Kick off the weekend with Mardi Gras and ‘Dreamgirls’.
Red Mountain Theater presents “Dreamgirls”
Cheer on the young Chicago singing trio at the heart of “Dreamgirls” as they go from hopefuls to superstars. Full of Motown spirit, the story follows the Dreamettes on their breathtaking rise to fame. Egos are bruised, tempers flared and hearts broken in the pursuit of glory. Featuring music inspired by groups like The Supremes, “Dreamgirls” is a love letter to American R&B music. Performances are from February 3rd to 19th on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $37 for children 13 and older and child seats from $25 for children 2 years and older through 12. For groups of 10 or more, please contact [email protected].
Enjoy multiple performances through February 19th. (Red Mountain Theatre)
Enjoy multiple performances through February 19th. (Red Mountain Theatre)
Enjoy multiple performances through February 19th. (Red Mountain Theatre)
“I too am Thornton Dial”
Join exhibition curator Paul Barrett as he discusses works from I, Too, Am Thornton Dial at the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan on Saturday, February 4 at 1pm. Thornton Dial (1928-2016) is one of Alabama’s most celebrated artists. His works are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the High Museum of Art, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and other institutions. Dial’s work has been the subject of solo shows at the American Folk Art Museum; the New Museum; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Indianapolis Museum of Art; Art Museum of New Orleans; coin museum; and the High Art Museum. A catalog with new essays and many works of art that have never been shown will be available for the vernissage. This lecture is free of charge, registration is not required. The reception will be followed by a screening of the documentary “Mr. Dial Has Something To Say,” which tells the dramatic story of Dial’s experiences. The exhibition will remain on view until March 25th.
Huntsville’s Midwest Invitational Black Rodeo
More than 100 professional African American rodeo athletes will be in Huntsville on Saturday, February 4 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to celebrate Black History Month. Buy tickets here. The venue is located at 4925 Moores Mill Road.
Southern Flight Museum
The Tuskegee Airmen are on display at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham. This diorama honoring Alabama’s famous Tuskegee Airmen is more than just a display. It’s a spotlight that shines on a significant period in American history, and this tribute highlights an extraordinary group of men who continue to inspire everyone who dares to dream. The exhibit features WWII era trainers including a North American AT-6 Texan, a Vultee BT-13B Valiant and a Fairchild PT-19 Cornell. The museum is located at 4343 73rd St. N. Visit website or message [email protected] to learn more.
The Fairchild PT-19 was the first stop on a cadet’s journey to becoming a fighter pilot. First flown in 1939, it was an easy and forgiving aircraft. (Contribution)
The Vultee BT-13 was an intermediate trainer flown by most American pilots during World War II. It was the second phase of the three-phase pilot training program. After basic training in PT-13, PT-17 or PT-19 trainers, the student pilot switched to the more complex BT-13 to continue his flying training. (Contribution)
Vultee BT-13 as shown in the museum’s Tuskegee Airmen exhibit, between the AT-6 on the left and the PT-19 on the right. (Contribution)
The Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham. (Contribution)
“Kwame Brathwaite: Black is Beautiful”
The Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts and ArtPlay Community Education in Birmingham presents Kwame Brathwaite: Black Is Beautiful from February 7th to March 25th. Known as the “Keeper of Images,” Brathwaite employed his photography from the late 1950s through the 1960s as an agent of societal change. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, February 9th at 6pm, celebrating the exhibition with a live performance by guitarist Eric Essix. Learn more at alysstephens.org. Admission is free. The venue is located at 1200 10th Ave. S
Birmingham Restaurant Week
The winter edition of Birmingham Restaurant Week (BRW) features deals from more than 30 locally owned restaurants, bars and food trucks with fixed price menus ranging from $5 to $50, chef-curated multi-course meals and bartender-created cocktails. From roast chicken and barbecue to steak and octopus, BRW offers dishes for every taste. With grab-and-go and dinner options, everyone can treat themselves to a BRW meal through Saturday, February 4th. BRW is organized by the Birmingham advertising agency Style Advertising. Link here for the full list of participating restaurants. More information by email [email protected]. Social media hashtags are #BRW2023 and #BhamRestWeek.
carnival events
The historic celebration of Mardi Gras continues through Tuesday, February 21 in downtown Mobile and surrounding cities. Enjoy more than two weeks of celebrations with 40 parades planned. Follow this link for the full schedule. Mardi Gras events are held throughout the region with parades and music celebrations in Fairhope, Daphne, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
People of all ages will enjoy the parades and variety of celebrations at Mardi Gras in Mobile. (visit mobile)
People of all ages will enjoy the parades and variety of celebrations at Mardi Gras in Mobile. (visit mobile)
People of all ages will enjoy the parades and variety of celebrations at Mardi Gras in Mobile. (visit mobile)
People of all ages will enjoy the parades and variety of celebrations at Mardi Gras in Mobile. (visit mobile)
Broadway in Birmingham presents “Hamilton”
With a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” took the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater – a musical that had a profound impact on culture, politics and education . With script, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, directed by Thomas Kail, choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical direction and orchestration by Alex Lacamoire, “Hamilton” is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented Kennedy Center Honors Special Mention. Performances continue through Saturday, February 4th at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
One Yard at a Time Gala
Lettermen of the USA will host its annual One Yard at a Time Gala on Friday, February 3rd from 6pm to 10pm at The Club in Birmingham. Help a veteran in need with dinner, music and a live auction. This year’s Athletic Honoree will be Ben Tamburello, former Auburn University football star, 1986 unanimous All-American and SEC Lineman of the Year, 1986 team captain. Tamburello played for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles from 1987 to 1991 and is an Alabama inductee into the Sports Hall of Fame. The military guest of honor will be U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David P. Burford, deputy commander, Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base. Sponsors include the Alabama Power Foundation. Tickets can be bought here. For more information, call 205-394-7521.
Throughout 2023, the Alabama News Center will feature stories about the events of 1963 in Birmingham and their impact on human rights in Bending Toward Justice.