The Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Audubon are teaming up for our annual Great Backyard Bird Count! The event unites birdwatchers from across the globe as they track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces. Seasonal bird counts have been a central part of Birmingham Audubon’s work ever since its founding in 1946. Hear bird watching tips from Birmingham Audubon experts and take part in bird conservation activities in the Junior League of Birmingham –  Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds. Participants are invited to take part in the bird walk from 8am-10am and afterwards enjoy crafts and activities from 10am-2pm.

It takes some folks 10 years to make a name for themselves in Music City, but in the three short years that Drew Parker has lived in Nashville, TN, he has been able to accomplish things he never dreamed were possible.

Coming from a small, unincorporated town of Stewart, Georgia (located in Covington, Georgia), Parker began singing at age 3 in front of small church crowds. Over the years, he began to build his confidence and, at age 14, he decided to pick up a guitar and teach himself how to play songs from his inspirations, such as Keith Whitley, Daryle Singletary, Eric Church, Tim Mcgraw and more.
Parker made the move from his small town in Georgia to Nashville, Tennessee in 2015 and signed a publishing deal in September of 2017.

During the time he has lived in Nashville, Parker has earned the opportunity to open up for Brett Eldredge, Alabama, Dwight Yoakam, Aaron Watson, Craig Campbell, Aaron Lewis and even toured with A-List country artist Luke Combs on his ‘Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Time’ tour in Spring of 2018 and was also a co-writer on Combs’ debut platinum record “This Ones For You”. Joining the tour helped to celebrate Parker’s Debut Self-Titled EP that released in February prior, of which includes songs entitled, “California Ain’t For Ya,” and “Just Asking.”

Aside from his cowboy hat and boots, Drew Parker is the definition of true country. He is genuine, honest, and carries an old soul that resonates with many. He is on the rise and sees no end….

The story of The Lazybirds is one of migration to these aforementioned mountains and of an impressive musical legacy built up over the last two decades. Playing a distinctive brand of jump blues, swing, country blues, classic country and early jazz, the music of The Lazybirds reflects the musical influences of this creatively-fertile region.

The Lazybirds tale began when original members Jay Brown and James T. Browne relocated to the western North Carolina Mountains from Alabama. Brown, who sings, plays harmonica, keyboards and is an acclaimed swing guitarist and fellow multi-instrumentalist Browne moved to the mountains in the mid-1990s and formed The Lazybirds in 1996. Asheville, NC, native, tenor and resonator guitarist and mandolin player Brad Pope has been with the group for a year, and newcomer Asher Hill now plays the bass.

Instructor: Jason Kirby, Library at The Gardens Archivist
Monday | 8:30-9:30 a.m.
*Schedule subject to change*
Location: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Members $5|Non-members $7

Ashtanga Yoga – Established by Sri Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India is a traditional yoga practice where a set of poses (asanas) are given in a specific order, with an emphasis on linking the breath (prana) and movement. This style of yoga incorporates a heating breath, and actively moves through a set series of postures to heat the body, and encourage sweating. The opening sequence begins with Sun Salutations (A & B), and then several standing asanas, and end with some basic seated postures from the Ashtanga Primary Series. Each pose in the sequence is a preparation for the next, and is traditionally practiced in sequence. Class ends with the closing sequence and savasana. Modifications are given.

Join other science geeks (and science novices) for an exciting presentation, lively discussion and a little science trivia at the Birmingham SCI Cafe, every third Tuesday at John’s City Diner in downtown Birmingham (112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N). All SCI Cafes are free to the public and no science background is required. The fun begins at 6 pm with science trivia, then continues with the guest speaker at 6:30 pm.
The Birmingham SCI Café is a joint project presented by McWane Science Center and the Civitan International Research Center at UAB. By combining our efforts, we are giving scientifically curious people the opportunity to interact with scientists, researchers and enthusiast from diverse fields. Together, we are bringing this unique learning experience to the Birmingham community!

February

Alabama Genomic Health Initiative: Dr. Ashley Cannon, MS, PhD, tells about how UAB is at the forefront of a program aimed at preventing and treating disease, including certain types of cancer, heart problems, and genetic disorders.

Come enjoy learning conversational Spanish in a fun and relaxed environment while sipping on your favorite drink!

This class is best suited for those who are brand new to Spanish, or who have studied in the past but need to brush up their skills. By completing this course you will learn to order a meal, book a room, buy a ticket, ask for directions and much more!

Classes will start on Jan 15, 2019 and end on Feb 27, 2019

Price: $250 with special promo coupon (share the event and you will receive it in your inbox). Monthly payment plans available!
Price includes:
The 7-week course taught by one of our qualified native instructors in a social, fun and educational environment
1 alcoholic beverage per class
Gratuity
Your textbook

To register or for more information text 205-721-0077 or email alabamalanguageservices@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 19th
Avondale Brewery Upstairs
With special guest Native Harrow
$10 21+
$17 18+
Doors 7pm / Show 8pm

Great Lake Swimmers

2018 marks the 15thanniversary of Great Lake Swimmers. Over seven albums, multiple EPs, live broadcasts, and reissues, the Toronto-based project led by singer-songwriter Tony Dekker has established itself as a beloved indie folk act in their native Canada and beyond. The CBChas called them “a national treasure”while their music has taken them around the world, sharing a sound that is at once familiar and distinct, using the tools of folk music as the starting point to delve deeper.It’s this contrast and evolution that brings them to their latest release, The Waves, The Wake–a metaphor for the future ahead, and the past trailing behind. Abandoning the acoustic guitar, this new collection of songs sees the group branching out to include newsounds such as harp, lute, pipe organ, woodwinds, congas and marimbas, alongside the more familiar flecks and chimes of the banjo, piano, and 12-string electric guitar. The stunning acoustics of the historic,145 year old Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church in London, Ontario lendthe atmospheric touch to the album, underthe guidance of co-producer Chris Stringer (Union Sound). This record is about the songs, first and foremost, and was made with many of Toronto’s most talented players, including arrangementsby Drew Jurecka and electric guitar appearances both atmospheric and spirited by Kevin Kane (Grapes Of Wrath). Long time collaborators Erik Arnesen (banjo,guitar), Bret Higgins (bass), and Josh Van Tassel (percussion) also contribute their considerable musicianship.“The Talking Wind”opens the albumsolely with woodwinds and vocals, setting the tone with its scaled back, minimalist approach. Similarly sparse arrangements on “Falling Apart”pair a meditative, layered piano with an appearance by renowned harpist Mary Lattimore alongside Dekker’s haunting, plaintive vocals. Bridging the album to the group’s past work, the lonely jangle of “Alone But Not Alone” is a study in song-craft; “Side Effects”matches lyrical substance to musical motifs with its expressive vibraphone, tempo variations, and vocal effects.But perhaps the album’s centerpiece is the entirely a cappella “Visions Of A Different World”with its ghostly, longing vocals nakedly bearing its message.Great Lake Swimmers have twice been nominated for Juno Awards, have been shortlisted for the prestigious Polaris Prize, and won a Canadian Indie Award for Favourite Folk/Roots Artist/Group. They have shared the stage as support for such musical luminaries as Robert Plant, Feist, and Calexico, and have appeared as headliners for many of Canada’s major Folk Music festivals. Their relentless touring schedule and countless live shows have helped them develop devoted fan bases
across Canada, the US,Europe, the UK and many points beyond. Mojodubbed them “Ambient Zen Americana”and Exclaimhas describedthem asa“cherished blend of folk and orchestral indie pop.”

Birmingham, Alabama, get ready for another immersive coffee experience when Alabama Multicultural (AMOR) presents Alabama Coffee Festival on Saturday, February 23, 2019. Specially curated roasters and coffee shops share with you unique beans and flavor profiles with live entertainment. This is a fun environment for true coffee enthusiasts with a strictly limited ticket capacity.

TWO COFFEE TASTING SESSIONS:

MORNING SESSION (500 Ticket Limit):
VIP – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
GA – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

AFTERNOON SESSION (500 Ticket Limit):
VIP – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
GA – 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Enjoy specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, delicious pastries, and live entertainment, during this one-of-a-kind coffee culture experience.

AMOR is the host of the Alabama Coffee Festival and Dia de los Muertos plus Alabama International Cinema events in Birmingham, Alabama.

Get your caffeine buzz on! Alabama coffee vendors will host live demonstrations. In between unlimited coffee tastings you can check out live latte art creations, Cahaba Brewery’s large beer selection*, and taste local bake shop pastries*.
*(not included in ticket price)

VIP Tickets are LIMITED and include:
•VIP Entrance Line
•VIP Early Access to Coffee tasting experience
•Unlimited Coffee tasting
•VIP Line for Coffee tasting
•Access to Live Music
•Pastry Samples
•Official Alabama Coffee Fest Swag Bag
•Collectible 4oz Coffee Cup
•Coffee bean samples from roasters
•Cahaba Brewing Tour Voucher
•Judge the AMOR Latte Art Championship
•Pastries will be available for purchase*

General Tickets include:
•Admission to Alabama Coffee Fest
•Access to Live Music
•Unlimited Coffee Tasting
•Pastries will be available for purchase*

Coffee Tastings From:
Revelator Coffee Company • Notable Coffee Roaster • Tropicaleo • Filter Coffee Parlor • Bigbee Coffee Roasters • Baba Java Roaster & Cafe • More to be Announced

Instructor: Jason Kirby, Library at The Gardens Archivist
Monday | 8:30-9:30 a.m.
*Schedule subject to change*
Location: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Members $5|Non-members $7

Ashtanga Yoga – Established by Sri Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India is a traditional yoga practice where a set of poses (asanas) are given in a specific order, with an emphasis on linking the breath (prana) and movement. This style of yoga incorporates a heating breath, and actively moves through a set series of postures to heat the body, and encourage sweating. The opening sequence begins with Sun Salutations (A & B), and then several standing asanas, and end with some basic seated postures from the Ashtanga Primary Series. Each pose in the sequence is a preparation for the next, and is traditionally practiced in sequence. Class ends with the closing sequence and savasana. Modifications are given.

Come enjoy learning conversational Spanish in a fun and relaxed environment while sipping on your favorite drink!

This class is best suited for those who are brand new to Spanish, or who have studied in the past but need to brush up their skills. By completing this course you will learn to order a meal, book a room, buy a ticket, ask for directions and much more!

Classes will start on Jan 15, 2019 and end on Feb 27, 2019

Price: $250 with special promo coupon (share the event and you will receive it in your inbox). Monthly payment plans available!
Price includes:
The 7-week course taught by one of our qualified native instructors in a social, fun and educational environment
1 alcoholic beverage per class
Gratuity
Your textbook

To register or for more information text 205-721-0077 or email alabamalanguageservices@gmail.com

Grammy Award winners Yolanda Adams and Dr. Henry Panion III & Orchestra will perform at the historic Lyric Theatre (1800 3rd Avenue North) on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.

The one-night-only Believe! A Night of Hope concert featuring the Gospel music legend benefits ill and injured children treated at Children’s of Alabama, the state’s only freestanding pediatric hospital. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) is the presenting sponsor. Summit Media Group and CBS 42 are media sponsors. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is also a partner.

A limited number of individual general admission tickets ranging from $55 to $65 and single VIP tickets priced at $100 are available through Ticketmaster.

After 12 albums, five Grammys and performing for several U. S. presidents, Yolanda Adams still wows audiences the world over. Adams is renowned for pioneering the blend of modern gospel music with soul and jazz. For decades, she has empowered fans through her inspirational and contemporary music.

Grammy Award winner Dr. Henry Panion III is a noted composer, arranger, conductor, educator and professor in the Department of Music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Panion has produced, arranged and conducted for a number of artists, including Stevie Wonder, The Winans, Aretha Franklin, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, Chet Atkins, Ellis Marsalis Jr. with the SuperJazz Big Band, Chaka Khan, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra and the Blind Boys of Alabama. He founded the UAB Recording Studio, where award-winning recordings by the UAB Gospel Choir and UAB Jazz Ensemble were produced.

Adams and Panion will be joined by guest soloist Marissa Luna. A student of Amy Murphy Studios and the Alabama School of Fine Arts, Marissa Luna recently signed with Jan Smith Studios. As Miss Tennessee Valley’s Outstanding Teen, Marissa advocates for Children’s Miracle Network, which benefits Children’s Hospitals. Through her collaboration with artist Marcus Fetch, she has raised over $5,000 for the program.