Lee. “Whiskey is another thing that’s not really well represented here. Whiskey is a distinctly Southern spirit, especially when you get into bourbons. And we don’t have any place in town that really celebrates whiskey, that offers cocktails that balance the spirit well with other ingredients.”

Reeves says, “The sushi was added later, because, well, I’m a sushi chef. I like to make sushi differently than most places. We use less rice, and then pack it in with those really high quality ingredients...It’s really satisfying when people say, ‘I just got back from a trip to Japan, and I’m eating better sushi here in the town that I live in.’ It’s awesome to see the expression on the customer’s face... there’s ‘O’ faces all night, they come in and love it.”

“That’s where the irreverence of the menu came about. We’ve got this juxta-

position between the quality of the food and the actual menu, which we think is approachable and fun. Because we’ve got really awesome steak, really awesome sushi, the ingredients are over the top. And some of our cooking methods you don’t see here. We do sous vide, we do molecular gastronomy, we do things that reading the menu, you would never know we do because we don’t advertise it. I can tell somebody that I’ve got a White Marble Farms rib, chopped with a tarragon infused egg white and avocado ginger sauce and no ones going to order it. But call it green eggs and ham, and it will fly out the door,” Lee says.

Reeves chimes in, “People come to a country club and think they should be wearing a sports coat. I think the menus are proof that we’re cool. Come in sandals.”

The irreverent menus Lee refers to are peppered with movie references, puns, and names their house steak sauce after an 'Anchorman,' quote.

Reeves laughs, “I named the Sex Panther steak sauce. The first time I tasted it, it was so complicated and weird the first thing that came to my mind was that 'Anchorman' quote, 'Sex panther cologne, 60 percent of the time, works every time.' We just get together and brainstorm and come up with names like Steaks On a Plane, Da Bomblette, and The Hangover. I mean, we had to have a Hangover.”

The brothers have ambitious plans for Twin in the future, involving the TCC golf course and other parts of the building.

Lee adds, “One of the biggest things is, well, first we’ve got to open up the rest of the building. We want to finish the renovation projects, have a 10 acre restaurant garden, and the pool... I really want to get that pool open. I’d love to have a public venue for people to get food and cocktail service poolside.

Another project we have in the works is cosmic night golf, to put in 3 holes or a chipping range. We’re also converting The 19th Hole into a bar, trying to get shuffleboard, pool tables, and craft cocktails. In the future, we want to be open until 2 a.m.”

As they make these goals a reality, the twins credit their staff for the restaurant's swift progress. Reeves says, “It’s not just Lee and I running Twin. We couldn’t accomplish anything without our staff. We found incredible talent in this town. To have a team of professional, fun, trustworthy people... That’s everything.”

>>> E X P LO R I N G A L A B A M A | J E R O M E A DA M S

LIVE AND LIVELY // COUNTY LINE DANCE HALL

Ti r ed o f sit ti n g at home on Saturday nights watching the mess on T V? Would you like to go some where and have fun but don’t want to go to a bar ? Even if you don’t dance you would be welcome at the County Line Dance Hall.

Just west of Nor thpor t and slightly of f of Highway 82 (approximately 20 minutes from the intersec tion of 82 and 69) is a large, metal building that is currently the site of the County Line Dance Hall. The Countr y Club Band per forms a variety of tunes and types that set feet moving to the music. Old rock ‘n roll, blues, traditional countr y, and more are played for dancers to t wo step, line dance, walt z, fox trot, swing, rhumba, and do whatever genre of dance you know to move you to the music.

If your interest has been caught already here are the more precise directions. Take Highway 82 west from Nor thpor t. After about 10 or 12 miles the four lane highway becomes two lane at the Pickens County line.

Turn your blinker on as you cross into Pickens for a left turn onto Echola Road (first road on left). After a shor t drive, turn left onto County Road 30 that parallels Highway 82 for a distance. A large metal building, easily visible, will be on your left less than a quar ter mile away. A lighted sign is at the driveway. Come into the building using the corner door with a cover over the entrance.

The dance is held on Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m. and goes to 10 p.m. Breaks are at 8 and 9 for the band. The cost is $5 at the door.

Regular attendees of ten bring foods (cookies, cakes, pies, nuts, etc.) and ever yone is welcome to enjoy, usually at the first break. Also, on the first Saturday of the month we encourage

attendees to bring food to share as a covered dish supper and eat together at about 6:45pm. There are many chairs and tables. The dance f loor is large and just right for dancing. No alcohol is allowed and smokers go outside. Pickens is a “dr y ” county. It is a safe environment.

The Countr y Club Band is composed of five members. On keyboard is Don Holt, a former member of the Louisiana Hay Ride who has written songs that have made the char ts in the past. Bass player is Holt ’s daughter, Donna Wise, song writer, who fills in on keyboard and drums from time to time. Don’s son, Gar y, operates the drums. Charley Reeder is lead guitarist. Clyde Hall plays acoustic guitar. All are singers and they take turns as lead singer. Each has his/her own favorite type of music. Requests are taken from the audience and per formed, if possible.

Dance is a great form of exercise. It’s fun and good for the body, mind, soul, and is enjoyable. At the County Line Dance Hall one could get a full workout dancing to the music of the Country Club Band and not be sore the next day!

The Saturday evening oppor tunity at the County Line Dance Hall to dance to the lively tunes of the Countr y Club Band is a wholesome, fun way to spend an evening with friendly people getting a mind and body workout. It is a way of Exploring Alabama by traveling jut a shor t distance and. the cost is only $5 for professionally produced music for dance and general enjoyment.

The dance f loor is excellent and the building is air conditioned. There are many tables and chairs, t wo restrooms and a kitchen area. Call 399.1614 for information. Join us and f ind out for yourself.

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

BACKROAD ANTHEM

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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>>> ART | A LY X C H A N D L E R

UPTOWN ART PAINTS ITS WAY TO POPULARITY // LESS THAN THREE HOURS TO TRANSFORM BLANK CANVAS INTO A MASTERPIECE

When disbelieving first-timers sign up for a session of step-by-step painting at Tuscaloosa's locally owned Uptown Art studio, new owner Kelly Magadan assures them that they're in for a surprise. With her promise of “no artistic ability required,” new customers grab a 16” by 20” blank canvas, some excited to give painting a try, others expecting the worst. Every masterpiece takes some time though. At Uptown Art, a few hours can transform anyone's blank canvas not only into a personalized keepsake, but a tasteful house decoration.

“It's like baking a cake, it's going to have to go through some ugly steps first, but then it cools, you put on the icing, decorate it, and look what you have at the end—that's painting,” Magadan said.

The family friendly environment of an Uptown Art session instructs everyone, experienced artists and non-experienced artists alike, in a no-pressure painting class Tuesday through Saturday at 6:30 p.m. until however long it takes to finish.

The classes are taught by Magadan or a teacher guiding people through each step, so the painting is almost a guaranteed success—or at least much more beautiful than people envision.

Either way, Magadan's homey studio is an opportunity to get to know basic painting knowledge and some new people in the community. Curious people can pursue a new creative outlet for the night without buying their own supplies. It provides a rare chance to develop artistic confidence.

When groups take their seats, Cassidy Pedram, the painting teacher with an art degree, sometimes jokes that every person is their own worst critic.

“It depends on the personality of the person. Those that come in as a Type A tend to be a bit nervous and stare at it for 10 minutes. Once they get into it though, they have fun, even let loose,” Magadan said. “We want it to be entertaining.”

Located at 2008 Paul Bryant Drive, Suite A, Uptown Art is relatively close to the University of Alabama campus while still far enough away from the college life

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to attract people of all ages, even some from surrounding Alabama towns. Ages vary all the way from four-year-olds with families to college students ready to destress. Anyone from retired couples on a date to practicing artists have painted with Uptown Art. All paintings are original creations by either Pedram or Magadan. Painting subjects range anywhere from vibrant crosses or angels to funky landscapes or Alabama football themed paintings. Some favorites include a New York cityscape, a uniquely painted elephant by Pedram and puffpaint portraits of religious crosses. Holiday options are always available and popular certain times of the year.

“It's the social aspect, you have nothing to do? Grab a friend and come over,” Magadan said.

A session includes a take-home painting, all necessary supplies and interactive instructional painting. Regular night sessions are $30 a person, while a discount code is given on Uptown Art's Facebook page during the last couple days of the month for half-off any painting the next month. Adult parties are $25 per person.

An in-studio session holds up to 24 painters at once, including a back area for a party. In addition, if the group is too large to fit in the studio, Magadan said Uptown Art can “bring the party to you.”

They also host painting sessions for children, with $20 for the first ten children, then $18 for the rest. They work deals with local schools and instruct classrooms in painting paper canvases. In the last year, Uptown Art catered events for Midtown Village, huge groups of sororities in multiple colleges and held the Splash of Crimson event for UA students.

For beginner painters, this is an inexpensive way to learn techniques for simpler subjects before tackling more intricate challenges. Real acrylic paint is used for each session, along with the option of puff paint and glitter pens. For some paintings, this extra step provides the finishing touch that brings their art to life.

“People always come in and tell us that they can't draw a stick man. Then they're amazed by what they can do,” Magadan said.

After just one session, Magadan said both men and women painters usually come back—with friends.

“They don't know what we're are all about. They've seen what their friends have done, they don't believe it...We sometimes get a group of families, inevitably there's a group where one person drags the other one, and thats how we get first timers dragged in with families,” Pedram said.

Magadan said business ebbs and flows depending on what's happening in Tuscaloosa. Word of mouth has sent more and more people to check out the “secret magic” behind Uptown Art's painting.

Friends are left impressed. UA organizations continue to book parties, along with groups of hundreds of sorority girls from different universities.

For some people, a session at Uptown Art is just a lazy afternoon getaway or a way to mix things up for friends and family from their usual routines. For others like Susan Depappa, a Northport mom of three kids, it means much more than a family activity.

“You have a keepsake,” Depappa said. “I want all my kids to come try it, I've always been big on memories.”

After being diagnosed with cancer, she realized that painting with her children and fiance will give them a physical memory of her to keep. She said instead of going to Longhorn Steak House, people might as well go somewhere that costs the same but leaves a souvenir. After bringing her skeptical fiance and one of her sons to paint an angel for her last birthday, she returned the second time with even more of her family, and a more enthusiastic response. Both her son and fiance agreed how surprised they were after their angels turned out so well.

“It's kind of neat to compare how everything comes out so different,” Greg Sartain, fiance of Depappa, said.

This family, along with many other Uptown Art regulars, plan to stop by for a painting night at least once a month.

Depappa said she is serious about the hilarious competition of their family, and how it brings them together. For some of her family, the result of painting is relaxation.

For her, painting brings more of a thrill.

Despite her success at Uptown Art, Magadan is working on a popular plan for spicing up her paint studio.

So far Magadan managed to go from a stay-at-home mom to a part-time paint teacher to the proud business owner of Uptown Art, all in under three years. When the previous owner offered her the store, Magadan was thrilled, but she knew it would be challenging.

“I have never been trained, but painting eventually became therapeutic for me,” Magadan said.

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

“The cool thing about here, people come in almost ready to prove to me that they just can't paint. It's great to see them at the end of the night with a masterpiece,” Pedram said.

In addition, Uptown Art's old business focused on more of a pre-drawn painting for people, but Magadan said she doesn't want her place to be a sketch-by-numbers experience, she wants each customer to experience a personal satisfaction. Stepby-step guidelines allow everyone to mimic the teacher with a similar stroke, yet with individual style. At any time during the session, painters have the choice to switch up colors or try different techniques. They're always encouraged to get creative with it.

Magadan said there's no such thing as the same work of art painted twice, so huge groups paying to paint the same thing shouldn't worry that the canvases will come out too similar.

“Just cause you have four [of the same painting], they aren't going to remotely look the same, trust me,” Pedram said.

The shocking experience for most people is when their final products dry.

She said 99 percent of people leave the studio satisfied with their creation, and many of them come back again. Just in case of accidents, an indistinct mixture of white and yellow paint is blended into each of the acrylic colors. This trick allows it easy for customers to paint over colors on their canvas and start fresh.

“If you don't like it, you let it dry and paint over it. There's happy little accidents, but there's no such thing as mistakes,” Magadan said.

Check out their website calender to see what paintings will be offered in March.

Book online for a party or night to paint or call Uptown Art for questions and scheduling at 239.1285.

>>> M U S I C | W I L L I A M B A R S H O P

ST. VINCENT // DELIGHTFULLY DISTORTED

S t. V incent told NPR that her por trait for her self-titled album was designed to make her look like a “near-future cult leader.” Staring coldly from her space-age throne, her demeanor stands in sharp contrast with the wide-eyed, innocent por traits that covered her first two albums. And while the music on St. Vincent bears her eerily precise style of songwriting, there is an aura of dominance that over takes the persona she’s built in the past few years.

St. Vincent is the stage name of Annie Clark, the singer, songwriter and guitarist who has been making

lyrical indie pop since 2006. Her previous album, Strange Mercy earned widespread praise, and last year she collaborated with The Talking Heads front man David Byrne and an eightpiece brass band to make "Love This Giant." Her four th LP is the first to follow her team-up with Byrne, and it shows with a growing comfor t in the realm of absurdity.

From star t to finish on St. Vincent, Clark shuf fles through a collection of images, fever dreams and strangerthan-fiction anecdotes. She opens with “Rattlesnake” a twisted creation myth in which Clark hears an

ominous rattle while walking naked through a Texas cattle ranch. On other songs she meets the ghost of Black Panthers leader Huey Newton and runs down the highway with a fireball close behind her. Her narratives are as disconcer ting as ever, telling the tale of “Prince Johnny” with lines like “Remember the time we went and snor ted/ the piece of the Berlin Wall that you’d extor ted?”

These other worldly imprints come with guitar effects to match, and are grounded by a fine ear for hooks.

Clark seems to take notes from the pop and rock titans of the 70s and 80s, emulating the likes of Kate Bush and David Bowie with icy confidence.

While she has always been known for writing exquisite melodies, the sweeping, charismatic choruses of “Psychopath” and “I Prefer Your Love” resemble Bernie Taupin and Elton John more than the bedroom pop she’s used to. Clark has also honed her Bowie-esque talent for packing intensity into the nuances of her voice. Just as Bowie’s ever y note inspires one to scream “and we can be heroes”, Clark’s “Severed Crossed Fingers” casts catharsis like a spell.

The subdued description of being torn limb from limb creates a slowburning magic that’s hard to resist.

Even while imitating the greats of

songwriting and per forming, her style is distinctly futuristic, and always a step for ward from her previous work.

“Bring Me Your Loves” is a clear product of time spent with The Talking Heads’ David Byrne and his love for wickedly distor ted funk. She forges into the 21st centur y with subject matter as well. Despite being rather out of touch for an international rock star, Clark writes a cutting criticism of our Internet-age obsession with being noticed on “Digital Witness,” with the shrewd line, “ What’s the point of even sleeping?/ If I can’t show it, you can’t see me.” Her most out-of-character moments, though, come on “Bir th in Reverse” a wild three minutes of ar t-punk starring manic guitar rif fs.

The uneasy mood of St. Vincent’s music has often been summed up with the name of a track from her 2009 album, Actor: “Laughing With a Mouth Full of Blood.” She might seem cheer ful, but her smile is pulled too tight, a laugh away from a tear. Five years later on St. Vincent, she seems to finally be comfor table with baring her teeth and showing her wounds.

What she gives up in myster y she makes up for in the fierce assuredness that elevates some of her greatest songs yet.

A’Shawn Robinson

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MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

15

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

KENTUCK ART NIGHT WHEN: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 503 Main Ave, Northport PHONE: 758.1257 LINK: kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: Kentuck will celebrate the new TEMP Gallery exhibit by Barry Graham and Laura Brookart, two artists from the Birmingham area who specialize in watercolors and collage. Visitors to the reception can enjoy refreshments and music from members of the Voodoo Saints in the courtyard, and visit Kentuck artists’ studios.

ALABAMA-GERMAN PARTNERSHIP DINNER WHEN: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

COST: $65 - $260 WHERE: The Zone, 920 Paul W. Bryant Drive PHONE: 943.4772 LINK: alabamagermany.org DESCRIPTION: The AGP will host a night of dining and socializing at The Zone at BryantDenny Stadium, with German wine tasting and silent and live auction. The next day’s business forum, “How to Build a Championship Team,” will be held in the stadium recruiting room and includes breakfast and lunch.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

SEUSSICAL WHEN: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

COST: $7 WHERE: Bama Theatre PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: tuscaloosachildrenstheatre.com DESCRIPTION: Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre presents the whimsical tales of Dr. Seuss, with characters from Horton the Elephant to the Cat in the Hat all taking part in the musical. Local youth take part in every aspect of the show, from playing the parts of Dr. Seuss’s imagination the to set design and lighting. The show will play Friday through Sunday at the Historic Bama Theatre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

SAKURA FESTIVAL, CHILDREN’S HANDS-ON MUSEUM WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4.pm COST: $9 WHERE: 2213 University Blvd.

PHONE: 349.4235 LINK: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: Every Saturday in March the Children’s Hands-On Museum has activities to celebrate Japanese culture including crafts like Japanese lanterns, carp kites and origami. All activities are covered by the cost of admission.

INDOOR COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE WHEN: All day COST: Free admission WHERE: Hughes Center, 3101 MLK Blvd.

PHONE: 562.3215 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Hunt for bargains at the Parks & Recreation community garage sale at the Hughes Center indoor gym. Booths sell out early but shoppers come in at any time, rain or shine.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL

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MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

WHEN: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

COST: $5-13 WHERE: Temple Emanu-El, 809 4th Ave. PHONE: 349.4502 LINK: k.dewitt@comcast.net DESCRIPTION: Jewish food returns to Tuscaloosa at this event hosted by the Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-El. Try traditional Jewish foods from matzah ball soup to stuffed grape leaves, or get a deli lunch with beef brisket or fresh falafel. Also enjoy the Klezmer music performed by the local musicians of The Promised Band.

MONDAY, MARCH 10

READER'S THEATER WHEN: 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library Main Branch PHONE: 345.5820 DESCRIPTION: A fun, interactive story time where children will listen to a story, think and ask questions about the story, and then become part of the story by acting it out with their friends. Lots of fun characters.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

HOMEWORK HELP WHEN: 3 - 5 p.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Weaver Branch COST: Free CONTACT: 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.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

TEEN BOOK CLUB When: 5:30 p.M. – 6:30 P.M. Cost: free Where: 1801 jack warner pkwy Phone: 345.5820 Link: tuscaloosa-library.Org Description: young adults are invited to discuss hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy, by douglas adams and divergent, by veronica roth. The discussion will be held in the room of requirement in the main library building.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Huxford Symphony Orchestra WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10 general, $5 senior, $3 student WHERE: 810 2nd Ave PHONE: 348.7111 LINK: music.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The Huxford Symphony Orchestra is composed of UA music majors and other talented musicians at the university who perform six concerts and an opera. The ensemble will be performing Copland’s Appalachian Spring; Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor, Op.44; and Stravinsky’s Octet.

>>> PET PLANET | T H I S M O N T H ' S P E T S

THREE LOVING FUR-EVER PETS // JUST WAITING FUR YOU!

Everybody loves SaraLee! This little sweet thing is SaraLee, a one and a half year old female terrier/Pekingese mix.

She has a unique look to her with coloring like a Pekingese but the body shape of a terrier. Her hair is a bit longer than a usual terrier coat. SaraLee is small, weighing only 12 pounds and she is full grown.

She's a very sweet, loving dog. She is shy and timid on first meeting but LOVES to be held and to be with you. Yes, a velcro dog! SaraLee would probably do best in a quiet environment that is not too stressful. She would not do well with young children so if any are in the home, must be 12 and over. She is okay with other dogs but timid and scared with hyper and larger dogs. She would do fine in an apartment as long as she gets some daily exercise. She must be an inside dog. We have started her crate training. SaraLee is up to date on her vet care, spayed, heartworm negative, is on flea/tick prevention, and is microchipped. Little SaraLee is just so precious and ready for a loving home to call her own. For more information on SaraLee and other adoptable pets call the Humane Society at 554.0011 or visit HumaneSocietyofWA.org.

This sweet little baby is Rasta, a male champagne tabby kitten with mostly white coloring.

Rasta is about 7 months old. He is sociable with other kittens, but may not be a good playtime buddy with an older cat due to his energy level. Rasta is a typical energetic guy who loves attention!

He is negative for FIV and FeLK, and current on his vaccinations.

Due to being underage for a spay/neuter surgery, his adoption requires an additional spay/neuter deposit, which is refundable on proof of neutering. Stop by the Humane Society cat adoption center to meet Rasta and more adoptable cats and kittens! For more information, visitHumaneSocietyofWA.org.

This very beautiful girl is Mitzi, a short-haired Siamese female adult cat with stunning sky blue eyes! Mitzi is a young adult around 2-4 years old, but definitely less than five. Mitzi is a friendly, lowenergy girl who'd make a wonderful companion for a person or for another low-energy cat! But be mindful that she is a Siamese, whose personalities are known to clash with other cats. Mitzi does well around other friendly cats, and should do fine around older children. She's a very social girl! She's gentle and very friendly, but she may not want to be handled by smaller children. Mitzi may do fine around small dogs around her size or smaller, but not medium-sized or larger dogs. Contact The Humane Society to meet Mitzi!

LONNIE HOLLEY IN CONCERT WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Paul R. Jones Gallery, 2308 6th St.

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

>>> M U S I C | K E V I N L E D G E W O O D

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

BAMA THEATRE'S ACOUSTIC NIGHT // BRANTLEY & HOLLY AND SOPHIA TALVIK

Brantley Platt

Holly Bells

The Bama Theatre’s Acoustic Night will host performances on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre’s Greensboro Room. Featuring Brantley & Holly, and Sophia Talvik, the artists will bring their unique sounds and lyrics to the Tuscaloosa audience during this evening of acoustic music.

Brantley Platt and Holly Bells have been writing songs together since they met in 2008. The two found themselves at a party and within a hour of meeting, the pair was glued to a piano, cranking out covers and improvising originals. Brantley plays the guitar and keyboards while Holly brings her vocal stylings to the musical equation. Their music can be described as folk-pop, however, they are unsure of what exact genre represents their sound and are taking suggestions. Both have recently relocated to the Tuscaloosa area from Dothan, AL. Sofia Talvik is the next rising star from Sweden, performing a unique blend of folkpop. This American genre is filtered through her Swedish heritage and became something totally unique, a blend that has attracted attention from American reviewers, blogs and music lovers, allowing her to tour the US several times. In 2008, she became the first Swedish female singer to play the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.

Talvik’s debut album, Blue Moon, was released in 2005 to much critical acclaim followed by Street of Dreams in 2007. Continuing a steady pace of recording, she released her album Jonestown. In 2012 she completed a 16 month-long tour of the U.S. promoting her 5th release, The Owls Are Not What They Seem. The tour took her through 37 states, and she performed over 250 concerts. Talvik has been noted in media all over the U.S. for her impeccable live performances and captivating stage presence and recently released her first Daytrotter session. She is now based in Berlin and is touring Europe. In Oct. 2013 she released her 6th album, Drivin’ & Dreaming LIVE, with live recordings from her U.S. tour.

Presented by The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, Acoustic Night features both established and upcoming musicians from around the country throughout the calendar year in the intimate setting of the Bama Theatre’s Greensboro Room. Cover charge is $5 with a full service bar available.

PHONE: 345.3038 LINK: art.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Sonic Frontiers presents a reception and performance from Lonnie Holley at the Paul R. Jones Gallery. Holley is known by locals as “The Sandman” and is recognized internationally for his body of sculptures and paintings. At the reception he will perform his soulful, experimental songs and meet with fans.

NOCHE DE SUENTOS, READING WITH CHILDREN’S AUTHORS WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Public Library, 1801 Jack Warner Pkwy NE PHONE: 345.5820 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Award-winning children’s authors will be reading their books for anyone who visits Tuscaloosa Public Library.

Teens and adults are invited to attend a poetry reading and Q&A with award-winning writer Margarita Engle. The first 50 attendees to both programs will be given books autographed by their authors.

SUNDOWN LECTURE SERIES, IDENTIFYING SILVER WHEN: 5:45 COST: $5 WHERE: Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave. PHONE: 758.6138 LINK: historictuscaloosa.org DESCRIPTION: Ron Sanders will speak at the Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion as part of the Sundown Lecture Series presented by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. Sanders will help visitors identify real silver and talk about his experience with silver at Eutaw Antiques.

Refreshments will be served a half-hour before the lecture.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

DANCE ALABAMA! WHEN: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

COST: $12 student, $18 regular WHERE: 348 Stadium Dr. PHONE: 348.340 songs LINK: ua.tix.com DESCRIPTION: The UA theater and dance department’s spring production features 20 pieces produced entirely by students. The students choreograph, cast, rehearse and design sets for one of the university’s most beloved annual shows.

ALABAMA BASEBALL WHEN: 6:35 p.m.

COST: $8 adult, $5 under 18 WHERE: Sewell-Thomas Stadium, 1201 Coliseum Circle PHONE: 348.2262 LINK: rolltide.com DESCRIPTION: Watch UA’s baseball team face University of Kentucky’s team in the new and improved Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

MONDAY, MARCH 17 Sofia Talvik

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

2001 Park St., Northport PHONE: 562.3220 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: If you need help getting an unruly canine friend under control, instructors Jimmy Powell and Kim Romain offer their services at the Northport Community Center. Dogs must be at least four months old and have up-to-date vaccinations. Dogs with a history of vicious behavior are discouraged.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR WHEN: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 9500 Old Greensboro Road PHONE: 391.2994 LINK: sheltonstate.edu DESCRIPTION: Shelton State Community College welcomes you to learn about medicine, fitness, disease prevention, nutrition and beauty with over 90 booths and demonstrations at this year’s Health and Wellness Fair. Stop by the Martin Campus Atrium to see what the fair has to offer.

CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $5 WHERE: 9500 Old Greensboro Rd. PHONE: 391.2277 LINK: theatretusc.com DESCRIPTION: Theatre Tuscaloosa presents the story of a group of strangers who all end up in the same summer drama class. Their relationships develop, but the seemingly silly acting exercises have real effects on their lives. The show will open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Shelton State Community College’s dance studio.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

SHELTON STATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE WHEN: 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 9500 Old Greensboro Road PHONE: 391.2270 LINK: sheltonstate.edu DESCRIPTION: The Jazz Ensemble at Shelton State Community College focuses on big band standards both classic and modern, with students ranging in age from 18 to 80 years. Listen to the newest concert in their nearly 20 year tradition of playing jazz music at the Martin Campus Atrium.

THURSDAY, March 20

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE WHEN: 6:00 p.m.

COST: $25 in advance, $30 at the door WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave. PHONE: 752.2504 LINK: counselingservice.org DESCRIPTION: Ultimate chocolatiers will compete for the votes of attendees to earn the title of Tuscaloosa’s finest chocolate. Everyone is invited to taste the chocolate delicacies Tuscaloosa has to offer. Proceeds will go to Family Counseling Services.

DOG OBEDIENCE LESSONS WHEN: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

COST: $80 per dog, per session WHERE: Northport Community Center,

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

PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT. CONTACT

planeteditor@yahoo.com MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

17

>>> ROAD TRIP | SOUT H E AST E R N CONC E R TS AN D E V E NTS

Willie Nelson // New Orleans // March 7

George Thorogood // Birmingham // March 12

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

HUNTSVILLE Monster Jam, Von Braun Concert Hall Hot Rod Otis, Hard Dock Café

HUNTSVILLE Pusha T, Center Stage Tribal Seeds, The Masquerade

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Birmingham Agent Orange, The Nick

MONDAY, MARCH 10

BIRMINGHAM Hopsin, Zydeco

MONTGOMERY Barnyard Stompers, Head on the Door Rebel, Blue Iguana

NEW ORLEANS Bring Me the Horizon, House of Blues

HUNTSVILLE Bill Whyte, Von Braun Concert Hall 4 Miles Gone, Pat & Bobbies Place

NASHVILLE The Strypes, High Watt

ATLANTA Black Lips, Variety Playhouse Excision, Tabernacle

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

BIRMINGHAM Widespread Panic, BJCC Matisyahu, WorkPlay Theater

NEW ORLEANS Willie Nelson, House of Blues Kaboom, Howlin’ Wolf

ATLANTA Broken Bells, Tabernacle

saturday, MARCH 8

NASHVILLE Young the Giant, Ryman Auditorium

MONTGOMERY The Joey Gettings Band, Carl’s Country BIRMINGHAM Wick-It the Instigator, Zydeco MONTGOMERY The Joey Gettings Band, Carl’s Country Katie Austin, Fast Jack’s Bar and Grill Alyssa Jacey, The Stem and Stein Travis Posey, The Furniture Factory Bar and Grill HUNTSVILLE Alyssa Jacey, The Stem and Stein Travis Posey, The Furniture Factory Bar and Grill Katie Austin, Fast Jack’s Bar and Grill

NEW ORLEANS New Orleans Arena Ron Pope, House of Blues The Orwells, One Eyed Jacks

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

BIRMINGHAM George Thorogood, Iron City

NASHVILLE Regi Wooten and Friends, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

NEW ORLEANS Switchfoot, House of Blues St. Paul and the Broken Bones, One Eyed Jacks NASHVILLE White Denim, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom

MONTGOMERY Biscuit Miller and the Mix, Capitol Oyster Bar

ATLANTA Mint Condition, Center Stage Aziz Ansari, Fabulous Fox Theater Children of Bodom, The Masquerade

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Birmingham Gabriel Iglesias, Alabama Theatre

MONTGOMERY John Bull Band, Montgomery Performing Arts Center NEW ORLEANS DMX, Howlin’ Wolf

Mindless Self Indulgence, The Masquerade

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

ATLANTA HIM, Center Stage

NASHVILLE Tinariwen, High Watt

NEW ORLEANS Walter Wolfman Washington, Tipitina’s

NEW ORLEANS Miley Cyrus, New Orleans Arena

NASHVILLE Billy Joel, Bridgestone Arena Jim Jefferies, James K. Polk Theater Adam Faucett, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

BIRMINGHAM Indigo Girls, Iron City

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

BIRMINGHAM Savant, Zydeco

BIRMINGHAM Elton John, BJCC Sean Rivers Band, Zydeco

ATLANTA Carcass, The Masquerade

MONTGOMERY Rollin’ in the Hay, War Eagle Supper Club

NASHVILLE The Colourist, High Watt Cut Copy, Marathon Music Works

HUNTSVILLE Paul Edelman, Humphrey’s

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

NASHVILLE Mandy Barnett, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

ATLANTA Ellie Goulding, Fabulous Fox Theater The Glitch Mob, Tabernacle

ATLANTA Chelsea Handler, Fabulous Fox Theater Bill Maher, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center

BIRMINGHAM Brian Regan, Alabama Theatre

NEW ORLEANS Typhoon, One Eyed Jacks Les Claypool, Howlin’ Wolf

SUNDAY, MARCH 16 BIRMINGHAM The Black Dahlia Murder, Zydeco

NEW ORLEANS ZZ Ward, House of Blues

ATLANTA St Vincent, Tabernacle

Miley Cyrus // New Orleans // March 18

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

NEW ORLEANS Iration, House of Blues

NEW ORLEANS The Steve Miller Band, Saenger Theater

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

Billy Joel // Nashville // March 14

MONTGOMERY Jimmy Hall, Capitol Oyster Bar ATLANTA Bob Weir and Ratdog, Tabernacle

MONTGOMERY Derek Sellers, Mellow Mushroom NASHVILLE The Moody Blues, Ryman Auditorium Dave Hause, High Watt James Blake, Marathon Music Works

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

MONDAY, MARCH 17 BIRMINGHAM The Front Bottoms, Zydeco ATLANTA

>>> 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

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

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MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

205.324.1911 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010 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

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

I don't want to be perfect, but I do want to be a role model. My mom always tells me that imperfections equal beauty. All of us are imperfect. ~ Miley Cyrus ~

>>> LOCAL MUSIC | WHO'S PLAYING AROUND TOWN

WHISKEY MYERS // JUPITER // MARCH 8

THURSDAY MARCH 6

Rounders: Nick Snow Band Rhythm & Brews: Cooter Brown

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Rounders: 8th Street and DJ Spinnzz Rhythm & Brews: Reckless Jupiter: Velcro Pygmies

DIAMOND HITCH // RHYTHM & BREWS // MARCH 14

ECLECTIC TUBA // GREEN BAR // MARCH 13

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Green Bar: Pink Box Burlesque Rhythm & Brews: Glen Templeton Rounders: Plato Jones and DJ Spinnzz

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

Rounders: Sean Rivers Band

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Rhythm & Brews: Farmers Daughter Rounders: DJ Spinnzz and Soul Tide Jupiter: Whiskey Myers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

Green Bar: Ham Bagby

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

Rhythm & Brews: J. K. Terrell

Green Bar: Ham Bagby Rhythm & Brews: Ladies Night w/ DJ ProtoJ

TO HAVE YOUR BAR AND MUSIC EVENT

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL

Green Bar: Eclectic Tuba Rhythm & Brews: Whiskey Dix Jupiter: Chase Rice

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

Green Bar: Paleface Rhythm & Brews: Diamond Hitch Rounders: DJ Spinnzz Jupiter: Jason Isbell

PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

WRITERS WANTED CONTACT PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

SEE THE STORY ON PAGE 27 >>> LO C A L B A R S 4th & 23rd

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Gallettes // 758-2010

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

1831 // 331-4632

Capones // 248-0255

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

The Jupiter // 248-6611

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Alcove // 469-9110

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Grey Lady // 469-9521

The Legacy // 345-4848

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

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

Big Al's // 759-9180

Copper Top // 343-6867

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Mike's Place // 764-0185

The Booth // 764-0557

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Innisfree // 345-1199

Mugshots // 391-0572

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

The Red Shed // 344-4372

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

19

>>> F I S H I N G | T I M S T E E R E

STATE OF ALABAMA HOOKS INTO A WIN

When B.A.S.S. announced that the annual Bassmaster Classic would return to Alabama’s Lake Guntersville in 2014, anglers across the country began to salivate.

To many, Lake Guntersville is considered the best bass fishing lake in the entire country.

Located between Bridgeport and Guntersville, the 69,000-acre Tennessee Valley Authority impoundment has been a bass fishing Mecca of sorts, particularly during the last six years. In 2012, the average size bass caught out of Guntersville was 2.24 pounds, the largest average in 27 years of the Alabama Bass Anglers Information Team. The bass are healthy and thriving, as is the lake.

On February 21, the world’s best bass anglers congregated at Alabama’s bass cathedral for their sport’s equivalent of the Super Bowl. With 2013 winner Cliff Pace, sidelined with a broken leg as a result of a tree-stand accident, the 2014 title was up for grabs.

Nine Alabamians graced the field of 55 anglers at Guntersville, all of whom were considered legitimate contenders for the greatest victory in competitive bass fishing.

However, only one Alabama native came out on top.

In the end, Springville, AL native Randy Howell hoisted the trophy after hauling in 29 pounds, 2 ounces on his third day. Howell, who found himself in 11th place after the

first two days, was able to hold off first time Bassmaster Classic contender from Connecticut, Paul Mueller. Howell finished with a three-day weight total of 67 pounds, 8 ounces, exactly a pound more than Mueller.

After achieving a feat he claims he has only dreamed about, Howell took home the title of 2014 World Champion and $300,000.

Jordan Lee, a Vinemont, AL native and member of the Auburn University Bass Club, surprised nearly everyone, finishing in sixth place in only his third B.A.S.S. appearance. He was the first college series angler to ever make the top 25 in the Bassmaster Classic. Lee had a final weight of 62.1 pounds.

Jasper, AL resident David Kilgore finished 8th, with a final weight of 60.7 pounds in his first Classic appearance. Kilgore has won three B.A.S.S. tournaments, all in Alabama. His most recent came at the 2013 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Logan Martin Lake, which qualified him for the 2014 Classic.

Aaron Martens, a Leeds, AL resident, finished in 13th place, with a three-day total of 55.1 pounds. Martens was considered by many to be an early favorite to win. In 2009, he won the B.A.S.S. Elite Series Southern Challenge on Lake Guntersville, hauling in a whopping total of 107.8 pounds. He’s won two Angler of the Year titles in 2005 and 2013.

Finishing in 24th was Coby Carden, a

Shelby, AL native. Carden caught a total of 46.9 pounds over three days in his first Bassmaster Classic.

Chris Lane, a Guntersville native and early favorite, had an incredibly disappointing weekend. The 2012 Bassmaster Classic Champion finished in 36th place, with 27.6 pounds. Lane’s brother Bobby Lane, of Florida, finished 12th. It was the fourth Bassmaster Classic they have fished together.

Wetumpka, Alabama native Greg Vinson, who took second place in the 2012 Classic, finished 38th, with 26.9 pounds.

Like many of his Alabama peers, his lone career victory was won in Alabama, at Lake Martin in Alexander City.

Stephen Kennedy, from Auburn, AL, finished 44th with 22.6 pounds in his seventh Classic appearance.

Gerald Swindle, a Warrior, AL native and fan favorite, finished in a disappointing, if not embarrassing 53rd place. Swindle, who has made almost $1.5 million in career earnings and 2004 Angler of the Year, caught only eight pounds worth of fish over three days.

Though all nine anglers did not fare as well as Howell, they certainly represented the State of Alabama well in terms of number. Guntersville businesses also saw increased traffic, as angling fans from across the US flocked to northeast Alabama.

Overall, Alabama came out on top after this year’s Bassmaster Classic.

Planet Weekly's Catrina Kattner works with local businesses to help improve their growth in customers and revenue. For a no-obligation talk with Catrina, please call 205.523.1460. Or send Catrina an email: ckattner@theplanetweekly.com

Robby Shelton

Cory Whitsett

20

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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

>>> HIGH TIDE | G A R Y H A R R I S

DALLAS WARMACK // JUNIOR DAY EASES CONCERNS "I'm really not thinking about any favorites right now," Jennings says. "I'm going to take my time and make a decision that is best for me. I want to evaluate all of the schools recruiting me and see where I fit in best. So it's too early to start thinking about making a list of favorites."

Gary Harris is Sports Director of Tuscaloosa's WVUA-TV.

Dallas Warmack

Dallas Warmack didn't come to Junior Day in Tuscaloosa to learn more about the Alabama program. Warmack, the younger brother of former Tide star offensive guard Chance Warmack, knows just about everything there is to know about Nick Saban's program. But young Warmack, a UA OL commit from AtlantaMays, did have some questions for the Alabama staff.

"I was a little worried, because they signed so many offensive linemen in the 2014 class," says Warmack, who measured 6-2, 306 during his visit.

Other schools, notably Auburn, have tried to play on that concern about UA's 2014 offensive line class in order to scare Warmack away from Alabama.

"After talking to the coaches, I feel better about it," Warmack, a rising senior, says.

"They told me that I will have a chance MILLER BAND toJASON play because of my skill level. They feel rHYTHM & BREWS // AUGUST 3 that I can compete with any of those guys they've signed.

"They just told me not to let any school try to persuade me to not come to Alabama because of the depth chart or how many offensive linemen they signed in the 2014 class.

"Coach Saban told me that a lot of schools will try to convince me to decommit. But he told me that Alabama is recruiting me for who I am as player and as a person, not just because I'm Chance Warmack's little brother. He told me that if I come to Alabama, that I know I will have a chance to play because of the type of player that I am."

Warmack says that just being in Tuscaloosa again solidified his decision.

"It went great," he says. "I felt like I belonged. Fans were everywhere. They wanted me to sign autographs. I just felt like that it's where I'm supposed to be. It ensured that I will stay there.

"I talked with a lot of the players. There were a lot of guys there from the 2014 class, some of them who are already in school. I talked to Cam Robinson and Josh Casher. I talked with the new quarterback, Cornwell. They're all really nice guys. It made me feel better about everything."

Anfernee Jennings

ANFERNEE JENNINGS Shocked and excited by Saban offer When he arrived in Tuscaloosa for UA's Junior Day, Dadeville defensive end/ linebacker Anfernee Jennings wasn't expecting an offer. But the 6-3, 245-pound standout got one.

"Coach Saban sat me down and told me that I've basically had an offer for a year," Jennings says. "He said that I have an opportunity to come play for Alabama.

I was shocked and excited at the same time. It's a great opportunity for me to consider."

Jennings is being recruited as a linebacker and defensive end.

"Coach Saban told me that they love my athleticism and my versatility," Jennings says. "He said that I could play Jack linebacker or defensive end. He said that I had the ability to be good at either position. That's fine with me. I really wouldn't care which one I played. He said that I'd be a good fit for them, because I am athletic. He likes the way I can move."

Overall, Jennings called the Junior Day visit a "great experience."

"I like the coaching staff a lot," he says.

"They have a strong coaching staff. I think their coaching staff is a big reason for the success they have. I think they will have another great season this year.

"I really liked the facilities. Everything is the best. They have the best facilities in the country. The weightroom is really nice.

It's all nice.

"I love the campus, too. It's a really nice campus and the people are friendly.

It was all good for me."

Jennings also has early offers from Arizona State, Arkansas, Louisville, Mississippi State, Nebraska and Vanderbilt, among others.

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MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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>>> T H E F L AT S C R E E N | C A R A B R A K E

"SHAMELESS" // REAL LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS

The purpose of most television shows is to take the viewers away from the real life and allow them to insert themselves into a life that isn’t theirs. There’s one show that refuses, and instead the viewer gets to see life on the other side of the tracks.

"Shameless" is about the Gallaghers and their struggles with living, money, and having to take care of their alcoholic father. The Gallaghers are, in order of age, Fiona, Phillip “Lip” Gallagher, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam. Fiona, the eldest, plays house mom, working odd jobs and taking care of her younger siblings with the help of Ian and Lip. Frank, their alcoholic father, does nothing but cause trouble for his children, costing them more money than he spends on alcohol at the local bar. This slice of life dramedy follows the Gallaghers as they try to piece together their dysfunctional family. The producers keep the same main cast, which allows the viewers to watch the Gallagher children grow up, along with the actors.

The show is more of a drama than a comedy, but it has its witty moments, the humor sarcastic and ironic. Currently in it’s fourth season, barely a few episodes have passed before the show was renewed for a fifth season. Currently up to 5.5 million viewers, it takes the watcher on a darkly funny journey.

It also follows a trend of British television shows being converted into American shows. The original "Shameless" first aired in 2004 on Channel 4 with the same plot and characters. It ended, but not before running for 11 seasons and winning numerous awards, including a British Academy Television Award for best drama series, and a nomination for Best British Drama at the National Television Awards in 2007. Other shows that have been converted are The Office and Skins.

The UK version isn’t the only one the critics love. The pilot episode had a whopping 982,000 viewers when it aired in 2011, rivaling the witty television comedy, "Dead Like Me," which became the next most popular show in 2003. The actors are also widely known and popular, including Emmy Rossum and William H. Macy. Emmy Rossum is most well known for her role as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series. William H. Macy is a well known actor in television shows and movies, and for Shameless he was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama series. "Shameless" was nominated for a GLAAD award in 2012 for Outstanding Drama Series. Other actors include Joan Cusack, and Steve Howey, who is best known for his role in Reba as Van. Other actors include Cameron Monaghan, Emma Kenney, Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Noel Fisher, Emma Greenwell, and Jeremy Allen White.

Currently in its fourth season, "Shameless" airs every Sunday evening on Showtime.

There’s no set time, since there are different channels for Showtime. The show is rated NC-17 for depictions of suicide, graphic violence, nudity, graphic sexual scenes, and language. Viewer discretion is advised.

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>>> HOROSCOPES |

week l y o verv i ew

>>> PUZZLEMAniA |

Sudoku

A group with which you're affiliated could be excited about a course of action that you might not feel is wise now, Taurus. You might inform them of your reservations, but they're probably too charged up to listen. You could begin to have doubts about goals of your own that may be taking a long time to manifest. Hang in there. Sometimes things take longer than you'd like, but success is still in the wind.

Plans for getting together with friends or a romantic partner might have to be postponed because of professional responsibilities that need attention. This could prove upsetting, Gemini, especially since you have to disappoint others, but these things happen. Don't let it get to you. This will have no lasting effect on any of your relationships.

Work hard, get it done, and schedule time for some fun a bit later.

Your health has been glowing over the past few weeks, Cancer, but this week you're likely to feel a little under the weather. This is probably due to nothing more exotic than stress. You've been working hard and concentrating on little else, so your body is now rebelling. You need some rest. Take time off and relax a little, and don't feel guilty about it. Even the President needs alone time occasionally.

You might have planned an exciting evening with friends or your current love interest, but you have to postpone it due to forces beyond your control. This could prove both disappointing and frustrating, Leo, but there won't be much you can do about it.

Just reschedule and plan something else for tonight. Distracting yourself might be the best way to go. See a movie or play on your own.

Upsetting events in the neighborhood might have family members in a funk. This could be something major like construction crews tearing up the streets, or something as minor as a bout of bad weather. No matter, Virgo, it's going to make your lives a bit more difficult for a while, but you'll have to bear with it. In the meantime, try to cheer everyone up by throwing an impromptu party. This always works!

This week you might hear a rather distressing rumor about one or more people you know or perhaps about your working situation.

Don't be surprised if more than one person phones or emails to fill you in on this. However, Libra, this information might not be dependable. It could be based on innuendo or even outright lies.

Try to track down the facts before you make yourself crazy over it.

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

Personal or professional projects you've been working on might be moving a bit more slowly than you're comfortable with, Scorpio. You may wonder if this is because you aren't doing something right. This probably isn't the case. It's no doubt just a normal lag in the energy, which should pick up again tomorrow. Keep at it, get done what you have to, and don't make yourself crazy over it. Go with the flow.

This week you might feel stifled by your current situation. Perhaps you're thinking of changing jobs or professions, or maybe you're considering moving to a more exotic place. These all might be good ideas, Sagittarius, but today isn't the day to make any definite decisions or even consider your options. You aren't in an objective frame of mind. Wait a few days and then think about this some more.

You might change your mind.

Attempts to master a new computer program or other form of high-tech equipment could seem to be going nowhere, Capricorn.

You might tend to doubt your ability and thus feel very frustrated.

However, keep at it. You aren't beyond all help! Nothing more than a little focus, concentration, and dogged persistence is required. It might also pay to ask someone's help who knows more about it.

The rapid level of growth that you've probably been experiencing could suddenly prove too much for you this week, Aquarius. You might need to take a little breather to grasp what's happening in your life. New friends, new knowledge, and new opportunities have appeared in profusion, but you could still be feeling a bit down, wondering if you can handle it all.

Don't fight these feelings; work through them instead. You'll be better off for it The energy that has propelled you forward for the past several weeks might seem to lag a bit, causing you momentary panic that your progress won't continue. As a result, you could be feeling a bit blue.

Don't fall into this trap, Pisces. The pace has been so fast that it had to slow down sometime. It will pick up again, and you'll have had time to catch your breath. Hang in there!

This week you might experience a slight (and very temporary) dark night of the soul, Aries. You could take a long look at your life and, even though you're doing well, still feel that you aren't yet where you want to be.

Spiritually, you might doubt the traditional views you've questioned and still wonder about new concepts you've adopted. Try to distract yourself through reading or perhaps a movie. This feeling will pass by soon.

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MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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

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Across movie 1. Bye-bye, in Brighton 4. Winter wear 5. Alabama city 5. Scoreboard letters at a Cardinals game 10. Curl of smoke 6. Schubert's "The ___ KIng" 14. Later, to the Bard 7. Cambodian neighbor 15. Actress Lords or Bingham 8. 1250, in old Rome 16. Eight: Comb. form 9. Japanese self-defense method 17. Key in the top row of a computer 10. Routine keyboard 11. More slippery, as winter roads 19. Sea inlets 12. Maze entrance word 20. Anne of "Archie Bunker's Place" 13. Rustlers' chasers 21. Macs 18. Intertwines 23. Flexible, as an electrical outlet 22. Terse to the point of 26. 1980s Salvadoran leader rudeness 27. A for Pete Rose; F for a disk jockey 24. European freshwater fish 32. Mo. without a holiday 25. Decorative necktie 33. Milan opera house, with "La" 27. ___ Ullah, Persian religious leader 34. Bulletin board pins 28. Felt regret 38. Mint, sage or basil 29. Shrek, say 40. Sins 30. Omit in speech 42. Designer Saint Laurent 31. Dieter's unit: Var. 43. "Let's Make ___!"

35. Claudius's 107 45. One way to enlarge a family 36. Actor Holliday 47. Cozy place to stay 37. IDs sought by phishers 48. International communities with shared 39. Steel helmets interests 41. Org. that safeguards pets 51. Detach 44. Swedish diva Jenny 54. George W. Bush's alma mater 46. Diacritical mark 55. Event-planner's backup time 49. Does figure eights, e.g.

58. Condemns 50. Ad to lure you in 62. Memorandum opener 51. Dickens' Heep 63. "Voices Carry" pop group 52. 1930's vice president John ___ 66. Room to swing ___ Garner 67. Fix firmly 53. Italian coins replaced by euros 68. Intuitive feelings 56. Duration 69. Gas company famous for its toy trucks 57. North Sea tributary 70. Take care of, as duties 59. Retailer's goods: Abbr.

71. Musical marking 60. Siestas 61. Method (abbr.)

Down 64. Asian New Year 1. Isl. south of Australia 65. Japanes 2. Suffix with clear or perform SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA 3. When said three times, a 1970 war CROSSWORD ON PAGE 27

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>>> A DV I C E | J U S T A S K

SIMONE says...

Q: Simone, I’m writing because I’ve become emotionally desperate about something that occurred in my life several years ago, but I can’t seem to let it go.

In fact, I play the scenario over and over in my mind and have only become more obsessed. I dated — then moved in with — a boyfriend about six years ago. Truth is I was kind of surprised when he began flirting with me and then became my boyfriend. I don’t think I really felt good enough for him (I know that sounds pathetic) and was always suspicious that he was messing around. Eventually, my suspicions became a reality about three Train years into the relationship (I think he’d cheated on me long before that) when he left me and moved in with my socalled best friend! To say I was hurt would be the understatement of the year. I wanted revenge!

I know I’ve long had feelings of inferiority and have a tendency to try to be like other people who I deem to be cooler than me. I even did this with my “best friend”. Even so, how could they do that to me? They are, by the way, still together three years later, which just makes the pain worse. I don’t think anything has ever wounded me so deeply, and I can’t seem to get over it. I felt so humiliated, so foolish.

Help.

Signed, “Dumped...”

A: Dear “Dumped...”, First, let me acknowledge and validate your pain. You were seemingly betrayed by the two people closest to you. I want you to note the word “seemingly” in my previous sentence; I will return to that momentarily. Let me first focus in on an important hint you

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

dropped when you described yourself as feeling “inferior”. There is an old saying that floats around the fields of treatment and recovery, especially relating to issues of co-dependency: “There are no victims, only volunteers.”

Now that would not apply, of course, to children or victims of violence of any kind. But it does apply to emotional scenarios into which adults voluntarily enter and then feel wounded and victimized.

It applies because as we move forward in our lives we carry with us the messages we’ve internalized from the experiences dealt us in the hand of cards called life. When we filter these messages through the nature of our personalities, we form a set of beliefs and thoughts that dictate how we view ourselves and others. It’s sort of like we attract a set of actors in a play, acting out the parts according to our personal (sometimes unconscious) script.

So if you felt inferior and unworthy, expecting him to ultimately cheat on you or leave you, it was most likely only a matter of time until he did. And the person to whom you refer as your former best friend was perhaps someone not worthy of the trust you put in her. But if you have been undervaluing yourself, your judgement and boundaries regarding even those you call friends has undoubtedly been weak.

Yet understand — my words are not meant to place guilt or blame upon you, but, instead, to empower you. For if you can realize that you are attracting people and circumstances into your life which reflect that which you believe, it means you are not a victim. In fact, you are in charge of that drama.

Change the script if you are done with those scenes. “What?” you say. How am I supposed to do that? And the answer is that it is sometimes difficult but always doable.

Start with the doubt and negativity you hold about yourself. Can you identify the source(s)? If you struggle to identify these on your own, a good therapist can be of great assistance.

Once you’ve gotten in touch with the source of your self-doubt and related self-sabotage, begin the empowering process of redefining and affirming who you are and what new, improved experiences you now choose.

I offer up a salute to the newly validated, newly discovered you and the writing of a whole, new script.

Signed, Simone

Flo Rida

©2014 Simone Says-Advice.

If you have a question for Simone, email simonesays. advice@gmail.com.IdentIties to queries are held in confidence. We reserve the right to edit the text.

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

MARCH 6 + MARCH 20

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>>> RED CLAY DIARY | J I M R E E D

HOW TO RECHARGE A BOOK OVERNIGHT // A T-TOWN MEMORY

I’m beneath my mother’s old quilt, flashlight pillow-propped and back-up D-cell batteries at hand, so that I can read into the post-curfew night without interruption. The book I am absorbing is THE MOON POOL by Abraham Merritt, and it has already captured me by inspiring the first full-color dreams of my subteen life, here in the ‘burbs of old Tuscaloosa in the 1950′s.

A. Merritt is good, very good, at making me suspend day-today logic and supplant it with the newly-formed logic of science fantasy. He’s taking me by ship to ancient South Sea islands and en route injecting those wonderful dreams into my imagination.

Part of me, obscured beneath the limp pieced fabrics, part of me KNOWS things like this can’t really happen in the textured surfaces and cold interiors of everyday life; but another part of me, free-falling with the book’s characters into a bottomless cave pit, part of me KNOWS that reality is just another way of living life. I know early on that I can live my life on many levels at once, and that reality is just one way of getting through the day. This is my nighttime reality—the supercharged but harmless-appearing book that I hold in my young hands.

Abraham Merritt, under his pen name, A. Merritt, beckons me to a world into which I can utterly lose myself, but, strangely and paradoxically, a world from which I can escape at will, simply by CLOSING THE BOOK—which gives me time to catch my breath and ponder the activities therein.

Passages like this keep me turning the pages, night after night: "The tinkling music was louder still. It pierced the ears with a shower of tiny lances; it made the heart beat jubilantly—and checked it dolorously. It closed the throat with a throb of rapture and gripped it tight with the hand of infinite sorrow!

"Came to me now a murmuring cry, stilling the crystal notes. It was articulate—but as though from something utterly foreign to this world. The ear took the cry and translated it with conscious labour into the sounds of earth. And even as it compassed, the brain shrank from it irresistiblly, and simultaneously it seemed reached toward it with irresistible eagerness…"

This pulp fiction tome and others of its time stretched my vocabulary, multiplied my ideas, focused my desire to tell my own tales someday, maybe in PLANET WEEKLY. It made me aware of how harmless little marks called alphabet and numbers could act as magic wands, spewing forth images and abstractions that in no way existed if you blinked and stared at them one by one. How remarkable, that tiny black and white symbols could metamorphose into microscopic and macroscopic essences without ever leaving the pages!

Hiding under my mother’s quilt, reading the words of A. Merritt and hundreds of other writers, I educated myself—or, rather, I allowed the constant imaginings of others to educate me— about the possibilities of life and storytelling.

And I never for a second forgot that each symbol, each word, each sentence, thought, paragraph, chapter, each book, came out of practically nothing—just marks on pages.

Thinking about this through the years makes me realize even today that I make up my own existence, I interpret each symbol in my own way, I myself am in charge of whether I am happy, frightened, sad, ecstatic, critical, mad.

Reading a wonderful book was and is like splattering my face with ice water, awakening me to the plain fact at hand—the fact that, no matter how I’d like to blame the cosmos for my problems, I myself am responsible for the outcome. I can slam the book shut any moment, or I can peek at its contents a bit at a time till all is digestible and accepted.

And I can re-charge any book, re-read any book, any time I choose. All it takes is an old quilt, a flashlight, and a willingness to drop out of this reality for a brief excursion to SOMETIME ELSE

©2014 by Jim Reed

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>>> MUSIC | trey brooks

THE AMP GOES CLASSIC ROCK // 60s, 70s ROCK HEROES

Snoop Lion

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIA SUDOKO PAGE 23

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIA CROSSWORD PAGE 24

@TreyBrooks88

One of the fastest growing radio formats throughout the early 2000s was classic rock. The umbrella term covered psychedelic, punk, folk, hard, heavy metal, progressive and alternative artists from the 60s, 70s and 80s (and later, the 90s).

The format’s growth was due to several factors, mainly the growth of cable television that introduced older bands to younger audiences, and the rise of groups such as the White Stripes who took influence from 70s era rock. Classic rock highlighted the works of such acclaimed artists as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Who, Pink Floyd and other members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, it also reintroduced such forgotten bands as Jethro Tull, Free, Bad Company, Mountain and many others who ruled AM radio. As the decade turned, the format fell behind as rock failed to gain new steam going forward. However, in its heyday, classic rock helped spawn reunion tour after reunion tour, and gave new life to old artists.

This spring, classic rock will invade Tuscaloosa in full force. Two major shows will feature four artists who ruled classic rock radio. First on May 29th, Styx and Foreigner will play together, joined by former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. Then on July 18th, Peter Frampton joins the Doobie Brothers for a show at the Amp. All four were vastly successful throughout out the 70s and into the 80s. Thanks to classic rock radio, they have also gained new fans in younger generations.

The journeys of these bands each tell wonderful stories. Styx, with Dennis DeYoung’s vocals and Tommy Shaw’s guitar, toed the line between ambitious stories, beautiful ballads and driving rock songs. In fighting destroyed the band in the 80’s, and the new group doesn’t include DeYoung, but still delivers the high-energy stage show the original group was known for. Their tour-mates Foreigner also know the feeling of a breakup due to infighting. After their first two albums, Foreigner was on pace to be one of the greatest selling artists of all-time. However, the quick fame and fighting after the ballad “I Wanna Know What Love Is” sent the group in a softer direction, Foreigner broke up at the height of their popularity. Still, they are recognized by many hard rock and heavy metal bands as creating some of the best hard radio hits of AM era. Together, these bands produced countless hits. It will surely be special to hear “Juke Box Hero” and “Renegade” in the same show.

None of these groups has changed members like the Doobie Brothers have. No two albums ever featured the exact same lineup. However, the constant change kept the material varied, giving the Doobies some of the greatest variety among 70’s rock heavyweights. “China Grove”, “Black Water”, “Listen to the Music” and “Jesus Is Just Alright” were just some of their many radio hits. Peter Frampton Comes Alive! was one of the hallmark albums of the 70s. Frampton was a guitar virtuoso, even using it to talk, and created a monster with his debut album. Though his run of hits was shortlived, he is still known for his ability on guitar.

Classic rock helped reignite the careers of many artists. Seeing these bands come to Tuscaloosa is a tremendous opportunity to relive some of the best music from the 70s and 80s. Moreover, it puts T-Town in the middle of a movement that hopefully will continue despite rock’s absence from top 40 radio as of recent. For now, locals can relive some incredible moments when these four bands come to town.

Both shows are bound to deliver.

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