Birmingham, AL June 2024

CANARY GALLERY

ILLUMINATING 2ND AVENUE & 22ND STREET NORTH

Men’s Issue

Our Men’s Issue is always so much fun to create. From tracking down rare electric guitars to dove hunting in Argentina, the guys profiled in these pages are pursuing the best of the best.

Fittingly on theme, I’m writing from my dad’s childhood hometown of Sarasota, Florida, where I’m spending my birthday having father-daughter time kayaking, biking, and beaching.

For years, I’d heard Dad talk about a certain Sarasota tiki bar called the Bahi Hut, which happens to be the oldest tiki bar in Florida. When my research revealed that the Hut and Don McNutt were both turning 70 years old this summer, it became imperative for me to visit.

Well, the mai tais were pre-mixed and served in plastic cups, but the atmosphere was on point. Unsurprisingly, I got to hear some entertaining stories that served as another reminder of how the love of a good time was definitely passed down from my paternal side.

A couple of years ago, I exposed Dad to the musical genre of “yacht rock,” to which he replied, “I created yacht rock!” And it’s true that I can’t hear a Doobie Brothers or Steely Dan song without thinking of dad—and the beach.

The older I get, the easier it is to recognize the personality traits and natural affinities we adopt from our parents. My need for the right playlist for every moment and love of #saltlife are thanks to Don.

Cheers to June and the men who make our lives better.

And, happy 70th birthday, dad!

KALI MCNUTT, PUBLISHER

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Mary Fehr

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Loyd McIntosh, Denise K. James, Denise George

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Dawn Gagye

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

BUILD your LEGACY. y

business monthly

Lynlee Hughes Lists The Tramont

ARC's Lynlee Hughes is now the listing agent for The Tramont, located at 1236 22nd Street South in historic Redmont Park. Developed by Manhattan’s D&A Companies in partnership with local veteran developer The FiveStone Group, The Tramont will be the city’s first luxury concierge residence to include an attended lobby with a doorman, pool terrace, and wellness facility with a sauna. All residences include a private terrace with views of either downtown Birmingham, Redmont, or Highland Park.

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HUM Concierge Celebrates Two Years in Business

HUM Concierge is a luxury lifestyle management agency providing exceptional corporate and personal assistance services that give busy professionals and families the freedom to focus on who and what matters most to them. HUM offers a vast Rolodex of trusted resources and service providers worldwide, providing an exceptional customer experience aligned with client expectations. Birmingham Lifestyle is a proud partner of HUM.  Scan to read more

MEET THE TRAILBLAZING OWNERS OF FIVE BIRMINGHAM BARBERSHOPS

Birmingham’s Barbershop Renaissance

ARTICLE BY LOYD MCINTOSH

Fade Parlor Allison Drake, The Men’s Chair

I’m grateful for all the struggles. They’ve definitely made me a better person. I just thank God every day for all the struggles as well as the blessings.

For close to a decade, Birmingham has been experiencing a barbershop renaissance. All over the city, new barber shops are popping up led by a creative group of young men and women who believe barbering is more than a job — it’s a calling. This new golden age has also revitalized some of Birmingham’s OGs, breathing new life into classic barbershops. Here are a few of the people leading the resurgence.

RAUL CHAVEZ, OWNER

Fade Parlor - Downtown, Homewood, Inverness, and Avondale (Coming Soon)

Hoover High School Graduate Raul Chavez is more than a barber. At only 29, the young entrepreneur has developed his Fade Parlor concept into a mini-empire with shops in Homewood, Downtown, and his newest shop, Barber Bar by Fade Parlor in Inverness.

Chavez started cutting hair shortly after graduating from high school in 2012 at the suggestion of his mother who owned a boutique. Self-described as unmotivated academically, Chavez reluctantly agreed.

“I didn’t really like the idea honestly,” Chavez admits.

“Back then barbering  wasn’t as cool as it is now.”

“I thought it would be super cool to have a barbershop that has a man cave feel to it,” he adds. Guys can come in and be themselves, talk about whatever they want, and have a drink,” Chavez says.

Chavez soon went out on his own, opening his first Fade Parlor on 2nd Avenue South. New shops in Greensprings and Inverness soon followed, offering men a unique barbershop experience.

“I always tell my staff, ‘We’re not selling haircuts.’ If people just want a haircut they can go to Sport Clips or

Great Clips, but that’s not what we’re about,” Chavez says. “We’re selling a whole experience.”

ALLISON DRAKE, OWNER

The Men’s Chair - Vestavia Hills

Michigan native Allison Drake opened the Men’s Chair because she felt men were underappreciated and deserved a break. She not only believes her skillset is specifically tailored for men’s hair, but her Christian faith gives her an appreciation for men and the weight they carry on their shoulders every day.

“They’re tired of being treated like a number,” says Drake. “They’re the ones that are going to work every day and providing for their families, and they come home without complaint and very seldom get the credit they deserve. They very much deserve a break and deserve to be taken care of and they deserve to look in the mirror and feel good about themselves.”

Located inside Phenix Salon Suites in Vestavia Hills’ Patchwork Farm community, Drake started the Men’s Chair in 2015 at the age of 26 with $10,000 in cash and one barber chair. Over time, she added a second chair and welcomed another stylist onto the team, providing the classics, such as razor fades and crew cuts, as well as modern, longer hairstyles. Now a successful owner and a trailblazer among the new wave of barber shops, she gives credit to God for seeing her through the lean times. “Somehow I made it work. There have been a lot of learning curves along the way, especially post-COVID,” Drake says. “I’m grateful for all the struggles. They’ve definitely made me a better person. I just thank God every day for all the struggles as well as the blessings.”

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KELLEN MATAAFA, OWNER

Zephyr Barber - Downtown Birmingham

“For us, the goal has been to bridge the gap between the salon world and the barber world,” explains Kellen Mataafa, one of the owners and senior barber of Zephyr Barber. A hip new barbershop a stone’s throw from Red Mountain Expressway in Downtown Birmingham, Zephyr — defined as a gentle breeze from the west — is emblematic of Mataafa, a Southern California native who moved to Alabama to attend the University of North Alabama. He envisioned Zephyr as a modern twist on the barbershop.

Partnering with Austin Shirey, Owner of Greasy Hands in Florence, Mataafa worked with David Baker Architects and Locke General Contractors to transform the Bandsaw Building, an aging warehouse on 25th

Street and 2nd Avenue North, into an inviting, funky, yet relaxing space.

“The big thing with Zephyr was I wanted to create a space that was kind of relaxing, really gentle, and very modern,” says Mataafa. The kind of shop we have here is something you see more in bigger cities.”

Mataafa discovered his passion for barbering while pursuing a finance degree at UNA. After cutting hair for friends and working at Greasy Hands, he found his way to Birmingham, working for a time at Single Barrel in Homewood before fulfilling his dream by opening Zephyr.

Though Zephyr specializes in fades and beard grooming, they excel in longer hairstyles. “We’re always going to do the fades, and we’re always going to have short haircuts,” Mataafa says. “But where we place our focus on education is on long haircuts and doing more modern styles with our scissors.”

Kellen Mataafa, Zephyr

The big thing with Zephyr was I wanted to create a space that was kind of relaxing, really gentle, and very modern. “ ”

Fade Parlor

Zephyr Barber

Raul Chavez, Fade Parlor

We’re definitely working-class kids, and, to us, the single-barrel shotgun is a symbol of the working-class man.

MATT FOLKER, OWNER

Single Barrel Barbershop- Homewood

Located in Homewood’s SoHo Square, Single Barrel Barbershop is an homage to the working class man. Founded in 2018 by Matt Folker, a McCalla native from a modest background, Single Barrel embodies his working-class roots and his pursuit of excellence. “We’re definitely working-class kids, and, to us, the single-barrel shotgun is a symbol of the working-class man,” Folker says. So that is our origin.”

Additionally, Folker drew inspiration from single-barrel whiskey, which doesn’t require blending with other barrels and is highly valued due to its superior quality.  “So the double entendre is the single-barrel shotgun, which symbolizes our working-class roots and our aspirations to be the best barbershop in town,” Folker says.

After dropping out of college and spending almost five years searching for a career path, Folker finally discovered his passion while a customer at Southside Barbershop. “I was sitting in that barbershop listening to the guys tell jokes, and it’s like a light bulb went off in my head,” Folker says. “This is perfect for me.”

Over the years, Folker worked at Sport Clips, Southside Barbershop, and Treadwell, and even taught barbering for a time at a local barber college. He chose Homewood for its upscale location and its family-friendly vibes and is thankful to the community for its support, especially as the business recovered from COVID-19.

“It is super to be a Homewood business,” says Folker. “We couldn’t ask to be in a better community.”

STEVE BISHOP, OWNER

Treadwell Barbershop - Mountain Brook

One of Mountain Brook’s oldest businesses, Treadwell Barbershop was opened by J.T. Treadwell in 1961 in the old Mountain Brook Shopping Center. Retired steelworker Steve Bishop purchased Treadwell Barbershop from Treadwell’s son, Jimmy, in 1998 as an investment opportunity without ever stepping inside the shop. However, after getting to know the shop’s staff and regular customers, Bishop was soon hooked on the shop’s great energy and storied history that make Treadwell Barbershop feel like home.

“The people are what make a barbershop,” Bishop says. You see a lot of men standing around talking, a lot of women who know each other, and a lot of kids who know each other. It’s just a great place to be.”

Realizing he wanted to be more than a passive owner, Bishop decided to become a barber in his late 40s. He enrolled in barber college to obtain his license despite being almost twice the age of his fellow students. “I was old enough to be the father of most of the students,” Bishop says.

While Bishop recently retired from cutting hair, several of Treadwell’s barbers have been with the business for decades. Many long-term customers have remained loyal during several relocations in recent years. “You can get involved in a lot of people’s lives 15 minutes at a time, once a month for 25 years,” Bishop says. “You can make a difference in their lives, and they can make a difference in your life, too.”

You can make a difference in their lives, and they can make a difference in your life, too.

Single Barrel Barbershop

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 337 transactions totaling over $165 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

TOUCH

Man, What a Vacation!

Dude-friendly spots for your next big adventure

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

Get people talking about their travels, and you’ll learn what they value in life. That’s what we discovered when we chatted with a few guys from the Magic City, all of whom spent a recent vacation in a unique setting doing something fun and challenging – sail fishing in beautiful Guatemala; clay shooting in the wilderness of northern Georgia; dove hunting in the vast fields of Argentina, and more.

CONTINUED >

Barnsley Resort

But the sporting was only part of what made these journeys memorable. Quality time with loved ones while learning about other parts of the world (who knew that bears are pretty chill as long as enough fish are there to go around?!) kept these conversations humorous and engaging. We hope you enjoy reading their travelogs as much as we enjoyed hearing them. And if the man in your life needs a break – or if you’re the man who needs a break – let these stories be the sign to sign off, pack a bag, and embark on your next big, manly adventure.

Pacific Fins Guatemala

Pacific Fins Guatemala

A FISHING OASIS IN THE WILDERNESS Pacific Fins Resort, Guatemala

Hunter Martin had been traveling to Central America for fishing adventures for years when he discovered a new favorite: Pacific Fins Resort. Located in picturesque Guatemala, the resort is an oasis situated on the wild coast, accessible via a memorable drive from the airport.

“It’s a unique experience to drive through Guatemala City, between volcanoes and burning sugar cane fields, wondering what we got ourselves into – then suddenly you’re on the coastpulling into this beautiful little resort, where folks are waiting with drinks and ceviche,” he says.

Though Pacific Fins offers an authentic experience for the geography, its upscale amenities and service inspired Hunter to invite his 15-year-old daughter on their most recent trip. “We went thispast February, and it was a really cool cultural experience for her.”

The highlight of Pacific Fins is, of course, the fishing. Because boats are docked at the resort, hopping aboard for a day of deep-sea adventures is easy. Each vessel is staffed with a captain and two mates, and

“It’s a unique experience to drive through Guatemala City, between volcanoes and burning sugar cane fields, wondering what we got ourselves into – then suddenly you’re on the coast pulling into this beautiful little resort, where folks are waiting with drinks and ceviche.”

guests can catch their own or reel in fish caught by the crew. “The mates freelined bait and handled the hook-up, then handed my daughter the rod,” Hunter says. “She was able to fight the fish into the boat, which wasn’t easy!”

Guests can catch (and release) the region’s iconic sailfish and others, such as mahi, which Hunter and his daughter enjoyed in fresh mahi sandwiches right on their boat. “My daughter’s favorite part of the trip may have been that lunch,” Hunter laughs.

Guayascute Lodge, Argentina

WHEN THE DOVES CRY Guayascute Lodge, Argentina

Joseph Braswell had always heard the dove hunting in Argentina was the best in the world, so when a chance to visit Guayascute Lodge in Cordoba came along, he was game. The journey was part of an incentive trip to Patagonia and Buenos Aires for top sellers in the HVAC industry, and several couples, including Joseph and his wife, Abby, elected to go a few days early for a hunting adventure.

“If you ask any hunter where they would ideally go for dove hunting, Argentina is their answer, Joseph explains. “The country produces a lot of grain and corn, which attracts birds, and it’s now a world-renowned location.”

The Guayascute Lodge is situated on 1,500 acres, and hunters get up in the mornings to try their luck with the numerous birds. Abby joined her husband on the first morning but opted to enjoy extra sleep, spa time, and a tasty breakfast otherwise. “Most of the wives did not hunt but could join the picnic in the afternoons: lunch in the open field,” Joseph says.

The Braswells enjoyed their time at Guayascute Lodge more than anticipated. It has elevated amenities and more personable service than a hotel—like “staying at someone’s house,” says Joseph. With just 20 bedrooms, the couples had the place to themselves and could socialize nightly in the main room.

Guayascute Lodge, Argentina

“We’d turn on the TV, make a drink, and hang out,” Joseph says. “Some of us had never met; a lot of us had. But we are all in the HVAC business, so we had stuff to discuss!”

FROM HERE TO BEAR Newhalen Lodge, Alaska

For Tony Goodman, the invite to Newhalen Lodge was unexpected. A friend spearheads an annual trip to the Alaskan wilderness with several other anglers, and when one declined, a spot was suddenly open. Tony wasn’t sure what he was getting into – though an avid fly fisherman in places such as Belize, the Bahamas, and Mexico, he’d never been to Alaska. “I’d never been in that level of wilderness,” he says. Still, he accepted the invitation.

The lodge itself, set on Six-mile Lake near Nondalten, has everything you need, including a stocked bar, evening hors d'oeuvres, and cold plunges in the ice-cold lake – then warming up in the wood-burning sauna, which felt more like a cave. Though the Alaskan sun never fully sets in summer, the fisherman had no trouble with slumber. “A full day on the river is enough to wear you out,” Tony chuckles.

The crew had a specific fish in mind for their goal—trophy rainbow trout in the 25- to 30-inch range—but caught a variety, including sockeye and chum salmon, grayling, and Dolly Varden. While they fished, wild animals scouted their lunches as well.

“You’re out there with bears and moose, all kinds of wildlife,” Tony says. “We were surrounded by bears, and I was reluctant to catch a fish at first because I thought a bear would charge. But the bears aren’t interested. There's plenty of fish, and fish are easier to eat than people!”

The lodge has everything you need, including a stocked bar, evening hors d’oeuvres, and cold plunges in the ice-cold lake.

Newhalen Lodge

Guayascute Lodge, Argentina

HIS-AND-HERS RETREAT Barnsley Resort, Georgia

Nathan and Bailey Mercer got married last February and looked forward to a peaceful, romantic honeymoon just two and a half hours from their home in Birmingham. Barnsley Resort in North Georgia offered the couple a reprieve from wedding fanfare with delicious food, luxurious accommodations, and ample time in nature. “A friend recommended the resort to us,” explains Nathan. “And driving, rather than getting on an airplane, was a big plus.”

The couple adored their cozy, private cottage—including the bathtub, fireplace, and comfy king bed—and appreciated the property's overall peacefulness in wintertime. “We knew we would have a quiet trip, which is what we were looking for,” Nathan says. We also loved the food—the venison chili at the Woodlands Grill was great, and they had woodfired pizzas on our first night there.”

For Nathan, the opportunity to shoot on the clays course was appealing. He’d brought his own gun and shells, but he notes that the resort also offers a variety of Beretta shotguns for rent. “The course was very nice—and very challenging, not an easy walk-through,” he adds.

The couple also rode horses during their stay and enjoyed viewing the Barnsley property from a unique perspective. “Our guide who handled the horses had them saddled up when we met with her, and she took us on a beautiful trail that winds around the property, including the golf course and the Barnsley Manor ruins,” Bailey says.

Barnsley Resort

Barnsley Resort

On Our Radar

ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWN GAGYE

SIX BIRMINGHAM MEN TO KNOW

Thomas Wilder Reverend, Bethel Baptist Church

A day in the life of Reverend Thomas L. Wilder, Jr. may include teaching Bible study to a group of college students, visiting the sick at nursing homes and hospitals, and speaking with residents of the Collegeville neighborhood surrounding Bethel Baptist Church.

Some days—some of his best days—are spent in Aliceville, Alabama, on his 120-acre farm. It’s where Wilder spent his happy childhood and where he now goes to ground himself—driving the tractor, cutting down trees, and simply enjoying nature.

All days have a purpose—to become “better at who you are,” to never stop learning, to seek and find balance, and to serve the people of Birmingham through his many non-profit board and community engagements.

After a long, successful corporate career that included lengthy stints at Alagasco and BE&K, Wilder became the fulltime pastor at Bethel Baptist in 2013 after having served parttime since 1988. Asked how he was able to give his full effort

to both his corporate roles and his church commitments, Wilder credits the tremendous help of his wife, Mechelle. A driven career woman and founding partner of ARC Realty, Mechelle stayed home while the Wilder’s four children were growing up—often keeping the kids up at night so Wilder could play with them when he arrived home.

An avid reader, some of Wilder’s recent favorite books include Isabelle Wilkerson’s Caste, and You Have to Prepare to Die Before You Can Begin to Live by Paul Kix. Currently working through about eight books, Wilder notes that he frequently makes a point to re-read A Fire You Can’t Put Out by Andrew Manis, which details the life of civil rights icon and Bethel Baptist minister Fred Shuttlesworth.

After earning an MBA, a master’s in theology, a doctorate, and an honorary doctorate, Wilder continues to pursue education—he plans to earn another doctorate studying motivation theory at Purdue University.

Athens McLaughlin

Owner, Gameday Men’s Health

Family ties led Los Angeles native Athens McLaughlin back to Alabama, where he will officially launch Birmingham’s first Gameday Men’s Health on June 1 in Vestavia.

McLaughlin grew up spending summers and holidays with extended relatives scattered around Alabama—his father’s family is originally from Mobile—and attending “countless” Bama games. With one of his two college-age kids now attending the University of Alabama, the family decided to relocate from Austin, Texas.

After 17 years with LegalZoom, where he led sales and customer care teams of 300-400 people and opened the company’s Austin office, McLaughlin was ready for a new challenge. The child of entrepreneurs, he’d witnessed the hard work necessary for success, as well as the gratifying rewards. His willingness to try new things (whether surfing in Nicaragua or starting a health clinic) can be credited to his father, who always said, “Seek to expand your vision of yourself and the world; there’s more than what’s in front of you.”

McLaughlin is also quick to note the important role his mentor and friend, Frank Monestere, former president of LegalZoom, continues to play in his career. “While we haven’t worked together in four years, we speak regularly.

He encouraged me to pursue the opportunity with Gameday,” McLaughlin notes. Likewise, friends and family have been an important source of support and encouragement on this new entrepreneurial journey.

Gameday Men’s Health’s mission—helping men in his age bracket feel their best—resonated with McLaughlin from the start.

It’s also evident McLaughlin has a passion for building teams. Creating work-life balance for Gameday’s employees is a current priority. “Don’t miss out on your life—be a whole person,” is a principle he hopes to impart to young, ambitious employees. His only regret in starting Gameday? “I should have started my entrepreneur journey sooner!”

Growing up in Starkville, Mississippi, Zach Ivey became interested in personal finance by watching his parents operate their motorcycle dealership. “How do you sell a business?” he wondered, which led his dad to introduce him to a financial advisor.

The pursuit of an MBA and the opportunity to work in Birmingham’s then-booming banking sector led Ivey to the Magic City. He’s now worked with the founders of Bridgeworth Financial for over 20 years.

After Bridgeworth’s recent merger with Savant Wealth, Ivey holds the dual titles of investment strategist and financial advisor. He also serves on the investment committee. Providing comprehensive financial planning services for the complex needs of corporate executives and retirees motivates Ivey never to stop learning.

Zach Ivey

Investment Strategist and Financial Advisor, Savant Wealth

“I became an avid reader when I realized I get paid for what I know!” he laughs. Recent reads include “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear, “Leonardo da Vinci,” by Walter Isaacson, and “Endurance,” by Alfred Lansing.

Outside the office, Ivey is significantly involved with his church, Briarwood, serving as an elder. He and his highschool-sweetheart wife are parents to three kids and are also resource parents for the Big Oak Ranch, where they act as an adoptive extended family for a Big Oak Ranch child one weekend a month.

When asked about his favorite aspects of living in Birmingham, Ivey’s answers all point to nature—rock climbing, mountain biking, and spending time at Smith Lake top his list of extracurriculars. “Being close to Oak Mountain is awesome for a mountain biker,” he says.

CONTINUED >

Joshua Snable

Attorney, Snable Law

Speaking with Joshua Snable, there is no doubt that he loves his job as a litigator just as much as he loves the Birmingham community.

Seeing his father work as a lawyer throughout his childhood in Birmingham made the law a natural path. After attending law school at Mississippi College School of Law, Snable immediately returned to Birmingham, where he spent over a decade as an “old school” general practice lawyer before focusing on personal injury litigation. “I love what I do, truly. I get to meet people and hear their stories. Even on the worst day, there is nothing else I would want to do,” he says.

Outside of spending time with his lovely wife and coaching his kids’ softball and baseball games, Snable’s main hobby is

maintaining the historic neo-classical gem that houses his law firm. The Enslen House, a 1906 marble mansion on Highland Avenue, was purchased by Snable in 2019 and continues to be a labor of restoration love. Nearby favorite establishments Rojo, Bottega, Freddy’s, and O’Henry’s keep the law firm fueled.

While Snable’s role has evolved through the years—now he takes a broader view of the firm, assigning cases, budgeting, marketing, and keeping things on track—his motto has remained consistent: “Do Good.”

“If you simply do good a number of times for a number of people for a number of years, you will be a success,” he says.

Jordan Means

Owner, Revive Pro

Jordan Means’ path to owning a highend painting company wasn’t linear. He initially pursued a career in the corporate world, but something was missing. He stumbled into the world of painting and found a tangible way to impact people’s lives. “It was a chance to combine my passion for meticulous detail with the joy of transforming spaces. The seed was planted, and Revive Pro was born,” he says.

Means’ background as an athlete—he played football at Hoover High School and the University of South Alabama—instilled many of the building blocks for creating a successful business, including teamwork, dedication, and perseverance.

A bout with cancer likewise provided an early test of resilience.

But when asked about his greatest teacher, Means doesn’t hesitate—it’s his mother. “She was a single mom raising three boys. I admire and strive for her work ethic, resilience, and unwavering belief in her vision for all three of us. She taught me the importance of taking calculated risks, learning from mistakes, and never giving up.”

Means has ambitious goals for Revive Pro, planning to expand the company’s services and reach beyond Birmingham.

In his limited free time, Means enjoys playing golf and reading. A recent favorite is “Shoe Dog,” by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. “It’s a fascinating account of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of believing in your dreams,” he notes.

A new father, Means has a new perspective on work-life balance and is enjoying every moment with his wife, Mallory, and baby girl.

Despite coming from a restaurant family, Jason Bajalieh did not initially plan to join the business. However, his father’s untimely passing changed his trajectory by creating a desire to work side-by-side with his tight-knit family.

“My father and I worked together remodeling homes before he passed away, and my oldest brother, Jeff, owned two Domino’s Pizzas. Jeff and I always talked about taking pizza to the next level and opening our own place. After my father passed away, we decided to reopen our father’s restaurant, which had closed years earlier, and then later decided to launch our dream of a pizza and brew restaurant by opening Slice,” Bajalieh says.

Slice’s menu reflects the love of family. “The ‘Bajalieh Special’ was my dad’s favorite pizza,” he says. “I am typically just a pepperoni guy, but right now, my favorites are the ‘Hot Mama’ and ‘The Lakeview.’”

Jason Bajalieh

Owner, Slice Pizza and Brew

While Slice is known for its inventive pizzas and welcoming atmosphere, it’s Slice’s deep-rooted community involvement that truly embodies the Bajalieh spirit. “Dough Raisers is the heartbeat of our operation,” Bajalieh emphasizes. Held on Tuesdays, Dough Raisers provides a platform for local organizations to spread awareness about their causes by setting up information tables at Slice locations. Slice donates 10% of the day’s profits to the participating organization. When it comes to balancing an active young family and a growing roster of restaurants, Bajalieh credits his determined and supportive wife. “When COVID hit, my son was about four months old. I worked 14-hour days for months; my wife would bring our son to Slice for family time. Without that time, I’m not sure I would have had the energy to keep going,” he says. “Balance is hard for anyone trying to succeed, but owning a restaurant or any small business is not for the faint of heart.”

In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.

INTERESTED

From the Gridiron to the Octagon

ARTICLE BY LOYD MCINTOSH

Former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker and current MMA star Eryk Anders is in a reflective mood. Now 37 and with three fights left on his schedule before possibly retiring, Anders has seen some major ups and downs during his lifetime.

After winning a national championship with the Crimson Tide in 2010, the first under Nick Saban, Anders quickly became a pro football gypsy. He spent a little time in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, followed by stints in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League, before hanging up his cleats after a little more than a year in professional football.

ERYK ANDERS’ ROAD FROM CRIMSON CHAMPION TO MMA LEGEND

“THERE WAS A DARK PERIOD DURING THE TRANSITION FROM FOOTBALL TO MMA. NOW IT’S MIDDAY, THE SUN IS SHINING BRIGHT, NOT A CLOUD IN THE SKY, AND NO CHANCE OF RAIN.”

Anders struggled to adjust to post-football life, at one point working as a janitor in Tuscaloosa, a town where, just a year before, he was on top of the world as a national champion.

“A lot of people ask me, ‘Why did you quit football?’ I didn’t quit football; football quit me,” says Anders. “I wasn’t good enough, big enough, strong enough, whatever enough to make it at the next level.”

“I thought I would have a cushy little gig selling insurance or in medical sales, the natural path that everybody kind of falls into if they don't make it in the NFL," adds Anders. “At least that's the way it seemed to me."

Disappointed and lost, Anders started abusing alcohol and drugs. Already the father of a young son, Israel, Anders finally realized he had to make major changes for himself and his son.

“I just knew I had to do better for him because this won't end well playing this game that I'm playing,” Anders admits.

Anders soon turned to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2012, finding an outlet for his athleticism and a way to instill a sense of structure and discipline in his life. He began competing as an amateur in 2012 and turned pro in 2015, defeating Josh Rasberry by TKO in just 40 seconds.

Anders has spent the last decade as one of the most marketable and successful MMA fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With a record of 16 wins and nine losses, Anders has seen some ups and downs during his professional career, including a few injuries along the way.

He credits innovative wellness treatments from Restore Hyper Wellness in Mountain Brook with allowing him to compete in MMA into his late 30s.

“The recovery part of the game is just as important as the actual training, so there are some days where I spend as much time as I can doing ice baths, saunas, cryotherapy, and red light therapy,” Anders explains. “I can’t imagine how my body would feel if I didn’t do that kind of stuff.”

“There was a dark period during the transition from football to MMA. Now it's midday, the sun is shining bright, not a cloud in the sky, and no chance of rain."

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Gradient Dance Theater and Community is proud to present “Tortoise and the Hare”. A classic story told through dance. The Wise Owl takes us through each bit of the story where we find a mischievous duck who challenges Tortoise and the Hare to settle their differences in a race. Original music by Birmingham’s own, Post-Cool Art Collective leads us on a journey to find compassion for each other and the helping hand of community. Choreography by CJ Wade, Grace Kurosaka, Taylor Ostronic and Joanna HardyWest explore slow and fast, high and low, curved and linear. Choreography by co-directors Joanna Hardy-West and Taylor Ostronic along with CJ Wade, Grace Kurosaka and select 3rd through 6th graders at Booker T. Washington K-8 School.

Ticket Prices:

General Admission: $20

VIP (included mocktail and reserved seat): $30

Dates and Times:

Friday June 21, 2024 | 6:30pm

Saturday June 22, 2024 | 2:30pm (all spanish show)

Saturday June 22, 2024 | 6:30pm Friday June 28, 2024 | 6:30pm

Saturday June 29, 2024 | 2:30pm

Saturday June 29, 2024 | 6:30pm

Gradient Dance Theater & Community

1715 27th Court

South Homewood AL 35209 www.gradientdance.org

THE INDIANA JONES OF VINTAGE GUITARS

Birmingham native John Shults turned his passion for vintage guitars into a career searching for some of the world’s rarest instruments

ARTICLE BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

Like many young guys who grew up listening to classic rock, John Shults dreamed of becoming a guitar hero. There was only one problem—Rock star-level talent.

Despite the revelation that Shults wasn’t destined to be the next Jimmy Page, bursting eardrums and dropping jaws with his dexterity on the fretboard, it never dampened his love for the instrument that makes rock and roll possible - the electric guitar.

“I was always obsessed with the guitar. It was the most special thing I had ever seen,” says Shults. “The coolest thing you could ever have was a guitar."

In particular, Shults’ fascination is concentrated on electric guitars built in the 1950s and 1960s by American guitar manufacturers Fender and Gibson. These brands are played by most of the great players from the classic rock era, such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, and B.B. King, to name a few. They are also sought after by collectors and serious musicians.

They are also extremely rare, which is where Shults comes in.

Shults turned his passion for rare guitars into a business, True Vintage Guitar. Operating out of a funky loft space on First Avenue and 23rd Street North, the shop is crammed with vintage guitars, amplifiers, and other gear for sale to customers nationwide, including Grammy-winning blue rock artist and well-known guitar collector Joe Bonamassa. Part detective, part archaeologist, Shults is constantly on the trail, chasing leads, researching legends, and hunting for one-of-a-kind instruments.

Some of Shults’ recent finds are hanging on the wall, including a 1950 Fender Broadcaster, one of only 250 made, and a late 1960s Fender Telecaster made from heavier ash wood in which a large cavity was carved into the guitar's body.

"This was made during a few months in the summer of '67 when the guitars had been getting heavier, and so they were looking for ways to make them not quite so heavy," Shults explains. "They chambered it underneath the pickguard and put an opaque pickguard on top of it so you can’t see it, and it became known later as The Smuggler for rather obvious reasons. You can put whatever you want inside."

Recently, Shults sold a unique two-pickup 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom to a collector after a two-year search and multiple trips to New Mexico before learning the potential seller had stolen it from its rightful owner decades ago. Shults worked with police to recover the guitar and return it to its rightful owner, who paid $50 for it in a pawn shop in the early 1960s.

“We were able to set up a sting with the thief and recover it to its owner,” Shults says. “It took him a long time to decide to let go of it, but a big boy offer often helps.”

After years of hunting for a $50 guitar, working with police to return it to its owner, and another year with the guitar held in evidence, Shults finally purchased the instrument and sold it to an interested client in early 2024 for—brace yourselves—$325,000.

Learn more at truevintageguitar.com

“I WAS ALWAYS OBSESSED WITH THE GUITAR. IT WAS THE MOST SPECIAL THING I HAD EVER SEEN. THE COOLEST THING YOU COULD EVER HAVE WAS A GUITAR.”

Creative co-conspirators Morgan Johnston and Morgan Sowards collaborated on the design of True Vintage Guitars.

This linoleum block relief print entitled “Attorney Arthur D. Shores” by Birmingham artist Debra Eubanks Riffe was created for the 2013 Journey for Justice Gala sponsored by the Birmingham Bar Foundation, the Birmingham Bar Association, and the Magic City Bar Association. Copyright Debra Eubanks Riffe

ARTHUR DAVIS SHORES

Birmingham’s Legal Pioneer

ARTICLE BY DENISE GEORGE

From childhood, Arthur Davis Shores dreamed of becoming an attorney, but few institutions granted law degrees to black students. Born in an Alabama mining town in 1904, he graduated from Birmingham’s Industrial High School, Talladega College, and LaSalle Extension University, passing the Alabama Bar examination in 1937. Shores, a soft-spoken gentleman of deep Christian faith, became Alabama’s first black attorney to represent clients in court.

Affiliating with the NAACP, Shores worked with a team of attorneys in the field of civil rights, including the future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. For the next 50 years, Shores served as a legal pioneer who dared to step into the white man’s court and defend the unjustly accused black man and woman.

In 1955, Shores served as co-legal counsel for African American student, Autherine Lucy, in her lawsuit against the University of Alabama for expelling her.

In February 1960, the Alabama grand jury issued an arrest warrant for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., charging him with filing fraudulent tax returns.  Shores represented Dr. King, becoming his official Birmingham attorney and friend.  Shores assisted in the 1963 discrimination lawsuit that ended Alabama Governor George Wallace’s efforts to bar Vivian Malone and James Hood from attending the University of Alabama. Even while receiving regular death threats, these cases proved only a fraction of the Alabama civil rights cases Shores tried and won.

Birmingham’s racial tension continued to intensify, peaking in the spring of 1963. When Pastor Fred

Shuttlesworth delivered an urgent plea for help, Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference joined Arthur Shores in Birmingham.

On Good Friday, April 12, after numerous civil rights boycotts, sit-ins, and protests, police arrested and jailed Dr. King, placing him in solitary confinement for eight days. The small cell had no source of light, and held a metal-slatted cot with no mattress, and a toilet and sink. When eight local white ministers ran an ad in the  Birmingham News referring to King as a troublemaker, King responded. In the dark cell, scribbling on newspaper edges and toilet paper, Dr. King wrote the 7,000-word “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” King secretly slipped the paper scraps through the bars to Shores and two other attorneys, the only ones allowed to visit him. The attorneys gave them to NAACP’s Wyatt Walker who pieced them together, typed the draft, and gave the American Friends Service Committee (Quaker) permission to print and distribute the infamous letter.

In 1969, Shores became the first African American elected to the Birmingham City Council, remaining in that seat for nine years. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Alabama.

When, on December 16, 1996, Arthur Shores died at age 92, he left the city of Birmingham a remarkable legacy. Birmingham honored Arthur Shores and his selfless work, naming Birmingham’s Arthur D. Shores Law Center Building in his honor. The building’s marker gives a well-deserved tribute: “Mr. Shores’ civil rights work on behalf of all Alabamians is his living legacy for our State. He not only was part of the change during the civil rights era, but he made it happen.”

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