PLANET WEEKLY 486

// IN THIS ISSUE FACING THE COMPETITION SEW INSPIRING BREAKOUT STARS GREENER PASTURES

AARON BRUNO GETS HEAVIER & DIRTIER AS AWOLNATION

2

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

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inside

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>>> planetweeklyissue486 HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 BAMA LOOKING FOR LINEMEN // GARY HARRIS

STORIES 6 FACE OFF // CARA BRAKE

An original among television's reality competition shows

A look at Alabama's Offensive and Defensive Linemen

7 AWOLNATION // ALAN SCULLEY

Musician Aaron Bruno's first album under the band name Awolnation

PUBLISHER

L I N DA W. J OHN S ON

MANAGING EDITOR

W I L L I AM BA R S HOP

COVER DESIGN

L AU R A L I N E B E R R Y

EVENTS

WILLIAM BARSHOP

ROAD TRIP

T R E Y B R OOK S

RESTAURANT GUIDE DOC FRANKENSTEIN

PRODUCTION

L AU R A L I N E B E R R Y

IMAGES

Images: Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

ADVERTISING MA R T Y R OBERSON 205.523.4 668

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REGINALD ALLEN R A I H A B A J WA WILLIAM BARSHOP CO U R T N E Y BLA N CH A R D K A I T LY N B LO U N T TREY BROOKS KELSEY CAMERON JORDAN CISSELL MARGIE GOLDSMITH SHEENA QUIZON GREGG GARY HARRIS C I N DY H U G G I N S KEVIN LEDGEWOOD BRETT REID VA N R O B E R T S JON ROGERS RACHEL STEINER

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239 | 205.765.8007 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 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.

18 FELLOWSHIP AWARD WINNER INSPIRED BY HER GRANDMOTHER // RACHEL DOBSON

University of Alabama BFA senior Ali Hval has been awarded a prestigious Windgate Fellowship by The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design

22 TOP 5 BREAKOUT PLAYERS FOR 2015 // STEPHEN M. SMITH

The Crimson Tide's breakout players

ENTERTAINMENT 6 BOOKS 10-12 RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER 14 MOVIE REVIEW 16-18 LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

FEATURE 5 GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE // JUDAH MARTIN

Nancy Cruz’s family made the trek from the city of Queretaro near Mexico City to the U.S. in three days and what she found on the other side.

19 ROAD TRIP 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE

COVER PHOTO: KARI ROWE

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JUNE 4 + JUNE 18

3

S

ummer is a lull for television; Most shows premiere in fall and end in spring, which leaves summer to catch up on seasons and episodes that you missed. However, thanks to the invention of Netflix, summer marathons do not have to end when a season is finished. Netflix hosts hundreds of television shows and movies to keep the entertainment juices flowing until the next season starts.

If comedy is on the list, Netflix has it covered. Comedies with lessons in humility are rare, but “Drop Dead Diva” encompasses all of it. Deb Dobkins in a slim, pretty girl who is as shallow as a puddle. When Deb gets killed, she gets reincarnated as her opposite, a plus sized, savvy lawyer. Deb has to get a handle on her new life, and a newfound craving for donuts. Brooke Elliot leads the cast as Jane Bingum, Deb’s new persona.

For something more thrilling, “Darknet” is a gem buried under bigger name shows. Imagine a website that streams live murders, and hosts uploaded videos of previous ones.

Anyone with an account can access videos, or post their own grisly details.

Each protagonist faces their own horrors...or are they protagonists at all?

For those who want a little reality in their lives, along with a small history

lesson, “Pawn Stars” has them covered.

Rick Harrison owns a pawn shop in Las Vegas, co run by his father, Richard, his son Corey, and their friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell. The show revolves around their store and the things that people bring in to sell, each item coming with its own interesting history.

To solve a little crime in the spare time of summer, classics never fail.

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigators” shows a team of investigators who solve impossible crimes using science and intuition. The variants on Netflix are New York and Miami, each with the same plot.

Nothing beats good old cute cartoons sometimes. The “Power Puff Girls” are the feminist icons a kid needs to see on television. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are three crime fighting little girls created by Professor Utonium, and they protect the city of

Monday – $5 Bud Light Pitchers Tuesday – Free Poker Tournament Wednesday – $3 Pint Night @7 p.m.

Thursday – Live Team Trivia and beer specials @8 p.m.

Sunday – Free Poker Tournament @2:30 p.m.

DOWNTOWN TUSCALOOSA 205.366.0913 4

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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>>> F E A T U R E | J U D A H M A R T I N

GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE // AN IMMIGRANT’S TALE M

etal forks clinked against plates and children screamed for attention, but Nancy Cruz handled them expertly, holding the phone to her ear with one hand and dishing out treats with another.

“I want ice cream,” screamed Gabby, 4, her oldest daughter.

“I know Mami,” Cruz said and walked to the freezer.

“Share with your sisters,” she said, nodding toward her other daughters Isis, 2, and Auburn, 1. The girls continued to shrill with excitement and Cruz went back to dishing about her new promotion. She started her job at Wal Mart around two years ago, moving back and forth between various positions. First she was a cashier, then she worked maintenance, then she worked in the deli. Now she is training to be pharmacy technician.

“Let me tell you, these crack heads are always coming over there [to the pharmacy] and trying to get Sudafed or Lortabs with somebody else’s prescription,” she said, laughing. “I ask them to see their I.D. and then they’re all like ‘oh, I don't have mine with me, I'll come back.’ They never do.”

Her new promotion comes with a 40 cents raise, but it won’t start until next month.

For now, she is still bringing in $8.35 an hour, working about 35 hours each week.

“Every day I go to sleep, I wake up the next day, feed [the children], take them to daycare, then I go to work,” she said. “I don’t get to spend a lot of time with them in the morning. It'll get rough.”

A few years a back, Cruz was able to receive a Visa to work after a boyfriend attacked her. Not long after, she moved from Foley, Alabama to Pensacola, Florida.

“I was trying to stay away from everybody,” she said. “I was trying to get away from my exes and it was easier for me to live down here. The stores are closer, you don’t have to pay taxes on food. When I moved here I wasn’t working so I got $300 a month in cash assistance, I got $600 a month in food stamps, and the kids had full Medicaid.

Then I started working and they took all that away.”

Now she spends most of her time working. She gets paid every two weeks, usually a little over $500. Somehow, she finds a way to make it work. She has no other choice.

She spends so much time scheming, trying to find little ways to save money, that recently her doctor gave her a prescription for Seroquel. She said she is bipolar and suffers mood swings. Now her biggest worry is keeping her car running.

“My car is oooooold,” she said, giggling. “It’s a little Chevy Cavalier, it's a 2001. It doesn't even have mirrors. Before I got it fixed it was rough because I had to walk an hour and a half to work. It’s rough because you have to leave at like 11:30 in the morning to get all the way to your job and then you have to turn around and walk all the way back when you get off,” she said.

Until last month Auburn’s father, Phillip, lived with her in the small two bedroom apartment. Unlike her exes, Phillip wasn’t afraid of a job. He worked, he cleaned the house, and he looked after each of the children. Cruz thought he was a good man, until he tried to hit her.

“When I was a little girl like [my daughters] my daddy and my momma used to fight a lot,” Cruz said. “So my daddy left Mexico and he came down here to the United States when I was seven and then my mom when I turned eleven my mom decided she wanted to take us to go find him.”

Cruz was not in the United States for a full day before her mother rushed her to the hospital.

Along with her brothers and a team of smugglers, Cruz’s family made the trek from the city of Queretaro near Mexico City to the U.S. in three days. Her feet were so bruised and cut up from the journey that they felt numb, but she was too ashamed to complain to her mother. After all, they were all suffering.

Her mother, Maria Chavez, paid $4,200 to the smugglers for each of her children and another $3,000 for herself. She spent so much to pay for the guides that she could not buy enough food. They ran out of supplies after the first day. One of the guides taught them a trick to keep their mouth from getting dry. They each held rocks in their mouths to keep their saliva glands active. Cruz pretended the rocks were little pieces of candy.

“People on the border, they will leave little things there for immigrants to find and eat,” she said. “We would find things in little coolers and maybe the ice had melted but it

was still good for us to eat.Mama kept telling us we were finally going to see our daddy, so that was our motivation because we didn’t see him for a long time.”

With swollen feet, they carried on through the nights, walking past cows and other animals. Sometimes they lucked out and found more discarded coolers, but mostly they drank from rivers, using their clothes to filter the water. Cruz remembers being so thirsty that she did not even mind the gritty taste of the dirty water. Finally, they made it to a large farm. Their guide indicated that he knew the place. He knocked and a tall man came to the door. The big man scolded him for bringing children on such a dangerous trip.

He smiled at Cruz and her brothers and led the family to a shed behind his house.

She doesn’t remember much about the man now, except that she was hungry and his property was full of apples.

“They were like the biggest, juiciest apples I’ve ever seen in my life,” she said.

Cruz devoured the apples, biting off huge chunks and savoring the juices that flowed over her tongue. For just a little while, she forgot about her throbbing feet and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Exhausted, she fell asleep on a pile of hay.

She had only slept for three hours before her mother shook her awake.

“I remember my feet were bleeding,” she said. “I wasn’t used to the walking. The next day we started walking and after that we crossed this metal fence. We had to run for like ten or fifteen minutes because we were by the road and I guess the police had switched shifts, so when a truck picked us up, they were the people we paid to cross over the border, they was all together, so it was three people, the guy that walked with us then the guy at the farm and the guy in the truck.”

Soon, they made their way to an apartment owned by an elderly woman who gave them clothes and food. The woman suggested they take showers and it was then that Cruz’s mother finally noticed her feet.

Though she was frightened at the sight of her daughter’s feet, Cruz’s mother was equally terrified of what might happen to her and her daughter if they went to a hospital.

“Don’t worry, it’s safe for her to go,” the elderly woman assured Cruz. They can’t take Nancy away because she is a child, so I will take her to the hospital.”

Cruz was hospitalized for two days, but it took about three weeks for her feet to heal. Still, her family continued their journey, shuttling back and forth between Alabama and Texas in search of Cruz’s father. Their search was further complicated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and they spent another six months searching for Cruz’s father.

When they finally found him, Nancy told her mother that she no longer recognized him.

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JUNE 4 + JUNE 18

5

>>> T V | C A R A B R A K E

>>> B O O K S | C O U R T N E Y B L A N C H A R D

FACE OFF // SYFY ORIGINAL

C

ompetition shows are huge on television. Fan may get to interact with the competition, or just sit back and root for their favorite choices each season, waiting to see who will come out on top. The most intense shows are the ones that aren’t scripted and show real struggles and real people, and now the television network best known for its original shows has jumped the gun. SyFy, the popular science fiction and fantasy network, has created their own competition show, called Face Off. Face Off is an original competition show where special effects makeup artists of all skill levels from around the country come together to compete for big prizes and the fame they all think they deserve. The cast members, a different number each season, put their best foot forward by creating original make ups based on the judges’ parameters. The cast members are judged on their skill, creativity, and time management skills as they only have between four and ten hours to complete each challenge.

Not only is the competition interesting, but the judges themselves are superstars in the special effects world. The first judge introduced is Glenn Hetrick, who owns his own makeup studio, Optic Nerve Studios, and has worked on several big name films including “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, the 1999 television show “Angel”, and the 2006 television show “Heroes”. The next panel judge is Oscar winning makeup artist Ve Neill, who is best known for her makeup work on the cult classic “Beetlejuice”, and also for her work with Hetrick on “Catching Fire”. The third judge started as Patrick Tatopoulos, a famous French FX makeup designer and monster concept creator who is known for his directing and concept art for the “Underworld” franchise. The judge that took his place when he left the panel to go work on a new movie is creature designer and concept artist Neville Page, who is known for such blockbuster hits as “Avatar”, “Star Trek: Into Darkness”, and “Prometheus”.

Starting in 2011, the cast members were mentored by none other than the Academy Award winning special effects make up artist Michael Westmore, who has been doing makeup since 1964 and has done everything from horror makeup to alien makeup on “Star Trek”. The show is hosted by Westmore’s daughter, McKenzie Westmore.

McKenzie Westmore brings in numerous guest judges, including Brian Singer, director of the “X-Men” movies.

As the seasons go on, the challenges get more and more difficult, incorporating various levels of difficulty, from adding twists in the beginning, changing things in the middle of the work, and adding new levels of skill, such as making the makeup waterproof or able to be used in an action sequence. Each week, one person is eliminated, and only three people are entered into the finale to win the various grand prizes offered. Going into its ninth season, Face Off has been critically acclaimed, including nabbing a win in the COLA (California On Location Awards) for Location Professional of the Year, and got two Critics’ Choice Awards nominations for Best Reality Series. The new season airs on July 28th at 9/8 central on SyFy. Episodes can be watched on SyFy’s website, and on Hulu.

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

LOVING GOD'S WILDNESS T

ransforming the Dead is a collection of essays that examines culturally modified human bones and their roles as cultural and ritual objects among prehistoric Midwest cultures. Previous scholarship has explored the roles of human body parts in Native American cultures as trophies of war and revered ancestors. This collection discusses new evidence that human elements were also important components of daily and ritual activities across the Eastern Woodlands. The contributors to this volume discuss each case study within the unique temporal and regional contexts of the material, rather than seeking universal answers to how these objects were used.

Most research addressing modified human bone has focused on cut marks and trauma associated with warfare, trophy taking, and burial practices. The editors and contributors of Transforming the Dead document the varied and often overlooked ways that human bone was intentionally modified through drilling, incising, cutting, and polishing for utilitarian, ornamental, spiritual, or ritual use. Examples include bracelets and gorgets to be worn, as well as rasp-like instruments, pipe stems, masks, and protective talismans. The form and function of these objects are not unusual, but it is their construction from the remains of "another" that sets them apart.

Through a flexible but systematic analysis of the archaeological record, the contributors bring into focus how the careful selection, modification, and retention of particular bones or body parts of an individual after death offer insights into concepts of personhood, the body, life, and death among the prehistoric Native Americans in the Midwest.

ABOUT THE EDITORS Eve A. Hargrave is a public engagement coordinator and skeletal biologist at the Illinois State Archaeological Survey and coauthor of Recent Investigations into the Late Prehistoric Mortuary Behavior: The Halliday Site. Shirley J. Schermer is a former director of the Burials Program for the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist and author of Discovering Archaeology: An Activity Guide for Educators. Kristin M. Hedman is an associate director of the Ancient Technologies and Archaeological Materials Program and skeletal biologist at the Illinois State Archaeological Survey and coauthor of Hill Prairie Mounds: The Osteology of a Late Middle Mississippian Mortuary Population. Robin M. Lillie is a skeletal biologist for the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist Burials Program and coauthor of Dubuque's Forgotten Cemetery: Excavating a Nineteenth-century Burial Ground in a Twenty-first-century City.

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PRAISE FOR TRANSFORMING THE DEAD "Transforming the Dead persuasively shows that human bone was used in everyday life and special rituals in prehistoric Native American culture. No other book on the market presents what these authors have."

— Keith P. Jacobi, author of Last Rites for the Tipu Maya: Genetic Structuring in a Colonial Cemetery "Transforming the Dead encourages its readers to think in a broader perspective-outside of western normative dualities like life and death, the physical world, and the spiritual world."

— Debra L. Martin, coauthor of Bioarchaeology: An Integrated Approach to Working with Human Remains and coeditor of Bioarchaeological and Forensic Perspectives on Violence: How Violent Death is Interpreted from Skeletal Remains The University of Alabama Press is a proud member of the Association of American University Presses. The Press currently publishes 80-85 new titles a year and has over 1,800 titles in print; it is a founding member of the University Press Content Consortium and is at the cutting edge of digital publishing. The Press is the publishing arm of the University of Alabama.

University of Alabama Press 1-800-621-2736 | www.uapress.ua.edu For more information and to request a review copy: Courtney Blanchard ceblanchard@uapress.ua.edu (205) 348-5181

>>> M U S I C R E V I E W | A L A N S C U L L E Y

AWOLNATION // DIRTIER aron Bruno may have had major success with “Megalithic Symphony,” his first album under the band name Awolnation. That 2011 release spent 111 weeks on the “Billboard” magazine Top 200 album chart and its hit single, “Sail,” hit nearly six million in sales while becoming the second longest charting song on “Billboard’s” all-genre Hot 100 singles chart.

But even though he felt he had proven himself with “Megalithic Symphony,” that didn’t stop Bruno from feeling he still had some doubters to deal with when he went to work on the newly released Awolnation follow-up album, “Run.” “I’ve always worked best when I’ve had sort of an imaginary or sometimes real enemy, almost,” Bruno said in a mid-April phone interview. “Music to me is rebellious and has always been a flag to carry for some sort of cause. And that could be just socially, that could be politically. That could be on a relationship basis, and all of the above. So for me, I kind of knew that there were going to be a lot of people who didn’t think I could possibly repeat the same kind of success. So that was a fun little chip on my shoulder that I got to tap into.

“There are plenty of critics that overlooked the first record,” he added. “They didn’t know that it even happened. Then all of a sudden ‘Sail’ was this massive success, so of course they were going to want to hate on me and say OK, this guy can’t do this again.”

Bruno, though, took his success as a license to challenge himself musically, and not only did he believe he could avoid a sophomore slip-up, he could push his music well beyond the musical template created with “Megalithic Symphony.”

“I think the success of the first record gave me a lot of confidence that people could relate to what a lot of people probably thought was insane in the first record.

So it gave me artistic freedom to push myself even further after seeing what really translated and reacted live, and obviously commercially as well,” Bruno said. “(It) certainly gave me a newfound confidence to make the sophomore freak out record that I’ve always wanted to make. In fact, I’ve been looking forward to having this opportunity my whole career, but it just never happened.

When this opportunity presented itself, I was very ready to do it. It was difficult, but a wonderful challenge that I took head on and I’m extremely proud.”

As Bruno’s last comment suggests, he’s not exactly a

KARI ROWE

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newcomer to the music business.

In a career that stretches back some 15 years, he had been a key member of two major label bands – Home Town Hero and Under The Influence Of Giants – that seemed positioned to make an impact on the music scene.

It didn’t happen. Home Town Hero, which was signed to the Warner Bros.-affiliated Maverick Records (owned by Madonna), had some modest success with its 2002 self-titled debut, but broke up shortly before the release of its second album, 2004’s “Bitch City.”

Bruno and Hometown Hero bandmate Drew Stewart then formed Under The Influence Of Giants and landed a deal with Island Records. But the group’s 2006 self-titled debut album stiffed and the band ended.

Bruno began developing the Awolnation sound not long after the demise of Under The Influence Of Giants.

A big break came in 2009 when Red Bull Records, which had received a recording of a few of Bruno’s new songs, offered to let him use its Los Angeles studio for free to do further recording. After hearing songs Bruno recorded then, Red Bull signed Bruno (as Awolnation), and he went to work in earnest on “Megalithic Symphony,” which was released in March 2011.

Like “Megalithic Symphony,” the “Run” album was entirely written, played and produced by Bruno working in his home studio. He said he realizes some people may see this as an egotistical – maybe even selfindulgent – way to make music, but he said that’s not what attracts him to working this way in the studio.

“I think the satisfaction comes in efficiency for me,“ Bruno said. “It’s that, when I have an idea, I can execute that idea right now instead of having to wait or rely on someone else. I think that’s the most satisfying quality to doing it the way I did, and being able to better myself as a songwriter and producer or whatever it is I’m doing that day and not have to rely on other human beings because, I mean, no one else is ever going to care about a ong that you wrote and you’re going to perform as much as you do. I think that’s the main point.”

The music he created on “Run” retains the keyboard/electronics-based sound of “Megalithic Symphony,” with new songs like “Windows,” “Woman Woman” and “I Am,” combining the silky synthesizer/

electronic tones, bouncy danceable beats and classic pop hooks that characterized much of the first album.

Meanwhile the frenetic “Burn It Down” and “Soul Wars” (from “Megalithic Symphony”) returns on the new song “Kookseverywhere!!!”

But “Run” is a more personal lyrically and more involved and quirkier musically than the debut, and several of its songs expand the musical range Bruno showed on “Megalithic Symphony.” The new album starts off with a curveball in the title track, a moody, deliberately paced tune that mixes piano and strings with a repeating synthesizer coda before turning heavier and more foreboding, while “Drinking Lightening” mixes a dirge-ish sound with Brian-Wilson-esque harmonies and moments of pop brightness.

The taste of punchy rock that first surfaced on the “Megalithic Symphony” song “Kill Your Heroes” gets pushed even further on the songs “Dreamers” and “Hollow Moon” (Bad Wolf).” That latter track, with its big beat and huge synthesizer riff, has reached number two on “Billboard’s” Alternative Songs chart and number four on the Rock Airplay chart. At the same time, a few songs, such as the acoustic-centric “Headrest For My Soul” and “Holy Roller” show a more of a gentle, intimate dimension.

For all of its ambition, “Run,” however, doesn’t have anything quite as audacious as the 15-minute epic disco/ hip-hop/pop jam, “Knights of Shame,” from “Megalithic Symphony.” Still, “Run” is the kind of album that gets richer with repeated listenings.

Bruno said he and his four-piece backing band are giving the music a different feel live as he begins touring behind “Run.” “It’s much heavier and dirtier. It’s just really good,” Bruno said of the live sound. “I didn’t know how it was going to go. But rather than trying to make it sound like the record on stage, we’re trying to make it sound better and more brutal and dirtier and more interactive – and more human. When you make a record, it’s just a time capsule of where you are at that time. Hopefully you get better at playing these songs live, all along keeping in mind that I don’t want to alienate our fans and flip out a song so much that it’s not even familiar to them. I tried to keep what are my favorite elements of the song, the most important parts, and then add new as well.”

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

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NEWS

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FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

B

eginning at 8:30a.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at Bryant Conference Center, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) will provide new data and research regarding the funding and performance of the two public school systems in Tuscaloosa County.

For 25 years, PARCA has been an independent research organization that reports objectively on issues important to improving Alabama's state and local governments and public schools.

Come hear what the findings are from this report funded by the Tuscaloosa City Schools Foundation. Following PARCA’s presentation, Dr. Tommy Bice, Superintendent, Alabama Department of Education will report on the current state of K-12 Education at the state level. Lastly, Superintendents Dr. Elizabeth Swinford and Dr. Paul McKendrick will share their thoughts on the PARCA report and the state of our local schools. Questions will be taken from the audience. This session is FREE and open to the public and will

end at 11am. RSVP by June 11 by calling 205-391-0559 or emailing Stacey@ tuscaloosachamber.com.

Our annual Chamber in Session: State of the Schools Lunch is a separate event being held afterward at nearby Hotel Capstone from 11:30a.m. - 1p.m. Expect presentations from Mr. Mark Nelson, President, Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, Mr. Lee Garrison, Chairman, Tuscaloosa City Board of Education and Representative Bill Poole, Chairman, House Ways and Means Education Committee. Education officials, including the superintendents, will be available after the luncheon for questions and media interviews. This luncheon event is open to the public at a cost of $30/ person for Chamber members and $35/ person for non-members. RSVP by June 11 by calling 205-391-0559 or emailing Stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com. This luncheon event is being presented by Ellis Architects. Gold sponsor: Ward Scott Architecture. Silver Sponsors: Bryant

Conference Center, Boostr Digital Display, Hotel Capstone & TekLinks.

“We hope, especially, that Chamber member businesses take advantage of this opportunity to get an update on the school systems in Tuscaloosa County that are preparing students for the workplace,” said Chamber President Jim Page. Chamber in Session events are held throughout the year for members and prospective members to interact with community, state and national leaders.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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>>> W I N E R E V I E W | J O N R O G E R S

>>> RESTAURANTS |

GRENACHE BLANC // UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA

9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.

Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 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.

S

anta Margherita Pinot Grigio is a crisp white wine from Italy, presented by Terlato Wines.

This wine has been produced for over 30 years and is a very popular Pinot Grigio that can be found in many stores. The wine was introduced to the United States in 1979 by Anthony Terlato.

It’s made in the authentic Italian style, according to the bottle, and crafted in the Northern Italian region of Alto Adige.

For more information about Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and Terlato Wines, you can check out the Santa Margherita website.

I had a friend help me with this tasting and we tasted the 2013 vintage of this wine.

APPEARANCE In the glass Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is straw in color and leaves bright golden reflections from the light.

We noticed a lot of legs in our glasses.

They were slow to fall, thin and uniform in shape.

The wine had a fairly high level of viscosity and was definitely not a thin white wine.

AROMA The wine’s aroma was immediately noticeable when the bottle was opened.

It was aromatic and lofty. I noticed whiffs of the aroma from a good sixteen inches away from the glass.

We described the aroma as apple, initially. As it developed we noticed grapefruit from afar and tart apple up close.

There was little to no sting of alcohol noticeable in the aroma.

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio alcohol content 12.5% by volume per the bottle.

All in all, we thought this wine had a great aroma!

TASTE I found the wine to be bright in taste.

Noted flavors were primarily citrus, including lemon and grapefruit. You could immediately tell this wine had a good amount of acid in it.

My friend said “It starts with a hint of tobacco, but then quickly tarts out.”

We both agreed that the wine’s taste was very enjoyable as a sipper and would also be great paired with a clean white fish, due to its nice citrus flavor.

FINISH The wine’s finish was medium to long.

We counted about nine seconds until the flavor dissipated on the palate.

We also both noticed just the slightest hint of lingering bitterness.

OVERALL OPINION Overall, we both really liked this wine.

My friend loved the way the flavor pops. He said he “loved it.”

I also found this wine to be very enjoyable. Although I found it to be a bit one dimensional, it really delivers on that dimension.

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio price $19.99.

Recommend!

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

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.

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

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.

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E T O E AT I N T U S C A L O O S A ( C O N T. )

Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www. chickensaladchick.com Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800

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

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com

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.

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.

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

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 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents. Wine and Signature cocktails 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

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

>>> B E E R R E V I E W | B R E T T R E I D

GREENHOUSE IPA // GREAT HOP FLAVORS I

t’s no secret that Austin, TX is producing its fair share of craft beer, but it’s worth noting that not all of that beer is good beer. While on my honeymoon, I went to a craft beer store on South Lamar called WhichCraft Beer Store to grab a pick six of some Austin-made beer that we didn’t want to buy full six packs of. A while back, I did a swap with a guy from Austin and we only traded local beers. One of the beers in that swap was a Pale Ale by a brewery I had never heard of; Hops and Grain, and the beer was Pale Dog. The problem with trades and individually sold beers is that you never really know how long that single beer has been sitting there; especially if that brewery doesn’t have a drink by or brewed on stamp. Such was the case when I received my Pale Dog can. It was bad; plain and simple.

I could barely finish it and it slightly tarnished the name of this brewery in my head, but anyways back to the story. So we’re checking out at WhichCraft, and the cashier asks if we have any other plans and then informs us that Hops and Grain has taproom hours that day; I’m sold, let’s do this. Fortunately, I married a wonderful woman who enjoys beer as much as I do, so there’s never much need for convincing. We put our purchases in the car and headed over to a warehouse slammed in the middle of an Austin neighborhood, located behind an H-E-B grocery store and a Crossfit gym. The only thing that told you that you had arrived was the Hops and Grain mural on the wall, but even then, that wasn’t very inviting. All that aside, we walked in and ordered our beers. I had several and realized that this was already my favorite brewery in the city. When we arrived back home, I remembered that I had purchased one of the Greenhouse IPA cans in my pick six. Joy abounds. This is something to definitely write home about.

Before we go any further, let’s talk about what exactly the Greenhouse IPA is, because it’s definitely not just another IPA. Hops and Grain is equipped with a 3 bbl pilot system on which they have the ability to experiment and basically go crazy with different hop combinations. Each month they release around 300 cases and each time they change the hop varieties in the dry-hopping so that it gives you a different aroma and flavor profile. This enables them to provide thirsty Austinites with a different beer each time it hits shelves.

This beer poured a golden, copper color with a nice bit of fluffy head; about two finger widths that retained nicely. As the head dissipates, there is some light lacing left around the top of the glass, but nothing extraordinary. The picture posted above was taken after I had taken the first few sips, so pardon the lack of demonstration on my part. I chose to pour this beer into my new Hops and Grain can-shaped glass, just for fun, but I think it may have altered the retention and the aromas slightly. Either way, the aromas were very

nice; mostly in the way of some piney and floral hops. There was a nice malt scent that was peaking through the background to make itself known, as well as a light note of caramel. The smell was fairly general and didn’t really blow me away, sadly.

Taste is where this beer was made to shine. It matched the aroma for the most part, but there were some great hop flavors, mostly oily and fruity, that I didn’t pick up in the nose. The bitterness aspect was exceptionally nice and didn’t have really any astringent character to it. The malt in the latter half of the sip really allowed the beer to balance out and create a well-rounded flavor profile that I believe all hop-heads could like. Honestly, I wish I would have grabbed more than two for flavor alone. It was so complex from the nine different hops that were added during the brew. There is a nice oiliness that the dry-hopping really brings out and really lets you taste those nine different profiles.

The mouthfeel was just as nice and complimentary to the beer. That oily character mixed with the smoothness and thickness of a Double IPA creates a beautiful, medium-bodied mouthfeel that tells you you’re drinking a very nice and well put together IPA. One of the most positive things I can say about this beer is that it doesn’t sit very heavy on the stomach regardless of the medium body. I could easily knock back about three to four of these in a session and feel perfectly fine.

Although, I don’t think I would, because I want to be able to taste this one again.

Overall, this is an interesting concept for a brewery to have. I embrace the thought of producing a new, experimental brew every month, because it intrigues me to not know what I’m going to be tasting.

This is a crew I can really stand behind, because I have seen first hand how they’re making an impact on the environment, the people who drink their beer, and the beer itself. If you’re ever in Austin, take a trip to Hops and Grain and do the tour, too. I guarantee it won’t be a wasted trip.

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

JUNE 4 + JUNE 18

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>>> R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W | S H E E N A Q U I ZO N G R E G G

MARY’S CAKES AND PASTRIES // YOUR NEXT LUNCH DESTINATION T

he sky is the limit when it comes to lunch options in the Tuscaloosa area. However, there’s one place in town that offers made from scratch lunch options with a combination of a delectable dessert and beverage all for five bucks. This place is Mary’s Cakes and Pastries in downtown Northport. Though the shop is known for its eye-popping cakes and mouthwatering dessert options, Mary’s provides lunch foodies with a cost-effective incomparable lunch experience. Depending on the season, Mary’s provides a myriad of grab and go lunch options including pizzas, gumbos, salads, and delicious chicken salad sandwiches.

Patrons also have the opportunity to pick any dessert in the case under two dollars along with a canned beverage. Those that frequent the bakery are acquainted with Mary’s signature shortbread cookies, cake shots, and mind-blowing chocolate chip cookies along with other favorites. Even Mary’s beverages provide some novelty with the collection of sodas including root beer and nostalgic Tab diet cola.

Owner Mary Cesar has a personal passion for incorporating locally grown foods in her own diet and the tasty offerings she provides in her shop. “I like to let my purchases at the farmers market inspire my menu,” says Cesar. In addition to the farmers market, Cesar has also been purchasing local ingredients via Snow’s Bend Farm’s community supported agriculture CSA program. Aside from your typical fruits and veggies, Mary’s boasts a delicious made from scratch pizza with dough made straight from the grains of Druid City Brewery as well as feta cheese from AA Farm Creamery in Millbrook. Those with nutrient restrictions will delight in the option of made from scratch gluten-free and Paleo treats for lunch and dessert.

I made a recent stop to Mary’s for lunch on a sunny day in downtown Northport. I was quickly greeted as I entered the shop while staff energetically piped more frosting on a tray of shortbread cookies and an elegant wedding cake. Checking out my surroundings, I opted for a chicken salad sandwich on croissant with an adorable looking strawberry cake shot and Tab diet cola. Though the seating options inside the bakery are limited, I decided to perch myself on one of the available high tables to watch the bakery in action while enjoying my lunch. Folks hustled and bustled in to grab treats to bring to work and parties.

Mothers and their daughters slowly trickled in to review their wedding cake options.

My chicken salad sandwich rivaled other chicken salads I’ve had in town while nestled on the fluffy croissant. My cake shot had the perfect balance of icing,

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MAY 21 + JUNE 4

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O S A (CO N T.)

SEAFOOD

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.

New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Boulevard |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily.

248-7666 Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM) Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 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 // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri&Sat 11am, Sun 11am-8pm. www. leveebarandgrill.com 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

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet.

Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

ASIAN CUISINE

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

Surin of Thailand 1402 University Blvd // 752.7970 Authentic Thai restaurant and sushi bar. Open daily.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. www.surinofthailand.com

PIZZA AND SUBS

A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10 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

Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148

Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com

Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444 Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

cake, and strawberries as I licked my cup clean at the end of my lunch meal. Leaving the shop, I ventured over to Mary’s bakery supply consignment store attached to the shop. Vintage cook books and various kitchen gadgets paraded the nice open space. As I got in my car, I made a mental note to consider sitting outside for lunch next time with the various benches and wrought iron tables surrounding the shop.

Overall, I consider Mary’s to be the ultimate grab and grow lunch destination.

With incomparable desserts and locally sourced food items, your next five dollar lunch should come from Mary’s Cakes and Pastries.

Mary’s is located in downtown Northport behind Billy’s Sports Bar and Grill and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating!

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

Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino foodie.”

Follow her on Twitter @AFilipinoFoodie

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O S A (CO N T.)

Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

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.

COFFEE SHOP Barnes & Noble

Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664

1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366

Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218 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.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER // BEATING THE HEAT

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.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com

Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522

Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

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

>>> H E A LT H | D R . R AC H E L S T E I N E R

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

S

ummer is in full swing here in Tuscaloosa Alabama! Although this means lots of fun and sun for many, this time of year can also be very dangerous as the temperatures easily reach triple digits at times. Every year, thousands of become sick from exposure to heat, and in serious cases can lead to death. In a recent five-year study in the United States, there were 2,239 reported deaths due to heat illnesses. Our bodies have the amazing ability to cool itself through sweating however, during hot weather especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash, heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Immediate medical attention is needed when one suffers from one of these conditions. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to keep healthy and prevent heat related illnesses during the dog days of summer.

Get outdoor work done early in the day or in the evening Between 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon are when the suns rays are most direct and powerful. If you have to do work outside around the house such as gardening or mowing the lawn, try to do these things at dawn or as the sun starts to set to avoid the direct sun and dangerous temperatures.

Wear Sunscreen Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher whenever you're outdoors. For children, it is recommended to use an SPF of 30 or higher. To achieve adequate UV protection you should use products that provide broad spectrum protection, which means protection against both UVB and UVA rays. When buying sunscreen look for products that contain ingredients such as avobenzone or zinc oxide, as they are the most effective in preventing rays from penetrating the skin. Remember that sunscreen doesn’t last all day! It should be reapplied every two hours, unless you are

swimming or even sweating, in that case you should reapply every hour.

Keep Hydrated In the summer months, when temperatures and humidity are higher than we’re used to, it is easy to become dehydrated. An easy rule to follow is to take your weight in pounds and that is how many ounces of water you should drink daily. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink 100 ounces of water per day.

However, if lots of time is spent outside in the sun and you are sweating, you should be drinking more. Add an extra 12 ounces of liquid for every 30 minutes of physical activity you do. When you sweat, your body not only releases fluid and toxins from your body, but electrolytes as well. Electrolytes regulate our nerve and muscle function, our body's hydration, blood pH, blood pressure, and the rebuilding of damaged tissue. Various mechanisms exist in our body to keep the concentrations of different electrolytes under strict control. An easy way to prevent electrolyte imbalances is to drink sports drinks such as Gatorade or PowerAde or consume foods high in electrolytes such as bananas, spinach, and avocados. Remember if you are thirsty, that is an early warning signal from your body that you are already dehydrated.

Shade yourself whenever possible Be aware the amount of sun you are exposing yourself to- use an umbrella or find a covered area such as an awning or tree to minimize direct rays. Consider wearing a hat to protect your head and face and wear clothing that covers the skin but is lightweight and allows the skin to breath.

They even have clothing now that have built in sunscreen and are lightweight to help keep you cool. _________________________ Keep in mind these suggestions to follow when enjoying the sun and all the activities that go along with it. Cheers to a happy and healthy Alabama summer!

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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>>> M U S I C R E V I E W | J O R D A N C I S S E L L

HOT DAMN SCANDAL // FLAWED PERFECTION

L

ast week on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder, Colorado, I stumbled onto something beautiful. Four scruffy guys stood playing folk music on the sidewalk, crowded around a beat-up old suitcase with a handwritten sign: “10 Bucks For A CD.” One guy had a washboard around his neck and a hotel call bell and upturned candleholder propped on the battered suitcase in front of him; another plucked away at a big ol’ stand-up bass, darting his right hand up between numbers to scratch his Fu Manchu and adjust his sweat-stained bandana.

They were unpolished, and they were real, and it was obvious there was nothing they would rather be doing than providing a little something to dance to for the ten or twelve people gathered around them clapping and stepping along. Ten bucks got me a foldout cardboard sleeve dotted with Hieronymus Bosch artwork and enclosing a self-printed CD – “Strange Tongues,” recorded in 2014 – that perfectly captures the genuine immediacy of that street performance. The album is available in its entirety online at Hot Damn Scandal’s bandcamp.com page.

Anymore, it seems like you can’t throw a Frisbee without hitting an Americana revival-type band, but many of them lose sight of a key notion for which Hot Damn Scandal display an intuitive understanding: If you’re plying your trade within a genre that’s been steeped in over 200 years of ordinary folks communing at the end of an eight-day work week for a Cumbaya session of pickin’ and singin’, keep in mind that Americana music has always been as much about a rascally self-awareness and a blue collar, shootfor-the-moon manifest destiny as it has the non-stop soil and toil. Throughout “Strange Tongues,” Hot Damn Scandal deftly balances dutiful homage to tradition with a playful reverence.

The latter gleefully pops into full view from the opening seconds of albumopener “How to Act,” as squirrely guitar punctuates a jubilant horn that jumps and jives like it’s strutting down Bourbon Street. The song’s jaunty call-andresponse routine allows the narrator to riff on his own small-time mischief. “I just picked my nose and flicked it off in space,” he admits. The response: “Well, I can’t blame you there.”

The former is on stark display in “Wild Rose.” The song opens in a strain of mournful violin and percussive acoustic guitar a la Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” With a few ladies’ tender backup vocals lending soothing support, the singer intones, “The only thing that

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

everybody shares is the fear that no one else is really there.”

The band hails from Bellingham, Washington, and operates as a loose, traveling collective in the vein of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Its lineup is in a state or perennial flux. The album’s liner notes credit a combined total of 16 band members and musical contributors, including some help from their friend Bill’s ducks.

This diversity of personnel tangibly impacts “Twist It Up,” a sort of summer party anthem for the Birkenstock set in which three different singers espouse the pleasure of a vice-filled lifestyle, but it is also reflected in the record’s eclectic mingling of stylistic directions.

“She Ain’t No Good” could slide seamlessly into Tom Waits’ 1983 album “Swordfishtrombones.” The singer’s voice cracks and slurs when he howls the chorus and spits with staccato accusation in each verse. The song lurches along on stuttering plucks and a few touches of flamenco flourish from an acoustic guitar before devolving completely into a clatter of trashcan lid stomping, deep-throated growls and Mario sound effects.

In “Blame it on the Rain,” a trombone glissandos and the electric guitar swaps solos with a clarinet. “Gold” exudes the bittersweet wanderlust of an old sea shanty, and album-closer “Jericho” is an epic in the vein of Led Zeppelin’s “The Battle of Evermore,” with the singer narrating an impending clash with a worldweary sneer as his trusty acoustic guitar gallops underneath him.

Banjos burble through the pastoral lullaby of “Glistenin’ Steel” as the track envelops you in the warmth of gentle mandolin and square dance-ready violin.

The singer’s genuine appreciation for the cool creeks and dense trees of the valley in which he has immersed himself is soothing and contagious, and his voice is a nasally, unpolished whine – flawed perfection.

678-720-1583

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

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON // A REVELRY ✭✭✭✭ OF ACTION & SHENANIGANS

OU T OF 4

W

atching “Serenity” director Joss Whedon’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is like riding on a runaway rollercoaster. As he did with the initial “Avengers” extravaganza, Whedon orchestrates several largerthan-life, gravity-defying, highoctane action scenes that escalate exponentially in scale. Not content to waste time, Whedon opens this PG-13 rated film with an exhilarating assault on a Hydra stronghold in Eastern Europe. Ultimately, Whedon never allows this outlandish, CGIladen, 141 minute blockbuster with its non-stop shenanigans to wax anticlimactic.

Occasionally, “Avengers 2,” as I shall refer to it from here on, pauses only to let its heroes and villains deliver important expository dialogue that lets us know about their future strategy. Whedon relies frequently on brisk, Ginsu-knife style editing to depict simultaneous close-quarters combat scenes in different spots among our various super-heroes as they spar with their adversaries and recover from body blows no ordinary mortal could survive.

One of my favorites occurs when Thor slams his hammer named Mjölnir against Captain America’s shield and sends it hurtling like a giant Frisbee to topple more than a few baddies. Comparatively, not only for its number of narrative surprises, but also for its revelations about certain characters, “Avengers 2” surpasses its 2012 predecessor. Whedon discloses far more about Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow than previous Marvel movies, and we find out about Hawkeye’s secret family life. As it turns out, Hawkeye treats home renovation as a hobby and brings the subject up in the middle of an explosive firefight. During this helter-skelter cliffhanger, Whedon ushers in three fresh characters: the megalomaniacal, adamantium-armored, A.I. villain Ultron along with the brother and sister duo Pietro and Wanda Maximoff.

Actually, if you saw 20th Century Fox’s epic “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” you’ve seen the same character with a slightly different moniker. In the “X-Men” opus, Pietro was called Peter, and he shared the same ability to move so fast that he looked like a blur. Another new character crops up in this ambitious sequel, but I’ll leave you to learn about him on your own. Die-hard Marvel fans should enjoy this slam-bang saga as much if not more than the original “Avengers.” Of course, anybody who read the original comic book may cringe at the changes. Many of Marvel’s characters are owned by different film studios, so fidelity to the source material in this cinematic adaptation was impossible without lawsuits galore.

Inevitably, the charismatic new

nemesis with its dreams of global Armageddon infuriates our heroes.

“Blacklist” star James Spader furnishes the villain’s voice. Listening to Spader indulge in his penchant for loquacity is always a joy, and he savors every line of dialogue for maximum effect. Spader imparts a sneering menacing to the eponymous, sentient Ultron, and he takes Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Nick Fury to the precipice of disaster.

Visually, Ultron amounts to an imposing dastard, and he displays no qualms about exterminating mankind on the grandest of scales. He massproduces a vast army of robots to perform his perfidious deeds. Interestingly, he can teleport from one android to another without betraying his presence. Naturally, our heroes can never tell if Ultron is the actual robot that they are trying to smash to smithereens. Meanwhile, Pietro and Wanda emerge as challenging adversaries when they tangle with our resilient heroes. Indeed, as Ultron’s chief lieutenants, they could easily have vanquished the Avengers.

Unfortunately, drastic things happen about an hour into the action that compels them alter their allegiance. For the record, ABC-TV’s Marvel series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” set the events in motion for “Avengers 2’s” opening scene. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg of “Iron Man”) had infiltrated the impregnable Hydra headquarters of Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann of “Valkyrie”) and located Loki’s powerful scepter. S.H.I.E.L.D. dispatched the Avengers to retrieve that scepter. The ensuing battle resembles something from a John Wayne World War II spectacle.

Naturally, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)

demolishes bunkers, while Captain America careens around on his motorcycle. Thor wields Mjölnir with pugnacious abandon. Amid this chaos, Whedon trots out twins Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson of “Savages”) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen of “Oldboy”) who have voluntarily participated in the Baron’s experiments. Pietro can scurry in a hurry like “The Flash,” while Wanda can alter minds and hurl blazing spheres of energy. Against Strucker’s orders, the twins take part in the mêlée, but they aren’t around long enough to turn the tide. Later, Ultron exploits them to the utmost. Wanda monkeys with the minds of our heroes, and the Avengers come close to splitting up because they don’t trust each other. The delusions that Wanda’s skullduggery forged in Tony Stark’s mind as well as Thor’s are frightening apocalyptic. At one point, Thor abandons the group to delve deeper into his Armageddon nightmare. None of the heroes have really been slighted, but Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Widow claim the lion’s share of the warfare. Nevertheless, Thor, Hawkeye, and Hulk get in their licks, too.

Several critics have complained that “Avengers 2” suffers from fatigueinducing, marathon-length, combat encounters that last for an eternity.

What else would you expect from an outrageous, sci-fi, super-heroic saga drawn from a comic book about a unit of costume-clad vigilantes? Keep in mind, “Avengers 2” is NOT “Downton Abbey.” Whedon slows down the hurtling, headlong pace just long enough for our heroes to reflect on their horrendous predicament and then they regroup to thwart the villains. All of this is achieved with the brand of humor characteristic of this Disney franchise. Compare 20th Century Fox’s Marvel movies, such as “X-Men,” “Daredevil,” and “The Fantastic Four,” that you’ll see that they are just a mite more serious about their mayhem than Disney. Having said such, you’ll be happy to know that Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, and Samuel L. Jackson all return for this revelry.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” qualifies as a spectacular movie, and it looks marvelous in 3-D.

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

JUNE 4 + JUNE 18

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>>> 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, June 4

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

THURSDAY, June 4

LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WHEN: 6 – 9 p.m.

COST: $120 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 562.3230 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Want to learn the art of photography with your digital camera? Take this course with a professional and develop an exciting new skill. Instructor: Hank Seigel, Certificate in Digital Photography from Birmingham School of Photography, 4 years experience in teaching photography and conducting workshops.

FRIDAY, June 5

“MANUFACTURED OPTIMISM” ARTIST RECEPTION WHEN: 5 – 8 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave. PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: bamatheatre.org DESCRIPTION: Come see Lorrie Lane’s new paintings at the Arts Council Gallery and mingle with Tuscaloosa’s art community. Lane’s artwork is full of dreamlike images and reminders of childhood, a must-see exhibition being shown through June 26.

SATURDAY, June 6

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL DAY WHEN: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 3311 Kauloosa Ave PHONE: 248.4900 LINK: kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: This free drop-off event is open only to residents of Tuscaloosa County. Wastes will not be accepted from commercial businesses, non-profit organizations or residents outside Tuscaloosa County. Due to the high cost of this event, the City of Tuscaloosa reserves the right to limit quantities accepted and to stop accepting waste once quota is exceeded. Conducted by the City’s Environmental Services Department, this event is funded and made possible by Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa and in part by Sage Environmental Consulting.

SUNDAY, June 7

5TH STREET VINTAGE MARKET WHEN: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 4150 5th St PHONE: 345.4763 LINK: 5thstreetvintagemarket.com DESCRIPTION: Curated by This Ol’ Thing Vintage, Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy and DJ Tom Kat Kitten, 5th Street Vintage Market brings a one of a

kind shopping experience to the area. We will feature dozens of dealers from the region who specialize in vintage goods, handmade items and vinyl records.

Concessions available on site.

MONDAY, June 8

ALABAMA WRITERS HALL OF FAME DINNER AND INDUCTION WHEN: 6 – 9 p.m.

COST: $125 WHERE: 240 Bryant Dr PHONE: 348.5543 LINK: writersforum.org/hall-of-fame DESCRIPTION: Twelve Alabama authors from the 19th and 20th centuries will be inducted during a gala dinner. The first class of inductees includes:Johnson Jones Hooper, Augusta Jane Evans Wilson, Helen Keller, Zora Neale Hurston, William March, Albert Murray, Helen Norris Bell, Andrew Glaze, Harper Lee, Sonia Sanchez, Sena Jeter Naslund, and Rick Bragg.

The event is sponsored by The Alabama Center for the Book and the Alabama Writers’ Forum. Come celebrate these outstanding writers and enjoy the gala dinner at the Bryant Conference Center.

TUESDAY, June 9

NORTH AND SOUTH: THE GORGAS FAMILY, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AND THE DIVISIONS OF THE CIVIL WAR WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.6388 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The Gorgas House Museum will display a new exhibit on the Gorgas Family and their experiences during the Civil War beginning April 3th, 2015, the day before the 150th anniversary of the burning of The University of Alabama campus by Union forces. The exhibit is entitled “North and South: the Gorgas Family, the University of Alabama, and the divisions of the Civil War” and will feature research by University of Alabama students. It will also showcase original artifacts such as General Josiah Gorgas’ coat and ceremonial sword.

TUESDAY, June 9

TEEN BOOK CLUB WHEN: 3 – 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 1801 Jack Warner Pwky PHONE: 348.5820 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Summer is the perfect time to read awesome books and discuss them with other teens!

Just call or visit the library to find out which book is on the agenda and pick up your copy so you can join the conversation.

WEDNESDAY, June 10

WILLIAM AND SARA HALL COLLECTION: CONTEMPORARY PRINTS WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.2238 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: This inaugural exhibition features a selection of contemporary artist’s prints from the William and Sara Hall Collection. The Hall family placed

Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest June 12–13, 2015

The Fiddle Fest will be held in conjunction with the Heritage Days celebration in historic downtown Northport, Alabama. There will be Arts/ Crafts and many family friendly activities to complement a day of great music.

There will be a grand total of $7500 in prizes for the top 5 places in each of 14 divisions. Visit www.alabamafiddle.com for more information.

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MAY 21 + JUNE 4

their collection of over 475 artist’s prints in the care of the University’s Sarah Moody Gallery of Art in 2014, a collection that showcases a master printer’s career with the esteemed Pace Editions, Inc., publisher of contemporary fine arts prints. Over a 25 year career, Mr. Hall has worked at Pace as a master printer team member with many internationally acclaimed artists of our time. A broad range of printmaking processes can be seen among pieces selected for the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. June 10 is the last day to see these works from the Hall family.

THURSDAY, June 11

SUNDOWN LECTURE SERIESL GENEALOGY 103 WHEN: 5 p.m.

COST: $5 non-members WHERE: 1305 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.6138 LINK: historictuscaloosa.org DESCRIPTION: Another intriguing installment of the Sundown Lecture Series will focus on the field of Genealogy, with an expert presentation R.L. Guffin.

This event at the Jeminson-Van de Graaff Mansion will serve light refreshments at 5:15 with the lecture beginning at 5:45. Society members enjoy the lecture for free.

THURSDAY, June 11

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.

FRIDAY, June 12

WELLNESS WALLS FOR ARTS WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 850 5th Ave East PHONE: 310.5939 LINK: umc.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The Wellness Walls for Art program at the University Medical Center is opening the 2015-year with an exhibit that features 17 artists and is entitled A Sense of Place. The show primarily represents works of the Tuscaloosa and University Painters, many of which were executed in the plein air tradition, painting outside on location. Meridian, Miss., based artist Coo-

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

HARRY POTTER // ABRA KADABRA! STRUTS HIS STUFF!

This handsome young guy is Harry Potter, a slightly shaggy medium-haired adult male white and gray tabby. He has dark charcoal tabby stripes and large round yellow-green eyes. He has a sweet little pink nose and that famous tabby "M" on his forehead. He's a sweet and friendly boy, but he is a little cautious in new places. Don’t worry, though! He'll get over any shyness very quickly because he'll want your attention! He should do well with other friendly cats and with children who can be calm and gentle. We aren't sure how Harry feels about dogs. Visit our cat adoption center to meet this sweet boy!

Harry Potter is negative for FIV and FeLK, current on vaccinations and neutered. If you are interested in giving Harry Potter the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

TEDDY // CUDDLE BUDDY A perfect name for the perfect cuddle buddy!! As we always say, the scruffier the better and that describes Teddy perfectly! Teddy is a 3 to 4 year old male Terrier mix. He has a medium-long shaggy brown, black and white coat. He is a nice medium size, weighing 25 pounds, and this is full-grown. Teddy was pulled from our local animal shelter, where he had been picked up as a stray. Teddy had been down there for over a month and no one came to claim him, so we took him on. Teddy is a very sweet, loving dog.

He craves attention and wants to be with you. He has a nice personality and is not too hyper. He gets excited to see you and loves to play, but he gets a little nervous with too much commotion. Loud noises make him a bit nervous as well. He should be okay in an apartment as long as he has daily exercise. Teddy will require a fenced-in yard if left outside any unattended. He should be fine with children ages 10 and up. We have started on his crate training. Teddy is up to date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Sweet Teddy just wants to be in a forever home. We hope it will be yours! If you are interested in giving Teddy the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

>>> 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 per French has been invited as a special guest artist.

SATURDAY, June 13

DAIRY DAY AT CHILDREN’S HANDS-ON MUSEUM WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: $6 – 9 WHERE: 2213 University Blvd PHONE: 349.4235 LINK: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: Come out to Dairy Day at CHOM! You and your friends will be able to Make a Cow Mask!

Churn Fresh Butter! Have Ice Floats and chocolate milk! The Children’s Hands-On Museum is always a great destination for the whole family to learn and have a good time.

MONDAY, June 15

PILATES & TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING WHEN: 5:15 p.m.

COST: $9 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: This class will offer traditional Pilates exercises to strengthen your core and more challenging muscle endurance exercises for your total body. All ages and levels of fitness are welcome. Please bring a mat for this class, held at the Phelps Activity Center.

Drop in for the regular price or register for the whole month-long session in June or July for a deal.

TUESDAY, June 16

SUMMER LEGO CAMPS WHEN: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 3:30 p.m.

COST: $6 – 9 WHERE: 2213 University Blvd PHONE: 349.4235 LINK: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: The Children’s Hands-On Museum is having a LEGO Camp this summer for anyone who wants to build their own world in LEGOs! There are two age groups and two sessions a day from June 16 through June 18. Please see website to register your child.

TUESDAY, June 16

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME WHEN: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 300 Bobby Miller Pkwy PHONE: 348.5820 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Drop in at the Brown Branch Library for a mixed bag of stories, songs, fingerplays and more geared towards children ages three to five years old.

Parents and caregivers are invited to join the fun.

WEDNESDAY, June 17

MAKING CONFEDERATES: BUILDING NATIONALISM THROUGH PRINT WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.6388 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The A.S. Williams III Americana Collection is hosting a new exhibit “Making Confederates: Building Nationalism Through Print.” The explores how southerners created a new body of Confederate literature in order to legitimize southern nationhood between December 1860 and April 1865. The documents in the exhibit, known as Confederate imprints, include military and government documents as well as popular textbooks and journals.

The exhibit also explores the difficulties Confederate publishers had in obtaining adequate supplies to fuel this nascent print culture. The Union blockade forced printers to repurpose any available supplies to create paper, ink, and bindings. Printed in pursuit of creating a distinct national literature, Confederate imprints reflect the southern attempt to forge a new identity in the midst of war.

Created by history PhD students Lindsay Rae Smith and Melissa Farah Young, the exhibit located in the A.S. Williams III Americana Collection, Gorgas Library, room 301, will be open until mid-October.

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FIDDLER ON THE ROOF // CUTTING ACROSS BARRIERS

T

heatre Tuscaloosa will present Fiddler on the Roof July 10 – 19 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College.

Written by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics

by Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof won nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964. Based on Sholem Aleichem's stories, this musical tradition is set in the village of Anatevka. Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his Jewish community amid the changing social morѐs and the growing anti-Semitism of czarist Russia. Filled with historic and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof leaves audiences touched by the humor, warmth, and honesty portrayed in the story. The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion and leaves audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness.

Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Artistic Director Emeritus of Theatre Tuscaloosa, Paul Looney, who has directed over one hundred shows for Theatre Tuscaloosa.

“We are who we are because of Paul,” says Tina Turley, Executive Producer of Theatre Tuscaloosa. “Paul is leading a marvelous and talented production team to create the world of Anatevka.”

The production team includes Ben Boyer, Set Designer; Frank Duren, Sound Designer; Erin Hisey, lighting designer; Lindsey Jones, choreographer; Wheeler Kincaid, technical director; Ashlyn Lambert, stage manager; Leslie Poss, musical director; and Jeanette Waterman, costume designer.

“We are also excited to have a cast that includes a wide variety of performers,” said Turley. “We have a number of audience favorites combined with new faces from Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, Shelton State, and the general community.”

The cast of Fiddler on the Roof includes Allyson Azar, Justin Barnett, Avery Berry, Reagan Branch, Grace Conner, Caden Cooke, Ty Corbett, Colton Crowe, Carol DeVelice, Jacob Frazier, Autumn Fuller, Kate Gates, Will Harpole, Trey Hedgemon, Glen Johnson, Bobby Jones, Julia Marshall, Melinda Marshall, McKay Medders, Danielle Molina, James Dean Moretz, Marla Moss, Terry Olivet, Kim C. Palm, Charles Prosser, Wesley Rorex, Julia Shelby, Michelle Shumate, Brody Southern, Landon Turner, Laura White, Jake Williams, Cyndi Wilson, and Jeff Wilson.

Cyndi Wilson, involved behind the scenes with Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre for years, is making her stage debut in Fiddler on the Roof. “I’m in shock,” Wilson said.

“Fiddler on the Roof is one of my all-time favorites, so this is going to be fun! I’m thrilled to be cast as part of the ensemble. I believe audiences will love the singing and dancing involved with this show.”

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2014-15 Season: To Life! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and is sponsored by JamisonMoneyFarmer PC. Fiddler on the Roof is sponsored by ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc., Ameriprise Financial, Campbell Guin, Bank of Tuscaloosa, and TownSquare Media Group. This program has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Tuscaloosa.

Fiddler on the Roof will run July 10-19, 2015, in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sundays, and Saturday, July 18. A pay-what-you-can dress rehearsal will be presented on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m.; all proceeds will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors (60+) and $14 for students and children.

Special rates are available in advance for groups of ten or more.

Tickets and information are available at www.theatretusc.com or 205.391.2277.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

MAY 7 + MAY 21

17

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T

BAMA ART HOUSE FILM SERIES SUMMER FELLOWSHIP AWARD WINNER INSPIRED 2015 // BEGINS JUNE 16

BY HER GRANDMOTHER

U

S

creenings in the Bama Art House Film Series Summer 2015 will begin on June 16 and will feature six films. A program of The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, the movies represent the organization’s goals to bring new and unique film to the West Alabama area. Screenings will take place at the Bama Theatre on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. and doors at 6:45 p.m.

Discount Punchcard Tickets ($60) will be available at the door prior to screenings and will be good for any 10 Bama Art House films. Single Tickets will be priced at $8 general, $7 seniors & students and $6 Arts Council members. Patrons can visit bamatheatre.org/bamaarthouse to view the list of films, details and accompanying trailers.

June 16: While We’re Young June 23: Clouds of Sils Maria June 30: Welcome To Me July 7: White God July 14: Iris July 21: Results “While We’re Young” will be sponsored

by Left Hand Soap Company.

The mission of the Bama Art House series is to bring current and contemporary

independent film to West Alabama, transforming the historic Bama Theatre into a cinematic art house.

The Bama Theatre is located at 600 Greensboro Avenue in Downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about The Arts Council or Bama Theatre, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center” and follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-758-5195 or visit bamatheatre.org for further information.

WORKS BY KENTUCK'S CLAY CO-OP

K

entuck's Clay Co-op, a community clay studio giving potters of all skill levels an opportunity to create, is debuting their first gallery exhibition at the T.E.M.P. Gallery this month, June 4–26. You will find objects from serious to fun, functional to fascinating and traditional to whimsical.

If you are a potter, at any skill level, who wants to work seriously (and play exuberantly) in clay but doesn't need or want to keep an individual studio, the Kentuck Clay Co-op may be just the ticket for you.

Come to Art Night this Thursday night and see what these potters are bringing to our community. You may find a treasure to add to your own collection.

ART NIGHT

Thursday, June 4th, Art Night will celebrate the opening of Works by Kentuck's Clay Co-op exhibition. We have live music from Angela and the Able Brothers and all our usual Art Night happenings —open Artist Studios, pop up shops, and more. Our Gallery Shop will be open as well, so don't miss out on this free event!

niversity of Alabama BFA senior Alexandra (Ali) Hval of Birmingham, Al., has been awarded a prestigious Windgate Fellowship by The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design (CCCD). The $15,000 prize is one of only ten given out each year to college seniors around the nation with “exemplary skill in craft.”

Hval, who won for her work in the category of Fiber/Textiles, said she had to make a budget and a timeline showing how she would use the money if she won. “There are a lot of ways people could have gone about applying based on their particular areas of expertise, but I chose the route of putting most of my money towards creating a body of work over the next eighteen months.”

She’ll use the money to pay for a studio, take workshops to hone her sewing and design skills and buy special textiles for projects she’s planning. Hval recognizes her good fortune: “It’s pretty rare to be able to have the funds for a studio space, materials and travel funds straight out of college; it’s like being a professional artist-in-training.”

One of the workshops she plans to take is a week-long sewing, quilting and embellishing workshop that will teach her skills in textile construction. Finishing the An art happening with Hval's artwork on workshop will certify Hval as a sewing UA's main quad in March 2015. instructor, which she says could open up other avenues. And she won’t take the workshop alone. Hval hopes the person who inspired her work with textiles, her grandmother and “an incredible quilter,” Alma Lokken, will take it along with her. Hval said, “I remember discussing that workshop with my grandmother and how she said she’d take it with me if I won the fellowship. Lo and behold, the craft center deemed me worthy and my Grandma and I will indeed be sewing partners in crime!”

Hval is still not sure what she’ll do after she has completed her planned training and projects, although “grad school seems inevitable.” But for now, she wants to focus on the unique opportunity the fellowship has offered her. “I really want the art work to be the focus of these next eighteen months and to just make, learn, and experience as much delicious artrelated gunk as possible.”

On what her UA experience has meant to her, Hval wrote in a public Facebook post, “Somehow I was chosen as one of those lucky 10 [Windgate Fellows], and I can’t put into words how thankful I am for the art department here at UA as well as for how supportive the faculty and professors have been to me Ali Hval and her grandmother, Alma Lokken, at throughout not only the process, but Ali's graduation in May 2015. my entire college career; they’re like a home away from home for me, and I would not have chosen to go anywhere for a more cultivated college experience.”

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18

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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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

DEF LEPPARD // JUNE 27

THE ROLLING STONES // JUNE 9

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 BIRMINGHAM

Alabama Theatre Garth Brooks w/ Trisha Yearwood, Legacy Arena at BJCC

Magic City Brewfest, Sloss Furnace

TUESDAY, JUNE 9 BIRMINGHAM

Awolnation, Iron City

ATLANTA

The Rolling Stones and St. Paul and The Broken Bones (Zip Code Tour), Bobby Dodd Stadium

MONDAY, JUNE 8

SATURDAY , JUNE 13 ATLANTA

Kenny Chesney, Georgia Dome Awolnation, Tabernacle Cheech & Chong and War, The Arena at Gwinnett

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 ATLANTA

Lana Del Rey, Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

NASHVILLE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

The Rolling Stones with Brad Paisley (Zip Code Tour), LP Field

NASHVILLE

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

Def Leppard, Oak Mt. Aphitheatre

Darius Rucker, Wildhorse Saloon

Imagine Dragons, Bridgestone Arena

IMAGINE DRAGONS // JUNE 10

NASHVILLE

BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM

DAIRUS RUCKER // JUNE 8

Monty Python & The Holy Grail,

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AWOLNATION // JUNE 13

>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more.

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010

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JUNE 4 + JUNE 18

19

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

Across 1. Nukes and such 5. "His wife could ___ lean" 10. Gratify completely 14. "Hold up!"

15. Home electronics censoring device 16. Chug follower 17. Unseemly 19. Sharp, metallic sound 20. Part of a monogram 21. Altar locales 22. Grouchy 26. Look forward to 30. Picked poorly 34. "The Deep" star 35. Brief version of "Don't be so nosy!"

36. "Strange Magic" rock group 37. Semi-oxidized tea 39. Change 42. Traffic warning 43. "The Thin Man" terrier 47. Wish granter 48. Working well 51. Mortgagee's interests 52. China city 54. Martini's partner, in drink 57. Go beyond a limit 62. Chicken cordon ____ 63. Vetoing 66. Nice notion 67. Praise to the skies 68. Parmenides of ____ 69. Transmit 70. Works hard 71. Short meeting?

Down 1. D-Day was its turning point 2. Jazzman Herbie 3. Frenchy portrayer Conn in "Grease" 4. "Leave it be," to a proofer 5. Competitor of Aquafina

20

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

6. Laud 7. Chiang Mai athlete's IOC code 8. Point to pick 9. Unlatch, poetically 10. Lesbos poet 11. Laila and Muhammad 12. Song 13. Common breakfast fare 18. Pay attention 21. Blond shade 23. Thickness 24. West Bank org.

25. SDI concern 26. Winning margin 27. Novelist Virginia 28. ___ the above 29. Simpson trial judge 31. River around the ﾃ四e de la Citﾃｩ 32. Impish 33. 'The Highwayman' poet 38. Mother Earth, to the ancient Greeks 40. Eying boldly 41. Agnus ___ (prayer) 44. Sun Yat-___ 45. "Star Trek" TV series, to fans 46. "What ____!" ("How exciting!")

49. Distributed 50. X, in Athens 53. Some kin 54. Baseball stats 55. Like some shoppes 56. Observed 58. Some poems 59. Field rodent 60. Meadow mamas 61. Genetic substances 63. Not a rookie, for short 64. Williams-Sonoma brand 65. Ice skater Babilonia SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

>>> 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

WRITERS WANTED

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>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W The desire to splurge could be the reason your shopping list keeps getting longer. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on Tuesday could coincide with a strong temptation to purchase a big-ticket item you've coveted for some time. Don't immediately go for it. Wait a few days and see how you feel about it then. The move of Venus into Leo is excellent for entertaining or hosting guests in the coming weeks. It seems you're going to be busy on the home front — in a good way.

Conversations lead to productive encounters along with opportunities to get involved in creative projects. Take it easy on Tuesday, though, as intense feelings could stir up issues involving your sweetheart. This isn't the time to make snap decisions or say anything you could regret later. The rest of the week seems delightfully upbeat, bringing encounters that inspire and delight.

Sizzling chemistry may endear you to someone very quickly. The weekend brings a chance for all-out indulgence.

You're at that time of year when it's good to relax and recharge.

Use this chance to tune in to your heart's desire and tune out the world's distractions. As Venus moves into Leo you'll be more in touch with your core values, which might help you make a key decision. Even so, it helps to pace yourself, particularly if you're busy professionally or socially. You'll get more done if you lighten your schedule and focus on what needs to be done.

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Translate restless urges into plans that can pave the way to a better future! A part of you may be looking for something new, fresh, and exciting in life. Moving in new circles and networking with key people could have a positive influence on your well-being and happiness. Venus dancing into your sign might encourage you to change your style of dress or hair, giving you a glowing new image.

If it boosts your confidence, go for it!

Career matters come very much to the fore, with this week's alignment excellent for networking with the right people, getting advice, researching your options, and getting your face known in the right places. You'll benefit from listening to your intuition, too, as it could be a crucial factor in finding the right job for you or hooking up with someone who turns out to be on your wavelength as well as fantastic company. Make time to have fun.

Find something to celebrate this week, as the active influences can make for a memorable time. A focus on relationships suggests that being a team player could be more useful than working alone.

Plus, when Venus glides into Leo a romantic bond could deepen as a result of one or two fabulous dates. You may be inspired to make travel plans over the weekend. Any innovative ideas that can expand your horizons should be considered, too. It's time to have fun!

Business matters seem to go well this week, with the wheels of commerce turning in your favor. You might pick up a few tips by hanging out with others who are experts at closing deals and making money. If you're already an expert, consider teaching others how it's done, as it could be a lucrative source of income. If you enjoy theater and drama, you'll do well on stage, or you could excel in general by making the most of your natural charisma Don't be so serious about life that you forget how playful your true nature can be when encouraged. If you've had a lot of responsibilities to contend with lately, it might be time to relax and seek some fun. The Full Moon in your sign on Tuesday is perfect for parties and celebrations. With the current alignment, you may be champing at the bit in anticipation of travel adventures and other opportunities to explore.

Though creative conflict could show up, the motivation to make a start on an idea you've been mulling over should bring results.

Don't let doubts about your ability prevent you from going ahead.

The move of Venus into Leo might be enough to chase away doubts, boosting your confidence and enthusiasm and helping you get ahead. Success happens when you take that first baby step and keep going. You'll also benefit from a chance to relax and recharge.

Your curiosity is piqued, enticing you to consider dating if you've been out of the loop for a while. You're in your element this week and eager to enjoy the pleasures of life. Even so, you might want to lighten your schedule around the time of the Full Moon in Sagittarius. As feelings could run high, it would help to ease off the accelerator and go with the flow. Later, social opportunities look especially encouraging, with a chance of a delightful meeting.

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

This week career and job prospects may be on your mind, along with parental concerns and home-based projects. Take advantage of opportunities to solicit opinions, as there could be a lot to discuss. In addition, the temptation to indulge could show up as a result of Venus moving into Leo on Friday. If you're eager to keep off the pounds, you may want to step up your workout routine or make notes to yourself to persevere with your diet.

There's nothing wrong with this week that a little social planning can't set to rights. Although you may encounter resistance from a friend, or even a love interest, discussion could help find a creative solution. Later, misgivings can give way to a lighthearted and joyous tone. Feelings of perfectionism may heighten on Sunday. Try to see the best in yourself and others without too many expectations.

Friendly vibes can make this a fun time for all.

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JUNE 4 + JUNE 18

21

>>> FEATURE | S T E P H E N M . S M I T H

BAMA FOOTBALL // TOP 5 BREAKOUT PLAYERS FOR 2015

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN M. SMITH

A

labama’s senior quarterback Jake Coker will have his mental and physical toughness tested this summer. He stands in a position that former Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims was in last season, a chance needed to prove himself. Four other players are pushing Coker for the starting job, but if he wants to win, Coker must develop consistency throughout summer and fall camp.

Alabama’s had some players to emerge this spring. Redshirt freshman quarterback David Cornwell is one of few that head coach Nick Saban is pleased with.

Leadership and knowledge of the system are two things that Saban mentions about Cornwell. He struggles at times with ball placement, but Cornwell should iron that out in summer workouts.

Junior running back Derrick Henry was solid in the team’s offseason program. He finished strong in each drill, and has taken on a leadership role. Inside linebacker Reuben Foster has avoided injuries all spring, and senior cornerback Cyrus Jones along with outside linebacker Denzel Devall have been medically cleared to participate summer workouts.

Yours truly of SB Nation has compiled of list of five players that are poised for a breakout season this fall. The list includes a true freshman.

5. DALVIN TOMLINSON

Classification: Junior Size: 6-foot-3, 294 pounds Position: Defensive Line Summary: Dalvin Tomlinson returned last season as an important contributor in Alabama’s rotation on the defensive line.

He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, during the first game of 2013, but totaled 22 tackles (eight solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two quarterback hurries last season. Tomlinson is an exceptional run stuffer, but is starting to develop more as a pass rusher. He recorded two quarterback hurries in Alabama’s 2015 spring game.

Tomlinson is a second-string player, but can crack the starting lineup with a good summer program and productive fall camp.

He’s put in 26 tackles in 15 career games at Alabama.

4. BRADLEY BOZEMAN

Classification: Sophomore Size: 6-foot-5, 320 pounds Position: Offensive Line Summary: Bradley Bozeman got his feet wet last season, filling in for center Ryan Kelly in Alabama’s meeting with Ole Miss.

He saw action in nine games, and scratched out two starts against Arkansas and Texas A&M. Bozeman didn’t allow a sack against Texas A&M, and guided the Crimson Tide’s backs to 298 rushing yards. Bozeman’s looks to start at right guard, replacing Leon Brown. Junior Alphonse “Shank” Taylor and redshirt freshman Ross Pierschbacher are battling to start at left guard, beside sophomore left tackle Cam Robinson.

22

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

DALVIN TOMLINSON (#54) JONATHAN ALLEN (#93)

3. RONNIE HARRISON

Classification: Freshman Size: 6-foot-3, 218 pounds Position: Safety Summary: 2015 could be the season that a freshman either starts or scratches out much playing time in Alabama’s secondary.

With Landon Collins, Nick Perry and Jarrick Williams gone, there is a battle going on at both free and strong safety positions.

Junior Eddie Jackson was transitioned from cornerback to safety this spring. He has the instincts of a free safety, but lacks an overall makeup for a strong safety. True freshman Ronnie Harrison looks the part.

Harrison, a consensus four-star prospect, enrolled early and has impressed the coaching staff. Coach Saban likes his size and athletic abilities. Harrison recorded one of six interceptions in the team’s spring game. He was a two-way player (quarterback, defensive back) at Florida State University School that finished with 14 career pass breakups. Jackson and senior defensive back Geno Smith may get the nod to start, but all eyes will be on Harrison this fall.

RUEBEN FOSTER He will share inside linebacker with senior Reggie Ragland and sophomore Shaun Dion Hamilton (base defense), but Foster is ready and looks to prove himself this fall.

ROBERT FOSTER

1. ROBERT FOSTER

Classification: Sophomore Size: 6-foot-2, 194 pounds Position: Wide Receiver Summary: It didn’t take much to spark Robert Foster into action. A knee injury to Cam Sims has forced him to emerge.

Alabama needs a vertical threat with Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White and Christion Jones all gone. Foster has the capabilities to stretch the field and make plays in the passing game. He caught six passes for 44 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2014, but Saban and his staff has seen Foster become consistent this spring. He recorded six catches for 125 yards in Alabama’s spring game. Sophomore receiver ArDarius Stewart and junior tight end O.J. Howard both look to be important contributors in 2015, but will be imperative for Foster to be productive.

2. REUBEN FOSTER

Classification: Junior Size: 6-foot-1, 240 pounds Position: Inside Linebacker/Mike Linebacker Summary: It is officially Reuben Foster’s time to shine. He’s played in 21 career games, but injuries have limited him for the most part. Foster accounted for 22 tackles, including eight on special teams (thirdmost) with two stops for loss and sack in 11 games last season. His hit on LSU’s running back Leonard Fournette was a catalyst in Alabama’s 20-13 overtime win.

Foster was the nation’s No.1 inside linebacker and a five-star recruit when he enrolled at Alabama in 2013. He’s tallied 34 tackles in his career, but has a chance for a huge season this fall. Foster has become an improved tackler, and has had a productive spring, according to Saban.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

RONNIE HARRISON

Photo: UA Athletic Photography

>>> H I G H T I D E | GARY HARRIS / WVUA SPORTS DIRECTOR

BAMA LOOKING FOR LINEMEN // TARGETS A

s 2016 recruiting begins to pick up steam with the start of summer camps, two of Alabama's biggest needs are defensive linemen and offensive tackles.

Early indications are that the Tide is in position to do extremely well at both spots.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the top targets.

DEFENSIVE LINE Following this season, the Tide will lose seniors Jarran Reed and D.J. Pettway.

There's a chance that Alabama might also lose two highly-regarded juniors, A'Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen, to the NFL Draft. It appears the Tide is set on signing five or six DLs in the class.

Alabama is off to a fast start, with commitments from mammoth prep standouts Raekwon Davis (6-7, 312) of Meridian, MS and Kendell 'Hulk' Jones (6-5, 361) of Killeen-Shoemaker, TX. After Davis put on a standout performance at Tide camp last June, Alabama became the first school to offer.

Davis committed immediately. But since that time, several schools have jumped in the mix, including FSU, Florida, Georgia and LSU. But the school to watch is Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have strong ties to Meridian HS and will make a major push to flip Davis. Davis tells Alabama that he's solid.

Kendell Jones committed recently, choosing Alabama over Baylor, LSU, Texas and Texas. Jones has a very strong relationship with Tide DL coach Bo Davis, who originally started recruiting Jones for Texas a few years ago. It's early and Jones plans to take visits, but the feeling is that his commitment is strong.

Some of the top d-line targets are: DL Rashan Gary 6-4, 286, 4.74 Paramus, NJ / Paramus Catholic HS UA offer The best place to start is with the nation's top prospect, Rashan Gary. Gary is set to make an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa on June 12. Michigan has been considered the Tide's top competition, but some think it could turn into an SEC battle. Ole Miss is expecting Gary to visit Oxford the day before his UA visit. Auburn is also trying hard. At this point, Alabama seems to feel very good about its chances.

DE Jeffery Simmons 6-4, 266, 4.8 Macon, MS / Noxubee County HS UA offer Simmons is another top performer and another DL the Tide is in position to land due to the excellent efforts of Bo Davis.

Simmons has been to Tuscaloosa a few times and he's expected to return again soon. Ole Miss and Mississippi State will certainly make it difficult to get Simmons out of the state, but early indications are that Alabama might be the team to beat.

DL Benito Jones 6-2, 275, 4.82 Waynesboro, MS / Wayne County HS Committed to Ole Miss UA offer Jones is a super quick defensive end.

He was briefly committed to Alabama before switching to Ole Miss. Jones had a great visit for A-Day last month. This one could turn into a real battle, as Jones isn't expected to make his final decision until November. Bo Davis has built a good rapport with Jones and his father.

DE Janarius Robinson 6-5, 250, 4.93 Panama City, FL / Bay HS Committed to Florida State UA offer Robinson is one of the top prospects in Florida. He's committed to FSU, but keep an eye on Alabama. Tide assistant Tosh Lupoi has done a bang-up job of recruiting Robinson, who is expected to visit Tuscaloosa next month. Some expect Robinson to consider flipping after that visit.

Florida is also making a push.

DE Marlon Davidson 6-4, 260, 4.9 Greenville, AL / Greenville HS UA offer Another very interesting battle will involve Marlon Davidson, one of the state's elite prospects. Davidson is the brother of former Auburn DL Kenneth Carter, who is currently employed on the AU staff. While the Tigers must be considered the favorite, Davidson is very high on Alabama. In fact, if not for his brother being at Auburn, the Tide would probably be considered the leader.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Tide is also off to a fast start on the offensive line, where it has commitments from star tackle Jonah Williams (6-5, 280) of Folsom, CA and powerful guards Chris Owens (6-4, 312) of Arlington-Lamar, TX and Deionte Brown (6-4, 346) of DecaturAustin, AL. The focus from here on out will be finding two more tackles. Here's a quick look at a few of the top targets.

DL Rashard Lawrence 6-2, 305 Monroe, LA / Neville HS UA offer Lawrence is the number one player in the Bayou State right now. Lawrence had a great visit to Alabama for A-Day. But he is a top priority for LSU DL coach Ed Orgeron. It would be a major loss for the Tigers if Lawrence slipped away.

LB/DE Xavier Kelly 6-5, 230, 4.55 Wichita, KS / East HS UA offer Kelly could project as an outside linebacker in college. He has great speed and quickness. Kelly is slated to make an unofficial visit to Alabama. He has offers from Alabama, FSU, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, among others.

DE Emmit Gooden 6-3, 280, 4.8 Brownsville, TN / Haywood HS UA offer Gooden is a highly-regarded prospect with offers from several top programs.

Alabama, Mississippi State, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Tennessee are considered the favorites. Gooden plans on visiting UA.

OL Jauan Williams 6-6, 306, 5.4 Washington, DC / Archbishop Carroll HS UA offer Alabama is in very good position Williams. The Tide leads Florida, Maryland, Ohio State and Tennessee. Williams is regarded as one of the top tackle prospects in the country.

OL Scott Lashley 6-6, 300 West Point, MS / West Point HS UA offer Lashley is another one of the nation's top tackle prospects considering Alabama.

He made a brief commitment to Mississippi State recently, but quickly backed off the commitment. Lashley and his mother are slated to make a visit to Tuscaloosa soon.

Mississippi sources still consider MSU the team to beat.

OL Greg Little 6-6, 285, 5.2 Allen, TX / Allen HS Committed to Texas A&M UA offer

Little is one of the top overall prospects.

He's been committed to Texas A&M for a year, but he's still looking at Alabama. Little and his father plan to be in Tuscaloosa next month for a visit. Sources say that Little's father is very impressed with Nick Saban.

OT Garett Bolles 6-5, 290, 4.9 Ephraim, UT / Snow College UA offer Bolles is one of the most highly recruited JUCO prospects. He recently reneged on a commitment to BYU. He'll be in Tuscaloosa for a few days soon. We should know more about his interest in Alabama shortly after that visit. Auburn is among other schools in the mix.

OL Charles Baldwin 6-6, 315 Brooklyn, NY / ASA College JC UA offer Baldwin is strongly interested in Alabama. He and Garett Bolles appear to be UA's primary JUCO OT targets. Baldwin says that he'll be in Tuscaloosa June 6-8. It's felt that if Alabama pushes for a commitment, Baldwin might pull the trigger.

OT Tate Leavitt 6-7, 315 Hutchinson, KS / Hutchinson CC UA offer Leavitt is another standout JUCO OT on Alabama's radar. He says that he speaks with UA OL coach Mario Cristobal regularly and that he plans to visit Tuscaloosa at some point this summer. Alabama, Arizona State, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas Tech and TCU are among Leavitt's favorites.

OT Willie Allen 6-7, 297, 4.9 River Ridge, LA / John Curtis HS UA offer Once thought to be an early Alabama lean, Allen seems to now be looking closely at Ole Miss. But the Tide is still definitely involved with Allen. He plans to camp at UA. A strong showing might rekindle things with Bama.

DL Quinnen Williams 6-3, 265 Birmingham, AL / Wenonah HS Committed to Auburn UA offer Williams is committed to Auburn but appears to still be very interested in Alabama. Tide assistants Bo Davis and Mario Cristobal have been by Wenonah this spring to check out Williams.

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