Author Archive

Posted on November 4th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Oceanship sails the sound waves

Oceanship sails the sound waves

Oceanship performs at Rogue Tavern on Friday, Nov. 6.

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Posted on October 29th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Downright Halloween homecoming

Downright Halloween homecoming

Downright reunites for the annual “Peaches & Scream” Halloween party at WorkPlay.

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Posted on October 26th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Catching up with Mac McAnally

Mac McAnally is a native Mississippian, but the singer/songwriter has been an important figure in [...]

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Posted on October 22nd, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Rusty Anderson: Sir Paul’s sideman releases second solo album

It’s safe to say that Rusty Anderson is envied by more than a few guitarists. [...]

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Posted on October 2nd, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Concert Shots: J.J. Grey & Mofro/Shooter Jennings 9-30-09

Two headliners on the same bill – J.J. Grey & Mofro and Shooter Jennings performed [...]

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Posted on September 27th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Man at Work: Catching up with Colin Hay

Man at Work: Catching up with Colin Hay

For music lovers who came of age in the 1980s, the face of Colin Hay is as recognizable as Madonna or Prince. The frontman for Men at Work will perform at WorkPlay Tuesday night.

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Posted on September 16th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

The return of Ten out of Tenn

The return of Ten out of Tenn

Singer-songwriter Joy Williams discusses what its like to be part of Ten out of Tenn, a collaborative showcase of nearly a dozen musicians from Tennessee.

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Posted on August 31st, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Concert Shots: Black Jacket Symphony at Workplay

The Black Jacket Symphony – a stellar cast of local and regional musicians – performed [...]

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Posted on August 27th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Concert Shots: Sam Bush at Workplay 8-26-09

Concert Shots: Sam Bush at Workplay 8-26-09

Bluegrass/Newgrass legend Sam Bush performed at Workplay on Wednesday, August 26. Through two sets, Bush [...]

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Posted on August 12th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Michael Franti brings his global sound to Workplay

Michael Franti brings his global sound to Workplay

There are a number of great songwriting stories in music history and Michael Franti has added another [...]

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Posted on August 8th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Concert Shots: Oteil Burbridge & The Lee Boys at Workplay

Birmingham’s Oteil Burbridge – best known as bassist for the Allman Brothers Band – stays [...]

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Posted on August 5th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Review: Sweet & Hoffs make beautiful music together again

She made her splash in the ’80s as lead singer of The Bangles and he [...]

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Posted on August 2nd, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Concert Shots: Eric Lindell at Zydeco 7-30-09

Singer/songwriter and Alligator Records recording artist Eric Lindell brought his mix of Blues, Rock and [...]

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Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Eric Lindell to perform at Zydeco

Eric Lindell to perform at Zydeco

Eric Lindell hails from Northern California, but his songs are drenched in the musical roux [...]

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Posted on July 23rd, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Jessica Lea Mayfield performs at Workplay

Jessica Lea Mayfield’s music has been called “stark,” “moody,” “dark” and “confessional.” And while these [...]

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Posted on July 19th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Holly Williams puts her own stamp on a family legacy

Holly Williams puts her own stamp on a family legacy

Holly Williams is just your average major-label recording artist that also owns a clothing boutique [...]

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Posted on July 12th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Land Aid set for July 17 at Bottletree Cafe

You can’t go wrong when you combine good music with a good cause. On Friday, [...]

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Posted on July 6th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Greg Laswell performs at Workplay

Though you probably wouldn’t know it by listening to commercial radio, the current L.A. singer/songwriter [...]

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Posted on June 24th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

City Stages 2009: A Photo Journal

Jonny Lang

Charles Neville
Aaron Neville

Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Rickey Medlocke (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Dierks Bentley

Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd [...]

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Posted on June 18th, 2009 by Brent Thompson

Erin McCarley to perform at City Stages

Erin McCarley to perform at City Stages

To say that the past few months have been eventful for Erin McCarley would be [...]

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WEEKLY PICKS: do more now

Weekly Tweets

  • @blakebritton Patrick Cooper's twitter appears to be @PatCoop but he hasn't tweeted since June. #bham 1 day ago
  • Patrick Cooper is running for Mayor of Birmingham, has a three-point plan. Not "Let's Do Something." http://bit.ly/42EgLb 2 days ago
  • Story and Video: Smitherman terminates Langford chief of staff http://bit.ly/3VoUQS 2 days ago
  • Smitherman names Kevin Moore interim chief of staff. #bham 2 days ago
  • Presser over. 2 days ago
  • Says he's committed to the city. Ready to work hard, etc. Smitherman talking. Paepcke asks if any charges pressed against Bowie. No. #bham 2 days ago
  • But seriously folks, Mr. Moore last worked in Parks and Rec. He seems calm. Says this is a very important time for the city. #bham 2 days ago
  • He last worked in the Parks and Rec. dept, possibly under Leslie Knope. If you don't get it, google it. #bham 2 days ago
  • Moore has been associated with city hall in #bham for 14 years. Says there's a lot of work to be done. Going to work with budget and finance 2 days ago
  • Smitherman hopes to have proposals on how to fix the budget shortfall by Tuesday, says Moore is working through the weekend. #bham 2 days ago
  • Everyone is subject to review, smitherman says. #bham 2 days ago
  • Smitherman says she's been interviewing the Mayor's staff individually to find out who knew what about budget. #bham 2 days ago
  • More updates...

War on Dumb

The aftermath of Larry Langford 

The aftermath of Larry Langford 

Last week’s verdict established Larry Langford’s guilt, but it will be a long time before we’re done settling all his unanswered questions. 

Upon Further Review

Dear (New) Mayor, Let’s talk sports…

Dear (New) Mayor, Let’s talk sports…

Whoever emerges from the special election in December holding my city’s mantle of leadership inherits a sports scene that is in the direst of straits.

Column

The Ballad of Federal Gaol

The Ballad of Federal Gaol

A poem about an ex-mayor & a prisoner-to-be.

Film

Paranormal Activity yields big scares

Paranormal Activity yields big scares

Paranormal Activity builds scares out of shadows, loud noises and anticipation.

Small World Cartoons

Not My President

Not My President

When “your man” didn’t become President, what did you say?

Suburban Legends

Batdance

Batdance

Some thoughts on the end of society