Plan for Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Yardi Gras and other entertaining ideas for a great weekend.
Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle
From the “History of the American People” (1954-56) by the iconic American modernist, the exhibition reunites the multi-paneled work for the first time in more than half a century. One of the greatest narrative artists of the 20th century, Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) painted his “Struggle” series to show how women and people of color helped shape the founding of our nation. Originally conceived as a series of 60 paintings, spanning subjects from the American Revolution to World War I, “Struggle” was intended to depict, in the artist’s words, “the struggles of a people to create a nation and their attempt to build a democracy.” Lawrence planned to publish his ambitious project in book form. In the end, he completed 30 panels representing historical moments from 1775 through 1817, from Patrick Henry to Westward Expansion. The 12-by-16-inch panels feature the words and actions of not only early American politicians but also of enslaved people, women and Native Americans to address the diverse but mutually linked fortunes of all American constituencies engaged in the struggle. Taken as a whole, this remarkable series of paintings interprets and expresses the democratic debates that defined early America and still resonate today. The exhibit is at the Birmingham Museum of Art through Sunday, Feb. 7.
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport honors Black History Month
As a part of Black History Month, travelers are encouraged to visit exhibits honoring the Tuskegee Airmen. The exhibit features four P-51 Mustang Red Tail aircraft in flying formation as well as related artifacts, photographs and a uniform. There is an exhibit honoring civil rights activist the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, which offers an overview of his crucial work during the movement. For more information, email [email protected] or call 205-595-0533. The airport is at 5900 Messer Airport Highway.
University of North Alabama features Black History Month events
Black History Month is an annual celebration aimed at recognizing the significant achievements of African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history, through their contributions in politics, arts, sciences, entertainment, law, sports and more. Sponsors from across the University of North Alabama have created a unified Black History Month program calendar, bringing a variety of events and activities to celebrate and highlight Black history at UNA, in the Shoals and throughout the country. The complete list of calendar events is here.
Celebrate Black History Month and Metro Birmingham’s industrial heritage
The Historic Red Ore Express is holding a virtual discussion on the book “Leaving Pipe Shop: Memories of Kin” on Friday, Feb. 5. Deborah McDowell’s book recounts her life growing up as a Black woman in the 1960s in Bessemer. The story shows how culture, health and families of Black laborers were affected during and following Birmingham’s golden age of industrial growth. McDowell is a professor at the University of Virginia. For more about the book, visit xroads.virginia.edu. The event will feature Alfedo Acoff, a contemporary of McDowell whose father dedicated his life to Pullman Standard (Pipe Shop) in Bessemer, west of Birmingham. Acoff has spent her career as an administrator working in the transportation/trucking/railroad industry. She is a community and social services professional skilled in safety and contract management, environmental awareness and engineering. She has worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Alabama Department of Transportation, and is an environmental engineer with Strada Professional Services. Participants will have a chance to ask questions and share insight. Registration is required.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute spotlights Black history
Several exhibits will be featured at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) during Black History Month, including “The Human Rights Gallery,” “Movement Gallery,” “Confrontation Gallery” and “Barriers Gallery.” BCRI is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is at 520 16th St. N. Visit bcri.org for ticket information.
The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham was bombed on Sunday, Sept. 15, 1963 as an act of white supremacist terrorism. The explosion at the African American church killed four girls, marking a turning point in the civil rights movement and contributed to passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (ArchWorks)
A statue of a police dog attacking a civil rights marcher in Kelly Ingram Park. (Carol Highsmith/Library of Congress)
Prattville’s Yardi Gras
Keep the good times rolling this Mardi Gras season at “Yardi Gras” in Prattville. Lights will be featured on the covered bridge, creekside park and other areas along Main Street through Tuesday, Feb. 16. Instead of a traditional Mardi Gras parade, businesses and residents are encouraged to decorate their storefronts, homes and yards. Join the fun of this communitywide event and show off your festive décor. Link here to sign up your business or home by Wednesday, Feb. 10, to be added to the route map for the celebration. A map will be on the city’s website and social media beginning Friday, Feb. 12. Participants will be able to enter their business or home into a photo contest for the “Best of Yardi Gras” award. There will be a Valentine’s Heart Garden on the lot across from Daniel Pratt Gin Co. Feb. 12-14. If you want the perfect backdrop to capture photos during Valentine’s weekend, this is the spot for you. For more information, visit the website www.prattvilleal.gov.
Wild About Chocolate Virtual Gala
Join the Alabama Wildlife Center (AWC) for its annual Wild About Chocolate virtual gala and auction on Monday, Feb. 8 at 8 a.m. and Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. For the silent auction visit 32auction.com. More than ever, AWC needs your support that enables care for Alabama’s injured and orphaned native birds to permit their return to the wild. Donations provide conservation education to people of all ages to heighten awareness and appreciation of Alabama’s native wildlife. For more information, email [email protected] or call 205-663-7930.
Alabama Center for the Arts
The seventh annual juried Festival of the Cranes Exhibit is underway through Friday, Feb. 19, presented by the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur. The exhibit is a walking gallery held in conjunction with the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Association. The exhibit will feature artwork inspired by cranes and other wildlife. For more information about Festival of the Cranes, visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Association, Festival of the Cranes Facebook page or Festival of the Cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. During normal hours, the Alabama Center for the Arts is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
A Better Way to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Better Basics will forgo its in-person gala this year due to the pandemic. Instead, Valentine’s Day packages will be sold through Tuesday, Feb. 9 to support academic intervention and enrichment programs for struggling students in Birmingham-area low-income communities. Better Basics provides opportunities for students to achieve academic success regardless of their circumstances. Better Basics has adapted to virtual, research-based literacy programs during the 2020-21 academic year. These proven programs increase the reading and mathematical function of students performing below grade level. Tickets and donations can be purchased here and Valentine’s gift baskets here. Baskets will be available for pickup at Better Basics on Friday, Feb. 12. For more information, contact Alisa Boone at 205-944-2928 (#4306) or 205-218-9304 or via email at [email protected]. There will be chances to win luxury items and more. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Social Tag: #Love4Literacy.
Love For Literacy 2021 from [email protected] on Vimeo.
Better Basics provides services to approximately 35 schools and has a great impact on the lives of more than 23,000 underserved children, birth through 12th grade. (contributed)
Better Basics provides services to approximately 35 schools and has a great impact on the lives of more than 23,000 underserved children, birth through 12th grade. (contributed)
Related: Birmingham’s Better Basics’ Love for Literacy goes virtual for ‘a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day’
Opera Birmingham on computer, laptop, phone or tablet
Enjoy Opera Birmingham’s production of “Opera … from a Sistah’s Point of View,” featuring world-renowned soprano Angela Brown. The opera star blows up the preconceived expectations by mixing show-stopping arias, poignant art songs and moving spirituals with tongue-in-cheek commentary from a Black perspective. The show leaves no doubt of the ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic diversity depicted in opera characters, breaking down barriers for audiences who wouldn’t necessarily include opera as a part of their entertainment options. Brown’s multi-genre career has been lauded on the front page of The New York Times, CNN, CBS, in Oprah Magazine and Reader’s Digest after engagements spanning six continents. Her vocal artistry is featured on the two-time Grammy Award-winning recording “Ask Your Mama.” The concert also showcases emerging, young Black opera stars Briana Hunter, Jamez McCorkle, Victoria Okafor and Reginald Smith Jr., accompanied by Marie-France Lefebvre on piano. Selections will include “Dich, teure Halle” from Wagner’s “Tannhäuser,” “Ciel, mio padre!” from Verdi’s “Aida,” “Seguidilla” from Bizet’s “Carmen,” “Creole Girl,” “Ride On, King Jesus” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” among others. Stream the performances on computer, laptop, phone or tablet. Also, view the show on TV by connecting it to your MAC or PC with an HDMI cable or other streaming device with an internet connection through Sunday, Feb. 7. Ticket prices start at $15 and are on the honor system based on the number of people watching the performance. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 205-322-6737.
Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama
The Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama is an annual traveling juried event. The show is open to students throughout the state who have visual impairments, blindness or deaf blindness. The artists are of various ages and attend public, private, residential and home schools. The show provides artists an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. Children who participate in the show use various media to create their works. Art is included in the students’ academic curriculum in areas such as the development of communication skills using visual and tactical abilities, math, science, reading and leisure activities. The artwork emphasizes creativity, color and tactile media. Student artwork is exhibited in an open reception ceremony at the beginning of the year, then in museums and venues throughout the state. The art show will be on exhibit at the Shelby County Arts Council, 105 West College St. in Columbiana, until Thursday, Feb 25.
Legends in Concert in Foley
This month, four Legends join on one stage at the OWA Theater in Foley to pay tribute to some of the biggest icons in British music: Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Rod Stewart and George Michael. Fans will experience Fernando Castro’s flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range tribute to Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of Queen, while being mesmerized by the stunning wardrobe, vocals and musicianship of Stephen Sorrentino as the incomparable Elton John. Rob Caudill as Rod Stewart returns by popular demand after appearing in the inaugural lineup for the theater in 2019, and Michael Knight is back to pay homage to the late George Michael. Direct From London performances will run through Sunday, Feb. 7, at the OWA Theater Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at visitowa.com/tickets or by calling 251-369-6100.
Gulf Coast Comedy Fest at OWA
Get ready for a night of laughs at the annual Gulf Coast Comedy Fest featuring Brandon Styles’ “A Trip Down Memory Lane Dinner Show.” The live show features spot-on impressions and songs from classic artists. Enjoy a delicious meal and adult beverages – catered by OWA’s Groovy Goat restaurant – while Styles’ impersonations take you back in time. Tickets to the dinner show start at $42 (with VIP upgrades available) and include salad, main course, side, dessert and one drink of your choice. Group pricing is available upon request by contacting Brandon Styles Theater & Magic Shop. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday in February. The theater is between Alvin’s Island & Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill at OWA in Foley.
Super Bowl LV Watch Party at Iron City
Watch the the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game Sunday, Feb. 7 at Iron City. Experience the halftime show like nowhere else on a 220-square-foot screen with a sound system used for all shows at Iron City. Tacos will be $3. Entry is free. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. Follow along on Facebook.
Super Bowl Sunday at Tin Roof
The Tin Roof on Super Bowl Sunday will have TVs, drink and food specials and giveaways. Make reservations online at tinroofbirmingham.com. Stay up to date on Facebook.
Quilts in the Courtroom in Monroeville
The Monroe County Museum will showcase a variety of quilts on loan from around the region in a free exhibit. Quilts in the Courtroom will run through Friday, Feb. 26 during the museum’s regular opening hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Quilts will take center stage, adding lively patterns and vibrant splashes of color throughout the courtroom made famous by the film version of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Designs will range from the traditional to one-of-a-kind originals. Raffle tickets will be sold for the “Magnolias in Bloom” quilt donated by Wanda Fountaine and LuAnn Joswick of the Pensacola Quilt Guild. To purchase a raffle ticket, call 251-575-7433. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward support and maintenance of the Old Courthouse Museum. Proper protocols related to COVID-19 will be followed during the exhibit, such as social distancing and the wearing of masks or face coverings.
Dinosaur Adventure
Enjoy an all-new exhibit featuring realistic, life-size dinosaurs that come alive with movement and roars through Sunday, Feb. 14. Learn about Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Diplodocus and Velociraptor, and explore recent fossil finds with exciting discoveries. As part of Dinosaur Adventure at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, children of all ages will enjoy a variety of activities: fossil crafting, Jurassic Jeeps, themed obstacle courses and dinosaur rides. The whole family will be amused by live entertainment featuring a walking dinosaur show and a baby dinosaur meet and greet. Tickets are sold on a per-day, per-time-slot basis and are valid for one vehicle of up to eight people. Vehicles must be no bigger than 20 feet long and 8 feet tall. If you would like the flexibility of arriving at any time, you may purchase an “anytime” ticket. All vehicles will follow the same one-way route through the fairgrounds. If the “pay now” button isn’t allowing you to click on it, change the address field to a different state and then change it back to Alabama. Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased online. Learn more here.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Winter Wednesday programs are open to the public through Wednesday, Feb. 24. Attendees will learn about plants that peak in the winter months, exhibiting showy flowers, evergreen foliage or interesting twigs and branching structure. These programs are included in general admission and are free to members of the Friends of Bellingrath. Sessions are from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the Magnolia Café, and reservations are required.
- Feb. 10 – Grow More, Give More: Learn the basics of vegetable gardening and how to get things started on the right foot with Jack LeCroy, regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Vegetable gardening can be a great activity for a family, but it can also be very daunting if you aren’t sure where to start.
- Feb. 17 – Origins of Azaleas: Distinguished horticulturist Marten van der Giessen will give an overview of the types and provenance of the South’s most beloved flower.
- Feb. 24 – Cool and Crazy Plants at Bellingrath: Join Executive Director Todd Lasseigne, who has taken numerous plant-finding expeditions all over the world, to learn more about the exotics that thrive in the Gulf Coast climate.
To reserve, call 251-459-8868 or email [email protected]. For discount information, visit bellingrath.org.
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