This article was reprinted in part from the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens newsletterBy Sebastian Oritz MuñozWhat primarily attracts butterflies to nectar sources goes beyond the color of the flower—the shape of the flower matters most. Butterflies are attracted to flowers that have large petals that serve as a landing pad for them to access the nectar. They … [Read more...]

The Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) Founding Cities Tour wrapped up a slate of performances in June visiting Williamsburg, Yorktown, Norfolk, Washington D.C., Moorestown New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Along the way, The Boys collaborated with other choirs like the Virginia Children's Chorus and the Philadelphia Boys Choir. The tour concluded with a homecoming concert at … [Read more...]

By Douglas Croker  I have had a love of music all my life, yet I somehow overlooked one of Birmingham’s greatest musical treasures—the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO). In my almost 50 years in Alabama, I never thought to engage with it. Like a precious heirloom tucked away in my nightstand drawer — it was always nearby, but I hadn’t recognized it. When I … [Read more...]

By Lee Hurley  For over 34 years, the Hoover Songbirds have brought professional choral performances to audiences across greater Birmingham. The seniors to seniors singers kicked off their spring season at the Bungalows of Riverchase, and went on to give 16 performances at various locales like the Shepherd of the Valley Church, The Oaks—Independent Living, Brookdale … [Read more...]

With their most recent round of grants and scholarships, the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International has given nearly a quarter of a million dollars to women across the state of Alabama pursuing culinary- related careers. At an awards ceremony on May 18, 2025, the chapter awarded a record $47,000.Les Dames Escoffier’s literal translation means the ladies … [Read more...]