Birmingham
Girlfriend Gala
May 17, 6:30 p.m.
WorkPlay
The Literacy Council of Central Alabama will host this inaugural fundraiser celebrating women, friendship and creativity. The theme is “Chick Flicks — Celebrating Girls on Film.” Both corporate and individual tables can be purchased, with each table selecting a captain and tablescape based on the theme. Individual tickets will also be available. The evening includes wine and food, a contest for the best tablescape and raffle prizes. Proceeds support the Literacy Council of Central Alabama. For more information or tickets, call Missy Burchart, Literacy Council Communications and Development manager, at 326-1925 or visit www.literacy-council.org/girlfriendgala.html.
Birmingham
“Singing in the Rain”
May 3-20, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
This Red Mountain Theatre Company play features Kristen Bowden Sharp as Kathy Selden and includes local favorites Jack Mann, Tam DeBolt, Kyle Holman, Jessica Clark and Lucas Pepke. Show times are 7:30 Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets are $30-35; group, senior and student rates are available. Call 324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org.
Birmingham
Fiesta Ball 2012
May 3, 6 p.m.
B&A Warehouse
The Young Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center presents this opportunity to celebrate Cinco de Mayo for a cause. Proceeds from Fiesta Ball will be used to fund a competitive grant award for a young cancer researcher at UAB. The event includes live music, Mexican food, beer and wine and a silent auction that will benefit the board’s Patient and Family Services Committee, which provides activities and amenities for cancer patients and their loved ones. Advance tickets are $30 at www.uab.edu/fiestaball or $35 at the door.
Hoover
Songs of a Generation
May 4-5, 8 p.m.
Library Theatre
The Library Theatre on the lower level of the Hoover Public Library will present Janis Ian and Karla Bonoff: Songs of a Generation. Tickets are $25; seating is reserved. Buy tickets in person, by phone at 444-7888 or at www.TheLibraryTheatre.com.
Birmingham
Ballet, Bourbon and Bowties
May 5, 2 p.m.
Alabama Ballet Center for Dance
The Alabama Ballet Junior Board will present Ballet, Bourbon and Bowties, which includes bluegrass music courtesy of Sweetwater Road, drinks, food and live coverage of the Kentucky Derby races with door prizes. Kids will enjoy face painting, movies and pony rides, while onsite photographers capture those priceless moments, gorgeous hats and much more. Tickets are $50 for couples and $30 for singles. Children under 12 are free. Visit www.alabamaballet.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
Birmingham
Birmingham Memorabilia Road Show (and Tell)
May 5, 10 a.m.
Birmingham History Center
Bring Birmingham-related memorabilia for informal evaluation to the center’s first “Road Show” at the center’s museum in the Young & Vann Building, 1731 First Ave. North. This event, inspired by PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow” series, will feature a panel of six Birmingham historians. A separate table will be set up for people to show interesting items and talk about their connections to local history. Staff members will be prepared to photograph and record stories and information about artifacts for further research. No jewelry or firearms are permitted. The event lasts until 2 p.m. For more information, call 202-4146.
Birmingham
Art in Avondale Park
May 5, 10 a.m.
Avondale Park
This ninth annual art show and festival features local and regional artists, who will exhibit and sell their work, and art from Birmingham area students. Local musicians, performers and dancers will perform on the park’s amphitheater stage. Volunteer art instructors will staff work and educational areas for young people and other family members. The free event ends at 4 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. In case of rain, the festival will be May 6 at the park.
Birmingham
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Mayfair
May 5, 8 a.m.
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Mayfair will include a yard sale, vendors, refreshments, cake walk, children’s activities and music. The event, which ends at 3 p.m., benefits Three Hots and a Cot, Birmingham Faith in Action and the Hispanic Interest Coalition. For more information, visit www.sothl.org.
Homewood
Alabama Kidney Walk-a-Thon
May 5, 8:30 a.m.
Homewood High’s Waldrop Stadium
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the 30th annual Walk-a-Thon. Participants will receive free breakfast and lunch. A children’s area will have an inflatable and clowns. Visit www.alkidney.org for more information.
Birmingham
Earth Day at The Gardens
May 5, 11 a.m.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
At this annual event, local and regional organizations advocating water, air and land conservation, wildlife protection, energy efficiency, recycling and healthy and sustainable living will have displays and family-friendly activities on the lawn of the Formal Garden in front of the Conservatory. At the entrance, used electronic devices, including computers and their components, copiers, scanners, telephones, cell phones, battery back-ups and microwaves, may be dropped off for recycling,. All forms of scrap metal, including filing cabinets, shelving, washers and dryers may also be dropped off. No TVs will be collected, and there will be a charge for computer monitors. Admission is free. The event includes music by the Oxymorons and free popcorn and ice water. The newest garden, the Arrington Plant Adventure Zone, will be open to the public for the first time.
Mountain Brook
LJCC’S Got Talent Show
May 5, 7:30 p.m.
Levite Jewish Community Center
Performers of all ages will share their talents and compete for prizes in their age divisions. Talents include but are not limited to vocal performance, dance and musical performance. The annual Theatre LJCC awards, the Marissa Fiegelson and Irving Stern Awards, will be presented. Tickets are $15. Visit www.bhamjcc.org for more information.
Oak Mountain
Run for Kids Challenge
May 5, 7 a.m.
Oak Mountain State Park
At this fundraiser for Camp Smile-A-Mile, the course will circle Double Oak Lake, the swimming and canoeing lake on the new Lake Trail at Oak Mountain State Park. Three runs include a 12-hour challenge trail run, 50-kilometer trail race and trail running festival. All runs will start and finish at the Cedar Pavilion at the south end of the lake. Walkers are welcome. Those who make a $25 donation to Camp SAM (in addition to the park entry fee) will be entered in a drawing for a package of gift certificates worth more than $350 from Birmingham restaurants. Visit www.runforkidschallenge.com for more information.
Homewood
We Love Homewood Day
May 5, 10 a.m.
Homewood Central Park
Presented by the We Love Homewood Committee and the City of Homewood Parks and Recreation Department, We Love Homewood Day, for around 30 years, will again include an incredible line up of family oriented events for the in Homewood Central Park. Rides, games and inflatables will be located at Homewood Central Park; tickets and all-day wristband will be sold for the rides. Proceeds from the rides, games and inflatables benefit the Homewood High School Band. The event lasts until 5 p.m.. For a complete list of the day events, check the Homewood Parks & Recreation website, www.homewoodparks.com.
Homewood
Rotary Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival
May 5, 8 a.m.
Homewood Park
This fourth annual festival will be on We Love Homewood Day May 5. Chalk artists of all ages are invited to participate. The project supports Homewood Rotary’s Education Foundation, which each year awards about $12,000 in scholarships to outstanding Homewood High School graduates. Artists will make chalk drawings on large sidewalk panels surrounding the park’s children’s playground. Spaces are available to companies, organizations and individuals for a $100 donation. Nonprofit groups may participate non-competitively free of charge or solicit sponsorships in order to compete for prizes. Children may draw for fun, free of charge, in a non-competing children’s area. Competitors may draw from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. All must use nonpermanent artist’s chalk, which will be provided, and agree to draw subject matter appropriate for viewing by all ages. Prizes for best of show, most creative, chairman’s choice and best children’s entry for ages 12 and under will be awarded at the We Love Homewood Day street dance at 6 p.m. For registration information, contact coordinator Sandy Nelson at 871-6314 or snelsqon@gmail.com.
Birmingham
Arty Party
May 6, 3 p.m.
B&A Warehouse
An annual fundraiser for Birmingham AIDS Outreach, this auction will feature more than 200 pieces of art donated by local, regional and national artists and collectors. Twelve pieces of art will be in a live auction; the remaining art will be in a silent auction. Tickets are $50. Hors d’oeuvres, wine and a cash bar will be available for guests. Visit www.birminghamaidsoutreach.org for more information.
Homewood
The Watercolor Society of Alabama 71st National Exhibition
May 6, 2 p.m.
Littlehouse Galleries
This national exhibition, open through July 6, begins with an opening ceremony and awards May 6 from 2-5 p.m. Eighty aqua media pieces from watercolorists across the country will be displayed. The selection juror is Steve Rogers of Ormond Beach, Fla., and the awards juror is Joan Blackburn of Pensacola, Fla. For more information, call 423-0922 or 979-5699 or email toradave@earthlink.net.
Homewood
“The Wunnerful Women of Welk”
May 6, 2 p.m.
Leslie Wright Fine Arts Center
For more than 25 years, a large and loyal audience has tuned in to Alabama Public Television Saturday nights to watch “The Lawrence Welk Show,” one of the longest-running programs in TV history. APTV will bring several of the show’s stars to Alabama for a live show, “The Wunnerful Women of Welk.” Tickets are $50. A limited number of meet and greet opportunities are also available for $75 each. All proceeds will benefit Alabama Public Television. Tickets can be ordered at 1-800-239-5233.
Birmingham
Author Susan Haltom at BBG
May 10, 2 p.m.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Author Susan Haltom will give a lecture about her highly-praised work, “One Writer’s Garden: Eudora Welty’s Home Place.” General admission tickets are available at www.bbgardens.org or at The Gardens for $5. After the lecture, Haltom will sign copies of her book. Haltom is a garden designer and preservation maintenance coordinator for the Eudora Welty garden. For more information, visit www.bbgardens.org/classes or contact Phyllis Sutton at psutton@bbgardens.org or 414-3958.
Birmingham
3-Hour Tour
May 10, 6:30 p.m.
B&A Warehouse
Tickets are now on sale for this Adaptive Aquatics fundraiser. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple. While sampling B&A hors d’oeuvres, wines by International Wines and beer by Pinnacle Imports, guests can meet some of the people served by Adaptive Aquatics, a 31-year-old nonprofit that provides water sports instruction for those with disabilities,. The event includes a cash bar, entertainment and silent auction. For tickets or more information, call Joe Ray at 807-7519 or visit www.adaptiveaquatics.org.
Hoover
Spring Hydrangea Sale
May 11-12, 9 a.m.
Aldridge Gardens
Hours for this 11th annual set are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May 11 and 9 a.m.-noon May 12. More than 40 varieties of hydrangeas will be available for purchase. Among the selection will be the Snowflake Hydrangea patented by Gardens founder Eddie Aldridge. Shoppers also can choose from mophead, native and sun-loving hydrangeas. Members of the Alabama Hydrangea Society will be on hand to answer questions about varieties and care. For more information, call 682-8019 or visit www.aldridgegardens.com.
Birmingham
College Rewind Backyard Band Party
May 11, 7 p.m.
ArtPlay
UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Junior Patrons are presenting this party featuring the music of Jupiter Coyote. The event includes complimentary live music, food by Jim ’N Nicks and drinks by Supreme Beverage Co. and International Wines. All proceeds will benefit the ASC Junior Patrons Education and Outreach Fund through ArtPlay. Tickets are $30 for ASC JP members or $50 for new members, which includes a one-year ASC JP membership. For tickets, call 975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org. To join the ASC JPs, call Katrina Watson at 975-5662.
North Shelby County
Special Equestrians Jump for the Starts Gala
May 12, 5:30 p.m.
Windwood Equestrian Stables
The Special Equestrians’ annual gala is asking friends and sponsors to “Jump for the Stars.” To be held at the Windwood Equestrian Premier Stables in Pelham, the event will feature music by Birmingham Rhythm Kings, a show of local jumping talent and a special performance by Special Equestrians’ riders. Silent and live auctions will feature a customized golf cart, diamond earrings, artwork, trips to special destinations, restaurant gift certificates, spa packages and other fine items. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, followed by dinner. Tickets are $150 each or $1,200 for a table of eight. Proceeds will fund re-wiring of the Special Equestrians’ barn to provide fans for the horses and help cover operating costs of the nonprofit organization – especially the popular riding program. To request a sponsorship package, donate an auction item or service, or to reserve your tickets for the Gala, call Jaime Laird at 205-987-WHOA (9462), email her at jdlaird@specialequest.org or visit www.specialequest.org.
Homewood/Birmingham
Homewood Farmer’s Market/The Summit Farmer’s Market
Saturdays May 12-Aug. 4, 8 a.m.; Thursdays May 24-July 26, 3 p.m.
SoHo/The Summit
Urban Cookhouse will manage two farmer’s markets this summer — The Summit Farmer’s Market and The Homewood Farmer’s Market — to support local farming and to give back to the Birmingham community. Both markets will have a variety of vendors and growers. There will be local produce, breads and specialty meats as well as jewelry and customized crafts. A cooking demonstration will be highlighted each week in honor of Birmingham chefs. The Homewood Market is on Saturdays from May 12-Aug. 4, except for May 26, from 8 a.m. to noon in the SoHo Parking Lot. The Summit Market is on Thursdays May 24-July 26 from 3-7 p.m. To learn more about Urban Cookhouse and both farmer’s markets, visit www.urbancookhouse.com.
Homewood
Boy Scout Troop 97 Pancake Breakfast, Silent Auction and Garage Sale
May 12, 7 a.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church
Boy Scout Troop 97’s event, which ends at noon, is in Trinity’s fellowship hall and gym. The garage sale will offer clothing, household items, crafts, toys, books, electronics and sporting and camping equipment. Major items such as furniture and appliances will also be available; unsold items will be distributed to local charities. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, coffee, juice and Boy Scout-manned tableside service. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat breakfast are $5 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Bids for silent auction items ends at noon. The troop needs auction items and garage sale donations. Contact Bert Allen at 540-5343 or bertjudy@hotmail.com for more information.
Crestline
Motherwalk and 5K
May 12, 7:30 a.m.
Crestline Village
This ninth annual event will raise funds for ovarian cancer research. Register at motherwalk.com or on site on race day starting at 7:30 a.m. The run and walk begin at 9 a.m. The one-mile fun run, led by the Tragic City Rollers, is at 10 a.m. At 8:15, fitness instructors will lead stretching sessions for participants. Mistress of ceremonies Beth Shelburne, Fox 6 Evening News anchor, will kick off the race. Following the 5K, Shelburne will announce winners of the race and team competitions. A family festival includes music, food, children’s activities and fun for everyone. The cost is $25 or $10 for ages 12 and younger.
North Shelby County
Baby Bird Shower
May 12, 11 a.m.
Alabama Wildlife Center
The Alabama Wildlife Center expects more than 900 baby bird patients this year. Community members are invited to a free and fun Baby Bird Shower with cake and beverages, children’s activities and baby bird videos. Those who attend also can see feedings and care in the nursery. For a list of the baby bird wish list, visit www.awrc.org. AWC is also registered with Wild Birds Unlimited in Hoover and at Target. Entry is free after paid admission to the park.
Inverness
Charity Golf Classic for Down Syndrome
May 14, 10: 30 a.m.
Inverness Country Club
Parent Advocates Down Syndrome (PADS), the area’s local affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society, will host a charitable golf tournament to raise money toward naming the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UAB in honor of John Mark Stallings. John Mark, son of Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings and his wife Ruth, is well known for his time at Alabama along side his dad on the football field. Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit PADS programs, including the UAB clinic, in support of the awareness, acceptance and advocacy of individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. Entry fees are $175 per individual or $600 for a foursome. Golf package includes concierge service upon arrival, 18 holes of golf with cart, golfer gifts and awards, and a car hole-in-one prize (sponsored by Carl Cannon). Register online at www.downsyndromealabama.com or for information, call 988-0810 or email downsyndromealabama@gmail.com.
Hoover
Retirement Planning with Scott Cole
May 15, 7 p.m.
Hoover Public Library
Certified financial planner Scott Cole will discuss planning for retirement. He has a weekly personal finance segment on Alabama’s 13 News. For more information, call 444-7816. The program is free and open to the public.
Hoover
Plein Air Art Show, Sale and Quick Draw
May 15-20
Aldridge Gardens
This regional show includes more than 20 artists from all over the Southeast who will paint on site to capture the beauty of Aldridge Gardens and several other private gardens. During the final “Quick Draw” event May 20, visitors will be able to purchase “wet-paint” paintings directly off the artists’ easels. Visit the Kay and Eddie Aldridge Art and Historical Museum weekdays through the end of June for a show and sale of all the plein air artists’ work. For more information, call 682-8019 or visit www.aldridgegardens.com.
Birmingham
“The Promise”
May 12-13, 2:30 and 7 p.m.
Barbara B. Barker Fine Arts Auditorium
This Briarwood Ballet production features the school’s third-12th grade ballet students. Performances are May 12 at 2:30 and 7 p.m. and May 13 at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 776-5284.
Birmingham
The Main Event
May 19, 7:30 p.m.
3205 2nd Ave. South
Tickets are $75 for this fundraiser benefiting the Levite Jewish Community Center, the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. Included are cocktails, dining, music, a silent auction, special guest appearances and commentary and boxing. Come out and watch the Juarez Boxers and special guest former Gov. Don Siegelman take to the ring and show off their skills. Women can show their support for AHA by wearing red. Black tie is optional. For more information, visit www.bhamjcc.org.
Mountain Brook
Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival
May 20, 2:30 p.m.
Emmet O’Neal Library
The children’s Summer Reading program kicks off with this carnival, sponsored by the Junior Women’s Committee of 100. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. with the annual Thomas Hughes Brinkley Memorial Fun Run. The outdoor carnival from 3-5 p.m. features game and craft booths, concessions and a train ride. During the carnival, Emmet O’Neal librarians will be on hand to register readers of all ages for the Summer Reading program. DJs from the Boosterthon will be there, too. Tickets and registration for kickoff events are available now. All other Summer Reading programs and activities begin May 29. For more information, call 879-0497 or visit www.eolib.org.
Chelsea
Weight Management Camp
June 3-20
Camp Hargis YMCA
Register now for this third annual overnight weight management camp. Camp SHINE educates at-risk or obese children about healthy lifestyle habits and to jumpstart weight loss through fun activities and a healthy diet. The camp also serves as a resource to parents who want to help their children maintain a healthier lifestyle. Camp SHINE will include cooking lessons, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, field trips, canoeing, dancing, hiking and many more kid-friendly activities. All camp counselors are affiliated with the William A. Daniel Adolescent Health Center, a joint initiative between Children’s and UAB. The program is coordinated by UAB physicians. Registration is $600; some scholarships are available. Applications must be submitted by April 15. For more information about the camp or to register, visit http://weight.childrensal.org.
Mountain Brook
S-M-ART Camp
June 25-29
Mountain Brook Elementary
Three Mountain Brook Elementary teachers are teaming up to host S-M-ART Camp (Spanish, Music and Art). Spanish teacher Sara-Kathryn Bates, music teacher Shari Dorsett and art teacher Kendra Haddock will lead the camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, for all incoming kindergarten-third grade students in Mountain Brook. Activities include artistic creations, musical productions, Spanish language crafts, a trip to Davenport’s for lunch on Thursday and more. The camp ends Friday with an artistic, musical and Spanish presentation for parents. Cost is $255, which includes a camp T-shirt, snacks and bottled water, lunch at Davenport’s and supplies.
