We have had lots of prizes and giveaways before, but this is one that requires the most serious commitment. We have been telling you about this one for a while on the back cover of the paper, but now the time is nigh for you to pack up your camping gear and go spend a weekend in Manchester, Tennessee.
It may be minimalist, but it is as profound as Radiohead, which is reason enough to go spend a weekend camping in the slovenly wilderness. Did I tell you about one of my favorite poems by Wallace Stevens? Well, you may have to indulge me, while I have your attention, because I never could think of Tennessee the same way again after reading it.
It is The Anecdote of the Jar, and it could help you win a Bonaroo ticket.
And somehow Tennessee is a perfect fit.
In this issue we have a focus on many parts of Birmingham, from our own neighborhood of Avondale all the way out to Trussville (in spite of the Country Girl), even Crestline Village. All of these might be a perfect place to sit a jar down and observe the resulting symmetry of roundness. But none have the reputation for untamed nature, or even whiskey, as Tennessee.
And if I were going to spend a weekend in Tennessee listening to music, as you have the opportunity to do, I just could not help myself from helping myself to a mason jar full of sour mash whiskey. I say that even though I prefer the Kentucky variety. I just believe in taking in the whole experience in all its dimensions, atuned to the place, same as I would not normally go to Shanghai and order a pizza.
OK OK, the crazy girl, the country girl, even Scarlet (Bunny indulges me) all say the same thing: get to the point. They find my roundabout ways frustrating, though women are supposed to appreciate the journey and not be in such a hurry to get to the destination. Well, you can´t always believe what they say. Still, I would recommend rounding one or more up for the trip to Manchester. They will make it more memorable, if not more fun.
And if you are up for spending a weekend in Tennessee listening to Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phish, just go to our website and find out how you can get tickets from us that won´t cost you the $285 apiece face value. One lucky person will even win one free. They even have blasts from the past like the Beach Boys, Alice Cooper -- and Kenny Rogers? Well, maybe he will play some punk heavy metal like Johnny Cash did just when he should have been over the hill. Could this be the next summer that becomes as famous as 1967? You never know.
It will have a Tennessee southern flavor with the Soul Rebels and Dale Earnheardt Jr. Bring you own mason jar with you. You can find the rest there. And be sure to share.
Just go to www.bhamweekly.com to find out how you can find yourself there.