Wade on Birmingham

The Birmingham channel: Jack Bauer lives!

Monday, May 30th, 2016

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Jackson-Olin cornerback Mackell Pippen wins a friendly footrace. From al.com.

UAB student Jeni Weber applies to be a University Innovation Fellows Candidate and discusses redesigning education. From Jeni W.

In April, the Birmingham Museum of Art featured a collaboration between photographer Jared Ragland and improvisational musicians LaDonna Smith and S.I. Reasoning, with dancing from a local Butoh troupe. From S.I. Reasoning.

UAB fine arts student Anna Zoladz, who has turned an internship at Birmingham’s Random Logic Games into a full-time job, demonstrates her first game, Bot Jump. From UAB Magazine.

Driving south on I-65, then north on I-459, with all exits marked. From the Solarcatcher.

Heavy metal artist Rob Zombie performs “More Human Than Human” earlier this month at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From sinandpunishment.

Paul Simon performs “The Boy in the Bubble” earlier this month at the BJCC Concert Hall downtown. From Robby Stewart.

Riding motorcycles on downtown streets. From Vagabondo.

Promo for First Church downtown. From First Church.

Promo for Birmingham consulting firm 45 Inc. From 45 Inc.

An Armstrong family trip to the Birmingham Zoo. From Armstrong Family.

The April grand opening of the Cooper Green Baseball Complex in the Powderly neighborhood. From Alabama NewsCenter.

Drone footage of Regions Field and downtown. From Cullman Aerial and Real Estate Photography.

An outing at the Birmingham zoo. From Morgans Booth.

The Kiefer Sutherland Band performs in April at WorkPlay in Lakeview. From April Tackett.

A look at the nonprofit Birmingham Education Foundation. From UAB Media Studies.

Macon, Ga., blogger Molly McWilliams Wilkins tours Birmingham. From Brandon Everett Thompson.

Celebrating the birth of Nahshon Joaquin Garcia, apostle of Jesus Christ. From Berea Internacional.

Full set from Swedish heavy metal band Ghost, earlier this month at Iron City on Southside. From Halie Hadden.

The Birmingham Prime battle the New York Outlaws at the 2015 paintball quarterfinals in Dallas. From Team PR1ME Paintball Fan.

California singer-songwriter Tori Kelly performs in April at Iron City. From Jennifer Le.

British cover band the Molly Ringwalds performs “Livin’ on a Prayer” earlier this month at Iron City. From Happenin’s in the ‘Ham.

A LEED-certified home built by Habitat for Humanity. From Alabama Power.

The Birmingham Prelude Strings performs with the Alabama Youth Symphony earlier this month at the Alys Stephens Center on Southside. From Finley Evans.

Mountain biking at Oak Mountain State Park. From Larry Bird.

Animals at the Birmingham Zoo take limbs and leaves from power line tree trimming. From Alabama NewsCenter.

Chicago heavy metal band Disturbed performs a cover of “Killing in the Name” earlier this month at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. From DISTURBEDpedia.

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The Birmingham channel

The Birmingham channel: A tumble in spring

Monday, April 18th, 2016

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Homewood High School show choirs sing the national anthem before the Walk MS April fund-raiser at Regions Field. From Leewood.

Montevallo Heart of Dixie Brawl collegiate track and field competition earlier this month. From Sharks Soccer.

Retired federal judge U.W. Clemon, who serves as an associate attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in a decades-old Jefferson County school desegregation case, talks about the rezoning plan for Hoover City Schools earlier this month outside the federal courthouse downtown. From Starnes Publishing.

The West Georgia Takeover plays the Birmingham Blaze during the Southern Spring Invitational basketball tournament earlier this month at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. From Chris Davis.

The Birmingham AAU Super Regional volleyball tournament earlier this month at the CrossPlex in Five Points West. From Billy Edmondson.

Weekly announcements for Gateway Family Church in Trussville. From Gateway Family Church.

A night at the Outcry Christian music concert earlier this month at Legacy Arena downtown. From Deirdre V.

Promo for Birmingham-Southern College. From MobileCause.

Watching Birmingham drivers navigate light snow from an office window. From Keith McCanless.

Robbie and William play in March at Vulcan Park. From Bruce Bonga.

La La La of Mountain Brook’s Linda Dobbins Dance performs at February’s Industry Dance Awards at the Alabama Theatre downtown, winning Outstanding Performance. From KARtv.

Mimes perform on Palm Sunday at the East Birmingham Church of God in Christ in Woodlawn. From Deborah Lyons.

The keynote panel at the American Institute of Architects annual conference Grassroots, “The 21st-Century City: What do cities need from architects?” includes Birmingham mayor William Bell and Birmingham architect Cheryl Morgan. The event took place in February in Detroit. From AIA Content Team.

Music video for Unexpected’s “Best of Both Worlds.” From Phillip Davison.

Taking a spin on the AmTryke, therapeutic tricycle for riders with physical disabilities (our vertical video of the week). From Mountain Brook Websites.

NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, his daughter Scarlett and girlfriend Paige ride a camel earlier this month at the Birmingham Zoo before his race at Talladega. From AL.com.

Auburn grad Fuller Hanan explains how her participation in the Birmingham Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team has impacted her career and understanding of how architecture can contribute to communities. From AIANational.

William rolls down a hill in March at Vulcan Park. From Bruce Bonga.

The Xi Mu chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho presents “The Real Poodles of UAB.” From Xi Mu SGRhos.

A dance performance at Arise Birmingham in the Crestline neighborhood (our other vertical video of the week). From New Sound Of Heaven.

Drone footage of Railroad Park downtown. From Jonjons Typhoon 4k.

British metal band Napalm Death performs earlier this month at Iron City on Southside. From Jay Burnham.

Landing at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (our other other vertical video of the week). From Johnny Christenberry.

Kenny Chesney performs in 2015 at Legacy Arena. From Andy Lamon.

Metal band the Melvins performs earlier this month at Iron City. From Jay Burnham.

Promo for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. From Blaq Angel Media.

Promo for an April 30 Minecraft tournament at the Carmike Summit. From Super League Gaming.

A look at the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa Kennel Club Dog Show earlier this month at the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana. From ShelbyAL.

Chicago pastor John Eckhardt earlier this month at the Pelham Civic Complex (our other other other vertical video of the week). From Tron Moses.

Dr. Louis Burt Nabors of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, speaks earlier this month at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network conference in Hollywood, Fla. From Harborside Press.

Denver comedian Steve “Mudflap” McGrew visits WBRC-6 and the Steak ‘n Shake. From Wrinkled Sheets.

A look at the 36/86 Southern Series pitch competition earlier this month at Iron City. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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The Birmingham channel

The Birmingham channel: From every angle

Monday, March 14th, 2016

A look at Birmingham in videos …

A look at iLead Escape, a conference for ministers last week at Faith Chapel Christian Center near McDonald Chapel (our vertical video of the week). From Janice Johnson.

The Vestavia Hills High School Literacy Club created this commercial for the Birmingham Reads Book Drive Challenge. From Better Basics.

The Birmingham Blaze beats the Panhandle Crusaders 14-12 in last week’s season opener at Carver Field. From T4Films.

Selfie-guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. From Pimp Juice.

Abby and Ava compete in and win the Champion Spirit Group Bama Challenge in February at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex downtown. From Cheer Pro Athletics.

The Standing Ovation Talent Group performs “Four Little Girls — the Birmingham Church Bombing 1963” in February in Orlando. From Dionne Beasley.

Andrew Robison (73) of Louisiana participates in February’s Future150 Underclassmen Camp Birmingham All-Star Game at Carver High in North Birmingham. From Drew Robison.

Clips from Tuscaloosa’s Allison Boyd, a graduate of Birmingham-Southern. She has appeared in “Suburgatory,” “Oculus” and “Two Broke Girls.” From EC/FC.

Super Bowl promo for Art Franklin on WIAT-42. From Kristi Joiner.

Cab driver Steve K. records a passenger’s complaint about another cabbie in October. From Steve K.

Cab driver Steve K. receives a note, “Snitches get stitches.” From Steve K.

Cab driver Steve K.: “Yellow Cab speeds through Birmingham. Crash pic at end. 78-year-old cab driver disregards law. Known for speeding/racing.” From Steve K.

Mary Greeley looks at Birmingham’s minimum wage battle with the Legislature. From Mary Greeley.

Drone footage of the Zamora Shrine Center in Irondale. From Brian Campbell.

WABM-68 station sign-off with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” From Bhamtown.

Kansas City tribute band Almost KISS performs in 2014 at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From SuperKiss1100.

The 2016 Birmingham Addy Awards intro video from UAB Digital Media. From Stephen M. Stark.

An idea pitch, Level Up, for the 2016 Birmingham Addy Awards. From Stephen M. Stark.

On “Deer and Wildlife Stories,” Keith Warren meets fellow deer breeder and Birmingham attorney Rusty Weaver, who owns Guntersville deer farm Weaver Two Whitetails. From Rustic River Media.

Mississippi musician Luther Dickinson performs “Mayor Langford Birmingham Blues” earlier this month at the Acoustic in Bridgeport, Conn. From Frederick Matt.

Promo for “A Night of Miracles Encounter” with Christina Glenn Weeks on April 24 at the BJCC South Ballroom downtown. From PCGWM.

Drone footage of the Birmingham Zoo, including areas under construction. From Birmingham Zoo.

Highlight reel for Jabari Weeks of Hueytown High. From Street Light Recruiting.

Florida high schooler narrates his latest gamer video by describing his recent trip to Birmingham. From akaSyzygy.

British metal band Bullet for My Valentine performs “Tears Don’t Fall” in February at Iron City on Southside. From Jennifer Devereaux.

Weather Channel, Birmingham edition. From Welcome to the Woods.

Drone footage of the weekly Birmingham Cars and Coffee meetup at Hoover Tactical Firearms. From William Panik.

Rappers Cory Savage, Mississippi Maal, Digga and Roc Reels perform in “The Birmingham Underground Cypher Part 4.” From Roc Reels.

Browsing Barnes and Noble. From 지상선.

A visit to the 2014 Bassmaster Classic World Championship at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex downtown. From the Carlstar Group.

Promo for WBHM (90.3 FM) storytelling program “Localore: Finding America.” From Chris Lewis, Nash Films.

Celebrating Dr. Seuss during Read Across America earlier this month at Hayes K-8 School in North Avondale. From Jill Gilardi.

Hanging out at Uptown and the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. From Charles Crepps.

Nashville rock band the Vegabonds shows life on the road from Oxford, Miss., to Birmingham. From the Vegabonds.

Singer-songwriter and actor Keith Robinson performs at Steel Lounge downtown. From Tanisha D. Davis.

Baton Rouge rapper Kevin Gates chats with the audience earlier this month at Iron City (our other vertical video of the week). From Dorothy Gordon.

Portland band Ant’lrd performs in November at Saturn in Avondale. From Non Films.

Birmingham-Southern beats LaGrange College 93-91 in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament last week at Emory University in Atlanta. From Emory Sports.

Birmingham-Southern coach Chris Graves recaps the win. From Emory Sports.

Rep. John Lewis of Georgia speaks at Moore Styles Barber Shop downtown while on a campaign stop with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. From Andre Thomas.

A look at February’s Repticon Birmingham Reptile and Exotic Animal Show at the Zamora Shrine Center in Irondale (our other other vertical video of the week). From the Royal Wolf.

IndyCar racing video game on a virtual track based on Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds. From WarlitzkiLp.

Drone footage of Birmingham, including Vulcan Park, Railroad Park and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. From Marks Media Wedding Films.

Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge performs “Who Are You Waiting For” in February at the Alys Stephens Center on Southside (our other other other vertical video of the week). From karisjhall.

Javier and Erica demonstrate a Bachata combo. From Unricka Jenkins Jr.

Athens, Ga., indie pop musician Kishi Bashi performs “It All Began With a Burst” at Iron City on Southside. From treser62.

Time-lapse footage of sunset over Lake Purdy. From Matt Ezell.

Helmet cam of a heat with the Alabama Pro Racers League at Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Bessemer. From SIMCO Motorsports.

Krystal J. Grant performs “Bethena, A Concert Waltz” in February at Mountain Brook Community Church. From Ars Arvole.

Exploring the Japanese Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. From Nomadic Officiant.

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The Birmingham channel

The Birmingham channel: Primary warmup

Monday, February 29th, 2016

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Pre-show fun with the band Florida Georgia Line in 2014 at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From Florida Georgia Line.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks Saturday at Miles College. From ABC 33/40.

Philip Kimani performs at Laborers in Christ Ministries in Homewood. From Kikuyu Diaspora Television USA.

Promotional video for the Birmingham Water Works. From Vulcan Media.

WIAT-42 segment with Chris VanCleave, a k a the Redneck Rosarian, before his appearance at the Birmingham Home and Garden Show earlier this month. From Redneck Rosarian.

Music from Faith Apostolic Church in West End. From Adrienne Nixonforfac.

Taj India on Southside says thank you. From Linked2 Social.

A look at the nonprofit group Animal League of Birmingham. From Starnes Publishing.

Promotional video for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, featuring Ruben Studdard. From Telegraph Creative.

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks Saturday at Samford University. From ABC 33/40.

Christian rapper TobyMac performs “Til the Day I Die” earlier this month at Legacy Arena downtown. From Amber Smith.

Sightseeing tours of the Virgin Mary in Sterrett. From Medjugorje Apparitions.

Americana singer-songwriter Sara Syms performs “Fade to Blue” earlier this month at Moonlight on the Mountain in Hoover. From Sara Syms.

Doc McKenzie performs in December at East Birmingham Church of God in Christ in Woodlawn. From Jerol Tyson.

The 2007 Miles College Marching Band. From ShowtimeWeb.

Michael Board II and Imani Love perform “Fences” by August Wilson at the 2013 National Forensics League National Tournament in Birmingham. From Imani Love.

A trip to Railroad Park and more. From Randy and Anna.

Emily Dave performs “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri for her Anti-Valentine’s Ukulele Special. From Emily Dave.

The Block’s music video karaoke with Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You.” From The Block Birmingham.

Talking to a supporter downtown at Saturday’s rally for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. From Effectiveness Activator.

Road trip to see R5 perform at Iron City on Southside. From FS PJ.

Flying from Birmingham to Atlanta in January. From Trizity Tube.

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The Birmingham channel

The Birmingham channel: A light dusting of fun

Monday, January 25th, 2016

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Snow flurries in Birmingham. From Randy and Anna.

ESPN feature on Paul Finebaum caller Phyllis from Mulga. From ESPN.

A rainy fall day at Black Creek Park in Fultondale. From Joey Prestley.

A Rodan and Fields sales meeting earlier this month at the Birmingham Marriott (our vertical video of the week). From Emily Pennington.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks last week at Boutwell Auditorium. From Bernie Sanders.

“Rick and Bubba” producer Chris Adler goes to the Bernie Sanders campaign event. From Rick and Bubba.

Oakland heavy metal band Machine Head performs “Descend the Shades of Night” in December at Saturn in Avondale. From Mr. Gamma.

California rock band Eagles of Death Metal performs in September at Iron City on Southside. From esmith2785.

Promo for Birmingham startup Swoul Food. From SmartShoot Global.

“Pray for My City” by Keli, Big Bang, Whittni and Willie. From kenxlmusic.

Megan at Pump It Up last week in Pelham. From Anupam Agarwal.

Atlanta artists Ferragamo Frost and Finesse Team perform at Onyx Lounge in Smithfield. From Dapper Donn.

RV travel vloggers head to Birmingham, wandering around downtown and up to Vulcan. From Wanderlust Estate.

RV travel vloggers visit Rickwood Field and the Civil Rights District while chatting with a homeless man. From Wanderlust Estate.

Birmingham metalcore band Would You Kindly? performs “Sarcophagus” at the Syndicate Lounge on Southside. From Grow Visuals.

UAB student Ophelia Johnson earns a Marshall Scholarship, the second in school history. From UAB News.

A video being shot on location at night in North Birmingham (our other vertical video of the week). From Blackpower Nbham.

More snow from Thursday in Birmingham. From Bill Levey.

A look at “Tuxedo Junction,” a musical based on the early life of legendary jazz musician and Birmingham native, Erskine Hawkins. From Birmingham Children’s Theatre.

Promotional video for Birmingham’s Down in Front Productions. From Down in Front Productions.

San Francisco band the Dodos performs “Ohio” last week at Daniel Day Gallery in Lakeview. From Mark V Media.

Swedish metal band Sabaton performs in October 2014 at Iron City on Southside. From Jeremy Ingram.

Monster Jam earlier this month at the Legacy Arena. From jshlacoste06.

A look at Birmingham-based medical products company Movi. From Telegraph Creative.

Birmingham alt-rock band the Heavy Hearts performs earlier this month at the Nick on Southside. From the Nick.

David Fleming of REV Birmingham speaks at January’s Junior League meeting. From the Junior League of Birmingham.

Atlanta metal band Hounds performs in November at the Syndicate Lounge. From ShowDown5.

The DigiTour Slaybells Ice in December at Iron City. From Corin Bischoff.

A teaser for Five-Star Fitness’ 21 Days of Hell program. From Jason Flakes.

Flying into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport at Thanksgiving on a Cessna. From billinga.

A sermon from Joyful News Christian Church in North Birmingham. From Torlise Atkins.

Boston alt-rock band Guster performs “Demons” in February at Iron City. From treser62.

Short film shot in Birmingham, set to “Jealousy” by Roy Wood$. From Ty Obsxura.

Birmingham-Southern men’s basketball beats Thomas More in November’s Coach Connor Classic. From Anthony Wireman.

Commercial for the Ex-Your-Size fitness program from More Than Conquerors Faith Church in Woodland Park. From Posey Visual Arts.

Chartwell Dutiro performs in October at Trim Tab Brewing on Southside (our other other vertical video of the week). From Jeffrey Baer.

Jacob Barnett speaks at August’s Ignite Conference at the Alys Stephens Center, an event focusing on special needs advocacy. From Kulturecity.

Mountain Brook Junior High teachers give a shout out to speaker Josh Ochs. From Safe Smart Social.

The Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir performs in July at the Titusville AOH Church of God. From uspostman.

The Lighthouse Singers Gospel Choir performed at the Gospel Music Workshop of America convention in Atlanta in 1984, the first predominantly white group to do so. A crowdfunding campaign could bring the California-based performers back to the event, this summer in Birmingham. From Ray Thompson.

Tim Alexander addresses members of the Birmingham City Council on transportation access for everyone. From Joey Watson.

A promo for Birmingham Kickball. From Cardboard Titanics.

Center Point dance group Birmingham Slayers performs its routine, “King of the Stand Battle” by Poppy Colon. From Morgan Grace Films.

Downtown shenanigans, with bonus drone footage. From Rogelio Hernandez.

Footage from Birmingham locales, plus Muscle Shoals. From Mikey Rockwell.

Documentary “The Bessemer Cutoff” follows Jar’Derrica Kidd, 19, as she speaks on outsiders’ misconceptions of the city and how they affected her perceptions of herself and her peers. From Dillon Hayes.

Tanisha Iman performs at the third annual Transgender Day of Remembrance in November at Covenant Community Church in Center Point. From Maliek Powell.

Promo for Birmingham artist Vibez. From Chasity Herron.

The Psychedelic Furs performs “Heaven” in November at Iron City. From Barry Crane.

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The Birmingham channel

The Birmingham channel: A ukulele and a dream

Monday, October 19th, 2015

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.

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

Drone footage of Regions Bank downtown. From Kevin Henderson.

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

Carver at Corner in September. From Rich Pope.

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

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.

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

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

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

The Woodlawn Effect. From Sissy Hembree King.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exploring downtown for a day. From Emily Lorentz.

Evening at Railroad Park. From TheGREATescapist.

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The Birmingham channel: A seasonal shift in song

Monday, October 5th, 2015

A look at Birmingham in videos …

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

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

Rancho Viejo. From El ZurdoMquez Alegre.

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.

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

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

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

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

A quick trip through downtown. From Preston Eaves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

“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.

Driving from Southside to Inverness. From sultan sultan.

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

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

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

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

More from the Festival of Hope. From Luz Clemente.

Teaser for Good Grit Magazine. From Jordan Mahy.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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The Birmingham channel: Flights of fancy

Monday, September 28th, 2015

A look at Birmingham in videos …

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

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

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

A nighttime trip to Vulcan. From Spa Guy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Downtown dancing. From Wally Chung.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drone footage of Railroad Park. From Paul Cammarata.

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.

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

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

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

Chimney swifts downtown. From Ray Howze.

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

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

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

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

Promo for Saturday’s Fiesta. From Orlando Rosa.

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

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The Birmingham channel: The heat is on

Monday, August 17th, 2015

A look at Birmingham in videos …

A look at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre on “Good Morning, Alabama” from 1997 to promote “A Christmas Carol.” From BroadwayTVArchive.

A look at the Sloss Music and Arts Festival. From Two Hawks.

A quick look at Church of the Highlands’ Serve Day in July. From Rachel Higginbotham.

Fun at the Birmingham Corporate Challenge earlier this month at Railroad Park downtown. From Ben George.

Interview with real estate developer Cathy Sloss Jones. From Alabama NewsCenter.

Visiting Railroad Park. From ManoDestra.

The Roots perform during the second annual Schaeffer CityFest earlier this month at Railroad Park (our vertical video of the week). From groovement71.

Bearkeeper Allison McCabe introduces the black bear exhibit at the Birmingham Zoo. From Starnes Publishing.

Reality TV star Porsha Williams participates in the Black Women’s Roundtable at a Birmingham high school. From Porsha Williams World.

Rescue crews helped people from flooded homes and cars as the region was drenched by heavy rain. About two dozen residents of a mobile home park in Pelham had to be rescued from flood waters that were nearly chest high. From AP Archive.

WVTM-13 anchor Ken Lass gets down. From Eunice Elliott.

The KISS Pinball launch party at BumperNets at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. From Bumpernets.

Exploring Sloss Furnaces. From Spa Guy.

Rapper Young Wayf opens for Fetty Wap at a July show at Club Atlantis in Ensley. From RealMusic RecordingGroup.

Atlanta business coach makes a stop in Birmingham on the way to Austin. From Carlton Lewis.

Shelby County leaders visit the Birmingham Zoo in July. From ShelbyAL.

Timelapse footage of downtown Birmingham from Crest Road South with nearly 300 photos from midnight to 1 a.m. Aug. 1. From James McConatha.

Atlanta rapper Rittz performs “Switch Lanes” in May at Zydeco on Southside. From 226 Film Production.

Florence metal band Tempter performs “Hymns of the Blasphemous” earlier this month at Zydeco. From Travis Michael.

The West End Hills Missionary Baptist Church Praise Dance and Mime Ministry performs at the Birmingham Dance Showcase. From WEHMBC Praise Dance and Mime Ministry.

AP report from December on UAB shutting down the bowling, football and rifle programs. From AP Archive.

Coach Chris Yeager and players Ford Alexander and McKinnon Cox speak for Mountain Brook High football at the media days conference in July. From Starnes Publishing.

Promo for city air tours from Birmingham’s Express Air Charters. From Brian Coshatt.

• • •

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

The Birmingham channel: With the windows rolled down

Monday, August 3rd, 2015

A look at Birmingham in videos …

“Havoline Football Saturdays” aired a report last week called “Ever Faithful — The Resurrection of UAB Football.” From Raycom Sports.

The Raycom report didn’t mention the behind-the-scenes power struggle between UAB and the UA Board of Trustees, but host Tim Brando included this note following the segment. From Joey Watson.

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham and UAB Sustainability created this bike safety video. From UAB Digital Media.

Reporter Jack Royer remembers Birmingham radio legend Doug Layton. From Jack Royer.

Springville country singer Trey Lewis performs “Back in Birmingham.” From Trey Lewis.

“Dining Out With Comedienne Joy” on the 2015 Taste of Birmingham. From Comedienne Joy.

UAB at No. 10 Oklahoma, Sept. 2, 2006. From Tim Bliss.

A day at the driving range with John Wesley Hardin Jr. From Zaida Ricklen.

Rock band Def Leppard performs “Love Bites” in June at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From d bear.

Center Point’s Dan Sartain performs “Sinking in the Shallow End” at the Syndicate Lounge downtown. From Spectra Sonic Sound Sessions.

A look at Birmingham-Southern tailbacks Shawn Morris, Joe Moultrie, Isaac Nichols and Samir Usman. From T7GTTMvids 16.

Memphis rapper Young Dolph visits Birmingham. From RobGreenTV.

Nashville rapper Jelly Roll signing autographs after his show in July at Zydeco on Southside. From 226 Film Production.

A glimpse of the March Quilts, more than 450 squares sewn into seven quilts to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. From the UAB Department of Art and Art History.

Feeding giraffes at the Birmingham Zoo, shot on a head-mounted GoPro. From Mrs. Mitch.

Summer days of fun. From Marison and Micah Clayton.

Promo for the Lego Americana Roadshow Tour, coming Aug. 20 to the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. From General Growth Properties.

North Carolina indie pop duo Sylvan Esso performs “Coffee” in March at WorkPlay in Lakeview. From Jeff Paiml.

Demo reel for sports anchor/reporter Melissa Kim at WIAT 42. From Melissa Kim.

Georgia rapper Young Hustla performs at the High Note on Southside. From Young Hustla.

Jitney cab. From Steve K.

Driving through Southside and Hoover. From Luz Clemente.

Playing Breakout Birmingham. From Scott Neumann.

• • •

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

The Birmingham channel: Planned outings

Monday, July 13th, 2015

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Soccer fans the American Outlaws watch the World Cup championship match pitting the United States against Japan at Good People Brewing Company on Southside. From ng11787.

Jazz singer Esperanza Spalding performs July 1 at Iron City on Southside (our vertical video of the week). From Iris Navarro.

Highlights from the second annual Birmingham Black Rodeo in June at Legacy Arena downtown. From Randy Wilborn.

Birmingham, the perfect place for the upcoming Southeast Creation Conference, “uncovering the scientific evidence for creation.” From Institute for Creation Research.

Iowa heavy metal band Slipknot performs in May at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From Brian Kell.

Walking the cross near Uptown. From Jesus Is Real.

Nashville blues artist Keb’ Mo’ performs “She Just Wants to Dance” in May at Iron City. From treser62.

Praise break at the 2012 International AIM Convention in Birmingham. From Dorothea Cast.

Hunter Jackson from Birmingham leaves a perfectly good plane. From Chattanooga Skydiving Company.

The Church of God in Christ orchestra and the youth choir perform “I Wanna Be Holy” at the 2012 International AIM Convention in Birmingham. From Dorothea Cast.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is part of Latino New South, a project designed to put it in touch with the city’s Latino community. From ArtsFwd.

Birmingham mayor William Bell addressed the new roundabout and other improvements to Cahaba Road at a ribbon cutting on July 1. From Starnes Publishing.

A farm family visits the Birmingham Zoo. From Farmtales.

Dweezil Zappa and Zappa Plays Zappa perform Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention’s “Sofa No. 2” in April at Iron City. From treser62.

Birmingham sunset on June 27. From David McElroy.

The American Institute of Architects visits Pratt City on the 3-year anniversary of the April 27, 2011, tornado, documenting progress on neighborhood recovery and community building. From Joel Mills.

A look at Operation HOPE Community Service. From LaTanya Millhouse.

Teen Caitlyn shares her family vacation in Birmingham. From PassionatexBeautyx.

The Yes We Code bus tour stops in June in Birmingham. From Alabama NewsCenter.

See episodes from the 7-year run of concert series “We Have Signal.”

• • •

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

The Birmingham channel: A stage for everyone

Monday, May 11th, 2015

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Rob Zombie performs last week at Iron City on Southside. From ALM 3.

Pennsylvania rock band Halestorm performs “Dear Daughter” in April at Iron City. From Josh Corne.

Birmingham Bar Foundation film on contributions from attorneys to the city’s civil rights movement in 1963. From Dragonfly Public Media.

Promo for LA Photography. From Corey Carpenter.

Slipknot last week at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From ALM 3.

Michelle and Austin’s wedding. From Julia Robertson.

YouTube performer Twaimz with “The Llama Song” in February at Iron City. From LiveLaughPuppyxo.

Pizitz Middle student Bradford Billingsley debuted a line of designs Friday at Birmingham Fashion Week 2015 at Pepper Place in Lakeview. From Starnes Publishing.

Breaking Benjamin performs “Failure” in April at Iron City. From David Bailey.

Birmingham firefighter tribute 2015. From BFRSFAN.

Drone footage of Railroad Park downtown. From David Henderson.

Birmingham’s Scenario Skateboards. From Christopher Tickell.

UAB Spirit Coordinator Ryan Martin introduces her vlog. From Inside Cheerleading.

A look at Ensley’s Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School. From United for Life Foundation.

See Noah Galloway reach the Top 4
 on “Dancing with the Stars.”

• • •

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

The Birmingham channel: The show on the road

Monday, March 30th, 2015

A look at Birmingham in videos …

President Obama speaks Thursday at Lawson State Community College on the new steps the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking to protect consumers from abusive payday lending practices. From the White House.

Driving while filming, part 1: daytime. From Alex Djesus.

Driving while filming, part 2: nighttime. From Tatiana Youngblood.

Driving while filming, part 3: using a dashcam. From vearexperts.

South African rap-rave group Die Antwoord performs earlier this month at Iron City on Southside. From Will Bonn.

My pal Chanda put together a report on the academies program at Birmingham schools. From Chanda Temple.

Le’Andria Johnson sings “God Will Take Care of You.” From Henry Washington Jr.

Ramsay high boys’ basketball. From Chandler Minton.

Jimmy Swaggart preaches March 21, 1986, in Birmingham. From Louis Calzada.

The Entertainers perform to Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything” at the Alabama Theatre. From Masquerade Dance.

Aerial footage of Patton Park in East Birmingham. From Howard Daniels.

Promotional video “Health Is Movement” from Homewood Friends and Family Healthcare. From KS Films.

Alabama technical mountain biking in March at Oak Mountain State Park. From Lon Cullen.

Mountain Brook High alums return with their college a capella group to perform with the Birmingham Boys Choir. From Starnes Publishing.

See Noah Galloway dance to Darius Rucker.

• • •

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Books: Excerpt from Thomas Spencer’s ‘Five-Star Trails: Birmingham’

Sunday, January 25th, 2015

Five-Star Trails Birmingham, Thomas Spencer

The following chapter is an excerpt from Birmingham author Thomas Spencer’s “Five-Star Trails: Birmingham” [aff. link]. He grew up hiking and camping in Alabama and worked as a reporter for the Anniston Star and the Birmingham News. Spencer is now senior research associate at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. He was a founder of the Friends of Red Mountain Park and serves on the board of the Cahaba River Society.

“Five-Star Trails: Birmingham” provides plans and details for three dozen hikes, from downtown to the surrounding wilderness areas.

In this excerpt, Tom takes us on a hike to Oak Mountain State Park’s highest point.

• • •

Hike No. 12: Oak Mountain State Park, King’s Chair Loop

At-A-Glance Information

  • Scenery: ★★★★★
  • Trail Condition: ★★★★
  • Children: ★★★☆☆
  • Difficulty: ★★★★
  • Solitude: ★★★☆☆
  • GPS Trailhead Coordinates: N33° 21.438′ W86° 42.288′
  • Distance and Configuration: 5-mile loop
  • Hiking Time: 3 hours
  • Highlights: Challenging uphills, great mountaintop views from Eagle’s Nest and King’s Chair, wet-weather waterfalls
  • Elevation: 600 feet at trailhead, 1,200 feet at peak
  • Access, Maps, Wheelchair Access: [included in book]
  • Facilities: Restrooms and changing rooms at the trailhead
  • Comments: Remember that the Red Trail is a shared hiking and mountain biking trail.

Overview

This route is intense because of its uphill climb and the scenic rewards it provides. It’s a great hike for fall colors, providing sweeping scenic vistas. In wet weather, cascading streams tumble down the mountainside. In any season, it’s a quick way to feel far from civilization.

From the North Trailhead, this hike follows the Blue Trail up Double Oak Mountain to two of the park’s favorite overlooks. It continues southwest along the south rim of the mountain before taking the south Red–Blue Connector Trail to the Red Trail, which heads downhill back to the north trailhead.

Route Details

This hike doesn’t mess around. It makes an immediate climb up Oak Mountain. Between the North Trailhead and the Eagle’s Nest overlook, there is a 500-foot elevation gain, and that’s in the first mile-and-a-half. But that early and intense exertion pays dividends. You get away from civilization quickly. Thanks to the size of the park and the way the trail twists up the ridges, you encounter views on this hike in which all you see is woods and mountains, quick access to the feeling that you’ve wandered off someplace remote.

We hiked parts of this route in the warm and dry early fall and enjoyed the way the breezes on the ridges cooled us after a tough climb. We returned in winter after a rain and were surprised to find that what had been dry drainages in the fall had become a series of gushing waterfalls. There was so much water that creek crossings on the Red Trail offered a challenge for anyone wanting to keep their feet dry.

The hike starts at the North Trailhead, across from the gravel parking lot on the north end of the park, near the lower lakes and the park entrance off Alabama 119.

While the White, Yellow and Red Trails gain elevation gradually, the Blue Trail heads directly up the mountain. It is well marked, with plastic blue blazes nailed to trees. Distance markers are posted every quarter-mile; on the Blue Trail, they start at 0 and go up. So at Post 4, you’ve gone 1 mile.

The forests are a mix of pine and hardwood, with a nice sampling of longleaf pines on the ridges and white oaks in the draws; the latter provide a generous supply of fat acorns in the fall. When we went back in winter, the acorns were harder to find, likely gobbled up by the wintering wildlife. What was present in the winter that had not been there in the fall was water. And lots of it. A little less than a half-mile into the hike, you begin crossing a series of streams dropping down the mountainside, creating little waterfalls as they go. At the 1-mile mark, you pass the north Red–Blue Connector Trail, which serves as a shortcut back to the parking lot if you need it.

Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park
(click image for larger version)

King's Chair Trail map

King’s Chair Trail map, above,
and elevation profile, below

King's Chair Trail elevation profile

Shortly thereafter, the trail splits. Continuing straight, the original Blue Trail offers several unobstructed views of Shackleford Ridge, then descends gently to a saddle between ridges before resuming its upward climb. If you’ve had enough of steep hills by now, this is the way to go. Be forewarned, though, that heavy rains can turn the original Blue Trail into a swiftly flowing creek. Alternatively, if you turn left at the junction, a newer Blue Trail (with the same blue blazes) makes an exceedingly steep 0.2-mile climb to a rock outcropping at the Eagle’s Nest overlook, then continues downhill not quite as precipitously to rejoin the original Blue Trail just before the final pitch up to the Double Oak Mountain ridgetop. From the top of the rock at Eagle’s Nest, you can see yet another perspective of Shackleford Ridge and the park’s highest point. From all points, your view is forest and twisting mountain ridges that hide any evidence of civilization.

At the 1.5-mile marker on the trail (you’re about 2 miles into your hike if you went up to Eagle’s Nest), you top the ridge and reach the junction with the spur trail to the King’s Chair Overlook. Take the spur. At 0.3 miles, it’s a little longer than the spur to Eagle’s Nest, but it’s much less arduous.

At the rocky outcropping of King’s Chair, you get your first chance for wide-open views from the southeastern ridge of the mountain. In the far distance across the wide Coosa River Valley, the Talladega Mountain ridges are visible. In the middle distance, you’ll see steam rising from the cooling towers at Alabama Power’s Gaston electrical plant in south Shelby County, along the river.

Returning to the main trail, continue south along the ridge on the Blue Trail to the southern Red–Blue Connector. Take that connector, which cuts back to the north 0.75 miles to the Red Trail, which in turn takes you back to the North Trailhead. The return trip is especially nice if it has been raining. Those little mountain streams gather together with more volume, creating trailside waterfalls and challenging creek crossings. Along the way, you’ll notice stonework in the drainage system along the road. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the Red Road. Remember that you’re sharing this trail with mountain bikers.

The trip back to the parking lot is well marked and easy.

Directions

From I-65, follow the directions on page 111. After entering the park, you’ll drive almost its entire length to get to the North Trailhead.

From US 280, follow the directions on page 111. About a mile past the back entrance to the park, the North Trailhead parking lot will be on your right, along the main park road.

• • •

Thomas Spencer has two library events in March: a brown bag lunch talk at noon March 11 at Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook [map]; and a book signing at 6:30 p.m. March 19 at Homewood Public Library [map].

He also has a free group hike at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at Perry Lakes Park with Southeastern Outings. Other hikes with him and Scale Back Alabama will take place through April. For more information on the hikes, email Tanya Sylvan at Keen Communication or Tom Spencer.

“Five-Star Trails: Birmingham” (November 2014, Menasha Ridge Press)

Thomas Spencer

The 2015 Birmingham sports preview

Tuesday, December 30th, 2014

James Hinchcliffe, Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

James Hinchcliffe races in the No. 27 GoDaddy car
at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama.

Birmingham isn’t just Barons and other-city football. Take a look at the loaded calendar of sports for 2015, including a February of nonstop track and field, plus marathons, new pro football, three basketball tournaments and the Tide playing home games in Hoover.

Baseball

  • Birmingham Barons: The 2015 season begins at home on April 9 at Regions Field with a five-game series against the Mobile BayBears.
  • Crimson Tide: The University of Alabama baseball team will have its season opener Feb. 13 at the Hoover Met with 31 home games there. The Tide is spending the season off campus as Sewell-Thomas Stadium has a $35 million renovation.
  • SEC Tournament: Speaking of the Met, the conference capper returns May 19-24. Hoover has been the annual home of the tournament since 1998.

Basketball

  • AHSAA Tournament: Boys and girls high school teams from 1A to 7A converge Feb. 23-28 at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.
  • Birmingham Blitz: The semi-pro team should have games through March, with a new season starting in November.
  • Conference USA Tournament: For the first, and probably last, time, Birmingham will play host to the men’s and women’s tournament. (UAB’s Bartow Arena held the 1996 women’s tourney.) The women will play opening rounds at Bartow. The women’s semifinals on and the all the men’s games will be at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. UAB will likely be dropped from Conference USA in 2015 after the school punted football.
  • SIAC Tournament: The men’s and women’s tournament returns March 3-7 to the CrossPlex.

Football

  • Alabama Outlawz: The minor league team’s home opener is April 11 at Bill Harris Arena at the CrossPlex.
  • Birmingham Bowl: 11 a.m. Saturday. Legion Field. Florida vs. East Carolina. $30-$50. Airing on ESPN.
  • Birmingham Freedom: The 14th try’s the charm, as a new pro league with a new local franchise. The teams kick off May 16, schedule TBD.
  • Hoover Bucs: The first defending 7A champion will open its season on the road against Oakland in Murfreesboro, Tenn., probably on or near Aug. 21. We mention it because it’ll probably be on ESPN.
  • Labor Day Golden Classic: The annual event returns after a 3-year absence, pitting Miles against the University of North Alabama Sept. 6 (the day before Labor Day) at Legion Field.
  • Magic City Classic: The nation’s largest black college football game, played since 1924, is on Halloween at Legion Field.

Golf

  • Regions Tradition: The Champions Tour returns May 11-17 at Shoal Creek with a $2.2 million purse at stake.

Hockey

  • Frozen Tide: The Alabama hockey team is off to a rousing 14-3 start, with home games at the Pelham Civic Complex throughout January, culminating in the SECHC Tournament Feb. 6-8.

Multi-sport

Racing

  • Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama: Fans will see Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti, Helio Castroneves, Will Power and two-time defending champ Ryan Hunter-Reay go by real fast. April 24-26 at Barber Motorsports Park.
  • Triumph SuperBike Classic: Excitement on two wheels, June 21-22 at Barber Motorsports Park.

Rugby

  • Birmingham Vulcans: The first match of the year is Feb. 7 against Jackson at Krebs Field, Ramsay Park.

Running

  • Magic City Half Marathon: Benefitting the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts. Nov. 22.
  • Mercedes Marathon: Got what it takes to run the Boston Marathon? Prove it right here Feb. 20-22.
  • Vulcan Run: More than 1,500 runners will stream through downtown Nov. 7 in one of the most popular local 10K races.

Track and Field

  • AHSAA Indoor Tournament: High schools compete for state titles Feb. 5-7 at the CrossPlex.
  • College Tournaments: No less than five conferences will hold track and field championships over 13 days in February at the CrossPlex. Southland: Feb. 16-17; SWAC: Feb. 21-22; Sun Belt: Feb. 23-24; Conference USA: Feb. 25-26; SIAC: Feb. 27-28.
  • NCAA Division II Indoor Championship: The CrossPlex will hold the big event March 13-14; the Division I Championship will be there in 2016.

Volleyball

  • AHSAA Tournament: The high school state championship will be Oct. 29-30 at the CrossPlex.

Which events will you see in 2015? Shout it out in the comments.

Don’t miss the 2015 Birmingham food and drink preview!