Arts and Culture
LGBTQ community finds a home in Birmingham’s punk scene
Plenty of people are familiar with the sound and look of punk. But not as many are familiar with the importance of compassion when it comes to being a punk. That's meant the punk scene has become a refuge for some LGTBQ individuals.
Community connects Dia De Los Muertos artwork
Artist Helga Mendoza said she’s always been interested in the grieving process. With grieving a strong theme of her work, it seemed appropriate that Mendoza was selected to create the featured image for this year’s Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, festival in Birmingham.
Remembering Margaret Walker 50 years later, as her groundbreaking poetry festival returns to Jackson
A conversation with author Maryemma Graham on her biography of Walker, famed novelist and professor who created the Phillis Wheatley Festival in 1973.
Paws and prayers: Hoover church’s furry congregation gets blessed
The recent service at Prince of Peace Catholic Church is part of honoring St. Francis of Assisi.
Ukrainian baker reconnects to Birmingham by sharing her sweet treat
Vasilisa Strelnikova fled to Birmingham following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. When she arrived, baking became a refuge . But she also wanted to use baking to show her love of Birmingham, and her love for her friends.
Alabama artist Delrico Gibson uses ‘Strings of Gratitude’ to tell his story of recovery
Delrico Gibson's new art collection on display at UAB ties together different threads, emotions and stories of his recovery from a life-threatening accident.
You can now see the renovated A.G. Gaston Motel
Almost 40 years after it closed, the newly renovated A.G. Gaston Motel in downtown Birmingham opened to the public Thursday. Visitors will be able to walk in the same steps as many historic Black figures.
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.
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.
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.
After an 18-month pause for the pandemic, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra returns to live concerts
The COVID-19 pandemic halted performances last year, but now, live concerts are back.
A new stadium has been a 35-year conversation in Birmingham. It’s finally here
The UAB Blazers will play Saturday, the first event in Protective Stadium.
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.
