Cool News (Birmingham, Memphis: medical, weather, town)

[mcalumni01]

Originally Posted by investorscooter

I admit to a negative attitude when it comes to the Deep South, (frankly I'm not sure what that moniker actually means, territory-wise). It had never been on my travel wishlist, though so easy to access from my home state of FL.

Total shame on me. It took dropping off a student, cat and car to UAB to disabuse myself of the idea that Birmingham wasn't worth a visit. The article didn't even mention the easy/breezy and attractive airport.

Very happy to say that I will be returning with enthusiasm and will take in all of the sights and eats and drinks that this CN article pointed out. The city and surrounding area is worth reinvestment of time, effort and money by the civic-minded locals and from new fans from afar, myself included. Totally rooting for you!!

Glad that you appreciated the article. Postings of things like that in the forum get welcome with closed arms around here.

Several other ammenties wasn't mentioned in the article that would be worth a visit. Most residents like to focus on the goodness of the area and express that about the city.

[bfmx1]

Originally Posted by MinivanDriver

Conde Nast writes about us:


https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the...ingham-alabama

This is an excellent article. Pays good homage to some of the cooler places in town without sounding overly boisterous. I'm a natural devil's advocate but I think this was well done and honest.

[cherokee48]

Originally Posted by MinivanDriver

Conde Nast writes about us:


https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the...ingham-alabama

Very cool article, makes me want to stop by one of my local foodie spots and swing by Vulcan. I think the Carver re-opening will be a very nice addition to the theatre district and something cool and inexpensive for visitors downtown. Nice photography as well

[mcalumni01]

https://bhamnow.com/2019/01/31/10-re...this-february/

Gus's Famous Fried Chicken out of Memphis is finally opening in The Battery in late Feb.

[mcalumni01]

https://bhamnow.com/2019/01/31/sidew...roundbreaking/

Groundbreaking for the Sidewalk Film Theater at the Pizitz

Will be open every day of the year..

[bhamguy]

Originally Posted by mcalumni01

https://bhamnow.com/2019/01/31/sidew...roundbreaking/

Groundbreaking for the Sidewalk Film Theater at the Pizitz

Will be open every day of the year..

I am sooo excited about this finally happening. The people who are in charge of creating this, are actually very nice people! It will continue to created new energy in the Theater District!

[bhamguy]

Originally Posted by mcalumni01

https://bhamnow.com/2019/01/31/10-re...this-february/

Gus's Famous Fried Chicken out of Memphis is finally opening in The Battery in late Feb.

I don’t necessarily love Hattie B’s, so I really hope this will be a lot better!

[TimCity2000]

Originally Posted by bhamguy

I am sooo excited about this finally happening. The people who are in charge of creating this, are actually very nice people! It will continue to created new energy in the Theater District!

speaking of the Theater District, that Conde Nast article from a week or so ago mentions the Carver Theatre being renovated:

“Cities across America once had beautiful movie palaces, vaudeville theaters, and opera houses,” continues Brock. “Hundreds, if not thousands, of those sites are now parking decks. I think Birmingham is unusual, because we saved not only the Alabama and the Lyric … the Carver will reopen this year, too.”

The Carver Theater for the Performing Arts and Jazz Hall of Fame—Birmingham’s only remaining black theater*—is two blocks over. It will debut in 2019 as a performance space, as well as reopen the adjoining museum for the state’s jazz history. The museum houses instruments and personal effects from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and W. C. Handy, and operates a center for continuing education—not only in jazz, but also in civil rights.

“The Lyric and the Carver are significant,” Brock says, “because they allow for our ongoing conversation about race and history. During the old theater days, black audiences saw performances in black theaters. White audiences in white theaters. Except for the Lyric. From its opening night in 1914, it was the only one where black and white audiences saw the same show together—although they were segregated. It’s an incredible, now-living piece of American history.”

how many theaters are in walking distance of each other?

Alabama
Lyric
Carver
Rushton (McWane)
RMTC Cabaret (Kress)
Sidewalk (Pizitz - under construction)

anyone know if any other buildings in the area house still-intact theaters? apparently there were 26 at one time...

[harry chickpea]

There are other black theatres still extant in Alabama, although repurposed or empty. The Lincoln in Bessemer comes to mind immediately. I don't recall seeing any other theatres than those listed in the downtown B'ham area when I was searching for locations back in the mid-1980s, much less ones that might still be intact. There are others around the greater area though. The theatre that became the "Pitcher Show" in Vestavia was still there when I looked last. Cobb's Centerpoint, that I opened in 1983, is now a church.

When you see the "Alabama" sign, it was Cecil McGlohon who had the marquee modernized. Cecil worked for me in Florida at a theatre on Miami Beach in his later years. He was an impeccable gentleman who gave class to a theatre just by his presence.

https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Cecil_McGlohon

[mcalumni01]

https://reason.org/policy-study/us-m...freedom-index/