By Sue Murphy It wasn’t an easy book to read. In fact, there are parts of me that wish I had never read it because it left me with a few painful images I would rather erase. Still, I continued reading because, amidst the horror, the author included short, powerful moments of hope. Good plan. How else could the hero have continued? The book was “The Giver.” Cold, … [Read more...]
Prayers, Wishes and Hopes
By Kaitlin Candelaria In the midst of a difficult holiday season, Kristen Morrow was struck with inspiration. Last year, Morrow saw a news story on a neighborhood tradition in San Francisco called the “Wishing Tree.” Members of the community came together each year and decorated a tree, writing prayers, hopes and wishes and attaching them to the tree. “One of my coworkers … [Read more...]
This Santa Carries a Tune: Pennington Brings Christmas Joy to Brookwood Village
By Kaitlin Candelaria Steve Pennington has been in the music business his entire life. When he isn’t teaching voice, he’s producing music. However, you may notice a change in the Birmingham-based musician’s appearance starting about the middle of summer each year. “I don’t do any trimming to my beard after July 1,” Pennington said. “That’s the pattern I’ve kept for the past … [Read more...]
Theatre Ready for Its Close-up: The Alabama Outfitted for the Holidays by NYC Designer
By Emily Williams In honor of the holiday season, the lobby of the Alabama Theatre has been transformed with holiday decor. Interior designer Glen Kinnaird, of NYC Modern Home and an Alabama native, traveled from his home in New York to spread a little cheer and cloak the historic lobby with Christmas decorations. “The Alabama Theatre has been freshly dressed for the … [Read more...]
Spirited Revival: The Renovated Lyric Will Open Jan. 14
By Kaitlin Candelaria The revival of downtown Birmingham continues with the grand re-opening of the Lyric Theatre in mid-January. The Lyric Theatre, which is more than 100 years old, sits at 1800 Third Ave. North and will officially re-open its doors Jan. 14 after an $11.5 million renovation. Opening weekend will include three nights of modern vaudeville and a performance of … [Read more...]