Birmingham
A Night under the Big Top
Feb. 17, 8 p.m.
The Club
The Glenwood Junior Board will host the eighth annual Night under the Big Top, presented by Iberia Bank. The event will feature music by the Undergrounders, casino-style games and a silent auction with proceeds benefiting Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center’s outpatient services. Pre-event tickets are $60 each or $110 for a pair. A Friend of Glenwood donation is any gift of $175 or more and will include event recognition and two tickets for the evening. Tickets at the door will be $75 per person. For more information, contact Rebecca Sibley at 795-3267 or [email protected] or visit glenwood.org.
Homewood
Paintings of Jürgen Tarrasch
Now-Feb. 21
Samford University Art Gallery
Samford University Art Gallery will exhibit the fresco paintings of Jürgen Tarrasch through Feb. 21, with a reception for the artist 4-6 p.m. Feb. 21. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday except for holidays and school breaks. Tarrasch, who comes to Samford as part of the Visiting Visual Artists Series, works as a painter and conservator of wall treatments and interiors, including fresco. He received his MFA degree from the Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw, Poland, and studied at the European Center for Conservation and Historic Preservation in Venice, Italy.
Hoover
Tour de Cure Kickoff and Benefit
Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m.
Tom Williams Porsche
The American Diabetes Association, with Alabama’s 13, B-Metro and Tom Williams Porsche, will host a Tour de Cure kickoff and benefit. A silent auction at the event will include a Porsche Sport Driving School one-day course and a trip to Alys Beach. There will be door prizes, refreshments and live entertainment. Admission is free. Visit www.diabetes.org/touralabama for more information. The Tour de Cure fundraiser will be May 12 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.
Homewood
Birmingham Science Café
Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
Hart and Soul Coffee Company
McWane Science Center is offering a new off-site series that brings scientists and the general public together in a neighborhood hangout. The Feb. 9 topic will be “Biodiversity and Courtship along Shades Creek.” All Science Cafes are free; no science background is required. Visit www.mcwane.org for more information and new dates and topics.
Birmingham
Meet the Publisher behind “The Help”
Feb. 10, 7 p.m.
Doubletree Hotel
Alabama Booksmith will present an evening with Amy Einhorn and Alex George benefiting the Literacy Council. Einhorn is an editor and the publisher behind “The Help”; George is an author. They will share their knowledge and advice from the perspective of a writer, an editor and a publisher. A question and answer session will follow. VIP tickets include a more intimate setting in which to chat with the speakers. Visit www.alabamabooksmith.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Birmingham
Reg’s Coffee House 15th Anniversary Concert
Feb. 10, 7 p.m.
Alabama Theatre
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of one of Birmingham’s favorite radio shows, Reg’s Coffee House, with a concert. Brandi Carlile will headline the show with special performances by JJ Grey, Katie Herzig and more. Additional artists will be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.
Birmingham
An Acoustic Evening with Medeski Martin & Wood
Feb. 10, 8 p.m.
Alys Stephens Center.
This event will feature keyboard/organ/piano player John Medeski, drummer/percussionist Billy Martin and bassist Chris Wood. Tickets are $45.50, $37.50 and $29.50; student tickets are $20. Call 975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org. ASC Junior Patrons can purchase a limited number of tickets for $20. Little Savannah restaurant will offer ASC Junior Patrons a three-course meal for $30. Junior Patrons should make advance reservations and present their membership cards to the waiter at the time of service. For more information, call Katrina Watson at 975-5662.
Hoover
Vulcan Performers Anti Valentines Dance
Feb. 10, 7 p.m.
The Wynfrey Hotel
The Vulcan Performers’ fifth annual Anti Valentines Dance includes a goods drive for Birmingham area charities and a family-friendly dance party. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the performance at 7 p.m. The goods drive benefits Three Hots and a Cot and YWCA Kids in Distress. The dance show will include performances by professional Vulcan Performers dancers and Rhythm N Motion dance studio amateur students in ballroom, hip hop and jazz. Tickets are $8 online or $10 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bhamdance.com or call 578-2324.
Birmingham
Robert Cray
Feb. 11, 8 p.m.
Alys Stephens Center
UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will present Grammy Award winner Robert Cray, a 2011 Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Tickets are $55.50, $45.50 and $29.50; student tickets are $20. Call 975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
Birmingham
Wild About Chocolate Gala
Feb. 11, 6 p.m.
The Harbert Center
Celebrating its eighth year, the Wild About Chocolate gala supports the Alabama Wildlife Center’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the wild Alabama’s injured and orphaned native birds. Guests can sample appetizers and chocolate desserts with complimentary wine and beer from Birmingham restaurants, bakeries and caterers. Music will be provided by Ron Dometrovich. Ken Jackson will conduct the silent auction, which begins at 8 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $75, reserved tables of eight can be purchased for $1,000 and sponsorships are also available. For tickets, visit www.awrc.org or call 663-7930, ext. 8.
Birmingham
Tapas on the Trails
Feb. 11, 6 p.m.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ruffner Mountain with a walk on a trail lit by luminaries. Along the trail, there will be areas to stop and enjoy tapas and wine. The event, for adults only, includes live music and chocolate desserts and drinks in the Treehouse after the walk. For more information, visit www.ruffnermountain.org.
North Shelby County
Dessertissements — The Sweetest Occasion
Feb. 12, 3 p.m.
Grebel Center for Dance
This annual fundraising event for the Alabama Youth Ballet and Grebel Dance, sponsored by the Alabama Youth Ballet Guild, will have a vintage Valentine theme this year: Dessertissements — The Sweetest Occasion. Music will be provided by Fiddlin’ in the Parlor, and the Alabama Youth Ballet will perform. Guests can enjoy wine tasting and delectable desserts while browsing the auction items. Call 987-7234 for advance tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at www.razoo.com, on Facebook and at www.alabamayouthballet.info.
Birmingham
“The Normal Heart”
Feb. 12, 6 p.m.
Virginia Samford Theatre
The Dane Peterson Theater Series and Birmingham AIDS Outreach will present Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart” to benefit both groups. The showing also will serve as the official kickoff for BAO’s fourth annual Passport to Dine fundraising event. The production will feature Margie Bolding, Richard Taylor Campbell, Zach Clemons, Billy Hardin Jr., J. Russell Hobbie, G. Dwayne Johnson, Dane Peterson, Will Ranier and Hal Word. Reserve tickets are $25; a limited number of VIP onstage seating tickets are $35. For tickets, visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org, birminghamaidsoutreach.org or passporttodine.org.
Birmingham
Women in Media
Feb. 15, Noon
Birmingham Public Library
In this one-hour segment, Malena Cunningham, president and CEO of Strategic Media Relations, Inc. shares her experiences as an award-winning journalist. Prior to launching her company, Cunningham was evening news anchor for NBC 13, covering high profile stories including every gubernatorial race in Alabama since 1992. She is the author of “Savvy Leadership Strategies for Women.” The book will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
Crestwood
Miss Representation
Feb. 15, 16 and 19
The Edge
This documentary feature film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. There will be 5 and 7 p.m. screenings Feb. 15-16 and one 2 p.m. screening Feb. 19. Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door. For more information or to buy tickets, visit missreplei.eventbrite.com. A discussion led by qualified mental health professionals will follow the screenings.
Birmingham
Wine Down with The Arc
Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
Wine Loft downtown
Join The Arc of Shelby County’s Junior Council for Wine Down with The Arc. There will be wine specials, giveaways and music. Ten percent of the proceeds from wine purchased by the glass will benefit the Arc of Shelby County, a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. For more information, call 664-9313 or visit www.thearcofshelby.org.
Indian Springs
Special Equestrians Volunteer Training
Feb. 16, 5 p.m.; Feb. 18, 10 a.m.; Feb. 21, 5 p.m.
Indian Springs School
Special Equestrians, a therapeutic horseback riding program for people with physical, mental or emotional disabilities, will host training sessions for those interested in joining the volunteer force of more than 250. All levels of experience are welcome. Volunteers must be 14 or older and attend one of the two-hour training sessions. To reserve a spot at a training session or for more information, email [email protected], call 987-9462 or visit www.specialequest.org.
Birmingham
The Taffetas
Feb. 16-March 4
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Red Mountain Theatre Company will present “The Taffetas,” a musical revue set in the 1950s that spotlights four singing sisters trying to get their big break on a nationally televised talent show. The production stars Haley Evans, Elizabeth Flemming, Kristen Bowden Sharp and Ashley Wieronski. Show times are Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets are $30-35; group discounts and student and senior rates are available. Call 324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org.
Vestavia Hills
Friends of Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Book Sale
Feb. 17, 5 p.m.
Vestavia Hills old public library
The Friends of Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will host a book sale Feb. 17-21 at the library’s old location, 112 Montgomery Highway. Thousands of popular books for children and adults will be for sale for low prices. Call 978-0155 for more information.
NORTH SHELBY COUNTY
Giggles & Grace Spring Consignment Sale
Feb. 17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Feb. 18, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Asbury United Methodist Church
This sale includes clothing in sizes infant-junior, baby items, furniture, toys, books and more. Select items will be 50 percent off Feb. 18. For more information, visit www.asburygigglesandgrace.com.
Mountain Brook
Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment Sale
Feb. 17-18
Mountain Brook Community Church
Sellers will receive 75 percent of their sales at this consignment sale, while 25 percent goes to support MBCC mission trips. For information on selling, email [email protected] or call the church at 802-7070. Visit mbccsweetrepeats.blogspot.com for more information.
Birmingham
Jazz Cat Ball
Feb. 18, 7 p.m.
WorkPlay
Milo’s Famous Tea will present the first Jazz Cat Ball, a Mardi Gras masquerade benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. The ball, which will help homeless pets in the Birmingham area, includes a classic Cajun cook-off, dancing to the sounds of Streetkar, dueling pianos by Grand Ol’ Ivories, a silent auction and an authentic New Orleans street experience. Tickets are $75 at www.gbhs.org.
Mountain Brook
Breakfast at Bromberg’s
Feb. 18, 10 a.m.
Bromberg’s
Newly engaged brides-to-be and their friends can get ideas, samples and planning advice at this annual wedding planning event at Bromberg’s Mountain Brook location. Guests will enjoy breakfast among the diamonds as Bromberg’s showcases ideas for gowns, photography, tuxes, flowers, wedding bands and gifts from local wedding planners and vendors. All who attend will have the chance to win giveaways and door prizes. Space is limited for the event; an RSVP is required to Janice at the Mountain Brook location. Call 871-3276 or email [email protected]
Hoover
Steep Canyon Rangers
Feb. 18, 8 p.m.; Feb. 19, 2 p.m.
Hoover Library Theatre.
The Library Theatre, on the lower level of the Hoover Public Library, will present Steep Canyon Rangers, a traditional bluegrass band that has headed festivals such as Bonnaroo and MerleFest and has a No. 1 album on Billboard’s bluegrass chart. Tickets are $25; seating is reserved. Buy tickets in person, by phone at 444-7888 or online at www.TheLibraryTheatre.com.
Mountain Brook
Awake the Harp
Feb. 19, 4 p.m.
Mountain Brook Baptist Church
This choral concert represents literature from the Renaissance to contemporary periods. It will be presented by the Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music Chorus, directed by Dr. Timothy Banks and accompanied by members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit otmfestivals.org.
Birmingham
BCRI Mardi Gras Celebration and Fundraiser
Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will host its 11th annual Mardi Gras Celebration and Fundraiser with live music, food, a silent auction, Mardi Gras parade, fortune telling, magicians and more. Proceeds from the event support the BCRI’s teacher education programs, curriculum development, outreach programs to school, literacy programs and cultural and academic enrichment programs for middle and high school students. For more information on ticket sales, silent auction donations or sponsorships, contact Carolyn Harper at [email protected] or 328-9696 ext. 213 or visit www.bcri.org.
Homewood
Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show Fundraiser
Feb. 22, 10 a.m.
Salvation Army
Miss Alabama Courtney Porter will be the featured model for this year’s annual Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show Fundraiser. She and volunteers will display the latest clothing that the Salvation Army thrift store has to offer for men, women and children. There will be goodie bags for the first 200 people, and all clothing will be 50 percent off. The event will be at the Green Springs thrift store.
Homewood
Taste of Homewood
Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.
SoHo Square
This showcase of Homewood’s growing number of food purveyors gives the public a chance to sample cuisine from their menus. More than 30 vendors are expected. In addition to the culinary sampling and wine and beer tasting, there will be musical entertainment. Admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce in the Homewood Library, at www.homewoodchamber.org and at several other locations. For more information, call Tricia Ford at 871-5631.
Planning the Mad Hatters’ Luncheon Feb. 23 are, from left: Mrs. Bradford Kidd, Ms. Dot McClurg, Mrs. John A. Maloof Jr., Mrs. Michael S. Parker, Mrs. Leonard J. Weil and Mrs. Jean B. Morris.
Photo special to The Journal
Birmingham
Mad Hatters’ Luncheon
Feb. 23, 11 a.m.
The Club
Women from across central Alabama will use their fashion accessories to fight cancer at the 21st annual Mad Hatters’ Luncheon and Fashion Show. The event, which benefits the American Cancer Society, will be held in the club’s Grand Ballroom. Judging of hats is at 11 a.m. followed by a parade of hats at 11:30. The noon luncheon includes a fashion show by Gus Mayer. For more information or to make reservations, contact Mary Frances Colley at 930-8893 or [email protected].
Mountain Brook
Library Book Sale
Feb. 24-26
Emmet O’Neal Library
The Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library will host the Library Book Sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 24 and 25 and 1-4 p.m. Feb. 26. A reception to kick off the sale will be from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 23. Attendees must pay a $25 fee to join the Friends. Other events during the sale include Cookbook Day Friday with Dreamcakes on site, auction of three autographed Paul “Bear” Bryant books and Sesame Street Saturday with characters from the show. All books are half price Feb. 26, and a bag full of books will be $10 from 3-4 p.m. Visit www.eolib.org or call 879-0459 for more information.
North Shelby Country
Ride to Change the Future
Feb. 25, Feb. 26
St. Vincent’s 119, Levite Jewish Community Center
The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation is teaming up again with Ovarian Cycle for the fifth annual Ride to Change the Future. This citywide indoor cycling fundraising event will benefit ovarian cancer research. The ride will be at St. Vincent’s 119 Feb. 25 and the LJCC on Feb. 26. For more information and to register, visit www.ovariancycle.org.
with pic, saved as names
Birmingham
Celebrate Symphony Achievement
Feb. 25, 6 p.m.
Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Stars from the arts community and civic and business leaders will come out Feb. 25 to celebrate the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s unprecedented achievement of being selected to perform at Carnegie Hall. Selected as one of six from a field of more than 65 orchestras nationwide, the 54-member orchestra will make its Carnegie debut May 10 during the second annual Spring for Music Festival in New York City. In addition to celebrating ASO, the ARts & Lectures Club also will present its 2011 awards, and Broadway favorites will be presented by Four for Time. Tickets include a cocktail supper and one drink ticket. For sponsor details and tickets, call 218-4303. For more information, visit www.artsandlecturesclubofshelbyco.com
Hoover
Alabama/Mississippi Zeta Day
Feb. 25, 10 a.m.
The Wynfrey Hotel
The Birmingham Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Chapter will host Alabama/Mississippi Zeta Day 2012. The theme is Churchill Downs and Crowns. For more information, email [email protected].
Planning Dinner, Diamonds and Destinations to raise money for the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation are, from left: Debbie Castleberry, Kristin Tunnel, event chairman Gina Henley, Ashley Thompson, the foundation’s executive director, and Denise Slupe.
Photo special to The Journal
Birmingham
Dinner, Diamonds and Destinations
Feb. 25, NEED A TIME – COULDN’T FIND IN ORIGINAL COPY
Ted’s Garage
The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation will host the sixth annual Dinner, Diamonds and Destinations. The fundraiser will feature live music from the Undergrounders, food from George Sarris’ Yellow Bicycle Catering and live and silent auctions. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides perpetual financial support to each Vestavia Hills school. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit www.vestaviafoundation.org, contact the foundation office at 978.8808 or email [email protected].
Opera Birmingham committee members organizing an upcoming gala are, from left: Karyn Uptain, Amy Johnstone, Kathy Emison, chairman, and John D. Jones, general director.
Photo special to The Journal
Birmingham
Carmen! The Red & Black Gala
Feb. 26, 6 p.m.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Opera Birmingham will host “Carmen! The Red & Black Gala,” an elegant evening to celebrate the upcoming March 2012 mainstage production of “Carmen.” The event includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction followed by a seated dinner by Imperial Catering and live auction with Ken Jackson. Guests will be treated to entertainment by the cast of “Carmen,” who will mix and mingle with guests. Tickets are $200 per person. Red and black cocktail attire is encouraged. Call 322-6737 to make reservations.
Birmingham
Birmingham Chamber Music Society
Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Alys Stephens Center, Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall
Internationally-recognized artists Augustin Hadelich, violinist, and Justin Brown, pianist and conductor of the Alabama Symphony, will perform a program of music featuring Beethoven Violin Sonata No. 6 and composers Ysaye, Kurtag, Faure and Ravel. Tickets are $25, $10 for students with IDs and free for children. Call 975-2787 for more information.
Jefferson County
Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County
March 1
The Distinguished Young Women Program of Jefferson County is accepting applications from high school girls graduating in 2013 and residing in Jefferson County. The deadline for receiving applications is March 1. The program, formerly Jefferson County’s Junior Miss, will be July 20-21 at Samford University. The Jefferson County representative will advance to the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery, where she will compete for more than $40,000 in cash-tuition scholarships and more than $1 million in college-granted scholarships. For more information, visit www.DistinguishedYW.org, contact chairman Eddie Macksoud at [email protected] or call 907-0210.
