Gulf Coast Buzz (April 18 - May 1, 2014)

gulf coast Your guide to fun, food and entertainment

all about STRAWBERRIES

Our first issue!

Events, food, family fun, calendars and so much more!

April 18-May 1, 2014 Gulf Coast Newspapers

Vol. 1 Issue 1

2 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Blessing.

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

April 18 - May 1, 2014

Helping others is the focus of Alan’s life.

We helped him get back to it.

Pastor Alan McBride suffered a major arm injury as he was unhitching a trailer from his car. “I heard a sound as loud as a rifle shot,” he said, “and felt paralyzing pain.” Nothing helped until he went to see an orthopedic surgeon. “My doctor explained that my bicep tendon was almost completely torn from the bone,” said Alan.

“He made things happen fast and performed surgery the very next day at South Baldwin. I received wonderful care and can use my arm with no limitations. I visit South Baldwin two or three times a week as a pastor and have been there several times as a patient. Everything I’ve experienced is A+. It’s a blessing in this community.” To learn more about surgical services at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, visit SouthBaldwinRMC.com/SurgicalServices.

Alan McBride, D.D. Senior Pastor Orange Beach United Methodist Church

75997_SBRM_McBride_7_3x9_8c.indd 1

4/11/14 9:22 AM

April 18 - May 1, 2014

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

April 18 - May 1, 2014 gulf coast

Letter from the editor

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment

I don't know about you, but I've never lived in a place where there is so much to do. Alabama's Gulf Coast is brimming with activities — you can book your calendar with a well-planned event almost nightly.

Keeping up with everything there is to do in our area can be overwhelming. That's why we created the Gulf Coast Buzz, your guide to food, fun and entertainment in Baldwin County and beyond. The Buzz is published the first and third Friday of each month and will always keep you informed about everything our area has to offer — events, restaurants, outdoor activities, live music, the arts and much more.

You'll also learn more about your favorite hobbies from our expert columnists, who will update you on the latest trends and news in family activities, hunting, fishing, paddling, wine, craft beer and books.

Every bit of content in the Buzz exists to enhance your quality of life on the Gulf Coast.

So grab your calendar, call your friends and plan a night out — you're about to discover what all the Buzz is about!

AprIl 18-MAy 1, 2014 Gulf Coast Newspapers

Vol. 1 Issue 1

Photo by Jill Clair Gentry

ABOUT THE COVER Savannah Mann, 5, along with most other kids, loves eating strawberries. The sweet snack is packed with nutrients, including lots of fiber and vitamin C. Learn strawberry tips, recipes and where to find them locally by turning to page 6.

Lifestyles editor

Look for us submissions I In all five Gulf Coast Newspapers: The Baldwin Times, The Independent, The Foley Onlooker, The Islander and The Courier

I Comments and concerns

I In racks, boxes and locations throughout Baldwin County

I Live local music listings

I On GulfCoastNewsToday.com

gulf coast

Social Media I On Facebook: Gulf Coast Newspapers On Twitter: @gcntoday

Jill Clair Gentry: jgentry@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

I Events calendar

Allison Woodham: awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com Destiny Brown: dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

I Advertising

Eastern Shore pjohnson@gulfcoastnewspapers.com and North Baldwin dwright@gulfcoastnewspapers.com Central Baldwin and South Baldwin

jbouzan@gulfcoastnewspapers.com bday@gulfcoastnewspapers.com fkustura@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

Publishes the first and third Friday of each month.

Look for our next issue Friday, May 2.

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 5

WHAT’S INSIDE

13

COVER STORY Strawberries Tips, recipes and a local farmer Q&A. 6

sgambrell@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Delta Woods and Water Expo Excitement, education at 5 Rivers. 13

LIFESTYLES Editor Jill Clair Gentry

people@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Mullet Toss Fish, fun and frivolity. 14

23

Rev your engines Two classic car shows. 23

ContributoRS

Bald Eagle Bash Eat seafood, support Weeks Bay. 29

Scott Gentry Jon Robitaille

advertising

A&E

Behind the music Interview with Corey Smith. 25 Local Live Music Baldwin County music listings. 26

prenka@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Destiny Brown Cathy Higgins Eric Mann Cliff McCollum John Mullen John Underwood Allison Woodham

Taste of the Towns Get a taste. 20

Easter Calendar Guide to Easter events. 19

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Paige Renka

Contributing Editors

Old Time Country Fest Go back in time. 20

The Buzz on the Coast 14 Days, our comprehensive calendar. 15

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

Publisher Sudie Gambrell

WHERE TO GO

Culturally Speaking “Give My Regards to Broadway.” 21

gulf coast

April 18 - May 1, 2014

ALL ABOUT FOOD Chew On This Fish River Grill. 8 Tastings The architecture of beer. 12 April showers bring rosés. 12

FAMILY FUN Get Outside and Play Local parks and outdoor events. 22

OUTDOORS

Jeniece Bouzan Brad Day Pat Johnson Frank Kustura Debbie Wright

Outdoors Paddling safety. 10 Aiming and angling Turkey hunting in Alabama. 11

books/games Between the pages What do you love to read? 24 Puzzles Test your brain. 30

Gulf Coast Newspapers 21764 Media Dr., Robertsdale, AL 36567 251-947-7712 GulfCoastNewsToday.com

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

6 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

April 18 - May 1, 2014

ABOUT THE COVER CARS VANS

SUVS KS TRUC

Orange Beach

AUTO SALES 25015 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 Owner, Gary Owen

Mercedes C280 – 61K - $5500.00

BUY

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - $5700.00

SELL

2005 Trailblazer - $5800.00

TRADE 2007 F150 - $6500.00

251-609-3666 New Car Trade-Ins Most Vehicles Are 1 Owner Vehicles!

S E I RR E B W A STR Selection and storage It’s strawberry season on the Gulf Coast.

Whether you visit a locally owned grocery store, pick-your-own farm, a farmers market or grow your own berries, selecting the right strawberries and storing them correctly will ensure that none of the delicious fruit is wasted.

Storage

Selection

Freezing

I Select firm, bright red berries with caps intact.

I Smaller berries are generally more sweet and flavorful.

I Find berries at a local farmers market that were picked within 24 hours.

I Stop by a pick-your-own farm and get your berries straight from the field.

I Eat your berries as soon as possible.

I Don’t wash them until you are ready to eat them to keep them from rotting.

I Place berries in a single layer on a paper towel in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Can be stored two to three days.

I To freeze, wash and hull strawberries and pat dry with a paper towel.

I Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze overnight.

I Remove berries from baking sheet and place in zip-top freezer bags, forcing as much air out of the bags as possible before sealing.

I Store in freezer for up to six months.

Filet mignon and balsamic strawberries Start to finish: 1 hour, 30 minutes (30 minutes active) Servings: 4 Ingredients I 2 cups strawberries, sliced I 1/4 cup brown sugar I 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar I 1 tablespoon olive oil I 4 6-ounce beef tenderloin filets I Salt and pepper to taste I 1 tablespoon chilled butter I freshly ground black pepper to taste Preparation Mix together the strawberries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and allow to sit for 1 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe, heavy steel or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Sprinkle the filets with salt and pepper on both sides and gently place in the hot skillet. Sear each side until well-browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Slide skillet into preheated oven and cook about 10 minutes, until filets start to become firm and are reddish-pink and juicy in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 130 F. Transfer the steaks to a warm platter and tent with foil to rest.

Pour steak juices from the skillet into a small saucepan. Strain the strawberries and discard the liquid. Add strawberries to the steak juices; bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat, and melt the butter into the sauce, tilting the pan several times to gently incorporate the butter into the sauce. Serve each filet topped with about 1/2 cup of strawberries and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

(Recipe from allrecipes.com)

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 7

Heard the

BUZZ

in Fairhope?

GREER’S Is The Talk Of The Town!

Strawberry cobbler Start to finish: 50 minutes (10 minutes active) Servings: 6–8 Ingredients I 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced I 3/4 cup sugar I 1 cup all-purpose flour I 2 teaspoons baking powder I 1/2 teaspoon salt I 1/2 cup sugar I 1 cup milk I 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract I 1 stick butter, melted Preparation Preheat oven to 375 F. In a medium bowl, add strawberries and 3/4 cup sugar.

Stir to coat strawberries in sugar and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add in milk, vanilla extract and melted butter. Stir until just combined (do not over stir).

Grease a 9-inch casserole dish. Pour batter evenly into dish. Spoon strawberries evenly on top of batter. Do not stir.

Baked for 35-40 minutes or until golden.

Serve warm or cold.

(Recipe from divascancook.com)

Check Us Out For The

Meet local farmer Mark Krupinski of Krupinski Farms in Foley Q: When is peak strawberry season in Baldwin County?

A: We plant by the first of November, and by the second week of March, we’re harvesting. We’re usually done by May. But this year, we started out with a very cold winter and had big freezes in January. The freezing temperatures and icy rain made the plants go into dormancy. It took another month for those plants to start growing again, and then with all the rain in the last month, we’ve lost a lot of strawberries because of water damage. So we’re late this year.

Q: How long will strawberries be available?

A: We’re hoping the weather will let us get through mid-May. It depends on how hot and wet it gets. We need springlike weather. Mother Nature is the boss, and she’s going to hand us the weather we have to deal with.

Q: Why buy strawberries directly from a local farmer?

A: We hand grade every berry that comes out of the field, and we pick ours ripe. Also, when you shop here, it helps create seasonal jobs for people who need work. And it’s helping us carry on a family heritage of what my grandfather started in 1926.

Visit his farm at 18625 Charolais Road, Foley; open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; call ahead: 251-943-1495

Freshest Produce Many Locally Grown

Finest Quality Meats GUARANTEED!

Guaranteed Gourmet Cost Plus 10% Pricing

With

• New Look! New Concept!

• Full Service Deli Bakery • Bishopʼs Gourmet Teas & Coffees • FREE WiFi

First Friday

Tasting

Beer, Wine, Desserts & More!

75 S. SECTION STREET FAIRHOPE, AL www.greers.com

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

8 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

April 18 - May 1, 2014

chew on this...

Fish River Grill where the locals love to eat

By Jill Clair Gentry Lifestyles editor jgentry@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

S

Restaurant profile NAME: Fish River Grill LOCATIONS: 11950 County Road 32, Fairhope; 608 S. McKenzie St., Foley SPECIALTIES: Catfish, burgers, fried seafood, crawfish pistols, swamp soup, alligator, frog legs OWNER: Diana Rohe CONTACT: FishRiverGrill.com; 251-952-3474

wamp soup, the hurricane burger, shrimp pistols, OMG shrimp feast po' boy — Fish River Grill in Fairhope and Foley specializes in huge portions of down-home, unpretentious comfort food with a Cajun flair. Like the restaurant's motto says, it's where the locals love to eat.

It all started when owner Diana Rohe, who spent most of her career as a cosmetologist and micropigmentation specialist, needed a kitchen to run her thriving side job, a catering business.

“In order to open it up, the health department requirements were the same as if it were a regular restaurant,” Rohe says. “I thought, 'If I've got to go through all this, I might as well serve food.”

So in 1990, the original Fish River Grill location

photos by jill clair gentry / staff

Diana Rohe, owner of Fish River Grill in Fairhope and Foley, treats her customers like family. “Everybody knows everybody, and if they don’t, they get to know them quick,” Rohe says. “We keep it simple.”

Foley • 251.987.5129 — Orange Beach • 251.965.5129

Local seafood tradition since 1973 Daily Chef Specials

Hand-Cut Steaks Family Friendly

We cater!

WolfBayLodge.com

Waterfront Dining in Orange Beach

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 9

opened on County Road 32 in Fairhope.

All the recipes are Rohe's own creations, prepared the way she cooked for her sons for 30 years. Monday through Friday, Rohe serves free dessert with each meal, just like she did at home for her boys.

“We always had dessert after a meal,” she says. “It was just kind of that little finish of comfort food. I just think it completes a meal.”

Swamp soup

S w a m p Soup, made from turnip and collard greens, black beans, great The hurricane category 5 burger was voted best burger in a Gulf Coast Newspapers poll.

The half-pound burger is piled high with Swiss and American cheese, grilled onions, grilled northern beans and mushrooms, bacon, jalapeno peppers, lettuce and tomato.

Rohe's secret seasoning, is served as a side with every order.

“It was going to be a joke to call it redneck gumbo — we were redneck before Duck Dynasty and Swamp People — but the more I looked at it, it looked like swamp water, so I called it swamp soup,” Rohe says.

“Everybody liked it so much that I had to keep making it.”

Foley location

“People were driving from Perdido Key, Pensacola, Saraland and all over for our food,” Rohe says. “Everybody kept saying, 'I wish you'd open up over our way.' So we opened south of Foley and outgrew it in six months.”

Four years ago, Rohe opened Fish River Grill #2 in the Foley Plaza shopping center on South McKenzie Street and has been running both locations since then.

“I've got great people that work for me,” she says. “I couldn't do it without them.”

ingst, v r Se akfa & Breunch er L inn m D il 6p t un

The OMG shrimp po’ boy, a footlong po’ boy stuffed with fried shrimp and covered in Cajun crawfish pistol sauce, was chosen as one of the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die, a designation given by the Alabama Tourism Department. You’ll need a huge appetite and a fork to tackle this overflowing po’ boy.

“My portion control is a little overboard,” Rohe says.

Ca We te r!

Fresh Sandwiches & Panini

Made With Premium Boar’s Head Meat & Cheese

Donuts, Twists and Cinnamon Rolls — Desserts Made Daily!

New Line of Cafe au lait and Cappuccino Gourmet Hot Chocolate

19452 Scenic Hwy. 98 • Fairhope • Tues.-Sat. 7am-6pm • Sun. 7am-2pm Dine In or Take Out--We Deliver

251-517-0622 • www.TwoSistersBakeryandDeli.com

10 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

April 18 - May 1, 2014

outdoors

Paddling play it safe

By Caroline Harris Director, Wind and Water Learning Center in Orange Beach

I

Ca

Harris line ro

never thought I had the gumption to submerse myself in 52-degree water to participate in a kayaking course, but recently, I enrolled in the American Canoe Association instructor certification course at the City of Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center on Wolf Bay. The course is enabled by a US Coast Guard grant that provides opportunities to expand on-water paddlesport instructor training. The ultimate goal is to certify new kayak touring instructors under the ACA and is expected to reduce the number of paddlesport casualties. Alabama was one of 14 states selected for grant funding.

I joined 12 others, the majority being from the Marine Police Division with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. I was surprised to hear how many kayak casualties in Alabama each officer had seen in recent years.

All casualties resulted from either hypothermia or drowning. It is a common misperception that kayaking is an activity that anyone can do, requiring no training.

When paddlers embark, being unfamiliar with the local water temperatures, potentially hazardous currents and proper methods to recover from capsizing, a dangerous situation can easily ensue.

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization that provides education related to all aspects of paddling.

ACA Paddle Safe Tips I Always wear a lifejacket.

I Keep your balance.

I Practice the wet exit to know how to re-enter a

capsized boat.

I Plan ahead to know the local tides, current,

water level and weather.

I Take a course. The Wind and Water Learning

Center will host introductory kayak courses throughout the year for the general public.

Visit WindAndWaterLearning.com for a list of available classes.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 11

turkey hunting in alabama

By Lindsay Schumacher Independent marketing and public relations consultant, freelance writer and outdoors enthusiast Lin

Schumache ay r ds

Turkey season is one of the most popular among hunters, second only to deer in the United States. It is considered a true art form by many, as it requires a harmonious balance of knowledge, skill, patience, practice, instinct and perseverance. Like artists, turkey hunters each practice their own unique style, but will all agree there is nothing like catching up and harvesting a big old Tom.

To read Lindsay’s full article, “The Turkey High,” including a special wild turkey recipe and informative links on calling and scouting turkeys, visit GulfCoastNewsToday.com.

Contact her directly at nursecall1@hotmail.com.

handmade in alabama Perryman Custom Calls 334-455-1669 wsperryman3@gmail.com FB: Perryman Custom Calls

Keeping it local

I Season – March 15 through April 30 for most of Alabama I Limit – One gobbler a day / 5 total I Requirements – hunting license and paper harvest record

Turkey hunter’s checklist I Shotgun with turkey choke I Turkey ammo I Calls I Decoy I Camouflage clothing I Vest with cushion I Insect repellent or ThermaCELL

Did you know?

The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continues development, maintenance and management of more than 775,000 acres of public land for Alabama hunters. For a list of hunting areas and turkey hunting regulations in Alabama go to www.outdooralabama.com

BUY

Billy Perryman, owner of Perryman Custom Calls, poses with his most recent turkey and the call he used during the hunt.

SELL

TRADE

Your Hunting & Fishing Headquarters Great selection of

CAMO CLOTHING & GUNS for the Hunter

&

Dealer For

FISHING GEAR & EQUIPMENT for the Fisherman FIREARMS

Anniversary Sale Going On Month of April

1050 S. Hickory, Loxley, AL • 251.964.5839 —Hwy. 59 N., Foley, AL • 251.943.5834

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

TASTINGS

The architecture of beer

ty, sweet provides the mal malted barley e sugars. th well as providing

By Scott Gentry

Scott Ge nt

Walking down the beer aisle can be more than a little confusing lately. It seems rare now to find a beer section with only the beer your dad drinks. How do you make sense of it all? As you revisit this column each issue, I hope to help you answer that question.

We'll start with the basic architecture of beer.

Despite the vast selection available, all beer uses the same building blocks. Dating back to 1487, Bavarian leaders defined the German beer purity law, or the Reinheitsgebot. This law states beer can only contain water, barley, hops and yeast.

Obviously, this law is not legally significant in the US,

hops balanc e th terness, contri e maltiness with their bi tbuting a com plexity of flavo rs.

ry

Yeast converts the sugars into alcohols and carbon dioxide.

but many beers do follow the same recipe.

water is th through w e means hich the be er making pro cess takes place.

April showers bring Jon Robitaille Beer/Wine Specialist Cain’s Piggly Wiggly

flavor in beer, as

Rosés

Jo

n

April showers bring May flowers, and in the wine world, April brings a different type of flower — the rosé. This time of year, the new vintage of rosés begins arriving on store shelves.

Rosé wines are made from a variety of grapes and can be made as a still wine or a sparkling wine within a broad range of sweetness levels. The color is derived from the small amount of contact the juice had with the skins of its grapes.

Rosés (rosado in Portugal and Spain or rosato in Italy) are often overlooked because of a misunderstanding that all rosés are sweet like White Zinfandel.

Wine drinkers are rediscovering the bone-dry rosés fashioned from the old world wine making techniques.

bitaille Ro

Commanderie de la Bargemone 2013 Rosé

I Dry rosé from the Coteaux d’Aix appellation of Provence, France I Classic aromas of wild strawberries and red currants I Light, floral character and a crisp, bone-dry palate I Enjoyed year-round on its own; good served with the lighter fare foods of summer

Le Morette Bardolino Chiaetto Classico 2012 I Italian I Light rose color and characterized with scents of yellow peaches, strawberry and violet I Full flavored and well-balanced taste; intense fruity sensations I Harmonic dry finish I Perfect for Italian horsd’oeuvres, fish, soups and white meats

Apothic Rosé 2013 I Blend of Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Syrah I Full-bodied boldness I Hints of strawberry and watermelon I Provides a refreshing finish that will pair perfectly with spring and summer menus

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 13

WHERE TO GO Delta Woods and Waters Expo brings education, excitement to 5 Rivers

By Eric Mann emann@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

T

he Sixth Annual Delta Woods and Waters Expo, an event sponsored by the City of Spanish Fort at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Mobile Bay Causeway, will feature demonstrations, activities, speakers and hands-on experiences that will lead to increased knowledge and enjoyment of the Delta area and promote responsible outdoor recreation.

On Saturday's family day, children and adults alike will be fascinated by the Environmental Studies Center's raptor birds of prey exhibit and the Dauphin Island Estuarium’s touch tank experience.

For an up-close look at the Delta, catch the pontoon boat, “Osprey,” at the dock for a half-hour cruise, offered throughout the day for $5 per passenger.

Award-winning author and curator of the Black Belt Museum, Dr. John C. Hall, will portray naturalist William Bartram, telling of his travels through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta in 1775.

Rosa Newman Hall will play the role of Moccasin Woman, a late 18th century Creek Indian woman who shares her knowledge of the woman's place in Indian life and in Creek society, as well as of the food, cooking, camp lifestyle and deerskin trading of the era.

In addition, the documentary film “America's Amazon” will be screened at the expo, and Delta-related exhibits from the University of South Alabama's Archeology Museum will be on display.

Did you know?

The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is the second largest delta in the United States. It is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in Alabama, including 126 species of fish, 46 mammals, 69 reptiles, 30 amphibians and at least 300 species of birds.

When you go I What: Woods and Water Expo I Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I When: April 24–25 are student days for scheduled field trips. Open to the public Saturday, April 26 for family day from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

I cost: Admission is free I find out more: DeltaWoodsAndWatersExpo.com; 251-625-0814

Demonstrations I Archery I Retrieving dogs I Turkey calling I Campsite setup I Boating use and safety

I Making handcrafted casting and fishing nets I Casting rod and reel combos I Fly-tying, casting and knot-tying

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

14 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

April 18 - May 1, 2014

WHERE TO GO

y it l o iv r f d an n u f , Fish Cheryl McClellan, wife of Flora-Bama co-owner Pat McClellan, tosses a mullet.

30th annual Mullet Toss to draw thousands April 25–27

By John Mullen jmullen@gulfcoastnewspapers.com It’s hyped as the world-famous “Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party,” and its fun and frivolity is what the Flora-Bama has been known for in its 50-year history.

Three full days of it.

“It’s like a big flash mob on the beach where a fishthrowing event breaks out,” according to the bar’s website. The event also features a bikini contest, tug-of-war and a keg toss.

The Mullet Toss got its start when Jimmy Lewis, a friend of longtime Flora-Bama owner Joe Gilchrist, was visiting out west and participated in cow chip tossing events.

He and Joe decided an event like that would work at the Bama. But what to toss?

WHAT: Interstate Mullet Toss WHEN: Friday through Sunday, April 25–27 WHERE: World Famous Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store COST: $10 cover charge, $15 to toss a fish from Alabama to Florida (includes a T-shirt) PARKING: $3 shuttle rides from Publix in Orange Beach and Winn-Dixie in Perdido Key WHO IT BENEFITS: Local youth sports, other charities MORE INFORMATION: 850-492-0611, 251-980-5118 or info@florabama WEBSITE: FloraBama.com Why, mullet, of course.

And like many events at the Bama — the Jan. 1 annual Polar Bear Dip comes to mind — it started out as a few friends tossing back beers and fish as a lark, and it has become the biggest weekend on the iconic roadhouse’s calendar.

In it’s 30th year, the Mullet Toss is an event so packed you can’t stir ‘em with a stick. The event raises more than $20,000 annually for local charities.

Visit GulfCoastNewsToday.com/gulf_ coast_buzz for more about the toss!

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 15

the buzz on the coast

Tag your event photos with @GulfCoastNewspapers on FB.

14 DAYS

Compiled by Allison Woodham Email calendar items to awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Your guide to food, fun and entertainment SATURDAY, APRIL 19 Old Time Country Festival See page 20 for more details.

Earth Day Promotes environmental citizenship and steers environmental awareness around the world. Children’s activities, live music and exhibits.

I 10 a.m., Fairhope Pier I Free admission I EarthDayMobileBay.org; 251-990-8662; info@earthdaymobilebay.org Downtown Fairhope Walking Tours The tour on April 19 will be an introduction to Fairhope Museum of History’s new exhibit, “Baldwin County During the Civil War: The War Comes Home.”

I 10 a.m. – noon, Welcome Center I Free admission I Cofairhope.com; 251-929-1471

Introduction to Kayaking Class This workshop is an introduction to paddling a kayak.

I 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Wind and Water Learning Center in Orange Beach I $65 I WindandWaterLearning.com; 251-981-2610; charris@cityoforangebeach.com

I Free admission I 251-460-5264; terri.mcghee@springhill.org

wednesday, April 23 Mullet Swing Golf Classic A portion of the proceeds from this four-person scramble tournament will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

I 11 a.m., Lost Key Golf Club in Pensacola I $150 per player; includes green fee and cart, FloraBama golf shirt, Flora-Bama umbrella, Flora-Bama hat, food and beverages.

I 850-492-0611; FloraBama.com

Mullet Man Triathlon Awards three deep and overall, post-race party with food.

I 7:30 a.m., Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store I 850-492-0611; FloraBama.com

Tuesday, April 22

thursday, April 24

Earth Day Mobile More than 25 exhibitors will be on site at Mobile’s Earth Day celebration.

I 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Springhill Medical Center, 3719 Dauphin St., Mobile

Foley Elementary annual auction All proceeds from this event directly benefit Foley Elementary School.

I 6 p.m., Foley Civic Center I Free admission I Harris4447@centurylink.net

The sixth annual Hoot Scoot Charity run takes place April 25.

Local sustainable food source for fresh homegrown taste.

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S

T

A

L

A

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B

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Farmers and Fishermens

Market

On the way to the beach. In the heart of the Gulf Coast's best farming and fishing communities.

Foley, Alabama

A model for success!

www.coastalalabamamarket.com

Tuesday and Friday 2-6 Saturday 9-2

16 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

the buzz on the coast Delta Woods and Waters Expo See page 13 for details.

Tyler Perry’s “Hell Hath no Fury like a Woman Scorned” Yes... The title is absolutely true.

One lesson to learn in life, you can’t scorn a woman and think you have achieved an accomplishment. It never works out!

I 7:30 p.m., April 25 at 8 p.m., Mobile Saenger Theatre I $42.50; Tickets are available at Mobile Civic Center box office.

I SaengerMobile.com; 1-800-745-3000; mjennings@ entertainmentservicesllc.net Così Fan Tutte Pensacola Opera’s Artists in Residence will present Mozart’s comedic Così Fan Tutte with a twist inspired by “The Golden Girls.”

I April 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m., Pensacola Opera Center I $30 I PensacolaOpera.com; 850-433-6737; april@pensacolaopera.com 2014 American Open Beach Handball Championships Teams from across the country will compete in the first ever Handball Championships.

I April 24 – 27, The Hangout in Gulf Shores I Free admission to spectators, registration fee for team: $100 I TeamUSA.org; 251-948-3030; dede.piankova@actsports.org Prodisee Pantry Connecting Communities Luncheon Hurricane season will officially be upon the Gulf Coast starting June 1. Is your church, nonprofit or business ready?

I 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Prodisee Pantry I ProdiseePantry.org; 251-626-1720; info@prodiseepantry.org

Kayaking classes are being offered at the Wind and Water Learning Center in Orange Beach April 19.

friday, April 25 The Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party See page 14 for details.

Fifth Annual Bama Coast Cruise See page 8 for details.

Relay for Life of North Baldwin I 6 p.m. – midnight, Baldwin County High School I RelayForLife.org; 251-414-1312; rebekah.mccarron@cancer.org 2014 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Outdoor Track and Field Championship I April 25 and 26, Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium at Gulf Shores Sportsplex I SSACSports.com; 864-266-3621; mhall@ssacsports.com Sixth Annual Hoot Scoot This evening 5K raises money for the Fairhope Public Library Foundation. Runners will wind through the neighborhoods of downtown Fairhope and enjoy a party at the finish line.

I 6:30 p.m., Fairhope Public Library I Adults: $30, Children (18 and under): $25 I HootScoot5k.com;

251-990-4412 Give My Regards to Broadway See page 21 for details.

2014 Orange Beach Invitational Softball Twelve high school softball teams compete for the Invitational title.

I All day April 25 and 26, Orange Beach Sportsplex I $20 Tournament Pass I GS-HS.com; 251-968-4747; tpowell@bcbe.org

saturday, April 26 Darius Rucker with special guest Eli Young Band and Corey Smith See page 28 for details.

Seniors Car Show Fundraiser See page 23 for details.

Art of Claudine Andress Andress’ sculpture is created from hardwoods, metals, slate and stone.

This evening reception is open to the public. Her art will be on display through May 21.

I 5:30 p.m., Daphne Art Center I Free admission I DaphneArtCenter.org; 251-621-0659; Daphne.Art. Center251@gmail.com Baldwin County Home Builders Spring Tour of Homes

I Noon – 5 p.m.

I BCHBA.com; 251-928-9927; Brenda@bchba.com Bald Eagle Bash See page 29 for details.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Class Participants will learn strokes, appropriate stances, recovery methods and proper use of the equipment.

I 10 a.m. – noon, Wind and Water Learning Center in Orange Beach I $60 I WindandWaterLearning.com; 251-981-2610; charris@cityoforangebeach.com USSSA Wood Bat Beach Bash Baseball Tournament I All day April 26 and 27, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley Sportsplexes I PlayUSSSA.com; 251-583-5828; dennis.greatsouthernsports@gmail.com 2014 Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Series II I All day, Gulf Shores Public Beach, West 2nd Street I Free admission I PIVC.org; 251-979-4287; worldbb@gulftel.com 54th Annual Fiesta of Five Flags McLaughlan Southeastern

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Eastern Shore Choral Society Grand and Glorious Concert I 3 p.m., Eastern Shore Baptist Church in Daphne I $15 I ESCS.org; info@escs.org

Model Airplane Championship I 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and April 26 and 27, Navy Helicopter Field Site 8A, Pensacola I Free admission I PensacolaFreeFlight.org; 850-473-0866 South Alabama March for Babies Raises funds and awareness for improving the health of babies.

I Registration begins at 8 a.m., Geri Moulton Children’s Park, 1700 Center St., Mobile I Personal fundraising goals vary I 251-438-1360; MarchForBabies.org; emcduff@marchofdimes.org Satsuma Blossom Festival The Fairhope Museum of History will revive a traditional May Day festival that was in Mobile and the Eastern Shore in the 1920s.

I 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fairhope Museum of History I Free admission

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 17

Baldwin Pops Concert on the Bluff I 6 – 8 p.m., Henry George Park in Fairhope I Donations requested I BaldwinPopsBand.com; 251-232-1093 Full House Charity Run takes place in Spanish Fort May 3.

monday, April 28

I 251-929-1471

Sunday, April 27 “Delicious Afternoon...The Gathering of Friends” Tea Party An annual tea party hosted by WSRE Public Television.

I 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Versailles Event Center, downtown Pensacola I $50 per person I WSRE.org; 850-484-1211; klagarde@wsre.org

Annual Alabama Master Gardeners Conference Nationally known and local speakers, roundtable discussions and guided field trips.

I April 28 – 30, Daphne Civic Center I $100 I AMGAConference.org; info@ amgaconference.org

Rodgers & Hammerstein Crafton Beck, guest conductor Celebrating some of Broadway’s greatest show tunes, including Oklahoma, The Sound of Music and more!

The Best of

Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 4, 2:30 p.m.

Saenger Theatre Tickets start at just $20.

Tickets available online at www.mobilesymphony.org Phone: 251-432-2010 In person: 257 Dauphin Street

MSO 049 Gulf Coast Buzz Mag.indd 1

Rodgers & Hammerstein Crafton Beck, guest conductor

Sponsored by:

4/14/14 12:31 PM

18 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

the buzz on the coast thursday, May 1 Taste of the Towns See page 20 for details.

Thomas Hospital Foundation Golf Classic I Noon, Lakewood Golf Club I 251-990-1512; jeana.barnes@ infirmaryhealth.org 16th Annual Business Expo and Jobs Fair Approximately 100 businesses will gather under one roof to make connections with potential employees.

I 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mobile Civic Center Expo Hall I 251-652-0585; sraley@sarpc.org Cocktails with the Critters Music by Delta Reign, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. Benefits Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation.

I 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tacky Jacks on the Causeway I $50 in advance; $55 at the door I 251-605-6624; SeaLabFoundation.org

friday, May 2 AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball Championship I May 2 – 4, Gulf Shores Public Beach I Free admission I AVCA.org; GulfShores.com; GulfCoastVolleyball.org 30th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival One of the largest crawfish boils in the Southeast with more than 16,000 pounds of boiled crawfish.

I Noon – 11 p.m. May 2, 10 a.m.

– 11 p.m. May 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 4, Bartram Park in Pensacola I Free admission I FiestaofFiveFlags.org; 805-433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org

April 18 - May 1, 2014 The 2014 AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball Championship hits Gulf Shores May 2.

Eastern Shore Relay for Life I 6 p.m. – 2 a.m., Daphne Middle School I RelayForLife.org; 251-621-7996 92 ZEW Brown Bag Lunch with Phoenix String Art Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy the live music of Phoenix String Art with 92 ZEW on the outdoor patio.

I 11:30 a.m., Windmill Market I WindmillMartket.org; 251-990-8883; info@windmillmarket.org

saturday, May 3 19th Annual North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation Gala I 6 p.m., John F. Rhodes Civic Center, Bay Minette I 251-580-1740 Pirates Cove Wood Boat Festival More than 30 wood boats ranging from a Mayan dugout canoe to a 72-foot Mobile Bay Schooner are entered.

I May 3 and 4, Pirates Cove Marina and Restaurant I Free admission I PerdidoWoodBoat.org; 251-987-1547; Eileen@perdidowoodboat.org Full House Charity Run Participants will enjoy an escorted motorcycle ride passing by USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile and the Ronald McDonald House before attending the endof-event party in Spanish Fort. The party will feature live music, food, drinks, raffles, silent auction, door prizes and more. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House.

I 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Advanced Transmission, 10670 U.S. Highway 31, Spanish Fort I Riders: $20 in advance, $25 day of run; passengers: $15 in advance, $20 day of run I FullHousePokerRun.com;

lwilson@advanced-transmission.com Battle at the Beach Open Karate Tournament Competitors will have the opportunity to participate in kata (forms), weapons, point sparring and semi-full contact.

I 10 a.m., Gulf Shores Middle School I Competitors: $50; spectators: $5 for adults, free for children under 5 I GulfCoastKarate.com; 251-233-9300; wheeleskarateacademy@gmail.com Literacy Fun Day Games, jumpers, face painting and cake walks. Snow cones, drinks and pizza sold separately.

All proceeds benefit North Baldwin Literacy Council.

I 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Bay Minette Public Library I $5 for unlimited playing I CityofBayMinette.org/Library; 251-937-1112

Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake Sale and Baseball Classic Supporting childhood cancer research with baked goods, silent auction, raffle and baseball.

I 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Halliday Park I 251-222-2626, thecookiemomsters@yahoo.com Eighth Annual Kentucky Derby Party Derby hat contest, food, door prizes, derby jackpots and a silent auction. A portion of the proceeds benefit Youth Reach.

I 1 p.m. at Live Bait Too I $40 in advance I TreasuresoftheIsle.org; debralonza@kw.com Kayak for a Cure Benefits the American Cancer Society. Paddleboards, kayaks and canoes are welcome.

I 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shoreline Park South in Gulf Breeze, Fla. I $40 in advance, $45 day of event; additional $10 for kayak rental I KayakForACure.org; K4ACPensacola@yahoo.com

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 19

easter calendar friday, April 18 12th annual Easter ‘Egg’stravaganza Features more than 10,000 eggs sponsored annually by The Lighthouse of Baldwin County to show its appreciation for the community and to raise awareness of its services. Robertsdale Fire Department will provide hot dogs for lunch and tours of a department fire truck.

I 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Garrett Park, Robertsdale I Free I abeacon.org; 251-947-2588; 251-947-3414; bcfvom@gulftel.com Journey to the Cross The public is invited to join in this interactive prayer experience on their own or with their families.

I 5-8 p.m., Robertsdale United Methodist Church I Free I Robertsdaleumc.com; 251-947-4602

saturday, April 19 Easter Egg Hunt The Town of Loxley will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt including thousands of eggs, entertainment and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Refreshments will be served and special prize eggs will be available.

I 2 p.m., Loxley Municipal Park I Free I TownofLoxley.org; 251-964-5976; 251-964-7733; loxcivic@townofloxley.org Alabama Point Bunny Fun Run/Walk There is no charge to participate in the non-competitive 1.5 mile fun

run. A limited number of what are sure to be collectors’ special T-shirts will be sold to raise money for Orange Beach Lions Club charities.

I 8 a.m., The Gulf Restaurant, Orange Beach I Free to participate I 850-492-5221; 251-968-5683 Breakfast with the Bunny Families of all ages are invited to enjoy an old-fashioned breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs and pancakes before having pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. The first 50 children will receive a complimentary picture with the Easter Bunny.

I 8:30 a.m.; Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores I $5; Children (3 and under) free I GulfShoresAL.gov; 251-968-1172; bphelps@gulfshoresal.gov Pictures with the Easter Bunny Start an Easter tradition and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny at The Wharf.

I 1 – 4 p.m., The Wharf, Orange Beach I Free admission I AlWharf.com; 251-224-1000 Bunny Brunch I April 19 and 20; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Bring your own camera for a bunny appearance from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.); Louisiana Pantry, The Wharf, Orange Beach I LouisianaPantry.com; 251-923-2448; kristin@thinkpinkfish.com Community Easter Egg Hunt I 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 1501 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island I Free I 251-861-3607

The Wharf Easter Egg Hunt Free Easter egg hunt! Plus face painting and balloon artists on the lawn at The Wharf!

I 11 a.m.; The Wharf, Orange Beach I AlWharf.com; 251-224-1000 Cottontail Express Enjoy a real steam train ride, visit with Easter Bunny, enjoy Easter egg hunt, crafts, refreshments and bounce houses.

I Through April 19, noon – 6 p.m.; Wales West Light Railway, Silverhill I $15 plus tax, Children (under 2) free I WalesWest.com; 1-800-569-5337; enquiries@waleswest.com Easter Egg Hunt and Kids Fun Day Flora-Bama hosts a family friendly Easter Egg Hunt event every year the Saturday before Easter.

I 2 p.m.; Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar I FloraBama.com; 850-4920611; jenifer@florabama.com

sunday, April 20 Easter Sunday Brunch As part of the Easter festivities, the Easter Bunny will be stopping by to visit with the children and take photographs. At 12:30 p.m. poolside there will be an Easter Egg Hunt led by the Easter Bunny.

I 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach I Buffet: $26.95/adult or $12.95/ child; Dining: $32.95/adult and $15.95/child I PerdidoBeachResort.com; 251-981-9811, ext. 103; concierge@perdidobeachresort.com.

Community Easter SonRise Service This is a joyous opportunity for the community to come together in celebration of our Savior’s resurrection from the dead to eternal life. Hosted by Robertsdale United Methodist Church.

I 6:30 a.m., Garret Park Pavilion, Robertsdale I Free I Robertsdaleumc.com; 251-947-4602 LuLu’s Easter Meet the Easter Bunny and have fun searching for eggs with hidden treasures inside.

I 2 p.m.; LuLu’s, Gulf Shores I 251-967-LULU (5858) Worship on the Water Easter Service Our church service is unique and welcoming to everyone from locals to people visiting the area. On Easter Sunday we have a huge church service to celebrate this meaningful holiday and welcome everyone I 11 a.m.; Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar I FloraBama.com; 850-4920611; jenifer@florabama.com Easter Brunch Cruise Join us for a delicious Easter Brunch as we cruise the beautiful waters near Perdido Pass. Reservations Required I 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Hudson Marine, Orange Beach I $59 I AlabamaCruises.com; 251-9731244; alacruises@bellsouth.net

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

20 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

April 18 - May 1, 2014

two event options

I Go back in time at Old Time Country Festival The Fourth Annual Old Time Country Festival will be held at Baldwin County’s Bicentennial Park in Stockton and will feature attractions from Baldwin County’s agricultural past and present, including a look back at the once great timber industry.

The festival will present that past in ways that are both educational

and entertaining. Displays will demonstrate the evolution of agriculture and the timber industry while vendors will be on hand to provide food and refreshments. Music will also be featured throughout the day.

The event will provide a family friendly atmosphere for residents of Baldwin County to enjoy a look back in time while getting to know

I Taste of the Towns

The annual Taste of the Towns event, hosted by the Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club and Harbor Financial Services, will feature food from more than 25 restaurants, caterers and other food providers from the Eastern Shore.

Complimentary beverages will be available, and live music is provided by Grand Band

Bicentennial Park better. There will be a petting zoo, pony rides and other activities for children.

The Antique Tractor Club, the Local Blacksmith’s Group and local quilters will be on site to share their knowledge and expertise. Representatives from all the county museums will share the stories from Baldwin County’s interesting history.

When you go I What: Fourth annual Old Time Country Festival I Where: Bicentennial Park in Stockton I When: April 18, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

I What: Taste of the Towns I Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I When: May 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

I cost: $25 per adult in advance, $30 at the door I find out more: DaphneSpanishFortKiwanis.org; 251-621-2996

Entertainment. Proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction at the event benefit the Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club, which sponsors three local high school Key Clubs.

Proceeds also benefit the AKTION Club at the Exceptional Foundation, Prodisee Pantry and several other youth-centered organizations.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 21

Crew

culturally speaking

South Baldwin Community Theatre presents

"Give My Regards To Broadway"

Director: Jennifer Dawson Assistant directors: Caleb Motes and Gabrielle Campbell Student director: Dalton Grady Musical director: Jackie Dahlman Pianist: Ryan DeSade Way

From left are cast members Karl Spraberry, Skylar Sirmon and Cody Mize.

South Baldwin Community Theatre in Gulf Shores will present a selection of the show tunes of George M. Cohan in the musical "Give My Regards to Broadway.”

Cohan’s show tunes combined with a fun, uplifting story result in an entertaining, charming, toe-tapping musical.

Synopsis

Dick Foster is opening a Broadway show, but is having problems with both

money and his leading lady. Enter Mary Collins, an aspiring actress from New Rochelle, plus "Legs" Ruby, a Damon Runyon-type bookie who is on the run from the mob.

Just as all appears lost, someone appears with the money to do the show, and Mary gets her big chance at stardom.

The play is filled with fascinating character roles and classic Cohan favorites such as the song in the title of the play.

WHEN: April 25–27 and May 2–4. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows start at 2 p.m WHERE: South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 W. Second St., Gulf Shores TICKETS: $15 for adults; $12 for students. Purchase at sbct.biz or at the theatre box office, which is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and one hour before each performance. Credit cards are accepted.

MORE INFORMATION: SBCT.biz; 251-968-6721

Coastal Arts Center Of Orange Beach

Our Cultural Campus Features:

NEW Summer Hours Open Mon - Fri 9am-4pm & Sat 9am-2pm

SUMMER ART CAMP Enjoy glass and clay artist demonstrations or call to reserve a Make Your Own Class! ~ Book birthday parties, weddings or special events ~

June 9-13

Space Limited!

26389 Canal Rd. • Orange Beach, AL • 251-981-ARTS (2787) CoastalArtsCenter.com

22 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

April 18 - May 1, 2014

FAMILY FUN

Get outside and play nn c Ma Eri

I Find fun for kids and parents at parks, outdoor events

By Eric Mann emann@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

If your kids are like my kids, then your kids love to be outside. When we moved our family to Fairhope just a few years ago, one of the first things we did was look for public parks. It didn’t take long for our family to fall in love with Fairhoper's Community Park on Church Street, behind one of our favorite spots for coffee and treats, Mr. Gene’s Beans.

If you’ve been over there recently you know the park is undergoing a facelift.

The older, wood-based park is gone, and a modern park with a splash pad will take its place this summer.

No matter where you live, there are other great parks in our county for your kids to visit.

Our second favorite park is Bicentennial Park on Main Street in Daphne. This gated park is wide open enough for your kids to run wild, but small enough for parents to see their kids from any spot inside the fence.

We also love the Orange Beach Waterfront Park's Kids Park, which my kids named “Mr. John’s Park” after Islander editor John Mullen; the Foley Kids Park at the corner of Alston and Verbena; and the splash pad at Bay Minette Kids Park.

Cade and Savannah Mann pose at Fairhopers Community Park before it was demolished in March.

KID FRIENDLY

EVENT:

Don’t miss the Delta Woods and Waters Expo at 5 Rivers Delta on the causeway in Spanish Fort on April 26 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Your kids will love the popular marine life touch tank and other hands-on experiences available at this free family event.

Check out page 14 for more details.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 23

where to go

Two classic car shows roll into Baldwin County April 25–26

By John Underwood junderwood@gulfcoastnewspapers.com Car enthusiasts — those who like to show them and those who like to look at them — will have ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the gleam of polished paint and chrome over the coming months, beginning with a pair of shows the weekend of April 25 and 26.

Bama Coast Cruise WHEN: Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE: The Wharf Resort & Marina, Orange Beach COST: Free general admission; cost for event participants is $50 for both days; $35 for Saturday only SPONSORED BY: O’Reilly Auto Parts MORE INFORMATION: 205-655-4950 WEBSITE: BamaCoastCruise.com This is the fifth year for the Bama Coast Cruise, sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts, featuring hundreds of cars lining Main Street at The Wharf.

The event will include vendors, a swap meet, music, door prizes and cash drawings, including a giveaway for a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle Beach Cruiser. Friday’s events include a poker run and a Friday night party with food and live entertainment.

Saturday features a Parade Cruise stretching over 14 miles from The Wharf, down the scenic beach highway and back.

Car Show benefiting the George P. Thames Senior Center WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: PZK Civic Center, Robertsdale COST: Free general admission; registration for car show participants is $30 for contest participants; $10 for non-judged participants WHO IT BENEFITS: George P. Thames Senior Center, Robertsdale MORE INFORMATION: 251-947-8973; sarahduncan@robertsdale.org WEBSITE: Robertsdale.org

For years, the senior center has been hosting a spring bazaar and yard sale as a fundraiser, and this year’s car show will feature arts and crafts vendors inside the Civic Center, said event organizer Debbie Trotti.

In addition to the car show, the event will feature live music, Lovey the Clown, face painting and lots of door prizes, Trotti said.

Lunch will also be served with a choice of hamburgers, hot dogs or sausage dogs with chips and a drink for $5.

Other upcoming car shows

Ongoing cruise-ins

I Coastal Spring Benefit Car Show: 2 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Pelican Place Mall, Gulf Shores I 19th Annual Mopars at the Battleship: Saturday, April 26 at the USS Alabama on Mobile Bay I “Brits on the Bay” Pensacola British Car Show, Saturday, April 26 I Fallen Heroes Show: 8 a.m. – noon on Saturday, May 24 at Town Park Square, Silverhill

I Third Friday of every month, 5 – 8 p.m. at Sonic in Foley I Second Saturday, January through November, 5 – 8 p.m. in Dillard’s parking lot at the Eastern Shore Center in Malbis I Last Saturday, March through October, 5 – 8 p.m. at Sonic in Robertsdale I First Friday, 6 p.m. at Southern Family Market in Atmore I Third Friday, 5 – 8 p.m. at Local Yokel in Milton, Fla.

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

between the pages

April 18 - May 1, 2014 Tell Cliff what you are reading at cmccollum@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

“Why do you love to read?”

I

t’s the question every book lover has faced in their lifetimes, and answers can vary greatly from person to person. Some of us read to imagine, to visit new worlds and places we never knew we could dream of. Some read for information, studying history, biographies and scientific texts to expand their minds. Some read simply to entertain, to escape the world around us

for a short while and be enlightened and delighted by the author’s words.

Whatever your reason for reading, this section, “Between the Pages,” will be a haven for those who love the written word.

Each issue, we’ll bring you book recommendations from Baldwin County people just like you, along with book reviews, interviews with local authors and a host of other

m lu

Cliff McC ol

24 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

items related to reading and writing.

Next issue, look forward to a review about Greg Iles’ “Natchez Burning,” a long-awaited new novel from the multiple New York Times bestselling author, who will be visiting Fairhope’s Page and Palette on May 4.

We hope you enjoy this page — a place for bookworms by bookworms.

what are you reading?

“The Best Place to Be: The Story of Orange Beach, Alabama”

by Margaret Childress and Michael Shipler

Ed Rodriguez, Coastal Alabama Business Chamber president and CEO

“When I am Dead, My Dearest”

by Charlotte Moore

“I am reading two books. If you decide to read Charlotte’s book, start with her first in this series, ‘Deep South Dead,’ and work your way forward.”

Bob Wills, Mayor of Bay Minette

“Killing Jesus”

by Bill O’Reilly “It’s interesting and informative, but it’s not too heavy. It’s more of a historical approach of what you typically read Biblically. It’s a great read.”

Tamara Dean, Fairhope Public Library director

“The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”

by Gabrielle Zevin “This story is appealing, entertaining and engaging — a great read! It is Page & Palette’s choice for ‘One Town, One Tale.’”

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

behind the music

Corey Smith opens up about his past, his inspiration and his newest album Born and raised in Georgia, Corey Smith shot up the charts by recollecting memories of college days at UGA, first loves gone wrong and crazy spring breaks on the Gulf Coast.

His newest album, “Ain't Going Out Tonight,” puts the wild ride behind him and shows a deeper, more personal side to this rising star. Check out Destiny Brown's exclusive interview with Corey Smith.

DB: When did you know you wanted to pursue music as a career?

CS: I've been singing for as long as I can remember, and I started playing the guitar when I was about 15.

Eight or nine years ago, I quit my day job and decided to make a career of it. Music is something I've always been passionate about, but I never thought I could make a living doing it.

DB: Where do you draw inspiration for your songs?

CS: I don't write anything that I don't feel like writing. It just sort of comes to me.

I try not get discouraged when I'm not writing because when I'm paying attention, usually ideas will start coming. It's all very personal stuff for me; I'm not good at just making up a song from scratch that somebody might like. I don’t do it like that.

It's more like therapy for me. So most of the material is drawn from my personal life.

DB: What can we expect from your newest album, “Ain't Going Out Tonight?”

CS: I hope it's a whole lot better than my first album. I hope with every album, I get better. What's a constant for me is the writing — writing every word to the song and recording something that really means something to me. It's the first time I've worked with a producer of this caliber. It helps me focus on the songs and performance and let him take care of stuff thats bogged me down in the past. It's different in the way the record sounds. The sound quality is better.

DB: Is this your first time to tour with Darius Rucker?

CS: This is the first time I've ever been invited out on tour by a big country artist, and it's really cool.

I've been a big fan of Darius since the Hootie and

Catch him in concert at The Wharf April 26 at 7 p.m. with Darius Rucker and the Eli Young Band. General admission $53.50; reserved seats $53.50-$39.50-$29.50

the Blowfish days when they were starting out.

DB: What's in the future for your music?

CS: I'm trying to get this record out. “Ain't Going Out Tonight,” is the first single off the record, and I just got the final mixes for the album last week, so I'm really focused on getting it out right now. I think it's by far the best record I've ever made. I've worked my whole career to be able to make this kind of record.

I'm going to continue to go out and play shows.

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 25

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

26 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

live local music Karaoke

Perdido Key

Daphne

I Top of the Bay Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Foley I Good Time Charleys every Tuesday at 10 p.m.

Ft. Morgan I Behind the Pines Bar & Grill every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Gulf Shores I Tacky Jacks every Thursday

Compiled by Destiny Brown Email dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com to update or add listings.

Trivia

Foley

I Tacky Jacks Lee Yankie Duo I Island Times Daiquiri Bar Whyte Caps I Toby Keith I Love This Bar The Cadillac Three and Chris Stapleton I Live Bait The Redfield Band I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Hanna Wallace I Happy Harbor The Beachbilly’s

I Good Time Charleys at 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 19

I Happy Harbor on the Line every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Daphne

Open Mic

Fairhope

Fairhope

I The Gumbo Shack every Thursday at 6 p.m.

Gulf Shores I Tacky Jacks every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach

at 5:30 p.m.

I Mudbugs I Pink Pony Pub every night at 9 p.m.

I Happy Harbor the Mothership Tuesday at 6 p.m.

I Live Bait every Sunday at 8 p.m.

Orange Beach

Perdido Key

I Island Times Daiquiri Bar every Thursday at 8 p.m.

I Live Bait every night at 8 p.m.

I Flora-Bama every Monday at 6 p.m.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

I Moe’s Bar B Que every Wednesday at 10 p.m.

I Fairhope Brewing Company every Thursday I Ravenite Pizzeria Live Trivia every Tuesday, Live Sports Trivia every Wednesday

Daphne

Friday, April 18

I Big Daddy’s Grill Ryan Conner

Daphne

I Big Daddy’s Grill Lisa Christian I Moe’s Original Bar B Que Sarah Percy Band

Fairhope

Fairhope

Gulf Shores

I Windmill Market Nu Image / Lisa Mills I Old 27 Grill Mitch Johnston

I LuLu’s Albert Simpson I The Hangout Sons Of Fathers / Oak and Ash I Tacky Jacks Tommy Morse I Papa Rocco’s The Bama Boys

Gulf Shores I LuLu’s Sugarcane Jane I The Hangout The Oneders / Foxy Iguanas I Tacky Jacks Charlie and Me I Papa Rocco’s Danny Grady / The Bama Boys

Orange Beach Check out Sugarcane Jane at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores on April 18.

I Baumhower’s Double D I Bimini Bob’s Greg Brown I Compleat Angler Al & Kathy

I Windmill Market Mitch Johnston I Old 27 Grill Tyler Champion

Orange Beach I Baumhowers Tyler Champion I Bimini Bob’s Ric McArthur I Compleat Angler Al & Kathy I Tacky Jacks in OB John and Melissa Joiner / Mickey Springston Duo I Island Times Daiquiri Bar Logan Spicer Band

Fa

DELICIOUS

Stuffed Pizza • Greek Salads Strombolis • Antipasto Calzones • Spaghetti Lasagna • Baklava

I§ The

Pirates

vo Fai rit rh e F op am e’s ily Pla ce

DOWNTOWN 420 FAIRHOPE AVE.

Call Like Us On

990-9600 Papa’s Pizza Fairhope

New York Style

Brick Oven

By The ® Slice

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

live local music I Live Bait The Redfield Band I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Sarah Percy I Happy Harbor Brooks Hubbard

Sunday, April 20 Daphne

I Big Daddy’s Grill Rick MacAurther

Fairhope I Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farms 3:30 p.m., $35; last show of the season w/ Willie C. Sugarcapps and the Mulligan Brothers I Old 27 Grill Chad Austin Parker

Tuesday, April 22 Gulf Shores

I LuLu’s CoConut Radio I The Hangout Rhythm Intervention / Ellux Furor I Sunset Cork Room Lisa Christian I Big O’s Jennifer and Logan I Papa Rocco’s Smokey & Mark

Wednesday, April 23 Gulf Shores

I LuLu’s Crowned Jewelz Band I The Hangout Peek / Jsteven I Papa Rocco’s Danny Grady /Smokey & Mark

Orange Beach

I LuLu’s Albert Simpson I The Hangout Jay Williams Band / The Perry Wall I Tacky Jacks People’s Friends I Papa Rocco’s The Bama Boys

I Baumhowers Tony Bowers I Bimini Bob’s Greg Brown I Compleat Angler Jay Williams I Live Bait Hot Sand 2.0 I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Johnny Barbado I Happy Harbor Hannah Wallace

I Tacky Jacks in OB Damien Lamb / Jimmy Lee Hanaford Duo I Island Times Daiquiri Bar Ryan Connz I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Cowboy Johnson

Monday, April 21 Gulf Shores

I LuLu’s Brent Burns I The Hangout Jay Williams Band / The Perry Wall I Big O’s Chase Wesley Brown I Papa Rocco’s

Answers:

Puzzles on page 30

Cool Rayz will perform at LuLu’s April 25 and at The Hangout on April 28 and 29 with Ellux Furor.

Danny Grady /Smokey & Mark

Gulf Shores

Orange Beach

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 27

Thursday, April 24 Gulf Shores

I LuLu’s Kyle & Karl I The Hangout Cornbred / Adam Holt I Papa Rocco’s Mark and Logan I Meyer Park The Mulligan Brothers

Orange Beach I Baumhowers Justin Forbes I Bimini Bob’s Ric McArthur I Compleat Angler Greg Brown

I Tacky Jacks in OB Adam Holt I Live Bait Stellar I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Cowboy Johnson I Happy Harbor Peek

Friday, April 25 Daphne

I Big Daddy’s Grill Lisa Christian I Moe’s Original Bar B Que Deluxe Trio

Fairhope I Windmill Market Eric Erdman / Kyle & Karl I Old 27 Grill Grits N Pieces

Gulf Shores I LuLu’s Cool Rayz I The Hangout Mario Mena Band / Foxy Iguanas I Tacky Jacks Hot Sands 2.0

I Papa Rocco’s Danny Grady / The Bama Boys

Orange Beach I Baumhowers Double D I Bimini Bob’s Greg Brown I Compleat Angler Tyler Champion I Tacky Jacks in OB Soul Food Junkies I Island Times Daiquiri Bar Sam Glass Band I Live Bait Stellar I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Al & Cathy I Happy Harbor Nick and the Ovorols

Saturday, April 26 Daphne

I Big Daddy’s Grill Mike Johnson

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

28 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

live local music I Top of the Bay Mojiles

Fairhope I Windmill Market Cane Pole South I Old 27 Grill Charles Davis from the Leavin’ Brothers / Fat Man Squeeze

Gulf Shores I LuLu’s Adam Holt I The Hangout 28 North / Oak and Ash I Tacky Jacks Bar Stool Surfers I Papa Rocco’s The Bama Boys

Orange Beach I Baumhowers Tyler Champion I Bimini Bob’s Pat McCann I Compleat Angler Destiny Brown I Tacky Jacks in OB John and Melissa Joiner / Ben Stack Duo I Island Times Daiquiri Bar Jay Williams Band I The Ampitheatre at The Wharf Darius Rucker, Eli Young Band and Corey Smith I Live Bait Stellar I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Al & Cathy I Happy Harbor The Heard

Sunday, April 27 Daphne

Tuesday, April 29 Gulf Shores

I LuLu’s Honeyboy and Boots I The Hangout Cool Rayz / Ellux Furor I Sunset Cork Room Lisa Christian I Big O’s Jennifer and Logan I Papa Rocco’s Smokey & Mark

Wednesday, April 30 Gulf Shores

I LuLu’s Honeyboy and Boots I The Hangout Mario Mena Band I Papa Rocco’s Danny Grady / Smokey & Mark

Orange Beach I Baumhowers Tony Bowers I Bimini Bob’s Greg Brown I Live Bait Mike Johnsons Trio I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Johnny Barbado I Happy Harbor Corey Rezner

Thursday, May 1 Gulf Shores

Fairhope I Windmill Market Eric Jones I Old 27 Grill Lisa Zanghi

I The Hangout Cornbred / Jay Williams Band I LuLu’s Jon Cowart

Gulf Shores

Orange Beach

I LuLu’s Delta Reign I The Hangout Jay Williams Band / The Perry Wall I Tacky Jacks Them Again I Papa Rocco’s The Bama Boys

I Live Bait Mojiles I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Hanna Wallace I Happy Harbor Emily & Hannah

I Tacky Jacks in OB Kyle and Karl / Mel Knapp I Island Times Daquiri Bar Mason Henderson I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Cowboy Johnson I Happy Harbor Cowboy Johnson

Monday, April 28 Gulf Shores

I LuLu’s Brent Burns

Check out Darius Rucker, Eli Young Band and Corey Smith at The Amphitheatre at The Wharf on Saturday April 26.

I The Hangout Cool Rayz / Ellux Furor I Big O’s Chase Wesley Brown I Papa Rocco’s Danny Grady / Smokey & Mark

I Big Daddy’s Grill Greg Stuart

Orange Beach

April 18 - May 1, 2014

Friday, May 2 Gulf Shores

Mississippi Shakedown

Fairhope I Windmill Market Phoenix String Art / The Excelsior Band I Old 27 Grill Tyler Champion

Saturday, May 3 Gulf Shores

I The Hangout The Unlikely Candidates / Oak and Ash I LuLu’s Shawna P I Tacky Jacks Tommy Morse

Michael Tilley I Old 27 Grill Christina Christian

Sunday, May 4 Gulf Shores

I The Hangout Tribe Zion / The Perry Wall I LuLu’s Lee Yankie I Tacky Jacks Three Bean Soup

Fairhope I Old 27 Grill Melissa Joiner

I The Hangout The Oneders / Foxy Iguanas I LuLu’s Meachun Motor Company featuring Rebecca Barry I Tacky Jacks Soul Food Junkies

Orange Beach I Live Bait Mojiles I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Kelly West I Happy Harbor Tips for Lucy

ONGOING

Orange Beach

Daphne

Silverhill

I Live Bait Mojiles I Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Josh Kesling I Happy Harbor

I Top of the Bay Splendid Chaos

I The Porch live music every Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight and Sunday from 4-7 p.m.

Fairhope I Windmill Market

Robertsdale I Magnolia Blossom Cafe live music every Friday night

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 29

WHERE TO GO

Eat seafood, support the Weeks Bay Foundation at

Bald Eagle Bash

By Eric Mann emann@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

T

he Bald Eagle Bash, also known as the “party for preservation,” draws hundreds of people each year and raises funds for the Weeks Bay Foundation, which supports the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s goals and programs and assists in acquiring new lands for the reserve.

The nonprofit Weeks Bay Foundation began in 1990 and is an accredited land trust, meaning it meets national standards for the policies it uses to protect the land.

For just $35 in advance or $40 at the gate, Bash visitors can dine “all-you-can-eat” style from a menu that includes 800 pounds of fresh Gulf shrimp prepared by 14 of the area’s best seafood restaurants, encompassing everything from shrimp ceviche and shrimp stuffed mashed potatoes to traditional favorites like gumbo and shrimp and grits.

While everyone is enjoying the food, Gretch Lyles and The Modern Eldorados will deliver their rockabilly/country/pop blend of pitch-perfect classics from the likes of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.

WHEN YOU GO I What: Weeks Bay Foundation Bald Eagle Bash I Where: Tonsmiere Resource Center under the U.S. 98 bridge over Fish River I When: Saturday, April 26 4–7 p.m.

I cost: $35 pre-sale, $40 at the gate. Children under 10 are free.

I TICKETS: Page & Palette in Fairhope; at the Foundation office and the Reserve, both near the U.S. 98 Fish River bridge; from Foundation board members and BaldEagleBash.com I benefits: Weeks Bay Foundation I FIND OUT MORE: Call 251-990-5004 I FIND OUT MORE: BaldEagleBash.com I parking: Free parking at Weeks Bay Reserve Safe Harbor site; BRATS shuttles provide transportation

Did you know?

The Weeks Bay Reserve’s 6,525 acres provide habitat for wildlife, educational programs for school-aged children, a nursery area for fish, shrimp and crabs, clean water for recreation and is home to a pitcher plant bog.

ABOVE: Three girls hang out at a previous Bald Eagle Bash at Weeks Bay. BELOW: A crowd enjoys a previous Bald Eagle Bash at Weeks Bay.

30 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

puzzles

“I don’t mind going out with older men as long as they have __ __ __ __ __ cars!”

See page 27 for answers.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

April 18 - May 1, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 31

KEEP BUZZING MAY 2...

Look for Gulf Coast Buzz the first and third Fridays of each month!

What: Gulf Coast Buzz, your guide to food, fun and entertainment When: First and third Friday of each month Where: Inserted into your newspaper and on newsstands (look for our teal racks) Coverage Area: Focused on Baldwin County with events included from the surrounding areas

BE IN THE KNOW... gulf coast

READ THE

Whats Inside? n Comprehensive event calendar n Live music listings n Restaurant reviews n Recipes n Hunting and fishing columns n Beer and wine columns n Information on upcoming events n Puzzles and games n And much, much more!