Wade on August 2007

Then and now

The leader of the pack: Very soon, a mayor will reign, whether it’s the current one or any of the eight (and counting) challengers. Can Birmingham save itself? Can a mayor make a difference?

A series of mayoral forums (not debates, sigh) are allowing voters to ask questions in limited fashion. One such forum this month brought five candidates to the stage to discuss the homeless problem. [Listen to forum podcasts.]

More are on the way, including:

Sept. 11: 6:30 p.m., Belview Heights;
Sept. 18: 7 p.m., WorkPlay (tape delay, 9 p.m. CBS 42), sponsored by the League of Women Voters plus five other organizations;
Sept. 20: One Birmingham (Fox 6 Webcast); topic, site and time to be determined;
Sept. 27: One Birmingham (Fox 6 Webcast); topic, site and time to be determined;
Oct. 4: Education, One Birmingham (Fox 6 Webcast); site and time to be determined.

Plus, look for the Birmingham News’ poll results the week before the election.

Voter registration deadline is Sept. 28, and Election Day is Oct. 9.

Downtown showcase: The fall art season is almost here. Artwalk got things rolling with its Preamble fund-raiser. The downtown festival takes place Sept. 7-8, followed by two more biggies, the Bluff Park Art Show and Kentuck.

For Artwalk, more than 100 artists are scheduled to exhibit in the shops and residences in the City Center. It’s not just art, though — musical performances will keep things rockin’ (they still say “rockin’,” right?). Birmingham band Teen Getaway performs Friday night at the Cobblestone Cafe on Morris Avenue. Check out a recent performance here, and look for more coverage later this week in Wade on Birmingham.