Arts and Culture

Birmingham Theaters Take To The Stage Despite A Pandemic

Live theater generally means tight quarters for performers and audience. Some Birmingham theater groups are finding ways to make it work in the pandemic.

Will COVID Cancel Halloween? Not Necessarily.

Public health leaders say Halloween celebrations can happen, but with adjustments.

City Leaders Approve Budget Despite Concerns About Library System

Demonstrators gathered outside Birmingham's city hall Tuesday night, just hours before council members approved a budget that furloughs more than 150 library employees.

New Book From NPR’s Guy Raz Draws Lessons From Entrepreneurs

The podcast "How I Built This" follows entrepreneurs' ups and downs. In his new book, Guy Raz shares what he's gleaned from inspiring company founders and reflects on his own life.

Poets Reflect On Six Months Of Pandemic

Several Alabama poets share their experiences and works inspired by the coronavirus pandemic.

Remembering An Alabamian Driven To Figure Out How Things Worked

Fred Bischoff worked hard and played hard. The devoted family man a died in June from COVID-19.

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A Year In The Life Of A Dying Alabama Mall

The Jasper Mall takes the spotlight in a documentary playing at the Sidewalk Film Festival later this month.

Through The Intercom, Nursing Home Employee Sings To Residents

At a nursing home in Marion, Alabama, one employee uses her voice to help lift morale among residents and staff during the pandemic.

This Year’s Sidewalk Film Festival Becomes A Drive-In

The annual event will move from its home in downtown Birmingham to a drive-in theater in Leeds.

SEC Announces Delayed Start Of 2020 Football Season

The SEC is delaying the start of its football season and taking extra precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

An Update On The Pandemic’s Effect On WBHM

We don’t often turn the spotlight on ourselves, but the last four months at WBHM have been unlike any other time in the station’s history thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. In advance of WBHM's one-day fund drive, we hear from station's executive director Chuck Holmes on how COVID-19 has affected WBHM.

Community Organizer: ‘Our Protests Are Not Peaceful’

Alabama Rally Against Injustice has held several demonstrations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. One of the group's representatives says leading rallies week after week is emotionally draining, but necessary. The group plans to continue holding rallies until policing policies change.

First Woman To Lead The Episcopal Diocese Of Alabama

The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama will consecrate Rev. Glenda Curry as a new bishop on Saturday. She's the first woman to hold the position.

NASCAR Fans React To Confederate Flag Ban, Noose Incident

A day after a noose was placed in the garage of NASCAR's only full-time Black driver, fans at Talladega Superspeedway condemned the incident, but were mixed on NASCAR's decision to ban the Confederate flag.

Hundreds Gather In Birmingham To Celebrate Juneteenth

Cities across the state are celebrating Juneteenth, the end of slavery. In Birmingham, hundreds gathered at Kelly Ingram Park to commemorate the holiday.

Organizer: Efforts To Rename Edmund Pettus Bridge Must Be A Group Effort

A petition calling on Gov. Kay Ivey to rename Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge has more than 120,000 signatures. We spoke with the Democratic strategist who started the online campaign.

The Murals Of Downtown Birmingham Transform Vandalized Streetscapes To Avenues Of Hope

Murals can be found on plywood throughout downtown Birmingham.

Roger James Retires From Alabama Symphony Orchestra After 35 Years

COVID-19 put an abrupt end to the 99th season of the ASO and that meant no public send-off for those who are retiring. Roger James reflects on learning to play the violin, how to keep the passion when playing familiar songs, and when to make an exit.

George Floyd’s Killing Sparks Frustration Among Birmingham’s Black Lives Matter Group

The police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota has triggered many protesters in the Birmingham area who are still seeking justice for Emantic “E.J.” Bradford, a black man killed by Hoover police in 2018. We spoke with Eric Hall, a founding member of the Birmingham chapter of Black Lives Matter.

Finding A Way Forward In Birmingham After Violence And Destruction

A Confederate monument has been removed from downtown Birmingham. The city also suffered damage to downtown buildings after protests turned violent. Rev. Thomas Wilder, who leads the church once led by Birmingham civil rights figure Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, shares his perspective on these events and moving forward.

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Historic Theatres Among Businesses Damaged During Violent Protest

Clean up is underway in downtown Birmingham after demonstrations turned violent and protestors damaged several businesses including the historic Alabama and Lyric theatres.

Protests Spread to Birmingham’s Majority-White Suburbs

A protest in Homewood remained peaceful. It was one of several planned in Birmingham's mostly-white suburbs.

Birmingham Brewery Bounces Back After Coronavirus Slows Sales

We checked back in with a Birmingham brewery owner who wasn’t sure in mid-March whether his business would survive the pandemic.

Some Restaurants Continue Curbside Service Despite Relaxed Restrictions

Gov. Kay Ivey’s updated “safer-at-home” order puts most of the hospitality industry back to work. Some business owners were quick to open their doors, but others are sticking with curbside service only.

Businesses Eagerly Reopen As Others Take A Phased Approach

On the first day many businesses were allowed to reopen since the pandemic, not all opted to jump back in.

Amid COVID-19 Pressures, Lucy’s Coffee & Tea Closes For Good

Lucy’s Coffee & Tea has been a Birmingham staple for more than 25 years. Earlier this week, owner Lucy Bonds announced she’s closing her cafe for good.

Comedians Get Extra Creative During The COVID-19 Pandemic

With entertainment venues closed because of COVID-19, local standup comedians and improv performers are having to find other ways to connect to their audiences. Some have even turned to social media to practice their craft.

Customers Resort To DIY Styles With Barbershops & Hair Salons Closed

The coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of nonessential businesses, including hair salons and barbershops. That has led some people to get creative about how to keep their hair looking good during the crisis.

Three Mini Stories To Make You Smile During The COVID-19 Crisis

There's so much news about the coronavirus it can be overwhelming. So here are three bright moments in the midst of the pandemic.

Coronavirus Impacts Revenue At Birmingham Zoo

Spring usually kicks off the busy season for the Birmingham Zoo, but not this year. Like many attractions across the nation, the zoo is closed until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sunday Church Drive-In Style In The Coronavirus Age

Large gatherings are banned due to coronavirus, so churches can't meet as usual. One Alabama church tried a drive-in service.

New Exhibit Features Artwork From Alabama Inmates

The issues around Alabama's troubled prison system are complex, but a new exhibit featuring artwork by Alabama inmates hopes to generate a different conversation.