Heads and tales: Labors of love

briefcase I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it: The state jobless rate is at an all-time low. Officials and experts credit a growing economy and the automotive industry. In Jefferson County and Birmingham-Hoover, rates fell to 3.3 and 3.1 percent, with restaurants leading the way with 800 new jobs. Good news for job seekers, bad news for companies trying to fill positions.
• Alabama jobless rate falls [Montgomery Advertiser]

Putting along: It’s always been known as the Bruno’s Memorial Classic, a senior pro golf tournament and charity event, and it’s always been at Greystone. Next week, the Regions Charity Classic takes over in the 15th year, and it’ll be at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. The tournament has raised millions for area charities and claims a $20 million economic boost to the metro area. Plus, Chi Chi.
• Regions, Ross Bridge lay claim to golf classic [Birmingham Business Journal]

Setting Stages: The lineup is mostly set for City Stages 2006. Hip-hop is out, and reggae is in as Sean Paul headlines the Saturday night bill on the Miller Lite Stage. Also announced: Trapt, Shinedown, Herman’s Hermits and the Grassroots. They join previously announced acts Allman Brothers Band, Cameo, Morris Day and the Time, John Hiatt, Los Lonely Boys, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Hank Williams Jr. and Yellowcard. The festival takes place June 16-18 in downtown Birmingham; advance three-day passes are $35 and $40 starting May 12.

The Strokes plays a benefit concert May 23 at Sloss Furnaces, the same night a certain Birmingham singer may be competing in the final two for the “American Idol” crown.
City Stages’ newest competitor? Bonnaroo.

• Reggae star Sean Paul joins City Stages lineup [Birmingham News]

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