By Anne RuisiA neew opera commissioned by Opera Birmingham about the life of Alabama native Helen Keller will make its world premiere in January at RMT Arts Campus.“Touch” will debut Jan. 19 and will be repeated Jan. 21. Music for the opera is by composer Carla Lucero and the libretto is by Lucero and Marianna Mott Newirth. A pre-show chat with Lucero and Newirth will … [Read more...]
Iconic Art Show Hits Milestone: Bluff Art Association and Show Prepares to Celebrate 60 Years
By June MathewsThere are plenty of reasons for attending the Bluff Park Art Show each year. There’s always an eclectic mix of media, the experience of the show is fresh every time, and enjoying the picturesque setting in a historic community never gets old. But this year, there’s a good reason for going that one normally wouldn’t associate with an art show: … [Read more...]
Why Is Someone Dinking in My Kitchen?
It was the summer of 1965 when three families were vacationing outside of Seattle on Bainbridge Island. It seems some boredom had set in, and the dads decided to take a badminton net, some ping-pong paddles and a wiffle ball for the kids to play a game … of sorts. The rules were seat of the pants, and the set up was crude at best. Fast forward to present day.Pickleball is … [Read more...]
‘Inseparable Bond’ Shanks Brothers Making Their Presence Felt in Spain Park’s Backfield
By Rubin E. GrantTim Vakakes did everything in his power to leave the Shanks boys behind when he left his job as head football coach at Jackson-Olin in Birmingham to become Spain Park’s football coach following the 2021 season.Vakakes had known Derick and Dakarai Shanks for several years, watching them play Little League football in Wylam in western Birmingham because … [Read more...]
Creative Instincts: Vielguth Brings Passion, Leadership and Skill to Vestavia Hills Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. GrantIt’s a good thing Audrey Vielguth listened to her friends.They kept telling her she could be a good volleyball player, so when she was in the seventh grade, she decided to play.Vielguth has proven her friends right. Two years after she began playing, she joined the Vestavia Hills’ varsity team. Now a senior libero/defensive specialist, Vielguth is … [Read more...]