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NEWS

CIVIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS SOUGHT 2015 Veterans Event Coming, Display Space Available

The Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame is currently accepting nominations for the 2015 class of honorees. Coordinated and sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the deadline for nominations is June 1, 2015. We are seeking to honor “civic giants” that have made an impact on the quality, livability and economic progress of our community. Any organization, business, or individual citizen is encouraged to submit a nomination. Nominations must be submitted on the official form available at The Chamber office, located at 2201 Jack Warner Parkway in Tuscaloosa, or online at tuscaloosachamber. com.

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

Our 2015 Veterans Appreciation Event will be Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Ferguson Center Main Ballroom. This will include complimentary food and beverages as well as room for over 100 company/ organization displays. Let's show our area veterans a great time and increase their exposure to a "veteran-friendly" Chamber membership. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Warrior Ranch Training Center; gold sponsors, University of Alabama Continuing Studies, Alabama Central Credit Union, Realty Executives and Peco Foods; and silver sponsors Bill Poole, Jackson Security Services and Premier Service Company. For more info or to reserve space for a display, contact Al Spencer at 391-0329.

Attendees will learn to: · Keep those email conversations organized and easy to locate using the Show As Conversations feature. · Ignore a conversation the professional way. The Ignore feature will lighten the load in your Inbox. · Stop taking multiple steps on an email. Use Quick Steps and perform multiple steps in one click. You will learn what they are and how to set them up. · Stop all that manual labor. Let Rules do some of the lifting. (Rules rule!) Rules can automate how incoming emails are handled. · Use the Tasks feature to manage your daily tasks, assign tasks to others and monitor their progress. Class will be at the Chamber on Thursday, Apr. 9. Seats will fill quickly. Reservations are required. Cost is $50/person, lunch included. 11a.m.-1:30 p.m. Email Stacey@ tuscaloosachamber.com today!

Lunch N Learn: Get Microsoft Outlook Time-Saving Features Training It's time to take control of your Inbox! You could potentially save up to an hour a day!

Registered for 2015 Montgomery Drive-In? Registration is open for the Chamber's 2015 Montgomery Drive-In presented by

Shelton State Community College. We will travel to the state capitol on the morning of Apr. 14 and return on the afternoon of the 15. During our visit, we will meet with our elected officials, including lunch with Governor Bentley. We will have the opportunity to discuss issues facing West Alabama with our legislative delegation and network with fellow Chamber members and other community leaders. The registration fee is $225, which includes transportation, meals, etc. We have reserved a limited number of rooms at a discounted price at the Renaissance Montgomery but reservations will be the responsibility of the participant and cost is not included in the registration fee. For more info or a registration form (which includes hotel info), contact Stacey Gann at 391-0559 or stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com. The Montgomery Drive-In is sponsored in part by Alabama Power Company, The University of Alabama, TTL, Inc., D.T. & Freight Co., Inc., Merrill Lynch & Southland Benefit Solutions.

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inside

>>> planetweeklyissue481

STORIES 4 WORKING TOWARD CLEAN WATER // PRESTON THOMPSON AND WM. BARSHOP

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 A CHANGE IN DIRECTION // GARY DAVIS Anthony Grant not retained

Activists take action

6 PHISH COMING TO T-TOWN // TREY BROOKS Big season ahead at the Amphitheater PUBLISHER

LIN DA W. JOHNSON

MANAGING EDITOR BE R T PAULS EN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR W ILLIAM BAR SHOP

COVER DESIGN

LAU R A LIN E B E R R Y

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K E NN E T H C R O W NO V E R

EVENTS

W ILLIAM B A R S H OP

ROAD TRIP

T R E Y B R OOK S

RESTAURANT GUIDE DOC FRANKENSTEIN

PRODUCTION HERB NEU

IMAGES

Images: Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

ADVERTISING MA R T Y R OBERSON 205.523.4 668 HE R B NE U 205.765.8 007

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS R E G G I E ALL E N W ILLIAM B A R S H OP K AITLY N B LOUNT c a r a br a ke T R E Y B R OO K S J o rd a n c i s s e l l G A R Y H A R R IS CIN DY H U G G INS J IM R E E D BRETT REID j o n r o ger s VAN R O B E R TS R AC H E L ST E IN E R P R E STON T H OMPSON

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Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 2015 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark. Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than four copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft. The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

7 four people i met in selma // reggie allen A walk across the bridge

13 BODY CLEANSING // DR. RACHEL STEINER A personal experience

14 CARRIE & LOWELL // WILLIAM

BARSHOP

A tender eulogy from Sufjan Stevens

22 FOSTER & BATEMAN // STEPHEN SMITH Two players to watch in 2015

entertainment 10-12

RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER

THE FLAT SCREEN

MOVIE REVIEW

16-17

FEATURE 12 3 FOODIE FAVORITES // CINDY HUGGINS

LOCAL Events Calendar

Road Trip

LOCAL music

PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON

HOROSCOPE

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MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

>>> N E W S | P R E S T O N T H O M P S O N / W I L L I A M B A R S H O P

ALABAMA WORKS TOWARDS CLEANER WATER // ACTIVISTS TAKE ACTION

What happened in Kingston, Tenn. concerns Alabamians about potential coal ash catastrophes. Photo credit: Samuel M. Simpkins/The Tennessean

“

hen a catastrophic spill of coal ash plagued Kingston, Tenn. and Swan Pond, the toxic grey sludge recovered from the site had to go somewhere. It was shipped southward by train car, to Alabama, specifically Uniontown. “I was one of the ones who took samples both in Tennessee and in Uniontown and found arsenic in the coal ash,” said John Wathen, the Hurricane Creek Keeper and well-known environmental activist. “Massive amounts of it. They were pumping it right out into the roadside ditches in front of people’s homes. I got arsenic that was so many magnitudes above lethal in a ditch in front of people’s homes, that it was really scary. A man’s horse died that came in contact with this stuff.” At a January meeting of the University of Alabama Environmental Council, Wathen described the careless disposal he witnessed when the sludge arrived in Uniontown. He said the treatment came in stark contrast to the precautions taken in Tennessee. Painting: Kathy Hiers “The community that it came out of

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in Swan Pond was a very affluent, white community,” Wathen said. “It was treated like a hazardous waste there. They weren’t allowed to use backpack blowers within 100 yards of the fence line of the plant because none of this stuff could become airborne.” He said the train cars were lined with foam pieces to lock in any leaking water, but when the waste arrived it was wrapped in what they call “burrito bags. “Big train-sized garbage bags is all they were,” Wathen said. “When they pulled them into the they took track hoses and just dug this stuff out and you can see them dumping it into creeks. The runoff was so grey that you could see it from the airplane 3000 feet away. You knew exactly what they were doing.” But why would Alabamians be exposed to dangerous chemicals when the community in Tennessee was so meticulously protected? Wathen said “Because the poor black folks have no political value,” Wathen said. “They have no money. They grow their own food.”

Fishermen by the Gorgas Steam Plant's coal ash impoundment outfall, which discharges tens of millions of gallons of contaminated wastewater into the Mulberry Fork daily. Photo by Nelson Brooke. Uniontown has previously spoken up about improper sewage treatment that had illegal amounts of raw sewage leaking into Freetown Creek, a body of water used

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for swimming and fishing. “People in Uniontown have been dealing with the stench and the smell of inadequately handled sewage for a long time,”

said Nelson Brooke, the Black Warrior Riverkeeper in a documentary by Carlos Estrada called “Down the Drain,” depicting the water issues in Uniontown. “This environmental injustice is crazy,” said Esther Calhoun, president of the Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health and Justice. “I can’t believe it’s happening.” The Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA) has also spoken up about the Shepherd Bend Mine, a coal mine located on land owned by the University of Alabama, and its possible effect on Birmingham, Ala.’s drinking water. “There’s about nine miles of the Black Warrior River that’s classified as public drinking water, and there’s coal mines all around this area,” said Adam Johnston of the ARA at the same environmental council meeting. “And of course every bit of study and literature will tell you that coal mining does affect downstream surface water.” The ARA recommended that Birmingham Citizen’s Advisory Board pass a resolution to urge the Alabama Board of Trustee’s to prevent the mine from polluting the drinking water supply. “Not only chemicals and heavy metals but also sediment,” Johnston said. “And that creates higher costs for the treatment company, and guess who they pass that buck to? Not the industry, but the customer. When companies are allowed to dirty our water, and the treatment plant has to up their cost, they pass that cost onto us. That’s not fair is it?” The ARA first came to fruition in September, 1996, when the board of directors held their first meeting to develop a plan of action. Almost 20 years later, the ARA has four full time staff members, and an annual budget of $300,000. The organization’s mission statement rounds out with the daunting task of helping to develop a “healthy system of government for the state of Alabama.” Cue their next legislative agenda. In 2012, Governor Bentley called upon the state agencies to develop a water management plan in the coming years. ARA is doing its part, as a privately funded agency, to move the state forward. “Alabama’s river community recognizes the important role of the Alabama legislature in the protection of our waterways for future generations,” said Mitch Reid, the program director and registered lobbyist for the ARA. Reid will be bringing three priorities to Alabama’s elected officials this legislative season. Priority 1: Dam Safety Alabama utilizes a system of 2,200 dams statewide, that each provide their own advantages and challenges. The

advantages are clear: a non-fossil fuel energy source that could last for decades while remaining easily manageable. What may not be as clear are the threats that dams pose to river life in Alabama. The ARA is mainly concerned with how dams affect downstream communities. Put simply, while a dam can serve as a source for electricity, many of Alabama’s river dwelling species rely on a steady water table and the ability to move up and down stream. Dams have a tendency to interfere with both of these elements of the ecosystem. To help bring the right legislation to the state, the ARA will work in conjunction with The American Society of Civil Engineers and the Association of Dam Safety Officials. Priority 2: Fisher’s Rights This issue presents itself after a rough 2014, a year in which the Alabama Department of Public Health was forced to issue a warning for 75 water bodies in Alabama in terms of fish consumption. With Alabama being one of the most prominent subsistence fishing states in the country, it’s no surprise this made the ARA’s list. The legislative action on the table seeks to improve not only the aforementioned bodies of water, but also the task of notifying the public of the risk, or lack thereof, in consuming Alabama fish. Priority 3: Open Government The ideas and goals of the ARA here are not unlike many other federal and state organizations. They seek transparency in government dealings, when it comes to the water in Alabama. No more closed door meetings, no more secret agendas. With this resolution comes greater public access, which in the eyes of the ARA could lead to a wellinformed public. Although it’s not listed as a priority by the ARA, the EPA (environmental protection agency) has recently taken steps to reduce and weaken the runoff of coal combustion residuals into water systems. On December 19th, 2014, head of the EPA Gina McCarthy signed the Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) from Electric Utilities final rule. After months of work to make the rule as effective as possible, with one of the fiercest regulations concerning the leaking of CCR landfills into groundwater systems. The introduction of the issue to the EPA was in 2008, when a large coal ash spill occurred at a Tennessee Valley Authority plant in Kingston, TN. The catastrophic failure of the plant to control the CCR resulted in the flooding of 300 acres, including a coal runoff into the Emory and Clinch rivers. Homes were destroyed as the entire communities landscape was changed in an instant. The TVA’s popular Watts

Bar Reservoir was also greatly affected by the spill, causing property values of the lakefront to plummet. After years of deliberation, the nation will finally see the results of the EPA’s work in their new ruling. But not all in Washington are on the same page. West Virginia Republican David McKinley was first charged with working with the EPA as a congressman to help them craft a suitable bill. Now as the bill is almost law, McKinley is starting to have second thoughts. The Energy and Commerce committee within the House of Representatives will hear McKinley’s proposal this week, which will ultimately ask the EPA to step back on some of its regulations. McKinley is seen by his fellow republicans as promoting free business practices, whereas the EPA is trying to avoid a tragedy like Kingston, Tenn. in 2008. And while McKinley still encourages environmental control on the state level, it’s important to not overlook a few things. Make that a few hundred thousand things. According to Maplight, Rep. Mckinley has received $263,928 of campaign money from the coal mining and electric power industries. He is second to only speaker of the house John Boehner ($529,117) in that category. While that quarter-million sum may not break the bank for any political campaign, it still manages to be 18 times higher than the average congressional representative gets from the same industry. McKinley still won’t propose utter environmental anarchy, but his fight against federal interference seems to be coming from multiple places. If McKinley were to succeed in his endeavor, then the state of Alabama would be solely responsible for the maintenance of its CCR deposits. Currently, three Alabama Power plants have coal ash facilities in the Black Warrior Basin: Gorgas Steam Plant, Miller Steam Plant, and the Greene County Steam Plant. The closest plants to Tuscaloosa are the Gorgas and Miller plants, both of whom would overflow into the Black Warrior River should such a catastrophic event occur. While the EPA’s rulings may impose harsh rulings, a possible future of negligence will only put us closer to a Kingston disaster that could alter many of west Alabama’s communities. The three priorities will go before the

Alabama state congress this legislative season, but the war against pollution is also being fought with elbow grease as volunteers tackle the lake cleanup on April 11th. At the seventh annual Lake Tuscaloosa Cleanup Day, the city will host another team with the goal to make the recreation spot and water source more hospitable to Tuscaloosans. The 5,885 acre lake is able to single handedly provide Tuscaloosa with drinking and industrial water from its massive 40 million gallons. In 2014, 524 volunteers met at the Binion Creek boat landing to help make sure those 40 million gallons can reach their full potential. According to a report from Alabama Department of Environmental Management in 2003, the state’s 553 trillion gallons of reservoir could be enough to provide residents with quality water for multiple millennia. However, 12 years later Alabama is on the back end of some of the worst droughts in the state’s history. In 2011, Birmingham experienced its second worst drought since 1900 (just shy of than the drought of 1989). Until recently, groundwater use wasn’t a problem for the heart of Dixieland, but now the water drawn has grown in excess of the recharge rates. In other words, more is going out than coming in. And although it’s far from home, the rising of saltwater water tables along the Alabama coast could intrude on some of the state’s larger groundwater tables, making the preservation of Lake Tuscaloosa all the more crucial. To add more to the case for cleanup, a study from the Journal of the American Water Resources Association noted that even without imminent climate change, Alabama’s fast growing population could lead to water consumption problems as soon as 2050. Add in the inevitable changing climate, and it’s no wonder the ARA are taking charge with Lake Tuscaloosa. It’s clear that while Georgia and Florida engage in their Water Wars, the state of Alabama is taking part in a war of it’s own. To support the ARA in their fight for clean water, you can attend the April 11 cleanup, or visit their website at alabamarivers.org.

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MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

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

>>> M U S I C | T R E Y B R O O K S

FROM DOWNTOWN // PHISH COMES TO THE TO DOGTOWN TUSCALOOSA AMP // BIG SEASON AHEAD

ne night I find myself atop a mountain in Dogtown, south of Fort Payne, north of Collinsville, watching a clear cool sky and feeling the wideness of the open spaces around me. Just east of where I am standing, the red planet Mars is appearing on the horizon, and to the west the diamond-bright planet Venus is about to be occluded by the trees below. It is a night to take a deep breath and wonder why you can see so many more stars on this mountain, stars that you can’t see in Downtown Birmingham. Years ago, when Reed Books was located within the Wooster Lofts on First Avenue North, I would climb four flights of stairs above my bookloft at night to gaze at the city–Vulcan would wave from afar, aircraft would whoosh past to land—then leave—the airport, lone walkers would dodge the occasional automobile on the streets below. Above, the moon would moon me, a meteor would give me an instant razz, and I could see a bright star or steady planet cruising on by. Anyhow, back to this night, where my mind is right now. I’ve come to this mountain, two hours from Birmingham, to speak to a gathering of volunteer chaplains who make sure that hospital patients are not alone spiritually when they don’t want to be. Inside the restaurant—much warmer than the outside mountain air—I find folks who are relaxed and happy about where they live and what they do, in Dekalb and Cherokee Counties. They are close to Mentone and Chattanooga, not too far from Birmingham, but far enough away to feel like country folks when they need to. It’s clear to me, a couple of hours later, as I hurtle back towards Downtown Birmingham, that most of us find a way to have some peace and quiet amid the hustle and smoke and sounds of the city. Folks back in Dogtown can go to peopleladen places whenever they need a break from solitude…folks in Downtown Birmingham can find solitude when they’re done

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with crowds. In Downtown, I see loners finding occasional solitude in their idling cars, in pocket parks, within their earphones, behind their closed-lidded eyes, inside a restroom or in a stock room, on a streetside bench, in a quiet loft room, on the back pew of an empty church. I notice people who, even in a crowd, can find solitude for a moment—at a symphony concert, in the corner at a cocktail party, inside a book huddling in an alcove. So, Dogtown and Downtown are just names we give places. In each place, people can find what they need if they use a bit of imagination. Back in Birmingham the next day, as I leave work, I walk onto the parking deck adjacent to the century-old building that houses Reed Books Antiques/The Museum of Fond Memories. It is nearly dark and the sunset is spectacular in the middle of the city. To the west, I can see First Avenue South running straight toward the sun. To the north, the truncated skyscraper we used to call the Daniel Building shows evidence that some employees haven’t fled yet—perhaps they’re taking in a bit of solitude before fighting the traffic. To the east, Mars is struggling to be seen again, and a solitary aircraft dips towards the landing strip. I breathe deeply, realizing that, whether it’s Dogtown or Downtown, I can always find a sky and an interlude just when I need it most Jim's final sentence of his diary never ends with a period. He has his reasons. So please don't be the umpteenth person to tell the editor that he forgot a period. This is the way Jim has done it for decades and it's just fine with us. ©2015 by Jim Reed

hat is shaping up to be quite a season in 2015 for the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre got a big boost with the announcement that touring legends Phish will perform on August 2nd at the venue by the river. Since the band reunited in 2009, they have been on a breakneck touring schedule that rarely gives them time off for things other than recording. Despite limited radio success, the band has managed to headline major music festivals and sell out venues like Madison Square Garden. Now, they bring one of the most engaging live experiences in music to Tuscaloosa. Phish are, without a doubt, the quintessential jam band. The term was practically invented for them. While groups like the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band are recognized as laying the foundation for the scene, Phish are the gold standard by which most jam bands are judged. As the hippie scene merged with the alternative college scene in the early 1990’s, they were at the forefront along with Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band and Blues Traveler. They’re entire career has been composed of relentless touring. Even when the band went on hiatus, the four members were involved in various projects that kept them on the road most of the year as well. The beginnings of Phish go back to the University of Vermont in 1984 when Trey Anastasio, Mike Gordon, Page McConnell and John Fishman began playing together at fraternity parties and other social gatherings. They became a regional act in the northeast through tape sharing, a practice they still allow at live shows. They began to draw larger audiences after a series of shows in Colorado in 1988, the live recording of which is one of their most well received efforts. By the 1990’s, they were signed to Electra Records and released a string of gold

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albums such as Picture of Nectar, Hoist, and Billy Breathes. They also changed how major music festivals were viewed at the time, going from touring acts to single-weekend events and proving that one band can carry a festival. Outing such as Clifford Ball and Big Cypress provided some of the 90’s best moments for the jam band scene. One of the main things that separated Phish from earlier improvisational groups was the broad range of their influences. While the Dead and Allmans certainly influenced the group, acts like Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, David Bowie (whom they named a song after), The Band and Traffic have made waves on the band’s sound. Phish also popularized the use of funk in jam band music. Groups like the Talking Heads and Parliament-Funkadelic were very influential to the band. Phish also sought influence among bands of their time. Collaborations with peers such as Alison Krauss and Bela Fleck show their appreciation for the present as well as the past. The sheer volume of influences has led to a diverse sound that travels back in forth, sometimes in the same song. Many jam bands to this day employ a vast array of sounds, and the genre defined FridayisFeb 27th by having no real defining sound, but instead Velcro Pygmies defined by the unpredictability of live performances. Saturday Feb 28th Phish have not visited Alabama too Mojo Trio often. Just recently, they began going back to Birmingham, and have Wednesday Mareven 4th put on a few shows at the Wharf in Orange Karaoke Beach. But by coming Tuscaloosa, w/DJtoProtoJ they are returning to their roots of performing for college crowds a true Thursday Mar in 5th college town. It’s been a long journey Karaoke for the four from Vermont. However, this w/DJ ProtoJ recent run has seen them as inspired as ever. Hopefully, their performance will reflect that.

>>> HISTORY | R E G G I E A L L E N

FOUR PEOPLE I MET IN SELMA // A WALK ACROSS THE EDMUND PETTUS BRIDGE

arch marked the 50-year Anniversary of the Bloody Sunday march across the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge. The bridge-crossing jubilee takes place every March, commemorating the historic milestone in 1965. I was lucky enough to be among the 80,000 people who shared in this momentous occasion. While there, I got the chance to speak with some inspiring people from different walks of life. One that stood out was Tomika Rayford. Rayford not only believes in the history of Selma, she was part of it. She was part of the Selma High School graduating class of 1990. Though Rayford now resides in Memphis, she will always be a Selma girl. But it was not until an outing with friends, that she realized just how uneducated people were in the history of the small town. Not too long ago, Rayford and six friends Tomika Rayford decided to have a girls’ night out. They went to see “Selma,” a historical drama inspired by the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. Then Rayford and company went to dinner and discussed the film. But for Rayford, it was more a discussion of historical clarification. “What I found really profound was that the people I went with thought that Dr. [Martin Luther] King was in the Bloody Sunday march, the one that happened before the Selma to Montgomery march. I realized, at that moment during our conversation, just how little the world knows about the historical impact of Selma. “With the events surrounding the Civil Rights movement, I grew up learning the facts about it. It’s really become second nature to me, but it is kind of a shock to my system to go outside of the demographic and realize that there is very little knowledge in the world about the significance and impact of this small town, and the civil rights

that are taken for granted in the world.” “Selma is home to me,” Rayford said. ”This is the place that I call home. I have a house in another city, but this is the place that raised me." In a town that was in the forefront for voter equality, Rayford feels more than fortunate to have the right to vote. For a Selma native, voting eligibility was almost as equally coveted as receiving one's driver’s license. “In 1990, while I was in school, it was one of those things that you anticipated,” Rayford said. “You wanted to turn 18. You were ready to have that right in your hands.” While the march celebrates its 50year anniversary, Rayford said the world is constantly progressing and regressing. Selma was just one milestone. I think we are always moving forward,” Rayford said. “But how far we’re moving is really dependent on the people and where you live." While voter equality has grown significantly since the Civil Rights area, there are still laws that have been put into effect that can restrict potential voters. Rayford believes that this will cause the country to regress, rather than move forward. Clarence Wilson sat outside of the Sweet Advantages Ice Cream Shop on his recliner. While the line to the shop extended out the door, he faced the Edmund Pettus Bridge, taking a bite out of his ice cream cone. This will be his twentieth time visiting Selma to participate in the bridge-crossing jubilee. Wilson had heard about the annual event in his younger days in Philadelphia. Some of his closest friends told him about their annual pilgrimages to the South; he’s been coming ever since. Crossing the bridge was a feeling that he could not articulate, other than the feeling of being a citizen—a person willing to contribute Clarence Wilson to society.

“We are losing our history,” Wilson said. “So many things go into these events. If you get insight, you will appreciate it." This is an insight that he plans on passing on to his offspring. Since 1998, his two children have joined him in his walk. They stand by his side, watching the live pre-march sermon being telecast from Brown Chapel African American Methodist Episcopal Church on the projection screens from afar. Like her other order of the Eastern Star sisters, Roseland Guyton is dressed in all white. At 69, she has seen it all. While her sisters congregate with one another, she enjoys a spot in the shade, waiting for the march to begin. She is proud of this year’s turnout. “First, people are coming together 'cause you can tell many people are coming down,” Guyton said. She has been voting since the young age of 21, and now works at the polls in

Ethelsville, Alabama as a means to encourage others to do the same. LaBorn Brown, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, joined his family for the first time in Selma. Brown is perched on a railing, alone, while the Freemasons around him converse. His father is one; he is not. While excited, he also expressed a certain amount of melancholy. As a millennial marching across the bridge, he felt more like a tourist than a participant. “It’s one thing to be here,” Brown said. “But it is another thing to live it.” Brown was referring to the original 600 foot soldiers, led by John Lewis, that crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge to be turned around by state troopers. Those that refused were beaten or shot with tear gas. “I’m just really fortunate,” Brown said, reflecting on all that had come before.

Roseland Guyton

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LaBorn Brown

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

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

Sat 28 – PINK BOX BURLESQUE! Thu 2 – Secret meals for the hungry Fri 3 – Looksy with Ferguson and the Copper dogs Sat 4 – Obscured by Echos with The Lagoons! Fri 10 – Sons of Janis Score 2 Settle Arts show Sat 11 – Moose Kick with Tree Tops. Thu 16 – Underwear Comedy Night! Thu 24 – The Kinky Aphrodesiacs w/The Blackwater Thieves Sat 25 TAKE THE POWER BACK!

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MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

>>> B E E R R E V I E W

|BRETT REID

TERRAPIN RED RYE // SILKY AND SMOOTH // NICE AROMA

’ve come to realize that I’m a seasonal drinker. I like hoppier beers in the warmer weather and maltier beers in the colder weather. So, seeing as how we’ve recently been having some nice 75-degree days, I decided to break out something a little more suitable. Terrapin has been one of my favorite southern breweries for a minute because of their ability to get some really awesome flavors into beers that have been basically run into the ground. Using rye in IPA style beers makes them somewhat more refreshing to me and I may be the only person that thinks that, because I know a lot of people that would say that it makes the beer a bit heavier and unsessionable. With that in mind, I cracked open a can of Terrapin’s Red Rye India Pale Ale named Mosaic. Here are my thoughts: Terrapin is now putting a portion of their beers in cans, which I am a big fan of. I prefer for beers to be in cans for multiple reasons, but mainly because of the preservation of the beer. It’s also more recyclable than other containers, but enough about packaging, let’s get to the beer. The beer poured a deep amber color with about half of a finger width of off-white head. Retention was about average and left some decent lacing as it dissolved. The aroma was absolutely fantastic; filled with tons of rye and awesome notes of hop resin. More specifically, you get a ton of the Mosaic hop scent (hence the name of the beer.) It’s crazy that you get that much of a hop scent that is so powerful from one hop. I also got a little bit of caramel and some fruity notes as well that leveled everything out to a nice blended aroma. This is one thing that Terrapin really does well, because regardless if it’s in the form of French Toast for the French

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

Toast Wake N Bake, or something simple like a basic Pale Ale, Terrapin really knows how to pack in the aroma as well as the flavor. The flavor of this beer is a bit of an oddball to me. When I first began drinking, the beer was much colder and the flavors really popped, but as the beer warmed, I began to taste less and less of that great flavor that I was picking up in the beginning. On the front end, you’re hammered with a ton of malt flavor with a bit of caramel. After that passes, about midway through, you start to pick up a little of the rye flavors. This is where I got a little bummed, because I really would have loved to have more of the rye in the beer that’s named a Red Rye IPA. Aside from the lack of rye, you get some fruity bitterness towards the backend and as you finish the sip, you get a lot of that Mosaic hop bitterness. Though when that bitterness shows up, you really just get it on the back of your tongue and then it’s gone. A bit of a bummer, but the flavor wasn’t bad. I would drink this again, but I would have to do it quickly so that I could enjoy all of the flavors that the beer has to offer. Mouthfeel on this one is like pure velvet. It is so silky and smooth, and really so much different than a lot of IPA style beers I’ve encountered. I’m not sure if I liked that aspect, because I found myself wanting a little more carbonation in some sips, but others I was perfectly content on the lack thereof. The beer doesn’t set very heavy on your stomach, so I could easily see myself drinking a few of these on a hot day, but after a few, I could see it being a little much because of the 6.2% ABV. Have fun but not too much, because it will sneak up on you. Overall, this was a pretty decent beer. Not something I would choose over other things, but it’s something that’s pretty decent for the style. I really wish the aromas had carried over into the flavor a little more so it could have been a little more refreshing. The aroma was really the highlight of the beer, and for Terrapin, that’s about par for the course, although some of their beers really pack the punch with the flavor as well. The beer as a whole was good, but like I said, nothing I’m going to rush out and buy again. Don’t let that stop you from trying it though. Keep drinking new beer and even if something isn’t good to you now, revisit it in a few months. I’ll probably take my own advice and try this again in a few weeks so I can really decide how I feel about it. Cheers!

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W here to E at in T uscaloosa

BREAKFAST / LUNCH 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 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

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 Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919

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 // 556.4112 Great locally-sourced foods and live piono music on the weekends. |killionrestaurants.com/kozys/ Twin 3700 6th St, Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa Country Club | 758-7528 | http://twinpowersactivate.com Certified USDA Prime Steaks; specialty Sushi and cocktails. Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 10 p.m. The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 thesidebysiderestaurant.com

JAPANESE

Benkei Japanese Steak House 1223 McFarland Blvd // 759-5300 Hours: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Fri–Sat 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426 Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844 Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 6521 Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 366.1177 Offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. Including cooking at your table, if you choose. Sun–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. 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 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 Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300

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

Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 moes.com

Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505

Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861 Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd, Tuscaloosa 409.8173

FINE DINING

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials: Monday - $20 Bottles of Wine; Tuesday - Ladies Night 1/2 off Domestic Beer and House Wine, Select $5 Martinis, $2 off Select Sushi Rolls for Everyone; Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp; Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine. Cypress Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location. Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly. Closed Saturday lunch. Mike Spiller is featured the first Thursday of every month. Happy Hour- Mon-Fri from 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails.

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Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. www.olivegarden.com

CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun. Noon p.m. – 9 p.m. Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tue. - Thu.: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Chicken Salad Chick

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

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. Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 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. Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com An express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen. Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com 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. T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.co Mon - Fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat: 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts. Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

SPORTS GRILL Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa

500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 556.5858 | Always fresh and always fun. Owned by former UA/ Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid Friendly Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238 Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm). Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273

Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine 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

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LOUIS MARTINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON // EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED

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 & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 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 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm 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 New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Boulevard |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. 248-7666 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 Twin Restaurant 3700 6th Street |Tuscaloosa | 758-7528 A full service restaurant specializing in Sushi, Prime Steaks, made fresh daily pasta, and whiskey oriented cocktails. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. // Former Tuscaloosa Country Club

SEAFOOD

ouis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Louis M. Martini winery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California. For this review I tasted the 2012 vintage. The winery was started by Louis M. Martini in Napa Valley in 1933. As time went on he expanded with vineyards into both Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon was his passion. Now, the winemaker is Michael Martini, his grandson. In the glass, this wine is quite dark. The color is almost black plum and very little light gets through. The wine exhibits thick legs that fall slowly down the sides of the glass. I noticed a nice dark jammy aroma as soon as I pulled the cork out of the bottle. On the nose, it’s a heavy aroma of rich dark cherry with a hint of savory spice. A bit of a whiff of alcohol was also noticed. However, it’s mostly subdued by the rich cherry. Alcohol content is 13.8% by volume, per the bottle. The wine’s taste surprised me a little, and in a pleasant way. Given the richness of the aroma, I was really only expecting flavors of rich dark fruits. However, the wine’s taste was brighter than expected. On the palate you get a nice combination of red and black fruits and a bit of spice. For flavors, I noticed ripe red raspberry balanced with black cherry. I was also pleasantly surprised by how dry this wine is. Although the flavors may sound sweet, this is not a sweet red. This wine is more similar in flavor to a pure Cabernet Sauvignon. I did discover after reading the tasting notes that there is also 8% Petite Sirah blended in to provide the dark fruit characteristics. So, it’s a bit of a blend. The wine had a wool-like mouthfeel

with strong and well-structured tannins. I especially noticed the tannins behind my upper and lower lips, but they were present all over the palate. Even though the tannins were quite present, the wine had a surprising smoothness to it. Finish of this wine was long with a great balance of the tannins versus the flavors, lingering on the palate. Overall, I have to say I really enjoyed Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet is my favorite wine and this one pressed all the right buttons for me. I love that this is a complex wine. But, all the complexities are very well balanced. I also love to be surprised and have my expectations exceeded. This wine did that. I would suggest pairing Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon with a grilled or wood fired steak. It has the strength to cut through and compliment that kind of dish. $15.99. Recommend! For more wine reviews visit honestwinereviews.com

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MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

>>> R E S T A U R A N T review | C I N D Y H U G G I N S

THE BEST OF EACH BITE // MY 3 FOODIE FAVORITES

ver the years, the food scene has evolved introducing new cuisine and reviving southern staples. No matter the craving, no matter the palate, Tuscaloosa continues to thrive and satisfy. The Planet Weekly has been publishing restaurant reviews for many moons. This review captures the best of each bite highlighting the restaurants that consistently aim to make each visit an experience to write about. Downtown is a landscape of restaurants with a heart for this community and mouth-watering food. Executive Chef Tres Jackson promotes and supports local farmers through his restaurant, Epiphany Café. This new American farmto-fork cuisine brings a refreshing approach to dining out. The menu offers no overly-processed, hormone raised foods. Here, they only serve “Happy Animals”. The menu changes based on what the farmer has to give that week. Chef Tres continuously produces enjoyable and exciting entrees despite the challenge of the unknown. The flavor combinations in the menu descriptions have to be seen and eaten to believe. Beautiful braised beef with peanut sauce over a steaming bed of collard greens was a favorite meal at Epiphany. Flavors from the actual food came with each bite. Additions like fat and seasoning simply compliment the food instead of overwhelming. The impeccable attention to detail and energy that goes into the production of this restaurant is exceptional. The esthetic atmosphere brings comfort

and the reminder to take the time to enjoy good food and appreciate where that food came from. Five Bar brings a different energetic vibe to Downtown. A personal favorite, Five Bar never ceases to amaze with the consistency of both food and service. The menu reflects the name offering five main

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

entrees: gulf catch (varies daily), bacon cheeseburger, ribeye, fried shrimp and panéed chicken. Additional entrees are served over the weekend. A typical Five meal always starts with the baked avocado. Topped with bacon and shrimp spicy sauce, no words can properly describe the enjoyment each bite brings. Solo trips have been made just to order this delicious appetizer. The avocado is warm and easily spooned out. A touch of what appears to be bread crumbs is so delicately placed on top to give a slight crunch. The mild flavor from the avocado gives the salty bacon and spicy shrimp sauce full focus. A moment of depression hits when the spoon can scrape no more. Similar feelings have been experi-

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

4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center & Temerson Square Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Over 160 craft beers. Large selection of decadent desserts. The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 247.7772 Casual riverfront dining Open Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Wintzell's Oyster House 808 Skyland Blvd. at the intersection of Skyland and Alabama Highway 69. | 247-7772 | wintzellsoysterhouse.com/location/tuscaloosa/

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 Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088 Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148 Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet. Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

ASIAN CUISINE

Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 | ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic Thai cuisine. Offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Sushi on Thursdays. Lunch: Mon–Sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. -10pm | Sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

enced during meals at The Avenue Pub. A newer addition to the area, The Avenue Pub has made a name for itself with a classic American kitchen approach. Each meal presents a new menu demonstrating the owner’s talent in menu development. From Brunch and lunch to dinner, owner Craig Williams serves classic pub food with some southern appeal. Favorites include the chicken club sandwich, fish and chips, and straight from the brunch menu: chicken biscuits and gravy. These are biscuits and gravy to wake up for. Country style white sausage gravy poured over homemade biscuits with a side, yes a side, of fried chicken was a recent first-time meal. The lightly breaded fried chicken yielding a crunchy and tender bite. The sausage gravy was a reminder of Mom’s southern Sunday breakfast. A meal definitely worth savoring. Food is too often taken for granted—being devoured and digested before it’s even tasted. The commonality of the eateries discussed is the consensus that food should be prepared fresh and savored bite for bite.

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 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. 17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza. California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444

Cindy Huggins is a registered dietitian nutritionist and local “foodie”. Tweet her @ DietitianCindy

Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN

Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 www.honeybaked.com

Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center. Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955 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

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366

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 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

DESSERTS

Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com Mary's Cakes & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience! TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm. Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

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

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BODY CLEANSING // MY 21 DAY DETOX EXPERIENCE

ost people have heard of body cleansing, but not many have actually tried it. There are all kinds of programs out there that usually include some of the following: dieting, fasting, consuming exclusively certain foods or avoiding certain foods. The general idea of cleansing is that most foods contain toxic ingredients such as chemically enhanced flavors, food coloring, pesticides, and preservatives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that hundreds of these chemicals are present in our bodies. Cleansing is done to rid your body of toxins by consuming only foods that are free of all the ingredients mentioned above and foods that will enhance waste removal in your body. Although the body is designed to rid itself of these toxins naturally, it can become overburdened over time. Research shows that toxins can contribute to a wide range of conditions including: fatigue, indigestion, food cravings with weight gain and joint discomfort. The idea of cleansing is often controversial among healthcare professionals. I chose to discuss body cleansing because I just finished a 21 day purification cleanse and I want to share with you my results and how I felt throughout. I did the Standard Process cleanse, which is a company that makes supplements from their small organic farm in Wisconsin. I chose this particular program because the process is done with all organic foods and supplements, and it is the program we use in our office with patients. The cleansing program included eating whole, organic, and unprocessed foods, taking whole food supplements, and drinking lots of water. The first 10 days consisted of fruits and vegetables with protein supplementation that I mixed in smoothies a couple times each day. On day 11, select proteins such as organic chicken and beef, cold-water fish, and wild game were added into my diet. I generally eat very healthy, but I felt like since the holidays, I had been eating more sweets and processed foods. I decided I needed to give my body a reset and

give this cleanse a try. I am not going to sugarcoat it and tell you the cleanse was easy, it was not! It requires a change in your mind set of food and it was difficult to find a 21-day time frame that I knew I would be able to stick to. Food revolves around all social activities in our lives, especially during this time in my life that is full of weddings, social gatherings, and baby showers. The cleanse requires you to plan ahead to what you will eat for the week and prepare food in time so you have things available as to not resort to eating out. The first couple days were rough, I felt fatigued and hungry and even experienced a few headaches. It was on day 4 of the cleanse that I started feeling “normal” and had a sense of mental clarity. From there on out, it was much easier and each day I felt better. I found it best that I did my grocery shopping and food prepping for the week on Sunday. When protein was added on day 11, it was smooth sailing from there. By day 11, my body was used to the type of foods I was eating and protein was just a bonus. It is amazing how full protein makes you feel and until you deprive your body of it, you do not even realize it. When I got to day 4, I found myself having more energy than normal throughout the day. Normally after eating lunch, I feel sleepy and have less energy at work, but when I was cleansing I actually felt surprisingly well and was more alert after lunch. I found my skin was brighter and I just had an overall better feeling as a whole. Not being able to consume certain foods made me realize how much “junk” I was eating just because it was available whether things brought into work or sweets I had around the house. Detoxing helped me to only eat when I was hungry rather out of boredom or if something looked appetizing. Of course there were those times I wished for unhealthy food that I couldn’t eat. However as I progressed through the program, the food that was off limits looked less and less appealing. When the cleanse was over, I definitely felt a lifestyle change and

different mind set about food. I have stuck to my healthy eating for the most part and have definitely cut back on the food I was eating prior to the cleanse. Although I did not do this for weight loss purposes, I lost 8 pounds over the 21 days. If you're thinking about doing a cleanse, there are many things to consider before doing one. Most importantly, if you are fighting an illness or if you are currently lacking major nutrients, you want to do consult with your doctor first. Also, make sure you pick a cleanse that will work with your lifestyle and your energy needs. Some of the more extreme cleanses require major calorie depletion, so just be careful and choose wisely. Although I was consuming less calories than my previous eating habits, I was actually eating more foods that just contained less calories but had more energy and nutrient-dense qualities to them. When choosing a detoxification program, you also need to pick a timeframe in your busy schedule where you can actually stick to it. Again, I do not think cleansing is for everyone but I think it did me a world of good. There isn’t much evidence out there to prove exactly what a cleanse does or if it, in fact, “rids your body of toxins”, however it worked for me in what I wanted to get out

of it and our patients who go through this process also have great testimonies. Lastly, just remember to pick something safe and that will be realistic to do!

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BACKROAD ANTHEM MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

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

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

CARRIE & LOWELL // A "UNBREAKABLE KIMMY TENDER EULOGY FROM SCHMIDT" // A HIT SUFJAN STEVENS

Sufjan Stevens fan posted a screenshot of the comment box of Stevens’ website a few months back. Their message to Sufjan: “you hurt me so good with your tiny voice,” quite an endorsement. And this was well before the release of "Carrie & Lowell," an album spun from Stevens’ most painful personal stories, and sung in the tiniest voice he can manage. Many people will know Stevens as the fifty states guy, who set out to make an album for every star on the American flag starting with Michigan and Illinois. "Carrie & Lowell" could have been disguised as “Oregon” if he mixed in a few nods to the fur trade and Fort Astoria, but the allusions to location are more stage pieces than focal points. We get glimpse of the sea lion caves and the Tillamook Burn, but instead of mythologizing history as Stevens is wont to do, they tell us about the nature of his childhood. We’re seeing those summers in Oregon through little Sufjan’s eyes and hearing about them from his warbly choir boy voice. It’s wondrous and treacherous, mystical in its gloom. The real center of the story is Sufjan’s mother, Carrie, who left her family in Michigan when Sufjan was a year old. She had intense struggles with mental illness that distanced her permanently from her children’s lives, and in 2012 she passed away, leaving Sufjan to gather his feelings and shape them into these 11 songs. On the sidelines is Lowell Brams, who married and divorced Carrie and became a more present father figure in Sufjan’s life, and eventually the director of Asthmatic Kitty. Some of the most tender memories voiced on the album are about Lowell. “The man who taught me how to swim couldn’t quite say my first name,” Sufjan sings on “Eugene,” over nimbly plucked strings. The song is named for the Oregon town where Lowell worked in a bookstore. “Like a father he led community water on my head and he called me Subaru.” When the spirit of Carrie feels erratic and untethered, Lowell’s presence is a steadying hand. That’s not to say this album condemns Carrie’s legacy. On the contrary, Sufjan eulogizes her by way of forgiveness. “I love you more than the world can contain/ in it’s lonely and ramshackle head,” he sings on “John My Beloved” like a solemn Mother’s Day card. On the first track, “Death with Dignity,” he asks “be near me, tired old mare/with the wind in

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

I your hair,” making his mother into a freed angel, moments before describing how she left her children in a video store. Her hurtful actions don’t pull against his love. They are just painful steps to the present day. Later on the same song Stevens references Proverbs 7:22, comparing himself to an ox in fetters, perhaps trapped by his mother’s pattern of selfdestruction. That impulse to follow in her footsteps comes back on “The Only Thing,” which has Stevens thinking about driving “half-light jackknife into the canyon at night.” It’s a tense five minutes as he sings about tearing himself apart to avoid remembering, all in that somber Christmas carol tone. The transition into the galloping Old West guitar of the title track feels like emerging from a long, pitchdark tunnel with white knuckles on the steering wheel. Perhaps the most vulnerable we find Stevens is when the veil of the reverent son is cast away and he curses in his lyrics. In the last few seconds of “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross,” Stevens cries out “there’s blood on that blade/ f— me I’m falling apart.” We can feel him collapsing under the past, trembling with the weight of unconditional love. What makes "Carrie & Lowell" deeply touching is how touched Stevens is by his own music. He is working through the mystery of death for himself, and Sufjan is such a sweetheart that we’d like to reach out and hold his hand through it. In quiet gaps throughout the album you can catch the faint whirr of an air conditioning unit hanging out of an apartment window. It’s a striking aspect of the recording process, because his past work has been so ornamented in orchestration and allusion that we’ve rarely seen him as a person with his own personal myths. Finally we’re not following Sufjan Stevens through a fantasy, we’re in his childhood bedroom, reading his diary over his shoulder. He knows we’re there, but the songs still belong to him, and to Carrie and Lowell.

magine living in a bomb shelter with three other women and a deranged person for for fifteen years of your life, knowing nothing else but what you remember from before you were taken. Now imagine being released for the first time. Does this sound like a comedy plot? Netflix sure thinks so! It has picked up a new comedy exclusively for its website, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”. Kimmy Schmidt (played by Ellie Kemper), was just a young girl of fifteen when she was taken by a failing deejay. The “preacher”, as he told Kimmy and three other women—Cyndee (Sara Chase), Gretchen (Lauren Adams) and Donna (Sol Miranda)-he was called, lured the girls into a bunker by various methods, and told them that an apocalypse had wiped out the earth and that they were the only ones alive. For fifteen years, Kimmy was kept in the bunker, believing that the world had ended. The FBI soon breaks into the bunker and releases the women. They are each offered a great sum of money from a fund that had been created to help the “Indiana Mole Women”, and sent back to their home town of Durnsville to start over. Kimmy, however, after going to New York to do an interview on Good Morning America, stays in the Big Apple and tries to make a life for herself. There, she rooms with the flamboyant actor Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), who’s apartment is under the house of their quirky, crazy landlady Lillian (Carol Kane). Kimmy also finds a job, working as a nanny and maid for Jacqueline Voorhees (Jane Krakowski). Originally, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” was set to air on NBC on October 31, 2013 as a 13 episode series called “Tooken”, but that was put on hold. Finally, on November 21, 2014, NBC announced that they would sell the show to Netflix, who released it on March 6, 2015. Netflix, in its tradition of streaming, original shows, has released all of the first season of “Unbreakable”, and if the plot isn’t enough to catch interest, then the writers and creators will. It is written by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, the writers of the acclaimed show “30 Rock”, so the show has witty humor

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supplied by Titus, and slapstick comedy in the scenarios that Kimmy gets into, sometimes of her own doing. One could also bet that with a co-writer like Fey, who is an avid feminist and advocate for strong female characters, the character of Kimmy is just what the title says: unbreakable, and willing to do what it takes to make it in New York city and not go back to Durnsville. However, the show isn’t always witty humor and funny situations. Fey and Carlock don’t shy away from serious subjects that one would face in the aftermath of a truamatic event like living with a cult for fifteen years, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, starting over and showing how the media warps and uses trauma victims for publicity. Each topic is handled with the care it deserves-like Kimmy having her friends tell her it is okay to need to talk to someone after being rescued when Kimmy has nightmares, and Kimmy learning that it is up to the person how they deal with their trauma and that one person’s recovery isn’t always everyone’s. The show even touches on a little bit of feminism, when Kimmy tries to convince Jacqueline and everyone else in the waiting room of a plastic surgeon’s office that beauty doesn’t come from the outside. On top of everything else, the cast is mostly women and people of color. All these aspects make “Unbreakable” a well rounded, enjoyable show. Critics and audiences also love the show. The Washington Post printed an article about the death of sictom TV, but the writer said that they were glad that “Unbreakable” was moved forward to help save the sitcom. TV.com calls it “as funny and quoteable as ‘30 Rock’ and every bit as cheerful and heartwarming as ‘Parks and Recreation’”. There are no rating statistics as of yet. All 13 episodes are available for streaming on Netflix-and just in time, too. Due to the drama involving major cable companies Time-Warner Cable and Comcast cable, the FCC has decided to phase out cable television and buy into online streaming. This means that popular shows will no longer be available on public and private television networks, only for online streaming. The phasing has been slated to begin in early 2016, using 2015 as a gap year to give television networks the ability to start going into online streaming. This, however, means that online streaming from major websites-NBC, ABC and the like-may stop being free in order for them to receive revenue. The networks hope to have all of their shows moved online by the end of December.

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

"RUN ALL NIGHT" // PLENTY OF MOMENTUM ✭✭✭✭ AND SURPRISES

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iam Neeson embarks on an afterhours artillery barrage in “Nonstop” director Jaume Collet-Serra’s “Run All Night,” a vigorous, but formulaic, bulletriddled, crime thriller that keeps the NYPD busy until dawn. No, “Run All Night” doesn’t imitate Neeson’s “Taken” trilogy. Neeson’s “Run All Night” hero qualifies more as an anti-heroic underdog, while “Run All Night” shares more in common with Neeson’s earlier abduction opus “A Walk Among the Tombstones.” “Tombstones” cast Neeson as an ex-NYPD cop who quit the force after one of his stray slugs killed an innocent child. Neeson’s “Tombstones” hero lived alone and attended AA meetings when he wasn’t trolling for clients as an unlicensed private eye who preferred to work off his pay in trade. In other words, he wasn’t too fastidious about his clients and crossed the line between good and evil without a qualm. Conversely, Neeson plays a washed-up enforcer in “Run All Night” for a merciless Irish Godfather (Ed Harris) who keeps his lifelong pal on the payroll because they started out together. Comparatively, “Run All Night” is pretty grim, but it isn’t as creepy as “A Walk Among the Tombstones” with its pair of villainous homosexual maniacs who abducted women and carved them up for fun and games. Moreover, these two movies make the three “Taken” thrillers appear hopelessly whitewashed. Nevertheless, “Run All Night” is the kind of actioneer where you still root for the hero, even though you suspect he may have to confront consequences before fadeout. Perhaps the closest thing to “Run All Night” would be Martin Scorsese’s Italian crime movies, like “Goodfellas” where Robert De Niro portrayed a trigger-happy lunatic. Ultimately, the chief difference is Neeson’s itchy trigger fingered hitman redeems himself for his homicidal past. While Neeson dominates the action, Ed Harris is no slouch as his no-nonsense, tough-as-nails, Irish mob boss. Joel Kinnaman, Boyd

Holbrook, Bruce McGill, and Holt McAloney round out the seasoned cast, with African-American actor Lonnie Rashid Lynn, best known by his nickname ‘Common,” standing out as an obnoxious assassin with a grudge against the Neeson hero. Neeson plays Jimmy “The Gravedigger” Conlon, a notorious Irish gunsel who not only has managed miraculously to stay out of jail, but who also has rubbed out opponents by double-digits. Since his wife died, Jimmy has spent most of his time nursing a bottle while he wrestles with his conscience about all those people he executed for infamous crime chieftain Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris of “A History of Violence”) who ruled the Irish mafia in New York City with a steel fist. Mind you, this doesn’t mean Jimmy has lost his touch. All that booze hasn’t diluted the ice water flowing through his veins. He hasn’t lost that lethal knack that he perfected during his dark days of killing. Lately, Shawn has relaxed and has promoted his pride and joy, Danny Maguire (Boyd Holbrook of “The Skeleton Twins”), as head of operations. Unfortunately, paternal love has blinded Shawn to Danny’s flaws. Moreover, Shawn doesn’t realize the mistake that he has committed by turning over his largely legitimate empire to his decadent son. Not only has Danny foolishly convinced himself that he is invincible but also that he is bulletproof. Furthermore, Danny feels the desperate urge to prove himself to his dad. He brokers a million dollar deal with some

unscrupulous Albanian heroin dealers that he thinks his father will applaud. The Albanians assure Shawn he will never regret their partnership. Shawn surprises them when he turns down their deal and sends them packing. Predictably, Danny is livid with indignation until Shawn explains how he pulled a similar stunt with cocaine twenty years before and had to wipe out half of his friends because they had become rip-snorting junkies. Shawn doesn’t want to repeat his earlier mistake. An irate Danny owed the Albanians already so he has no alternative but to blast both of them into eternity. What Danny doesn’t plan for is the witnesses who saw him ice the Albanians. Meanwhile, Jimmy has an estranged son, Mike (Joel Kinnaman of “Robocop”), who took a swing at professional boxing but crapped out. Mike is nothing like his father. Mike has kept his nose clean. He drives a limo, has two adorable little daughters, and has gotten his wife Gabriela (Genesis Rodriguez) pregnant with their third child. Mike leads a budget-pinching, but largely happy life on a blue-collar income. When he isn’t driving the limo, Mike mentors an orphaned African-American teenager. He is coaching Curtis 'Legs' Banks (Aubrey Joseph of “Fading Gigolo”) in the art of boxing at the local gym. When he isn’t boxing, ‘Legs’ fools around with his new smart phone. Mike encounters ‘Legs’

one evening after he has taken the two Albanians to confer with Danny about their abortive heroin smuggling deal. Danny tosses the Albanians a satchel bulging with bogus bills, laughs at them, and then perforates them. After he caps the second Albanian, Danny discovers that Mike has been sitting nearby in the limo that delivered the two Albanians. Naturally, Shawn is infuriated about this unforeseen turn of the events. Things grow complicated because Danny fears that Mike witnessed one of the murders. What he doesn’t know is that Legs captured the murder on video. Worst of all, Danny doesn’t count on Mike’s father showing up and shooting him in the back of his head before he can blast Mike. Now, a grieving Shawn launches a full-scale war against Jimmy for bumping off his only son. Director Jaume Collet-Serra allows “Run All Night” to unfold in flashback, but this gimmick doesn’t sabotage the suspense. The resourceful Neeson is about as devastating against his own bloodthirsty mob as Denzel Washington was against the Russian mafia in “The Equalizer.” Collet-Serra orchestrates an exciting car chase through traffic congested Big Apple city streets that will keep you squirming. He also relies on snappy Google Earth transitions to maintain spontaneity. “Run All Night” runs out of neither momentum nor surprises during its 114 minutes.

Dr. Rachel Steiner Chiropractor / Wellness Specialist Spinal and Posture Analysis Nutritional Consultation Soft Tissue Therapy

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MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

PAINTED MEMORIES: A CARING DAYS AND CARING TOGETHER ART SHOW WHEN: 5:30 – 7 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 943 31st Street East PHONE: 752.6840 LINK: caringdays.org DESCRIPTION: An evening of art featuring works by clients at Caring Days and Caring Together, programs for adults with Alzheimer's and other memory disorders. Refreshments will be provided. Tours available, and the venue can be found behind Haverty’s on 31st Street. READING FROM CATHY PARK HONG WHEN: 7 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.0506 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Coal Royalty Chairholder Cathy Park Hong gives a reading of her work in Room 205 of Gorgas Library. This is a free event and open to the public. Ms. Hong’s highly acclaimed books will be for sale, courtesy of the SupeStore, and broadsides featuring her text will be available for free, courtesy of the UA Book Arts Program. NAT KING COLE TRIBUTE WITH SIM FLORA AND THE UA TROMBONE CHOIR WHEN: 7:30 – 9 p.m. COST: $10, $3 Student, $5 Senior WHERE: 810 2nd Ave PHONE: 348.1672 LINK: music.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: If you are a lover of Nat King Cole’s famously soulful tunes, this show is a must-see. Enjoy the talents of Sim Flora along with the world-class trombone choir trained at the University of Alabama. Come see the show at the Moody Music Building on UA campus.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

FROM THE ALABAMA OVAL WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 700 Capstone Dr PHONE: 562.3220 LINK: art.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Richmond Burton transforms racecar driving into contemporary art with his exhibit at the Sarah Moody Gallery. Burton likens the oval in his visual language to the meticulous and repetitive practice that a racecar driver endures on the world’s largest oval track, the Talladega Speedway. March 27 is the last day of this exhibition, so come see the work of this renowned contemporary artist while it is being shown on the University of Alabama campus.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

round! Come check out local farmers and artisans who have everything to offer from goat cheese to okra, from clay pottery to homemade candles. Discover baked goods, hand-stitched clothing, pickles, and organic tea all at one location along the Black Warrior River. Call to become a vendor and sell your own creations! HOSPICE OF WEST ALABAMA 5K RUN/WALK WHEN: 8 a.m. COST: $20 WHERE: 3701 Loop Rd PHONE: 523.1101 LINK: hospiceofwestalabama.com DESCRIPTION: Hospice of West Alabama will hold its 6th Annual Family 5K Run/Walk on March 28, 2015 starting at 8:00 a.m. Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. The race will be held on the campus of the VA Medical Center. The registration fee is $20 and the first 150 people registered will receive a free t-shirt. EASTER AT THE BAMA: THE CHOICE WHEN: 2 p.m. COST: $5 WHERE: Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave. PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: bamatheatre.org DESCRIPTION: Come see this musical drama about the holiday of Easter performed by the First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa for an afternoon of festive entertainment at the historic Bama Theatre. Tickets are available online and at the Bama Theatre box office.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

DUCK DERBY WHEN: 2 – 5 p.m. COST: $5 WHERE: 2213 University Blvd PHONE: 349.4235 LINK: duckracetuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: Have you adopted your duck? ADOPT A DUCK for just $5 - and you could win $1,000, $500, or $250 at our 9th ANNUAL DUCK DERBY. There's even a chance to win $100,000! And, you don't even have to be present to win! Be sure to get your Ducks in a row for this great day of family fun Sunday March 29th at UA Outdoor Pool. Funds raised through our Annual Duck Derby fundraiser are used to deliver programs and activities to many thousands of local children and families all year. It’s never been easier to support the Children’s Hands-On Museum! INTERSTELLAR RESPONSES: MUSIC AND DANCE WHEN: 7:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 348.1926 LINK: cac.tuscarts.com DESCRIPTION: Free and open to the public, but space is limited, so please arrive early on Saturday or Sunday. Inspired, in part, as a response to Olivier Messiaen's 1974 horn solo, Appel interstellaire, Interstellar Responses imagines communication, both sentient and mathematical, sent to us from our neighbors throughout

>>> PET PLANET | K E L S E Y C A M E R O N

ZIPP IS THE PERFECT BUDDY // PAULY IS PLAYFUL & CUDDLY

he perfect good-natured buddy, already packed and ready to go home with you! Good looking Zipp is a 4-yearold male Labrador Retriever mix. He has a smooth yellow/tan coat and is a big dog, weighing 40 pounds, and this is full-grown. Zipp was pulled from our local animal shelter, where he had been picked up as a stray by Animal Control and had been at the shelter for almost 3 months, so he really needed to get out of there. He was only still around because he was such a cuddler and a staff favorite. The good thing about getting an older lab is that they have already gone through the tough years of puppyhood that most labs have! Zipp is pretty easygoing and very sociable. He still has energy and is playful but not as active as a younger dog. Zipp really loves to be with you, especially just to hang out and relax. Zipp will require a fenced in yard. He may be too big for an apartment. He should be fine with children ages 8 and up, just caution with younger ones due to his size. He can be picky on what other dogs he likes, so he may prefer to be the only pet or would need to do a trial to make sure all get along okay, since he tends to be the dominant dog. We have started on his crate training. Zipp is up to date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Zipp is a wonderful dog looking for his forever home where he will be loved the rest of his life – will it be yours? If you are interested in giving Zipp the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554-0011.

his sweet young man is Pauly, a very cute male orange tabby at approximately 2 years, 10 months old. His orange color is a light peachy color. He has a cute pink nose and beautiful bright yellow eyes! Pauly is playful, cuddly and cute as a button! Pauly does like to steal the limelight from other cats, so he will either steal all the toys to gain your attention or just tug on your shoelaces to make you look down! Pauly hasn't been around dogs before, but he has been gentle and sweet with children. He loves to snuggle with other cats, but really loves when he can snuggle with a person. He'd do well with other cats or as an only pet. He would love one on one attention from a person. Visit our cat adoption center during open hours or contact us to meet Pauly! He is negative for FIV and FeLK, current on vaccinations and neutered. If you are interested in giving Pauly the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554-0011.

VOLUNTEER The Humane Society of West Alabama is in need of volunteers for both the cat and dog facilities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhswa@gmail.com or go ahead and download a volunteer application from www.humanesocietyofwa.org/formsinfo.html and send to the same email.

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

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T the universe. The product of a five-month collaboration between composer Amir Zaheri, choreographer Rebecca Salzer, and sixteen undergraduate students from the University of Alabama Dance Program, "Interstellar Responses" is an invitation to get close to, walk around in, and discover your own experience of performance.

MONDAY,MARCH 30

MUSEUM MONDAYS WHEN: 3:30 – 5 p.m. COST: $8 WHERE: 427 6th Ave PHONE: 348.6383 LINK: amnh.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Come experience the Museum in a whole new way! Stomp around with dinosaurs, unearth rocks and minerals, and discover a host of other natural wonders. For K-2nd grade explorers. Registration is required. Call or email programs@ua.edu to reserve your space today! TUSCALOOSA AND UNIVERSITY PAINTERS WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 348.1926 LINK: cac.tuscarts.com DESCRIPTION: The Latitudes and Longitudes exhibit will consist of paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor. Artists represented in the exhibit will be Chris Metzger, Karen Jacobs, Diana Francko, Emily Mitchell, Anne Stickney, Lorie Layden, Jack Kidd, Jane Evers, Sandra Ray, Pamela Copeland, Lisa Godwin, Sharon Long, Sydney Sparks, Jane Evers and Deborah Hughes

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

INTERNATIONAL EXPRESSIONS: ARABIAN FESTIVAL WHEN: 6 – 9 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 751 Campus Dr PHONE: 348.6063 LINK: ferguson.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Join University Programs and the Arabic Language and Culture Club for the Arabian Festival! This event will focus on Middle Eastern culture and include dancing, music, food, henna, calligraphy and much more! TUESDAY, March 31 HATHA YOGA WHEN: 6 – 7:10 p.m. COST: $9 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 562.3230 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Learn relaxation techniques while increase your strength and flexibility. New classes begin every month. Bring your yoga mat any Tuesday or Thursday and join us for some calming exercise. Register online for a whole month of sessions at just $36.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 EXPLORER WEDNESDAYS WHEN: 3:30 – 5 p.m. COST: $8 WHERE: 427 6th Ave PHONE: 348.7550 LINK: amnh.ua.edu

DESCRIPTION: Fossils, fish, and bugsoh my! Come learn about science and history, and what makes Alabama the beautiful. For 3rd-5th grade explorers. Registration is required.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

KENTUCK ART NIGHT WHEN: 5 – 8 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 503 Main Ave, Northport PHONE: 758.1257 LINK: kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: As on the first Thursday of every month, Kentuck opens its doors to visitors for a night of art, music, food and fun. Enjoy a live band, food from the cob oven, and the wonderful art of resident Kentuck artists.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

FREE CHESS LESSONS WHEN: 5 – 7 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 12362 Ebenezer Church Rd, Northport PHONE: 330.5040 LINK: ebenezerchurchministries.com DESCRIPTION: In partnership with Freedom Chess Academy, Ebenezer Baptist Church is hosting free weekly chess lessons on Fridays in the church Family Life Center. The sessions are for students ages 6-18. Taught by Rose Marie Stutts and James Gunn, students will learn basic to advanced level chess knowledge and techniques.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

TUSCALOOSA RIVER MARKET WHEN: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 1900 Jack Warner Pkwy PHONE: 248.5295 LINK: tuscaloosarivermarket.com DESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa River Market is now open every Saturday, year round! Come check out local farmers and artisans who have everything to offer from goat cheese to okra, from clay pottery to homemade candles. Discover baked goods, hand-stitched clothing, pickles, and organic tea all at one location along the Black Warrior River. Call to become a vendor and sell your own creations!

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

EASTER SUNDAY Enjoy your holiday with best wishes from the Planet Weekly!

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP WHEN: 6 – 7 p.m COST: Free WHERE: 1801 Rice Mine Rd PHONE: 765.6549 LINK: morningpointe.com DESCRIPTION: A free support group that is open to anyone affected by Alzheimer’s. Sponsored by the Morning Pointe of Tusclaoosa, no RSVP is required. Just drop in and feel the support of a community that understands.

Check out our new website: www.theplanetweekly.com

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

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

>>> ROAD TRIP | S O U T H E A S T E R N CO N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S

JUSTIN BEIBER // MOUNDVILLE //

BOB SEGER// NASHVILLE // MARCH 28

APRIL 1

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

ATLANTA Ron White, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Brian Regan, Fabulous Fox Theatre Jane Lynch, Symphony Hall Atlanta Martin Sexton, Variety Playhouse

BIRMINGHAM Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Iron Horse Café Railroad Earth, Iron City Whitey Morgan & the 78’s, Zydeco HUNTSVILLE Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Von Braun Concert Hall ATLANTA

NASHVILLE Jewel and Alison Krauss, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill Bob Seger, Bridgestone Arena Leftover Salmon, Nashville War Memorial Auditorium

Incognito, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

NEW ORLEANS Rising Appalachia, The Civic Theater

NASHVILLE Kenny Chesney, Bridgestone Arena Halsey and Young Rising Sons, Mercy Lounge/ Cannery Ballroom

sUNday, MARCH 29

NEW ORLEANS Sylvan Esso, Tipitina’s Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Civic Theater John Waters, The Joy Theater Dopapod, Howlin’ Wolf Eric Lindell, Gasa Gasa

BIRMINGHAM Winston Ramble & Matt Owen, Zydeco Hugh Brothers and Matt Marshall, WorkPlay Theater HUNTSVILLE I Love Lucy, Von Braun Concert Hall ATLANTA Twin Shadow, Actor’s Express at King Plow Arts Center Amoeba Culture Tour, Wild Bill’s NASHVILLE Dr Dog, Ryman Auditorium Bluegrass Underground, Volcano Room

HUNTSVILLE Jonathan Laird, Below the Radar MONTGOMERY Crossroads Band, Carl’s Country

ATLANTA The Ataris, The Masquerade

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

BIRMINGHAM The War on Drugs, Iron City Jon Langston w/ Brad Shirley, Zydeco

ATLANTA The Devil Wears Prada, The Masquerade

NASHVILLE The Shadowboxers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

NASHVILLE Blackberry Smoke, Ryman Auditorium Turquoise Jeep, High Watt

ATLANTA Clean Bandit, The Masquerade

NASHVILLE Nickelback, Bridgestone Arena The Time Jumpers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

BIRMINGHAM Sarah McLachlan, BJCC The Nth Power, Zydeco Sylvan Esso, WorkPlay Theater

NEW ORLEANS Swans, One Eyed Jacks Future Leaders of the World, House of Blues Andrae Crouch, UNO Lakefront Arena

SATURDAY, APRIL 4 BIRMINGHAM The Park Band, Zydeco

HUNTSVILLE Rickey Smiley and Friends, Von Braun Concert Hall MONTGOMERY Bama Boys, Mountain Creek Mud Bog ATLANTA Biohazard, The Masquerade Griz, Tabernacle Alt-J, Chastain Park Amphitheater The Osmond Brothers, Cobb County Civic Center

NASHVILLE Vince Gill, Ryman Auditorium

BIRMINGHAM Moon Hooch w/ The Little Raine Band, Zydeco

HUNTSVILLE Alyssa Jacey, The Stem and Stein

ATLANTA Frankie Avalon, Cobb County Civic Center March 29- Ledisi, Symphony Hall Atlanta

ATLANTA Damien Rice, Tabernacle

NEW ORLEANS The Midtown Men, Mahalia Jackson Theater Smoking Time Jazz Club, The Maison

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

BIRMINGHAM Mat Kearney, Iron City

MONTGOMERY Rock Killough, Blooming Colors

MONDAY, MARCH 30

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

saturday, MARCH 28

BIRMINGHAM J. Cole, Iron City

WAR ON DRUGS // BIRMINGHAM // APRIL 2

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

MOUNDVILLE Justin Beiber April Fools Day Concert

ATLANTA Taking Back Sunday, The Buckhead Theatre NASHVILLE Jerry Seinfeld, TPAC-Andrew Jackson Theater

NASHVILLE Delta Spirit, Nashville War Memorial Auditorium NEW ORLEANS of Montreal, Howlin’ Wolf

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

BIRMINGHAM Tycho, WorkPlay Theater

>>> 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

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

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100 The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831 Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy

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

404.733.5010 Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345 WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082 Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

ZZ TOP // MONTGOMERY // APRIL 9

MONDAY, APRIL 6

NASHVILLE Alt-J, Grand Ole Opry House Dave Chappelle, Ryman Auditorium NEW ORLEANS SHLOMO, Republic New Orleans

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

ATLANTA Jazmine Sullivan, Tabernacle

NASHVILLE Stevie Wonder, Bridgestone Arena

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

BIRMINGHAM Jazmine Sullivan, Iron City

ATLANTA Talib Kweli, The Masquerade NEW ORLEANS

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

BIRMINGHAM Kenny Chesney, BJCC Tim Reynolds of DMB w/ CBDB, Zydeco MONTGOMERY ZZ Top, Montgomery Performing Arts Center ATLANTA Coal Chamber, The Masquerade Amanda Palmer, Variety Playhouse NASHVILLE New Found Glory, Mercy Lounge James McMurtry, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill NEW ORLEANS Jonny Lang, House of Blues Between the Buried and Me, Howlin’ Wolf

>>> LOCAL MUSIC | WHO'S PL AYING AROUND TOWN

RAPANUI //

GREEN BAR // MARCH 27

GLENN TEMPLETON // CRIMSON BAR // APRIL 3

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Nic Snow / MS Fundraiser, Rounders Burnham Road, Rhythm & Brews Kristen Cothron & The Darkside, Green Bar Lamont Landers, Copper Top

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

U.S., Rhythm & Brews Elliot Davis Band / DJ Spinzz, Rounders Rapanui w/ Ham Bagby, Green Bar Screaming Rubber Chickens, Crimson Bar The Divines, Copper Top

NETTIE QUILL // COPPER TOP // APRIL 4

J-KO, Copper Top Looksy w/ Ferguson & the Copper Dogs, Green Bar Black Warrior Blues / DJ Spinzz, Rounders

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

Locked & Loaded, Crimson Bar Obscured by Echos w/ the Lagoons, Green Bar Nettie Quill, Copper Top DJ Spinzz, Rounders

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

John Kilgore, Crimson Bar

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Pink Box Burlesque, Green Bar Desperate Measures, Rhythm & Brews Johnathon East, Crimson Bar Sean Rivers / DJ Alchemy / DJ Spinzz, Rounders Soul Tide, Copper Top

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

tueSDAY, APRIL 7

Plato Jones, Copper Top

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

Matt Bennett Accoustic, Rounders Nic Roberson, Copper Top

Plato Jones, Copper Top

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1

Sons of Janis / Score to Settle Art Show, Green Bar

Taylor Swift, Bama Debbie Bond / Radiator Rick, Alcove International Tavern

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Secret Meals for the Hungry, Green Bar Sauce Band, Rounders Charlie Argo, Copper Top

HAVE YOUR LOCAL MUSIC EVENT LISTED FREE in planet weekly.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

just EMAIL

PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

Glenn Templeton, Crimson Bar

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

Capones // 248-0255

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

1831 // 331-4632

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Gray Lady // 469-9521

Mugshots // 391-0572

Alcove // 469-9110

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Copper Top // 343-6867

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Rounders // 345-4848

Big Al's // 759-9180

Crimson Bar // 764-0185

Innisfree // 345-1199

The Booth // 764-0557

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Gallettes // 758-2010

The Legacy // 345-4848

>>> PLANETWEEKLY â&#x20AC;˘ tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

EFFECTIVE AFFORDABLE ADS 205.765.8007

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E

Across 1. Type of manner 8. Future señoras 13. Game with a jail 14. Plains Indian 16. In the family way 17. Kilt cloth 18. Northern California county 19. Sailor's challenge 21. Celerity 22. Croissant or kaiser 23. Norms, briefly 24. Pai ___ ("Kill Bill" character) 25. On Hollywood Blvd., say 26. Yale or Root 27. Large knives 30. Chump 31. Protracted attack 33. Famed atomic physicist 35. Ofc. computer link 36. Eastern bug 40. Chips in chips 42. Winter bugs 43. Govt. loan agency 46. Bingo call 47. Happy or rush follower 48. Deep Blue's game 50. Dermatophytosis 52. Puccini's "La ___" 53. Less trying 54. Like many of Woody Allen's characters 56. Chairperson's list 57. In a crafty sort of way 58. DoubleStuf cookies 59. Safeguarded Down 1. Actress Helena ___ Carter 2. Pack up

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

3. Serves a stretch 4. Petty malice 5. Island near Mull 6. Mc___ (short-lived McDonalds offering) 7. Mask opening 8. Province of South Africa 9. Apple gadget 10. Tusked whale (var.) 11. Nader's forte 12. Yangtze city 13. Fit together 15. Finishes 20. Israeli port 22. Abbr. after a Granite State pol.'s name, maybe 25. Frosts 26. Donkey, in Düsseldorf 28. Old Turkish VIPs 29. Bad grades 31. Chile's capital 32. Less mild 34. Traffic time 35. Spanish for "the tar" 37. "____ one, think we should..." 38. Female graduates 39. Only, to a German 41. Head of a train 44. Type of Volkswagen 45. Equally gentle 47. Israeli round dances 48. Island off Greece 49. Pres. appointee 51. "The Things ____ for Love" 52. Reservations 55. Coastal eagle

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U

It's easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box so they contain every number between 1 and 9. The game is easy to play but difficult to master! Solution Page 21

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

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

>>> HOROSCOPES |

weekly overview Enjoy spending time at home and forget about making too many plans for now. With Venus in your sign, this is an opportunity to take stock of your current situation and how confident you feel in your own skin. You might opt for a makeover, new hairdo, or elegant clothes to boost your confidence. You'll have the most fun when you entertain at your place, especially over the weekend. Allowing your creativity to flow can be very therapeutic. This can be an upbeat week that you'll really enjoy. You may be able to attract both love and money if you're in the right place at the right time. Where your career is concerned, new projects or offers could turn up that are quite exciting. Don't be too quick off the mark, though. Give yourself time to mull it over. Collaborating on a creative idea can work out well if you connect with someone who is as dedicated as you. Pleasant influences make this a week of special messages and friendly feelings. With your social life picking up steam, this is one of the best times to network and meet new people. You have more energy than usual to put into plans and goals. As Mars continues to move through Aries, it's time to be proactive about reaching for the success you deserve. A fabulous transit encourages you to spend the weekend with the one you love.

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Love goddess Venus may be the reason you have romantic feelings for someone who shares your dreams. Go ahead and melt the ice. By the end of the week there's a chance of a date. By midweek you may be busy getting inspiration for a creative plan or project. If your motivation seems to have disappeared, look for a fresh perspective and chat with others who may have ideas you can use. You'll be back in the flow again before you know it.

Consider domestic changes, as it may be time to redecorate or purchase something for your home. If you have artistic talents, use them to add special touches to key areas of your house. It's also possible that you'll want to make structural changes, in which case think about researching your options. Pay attention to your intuition on Friday. A pleasant surprise may come your way if you listen. There's fun to be had when you move outside your comfort The social tempo provides a happy beat with a promise of fun times and romantic opportunities. The presence of Venus in Taurus suggests that you'll be in your element if you involve yourself in cultural activities that have all the sensuousness of a gourmet meal or silk sheets. Indulge your love of color, shape, and style, as it will give you that feel-good factor. If communication seems a little off this week, keep trying. It could be a misunderstanding. Avoid jumping to conclusions or letting your imagination run away with you early on. Things may not be what they seem. It's better to get the facts than worry about something that isn't happening. Warm and harmonizing aspects make for good communication with a focus on romance. This is the perfect week to ease into a scintillating liaison and enjoy getting close to that special someone. You'll be in party mode by the weekend, so go have a ball. It seems your social life is full of surprises, particularly as the call to adventure may be hard to resist. If you feel impelled to join a sports club or get into competitive games, you'll enjoy every moment. It's a good way to burn off excess energy, too. A softer mood takes over with the weekend bringing a chance to explore the potential for a romantic liaison. And while it may be tempting, try not to overindulge.

You'll enjoy getting out and meeting people and this is a good time to do so, particularly since you're quite a charmer. Avoid sending mixed signals early on that could lead to embarrassment later. Midweek brings an opportunity to get to the core of an issue that may have bugged you for some time. It's helpful to know that the root cause could be a limiting pattern that once released will give you the confidence and freedom you desire. You can talk your way out of anything or solve any problem, thanks to your inventive mind, which gets a boost this week. As you're so alert, this is a good time to make travel plans, sell, advertize your goods and services, or connect with people you haven't seen or heard from in some time. The energy is available for entertaining at your place, which could be particularly rewarding over the weekend. You'll find a friend's loyalty deeply touching.

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

There's no point in being overly ambitious during a week that's made for being a little laid-back. Use this opportunity to pamper yourself, whether that means a haircut, manicure, or more exotic spa treatment. A very indulgent transit on Friday suggests you could call a pal to accompany you. The presence of Venus in Taurus suggests that you may be attracted to someone with a mellow, honeyed voice. Those dulcet tones could be the thing that turns you on. There's an unusual magnetism about you this week that might attract some excitement - and interesting people. A social plan comes to life, though you might need to work hard to get it off the ground. If you're hoping for a touch of romance, consider Friday as a potential date night. A warm, companionable transit makes this the ideal time to enjoy each other's company. It's also excellent for a get-together with pals and a chance to relax after a busy week.

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

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

>>> STEPHEN'S REPORT | S T E P H E N S M I T H

FOSTER AND BATEMAN // TWO PLAYERS TO WATCH IN SPRING/SUMMER PRACTICE Robert Foster—Thick of the Competition labama identifies two players that look to lead its receiving corps in 2015, O.J. Howard and Chris Black. Howard caught 17 passes for 260 yards in 2014, while Black put in 15 receptions for 188 yards in 11 games last season. Cam Sims and ArDarius Stewart will be in the mix as well. Both players earned field time in 2014, and showcased play making abilities. Redshirt sophomore Robert Foster isn’t involved much in conversations, but he’s one player to look out for next season. He appeared in nine games last season, totaling 44 yards on six catches. The Pennsylvania native is a freak athlete at 6’3” and 191 pounds. Foster has progressed as a route runner, and possesses speed with body control. Consistency with his hands is the lone thing holding him back from seeing more playing time. Foster tends to drop a lot of catchable balls. Crimson Tide fans saw a solid performance from Foster in Alabama’s 2014 A-Day game. He established chemistry with backup quarterback Cooper Bate-

MARCH 26 + APRIL 9

man, catching four passes for 50 yards. His balance and body control proved critical, as he was able to tight rope the sideline on a few catches. Foster’s effort helped the White team defeat the Crimson team, 17-13. He was one of the top wide receiver prospects nationally coming out of Central Valley High School. Foster was rated as a five-star recruit by 247 sports and Scout. com. He recorded 1,860 yards and 26 touchdowns on 107 catches in his career. His numbers as a running back were stellar, accounting for 1,374 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Calvin Ridley and Daylon Charlot will join the team as freshmen this summer, but Foster is in the thick of the competition. His size and abilities make up his potential to be an explosive, vertical target. Alabama lacks big game experience at receiver with Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White gone. Expect to see more of Foster in 2015, if he can improve his hands. Cooper Bateman—Quiet Confidence ormer Alabama quarterback Blake Sims did the unimaginable in 2014. He guided the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Prior to the run,

Sims had a rough A-Day performance and was inconsistent at times as a backup quarterback. He was able to fend off Florida State transfer Jake Coker, earning him the starting job. Sims finished last season with 3,487 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Coker is assumed to be the starter next season, but like Sims, he must outwork the competition. Alabama returns four other quarterbacks, including redshirt sophomore Cooper Bateman. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Bateman excelled on special teams last season (holder). He did a solid job as a scout team quarterback, giving Alabama’s defense multiple looks. He’s a native of Murray, Utah, that was a marquee name at Cottonwood High School. Bateman showed promise as a dynamic passer, totaling 7,654 yards and 68 touchdowns in his career. He displayed athleticism as a runner, accounting for 12 rushing touchdowns in his senior year. Bateman was one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the class of 2013. A former four-star prospect, he was ranked as the

No. 3 pocket passer by ESPN and the No.5 pro-style quarterback by 247 sports and Scout.com. Bateman arrived at Alabama as an early enrollee in January of 2013. He possessed mobility and arm strength, but accuracy and ball placement were areas of concern. Bateman has improved his vision and mechanics as a passer. Alabama fans saw a confident Bateman inside Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Crimson Tide’s 2014 A-Day game. He put in decent numbers, completing 11 of 24 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Bateman established chemistry with wide receiver Robert Foster. He caught four of Bateman’s 24 passes, resulting in 50 yards. Bateman’s performance was enough to help the White team defeat the Crimson squad 17-13. Bateman eyes the starting job as he returns for a third season. Fans and sports writers desire to see true freshman Blake Barnett. Sophomore David Cornwell wants to prove that he’s more than just the second quarterback signed in Alabama’s 2014 class. Alec Morris is about to enter his fourth season in the system and isn’t backing down. All signs once again point toward Jake Coker, but a push from Bateman in spring practice and summer workouts can land him an opportunity.

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

>>> H I G H T I D E | GARY HARRIS / wvua sports director

A CHANGE IN DIRECTION // ANTHONY GRANT NOT RETAINED

et me say that I respect Anthony Grant and everything that he stands for. He is a man of high character and integrity. He ran his program with class and required that his players be good students and model citizens. Why then after six seasons was Anthony Grant fired? Simple: He just didn't win enough basketball games. Grant only won 58 percent of his games at UA and led Alabama to just one NCAA Tournament. University of Alabama Director of Athletics Bill Battle issued this statement on Grant's dismissal. "Earlier today, I informed Anthony Grant that he will not be retained as head men's basketball coach at the University of Alabama," Battle said. "This decision was reached only after a great deal of deliberation, but I feel it is in the best interests of the basketball program to make a change in leadership. This has been a very difficult decision, as I have the highest respect for Anthony as a coach, as a molder of young men, and as a person. "Anthony is a man of impeccable character who has been an excellent representative of our program. He has made tremendous contributions to our program and we always will be grateful for his efforts. Anthony, his wife Chris, and their children have been tremendous assets to our University and our community. "In this business we are ultimately judged by wins and losses on the court and, for a variety of reasons, we haven't made satisfactory progress in that area. We have a great university, and an excellent athletics program that has expectations for all of our teams to meet the highest standards in competition, in the classroom and in the community. "Today's decision is part of a larger evaluation of every facet of our basketball program that is intended to improve every aspect of our basketball program. A key component in that effort is to get

all of our fans pulling in the same direction, and to make Coleman Coliseum the best home court advantage in the SEC. "Out of respect for our players and coaches, I will make no further comment regarding this decision or the coaching search. I want to extend my complete support to our players and our coaching staff. We will immediately begin a national search for a new head men's basketball coach." The search is on for a new men's basketball coach at the University of Alabama and indications are that Battle is going to make a strong offer to Wichita State's Gregg Marshall. Marshall's teams at Wichita State are a combined 122-20 during the last four seasons and have made four straight NCAA tournament appearances.

It's a strong year for linebackers in Alabama. One of the best is Spanish Fort junior standout Tre Threat. During an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa, the 6-2, 235-pound Threat picked up an offer from Nick Saban. "Alabama has always been a top school in my mind," Threat says. "Just to go there and get the offer, that was very important to me." "I liked everything about the visit, especially the academic program," Threat says. "The football program is phenomenal. The weight room is great. They pump so much money into the program. "Everything about the visit was outstanding. I liked everything from the start of the visit until I left. There wasn't a moment during the whole visit that I didn't have a coach by my side. There was a coach with me talking to me every second." Threat says spending time with the coaches was a highlight of his visit. "I mainly talked to Coach Lupoi the whole time," Threat says. "I like Coach Lupoi a lot. He's just a straightforward, real cool guy. He's laid back. He's fun to be around. A real down-to-earth type of guy. I just like him a lot." As a junior, Threat had 123 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a recov-

ered fumble. "I talked with Coach Smart and with Coach Saban when I was up there," Threat says. "They like my style of play. Coach Saban said he liked the way I play the game. He was really straightforward. He said that he liked me as an inside backer. I like that. I think inside linebacker fits my stature." Threat now has offers Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Louisville, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Ole Miss and Tennessee. "It's way too early to start naming a favorite for me," Threat says. "I'm wide open right now. I'm just going to take my time."

TRE THREAT Spanish Fort LB discusses Alabama offer

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