A look at Birmingham in videos …

TomoUSA on the dashcam footage of Birmingham police firing on suspect.

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Cops, Court and Coffee on the dashcam footage of Birmingham police firing on suspect.

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Live Leak on the dashcam footage of Birmingham police firing on suspect.

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DJ Esco, Future and Freeband Gang perform in July at the CrossPlex in Five Points West. From KingSize MultiMedia Group.

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Bumper for the Birmingham Barons on ESPN. From Chandon Hudgins.

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“Shugs,” the story of the Birmingham Sugar Babies, a group of women who found community in dance later in life. From Mary Recio.

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Let’s ride the elevator at Belk in Brookwood Village. From Collin Baker.

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Drone footage of trains passing by Railroad Park downtown. From Tom Leader Studio.

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L.A. R&B band Vintage Trouble performs “Shows What You Know” in October at Saturn in Avondale. From eyeliner1000.

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Ike Pigott interviews Ahmad Ward of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute about President Harding’s 1921 civil rights speech in Birmingham. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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An October bike ride (our vertical video of the week). From Black Girls Do Bike.

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Driving in the October rain along U.S. 280. From Live Storms Media.

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Birmingham nonprofit organization Kulture City receives a $50,000 grant from Microsoft to aid in its mission to help people with autism. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Birmingham hip-hop artist Ripcord performs “Flex” in October at the Merienda Lounge on Southside. From Ripcord BamaBoy.

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Soho Retro in Homewood recently opened up a pop-up shop called the Upstairs Rack for vintage clothing. From Starnes Publishing.

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The Miles College Purple Marching Machine’s exhibition performance in October at the Magic City Marching Band Festival at Carver High in North Birmingham. From Vincent Perry.

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A Russian’s journey from downtown to a drive along I-20/59. From Kanistra TV.

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A fight inside a Citgo, as seen from the security camera. From Deion Tolbert.

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What was it like to be an extra in “Stay Hungry” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, filmed in Birmingham? From al.com.

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A look at the Nick on Southside. From Shellina Ryals.

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Nighttime ride with the Magic City Bike Club (our other vertical video of the week). From Clarence Harris.

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A look at the Premiere Birmingham beauty show in October at the BJCC Exhibition Hall. From Whitney Evans.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

The Alabama State Mighty Marching Hornets performs at the 2015 Magic City Classic halftime show battle of the bands Saturday at Legion Field. From ShowtimeWeb.

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The Alabama A&M Marching Maroon and White performs at the 2015 Magic City Classic halftime show battle of the bands Saturday at Legion Field. From ShowtimeWeb.

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The 2015 Magic City Classic parade Saturday downtown. From L. Lake Williams.

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Rapper Common performs this past weekend at the Birmingham Museum of Art downtown for Classic Soiree. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Kyle Moore pitches during the summer at Birmingham-Southern’s Striplin Field. From Kyle Moore.

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Birmingham rock band Outshine performs at Tilted Kilt on U.S. 280. From Larry Treichel.

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The Carver High marching band performs for the Aga Khan Foundation fund-raiser in October at Railroad Park downtown. From tyanric05.

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A tour of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. From Van Tripping.

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A look at Helping Horses Alabama, a nonprofit organization that has taken in 55 horses at Six Brier Farm in Brierfield. From Sampson Stevens.

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At the Lit House hip-hop October showcase at the High Note Lounge on Southside. From theprblms.

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Waterfall at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. From wingback14.

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The Birmingham Underground Cypher, part 2. From Roc Reels.

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A look at Children’s Village, a Birmingham nonprofit organization specializing as a long-term placement facility for children. From Vulcan Media.

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Alabaster blues-rock band Yellowed Out performs “The Grey” in October at Zydeco on Southside. From Yellowed Out.

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Time-lapse footage of the Vestavia Country Club golf course. From Daniel Mullaly.

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Forgotten footage outside of the FBI Building downtown. From Bama Camera.

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Looking at Birmingham’s abandoned places. From ATL Viewer.

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The Minor High School marching band performs in October at a Stone Mountain competition. From Freddie Batey.

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Oklahoma Americana band Turnpike Troubadours performs last week at WorkPlay in Lakeview. From rkincaid2012.

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Commercial for investment rental property. From Safe Future.

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A look at Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center on Southside. From United for Life Foundation.

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Talking with the Etheridge family about its history in homegrown businesses. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Baton Rouge rapper Boosie Badazz (a k a Lil Boosie) performs last week at the CrossPlex in Five Points West. From RayTheGreat22.

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Comedian-musician Bo Burnham performs “Lower Your Expectations” in October at the Alabama Theatre downtown. From Destiny Davis.

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See the PBS special on Birmingham native E.O. Wilson
and his scientific legacy.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

Video: “E.O. Wilson: Of Ants and Men”

A lifetime of studying the natural world has aired on PBS as a 2-hour prime-time documentary. “E.O. Wilson: Of Ants and Men” premiered in September.

The titular subject was born in Birmingham and spent his childhood in Mobile and Washington. He studied at Alabama and later Harvard. His career in science led to the creation of sociobiology, earning him a U.S. National Medal of Science. Wilson has authored many books, which brought him two Pulitzer Prizes.

The program looks at milestones in his life, along with the ways we better understand the world, including the formation and behavior of ant societies, and how humans have much more in common with them than with chimps. Wilson spends time in our state’s rich environment, and even dissects the tribalism behind Alabama (and Auburn) football.

• “E.O. Wilson: Of Ants and Men” site
• Books by E.O. Wilson [aff. link]

E.O. Wilson in Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique,
in a scene from “Of Ants and Men”

A look at Birmingham in videos …

“Unseen: No Ordinary Story,” a short documentary about homeless people in Birmingham. From Aly Hathcock.

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Birmingham native and actor Linc Hand at a fund-raiser for ovarian cancer. From Edie Hand.

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Cal Breed speaks at the Pecha Kucha event during Design Week Birmingham 2014. From Design Week Birmingham.

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Nashville rapper Hecto performs with Big Henry earlier this month at the Nick on Southside. From Hecto.

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Diversity discussions in the classroom. From Amber Torres-Lopez.

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Filmmakers Jon and Andy Erwin discuss “Woodlawn” with host Rob Dempsey. From HIS Radio.

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Monica K. Slater sings at the District 8 Party With a Purpose earlier this month at Ensley Park. From Monica Slater.

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YouTube star Joshua D and Friends perform earlier this month at the Comedy Club Stardome in Hoover. From Tay Kitten.

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A look at TrimTab Brewing Company from the National Beer Wholesalers Association. From Dean Hovell.

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Road trip to the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover and Railroad Park downtown. From Stanley Veus.

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Appalachian Crankie installation performance earlier this month as part of the East Lake Artist Village and Revive 2.0 East Lake at the College Theatre in East Lake. From Rosemary Johnson.

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“The Exit Plan Show” interviews Whitney Johns Martin with Birmingham’s TWV Capital Management. From Norman A. Hood.

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The Chris Robinson Brotherhood performs a cover of “The Music’s Hot” earlier this month at Iron City on Southside. From Natural Music.

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Katie Sunshine leads a hula hoop class in September at St. Vincent’s on Southside. From Carron HoopsAlot.

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The Komen Race for a Cure fund-raiser last week in Linn Park downtown. From Starnes Publishing.

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“I’m tired of light red Birmingham being on my mind” (our vertical video of the week). From Gabriel Lavender.

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Sara Evans performs “My Heart Can’t Tell You No” in 2012 at the BJCC Arena. From Timothy Ruebin.

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Brandi Carlile performs earlier this month at Iron City on Southside (our other vertical video of the week). From Eric Chester.

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Fred Spicer, executive director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, talks about Antiques in the Gardens on the Rose Chat Podcast. From Rose Chat Podcast.

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Singer-songwriter and “The Voice” contestant Melanie Martinez performs earlier this month at Saturn in Avondale. From Kylie Benjamin.

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Jackson Browne performs a cover of “Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded” earlier this month at the Alabama Theatre downtown. From David Eckoff.

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Drone footage of Vulcan. From Duncan Meredith.

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Promo video for Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Ensley. From United for Life Foundation.

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“A Life of Review” short film: “Considering suicide, Jeff takes the advice of a co-worker and calls a support hot line. The call, however, is not what Jeff expected it to be.” From Forever an Astronaut.

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Fashion show with Birmingham firefighters at the Southern Women’s Show earlier this month at the BJCC North Exhibition Hall. From al.com.

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Footage of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park downtown. From A’Keriah Samuel.

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S.O.T.K. does the “Hotline Bling” dance. From Jacquez Young.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Producer/actor Kevin Downes and actor Caleb Castille visit “Heritage of Truth” to talk about their new movie, “Woodlawn.” From Jeanne Dennis.

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The Birmingham Boys Choir performs “Gardener of the World” in September at Samford University. From Birmingham Boys Choir.

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Drone footage of Regions Bank downtown. From Kevin Henderson.

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UC2 Mime’s Travis and Tracy Curry at Sloss Furnaces. From 330 Visual Media.

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Carver at Corner in September. From Rich Pope.

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Oak Mountain Middle School students knit quilts for homeless veterans. From Starnes Publishing.

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A look at August’s SheRox Festival at Avondale Brewery, a collection of female artists uniting in concert to benefit the WellHouse. From Stratosfilm Productions.

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A lowrider from the Paws and Cars fund-raiser in September. From William Clark.

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An episode of “Alabama Art Seen.” From Ricky Trione Blind Artist.

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Trader Joe’s grand opening last week at the Summit. From Starnes Publishing.

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The Woodlawn Effect. From Sissy Hembree King.

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Grandview Medical Center opening last week. From WIAT-42.

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A look at Fiesta Birmingham in Linn Park downtown from earlier this month. From Schuyler Lawson.

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A preview of next week’s Mighty Men’s Boot Camp in Trussville. From the Rock NE Birmingham.

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Olive explores downtown, Sloss Furnaces and Homewood. From Nisha Kashyap.

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Biking the Boulder Ridge section of Oak Mountain State Park, then the Rocky Ridge and Breeden Ridge trails at O’Bannon Woods State Park in Indiana. From Steve Rodgers.

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Drone footage of the Zyp bikeshare launch last week at Railroad Park. From Kevin Henderson.

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Rethink 20/59, a look at the problems with the interstate highway project. From Rethink Birmingham.

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To promote the Birmingham Public Library’s new ukulele lending program at the Avondale branch, 50 players performed for a September flash mob at Pepper Place Saturday Market in Lakeview. From BPLonline.

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Rock/blues guitarist Warren Haynes performs “Two of a Kind” Saturday at Cask and Drum at Avondale Brewing Company. From Momma Phranque.

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Music video for “Hey Y’all” from Hueytown singer-songwriter Erath Old. From Erath Old.

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Andrew Yang talks about selecting Birmingham as a Venture for America city. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Birmingham rock band Wray performs in September at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga. From Athens GA Live Music.

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St. Mark United Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills celebrates 40 years from director of music ministry Ruth Miller. From Tommy Baggett.

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Fighting poverty in Woodlawn through purpose built communities. From Lords of Sapelo.

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Girls’ Night Out with radio host Tom Joyner earlier this month at the Crestwood Home Depot. From mommytalkshow.

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L.A. rock band Dawes performs “Somewhere Along the Way” in September at Iron City on Southside. From Drew Hulsey.

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Exploring downtown for a day. From Emily Lorentz.

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Evening at Railroad Park. From TheGREATescapist.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Ariana Grande performs “Tattooed Heart” in September at the Legacy Arena downtown (our vertical video of the week). From Adam Wilson.

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A $10 million mansion to be auctioned off on Halloween. From DeCaro Luxury Auctions.

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Florida East Coast Railway train. From liltrainman.

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Drone footage of Railroad Park. From Jay Simpson.

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Time-lapse video of Birmingham artist Gina Hurry painting “Unless the Lord,” based on Psalm 127. From the Corner Room.

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Tuscaloosa’s Deontay Wilder defeats Johann Duhaupas by 11th-round TKO in September at Legacy Arena, televised live nationally on NBC. From Premier Boxing Champions.

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Nashville funk band Here Come the Mummies prepare for a late-September show at Iron City on Southside. From Here Come the Mummies.

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Driving through a parking lot course at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. From Josh Peek.

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The U.S. Women’s National Team working on ball movements and crossing during open practice in September at Legion Field. From CarKid.

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Tuskegee native and radio host Tom Joyner brings “Tour Tom” to Birmingham. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Promo for “Building Stronger Men Everyday” program that focuses on improving literacy and math skills for fourth and fifth grade boys through magazine subscriptions. From Growing Kings.

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Birmingham native and author Daniel Wallace discusses “Big Fish” musical at Red Mountain Theatre Company. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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The 2015 auditions for “The Nutcracker.” From Birmingham Ballet.

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Hoover police captain Gregg Rector, Xavier Beasley’s aunt Laverne Beasley and community crime chaplain Harry “Traveling Shoes” Turner ask for help in the murder of Xavier Beasley. From Starnes Publishing.

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Dazzling Diamond Divas perform to ​iHeart Memphis’ “Hit the Quan.” From Dazzling Diamond Divas.

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California pop performer Jesika von Rabbit in September at Iron City on Southside. From thebrookiew.

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A report on the “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” town hall by Yellowhammer Creative last week at Trim Tab Brewing Company in Lakeview. From WIAT-42.

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A look at March’s annual Natural Hair and Health Expo. From Visions Beauty.

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Vintage military vehicles from World War II rolled through Birmingham in September on the way to San Diego from northern Virginia. The cross-country convoy is part of “The Spirit of 45,” commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. From al.com.

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Nashville-based country singer Michael Ray performs in September at Tin Roof in Lakeview. From Brandi H.

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The Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir sings at the Youth ‘N Praise back-to-school concert in July at the Titusville A.O.A. Church of God. From Ahkeem Lee.

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My pal Missy Burchart of the Literacy Council of Central Alabama shares her “aha Moment” as part of a Facebook contest. From My aha Moment.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

Photo: Patrick Cain (CC)

Birmingham (click to enlarge)

•

Get the full version of this essay in our free ebook.
Details at the end.

•

By James Spann

I have fond memories of Birmingham as a child.

In the 1960s, I lived in Greenville, but my mom’s folks were from St. Clair County. And when we visited them, a trip to Birmingham was almost always on the agenda. The city was truly magical. Listening to WSGN, the Big 610. Shopping for Christmas at the big stores downtown like Loveman’s. Hanging out at the brand new Eastwood Mall. Hopping on the rides at the Alabama State Fair at Five Points West. Watching Cousin Cliff on television.

Fast-forward to September 1979, when I started my Birmingham TV career at WAPI-13 (now WVTM). I was 23 and, somehow, Wendell Harris hired me to be their main weather guy at that incredibly young age.

A few months after I was hired, reporter Steve Sanders did a series called “Is the Magic Missing?” focusing on population loss, job market deterioration and a public education system that was faltering.

It seems like we have no self-esteem 36 years later, despite the wonderful things happening in this city.

I find it interesting that the same trolls who attack me during any winter forecast come out any time you say something positive about Birmingham. Ignore them; they aren’t worth my time, or yours.

People mocked Don Logan for moving the Birmingham Barons from Hoover back into the city a few years ago. It was a bold move, but it is paying rich dividends with record crowds.

When Trinity Medical Center moves this week to its incredible new Grandview Medical Center campus on U.S. 280, it is in the city limits. This is a huge positive for the city. [Editor’s note: James Spann has served as chair of Trinity’s board of trustees since 2005.]

Drive through downtown on a weekend, and it is buzzing with life. Loft living, new restaurants and stores, Railroad Park.

Is there crime? Of course. But crime exists in every Alabama municipality and county. Are there problems to solve? Yep. Biggest issues are fixing Birmingham schools and finding a good mass transit solution.

But the positives outweigh the negatives by far.

The future of Birmingham is:

• People with a passion to make the city their home and a better place.
• Focusing on the things that bring us together, not tear us apart.
• Not being afraid of our past, but celebrating how far we have come.
• The natural beauty in the foothills of the Appalachians.
• Being the best place to raise a family.

And, most importantly, our future is regaining self-esteem.

I was honored to receive two major awards for a broadcast meteorologist. When I accepted the American Meteorological Society Award for Broadcast Meteorology at its 2013 meeting in Austin, I was proud to be associated with Birmingham at this international science gathering.

Same at the 2012 National Weather Association meeting when I accepted their Broadcaster of the Year award in Madison, Wisc. In fact, many asked me how they could break into our market and move here.

This is a special city with a bright future. I am proud to be from Birmingham and Alabama. You need to feel the same way. Let’s enjoy the ride back to being the Magic City.

• • •

James Spann is chief meteorologist for Birmingham’s ABC 33/40, joining 1 month after the station signed on in 1996. In all, he has been a TV weather anchor for 36 years.

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @spann | Instagram

• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

• • •

Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Singer Luis Coronel performing in August at Rancho El Centenario in Mt. Olive. From Erika Garcia.

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Canadian electronic duo Purity Ring performs in September at Iron City on Southside. From Blair Scott.

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Rancho Viejo. From El ZurdoMquez Alegre.

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Katie Hardin competes in her first U.S. Figure Skating competition at the Freestyle 2 level in summer’s Magic City Ice Classic at the Pelham Civic Complex. From Saxena Video Productions.

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A trip through the Goo-Goo Express Wash on Southside. From Kim Sebastian.

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A look at the photo archives of the Birmingham News, Huntsville Times and Press-Register in the Mobile office. From Robert Clay.

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Indiana prog rock band Umphrey’s McGee performs “Power of Soul” in September at Avondale Brewery. From psn abraxasnd.

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Singer-songwriter and former UAB football player Sam Hunt performs in September at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. From Brandi H.

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A quick trip through downtown. From Preston Eaves.

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Pepper Place wins the Urban Land Institute Atlanta District Council 2013 Awards for Excellence. From uliatlantaawards.

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Florida metal band Bind performs in August at the High Note on Southside. From NCHC.

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L.A. rapper Earl Sweatshirt performs in September at Iron City on Southside (our vertical video of the week). From Carkles.

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Figure skaters Emily Sanders and Anna Blankenship have fun at the Pelham Civic Complex. From Aly Hathcock.

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Metal band Gwar performs in September at Iron City on Southside. From zombiegorehound.

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Atlanta rocker Tedo Stone visits LightRails downtown. From Ethan Payne.

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Buffalo Bills defensive tackle (and former Alabama player) Marcell Dareus talks to children at a city park after committing $100,000 over five years to the Birmingham Parks and Recreation. From ABC 33/40.

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A look at the Franklin Graham Festival of Hope in August at UAB’s Bartow Arena. From Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

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Birmingham rock band the Burning Peppermints performs “Ned Schneeblee” in September at Magnetic Audio in East Avondale. From Spectra Sonic Sound Sessions.

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“Motorcycles have been racing up and down First Avenue North all night. I stepped outside with my phone and heard them immediately. A police car was 100 feet behind them, did nothing.” From David Morrison.

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Driving from Southside to Inverness. From sultan sultan.

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Country singer Hunter Hayes performs in September at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From Brandi H.

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September’s Tour de Hops bike ride through Avondale and Southside. From cheesellama.

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Van Halen performs “Jump” in September at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From gotcrush.

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Ride for Kids raised more than $50,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in its September motorcycle event. From Rory Luther.

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More from the Festival of Hope. From Luz Clemente.

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Teaser for Good Grit Magazine. From Jordan Mahy.

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Alex on the climbing wall (our other vertical video of the week). From thkufan.

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The new class makes its entrance for the Birmingham Kappa League. From Melvin Heath.

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Timelapse footage of construction at Kinetic Communications in 2014. From Paige Simpson.

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Spanish rock group Jarabe de Palo performs in April at the Nick on Southside (our other other vertical video of the week). From liliana.

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“Alabama TV” talks with FBI agent Roger Stanton. From Latino News LLC.

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A look at the Children’s Harbor Pig Iron BBQ Challenge fund-raiser, returning Oct. 16 to the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. From United for Life Foundation.

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A mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. From Richard Womack.

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Savannah jazz guitarist Walter Parks performs “Who Am I to Play the Blues” in September at Moonlight on the Mountain in Hoover. From Walter Parks and Swamp Cabbage.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

Photo: Rain0975 (CC)

“Four Spirits” in downtown’s Kelly Ingram Park memorializes the
girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963.
Birmingham is overflowing with talented artists, and the people
who support them.

•

Get the full version of this essay in our free ebook.
Details at the end.

•

By Jess Simpson

Ask me what could make the biggest difference in the future of Birmingham with the least muscle required (meaning unrealistic wads of money, seemingly unattainable widespread cooperation among politicians, core infrastructure evolution, etc.), and my answer is always …

Our creative capital.

Birmingham is overflowing with talented artists, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, choreographers, producers, actors, playwrights, authors, painters, sculptors, metal workers, photographers and patrons.

Ask almost anyone what they like about living in Birmingham, and they will talk about a favorite event or festival; the quality of our museums, symphony and ballet; the growing gallery and visual arts scene; the discovery of a new artist; or our ever-expanding array of top-notch performance spaces.

Anyone who doubts Birmingham’s creative capital simply isn’t paying attention.

For many years, I had the privilege of working for one of the city’s art centers, seeking performers to showcase. What I found again and again while scouting “outside” talent, is that local artists have as much or more talent than almost any other community in the land. And they consistently produce beautiful, thought-provoking work with astonishingly few resources.

In March 2015, I asked a panel of these artists, “What would happen if we dreamed big artistically?” Based on their thoughtful responses, it was clear: We have no shortage of big dreams brewing in the wings — we just the need the resources to bring them to fruition.

Finding inspiration, supporting grand thinking

Along the oceanfront promenade of Zadar, Croatia, visitors can experience the impact of visionary art. In reflecting upon my recent visit, I found my thoughts once again turning to Birmingham.

The Adriatic coastal area, once heavily bombed and scarred from war, is a magnet today for locals and tourists, thanks in large part to two public art installations. One, called the “Sea Organ,” uses air created by passing boats to create music through a series of pipes, delivering sweet sounds through the city day and night. The other, “Greeting to the Sun,” soaks up solar energy to produce a giant, out-of-this-world light show at night.

Both are free, self-perpetuating and constantly running. Universally acclaimed for creating hope and excitement where once stood only devastation and despair, these projects have helped to make Zadar one of Europe’s hottest destinations.

We have that same potential to engage and transform the world through the beauty and power of art. It requires that we, collectively and individually, make a commitment to educate, nurture, recruit and support artists.

Here’s how to start …

1. Collect work from Birmingham-based artists.
2. Buy tickets to shows.
3. Encourage original work.
4. Nurture curiosity about innovative art.
5. Help artists make meaningful connections.
6. Use influence to seek support for artistic projects.
7. Support bold ideas.
8. Elevate our talent at every opportunity.
9. Partner with artists on cross-pollination.
10. Demand engaging art programs in our schools.
11. Position Birmingham as a place where artists thrive.
12. And, by all means, kick the inclination to think of local as “second tier” to the curb.

Creating an environment where the arts can flourish takes dedication. It also takes heart.

And, that’s where the good news keeps coming. Birmingham has a heart so big, it can’t long be denied.

• • •

Lover of a colorful story and a good margarita, Jess Simpson is a Birmingham writer chasing a dream of slow travel through a fast world. Her recently published work includes “Greetings from Birmingham” for Paste.

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @aGypsyGene | LinkedIn | Instagram

• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

• • •

Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.

Photo: bg5000 (CC)

Photo: Southern Foodways Alliance (CC)

While Birmingham landmark Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs no longer
operates, the Birmingham hot dog lives on at other
Greek-established restaurants. City history offers many
opportunities to attract outsiders.

•

Get the full version of this essay in our free ebook.
Details at the end.

•

By Charles Buchanan

The future of Birmingham is in its past.

Birmingham has a lot riding on its ability to cultivate — and capitalize on — the people, places and history that give the metro area its unique personality. Developers and city planners would be wise to take a look around them. Often, those who figure out ways to incorporate elements of our local DNA are rewarded with an enthusiastic response.

Take Regions Field. Parts of its design echo the metal-casting sheds of Sloss Furnaces and the light towers of Rickwood Field. Visitors can relax in rocking chairs while eating Dreamland ribs. Since the Birmingham Barons moved to Regions Field, the team has experienced a boom in attendance.

It’s not nostalgia that’s powering such reactions from the public. Instead, I chalk it up to a growing feeling of pride in Birmingham from the people who live here, which dovetails nicely with the larger cultural emphasis on “local” in everything from vegetables to beer to art.

This homegrown enthusiasm also has the potential to help redefine Birmingham’s image across the country. I once met someone who traveled to Birmingham because he was a fan of native son Sun Ra, an innovative musician who took jazz into outer space and back. I don’t think he found much to memorialize the sonic pioneer, unfortunately. But it would be easy for Birmingham to create a music trail — along the lines of the Civil Rights Heritage Trail or even in the form of a smartphone app — to guide visitors to sites associated with the city’s rich history in jazz, R&B, rock, country, gospel and other genres.

Likewise, Birmingham could become a center for ecotourism — a sort of Asheville of the Deep South — capitalizing on its close proximity to scenic places such as the Sipsey Wilderness and the Cahaba River. Closer into town, Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, Oak Mountain and the emerging Red Rock trail system offer easy access to outdoor adventures.

In addition, no other place can lay claim to the Birmingham hot dog, the secret-sauce slathered staple invented by Greek immigrants and made famous by dozens of tiny lunch stands, including Pete’s Famous. Few of those stands remain today, but we can still champion the dog that once fueled the workers who powered Birmingham’s industries that, in turn, made America hum.

Or how about Birmingham’s Batman, Willie Perry? The good Samaritan who once rescued stranded motorists from his souped-up Batmobile is back in the civic spotlight. His car is slated for restoration, a documentary about him is in the works, and his life has inspired Willie Perry Day, a day of service to the community each Aug. 3. You won’t find many real-life superheroes out there, but we have one who remains a force for good.

These unique stories have the power to surprise people across the country who think they know all there is to know about Birmingham and Alabama. By mining our own history and culture, we can mold fresh, colorful images of the city, new symbols for an emerging metropolis.

• • •

Charles Buchanan is editor of UAB Magazine, author of “Fading Ads of Birmingham” [aff. link] and an artist.

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• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

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Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.

Photo: Chris Happel (CC)

Coming to Birmingham from another part of the country can
induce culture shock, but Southern hospitality and smiles
can ease the transition.

•

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Details at the end.

•

By Bertha Hidalgo

The future of Birmingham is evolving, and that’s exciting!

I am thrilled to experience its growth, to live in a city changing for the better. I have worked for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, one of the premier medical and public health institutions, since I arrived. UAB attracts top scientists from all over the world. I have been surrounded by other transplants since Day 1 who love our city as much as I do.

But it was rough in the beginning.

I moved from Los Angeles to Birmingham in August 2007. I didn’t know anyone in town, aside from my husband. He had to work the day after we arrived, so I was left to discover the city alone. I recall leaving our apartment complex in Hoover and driving on Alabama 150. After about a mile, I pulled into an Arby’s parking lot and cried for an hour. Few things were familiar to me. My family, favorite stores, comfort food restaurants and weather … they were all missing. Everything was different.

Birmingham has changed, as has my opinion of it. Familiar stores and restaurants from L.A. are sprouting up around the city. Chipotle and Pinkberry were two eateries I missed the most. Not long after my arrival, they arrived as well. Nordstrom Rack also came and made this place feel more like home. The music and food scenes have also evolved significantly since 2007, receiving national recognition.

Some things about Birmingham — and the South — have impressed me significantly. People send handwritten notes and gifts. Strangers smile and say hello. Baggers take groceries out to the car. Life is slower in Birmingham, at least compared to Los Angeles. Time not spent in traffic driving 50 miles to work is extra time I dedicate to my family. The cost of living is incredibly lower in Birmingham than L.A., another major reason we continue to live here. In all, a more personal, higher-quality way of living — I really like that.

I have grown to love a few special things about Birmingham. I like experiencing four seasons, as mild as they may be. I really adore everyone’s passion for football, particularly because it means making and eating party food, or … shopping time. Malls and stores are ghost towns during the games. Score!

I discovered my love for the word “y’all” as well! Best. conjugation. ever.

So here I am, 8 years later, with roots in the ground and no immediate plans to leave. I’ve made great friends, many of whom I consider family. Birmingham is becoming more like the place I left and less like the place I came to in 2007.

I may never truly understand some things about Birmingham and its people. (Let’s just say I don’t get crawfish.) But it is a city that has shown me a lot of love, a place to start a family and ultimately, a place to live my life. Birmingham will forever have a place in my heart and remain a home away from home.

• • •

Bertha Hidalgo is an assistant professor in the epidemiology department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an associate scientist at the UAB Nutrition and Obesity Research Center, faculty scholar at the Center for the Study of Community Health, chair of the Minority Affairs Committee for the American College of Epidemiology and blogger at Chic in Academia.

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @BerthaHidalgo | LinkedIn | Instagram

• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

• • •

Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.

Photo: Lee Burchfield (CC)

St. Paul and the Broken Bones is just one of the many
Birmingham bands of late to attract a national following.

•

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•

By Kenn McCracken

The future is constantly changing, fluid and shifting with no guarantees.

Perspective changes your view of the future; your place and standing in the macrocosm, your priorities and interests and experiences — those will draw your focus of where we’re headed. As someone who has worn many hats over my four-plus decades, my perspective incorporates culture in Birmingham, both as creator and audience.

Had you asked me 5 or 10 years ago about the future of Birmingham’s music scene, I would have given you a different answer than I would today. Then, the city was less known for Verbena, Remy Zero or Azure Ray (all enjoying varying levels of success on the national scene) than for Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. Local bands of all genres might draw audiences, but couldn’t draw the same level of support as cover bands like the Velcro Pygmies or the Cheesebrokers.

Even with venues like Five Points Music Hall and the Nick (not to mention the pre-corporate Oak Mountain Amphitheatre or Sloss Furnaces), seeing a rising national act required a trip to Nashville or Atlanta. The general consensus among my friends — both fans and musicians — was that Birmingham was a musical dead end.

Fast-forward to 2015, and the outlook as a city that supports music is much brighter. Venues like Iron City, Tin Roof and Saturn bring in many acts that I never would have imagined we’d see in Birmingham, and crowds come out to support those shows. (RIP Bottletree Cafe.) Birmingham Mountain Radio, which started as an Internet-only station in 2010, has expanded to the FM airwaves not only locally but also in Tuscaloosa.

I’ve lost count of local bands gone national, including Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires, Azure Ray, Duquette Johnson and A.A. Bondy (both previously in Verbena), the Great Book of John and St. Paul and the Broken Bones. This year saw the first SlossFest and the third Cask and Drum festival. And, speaking purely from someone who favors rock, Birmingham’s other genres — country, jazz and blues — all continue to thrive.

The entire time, we’ve had musicians who stayed in Birmingham despite better opportunities elsewhere. We’ve had venue managers who continued to support local music, and entrepreneurs who started venues and radio stations to provide sustenance to hungry listeners. Most importantly, we’ve had a shift in the audience, not just in tastes but also in willingness to support those bands and businesses.

All of them chose to stay, determined to change the future to suit themselves. And their efforts paid off: In the short span of 10 years, the future of Birmingham inverted itself in the musical sense.

As with so many songs, the future of Birmingham is unwritten. We the lifelong residents, we the childhood transplants, we the adult immigrants … we are the authors. If your inner musician is determined enough, positive enough and willing to smile in the face of failure, the future of Birmingham is yours to write, and to tell, and to play.

• • •

Kenn McCracken is the co-host and curator of the weekly show “(The Show With No Name)” on Birmingham Mountain Radio, bassist for the Exhibit(s) and master of his own liver.

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @insomniactive | LinkedIn | Instagram

• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

• • •

Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.

Photo: Curtis Fockele (CC)

The Drive-By Truckers perform at Iron City on Southside.
The venue has not only brought in bands from the South
but also from across the nation.

•

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Details at the end.

•

By Jackie Lo

Those of us who love Birmingham are slowly nurturing and hand-feeding this beautiful city with our passion and adoration. Naysayers have moved from and come back to a very different city. Outsiders have taken notice, written articles, shared our secrets. But, eventually the surprise will leave their tone and will be replaced with respect and their own adoration.

More traveling bands will put a pin in Birmingham on their tour maps. More people will attend local venues. Record shops will flourish, and underground radio will thrive and shake up the quality of music that hits our airwaves. Local bands playing at home will really mean something to everyone involved.

Women will make as much money as men do at the same job. They will be free to make their own choices about their bodies and not have to worry about what the politicians at the Capital have to say about it or if their rights or clinics will be shut down. Contraceptives will be affordable, and sex education will be available to everyone.

Gay marriage will be accepted in all counties in the state, and we will look back on that day outside the courthouse and realize we saw history happen in our city. A city that helped lead civil rights for race equality has now made strides for sexual equality. LGBT couples will be able to have all of the same rights that straight couples enjoy.

Drunk driving will be greatly reduced as ridesharing options such as Uber and Lyft will be available to our city. Waiting 45 minutes for a taxi will be a thing of the past. Public transportation will be easier and available in more places. Bike sharing will be a huge success as bike lanes and walking paths will spread throughout the city.

Marijuana will be legalized. We will be one of the last states to implement it, but when we do, we will realize it isn’t the terrible monster it’s made out to be. The war on drugs and violence within our city will have one less component, and our jails won’t stay at capacity because of it.

We will have a lottery that properly funds our education system to increase the quality of schools citywide. Our kids will be smarter than we ever were and “Alabama jokes” won’t hold the same weight they once did.

We will take pride in our amazing food and drinks, and more outstanding and award-winning restaurants and bars will open and be successful. We will have more places downtown that stay open at night and more late night options as well. “Locally Sourced” and “Locally Made” will be on every new menu.

Construction will continue to boom downtown, and we will keep moving into renovated old structures that once were abandoned and in shambles. New construction will continue to be thoughtful and add interest to our skyline, and everyone will see downtown as the place I’ve always loved.

Progress. That is what the future of Birmingham holds. We’ve seen it happening. It might be slow, but that’s our brand of progress, a slow and steady growth. We have pride, and we know how to fight. Wanting more and never being quite satisfied is what sets us apart. We always appreciate what we have to work for instead of what is simply given to us.

• • •

Jackie Lo (a k a Jacklyn Loquidis Hamric) is editor in chief of the blog I Am the F-Bomb, DJ for the weekly “Jackie Lo Show” on Substrate Radio, interior designer at Cohen Carnaggio Reynolds and a musician.

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @TheJackieLoShow | LinkedIn | Instagram

• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

• • •

Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Visiting the African Village in America display in the Woodland Park neighborhood. From Komodosnow.

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Flying to Birmingham for a fun outing. From David Granberry.

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Taking the Tour de Hops brewery bike tour on Sept. 5. From Nathania Nhouyvanisvong.

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A nighttime trip to Vulcan. From Spa Guy.

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Basketball workout at Samford’s gym. From Derrick Jones.

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Birmingham-Southern College cross country season opener in September. From Sharks Soccer.

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Britain’s Oxford Pharmaceuticals breaks ground in Birmingham on its U.S. headquarters. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Chicago singer-songwriter Jennifer Hall sings “Baby, It’s You” in August at the Nick on Southside. From JennHallMusic.

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California norteño band Los Tigres del Norte performs at Rancho el Centenario in Mt. Olive. From tdb313.

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“What Do You Think of the Fountain?” asks people about Frank Fleming’s sculpture the Storyteller in Five Points South. From AlexanderSoundsLike.

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Atlanta singer-songwriter Liz Brasher performs “Old Bones” at Renaissance Records in Five Points South (our vertical video of the week). From Liz Brasher.

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Downtown dancing. From Wally Chung.

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Hoop for Fitness holds a September Flow Fusion event at Veterans Park in Hoover. From Carron Bullard.

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The first round of the Magic City Mega Bowl disc golf tournament in June at the Inverness Disc Golf Course in Hoover. From the Disc Golf Channel.

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Chris Brown performs “Take You Down” in September at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From Chris Brown.

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Staring down Satchel Paige from the plate at the Negro Southern League Museum. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Nashville Americana band Runaway Home performs “Dreams” in August as part of the Small Stages concert series. From Runaway Home Band.

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A 10-mile bike ride through downtown Birmingham. From Katie Boyd.

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Welcome to fall, inside the car (our square video of the week). From Otis Bridges.

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Cars and Coffee at Brookwood Village (our other vertical video of the week). From ZachPlaysPC.

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Drone footage of Railroad Park. From Paul Cammarata.

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The Brickyard: “Lester Kasai and Jim Gray were in town for a Gotcha street demo (in 1988) at a local mall, and we took them out to the ramp afterwards.” From Andrew Birdwell.

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Birmingham city council member Steven Hoyt criticizes al.com community coverage. From citycouncilbham.

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A look at the civil rights movement called “Battle for Birmingham.” From Christopher Carmody.

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New York singer-songwriter Prince Royce opens for Ariana Grande last week at Legacy Arena. From Maria Avellaneda.

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Chimney swifts downtown. From Ray Howze.

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Promo for the Slay the Runway Total Look Competition fund-raiser for Pathways in November at Boutwell Auditorium. From Mimi Luvshair.

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A slice of life, including a trip to the top of the Children’s of Alabama parking deck. From allGODbuddy LLC.

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Birthday party, complete with DJ and dancing. From Bill Prince.

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Hanging out at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. From Mindless Reviews.

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Promo for Saturday’s Fiesta. From Orlando Rosa.

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Music video for “Patient Time” from Birmingham alt-rock band Nat B. and the Boys. From Kilzo Films.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

Photo: Shannon (CC)

The Sloss Music and Arts Festival launched earlier this year.
While new events can enrich city life, many residents continue
to lack basic services and help.

•

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Details at the end.

•

By Caperton Gillett

I’d never really considered the future of Birmingham. In my inherent cynicism, I figured that the future of this city would be more or less identical to the present.

It’s not something one likes to discover about oneself.

And I recognize that it’s neither entirely accurate nor entirely founded. Things in Birmingham are changing dramatically for the better. It’s a place to be on purpose. We’re on lists that start with “The Top 10 Places” — and good ones, not like “The Top 10 Places for Competitive Tulip Growers.” A metropolitan area once known for largely for racial tension, record-breaking bankruptcy and obesity (we’re Top 3!) is now a city worth bragging about, and more so seemingly every day.

Birmingham has a legitimate downtown loft district, complete with actual entertainment, culture and nightlife in an area that used to roll up its sidewalks at 9 p.m. Downtown and surrounding areas are filling up with homegrown stores and restaurants, keeping money in the local economy and just giving us a reason to get out and meet our neighbors.

We have parks — nice ones. We have a baseball stadium — a really nice one. The hops? Free as a bird. Landmarks and cultural touchpoints are being restored with an eye to preserving our history instead of ignoring it; our sidewalks are literally teeming with filmmakers and walkers and crawlers of art. We have festivals the way rural towns have agricultural fairs (are we going to start crowning a Miss Cask and Drum? please?), and they’re well attended.

Just as notable as the positive changes are the changes that haven’t been happening. And the people to whom they haven’t been happening.

The ZIP code encompassing the loft district, many civic buildings and much of the new culture and entertainment happens to be the second-poorest ZIP code in Alabama, the seventh-poorest state in the country. The poverty rate surrounding all of those gorgeous luxury lofts is 50 percent; citywide, the rate is just above 30 percent.

Increasingly trendy neighborhoods like Avondale are pushing out crime and unpleasantness to make way for art, quirky bars, home renovation and rising property values. But caught in the tide are some longtime residents who can’t afford to hang with increasingly affluent newcomers. Often, infrastructural issues long unaddressed by the city finally see action once the neighborhood is nice enough to be deemed worth fixing.

The growth and revitalization of these de-vitalized parts of the city isn’t a bad trend. Residents have organized, worked hard and worked consciously to make their neighborhood a better place by reviving dilapidated houses, bringing in local businesses and supporting schools. Avondale is unquestionably a cleaner, safer and livelier neighborhood, thanks to its proponents.

But many neighbors who benefit from it aren’t the ones who made their homes there before it got fancy. “Improving neighborhoods” and “improving life for current residents” aren’t always simultaneous goals.

Issues like poverty must be addressed head-on. If an area is improved by pushing out the impoverished, they aren’t any better off. They’re just … elsewhere.

• • •

Caperton Gillett is a senior copywriter at o2 ideas and a freelance writer.

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @capertong | LinkedIn

• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

• • •

Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.