Planet weekly 451

Rick Rush shares memorable moments as a sports artist.

// IN THIS ISSUE FROM UNDER THE BRIDGES THE WALL SUMMER IN WINTER SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE

>>> N E W S | T H E C H AM B E R OF COMM E R C E

NEWS

veterans appreciation day // celebration and support The Chamber's Veterans Affairs Committee is sponsoring a Veterans Appreciation & Information Day, to show appreciation and conduct a "meet and greet" for local area military veterans. With over 80,000 veterans in West Alabama and specifically 4000 plus enrolled at the University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College, a large turnout is expected due to the support of Chamber members.

Additionally, attending veterans may fill out information sheets that will provide skills and qualifications to be made available for Chamber members to analyze for potential job requirements.

The event is Saturday February 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Atrium at Shelton State Community College. For more information or would like to reserve a space, please contact Stacey Gann at the Chamber 205.391.0559.

Restaurateur Jheovanny Gomez Named Member of the Year Jheovanny Gomez, owner of Jalapenos Mexican Grill restaurants, was honored as

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the recipient of the 2013 Charles H. Land Member of the Year, which is the Chamber’s highest honor to an individual member. Gomez’s generosity is quietly on display on a constant basis, as he does not hesitate to give of his time, finances and plenty of great Mexican food to organizations and good causes throughout our community. He has been one of our most active members over the last few years, which has led to him rising to a key leadership role on our executive committee. He is a shining example of how hard work, perseverance and a can-do attitude can lead to a true American success story.

The Chairman’s Leadership Award was presented to Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox for his commitment to continue rebuilding our community bigger and better than it was before the tornado of April 27, 2011 and for his calm and steady leader-

ship of the City of Tuscaloosa in uncertain times. This inaugural award is presented to someone who has provided extraordinary leadership and service to the community.

Chamber Names New Executives The Chamber has named Alan Spencer as its Vice President for Economic Development and Public Policy, effective January 27, 2014. Spencer will manage all economic development initiatives of the Chamber, including retail recruitment and commercial development. He will also coordinate the Chamber’s local, state and federal public policy and advocacy efforts.

In addition, the Chamber announced that Kimberly Adams has been named Director of Membership and Investor Relations. Adams will be responsible for membership recruitment and retention as

well as managing and maintaining relationships with investors.

DCH Health System Names Vice-President, Human Resources DCH Health systems has named Peggy Sease to handle responsibility for the overall direction and management of the human resources function for the Health System. The position requires daily management of the 52-person Human Resources Division including Organizational Development & Education, Employee Health, volunteers and the DCH Employee Assistance Program.

Sease was vice president of human resources at Southeast Alabama Medical Center, a nonprofit multihospital system in Dothan.

Doing What Matters for Alabama's Children Conference This 8th annual event will be held on Tues., Jan. 28 from 8:30 a. m-3:30 p.m. at the Bryant Conference Center. $20 early registration fee or $30 late registration at the door. For more info, contact Sabrina Thomas at 462.1000.

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inside

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>>> planetweeklyissue451

FEATURES

SPORTS

5 PLACES FOR GAMES

21 HIGH TIDE // RYAN PHILLIPS Frozen Tide Beats Auburn / Iron Cup

// ELIZABETH LOWDER Digital culture puts people together

6 FROM UNDER THE BRIDGES // ALYX CHANDLER Ending veterans homelessness by 2015

PUBLISHER LIN DA W. J OHNSON MANAGING EDITOR H ER B NEU ASSISTANT EDITOR RYAN PHILLIPS COVER DESIGN LAU R A LIN E B E R R Y SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR R YAN P H ILLIPS DESIGN/LAYOUT HERB NEU

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS K E IT H L E NNOX E LI Z A B E T H LO W D E R R YAN P H ILLIPS W ILLIAM B A R S H OP ALY X C H AN D L E R T R E Y B R OO K S VAN R O B E R TS JEROME ADAMS JIM REED CINDY HUGGINS ADVERTISING

K at r ina Cattn er 2 0 5 . 5 2 3 .1460

8 THE RICK RUSH LEGACY // RYAN PHILLIPS He has a new gallery

12 restauranT REVIEW

// CINDY HUGGINS

Tut's new owner does it best

14 BIG EXHIBITS OPEN UP // WILLIAM BARSHOP Northport and Tuscaloosa

20 SUMMER IN WINTER // JEROME ADAMS

Exploring Alabama recommends the Tuscaloosa Arboretum

22 THE WALL // KEITH LENNOX Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 T u s c a l o o s a , AL 3 5 4 0 3 Phone: 205.792.7239 | 205.765.8007 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 2013 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark.

Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than two copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft.

The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

The last great album of the 1970s

27 SUMMER CONCERT GUIDE // Trey Brooks

FEATURE // WILLIAM BARSHOP

entertainment

THE TRANSITORY EPISODIC MOMENTARY PROVISIONAL GALLERY // NOW OPEN

Can't start planning too soon

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MOVIE REVIEW

26 A nice touch for Kentuck

10-12

RESTAURANT GUIDE

16-17

Events Calendar

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Road Trip

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Tuscaloosa music

23 Horoscopes // Sudoku 24 CROSSWORD PUZZLe

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

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>>> COMMUNITY // R Y A N P H I L L I P S

DISABLED WORKFORCE // THE ARC CONTINUES IN MEANINGFUL WAYS

The term “handicapped” has, in a way, become outdated. In recent years, the workforce has evolved to accommodate those with disabilities and the numbers clearly reflect an involved demographic.

As of 2013, 12% of the civilian population was listed as having a disability and according to Diversity Inc., who provided figures for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, nearly 21% of those in the American workforce claim a disability.

The Arc of Tuscaloosa, whose expansive main office can be found on University Boulevard, is one such local organization that provides an outlet for employment, among other amenities and services, to those with disabilities. With a large number of participants at two Tuscaloosa-based locations, the stigmas surrounding employment for the disabled are cast aside and capable hands are put to work.

Ryan Delfin, executive director of The Arc, presides over operations and is pleased with the contributions made by their programs. At The Arc, preconceived

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notions are the enemy.

“What we are trying to show is that the people we serve are just like you and me, and that they have so much more ability than what people think,” he said.

Around 260 individuals participate in the various programs at The Arc, according to Delfin, who then explained the areas where they have found the most success.

“We have four programs, two day habilitation programs, one here and one over at Palk Enterprises, which is located off of I-359,” he said. “We have an hourly services program and one other employment program. Our most successful program is the Palk Enterprises Supported Employment Program or PESE for short. When people want to find real community based jobs, that is it. These are not special jobs with a special rate of pay and special schedule—It is the same job anyone else has.”

Joann Dunn, program manager at The Arc, has worked with the disabled population for much of her career and applauded the variety of services offered through the

different programs. According to Dunn, there is a feeling of excitement heading into each new day for both the participants and staff.

“We have people here that also have jobs where they may run the register or stock or clean, and they get a paycheck,” she said. “Their faces just light up when they get that paycheck and they have the option to deposit it in the bank. They all ask, ‘can I work?’ or ‘I want to work’.

There is a new experience every day. I will be in my office at the end of the day and I always have them asking what we are doing the next day— From one day to the next, they are always so excited.”

The PESE program functions to promote self-reliance, responsibility and confidence in participants, according to Delfin. Through employment, the individuals are given an outlet to interact within the community while learning job skills.

“It is in the same way that you and I have independence at our jobs,” he said.

“They have to get their own transportation to the job site. Some drive. Some have to take a cab and some have to take the bus.

If they are sick, they have to call in themselves. If they want a day off, they have to ask. What our employment specialist does is that they help them interview for the job and help train them. As the person is learning their job and getting more acceptable at it, our staff slowly fades out to the point where the person that we serve is working on their own. That is the ultimate sign of independence—They know they can do their jobs and know what they have to do.”

Delfin then said safeguards are in place to maintain constant contact with employers in the event of a specific need or issue regarding an employee. To name a few, The Arc partners with establishments such as Red Lobster, Cintas and the Salvation Army Thrift Store, who then provide work.

“What we also offer is, for however long that person is at that job, we stay in contact with that employer and if there is any problem, all they have to do is call,”

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Delfin said. “It could be after one month, one year, or 10 years. As along as that person is at that job, all the employer has to do it call us.”

In addition to the success of the employment-based programs, Delfin praised the wide range of activities provided to participants, all aimed at fostering interaction and involvement.

“We have a greenhouse that starts up in early spring— We have two gardens there and one in the far back,” he said.

“We have a choir that goes around to churches, nursing homes and business functions and they sing. Their name is the Sounds of Joy. We also have an art program where they paint and we frame it. Each year, we have an exhibit for them and people come to see the artwork and possibly buy it. It’s done through paintings on canvas, wine glasses, Christmas ornaments and scarves.”

Headquartered in Washington D.C., The Arc is a non-profit organization that functions in part with the United Way. The Tuscaloosa branch of The Arc has established itself in the local community after decades of service, but can trace its roots to humble beginnings, according to Delfin.

“Our Arc started in 1957 in the basement of a small building and over time we grew.” he said. “There was only a small group in the beginning and it basically started through grassroots efforts by parents—After that, it just grew over time.”

For the past nine years, Joann Dunn has worked at The Arc and continues to connect with an enthusiastic group. According to Dunn, leadership plays the biggest role in the effectiveness of this organization.

“It is amazing how accepting and loving they are and that’s what makes the job so rewarding, because we know we are appreciated and we appreciate them,” she said. “It is just a beautiful program, with experienced, compassionate and loving people who work here. It takes a special person to work in this field and we have them here.”

>>>T E C H N O LO G Y | E L I Z A B E T H L O W D E R

GAMING IN TUSCALOOSA // PLACES TO GATHER // TOURNAMENTS GROWING

The Monitor Game Emporium

In Tuscaloosa, we cherish our Saturdays in the fall, as a time we come together and celebrate a Southern culture phenomenon we call football. Sometimes the experience itself overshadows the

Hive Bang Gaming

outcome or stats of the game. Tuscaloosa has the opportunity to make every day a gameday, video gameday that is. Two local gaming stores aim to morph the traditional views on the gaming world, The Monitor Game Emporium and Hive Bang Gaming.

Thanks to technology, we can enjoy the constant flow of football long after the regular season has ended through social media, blogs, and even video games. For those gearing up for Super Bowl XLVIII, February 2 can’t get here fast enough.

Out of 32 teams, only two make it to the biggest stage in sports. The Monitor Game Emporium, local video game store, hopes to keep the energy of football season alive by sponsoring Madden 25 NFL tournament, funding womens’ athletics at Hillcrest High School.

“We at the Monitor are very excited to help put on a fun and family friendly event to raise money for our local school, so excited that we are putting up a $100 cash prize for the tournament winner,” Andrew Bryant, owner of the Monitor Game Emporium stated. Madden NFL 25 commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Madden video game series, featuring teams and players from the the NFL in a variety of competitive modes.

“With education budgets as inadequate as they are in today’s world, we have to come together as a community to support our schools if we want excellent

facilities for the youth of our area.” Bryant recognizes the budget cuts plaguing the state, and is simply thrilled to be helping out the local community.

On December 1, 2012, the Monitor Game Emporium opened its doors to Tuscaloosa shoppers. Locally owned and operated, they have partnered with local businesses and schools to promote good grades. With over 30 years combined experience, the Monitor Game Emporium utilizes its wealth of knowledge to develop a business model that makes video games viewed positively in the Tuscaloosa community.

Instead of the typical video game “counter-culture” often associated with the gaming world, Monitor Game Emporium strives to instill positive attributes and values through gaming.

The Monitor Game Emporium facilitates the purchasing, trading, renting and playing of video games by incorporating a truly community-focused approach. In addition to the hottest games on the market, The Monitor Game Emporium has a large selection of games and consoles from yesteryear: Sega, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Gameboy, any many more.

The Monitor Game Emporium also offers consumers a unique and wide variety of the industry’s best services: the sale and trade of new and used games with the option of in-store credit, a video game rental service, and the ability to place special orders for non-stocked video games.

The Madden NFL 25 tournament will take place at Hillcrest High School on Saturday Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Admission is $7 per person in advance or $10 at the door.

100% of the entry fees will directly fund the Hillcrest High School Lady Patriots basketball team. This event will provide gamers the opportunity to play one of the hottest games on the market PS3 and Xbox 360 in a competitive environment, and a chance to earn a cash prize or perhaps something more.

Gamers and those wishing to support this event should visit The Monitor Game Emporium to register for the tournament in person. The Monitor Game Emporium is located at 1105 Southview Lane Suite 106, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405 (in the Publix shopping center on Highway 69 South). For additional information about the event, current inventory, or orders, please call Andrew Bryant directly at 334.717.0071 or The Monitor Game Emporium at 205.561.6931.

While The Monitor Game Emporium serves as the one-stop-shop to acquire the tools necessary for the hardcore gam-

er, Hive Bang Gaming serves as the ideal venue for an escape from reality, toward an arcade lifestyle. Video games have intertwined themselves into our daily culture, saturating the “Me” generation with the awe of a glowing LED screen from an early age. Children and teens in today’s society are wrapped up in individualized handheld games, while secluded from the world around them. Long gone are the days where folks would laugh and crowd the screen of a PACMAN machine at the local arcade, now people hide behind their phones.

A local Tuscaloosa business is hoping to change the face of arcade video gaming, by bringing it back to a family and friend affair. Hive Bang Gaming is the area’s first and only gaming center of its kind. John Hamilton owns and operates Hive Bang Gaming, alongside his father and brother. After opening last fall, the gaming center has developed a devoted following. Together they hope to revive the old-school spirit and community of arcade gaming within the Tuscaloosa area. Hamilton hopes Hive Bang will become a place where Tuscaloosa’s can gather to play video game classics and new releases on-site. Part of their vision includes creating regional, national and international

gaming tournaments.

At an affordable price, Hive Bang Gaming offers an elite venue with stateof-the-art televisions and monitors to provide the ultimate gamer experience. At Hive Bang, customers create an account and purchase a set amount of playing time to be credited to their account. Time is separated into either block (same day visit increments of 4 hours) or bank style (time that is added to the account and can be used over multiple visits). Gaming stations feature 20 32″ 1080p displays, two 60″ 1080p displays, a 70″ 1080p display, and 10 24″ RL series BenQ monitors. Customers are welcome to bring in their own games, as well as zip/thumb/jump drives to save their progress.

Hive Bang Gaming is located at 501 Hargrove Road East in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. With such a large space, it’s the ideal venue for special events, parties, and tournaments. Call 205.248.7905 for any questions about games or consoles in stock, as well as private booking inquiries.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

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>>> I N T O W N | A LY X C H A N D L E R

FROM UNDER THE BRIDGES // ENDING VETERANS' HOMELESSNESS BY 2015

Miss Emily’s Tomatoes

Family Endeavors, a non -profit organization aiming to help struggling or homeless veterans in the Alabama area, recently opened their arms and office in Northport last October after given a grant from the Affordable Care Act with the goal to achieve the President's campaign to end homelessness by 2015.

“It was like a blessing from heaven, when you pray and pray and something else comes along you never would have thought possible,” Mary Brown, a new client for Family Endeavors, said.

The grant was provided to service at least 1400 veterans in a year. It focuses on housing first, and then provides aid with credit issues, educational counseling and stabilizing low income veterans or families of veterans. They also strive to alleviate job stressors. Family Endeavors now has offices located throughout Alabama at Birmingham, Montgomery and Northport.

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“We want to be that bridge working very closely to make it across into the veterans department,” Rachel Braswell, Lead Outreach and Intake Specialist, said.

Braswell, who specialized in non-profit businesses at the University of Alabama, said this job has been an amazing opportunity for her to do what she always dreamed of doing: helping people around Tuscaloosa.

She said even after a few months of being in business, a lot of veterans in the Alabama community still don't know that help is available for them if needed.

Family Endeavors has been operating as a national non-profit organization since the 60s. They expanded their case management and financial outreach to include Alabama, Florida and North Carolina.

Serving clients from the age of 21 all the way to the age of 90, Family Endeavors counts any type of military involvement as veteran work. They are currently working

to advertise their program and seek out people in need.

The ultimate goal of Family Endeavors is to help out veterans that might have gone through a rough spot, or had trouble getting back on their feet.

“Sometimes they don't understand what's going on, it's not clear what benefits they get,” Braswell said. “Some have PTSD when they come back to a normal environment.”

Braswell said they have never heard any of the veterans speak negatively about their military experience. The only confusion comes from veterans being unclear about what exactly their benefits are once they finish serving.

“Plenty of times it's like running up against a roadblock; with them it's like a way to get through with the obstructions moving out of the way,” Brown said.

Mary Brown joined the National Guard in '78 and retired in 2001. She trained in Germany for six weeks and in the U.S. for the rest of the time. She never saw any war time and was considered a “weekend solder,” which, according to the U.S., technically does not consider her a veteran. Due to medical conditions, Brown was not able to serve the next three years to secure benefits.

“Even after everything, I would do it again. I still would've served—I just wish I'd signed up for the three years,” Brown said.

Family Endeavors has a process for veterans to be eligible to receive help.

The referral and intake process requires a basic screening that requires the person to be either a veteran or have one living in their household. They also have to be below the 50% of median income and cannot have anything lower than honorable discharge. After that, a case manager will get assigned to keep up with the client, develop goals and strategize how to achieve them. If in 90 days they are not accepted as a case, Family Endeavors sends them out to a community and tries to get other programs to assist them.

“Certain people think they need help that day,” Vetrica Hill, the lead case manager for Family Endeavors, said.

She explains that everyone must comply with the process. Even after some of the homeless people are accepted for help from Family Endeavors, the intake department often has problems contacting them again since they don't always have a permanent place of residence or a phone.

Other people on the streets are people who are content with their current lifestyle and don't want any help.

Family Endeavors helps only the people who request it.

“Despite the situation and regrets they make in their lives, Family Endeavors is happy to assist,” Hill

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said.

Family Endeavors went through the same process in December with Brown, and deemed her eligible for financial help with her rent. They also helped her develop a long term plan about how to help herself in the future.

Brown said, without elaborating, she has plenty of regrets in her life and that a lot of things happened out of her control.

Brown also said she was very, very thankful and emotional, and still cannot believe she is getting help.

“The day I called and said I was going to help [Mary] pay rent, she broke down crying because it was so important to her,” Hill said.

At the Family Endeavors monthly staff meeting in December, they decided to take the problem of homelessness into their own hands and set out to explore the streets of Birmingham one day. In groups of three, they made their way to different sections of Birmingham. They searched for veterans in need under bridges, in laundromats, parks, barber shops and other public areas. The police officers of the area aided by giving them rides to some of the more obscure places homeless people congregated.

“I love my job and what I do—it makes all the difference in the world to some people,” Braswell said. “I'm thankful to help someone sleep better.”

Braswell said military pride sometimes makes it hard for people to ask for or accept help, so Family Endeavors strives to show people they truly care by seeking them out in the community, Braswell said they don't always feel as apprehensive.

“We receive a lot of open armed responses,” Hills said. “We are in a team and we're here to serve.”

Community partnerships are one of the most important goals for Family Endeavors as they continue to get their new non-profit business started. With the combined help of other non-profits in the community, Family Endeavors is able to point those people they cannot help in the right direction.

Family Endeavors plans to do similar missions at other places in Alabama. They hope for their numbers to grow and encourage people to volunteer or seek necessary help for veterans or family member.

Please visit familyendeavors.org for more information.

@jrphillips82689

>>> F I L M | V A N R O B E R T S

"LONE SURVIVOR" // A SEAL MISSION ««« GONE WRONG

3 ou t of 4

Mark Wahlberg struggles to stay alive in war-torn Afghanistan throughout “Friday Night Lights” director Peter Berg’s “Lone Survivor”, a heroic but tragic combat chronicle co-starring Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster and Eric Bana. This gritty, profane, but ill-fated secret mission saga about former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell’s battlefield exploits qualifies as an entertaining but predictable saga. Basically, this blood, sweat, and tears, mission-gone-awry movie reminded me of Ridley Scott’s grueling warfare spectacle “Black Hawk Down.”

Scott’s actioneer dealt with a disastrous mission in Somalia, back in 1993, when U.S. Rangers were dispatched to snatch two warlords out of a town teeming with heavily armed fanatics. They encountered chaos galore and had to fight for their lives. Comparably smaller in scale, “Lone Survivor” lacks the harrowing intensity of “Black Hawk Down.” Our desperate “Lone Survivor” hero endures a nightmare-experience that lesser souls would never have survived. Sadly, his three SEAL team unit members caught none of his breaks. Nevertheless, while watching “Lone Survivor,” I didn’t feel like I was dodging a firestorm of ordnance as I did when I sat through “Black Hawk Down.” Despite its two-hour plus length, “Lone Survivor” never bogs down. Although Berg’s combat choreography lacks the visceral quality of “Black Hawk Down,” the “Lone Survivor” stunts look and sound very physical. Scenes of soldiers plummeting down the sides of craggy mountains made me flinch. Recently, I fell and shattered by right elbow so every time one of the SEALs struck either a rocky outcropping or a tree, I cringed at the sickening sounds. Specifically, Berg doesn’t emphasize the predicament that ricocheting bullets posed. If you read the frank and outspoken Luttrell, whose memoir Berg adapted, the SEAL team member wrote about how ricochets could prove as menacing as the shots themselves. Most of the time, the SEALs

find themselves trapped in terrain with scant foliage. Meaning, it was doubly difficult for them to hide not only from the flying lead but also ricochets. Unlike Luttrell, Berg doesn’t dwell at length on the fatal mistake and its consequences as much as Luttrell’s memoir. Instead, Berg winds up depicting the SEALs as honorable men who refused to take the easy way out of a moral quandary.

“Lone Survivor” covers the three days during Operation Red Wing when an elite four-man unit of Navy SEALs set out to capture Taliban chieftain Ahmad Shah (Yousuf Azami of “Crank”) in the rugged Hindu Kush Mountains of the Kunar Province. They want Ahmad because he masterminded the murder of 20 American soldiers. Like the disastrous mission in “Black Hawk Down,” the “Lone Survivor” heroes are conducting business-as-usual until everything that can go wrong goes horrendously wrong. Similarly, like “Black Hawk Down,” “Lone Survivor” derives its narrative from a factual, eyewitness account. During the opening credits, Berg gives us a glimpse at wannabe Navy SEALs negotiating a gauntlet of an obstacle course. Grainy, documentarystyle footage of SEALs enduring the worst that you can imagine outside of combat foreshadows the tenacity of our heroes.

They can take a licking and keep on ticking. Afterward, we meet the quartet of warriors and enjoy their easy-going camaraderie. Twenty-nine-year old Texas native Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg of “Ted”) is a Hospital Corpsman who has no idea how complicated his life will be on his next mission. Luttrell’s friends, Lt. Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch of “John Carter”), Gunner’s Mate Danny P. Dietz (Emile Hirsch of “Savages”); and Sonar Technician Matthew “Axe” Axelson (Ben Foster of “3:10 to Yuma”), are just as oblivious.

Thoughts about home and their loved ones dominate their thoughts. No sooner have they reached their objective than an elderly goat herder and two boys acciden-

tally stumble onto them in the brush. Our heroes capture these Taliban loyalists and take them prisoner. Lieutenant Murphy boils down their options. First, they can execute their hostages. Second, they can leave them tied to trees in the wilderness like snacks for wild animals. Third, they can release them and scrub the mission.

Our heroes behave like noble western gunfighters. They decide to turn the shepherd and his sons loose. Luttrell and company believe they can clear out before the enemy show up. Unfortunately, our heroes find themselves suddenly surrounded by an army of Taliban terrorists armed with AK-47 assault rifles with an inexhaustible supply of ammunition. In his memoir, Luttrell compared their predicament to Custer’s Last Stand. Afterward, a running gun battle follows with our heroes mowing down terrorists by the dozens.

The problem is the Taliban have the SEALs hopelessly outnumbered and our heroes have nowhere to go. Worse, the SEALs have trouble getting a clear signal so they can contact headquarters and summon relief helicopter gunships!

Characterization remains sketchy at best in “Lone Survivor.” Indeed, we never gain much insight into the Americans as three dimensional characters. Berg treats the quartet of SEALs as if they were

an ensemble so you’re not sure initially who is going to buy the farm. No single character lords it over the others in spite of their respective ranks. Not surprisingly, the Americans emerge as sympathetic, but the filmmakers don’t demonize the Taliban. Primarily, Berg keeps the villains at arm’s length. The Taliban amounts to pugnacious, trigger-happy, dastards.

Cloud they Atlas resemble the hordes of Essentially, Apache Indians in a cavalry western. We know little about them except that they are miserable marksmen, wear too much eyeliner, and live only to slaughter Americans with extreme prejudice. Surprisingly, Berg shuns any geopolitical messages or cultural bias. The sloppy but violent combat sequences will keep you distracted from diatribes from either side. “Lone Survivor” is a good movie, but you won’t want to see it more than once.

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

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>>> T H E A R T S | RYA N P H I L L I P S

RICK RUSH CONTINUES LEGACY // NEW GALLERY IS NOW OPEN

Chris Black

Vivid memories line the walls of one Capital Park art gallery, where famed sports artist Rick Rush has set up shop.

From Dale Earnhardt’s iconic black Chevrolet at Daytona, to the 1980 Miracle on Ice, Rush has captured the immortal moments of American sporting culture for the last four decades.

Since the days of Bear Bryant leaning against goal posts, casually smoking Chesterfield cigarettes as his unbeatable teams took the field, Rush has also been involved with putting to canvas the classic images associated with the Crimson Tide and other sports.

“Coach Bryant was very helpful when we started and when we began doing Alabama pieces, I did one of Alabama playing Woody Hayes and Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl and it just grew from there,” Rick Rush said, holding a framed letter of introduction signed by the legendary coach.

Each display in the gallery holds a moment in history that transcends the competitive nature of sports and looks deeper into what those moments meant to not only the people who played them, but

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those who watched in awe.

“We do the image so someone can look at that piece and say that’s what it was like to be at or watch the BCS national championship when Alabama beat Notre Dame—or whatever event it may be,” Rick Rush said.

Another acclaimed sports artist, Daniel Moore, referred to the artist as ”The Grandfather of Sports Art in Alabama,” according to Don Rush, his brother, who serves as the artist’s agent and business partner.

Dressed in a signature yellow Hawaiian print shirt, Rick Rush told of memorable moments in his career as a sports artist.

With his vivid storytelling ability that both extends past the canvas and is not truly done justice by printed words, the Mobileborn artist talked of the Kentucky Derby.

“The event I am working on at the moment is my favorite, but we have been so fortunate to have great moments,” he said.

“We’ve been to the Oval Office with President Reagan for the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Kentucky Derby to name some.

The day before the Derby, they would work the horses out and we would get to the

barns early when the sun was just coming up over the horizon. They have those huge gorgeous animals out there and they are just taking a slow jog in that early morning mist and heavy air—There would be steam rising off of them and it was just gorgeous.”

Like the venerable Nick Saban, whose likeness graces several works around the gallery, process is a crucial component in transferring the sporting action to the canvas.

“I love to get that insight into the event,” he said. “It gives me a flavor for what it is about. I have been doing it long enough, that as I watch something, I can do a freeze frame snapshot of a player in motion and I can transfer that position to a drawing and all the other ingredient parts of a piece. I always want to get the subject in the strongest position they can be in during that action and try to capture what is going on. I paint on tempered Masonite then I’ll draw it on there and start painting. I paint in oil but I do sketches in watercolor and acrylic.”

Although their careers have been blessed with fame and international recognition, the Rush brothers have weathered their share of adversity, including a legal battle against one of the biggest names in sports over the right to free speech through art.

“Our 15 minutes of fame came in 1998, when we were sued by Tiger Woods,” Don Rush said. “We received international recognition because it was unprecedented to be sued like that. It took us five and a half years but we won, against the most powerful sports figure at that time. The First Amendment in America is one of the strongest freedoms we have. You can’t tell a writer that their pen is free to go and then tell the painter to put their paintbrush up. His speech is that canvas and everything in that is protected.”

After the landmark case was decided in favor of Rush, the groundwork was laid for the two brothers to get back to work on bringing art to a growing commercial

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sports market, according to Don Rush. “[Tiger Woods] had all of these big people behind him, like the Screen Actors Guild and we were fortunate to have a great team representing us,” he said. “It was a major win for the First Amendment.

For the grand opening of this new gallery, this was a rebirth for us. Not just in a great location, but on University Boulevard in a place that is so special to us.”

From the beginning, Rick Rush said, he and his brother set out with the inten-

topic is, because if we don’t have freedom of speech, it will be government rule. Now, that is the landmark case for artistic freedom of speech in America.”

Rick Rush, who is the pioneer of what he calls “Sports Impressionism”, knew from an early age that he possessed artistic talents. Pulling influence from a certain French school of thought, he has worked to create his own rich blend of a famous style while incorporating the images ingrained in the psyche of sporting culture.

“I knew in about the seventh or eighth grade that I wanted to be a professional artist,” he said. “I remember thinking about what a great thing it would be to use any artistic ability I have to capture and live that lifestyle of being an artist. French Impressionists were a big influence, Claude Monet and Renoir, I like Degas too and Leroy Neiman, who was the first big sports artist in America. I had the opportunity to meet him on the sidelines of a Super Bowl. I told him how much his color influenced me, because the sporting life we live is so colorful.”

Before they broke into the art world, the Rush brothers were both established in their own careers. With encouragement from colleagues, they followed their hearts into another industry.

“I had a vacation one summer from

the job I had and rather than take a trip, I worked on the painting style,” he said. “I had been thinking about and I did a test on what I now call ‘Sporting Impressionism.’ I remember I told Don, who was a General Contractor, that this is going to work. Later that year, I told the guys I worked with at Southern Living Magazine that I was going to leave and be an artist and they said that’s great, if it doesn’t work out you can always come back. They gave me a lot of encouraging—some writers in particular, and many of them said ‘I wish I had done something like that when I was younger’, so I left out and started painting and Don came in and ran the business aspects.”

According to Rick Rush, the new downtown location is ideal for their business model and will be another contribution to the growing Tuscaloosa art scene.

“We always wanted to have a downtown, University Boulevard location, and god opened up this opportunity,” he said. “Don was out looking around, found it and talked to everyone to design it. We are so excited to be apart of downtown Tuscaloosa in this historic district. It is a dream come true.”

For those interested in visiting the gallery, it is located at 2701 University Blvd in downtown Tuscaloosa. To view artwork from Rick Rush online, visit rickrushart. com.

tion of making a positive influence on the art world and through their legal suit, it seems they have accomplished just that.

“When we started out 37 years ago, we had a praying session and prayed that we would make an impact in the arts community,” he said. “We never thought we would do it through a law suit. It’s been studied all over and cited as precedent and really helped free speech in this country. We noticed people outside of America understood how important that

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

9

>>> wine REVIEW | E LI Z A B E T H LO W D E R

>>> RESTAURANTS |

VINTAGE BABY BLUE // A RARE FIND

BREAKFAST / DINNER

W hy have just one , when you can have them all? Now you don’t have to travel to the coast of France, or across the country to have access to great wine. Blue Rock’s Baby Blue is a unique, proprietary Bordeaux blend made in an approachable style that is memorably delicious on release. Per several recommendations, this selection is sure to please, from seasoned aficionado to those taking their first sip.

This 2011 vintage is undeniably fragrant and lush, featuring toasty oak aromatics paired alongside sweet chocolatecovered blueberries. To be exact, the 100% Estate 2011 Baby Blue is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 8 % Malbec, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Syrah.

The wine spent 16 months in French Oak and has been bottled unfined. Created entirely of Estate fruit, this deep red wine combines the best flavors of Sonoma Valley.

Nestled in the foothills of Sonoma, California, Blue Rock Vineyard prides itself on the breathtaking scenery that doubles as the perfect foundation for high-quality wines. The vineyard believes that the finest, most individually expressive wines come from small places.

According to the vineyard’s website, “We do not make wine, we raise it.” The luscious vines are carefully tended to, in order to ensure premium quality and taste for each customer.

“We will produce only small quantities of luxurious red wines that express their sense of place. Blue Rock, therefore, will always make wine from grapes grown exclusively on the 100 acre Estate in Sonoma, Alexander Valley,” the website reads.

Kenny Kahn purchased the vineyard property in 1987, and has strived to create a self-contained European style, competitive with the esteemed wines of Napa

Valley. The winery itself is named after the magnesium-rich Serpentine rock that flows through the area. Blue Rock Vineyard assures that its bold flavored wines will always come from the fertile land of the blue rocks, pebbles, and boulders - which is what makes the property so unique and special.

Kahn, as the owner of this esteemed artisanal winery, recognized the need for an affordable, everyday cabernet that would be nothing short of memorable.

One of the best qualities of this selection is that it tends to such a versatile palette.

To complement the flavors of this exquisite blend, pour a glass of Baby Blue alongside a fresh array of seafood, or perhaps a delicately marinated cut of red meat such as ribeye.

The tall, slim bottle exudes both mystery and elegance, boasting the rich flavor of a $60 bottle, while priced as a value under $30. This is the quintessential selection to cozy up with as the chills of the winter months dwindle away.

The vintage Baby Blue is truly a rare find. It is a safe bet when entertaining a crowd for a small gathering, or intimate dining experience. The 2011 Blue Rock Vineyard Baby Blue can be purchased exclusively at Carpe Vino in downtown Tuscaloosa, or online through the vineyard’s website at bluerockvineyard. com.

W he r e t o E at i n T u s c al o o sa

15th Street Diner 1036 15th St // 750.8750 Open for most lunch and dinners, with limited hours on weekends.

Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.

Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends.

CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Maggie's Diner 1307 Ty Rogers Jr. Ave | Tuscaloosa // 366.0302 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Northport Diner 450 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.7190 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Tuscaloosa Burger 1014 7th Ave. | Tusaloosa // 764.1976 Sports bar, breakfast, seafood, Cajun, and of course burgers Over 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in Tuscaloosa Closed Mondays, Tue. - Thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

MEXICAN Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Don Rafa's 2313 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa, AL // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919 Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 moes.com Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861

FINE DINING

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Open for dinner and Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere and excellent service.

Ladies Night on Tuesdays. Ladies receive ½ off on drinks.

Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp, $8 Uptown Tacos.

Cypress Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location.

Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

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and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly.

Closed Saturday lunch. Mike Spiller is featured the first Thursday of every month. Happy Hour- Mon-Fri from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails.

Epiphany Cafe 19 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 344.5583 “New American cuisine” with a strong emphasis on local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. The menu is always changing and features include an extensive wine list, a large vibrant bar and martini lounge area, as well as patio seating. Reservations are available online at epiphanyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: Mon–Sat 5 p.m.

- until Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. - until... Fall: Saturday Brunch.

The Globe 405 23rd Avenue Owned by legendary thespian and chef, Jeff Wilson. The decor takes one back to merry old England. The food is internationally acclaimed, priced reasonably, and the service is cheerful and professional. Cocktails are excellent as are the wines. Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and from 5-9 pm. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar.

Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089 Kozy’s 3510 Loop Road E | near VA Medical Center // 556.0665 Eclectic menu, extensive wine list. Dinner at Kozy’s is a romantic experience complete with candlelight and a roaring fireplace. | www.kozysrestarant.com

JAPANESE Benkei Japanese Steak House 1223 McFarland Blvd // 759-5300 Hours: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Fri–Sat 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426 Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844 Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 6521 Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 366.1177 Offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. Including cooking at your table, if you choose. Sun–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Kobe Steak House 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 759-1400 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

ITALIAN Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969 DePalma’s Italian Cafe 2300 University Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879 Menu ranges from sanwiches to finer pasta dishes and pizza.

Varied beer and wine selection.

Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.depalmascafe.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. www.olivegarden.com

CASUAL DINING Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Cafe J 2523 University Blvd // 343.0040 Chili’s

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W he r e t o E at i n T u s c al o o sa ( c o nt . )

1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com

2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar

Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Desperados Steak House FIG (Food Is Good) 1351 McFarland Blvd NE // 345.8888 Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere.

Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Horny's 508 Red Drew Ave | Tuscaloosa // 345.6869 Mon 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Tues-Thurs 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Fri 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sat 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.

New Orleans style atmosphere in the heart of Tuscaloosa on the strip. Horny's offerings include a full liquor bar, beer, and a variety of classic American food. Horny's Bar and Grill offers a limited late night menu from 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. So, if you're hungry after "last-call for drinks," Horny's is the place to be.

KK’s Steakhouse 13242 Hwy 69 South // 633.1032 Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com An express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen.

Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com The Local Catch // 331.4496 2321 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa Full Menu including breakfast served all day.

Live Music Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - close | Sun 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule http://localcatch30a.com/ Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegtables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Tuscaloosa Burger 1014 7th Ave. | Tusaloosa // 764.1976 Sports bar, breakfast, seafood, Cajun, and of course burgers Over 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in Tuscaloosa Closed Mondays, Tue. - Thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

SPORTS GRILL Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa 500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 556.5858 | Always fresh and always fun. Owned by former UA/ Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid Friendly

Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Moe's BBQ 101 15th Street | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 752.3616 Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Bar open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m. on Fridays Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Tuscaloosa Burger 1014 7th Ave. | Tusaloosa // 764.1976 Sports bar, breakfast, seafood, Cajun, and of course burgers Over 120 craft beers at the lowest prices in Tuscaloosa Closed Mondays, Tue. - Thu 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. fri - sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kitchen is open all hours including full menu late night Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama.

Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower.

Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Billy's BBQ Downtown Northport 364.1400 We specialize in BBQ, fresh ground beef, poultry, and pork made fresh, served fresh. Ask about our specialty potatoes.

Mon & Tues 10-7// Wed. 10 – 5:30// Thurs, Fri, & Sat. 10 - 9 Costa's Famous BBQ and Steaks 760 Skyland Blvd // 331.4526 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Serving up an award-winning, all things Southern BBQ and Live music experience. Come dine-in or sit on the patio and enjoy some great Que, beers, whiskey, and live music on Thursday-Saturday. Roll Tide!

Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm Pottery Grill Highway 11 // 554.1815 Awesome barbecue. The Pottery Grill serves up everything from pork, chicken, ribs and sausage to burgers, hot dogs and salads. Take-out and catering available.

Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412 Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition.

Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000 Desperados 1530 McFarland Blvd. N. | Tuscaloosa // 343-1700 Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

SEAFOOD

Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave // 248.9370

Buffalo Wild Wings

Local Catch Bar & Grill 2321 University Blvd // 205-331-4496

>>> beer review | E LI Z A B E T H LO W D E R

DOUBLE DOWNTOWN NORTH PORTER // IN HONOR OF… “The best brew under the moon” is back at it again, welcoming a unique, new batch of beer to the Tuscaloosa community. Druid City Brewing Company introduced its very own style of a vanilla Imperial porter, appropriately named the Double Downtown North Porter. The brewers at Druid City Brewing Company released the news of their latest brew through social meda, in addition to word-of-mouth buzz around the brewery.

“We humbly dub this brew the Double Downtown North Porter, in honor of Historic Downtown Northport. This location, nestled right on the banks of the Black Warrior, provides us with great eats, artistic expression, and a long history of storied businesses dating back to the early 19th century. The Double Downtown North Porter features robust malt profiles that highlight both chocolate and coffee tones, ending with a delicious vanilla finish. It's perfect for a dessert beer or just to warm your bones on an Alabama winter day,” the online post stated.

Druid City Brewing Company began operating in the fall of 2012 as the only independent brewery in Tuscaloosa County in more than a decade. The rise of craft beer in the state of Alabama has increased dramatically, especially since the 2009 Free the Hops movement.

The increase in demand for artisan, craft beer propelled a need for creative juices. Two enthusiastic and quirky beer craftsmen, Bo Hicks and Elliot Richards, founded the brewery to fuel their passion for beer. Druid City Brewing Company set out with a mission to produce high-quality craft beer that is brewed locally while remaining comprehensively reflective of Tuscaloosa’s diverse community. The brewery boasts an unbeatable local pride and a philanthropic mentality, supporting local businesses through all aspects of the business.

With such bold flavors, the Double Downtown North Porter is best paired with a hearty filet mignon, that complements the flavorful undertones of this dark malt. As previously mentioned, this craft brew doubles as an excellent dessert beer - and who doesn’t love to start off with dessert? Topping off the charts with an astounding 9% ABV, this selection should be savored in small doses.

It’s goes down so smooth that it can be difficult to remember that is packs quite a powerful punch.

At the brewery’s very own tap room, prices can range from $5-$8 per pint.

Although, sometimes bars and restaurants will run drink specials and offer Druid City’s products for much lower prices in order to bring in more customers and increase sales of the beer.

Some establishments, such as Corks and Tops, offer consumers the ability to buy Druid City beer in containers called “growlers”. These containers allow

customers to purchase draft beer and take it home. The growlers can be priced anywhere between $15-$20, depending on the selection.

For the next few weeks, (or at least until the batches tap out,) the Double Downtown North Porter will be available at various establishments and restaurants in Tuscaloosa. “It is beer brewed here in Tuscaloosa, by people from Tuscaloosa, sweating Tuscaloosa sweat and bleeding Tuscaloosa blood,” Hicks stated.

Druid City Brewing Company’s tap room is located on 607 14th Street in the Parkview Center. Visitors are always welcome to see what’s on tap under the moon on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 – 8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 – 8 p.m.

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

11

>>> RESTAURANT REVIEW | CIN D Y H U G G INS

TUT'S GREEK & ITALIAN // NEW OWNER DOES IT RIGHT

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W here t o E a t i n T u s c a l o o s a ( c o n t . )

American, Seafood, Cajun/Creole. Coastal Cuisine with a Southern Twist!.

Monday & Wednesdays half off house wine and appetizers at happy hour Thursday ladies night 20% off ladies tabs 4pm-close Sunday half off mimosas and bloody Marys all day Lunch 11am-2pm; Dinner 11am-until Happy Hour 3pm-6pm with $5 house wine, $5 top shelf, $3 well. $1 off bottle beer Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd // 553.8810 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center

With open arms and

empty stomachs,

Tuscaloosa welcomes the reopening of Tut’s Greek and Italian Restaurant after a quick three week renovation. Tut’s has been a local favorite since 1989, serving Tuscaloosa with Greek and Italian favorites. Crimson Tide students have been grateful for the low cost, satisfying meals served until late in the night. During the change in ownership proud new owner, Ashraf Hassan, jumped on the opportunity for change. Those of us who have been regulars for many years will be pleasantly surprised with the renovation. No more shaky green tiled tables and mismatched chairs, now clean-cut, cozy booths fill the space. Although, I did not mind the earlier décor and tight dining area-I would eat in a closet if the food was worth it- Ashraf brought some much needed change.

My husband and I were welcomed with an inviting open atmosphere and a pleasant greet from staff. The new open kitchen allows you to watch as the cooks work their magic while carrying on friendly banter. The once small dinning area has been slightly enlarged and enhanced with the white floors and white booths.

Of course, one thing that hasn’t changed is the menu. Specializing in gyros, subs,

wraps, calzones, pizza, and salad, Tut’s will leave you pondering over the menu for awhile because of all the appetizing options. In fact, my husband and I eventually had to take a seat to read through the menu and debate on what we wanted.

As a college kid, one of my husband’s favorite meals at Tut’s was the chicken parmesan sub—a buttery bun holding a large piece of fried chicken drenched in robust marinara sauce, slavered with salty mozzarella cheese that would stretch from the plate to your mouth. My usual was a classic pepperoni calzone with the occasional added spinach—remember I am a dietitian! We were craving something different so I opted for the spinach and feta pizza and he chose the can’tgo-wrong pepperoni calzone. We gladly waited no more then ten minutes while our food was freshly prepared. At first glance, I did notice something different about the dishes…less grease. The usual glisten of fatty grease was replaced with a nice flaky crust on both the pizza and calzone.

The thin crust pizza made with olive oil, topped with mozzarella, feta, and spinach appeared very appetizing. Unfortunately, it was slightly on the bland side leaving my taste buds wanting something more. With a little help from the flavorful marinara sauce I had a satisfying meal. There were no complaints from the husband’s side of the table as he thoroughly enjoyed his less greasy yet mouthwatering crispy calzone filled with mozzarella cheese and stacks of pepperoni.

As much as I would love to selfishly keep Tut’s all to me, the work of new owner Ashraf Hassan needs to be shared.

Next time you are on the strip and in need of a hot cuisine or if you only have time to stop in for a slice of pizza to-go consider Tut’s Greek and Italian Restaurant!

Tut’s Greek and Italian Restaurant is located at 1306 University Boulevard, right on the University strip. Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Tut’s offers daily lunch specials offering any sub, pita wrap, calzone, burger, or salad for $4.99 or less! General Hours are MondayThursday, 11 a.m. till 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. till 2 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. till 11 p.m.

Cindy Huggins, of Tuscaloosa, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and local “foodie”. Follow her @ DietitianCindy

Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center & Temerson Square Wintzell’s Oyster House 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 247.7772 Casual riverfront dining Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

CHINESE Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week.

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 China Garden Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 758.0148 Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet.

Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

ASIAN CUISINE Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic Thai cuisine. Offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Sushi on Thursdays.

Lunch: Mon–Sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. -10pm | Sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

Surin of Thailand 1402 University Blvd // 752.7970 Authentic Thai restaurant and sushi bar. Open daily.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. www.surinofthailand.com

PIZZA AND SUBS A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10:00am - 9:00pm; Fri. - Sat. 10:00am - 10:00pm 17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods with a taste of Chi-Town in every bite. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza.View our menu online and order at CRIMSON2GO.COM. Follow us @TasteofChicagoTtown on Instagram.

Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight

New Owner, Ashraf Hassan

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

Tut’s Place

1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 www.honeybaked.com Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center.

Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955 McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

COFFEE SHOP Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218 Crimson Cafe International Coffee House & Gourmet Deli 1301 University Blvd | The Strip // 750.0203 Mon–Fri 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sat & Sun 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. thecrimsoncafe.com Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 18 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 758.0042 Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

DESSERTS Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 www.coldstonecreamery.com Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Mary's Cakes & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience!

TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm. .

Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Self-serve frozen yogurt experience Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

TO HAVE YOUR RESTAURANT LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> M U S IC | T R E Y B R OO K S

>>> M U S IC |STAFF R E PO R T

BIG GIGANTIC AT THE TEEN VOCALISTS SOUGHT // ALABAMA JUPITER BLUES PROJECT

The A labama Blues Project is searching for teen vocalists to join its award-winning Advanced Band. The opportunity is open to middle and highschool students. Members of the Advanced Band receive intensive professional instruction and routinely perform at community events. The band practices together weekly during afterschool camps. Interested candidates should contact the Alabama Blues Project by calling Executive Director Paula Demonbreun at 205.752.6263 or emailing paula@alabamablues.org. For more information about the Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band, please visit alabamablues.org.

Music students who display a high level of dedication and improvement may be asked to participate in the Alabama Blues Project's Advanced Band. These young musicians will receive a more intensive learning experience, having the opportunity to rehearse each week as a structured band. While honing their music skills and working together, they also learn to recognize and play a variety of Blues styles and sometimes write original songs. The first Advanced Band was formed in 2005 and as members graduate from highschool and leave the band, the legacy continues with new young musicians each year. The band has performed at Cityfest, Kentuck Art Festival, Magic City Blues Festival and Market Street Festival and the Bama Theatre. The band has put on a live show for Alabama Public Television, and met with Bonnie Raitt when she played Tuscaloosa. In 2006, The Advanced Band performed in Memphis as the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” award ceremony and the group recorded a CD before many of the original Advanced Band members graduated from high school in 2007. The Alabama Blues Project’s Advanced Bands have had the opportunity to share the stage with many

Blues greats, including Tinsley Ellis, Willie King, Sam Lay, Dr. G.B. Burt, Eddie Kirkland, Bobby Rush, Bettie Mae Fikes and Carroline Shines. The Alabama Blues Project's Advanced Band is a wonderful opportunity for up-and-coming musicians.

The Alabama Blues Project is a nonprofit organization in Northport, Ala., committed to preserving and raising awareness about blues music in Alabama. The ABP offers blues education through in-school, summer and afterschool programs.

Alabama Blues Project will host its 2014 Spring After-School Blues Camp At Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Tuscaloosa. The 10-week camp will begin the first week of February, skipping the week of Spring Break. For more information please contact Paula Demonbreun at 752.6263 or paula@alabamablues.org.

Blues Camp Schedule Mondays, 3-5:15 p.m.: Blues camp sessions open to MLK fourth- and fifthgraders only.

Tuesdays, 3-5:15 p.m.: Blues camp open to all students.

Our students are taught by some of the best professional blues musicians of our state, and they also learn blues history along with a life skills curriculum. At the end of the program, our budding superstars will treat their family and friends to a performance on November 7th.

There are many educational benefits of attending blues camp. Musical skills and group performance improves students’ self esteem and teamwork and can further their goals in becoming more involved at school and in their community. The performance at the end of Blues Camp helps introduce a wider audience to Alabama’s living blues culture. Plus, After-school Blues Camp is loads of fun and many students make lasting friendships.

When it comes to electronic music, the Jupiter has led the way in Tuscaloosa for bringing in the best artists to the area.

Their spring schedule shows that they are still committed to that idea. One of their biggest shows of the season will be on February 28th, when Big Gigantic will grace the famed Tuscaloosa bar’s stage.

It is a show that promises to be one of the most anticipated at the venue this semester.

Some of you might be wondering who Big Gigantic is. On the electronic and festivals scenes, they are one of the most active and popular touring acts. The duo consists of producer/saxophonist Dominic Lalli and drummer Jeremy Salken.

Formed in 2008 in Boulder, CO, they released their first album a year later, and their recent album Nocturnal is available for download. Their sound goes back and forth between hip-hop and dub-step bass driven beats and the more jazz-influenced house style. The addition of a saxophone gives BG a unique approach and sound that escapes most other electronic artists today.

Apart from their sound, Big Gigantic offer one of the best live shows in the scene. The stage presence of Lalli and Salken is hypnotizing. They are some of the most energetic shows out there. The light show they bring also adds a lot to the concert experience. In an intimate setting like the Jupiter, the lights will be one of the most memorable aspects of the live show.

As of now, Big Gigantic is the only electronic act of any major note on the Jupiter’s current schedule for the spring, though that will definitely change as shows are announced. Most of the Jupiter’s line up for this semester includes outlaw country acts. On February 20th, Randy Rogers, Josh Abbott, Wade Bowen and Stoney LaRue will all take the stage in what should be one of the more talked about shows in Tuscaloosa for the month.

Then on March 14th, Jason Isbell will be at the Tuscaloosa venue. Isbell was once a member of the popular southern rock group Drive-By Truckers, but since his exit from that band he has been a rising star in the underground country scene. Another show of note occurs January 31st, when Backroad Anthem plays at the Jupiter.

The Jupiter will also continue to bring in local electronic artists like DJ Houndstooth and others. Other major artists will undoubtedly be added. Last semester, they brought in groups like Zoogma, Datsik and GRiZ. We will see who else joins the line up, but for now we should look forward to a great spring filled with great shows in Tuscaloosa.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

BACKROAD ANTHEM JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

13

>>> EXHIBITS | W I L L I A M B A R S H O P

THE TRANSITORY EPISODIC MOMENTARY PROVISIONAL GALLERY // NO BATS

The K entuck A rt C enter is back in business with a new temporary gallery opening Feb. 6. The Transitory Episodic Momentary Provisional Gallery, fittingly called the TEMP Gallery, will host art exhibits as Kentuck prepares its main building, according to Holly Roberts, Kentuck's Program Manager.

“It’s one of the most important things we do, in between the festivals every year,” Roberts said. “We want to perpetuate the arts and expose artists that we love.”

An infestation of bats put gallery exhibitions on hold in 2013, and the necessary extermination did even more damage that required repairs.

“In 2013 we had to cancel a lot of exhibitors,” Roberts said. “This year for me is reaching out to get them back in here.”

One cancelled show Roberts said would return at the TEMP Gallery is the work of Joy Gauff, who makes ceramic pieces Roberts called “dark and kind of

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

bizarre.” Kentuck usually offers gallery space to the Best in Show winner at each Kentuck Festival of the Arts, but this year’s winner Olive Kraus had to reschedule The annual festival draws audiences and artists from all over the country, and is one of the country’s most respected events of its kind. The 2013 festival was one of Kentuck’s biggest ever and ushered in a new executive director, Amy Echols.

The ribbon cutting on Feb. 6 will coincide with Kentuck’s monthly Art Night and the reception for the first artist to host an exhibit in the TEMP Gallery, Ethan Sawyer.

“We haven’t had an exhibition in a while so it’s a chance to reintroduce ourselves,” Roberts said. “It’s a really good time, with food and music in the courtyard. And it’s a way for the community to get together.”

The event will start at 4:30 p.m. and Kentuck’s resident artists will have their

studios open.

After one too many failed attempts to hear what someone is trying to say, most of us will give up and hope a “smile and nod” will move the conversation forward. Montgomery artist Ethan Sawyer wants you saying ‘what?’ again and again with the exhibit he is bringing to Tuscaloosa called "Over the A.M." The exhibit will be the first featured at Kentuck Art Center’s new TEMP Gallery starting Jan. 28. Sawyer, originally from Dauphin Island, Ala., said the show revolves around misheard language and double meanings, intending to expose some of the English language’s absurdities.

“I'm slowly teaching myself Spanish and I imagine someone going to learn English,” Sawyer said. “You could see ‘read’ but you could also see it as ‘read’ and that's also the color ‘red.’ That jumble of words and interpretations and sounds is confounding.”

The show promises to have audiences scratching their heads and straining their ears. Did you hear gibbous, the phase of the moon cycle or give us, an eerie command?

“My granddaddy was hard of hearing you had to practically shout at him for him to hear,” Sawyer said. “In the show it's like that. Everything sounds familiar but everything doesn't ring as true.”

Sawyer said the combination of film, woodwork and paintings are inspired by miscommunications, such as the confusion wrapped up in daily conversations.

The title is made up of words Sawyer sees as multi-faceted. “Over” could refer to space or time or frame of mind.

“A.M.” could mean the morning or the radio waves, or even the verb “to be.”

“To you it sounds like one thing but the person on the other end hears something totally different,” Sawyer said. “So there's this grey space that's interesting to me. Once you both get your ducks straightened out you're like ‘whoa I was not on the same page.’"

“It's kind of an ongoing thing,” Sawyer said. “I've always liked literature and English and language. Not that I didn't like math and science. I use math every day in my woodwork.”

After moving to Atlanta, where Sawyer said he first got a taste of the contemporary art scene, he took up woodworking both as construction and as a craft that would shape his future career.

“I got a job as a laborer, a carpenter in a job site. I really took to it,” Sawyer said. “And then I got a crew of friends of mine, a really talented

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group of people who put artisanship into woodwork. These weren't plain stickframe pieces they were making.”

Sawyer said structure is one thing he brings to most of his artistic endeavors, and woodwork is the foundation of that idea. Along with functional pieces like tables and drawers, he’s made towering sculptures out of wood. He recently applied quilting patterns to sheets of metal to create bizarre, spiky patterns.

“You know quilts are something cozy something you wrap yourself up with so it was interesting to me to put them in hard metal.”

Sawyer said he’s never felt isolated to any particular medium for his creativity, and enjoys dabbling “I like that I can wear a few different hats,” Sawyer said. “I never really put down art. It ebbs and it flows.”

Between sculpture, photography, writing and painting, Sawyer said he goes on binges of creative output that seem like they will go on forever. His urge to create can be exhilarating, but he admitted it can distract him from pressing tasks or drain him of his energy.

“Sometimes you’ll get to a point you feel like you're only breathing out,” Sawyer said. “And it looks like I'm making stuff just for the sake of making it.

So that's a sign to take some time to watch a movie or do some research and get inspired.”

The next step for Sawyer is to relocate his shop in Birmingham to his parents’ farmland back in Dauphin Island.

“There's something about those small towns and rural areas,” Sawyer said. “Maybe you don't get the exposure you'd get in Birmingham or a college town but I need that atmosphere.”

The exhibit runs Jan. 28 until Feb. 28 at Kentuck’s TEMP Gallery. The artist reception for the exhibit will be held Feb. 8 along with Kentuck’s monthly Art Night.

“It's an honor for me to get some work at Kentuck,” Sawyer said. “I admire the way they've brought up selfmade artists for all these decades.”

>>>E X H IBI T S | W I L L I A M B A R S H O P

ARTIST BRYCE SPEED EXHIBITS // "BETWEEN THE CLOUDS" AT THE C.A.C.

Another art show to look out for is “Between the Clouds” at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center Feb. 7 - 28, 2014. The exhibit will feature works on paper in watercolor, mixed media and pencil by artist Bryce Speed, a University of Alabama instructor, in The Arts Council Gallery.

Speed noted loneliness and isolation as a main inspiration for the collection, especially the kind that arises from our tightly connected world.

“I like to look at it because it’s ironic,” Speed said. “We learn to live with this access to 500 people at once and we end up feeling separation. You really understand bullying when everyone’s on this level playing field.”

For Speed these feelings are most represented in empty spaces like unoccupied bedrooms and sprawling fields.

This is where isolation meets the idea of invading nature, which Speed addresses

in his artist’s statement.

“It’s in quietness that these feelings are heightened,” Speed said. “I create stages, actually. I create this field, the stage, and people can put themselves into it. It’s a contemplative space.”

Even though Speed is weary of these creeping feelings of loneliness, he said he does not resent the rapid development of the digital age.

“I’m not resistant to any technology, really,” Speed said. “Especially in the art community we really always have embraced it.”

Speed’s art career started in his birthplace, Mississippi, but his work was housed in Alabama just two years after he graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BFA in Painting and Drawing. In 2001 he was featured as part of Huntsville Museum of Art’s annual Red Clay Survey which highlights contemporary Southern artists. Four years later he

graduated with an MFA in Painting from The University of Alabama, where he currently teaches.

“There was a professor, Brian Bishop, who I really wanted to study with,” Speed said. “That’s what brought me to the MFA program. He had a way of bringing things back to us and he showed us where to look for opportunities.”

He has taught at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Central Community College in Columbus, NE and is currently an instructor at The University of Alabama.

His paintings have been included in numerous exhibitions in several states over the past few years. In 2006 and 2011 his work was selected for publication in New American Paintings, Southeastern and Western editions. In 2009, he exhibited new work in a show titled “The Great Wave” at PS 122 Gallery in New York, NY. He exhibited at the Nebraska Governor’s Mansion and the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2011.

His work will be included in a three-artist exhibition at HEREart titled “Suburbia”

in New York, NY in 2014. Speed’s work is represented by Modern Arts Midwest in Omaha, NE. “Between the Clouds” will open with a reception on Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. during Downtown Tuscaloosa’s First Friday event. The Arts Council Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon – 8 p.m. on First Fridays.

“I am interested in the juxtaposition of atmospheric space with modernistic architectural detail. Conceptually, the work investigates ideas centered around isolation, the politics of architecture and the persistence of loneliness in a socially connected age. Often within the compositions, outside and inside merge, creating an ambiguity of space where architectural forms reference both the stability and instability of identity. Forces of nature, like water, fire and wind invade and sometimes destroy these structures.

Destruction paired with the temporary (or resilient) nature of architecture serves as a metaphor for the evolving self.”

A’Shawn Robinson

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

15

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 LYNN & ALEXANDER SCHMIDT EXHIBIT // "IMPRESSIONS" WHEN: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Cultural Arts Center LINK: tuscarts.org CONTACT: pr@tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa presents "Impressions: The Anagama in Fire and Film." Exhibit runs through Jan. 30, featuring ceramic sculpture and photographs from the Anagama Kiln firing in Montevallo.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $22 - $7 WHERE; Theatre Tuscaloosa, BeanBrown Theatre PHONE 391.2277 EMAIL: amiller@sheltonstate.edu DESCRIPTION: Back by popular demand.

"Always...Pasty Cline" is based on a true story about Cline's friendship with a fan named Louise Segar, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. The muscial play is complete with down home country humor, true emotion, and even some audience participation. The play includes many songs such as 'Crazy', ' I Fall to Pieces', and 'Walking After Midnight', there will be 27 songs in all. For more info and tickets please visit theatretusc.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 BABYPALOOZA WHEN: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Bryant Conference Center DESCRIPTION: DCH Health System is a sponsor of this year’s Tuscaloosa BabyPaloozaFree, but register online or at door.

ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $22 - $7 WHERE; Theatre Tuscaloosa, BeanBrown Theatre PHONE 391.2277 EMAIL: amiller@sheltonstate.edu The play includes many songs such as 'Crazy', ' I Fall to Pieces', and 'Walking After Midnight', there will be 27 songs in all. For more info and tickets please visit theatretusc.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

SCIENCE SUNDAYS-ALABAMA PALEONTOLOGY WHEN: 1 –4:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Smith Hall CONTACT: The Alabama Museum of Natural History, 348.7550 LINK: programs@ua.edu Join us for an exciting afternoon as we merge old and new with 3-D printing and modeling demonstrations by the College of Engineering of our fossils and exhibits. Learn about ancient creatures of Alabama and watch as they come to life as 3-D models. See: -Fossils from the Paleontology Collections -3-D Printing demonstrations by the College

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

of Engineering -Displays from fossil clubs and organizations -Activities for kids -Lecture by Paleontologist Dr. Dana Ehret on "Fossils of the Black Belt" -A viewing of Discovering Alabama film "Tracks Across Time" ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE WHEN: 2 p.m.

COST: $22 - $7 WHERE; Theatre Tuscaloosa, BeanBrown Theatre PHONE 391.2277 EMAIL: amiller@sheltonstate.edu DESCRIPTION: The play includes many songs such as 'Crazy', ' I Fall to Pieces', and 'Walking After Midnight', there will be 27 songs in all. For more info and tickets please visit theatretusc.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $22 - $7 WHERE; Theatre Tuscaloosa, BeanBrown Theatre PHONE 391.2277 EMAIL: amiller@sheltonstate.edu The play includes many songs such as 'Crazy', ' I Fall to Pieces', and 'Walking After Midnight', there will be 27 songs in all. For more info and tickets please visittheatretusc.com.

READER'S THEATER WHEN: 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library Main Branch PHONE: 345.5820 DESCRIPTION: A fun, interactive story time where children will listen to a story, think and ask questions about the story, and then become part of the story by acting it out with their friends. Lots of fun characters.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME WHEN: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Story Castle COST: Free (age 3 - 5) CONTACT: 205.391.9989 EMAIL: childrens@tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Simple stories, songs, activities and crafts.

DOING WHAT MATTERS FOR ALABAMA'S CHILDREN WHEN: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

COST: $25 WHERE: Bryant Conference Center SPONSORED BY: Tuscaloosa's Promise PHONE: Sabrina Thomas, 462.1000 EMAIL: sthomas@tuscaloosaoneplace.org DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Doing What Matters for Alabama’s Children Conference is to address various child and family needs and to begin exploring ways to improve the quality of life in our state.

>>> PET PLANET | T H I S M O N T H ' S P E T S

MEET BUSTER AND BITSY // TOTALLY LOVEABLE Buster is a three year old male Beagle/Boston Terrier mix.

He has the head and eyes of a Boston and the rust and black markings on a smooth white coat of a Beagle. He weighs 23 pounds and is fully grown. Buster is a fun, energetic dog who likes to play. He is very social and friendly. He should be good with children and is good with other dogs, though he does like to be the dominant dog. He should be fine in an apartment as long as he gets daily exercise but will require a fenced yard if left unattended outside. Buster is up to date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative, microchipped and on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. He has started crate training. If you are interested in giving Buster the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama online at humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 205.554.0011.

Here's a dear kitten that's been listed here before in the Planet Weekly and she's still waiting for her forever person to meet her. Bitsy is a very pretty and precious female brown/gray tabby kitten just over six months old.

She is calm, easygoing, gentle and social, and would be an fine companion animal. She should do well around mature children who know to be gentle with her.

She tends to hide when nervous, but pops right out as soon as the coast is clear! She loves attention and will likely form very close bonds if given the opportunity to have only one or two caretakers.

Bitsy is spayed, negative for FIV and FeLK and up-to-date on her vet care. If you are interested in giving Bitsy the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama online athumanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 205.554.0011.

The benefits of volunteering:

1. Make a difference in the lives of homeless pets and work towards a community that is more humane for animals.

2. Develop new skills while exploring the field of animal welfare.

3. Keep good company. You'll make lots of new friends—and not just the four-legged kind. Working side by side with people who share similar interests can forge lifelong friendships.

4. Meet the new you. You'll discover skills you never knew you had, and you may be surprised at what you're capable of achieving.

5. Gain a new career. You'll learn things that may lead you to the career—or career change—of your dreams. Employers and college admissions officers look favorably on time spent in volunteer service.

6. Enjoy a wagging tail, a purr, and a smile.

Didn't someone once say that the best things in life are free?

HOMEWORK HELP WHEN: 3 - 5 p.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Weaver Branch

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> F I L M | S T A F F R E P O R T

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

BAMA ART HOUSE // WINTER FILM SERIES IS UNDERWAY The Bama Art House film series is a program of The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa. The movies represent the organization’s goals to bring new and unique films to the West Alabama area.

Screenings take place on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. and doors at 6:45 p.m.

Patrons can visit bamatheatre.org to view the list of films, details and accompanying trailers.

February 11: In A World

COST: Free CONTACT: 205.345.5820 DESCRIPTION: Provides one-on-one homework assistance to students K-8th grade. It is a drop-in service; students may come and go at any time during session and must have homework with them in order to attend. This is a Monday through Thursday activity.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE WHEN: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

COST: $22 - $7 WHERE; Theatre Tuscaloosa, BeanBrown Theatre PHONE 391.2277 EMAIL: amiller@sheltonstate.edu The play includes many songs such as 'Crazy', ' I Fall to Pieces', and 'Walking After Midnight', there will be 27 songs in all. For more info and tickets please visittheatretusc.com.

January 28: Kill Your Darlings Sponsored by The University of Alabama Creative Writing

(2013 - Rated R) Director/Writer: Lake Bell Stars: Lake Bell, Jeff Garlin, Fred Melamed Synopsis: An underachieving voice coach finds herself competing in the movie trailer voice-over profession against her arrogant father and his protégé.

February 18: The Best Offer

PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME WHEN: 10 – 11 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Weaver Bolton Branch and Brown Branch COST: Free (age 3 - 5) CONTACT: 205.391.9989 EMAIL: childrens@tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Simple stories, songs, activities and crafts.

TEEN TECH LAB WHEN: 3:30– 4:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Weaver Bolton Branch PHONE: 758.8291 for information

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

(2013 - Rated R) Director: John Krokidas; Writers: Austin Bunn, John Krokidas.

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Michael C. Hall Synopsis: A murder in 1944 draws together the great poets of the beat generation: Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs.

United Way's Young Leaders Society Kick-Off WHEN: 5 – 7pm COST: $5 WHERE: Glory Bound 2325 University Blvd.

CONTACT PHONE 2055635141 EMAIL: julie@uwwa.org DESCRIPTION Come kick off an exciting year with the Young Leaders Society! Learn about service and leadership opportunities coming up and hear from our officer candidates. Mingle and munch upstairs at Glory Bound and meet other young professionals.

February 4: A Touch of Sin Sponsored by Left Hand Soap Company

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 (2013 - Rated R) Director/Writer: Giuseppe Tornatore Stars: Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Sylvia Hoeks Synopsis: A master auctioneer becomes obsessed with an extremely reclusive heiress who collects fine art.

(2013 - Rated R) Director/Writer: Zhangke Jia Stars: Wu Jiang, Lanshan Luo, Li Meng Synopsis: Four independent stories set in modern China about random acts of violence.

February 25: Una Noche (2012 - Rated R) Director/Writer: Lucy Mulloy Stars: Dariel Arrechaga, Anailín de la Rúa de la Torre, Javier Núñez Florián Synopsis: In Havana, Raul dreams of escaping to Miami. Accused of assault, he appeals to Elio to help him reach the forbidden world 90 miles across the ocean.

One night, full of hope, they face the biggest challenge of their lives.

ALABAMA HBCU SUMMIT WHEN: Friday, January 31 – Sunday, February 2 COST: $25 for students WHERE: Stillman College EMAIL: nboyd@stillman.edu DESCRIPTION: The Office of Student Activities at Stillman College will host the Alabama HBCU (Historically Black College and University) Summit. The theme of this inaugural event, which will bring student leaders from HBCUs throughout the state to Stillman’s campus, is Connecting Leaders Through Communication and Service. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, Representative Christopher England and Representative Pebblin Warren will serve as opening session speakers, and comedian Sheryl Underwood of The

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

Talk on CBS will host the Ultimate Battle of the DJs and NPHC (National Panhellenic Councils) Step/Stroll Off during the Greek Row Carnival. Participants will network, share best practices about campus governance, and participate in the Alabama HBCU Gives Back Service Project to benefit Temporary Emergency Services. Highlights also include an Awards Gala. The registration fee covers all activities, including lunch and dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday. For guests who are not registered for the conference, admission to the Gala is $25 and admission to the Step/Stroll Off is $20.14.

Anyone who would like to participate in the Temporary Emergency Services project may bring clothing, old Christmas decorations, lightweight jackets and lawn equipment to the Stillman campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 1.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Volunteers needed for Woman2Woman Empowerment WHEN: 9 – 11 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: McDonald Hughes Center CONTACT:Rev. Roxanne Harris, 552.5628 DESCRIPTION: Woman2Woman Empowerment is offering a program designed to assist women in making better choices toward independence and self sufficiency.

We are seeking women and men to be instructors for the program. A small commitment of 2-4 hrs every 16 weeks.

ALABAMA BLUES PROJECT SPRING CAMP WHEN: 3 – 5pm COST: Free WHERE: MLK Elementary School PHONE: 752.6263 DESCRIPTION: The Alabama Blues Project’s mission is to promote and preserve blues music as a traditional and contemporary American art form with an emphasis on Alabama. Our afterschool, summertime and school outreach programs for students 8-18 offer a unique opportunity for at-risk youth, serving more than 1,000 students each year. The ABP brings together a diverse mix of children from all walks of life through music education.

During Blues Camp, beginner and intermediate students learn to play their choice of guitar, drums, harmonica, bass guitar or vocals from a team of professional musicians. Advanced students work towards becoming a stand-alone band and often perform in the community and beyond.

The camp features life skills, blues history and guest artist components.

LINK: alabamablues.org

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Lila Quintero Weaver, "Darkroom: A Memoir in Black and White" WHEN: Noon – 1 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE:Gorgas Library, room 205 The Alabama Center for the Book, under the aegis of the University Libraries, and The University of Alabama Press have collaborated in a lunchtime speaker series spotlighting recent works by Alabama writers.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

17

>>> ROAD TRIP | SOUT H E AST E R N CONC E R TS AN D E V E NTS

DAFT PHUNK //

24 fun.BIRMINGHAM // OCTOBER//22JANUARY // ATLANTA

WIDESPREAD PANIC// ATLANTA //

WOOTEN BROTHERS // NASHVILLE // DECEMBER 31BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS // SHUGGIE OTIS // NASHVILLE JANUARY 29// OCTOBER 24 ATLANTA // JANUARY 25

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

NEW ORLEANS Hot 8 Brass Band, Howlin’Wolf

MONTGOMERY Derek Sellers, The Mellow Mushroom

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

NEW ORLEANS Badfish, House of Blues

NEW ORLEANS Neko Case, The Civic Theater

MEMPHIS Blind Raccoon Showcase with Debbie Bond and the TruDats, Purple Haze Night Club.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

NASHVILLE The Time Jumpers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

Montgomery Haley and Alexis Band, War Eagle Supper Club Crazy Chester, Horseshoe Tavern Splendid Chaos, Blue Iguana

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

BIRMINGHAM Neko Case, Iron City

ATLANTA Yach Rock Revue, Variety Playhouse Tracey Lawrence, Wild Bill’s Amon Amarth, Vinyl Neurotic November, Masquerade

NASHVILLE Kathleen Madigan, Schermerhorn Symphony Center

BIRMINGHAM Cody Simpson w/ Plug In Stereo, WorkPlay Theater Archnemesis, Zydeco

ATLANTA Yonder Mountain String Band, Tabernacle Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Buckhead Theater Phosphorescent, Center Stage Big Mike Geier, Variety Playhouse NEW ORLEANS Future Leaders of the World, Howlin’ Wolf

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

MONTGOMERY THUG, Renaissance Montgomery Theater

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

NEW ORLEANS Darkside, House of Blues

NEW ORLEANS Jet Lounge, House of Blues NASHVILLE Wooten Brothers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill Andrea Gibson, High Watt

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

BIRMINGHAM Trinidad James, Zydeco

BONERAMA // NEW ORLEANS // JANUARY 31

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

Birmingham Zoso, WorkPlay Theater

NEW ORLEANS Jake Bugg, The Civic Theater

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

BIRMINGHAM Who’s Bad, WorkPlay Theater Flow Tribe, Zydeco

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 NEW ORLEANS Skinny Puppy, Tipitina’s

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

NASHVILLE Pixies, Ryman Auditorium Neutral Milk Hotel w/ Elf Power, Ryman Auditorium Zach Deputy w/ Roots of a Rebellion, Exit In ATLANTA Pixies, Tabernacle Skinny Puppy, Center Stage Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Scaggs, Symphony Hall Atlanta

BRUCE HORNSBY & RICKY SKAGGS // ATLANTA // FEBRUARY 4

NEW ORLEANS J Boog, House of Blues

MONTGOMERY Josh Buckley, Double Branch

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Moe’s Original BBQ 6423 Park Dr 251.625.7427

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

BIRMINGHAM Nipsey Hussle, WorkPlay Theater Dead Meadow/Feral Child, Bottletree Café

ATLANTA moe., Tabernacle

>>> ROA D T RI P DIR E C T ORY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more.

18

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

NASHVILLE Idle Wild String Confederation, Howlin’ Wolf

MONTGOMERY Lynam, Blue Iguana Megan McMillan, Carl’s Country GlowRage, 315 Exchange

NASHVILLE Chelsea Wolfe, Exit In

ATLANTA Nekromantix, Masquerade

MONTGOMERY // JANUARY 31

BIRMINGHAM Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Iron City Sam Hunt feat. Sean Rivers Band, Zydeco Fly By Radio, Iron Horse Cafe

NASHVILLE Keith Urban, Bridgestone Arena Jake Bugg, Ryman Auditorium The Whigs, Exit In Debbie Bond & the TruDats, Performing Arts Co-Op

NEW ORLEANS Disclosure, Republic New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS Peaches w/ Vince Cooler, One Eyed Jacks Feufollet, Tipitina’s

NEW ORLEANS Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, House of Blues Bonerama, Tipitina’s

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

ATLANTA Falling In Reverse, Maquerade

Birmingham DoryDrive, Iron Horse Café Daft Phunk, Zydeco

saturday, JANUARY 25

MONTGOMERY Blue Man Group, Montgomery Performing Arts Center

NASHVILLE Eric Paslay w/ Triple Run, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill Slippery When Wet, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom moe., Marathon Music Works

JOSH BUCKLEY //

205.324.1911 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010 Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

TO HAVE YOUR VENUE AND EVENTS LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE.

>>> LOCAL MUSIC | WHO'S PLAYING AROUND TOWN

ARCHNEMESIS / WHITE NOISE // JUPITER // JANUARY 24

PINK BOX BURLESQUE // GREEN BAR // JANUARY 25

THURSDAY JANUARY 23

ANOTHER HERO //

RHYTHM & BREWS // JANUARY 31

Band The Booth: Soul Tide

Green Bar: The Bob and Tyler Show featuring The Ne'er Do Wells Rhythm & Brews: Lava Lamp Jupiter: Lagoons Top Shelf: Ethan and the Rakes Redshed: Soul Tide

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Rhythm & Brews: Reckless Green Bar: Battito Top Shelf: Smoking J's Jupiter: Archnemesis with White Noise Rounders: DJ Spinnzz Houndstooth: Soul Tide

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

Jupiter: Backroad Anthem Rhythm & Brews: Another Hero Rounders: DJ Spinzz / Soul Tide Top Shelf: Matt Mackey and the brother's brother

SOUL TIDE //

INNESFREE // JANUARY 25

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Green Bar: Looksy / Through the Sparks Top Shelf: Undercover Copper Top: Soul Tide

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Top Shelf: Jeremy Thomas band from Nashville Innesfree: Soul Tide Rhythm & Brews: Snazz Rounders: DJ Spinnzz / The Devines Green Bar: Pink Box Burlesque

ORGANIC ANDROIDS // TOP SHELF // FEBRUARY 6

Rounders: DJ Spinzz / Nic Snow

Catrina Kattner works with local businesses to help improve their growth in customers and clients.

For a no-obligation talk with Catrina, please call 205.523.1460.

Or send Catrina an email: ckattner@theplanetweekly.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Green Bar: Open Mic

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Rhythm & Brews: DJ Proto J Green Bar: Open Mic

Rounders: DJ Spinzz Top Shelf: Organic Androids Buffalo Phils: Soul Tide

WRITERS WANTED CONTACT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

SEAN RIVERS TRIO

Rounders: Sean Rivers Band / DJ Spinzz Green Bar: Manchino / Happy Lemmy Rhythm & Brews: TBA Jupiter: Ryan Patrick Imming - The One Man

TO HAVE YOUR BAR AND MUSIC EVENT LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL

LOOKSYOCTOBER // 25 & 26 //

PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

GREEN BAR ROUNDERS // FEBRUARY 1

PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

>>> L OC A L B A R S 4th & 23rd

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Gallettes // 758-2010

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

1831 // 331-4632

Capones // 248-0255

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

The Jupiter // 248-6611

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Alcove // 469-9110

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Grey Lady // 469-9521

The Legacy // 345-4848

Rooster's Blues House // 334-4507 Rounders // 345-4848

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

Big Al's // 759-9180

Copper Top // 343-6867

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Mikes Place // 764-0185

The Booth // 764-0557

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Innisfree // 345-1199

Mugshots // 391-0572

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

The Red Shed // 344-4372

JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

19

>>> E X P L ORI N G A L A B A M A | J E R O M E A D A M S

SUMMER IN THE WINTER // THE ARBORETUM // GO THERE

On a cold January day this writer visited a place that was like summer. The air was warm and plants were green and many were in bloom. Row after row in the

greenhouses of the Arboretum of the University of Alabama delighted the senses of one who prefers warm weather and not the well below freezing days of the winter

20

JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

vortex in the first week of the new year.

Canada can just keep that cold air!

Habitually, when visiting the Weather Channel for T Town weather, just for fun I inquire about the weather of Belize, a place desired to visit. There the high is about 80 F degrees and low about 70 F every day! Always there is a chance of rain but that just makes the plants grow well and there are many days of little or no rain. Belize is directly south of Alabama and right under the Yucatan peninsula. Got your bags packed yet?

The Arboretum of the University of Alabama is a nature/ tree sanctuary of 19 acres that is at the east end of 15th Street and next to the VA Hospital. Signs indicate where to turn and another sign on the gate introduces you to this scenic, preserved area. Since it is a public area and

part of the UA in a real sense it belongs to all of us and is for our use and enjoyment and free.

As one enters, to the right is a former golf course now used by the UA’s cross country track team for training. Additionally, the concourse is used as an unofficial dog park. To the end of the paved entrance is a gravel/dirt road that goes through a fairly densely wooded area and parallel to railroad tracks seen to the left.

At the end of the narrow road is a parking area. Slightly down hill a short distance is the pavilion and behind that are the greenhouses, wonderful escapes from the cold and dreariness of winter.

Named trails lead from the parking lot. A map is available in the open area of the pavilion. A trail going to the left takes one to the observation platform elevating one about 50 feet above the forest floor.

With leaves removed from the trees an observer can see much farther into the forest. A trail leading from the right side of the parking lot will take the trekker to a small amphitheater made of Alabama rock. Trails wind through the park and end back at the pavilion or parking lot. Many of the plants along the trails are marked with common and scientific names on small, metal markers. These walks would be very good exercise and entertaining and educational enough to not seem to be exercise. Taking along a friend is suggested.

As a former middle school science teacher, this writer knows that often science projects are assigned in the spring so the arboretum might be a good source of information and discovery. No one should pick from the plants or take anything but pictures, however. Please leave everything as found. Place trash in trash cans and pick up anything dropped. Additionally, no one will complain if one were to pick up stuff left by less conscientious trekkers.

Frequent visits will reveal the changes as spring begins and turns into summer. A project might be to document the changes using a camera.

Upon entering the first greenhouse the

contrast with the starkness of the leafless trees on the approach contrasted with the burst of colors of blooming green plants!

Reds always stand out but taking time to see what was really there revealed many other colors. Toward the back of the first was small field of cacti. A sign read “Do not water.” Needles stuck out prominently as a warning so few would be enticed to touch. Some were in bloom.

Labeling made it easy to identify each plant. There were succulents such as aloe vera and others with stems but no leaves.

A wide variety of plants was in rows and obviously maintained by caring workers.

Originally there were two greenhouses placed a short distance apart and a third was constructed between using one of the walls of the others with a roof and end panels added.

In the third greenhouse, larger plants were growing and at the far end sat a mesh chair that invited the writer to sit a spell and enjoy this oasis of summer in winter.

The outside temp was a little milder than the frigid days before, but inside was in the 80s. The bright sunshine did its job to nurture and warm the enclosed environment.

A small goldfish pond was ringed with a variety of colorful plants and near the chair.

Plants were in the sides and middle of the third greenhouse. A preliminary walk was made scanning all the plants and then a slower, more intensive investigation was made and you are encouraged to do the same. Otherwise, you will probably miss many interesting aspects of the plants.

This writer likes to encourage readers to become participants in life by exploring nearby interesting and inexpensive places for entertainment, education, and enjoyment. Pictures in a book or on the internet will never suffice for the real thing seen in person. Alabama has a wide variety of places to visit for the reasons already mentioned. Try it and you may discover for yourself and take a friend. Though Belize is inviting, one can enjoy some of the benefits of that environment by traveling only a short distance and paying nothing for the entrance.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> HIGH TIDE | R Y A N P H I L L I P S

FROZEN TIDE DOMINATES AUBURN // IRON CUP Getting to regionals is a must. If we are able to be ranked first or second, then we would have an automatic bid to nationals.”

According to a press release from Alabama Hockey, the rivalry is deep rooted but went through a transition into the present day.

“Alabama and Auburn started playing each other in hockey in 2010, a few years after the Alabama hockey program started in 2005-06, but playing rival Auburn did not happen until 2010-11 when Auburn restarted its club hockey program after a 47-year hiatus,” the release said.

David Noble, assistant coach and general manager of the Alabama Hockey team, reflected on the history of the rivalry and the transformation it has undergone as it gained popularity in a state know for football.

“We had been playing hockey and building our program for a few years, but when Auburn came into our league and we started playing, it honestly was one of the key points in Bama hockey history,” he said. “Alabama playing Auburn and

Alabama Frozen Tide hockey fans got their rivalry fix over the weekend with a three game sweep of the Auburn Tigers to clinch the Iron Cup at the Pelham Civic Complex.

Each game proved a high scoring affair for the Frozen Tide (13-8-0-1), who outscored the Tigers 25-2 during JASON MILLER BAND the three game weekend stint. With an rHYTHM & BREWS // AUGUST 3 all time record of 0-8 against the Frozen Tide, the Tigers faired no better than past meetings on the ice.

Entering the series following an 8-2 victory over Tennessee, Frozen Tide Coach Mike Quenneville had already made a point to emphasis the importance of this rivalry to players and fans. From the beginning of the season, Auburn was factored into the grand scheme of things.

“Playing our arch rival Auburn in the Iron Cup weekend says it all,” he said. “Months ago at the start of the season, we said our goals were simple: 1) to beat Auburn; 2) to win the South East Collegiate Hockey Conference (SECHC); 3) earn a slot in the regionals and by winning the regionals, go to the nationals in March—Nothing has changed.”

Despite the string of Auburn losses to the Frozen Tide, the rivalry remains strong and competition is at a fever pitch between the two programs. According to Coach Quenneville, it is the attitude that makes the rivalry exciting.

“It is such a big rivalry and something that we always look forward to playing,” he said. “For games of this nature, the history, the scores or the streaks don’t matter too much because Auburn will

the Iron Cup rivalry created so much attention in terms of media and fan interest.

We likened the hockey match up to the Stanley Cup of college hockey in our area.

It really was a key part of what we have been able to build with Alabama hockey.

Earlier in our rivalry, a lot of the Alabama and Auburn players were from Alabama, knew each other and even played on the same youth teams together. But in more recent years, the rosters have branched out. It is another indication of how much our hockey programs have grown.”

Alabama Hockey will round out it’s 2013-2014 with a Jan. 24 matchup against Ole Miss, Jan. 25 against Georgia and a two game series against Central Florida from Jan. 31- Feb. 1.

come to Pelham to win. These games are always challenging and competitive. We hope our fans will turn out in big numbers to support us. It is a very exciting time for Alabama hockey.”

After scoring in the first two minutes of Friday’s contest, the Frozen Tide leapt out to an eventual 9-1 lead heading into the finish. The opening game of the series then set the tone for a weekend that Auburn would just as soon forget.

Auburn came out with a fire in their belly for game two on Saturday, but had trouble getting past Frozen Tide goalie Tommy Condon, who played inspired defense over the course of the series, holding Auburn to only two goals over the weekend. Following the 3-0 shutout, Condon was awarded Player of The Game honors for his performance.

Despite quality showings in the first two games, the Frozen Tide did not underestimate their opponent going in to the third meeting.

By Sunday’s contest, Auburn limped into the rink to suffer a 13-1 thrashing at the hands leading scorer Bryan Puffer and the Frozen Tide to close out the series. As the season draws to an end, the remainder of the schedule will dictate rankings and validate playoff hopes, according to Quenneville.

“The best part of playing Auburn and our remaining schedule is that we control our own destiny in terms of getting to regionals and even an automatic bid to nationals,” he said. “There is no way we can look past Auburn, and playing well and winning is critical for our team at this point.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

21

MUSIC | K E I T H L E N N O X

"THE WALL" // THE LAST GREAT ALBUM OF THE 1970S

©2014, Keith Lennox, Owner and blogger @All-len-All.com

>>>

Released in the UK in November 1979, and internationally in March of the following year, Pink Floyd’s "The Wall" might be, arguably, not only the greatest album of the 1970s, but the best concept album in the history of music. The band finished touring the album in June 1981, in Dortmund, Germany, with eight sold out shows. The short lived tour was so popular the band decided to record five shows at Earl’s Court in London that were immortalized on the album, Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live 1980 – 81.

One must wonder if the band, or Roger Waters in particular, had any idea what a masterpiece they had just unleashed upon the world? The 81 minute double album was constructed with a conceptual backbone that has not even remotely been paralleled. A sketchy semi-autobiographical piece penned almost exclusively by bass player, band co-founder, and chief architect, Waters, takes listeners on an adventurous trip that few albums could even begin to replicate, and I believe that few even dared to try. How could they? To even think of such lofty goals would be folly.

It is nothing short of an adventure that takes its listeners on a story of a rock star pulverized by his post war upbringing and torn apart by an ever-growing greedy music industry. We are invited, willingly or not, to bear witness to a man quickly coming unglued by the strains of life, the overuse of drugs and the occasional psychotic break. It may not be pretty, but the sounds that emanate from this tale are not that different from witnessing a car wreck… We are all helpless to turn away. It is a driving, melodic, and hypnotizing opus. An oratory assault that will not easily be forgotten, if indeed it ever is.

This is one of those rare albums that, I will say out loud and I know there are many who feel the same, changed my life. It hit me with such a wave of shock and intrinsic admiration, that I knew I would never listen to music in the same way again. It was heartbreak wrapped up in inspirational warmth that I don’t know I have felt to such a degree since. This album, along with Pete Townsend’s solo effort ‘Empty Glass’ was the best music to come out of the eighties, and they both peaked in 1980. Sorry to all the hair band fans out there. I hope the nine of you never read this.

Rock, booze, drugs, death, violence, sex, and mental illness may be the themes of this project, but the way "The Wall" was recorded, engineered and mastered will place it in the annals of music history as one of the finest examples of perfection pressed to vinyl.

Thank you for allowing me to wax poetic about this album. I was feeling a tad nostalgic realizing that the handful of shows on this tour was the last time the four original members of Pink Floyd played together until a one off reunion at Live 8 on July 2nd, 2005. Sadly, it shall never happen again with the sudden passing of keyboardist/vocalist Richard Wright from cancer in 2008.

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

>>> HOROSCOPES |

week l y o verv i ew

>>> PUZZLEMAniA |

Sudoku

This is an ideal time to take a look at your financial situation, so get out your bank statements or dividend reports. Try and pretend that you're with your banker and describing your situation as objectively as possible, without overestimating what you bring in or underestimating what you spend. You won't regret this process, since it could prevent you from making some big mistakes later on.

You may have been worrying about something you did recently that you aren't very proud of. Now you'll discover that all that worrying was for nothing. The reality you've been trying to run away from lately will be right before your eyes and you'll see that it isn't so bad after all. You'll be rewarded for all your hard work, as if life were trying to give you a lesson about being optimistic. So don't be so negative!

Not all friendships are the same, Cancer. You may have learned that the hard way, but that's OK. Today you could feel like putting your friendships in some kind of order and getting a bit of perspective on things. It's time to figure which of your friends are really there for you when you need them, which of them show you how much they care about you, and which ones do not. Each kind of friendship can be useful to you in its own way. Don't be afraid to admit this.

Not only do you want to live life to the fullest every second, you also feel the need to leave your special mark on the world you live in.

You just have to be creative in life, Leo. You can't help it. That great project you've been thinking about for a while is just beginning to take shape. Today you may find some of the materials you needed to really get things going! A financial gift or the gift of someone's time? Someone's generosity could really make your day!

Your mind is in a period of great activity, and your curiosity about the world around you is practically insatiable. You're interested in anything and everything. You want to be able to understand everything from the simplest to the most complicated. Nothing could get in the way of your thirst for knowledge. So get a good supply of books about the things you would like to learn about and try and meet some new people.

It's very difficult for you to reconcile your desire for creativity and originality in your life to the constraints that society puts on you to be an efficient, productive person, Libra. This is one of the great dilemmas facing a lot of people these days. It's as if you have to hide your real personality in order to live up to what other people expect of you. Some advice for today: don't be so hard on yourself. You're only human.

It's easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box so they contain every number between 1 and 9. The game is easy to play but difficult to master! Solution Page 27

You seem to have a lot of resentment toward someone who may have hurt you. Don't keep these feelings inside or they'll eat away at you, Scorpio. Take advantage of your day today to put all your cards on the table and forget about revenge, because it could just turn against you. Instead, why don't you try to reach out to that person and explain your feelings to him or her? The good energy you get from this experience could be very beneficial to you tomorrow.

Today, Sagittarius, you may feel like hiding yourself away in your ivory tower and watching the performance that is going on before your eyes. And why not, if this allows you to get the perspective you need on things? Use this period in your life to give things their real value and to see where certain people actually fit into your world. You're a very lucky person to be able to find this kind of balance in your life.

Have you been wanting to talk to your partner about something important, Capricorn? Well, it's up to you to make the first move.

In fact, that's just what your partner is waiting for you to do. Take advantage of your day today to tell your partner exactly what you expect from him or her and to share some of your worries. You're someone who is lucky enough to know what you want, but it isn't always easy for you to tell other people what that is. Be strong.

This week you might attend at least one festive social occasion, Aquarius, and therefore you may meet some very interesting people in unusual professions, such as film or TV. Expect to hear some bizarre stories, some of them true, others that are clearly exaggerated. Out of all this friendly banter and tale telling, however, you could acquire some useful information. Make a note of it so you'll be able to remember it later.

Your level of health and physical well-being is likely to be very high, Pisces, and thus you're probably glowing. As a result, you might find that those around you pay more attention to what you're saying than they usually do. You'll also find that your mind is especially sharp, and you're apt to be exceptionally quick on the uptake. Therefore, you might absorb a lot more from what you hear than you normally do.

Make a note of it!

You have a kind of creativity that knows no bounds, Aries, and a kind of originality that knows no limits. How are you going to go about expressing this rich creativity that abounds inside of you? If your environment doesn't allow you to express this creativity, change environments and try to make a new reality for yourself. This is the only way you'll be able to use this incredible energy productively.

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

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>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R OSS W O R D PU Z Z L E

Across 1. Gripped 5. Holy, to Henri 10. Garbage containers 14. Carolina college town 15. Many a Mormon 16. Oriental nursemaid 17. Baked in a cream sauce 19. Zapata's 'zilch' 20. Portraitists' family name 21. Post-Renaissance language 23. Peer Gynt's mother 26. Vacation complex 27. Consumer service agcy.'s morning meal 32. Tic-tac-toe victory 33. Actor Bruce of radio's "Sherlock Holmes" 34. Abates 38. Moroccan tree 40. Rain-snow mixture 42. Filmdom's Vittorio De___ 43. ___ Kabloozie (character voiced by Ruth Buzzi in "Sesame Street" shorts) 45. Like many statesmen 47. Dad, to Grandpa 48. Sign of spring #3 51. Pocatello potatoes 54. "To ___ His Own" (1946 Olivia de Havilland movie) 55. Place that often has picnictables 58. Carries 62. "Get ___ writing!"

63. Star of the Food Network 66. Ornamental border 67. U.S.S.R. collective 68. Ancient region bordering Palestine 69. One-dish meal 70. Dutch river 71. Moscow's land: Abbr.

Down 1. "David Copperfield" character 2. If not.

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3. "Livin' La Vida ___" (#1 hit of 1999) 4. Where crime scene evidence might be analyzed 5. "Vieni ___ Mar" (Italian tune) 6. ____ Z (everything) 7. ___ Crunch (cereal brand) 8. Korean leader Syngman ___ 9. Samantha's mother on 'Bewitched' 10. Card games 11. Italian baritone Pasquale ___ 12. Very depths 13. Won't 18. Gain knowledge 22. __ majesty 24. Spaniard's six 25. Aerie builders 27. Feathery neckwear 28. Brian __-, a king of Ireland 29. Husband of Ruth, in the Bible 30. Starting points in shipbuilding 31. Provide with feathers 35. Emphatic assent in Acapulco 36. B-school subj.

37. Performed an aria 39. 'Stat!'

41. Buddhist monastery 44. Mythological archer 46. Valium drug company 49. Off the correct path 50. Seagoing fishing boat 51. Crocuses, e.g.

52. Coup-53. Set ___ (save) 56. Rowing pair 57. Police hdqrs.

59. Language of Karachi 60. Cambodian neighbor 61. Sylvia __-, British leading lady 64. Bit of a titter 65. Pledge of Allegiance ending SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 27

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>>> ADVICE | J UST AS K Robert Randolph & The Family Band

SIMONE says...

Q: Simone, I’m a twenty-eight-year-old woman who finds it difficult to socialize and make friends easily.

This has always been a bit of an issue for me but less of a challenge when I was a girl in school and belonged to a small circle of odd-ball friends who had grown up together.

College was a little more difficult, but, again, I found a couple of girls in my dorm the first year who were as nerdy (wink) as me and I felt okay. Now, however, I’ve graduated and begun my career in urban planning in a midsize town ten hours away from my parents and my home town. Suddenly my social awkwardness is a bigger problem. And the more I see others having a social life, the more I compare and critique myself, feeling Train even less confident. I feel like I’m digging a mental hole and I need a ladder out.

Signed, “Nerd in need” A: Dear “N.I.N.,” You didn’t say, but I hope you are enjoying your job. I’m glad that you are able to stand back and observe that you are engaging in critical self-talk, negatively critiquing and comparing yourself to others. So, step one is to stop doing that. Accept yourself as you are and begin there. You didn’t say what you do socially. Is church an activity in your life? Do you have hobbies? What are your interests? How do you pursue them?

Begin where you are by embracing your nature: make a list of ten things you like and value about yourself. This is to get your thinking back in order. Don’t put it off. Then determine what kind of activities appeal to you. If social gregariousness is not your cup of tea, try connecting with like-minded others through your interests. Join a club or a group or find a hobby that allows you to connect with others around your shared interests. Develop a sense of humor about your perceived shortcomings. We all have a niche. Find and celebrate yours. And congratulations on landing a job in urban planning. Sounds super interesting.

Signed, Simone Q: Simone, I’m a thirty-two-year-old guy who is struggling with an issue: alcohol. To drink or not drink; that is the question. I grew up in a family where my parents drank very little, but my mother has a brother and a first cousin who are alcoholics. My uncle has been to treatment twice and has now been sober for about a year and a half, as far as I know. Her cousin has gotten DUIs and created family scenes but does not admit

to having a problem and won’t seek help. I did the usual high school drinking and was able to drink my friends under the table but I didn’t really do it that often as I played sports and that was important to me. In college I drank more often and in larger quantities but didn’t see it as a budding problem until maybe my senior year when I drove home and couldn’t remember it the next morning. I am proud to say that I did not do that again.

If I was going to be partying hard, I had a designated driver set up. Now I am all grown up and have a job and a live-in girlfriend, and the drinking issue seems to be on the table. She thinks I drink too much and wants me to quit. She says I get too loud and goofy and, since she drinks much less, she doesn’t enjoy my inebriation. The problem is that I do enjoy it. I’ve never had a DUI. My career is advancing nicely. I struggle to see that I need to quit just because she doesn’t like it. My friends just laugh about it and some of them drink more than me.

To please her, I went to a few AA meetings but couldn’t get into the 12 Step thing at all. I love my girlfriend but don’t want her to dictate what I do. So, that is my dilemma.

What do you think?

Signed, "Confused"

Flo Rida

A: Dear Confused, You clearly have some knowledge about alcoholism gained through your family members and the few AA meetings you attended.

You did not say whether you identify yourself as an alcoholic, and only you can make that determination. Professionals can assess you — tell you the signs and symptoms — and make a diagnosis, but only you can decide what action or inaction to take on the matter. From your description above, it sounds as if you have exhibited some of the signs: increased tolerance, at least one blackout, and increasing problems in your personal life. Drinking in our culture can be a complicated issue. Much socializing activity occurs around having a few drinks. But if having a few drinks leads, consistently, to having too many drinks, as evidenced by drunken behavior, having no drinks may be the better choice. You didn’t say how much you drink on a daily or weekly basis or how much money you spend on it. Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities. Are you still involved in sports and physical activities? Alcohol is a toxin in any quantity. Large quantities have long-term impacts on health; is that important to you? A few AA meetings, especially if you are feeling resistance and resentment, will not give you a clear sense of what they offer.

But 12- Step programs are not for everyone.

If you can afford counseling, that might be a good starting place. Choose a counselor who is knowledgable about addiction but also understands and utilizes something called “Motivational Interviewing.” Ask; be assertive in choosing a therapist. That person can assist you in walking through what you have identified as a dilemma. May you arrive at an answer and a choice.

Signed, Simone ©2014 Simone Says-Advice. If you have a question for Simone, email simonesays.advice@ gmail.com.Identies to queries are held in confidence. We reserve the right to edit the text.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

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>>> RED CLAY DIARY | J I M R E E D

SITTING PRETTY HIGH I n the foyer of our ancient home stands a very tall red-andyellow chair—too high for humans to sit on.

This chair is a piece of art created

by Liz Reed—lovingly made of wooden stars and wooden crescent moons and wooden legs and wooden spheres, and decorated in simple, primary colors.

The name of this piece of art is SITTING PRETTY HIGH. When you first see the chair, you’re a bit disoriented—good art often causes such an effect—and you find yourself either dismissing it to gaze at something more immediately understandable, or stopping cold and examining it for its meaning.

Sometimes, there’s a small figure sitting on the edge of this chair at eye level—a glittery soft mermaid, maybe a Pee Wee Herman doll, perhaps Mister Bean’s Teddy—just to demonstrate that dangling is part of the chair’s meaning.

If you dare ask Liz what this object is, she’ll tell you a story that only people who are short of stature will absorb.

You and I don’t know this, but petite people have challenges that are not always apparent. Sure, they see more bellies up close then we do, they have to tiptoe at lecterns, clerks lean over registers to see them, there’s trouble finding fitting garments, and so on.

But what this work of art told me that I did not know, is that petites have to deal with dangling legs. When you and I sit in the average chair, we take for granted that our feet will be planted solidly on the floor. We are accustomed to the stability and security this provides.

Liz and others her size have to compensate for this lack of stability. When you can’t plant your feet, you tend to sway or wobble when you reach out. Disconcerting to say the least.

So, as a tribute to shortness in our society, Liz created a chair that pays respect to dangling limbs. A chair that makes you want to learn more about what it is like to be Liz, a person who seems larger than life in personality, humor, wisdom and talent. She’s spent so many years compensating for and overcoming this gently ignored handicap that nobody notices a thing. She’s just that remarkable woman who can do just about anything she tackles better than you and me.

Watching her function inspires me to plant my own feet firmly in my mind, even when there’s nothing solid to stand on.

As a result of living with Liz, I’m always sitting pretty high Note: Jim Reed's Red Clay Diary column does not end with a period (.). He has his reasons.

"To call Reed Books an 'old bookstore' is a bit like saying the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel has a good paint job." ~ Allen Johnson Jr., author ~

©2014 by Jim Reed

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>>> MUSIC | trey brooks

SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE // TIME TO PLAN

Snoop Lion

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SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIA SUDOKO PAGE 23

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIA CROSSWORD PAGE 24

@TreyBrooks88

As I type this, it is about 34 degrees outside. Not exactly what we would call summer weather. Nevertheless, the warming trend has already begun as many summer music festivals have already released their lineups. If you plan on making one part of your summer experience, you might want to commit now. Ticket prices will be at their lowest, though not for long as the prices rise each time a tier sells out. In the spirit of major rock events in past, such as Monterey, Woodstock, Live Aid and the US Festival, singleweekend festivals have sprung up across the nation over the last two decades. In the southeast, there is a particular variety of major festivals that fall between April and July. Hopefully, this column will help you decide which festival fits your fancy before tickets become too expensive.

One of the main attractions at many festivals this year will undoubtedly be Outkast.

Consisting of Atlanta natives Andre 3000 and Big Boi, they are one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time, though they have been largely inactive since 2004. As of now, they are headlining Coachella in California, Firefly in Delaware and Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama. In their heyday, the pair were known for having a unique live performance, and it will be interesting to see if they can recapture the magic that made them the largest southern hip hop group of their time.

For fans in Tuscaloosa, the best chance to see Outkast and many other artists will be at the Hangout Festival, being held May 16-18 in Gulf Shores. Hangout’s unique location on the beach makes it one of the most well attended festivals in the south.

Joining Outkast as headliners will be The Black Keys, Killers, and Jack Johnson. Other artists to watch out for include Queens of the Stone Age, Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, Wiz Khalifa, Capital Cities and Blackberry Smoke.

Probably the most prestigious festival of the early festival period is The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Jazz Fest, as it’s known for short, has a tradition of mixing local New Orleans jazz and blues acts with nationally and internationally renowned touring artists. Held over two different weekends in late April and early May, the headliners this year will be Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and Christina Aguilera. Other major artists include Phish, Arcade Fire, Santana, String Cheese Incident, Trey Songz, Vampire Weekend, Public Enemy, the Avett Brothers and Robert Plant. Local acts you should check out include Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Aaron Neville, Rebirth Brass Band, Dumpstaphunk and Better Than Ezra.

The boom in summer festivals was due mainly in part to the rise of the jamband scene in the southeast. While some of these festivals have moved away from a strict jamband lineup, others continue this tradition, and none do it better than Wakarusa in Ozark, Arkansas. Last year’s event was marred by extreme weather, but the secluded mountain grounds usually provide some of the best experiences for attendees. The headliners for this year’s event don’t differ much from previous engagements: String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, The Flaming Lips, Umphrey’s McGee and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Other artists include Infected Mushroom, Michael Franti and Spreahead, John Butler Trio, Dr. Dog, St. Paul and the Broken Bones and EOTO. Wakarusa will be held the first weekend of June.

There are many other summer festivals across the nation that you may want to look at as well. Coachella, Summer Camp, Mountain Jam, Firefly, Camp Bisco, Wanee, Lollapalooza, moe.down, and High Sierra are just some of the many festivals that fans will enjoy this summer. The benchmark of major summer festivals continues to be Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which will announce its lineup in February. Held in Manchester, Tennessee, since 2002, Bonnaroo has grown exponentially and became the model for how summer festivals should be run. No doubt they will put forth a competitive lineup this year.

One note on many of these festivals is the band Sound Tribe Sector 9. STS9 recently cancelled their spring tour due to band turmoil that led to the exit of their bass player. As of now, it has not affected their summer dates. However, I would not look at them on a lineup as a guarantee. Hopefully, all will be worked out and STS9 will be back in action in time for many of these summer shows.

It may be frigid this winter, but you should be picking out a swimsuit now if you wish to attend a major summer festival. Again, tickets for these will sell out quick, and Stub Hub-type markets will ask for marked up prices. It’s best to buy tickets from the event website before they sell out, which can happen in a matter of days.

So whether you’re headed to the beaches of Hangout, the bayou of Jazz Fest, or the mountains of Wakarusa, have a great summer enjoying live music!

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JANUARY 23 + FEBRUARY 6

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