Arts and Culture

New biography examines King as a person over the myth

Writer Jonathan Eig’s new biography of Martin Luther King Junior draws on thousands of pages of new documents and audio recordings to paint an intimate portrait of the civil rights leader.

House where King planned Alabama marches moving to Michigan

The role the Jackson House played was integral to the Civil Rights Movement, so a family member contacted the The Henry Ford Museum near Detroit about a year ago to ask if it would take over the preservation of the Jackson House and its legacy.

Alabama medicinal plants inspire new UAB art exhibit

The new art exhibit showcases handmade books, sculptures and drawings inspired by medicinal plants found in Alabama.

Garrett McQueen: The Sound of 13

Garrett McQueen wants to diversify the perception of classical music. He argues that all cultures and people have music that should be considered classical.

Late Alabama artist Thornton Dial honored with first full-scale retrospective in his home state

Thornton Dial's art has been recognized nationally, but this is the first exhibit spanning his full career to be shown in his home state.

Feminism isn’t always popular or understood in Alabama. FemmSouth wants to change that

Alabama native Leigh Bancroft was looking for a way to educate others and discuss feminism. She began the FemmSouth book club, which now includes a podcast.

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Elias Hendricks brings classical soul to Birmingham with Vox Fortura

Singer and Birmingham native Elias Hendricks has a career that has taken him all over the world. He'll perform with his classical soul group Vox Fortura Sunday at the Lyric Theatre.

Birmingham hopes City Walk will bridge a divide between neighborhoods

Birmingham's City Walk is a linear, urban park that opened about five months ago under the Interstate 20/59 bridges. City officials say it's an attempt to reconnect downtown to the northern neighborhoods.

Despite pushback, the organizers of Cullman’s first pride event are pushing forward

The announcement of Saturday’s event drew threats and calls for counter-protests. In response, LGBTQ+ communities across the state have offered their support.

Ahead of its Alabama debut, John Archibald gives an inside look at ‘Pink Clouds’

AL.com columnist John Archibald brings his columns to the stage with the debut of his first play, "Pink Clouds." It premieres Saturday at Red Mountain Theatre.

Musicians say The World Games is shorting their payment for performances during the opening and closing ceremonies.

According the American Federation of Musicians, The World Games changed the contract for orchestra performers after the fact, causing payments to musicians to be reduced by about one-third.

Imani Perry draws on her hometown, Birmingham, in her new book exploring the South

Perry is an Ivy League professor in New Jersey but a Southerner at heart. She was born in Birmingham, but today she teaches African American studies at Princeton University. In her latest book she argues to truly understand the United States start with the American South.

Watch Live: The Gulf States Newsroom is hosting a live storytelling event.

The Gulf States Newsroom, a collaboration among public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, is teaming up with Back Pocket Media to put on a live storytelling event on Tuesday.

R&B artist Anthony Hamilton brings his Southern flair back to Birmingham

Hamilton discussed touring after a pandemic break, Southern food, and his return to The Magic City. 

Barlow & Bear bring musical theater into the TikTok era

Birmingham's Abigail Barlow is up for a Grammy this year with her writing partner Emily Bear for their work on the 'Bridgerton Musical'.

New Birmingham Public Library board will decide the future of library closures 

The Birmingham Public Library Board will swear in new board members Tuesday afternoon, making a majority of the appointees first timers.   

Alabama native’s play explores Black student unity through co-ed fraternity

The play is centered on a group of Black college students at the fictitious McMillian University, a  small, mostly-White Christian college in Birmingham.

Three Birmingham families on what the Magic City means to them as the city turns 150

Birmingham's first 150 years contains powerful history. But it was also home to tens of thousands of people.

How a Birmingham shop owner brings memories to life through books

Jim Reed has collected books and writings for more than 40 years and believes books keep memories alive.

Fans of Legion Field are concerned about its future

Once revered as the “Football Capital of the South,” Legion Field has lost some of its luster in the last 15 years.

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Sierra Hull reflects on the meaning of time on her album “25 Trips”

Sierra Hull's list of achievements includes a three-time mandolin player of the year by the International Bluegrass Association. The mandolinist and singer/songwriter takes a reflective look at her life on her latest album.

Birmingham hosts the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic for the first time

The oldest football rivalry among historically black colleges has made its way to Birmingham. Tuskegee University and Morehouse College will have their first game in the Magic City.

Birmingham Poet And Activist Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins Dies At 42

Birmingham poet and Ensley neighborhood activist, Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins was found dead in his home at 42-years-old.

Alabama Names Ashley M. Jones As Its New Poet Laureate

Jones, a Birmingham native, is Alabama's first Black poet laureate and the youngest person to hold the position.

Logan The Entertainer: Good Food and Good Music

Homer Logan has two sides to his life. By day he runs an elementary school cafeteria in Birmingham. At night he's in front of crowds as "Logan the Entertainer."

Remembering A Murdered Birmingham Priest For His Faith And Courage

This week marks 100 years since Father James Coyle was murdered in broad daylight in downtown Birmingham hours after he secretly married an interracial couple. He's remembered for his faith and courage during a time of religious intolerance, racism and xenophobia.

From JuVaughn Harrison To Raven Saunders: Your Olympics Guide For Gulf South Pride

Among the thousands of Olympians from around the world competing in Tokyo this year are dozens of talented athletes from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Birmingham Museum Of Art To Return Artwork To Native American Tribes

The Birmingham Museum of Art will return objects from its collection to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. The move falls under a 1990 law providing a pathway for federally recognized tribes to request certain cultural items.

Five Ways Birmingham Is Celebrating Its 150th Birthday

Mayor Randall Woodfin and the CEO of Vulcan Park and Museum announced this week a series of events to celebrate Birmingham’s 150 anniversary.

Birmingham Council OKs Law To Allow Museum To Return Native American Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art will soon return several works of art to two Native American tribes that have requested them back.