“Better the ball.”
That’s the phrase that Alabama State women’s volleyball coach Penny Lucas-White has continuously called out to senior setters Brooke Beasley and Ellyn Jones as encouragement to track down—and set up—potentially bad balls and turn them into golden opportunities.
If that transition from pass to set is successful, then all the greater likelihood that one of the Lady Hornets’ front line players will come through with an emphatic point.
While the glamour of the big hit is often accompanied by the instant roar from the crowd and rise from the bench, the play never comes to fruition without the hustle, quick reflexes and the touch of the setter.
Often overlooked, improvisation can be everything as balls after a dig can shoot ceiling high, dart toward the net, deflect awkwardly toward the sidelines or even drift backwards toward the end line. The possibilities keep the setter on high alert at all times throughout a match. Beasley, who is roughly a two and a half drive from her hometown of Winfield in Northwestern Alabama, and Jones, who made the journey from over 500 miles down south from Columbus, Ind., have made careers out of providing the pathway to the point on the court.
Each player reached milestones within one week of another earlier this month when Beasley cracked the 2,000 career assist mark against Alabama A&M on Oct. 3. Jones soon followed with her own milestone of reaching the 1,000 career assists club at Alcorn State on Oct. 10.
“For us, if the team doesn’t do well, then we don’t do well,” said Beasley, who is a four-time SWAC Setter of the Week and 2014 Preseason All-SWAC First Team selection. “We can’t be selfish because then we can’t score [on a consistent basis].” Jones echoed Beasley’s thoughts on the matter.
“It’s nice to be recognized for something,” said Jones, who has totaled double-digit assists in 21 matches this season and leads the team with 440 assists. “Individual stats are not really in the back of my mind. My goals are more team-orientated than individual. You get more excited for your teammates than for yourself. Individual goals are low on my totem pole.”
Beasley and Jones have certainly played a large role in the Lady Hornets’ current six-match winning streak. ASU hasn’t lost a set with an 18-0 record in the month of October. In 17 sets, Beasley has 90 assists (5.29 assists per set) and six of her 14 aces during the span.
In 18 sets, Jones has 97 assists (5.38 assists per set), 27 digs and 17 aces. During the first set against Mississippi Valley State on Oct. 17, Jones turned heads with a career-high nine aces and led ASU out to a 17-0 start on the service line before ASU went on to take the opener 25-2. It was the lowest points allowed in any set under a Penny Lucas-White coached team at ASU.
“I would like to praise both our setters because they’ve been like the consistent quarterbacks of our team,” said coach Lucas-White.
“I was at a setter’s clinic. Some of the coaches there talked about having a million-dollar hitter and then the $10 dollar extension cord. I would like to reverse that and put out the message to our kids that we couldn’t be who we are without the setters. They are our pillars. They are our co-pilots. Our driving force. I applaud them for their milestones. It is well-deserved and the best is yet to come.”
The connection between the setter and the hitter is a relationship that requires communication and an understanding.
“It’s a constant back and forth,” Jones said. “They’ll tell us that they need the ball just a little bit higher or they’ll tell us that was a good set. There’s definitely a trust factor involved.”
“We definitely have to have a connection with our hitters,” Beasley said. “A lot of times, we’ll have better connections with certain players. Usually, I’ll have a stronger connection with ‘T’ [Tiara Kelley] and Ellyn will be better in setting up Myla [Marshall]. I think it’s because some players like the quicker tempo that Ellyn brings and other players like how I can get the ball up high for them with the longer swing. It’s just one of those things where we happen to have a connection.”
Having two strong setters has allowed coach Lucas-White the flexibility to run different formations. Whether it is the 6-2 or the 5-1, it creates maximum offensive possibilities for ASU.
“Going back to my freshman year, there wasn’t as much of a connection as there is now,” Beasley said. “We’re a lot more mature and we have a much better understanding of the game.”
With over a combined 3,000 assists from Beasley and Jones, it’s easy to see why.
A North Carolina woman is sitting in jail after it was discovered that she was hiding a handgun in her weave.
We’ve heard of bulletproof weaves before, but Uptown magazine reports that Tiffanie Lizette Bass was using her extensions as a holster!
Cops at Wake County Detention Center were already booking Tiffanie on other charges following her arrest during a nightclub raid when she asked to be excused the bathroom. As soon as she walked out, Sheriff Donnie Harrison said deputies noticed that her head was tipping to one side.
It was at this time that authorities found a .38-caliber handgun tucked into her weave, and a Raleigh Police Department rep said that it was unclear how the firearm had gone unnoticed before.
Tiffanie, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant, had already been facing charges for writing a worthless check. She’s now being held on $65,000 bond and she’s been saddled with charges for possession of a stolen firearm and resisting arrest.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Representatives of MillerCoors present $10,000 scholarship checks on behalf of MillerCoors to Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University during the 73rd Magic City Classic. Coors Light has supported HBCU classics for nearly three decades, and over the past six years has invested more than $1 million in the HBCU community by providing scholarships to participating colleges and universities. Pictured above (L/R): Michael Maddox, Chain Account Executive, MillerCoors; Gwendolyn Boyd, President, Alabama State University; Andrew Hugine, President, Alabama A&M University; Melvin Reeves, Chain Account Executive, MillerCoors. (Photo courtesy of MillerCoors/Lord David Nelson)
Also R&B/hip hop music group and Magic City Classic performers, Bell Biv De Voe, pose for a picture after greeting fans during the Coors Light pre-game tailgate party. (Photo courtesy of MillerCoors/Lord David Nelson)
Pelham, Ala. – Oct. 27, 2014– Known for offering wages significantly higher than the industry standard, ALDI, the nation’s low-price grocery leader*, will host a hiring event in Pelham, Alabama, for its future store in Alabaster, on Monday, Nov. 3. Opportunities within ALDI include Store Associate, Shift Manager and Manager Trainee positions.
The hiring event is in advance of the upcoming Alabaster store, slated to open later this year. The new store will expand grocery retail options in the market with the ALDI brand promise of high-quality grocery items at unbeatable prices.
What: ALDI hiring event for its future store in Alabaster
Who: ALDI representatives
Local residents currently seeking employment opportunities
When: Monday, Nov. 3, 2014
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Pelham
232 Cahaba Valley Road
Pelham, AL 35124
Positions: • Store Associates – $10.00 per hour
• Shift Managers – $14.00 per hour ($10.00 per hour base pay plus additional $4.00 per hour when performing manager duties)
• Manager Trainees – $19.50 per hour
Job Requirements: • Must be 18 years or older to apply
• High school diploma or GED
• Must be available to work anytime between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday – Sunday
• Retail experience preferred
• Management experience preferred for Manager Trainees
• Drug screening and background check
• Ability to lift 45 pounds
Quick Facts: • ALDI offers employees generous compensation that is considered well above the industry standard
• Staff working at least 20 hours a week receive full health insurance, dental coverage and 401K
#Full Name Pos. Ht. Ht.Wt. Academic Year Major Hometown/Previous School
1 Jamir Hannah WR 6-3 6-3 202 Fr. undecided Decatur, Ga. / Cedar Grove High
2 Shawan Parks WR 5-2 5-2 160 R-So. Criminal Justice Prattville, Ala. / Prattville Christian Academy
3 Earl Lucas WR 5-8 5-8 160 Sr. Prattville, Ala. / Arkansas State
4 Cordelral Cook QB 6-0 6-0 205 Fr. Accounting Stone Mountain, Ga./Stone Mountain High
5 Cornelius Fenderson WR6-4 6-4 186 R-Sr. Psychology Prattville, Ala. / Prattville High
6 Marcus Berg CB 6-0 6-0 170 R-Sr. Communications Jacksonville, Fla. / Fletcher High
7 Khalid Thomas RB 5-9 5-9 175 So. Graphic Design Tallahassee, Fla. / Kentucky
8 Daerius WashingtonLB 6-0 6-0 205 Jr. Criminal Justice Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / Western Kentucky
9 Ka’Ra Stewart S 5-10 5-10 190 So. Criminal Justice O’Fallon, Ill. / Missouri
10 DeMario Bell WR 6-3 6-3 180 Jr. Criminal Justice Wetumpka, Ala. / Wetumpka
11 Marcus GambleWR 6-1 6-1 200 R-Sr. Marketing Atlanta, Ga. / Butte
12 Quinteris ToppingsQB 6-1 6-1 220 So. Biology Eight Mile, Ala. / Blount High
13 Kadeem ThomasLB 6-0 6-0 230 Jr. undecided Tallahassee, Fla. / Kentucky
14 Torey Davis SS 5-10 5-10 205 R-So. Criminal Justice Atlanta, Ga. / Fayette County
15 Daniel DuhartQB 6-1 6-1 193 R-Jr. Psychology Macon, Ga. / Westside High
16 Preston Clark K 6-1 6-1 175 Fr. undecided Jacksonville, Fla. / University Christian
17 Sir Jackson WR 6-0 6-0 180 So. Rehabilitation Services Gainesville, Fla. / Eastside
18 Delwyn Torbert S 6-2 6-2 200 Fr. Criminal Justice Auburn, Ala. / Auburn High
19 Selwyn Torbert S 6-2 6-2 200 Fr. Criminal Justice Auburn, Ala. / Auburn High
20 Jahaad Coleman RB 5-9 5-9 190 Jr. Communications Plainfield, N.J. / Salem High
21 Deontrelle Silmon LB 6-4 6-4 210 Jr. Criminal Justice Lanett, Ala. / Lanett High
22 Malcolm Cyrus RB 5-10 5-10 180 Sr. Criminal Justice Autaugaville,Ala/Autaugaville
23 Meryles Gilbert CB 5-8 5-8 185 R-Jr. Physical Education Montgomery, Ala./Morehouse
24 Andre Kincey RB 5-9 5-9 180 Jr. Recreational Therapy Abbeville, Ala. / Abbeville
25 Therron Presley CB 5-11 5-11 170 So. Physical Education Montgomery, Ala. /Jeff Davis
26 Ed Murray DB 5-9 5-9 175 So. Recreational Therapy Montgomery, Ala. /Jeff Davis
27 Darius Holmes DB 5-11 5-11 175 Fr. Physical Education Warner Robbins, Ga./Northside High
28 Davian BrantleyDB 5-10 5-10 170 Fr. Rehabilitation Services Selma, Ala. / Selma High
29 Dionte Ponder CB 5-11 5-11 160 Sr. Business Management Ocala, Fla. / Troy
30 Shakym Peters DB 6-0 6-0 170 Fr. Physical Education Conyers, Ga./Rockdale
32 Kourtney Berry LB 6-0 6-0 215 R-So. Recreational Therapy Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville High
33 Rodney Cross RB 5-10 5-10 203 R-Jr. Criminal Justice Lithia, Ga. /Lithia Springs
34 Adam Shepherd K 6-5 6-5 225 Fr. Engineering Tuscaloosa, Ala. / Paul Bryant High
35 Kenyan Davis DB 5-11 5-11 165 So. Psychology Tallahassee, Fla. / Godby
36 Bradley Street CB 6-0 6-0 183 R-So. Recreational Therapy Ellenwood, Ga. / Charles Drew High
37 Trey Jenkins DB 6-0 6-0 180 So. Physical Education Daphne, Ala. / Daphne
38 Barry Johnson FS 6-0 6-0 195 So. Physical Therapy Birmingham, Ala. / Wenonah High
39 Kadeem Murray SS 6-0 6-0 205 So. Accounting Stone Mountain, Ga. / Carson-Newman
40 Antonio Thomas FS 6-0 6-0 192 Fr. Physical Education Atlanta, Ga. / Therrell
41 Marquis Lovett LS 6-3 6-3 225 R-Sr. Criminal Justice Atlanta, Ga. / Georgia Military
42 Johnny Garner LB 5-11 5-11 200 So. Physical Education Columbus, Ga. / Northside
43 DaShawn Blow QB 5-10 5-10 200 Fr. undecided Virginia Beach, Va. / Oscar Smith High
44 Marcus Owens LB 6-3 6-3 240 R-Jr. Recreational Therapy Tallahassee, Fla./ FAMU
45 Leander BurrowesRB5-10 5-10 204 Fr. Special Education Mobile, Ala. / Saraland
46 Marquis Parker LB 6-1 6-1 185 R-Fr. Criminal Justice Lithonia, Ga. / Martin Luther King High
47 Ja’Quez Bowser CB 5-9 5-9 175 So. Criminal Justice Jacksonville,Fla./Mandarin
48 Kurron Ramsey DB 6-1 6-1 160 Fr. Political Science Alexandria, Va. / Mount Vernon High
49 Najee Bright S 6-2 6-2 180 Jr. Communications Linden, Ala. / Linden
50 Dominique Jackson LB6-2 6-2 210 Fr. undecided Brewton, Ala. / T.R. Miller High
52 Malik Bridges LB 6-1 6-1 215 Fr. Political Science Baltimore, Md. / St. Francis
53 Robert Brown DE 6-2 6-2 240 Fr. Education Eufaula, Ala. / Eufaula
54 Hyriam Frederick DE 6-1 6-1 240 Fr. Seffnar, Fla. / Arkansas State
55 Marcus Adams DT 6-0 6-0 290 R-Fr. Criminal Justice Atlanta, Ga./Tri Cities
56 Willie Roller LB 6-2 6-2 230 R-Jr. Marketing St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin Derham Hall
57 Daniel McCall DE 6-0 6-0 230 So. Business Management Montgomery,Ala./Carver
58 Chris Terry DE 6-4 6-4 250 Sr. Communications Jacksonville, Fla. / First Coast High
59 Darien Barrett DE 6-3 6-3 240 So. Business Administration Inglewood, Calif. / Boise State
60 Damian Love OL 6-4 6-4 295 Jr. Rehabilitation Services Millbrook, Ala. / Stanhope Elmore High
62 Kyle Thies OL 6-4 6-4 260 Fr. Math Royal Palm Beach, Fla. / Royal Palm Beach High
63 Darius Preyer OL 6-4 6-4 295 So. History Montgomery, Ala./Carver
66 Kerry Williams OL 6-2 6-2 300 So. Psychology Gaffney, S.C. / Gaffney
67 Tovar Allen OL 6-6 6-6 315 Sr. Physical Education Rincon, Ga. / Effingham County High
68 Andre Hammon OL6-4 6-4 272 So. Physical Therapy Memphis, Tenn. / Central
70 Demechery HickingbottomOL6-46-4 320 Sr. Criminal Justice Meadville, Miss. / Copia-Lincoln Community College
72 Robert Roquemore OL 6-5 6-5 313 Jr. Biology Oxford, Ga. / Georgia Military
73 Thomas Bartley OL 6-3 6-3 280 Fr. Finance Seffnar, Fla. / Armwood
74 Matthew Bates OL 6-3 6-3 305 Sr. Social Work Lakeview, N.Y. / Malverne
75 Mekiye Kingston OL 6-3 6-3 260 Fr. Sports Rehabilitation Riverdale, Ga. / Charles Drew High
77 Tony Jacob OL 6-8 6-8 342 R-Sr. Coaching Education Atlanta, Ga. / Central Florida
79 Jylan Ware OL 6-6 6-6 260 Jr. Recreational Therapy Valley, Ala. / Valley High
80 Nehemiah Henry WR6-1 6-1 186 R-Sr. Physical Education Millry, Ala. / Millry High
81 Brensten Lindsey WR6-3 6-3 180 Fr. Psychology Warner Robbins, Ga. / Houston County High
82 Brandon Barnes TE 6-1 6-1 230 R-So. Rehabilitation Services Phenix City, Ala. / Russell County High
83 Joshua Davis WR 6-1 6-1 185 Fr. Political Science Tallahassee, Fla. / Florida
84 Joe Williams WR 6-2 6-2 175 Fr. Physical Therapy Ft. Myers, Fla. / Dunbar
85 Myles Mitchell WR 6-1 6-1 185 So. Marketing Atlanta, Ga./Lithia Springs
86 Wyndell Archie TE 6-3 6-3 280 So. Physical Education Saraland, Ala. / Saraland
87 Lawrence Oliver WR 5-9 5-9 170 R-Jr. Communications Chicago, Ill. / Los Angeles Valley College
88 Ephraim Henderson WR5-105-10 180 R-Jr. Physical Education Brookhaven, Miss. / Brookhaven High
89 Tytus Howard TE 6-5 6-5 245 Fr. Criminal Justice Monroeville, Ala. / Marion County High
90 Detavion Galmer DE 6-3 6-3 240 Fr. History Education Tifton, Ga. / Turner County High
92 Charleston Hankerson OL 6-2 6-2 270 Fr. Physical Education Miami, Fla.
94 Roderick Henderson DT 6-3 6-3 330 R-So. Criminal Justice Montgomery, Ala. / Southern Miss
95 Justin Mitchell DT 6-3 6-3 305 Sr. Math Phenix City, Ala. / Russell County High
96 Derrick Billups DT 6-3 6-3 308 Sr. Criminal Justice Aliceville, Ala. / Aliceville High
97 Andre Wilson DT 6-1 6-1 295 Fr. Computer Scienc Savannah, Ga. / Calvary Day
98 Antonio HumphreyDE6-3 6-3 220 Jr. Criminal Justice Montgomery, Ala. / Carver High
99 Edward MosleyDE 6-3 6-3 260 Sr. Marketing Atlanta, Ga. / Douglass High
Torren Haley RB 6-0 6-0 202 Fr. undecided Athens, Ala. / East Limestone High
MAGIC CITY CLASSIC WEEKEND – the largest Black Football classic in the country, right here in Birmingham, what you all have been waiting on…this week and weekend.
Get your friends and family ready for some great tailgating fun in Alabama! It started last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway GEICO 500 in Talladega. It was more than a race. IT WAS TALLADEGA!!
Africa Miranda (Photo Credit; Dwayne Boyd)
NOW…If you missed SIP & SHOP last night, for all you Glamour Girls, then tonight is the night you do not want to miss…Check out….
ALABAMA NATIVE AFRICA MIRANDA RETURNS HOME – Africa Miranda, an Alabama native is the Crème of Nature brand ambassador and star of Bravo TV’s hit docudrama The New Atlanta will be in town hosting the GIRLS WITH CURLS, an intimate multi-city beauty social tour. The event will be held at Olivia’s, 6 – 8:30 p.m. It is an opportunity to network and discover new beauty tips and techniques while enjoying complimentary signature cocktails and gifts from sponsors.
IT ‘STARTS’ AND ‘ENDS ‘HERE…the New Tide and Tiger on Graymont Avenue!
Whatever you do while tailgating at the Legion Field and during this week of Magic City Classic events, the NEW TIDE AND TIGER is there for you when you need THE SPOT to be…for you, right in front of the stadium, across the street on Graymont Avenue while tailgating, at the game or just cruising around town. Call (205) 503-3880 for all the latest.
MAGIC CITY CLASSIC WEEK…WEEKEND –
Here is a ’little’ of what is happening …in Birmingham… Laughter, music and more. This should give you a start to “Fun in the ‘Ham.”
THURSDAY –
*SCHAEFFER EYE CENTER CLASSIC INVITATIONAL presented by the Alabama Classic Foundation. Call (205) 541-3683 or go to www.topllc@gmail.com.
*COMEDY IN THE HOOD, 6 p.m. at the New Tide and Tiger on Graymont Avenue (across from the Legion Field stadium). DON’T MISS…COMEDY FOR THE GROWN AND SEXY – It’s always time to laugh so see you tonight …AND EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT…for Thursday Nite Comedy Open Mic hosted by CHARLES WINSTON. Doors open at 6 p.m. with 7 p.m. ShowTime at the Tide and Tiger Lounge, 409 Graymont Avenue. INVITING ALL COMEDIANS…or wannabes! Call (205) 862-4723 for more.
*CURTIS BELL LIVE, 8 p.m. at Henderson’s.
*THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY COMEDY SHOW with SIR WALT, DENO POSEY and GORDON QUINNEY at Crescendo Lounge.
*Magic City Classic featuring the Adamson West Classic Spin & Win with Tasha Simone and DJ Big Sweatt at Wine Loft.
*LINE DANCE FOR FITNESS, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center. Call (205) 254-2679 or 908-7392 for more.
*JOSE’S JAZZ WORKSHOP with JOSE CARR, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
FRIDAY –
* Kicking the weekend off this Friday is Breakfast for the early birds getting started in the morning…. Trying to party all weekend long……
MAGIC CITY CLASSIC SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST – The Magic City Classic Scholarship Breakfast, Friday, 7 a.m. at the Harbert Center. WSK LLC (Waldrep, Stewart & Kendrick) is once again hosting the Magic City Classic Breakfast. The African American Business Council hosted this breakfast but cancelled a year ago. Attorney Kelvin Howard took the iniatitive to converse with the firm to support the cause. Attorney Charlie Waldrep agreed. Now, the Magic City Classic Scholarship Breakfast has WSK LLC as its new sponsor and WSK’s generosity is truly appreciated by all. Thanks WSK, LLC. Thanks Kelvin on your upfront support and good thinking on a worthy cause. On behalf of all of Birmingham, the two schools, the alums and our visitors, we do appreciate you and all of your efforts. Keep up the good work! See you there! Call (205) 327-8333 or 266-0304 for more.
*There should be a few day parties around town. “Somebody tell somebody.”
At the Legion Field Stadium, at 3 p.m. is WILLIE CLAYTON, GEORGE PANDY with a special guest appearance by none other than our own TOM JOYNER. AND… for the grown people a 98.7 KISS Cash Machine. GIVE ME SOME OF THE MONEY!!
FOR A NIGHT ON THE TOWN, head to the Wine Loft for live entertainment, Logan & Alvin Garrettt, DJ & the Bad Boys of Montgomery and more, including Gentleman Jack Superlounge, Jack Honey Sizzling Cigar Bar, Live Sushi with featured Baracadi flavors and hors d’oeuvres and drink tastings. Call (205) 542-6057 for more or mygentlemanjack@gmail.com.
*MOSE STOVALL LIVE, 8 p.m. at Henderson’s.
*KID CAPRI PARTY, 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel downtown. Call (205) 966-9944 or (205) 936-9679 for more.
Nephew Tommy
*NEPHEW TOMMY at the StarDome Comedy Club, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Actor and comedian Thomas Miles has captivated audiences around the country and has received outstanding critical praise for his performances as a stage actor in King Lear, Soldier’s Play, Twelfth Nite, Colored Museum, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and What Ever Happened to Black Love. Thomas joined his Uncle Steve Harvey on the nationally syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show.” When his uncle offered to bring him on as his “sidekick”, Thomas jumped at the opportunity to be proclaimed Steve Harvey’s Nephew Tommy. Call (205) 444-0888 for more. *INTIMATE JAZZ AND CONVERSATIONS with JEFF LORBER, jazz keyboardist and Special Guest DARRYL EVEAN JONES, flutist, 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. at the Water Mark Place, 4500 Alabama Adventure Parkway (Bessemer). *MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY, 7:30 p.m. at the BJCC Concert Hall.
*THE KID CAPRI PARTY, doors open 9 p.m., show starts midnight, at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown.
*KELLY O’NEAL, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
SATURDAY –
Now, everyone should know by now that BELL BIV AND DEVOE are performing after the game. Game starts at 2:30 p.m.
*ONA WATSON & CHAMPAGNE, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
*LOGAN THE ENTERTAINER, 8 p.m. at Henderson’s.
*THE Q CLASSIC AFTERPARTY, 9 p.m. at the BJCC EAST BALLROOM.
*TRIPLE SET BLOCK FEST with four parties on First Avenue North (one block) in four venues with one wristband – the Wine Loft, The Parthenon Martini Bar, the Compound & Steel, doors open at 7 p.m. as the longest running and largest classic weekend event. Call (205) 422-0576 for more. SUNDAY –
*SOUTHERN SOUL SUNDAYS is Each and Every Sunday with the Best in Blues and Southern Soul 6 p.m. at the legends Sports Lounge.
*THE PILLARS OF BIRMINGHAM, 4 p.m. at the Lily Grove Baptist Church, 1409 20th Street North, Rev. Don Solomon, Pastor. This is the Pillars 9th Anniversary as an a capella gospel quartet. Special recognition will be given to Bishop O.L. Meadows, Evelyn Starks Hardy and Bob Friedman of the Pillars. Call (205) 441-3783 or 902-9487 for more.
*SABATON at Iron City on Southside on tour with AMON AMARTH and SKELTONWITCH. Sabaton was formed in Falun, Sweden and known for singing about historical wars and battles. The album Heroes was recorded at Abyss Studios with Peter Tagtgren. SABATON brings their dynamic live stage performances back to the U.S. and Canada this April & May as direct support to American metallers ICED EARTH on their “Worldwide Plagues” North American tour. Opening each show of the six-week trek will be Dutch heavy metallers & label mates REVAMP.
This week and weekend…
*DALAI LAMA COMES TO BIRMINGHAM – Learn More about the Dalai Lama at the Birmingham Public Library – The Dalai Lama will appear at Regions Field on Sunday, Oct. 26 as part of Birmingham’s Human Rights Week, which is now through Oct. 27. To help citizens learn more about his Holiness, the Birmingham Public Library will offer several free programs and resources in October. Check out the free screenings of the documentary “10 Questions for the Dalai Lama’’ at #5 Oporto Madrid Boulevard, Thursday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m., Smithfield Library, #1 Eighth Ave. West, Thursday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m., Titusville Library, #2 Sixth Ave. South. A resource list about books and DVDs on the Dalai Lama will be available at any library location in October.
Some of us remember that there is still time for Halloween activities. This is the last weekend for the…
*WELLS FARGO BOO AT THE ZOO – This is the last weekend for the Children and the Boo Fun at the Zoo. Have fun! Birmingham Zoo guests are invited to wear their favorite family-friendly costumes and watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions, trick-or-treating, themed rides and games for 16 nights at Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo, starting this weekend and every weekend this month. The Presenting Partner of this event is Wells Fargo. This year, guests can experience the thrill of the all-new Monster Slide. Fun for all ages, guests will glide past their friends and family on this exhilarating inner tube ride of over 100 feet! The Zoo will also host a Creepy Carnival with themed games, a hay-ride search for Sasquatch and a trick-or-treat lane, organized by local nonprofit organizations and child-centered businesses. Animal exhibits will be closed during Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo will close at 4p.m. on each day of Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. Visit www.birminghamzoo.com for more. TUESDAY –
FORUM – ALABAMA MICROENTERPRISE NETWORK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – The Alabama MicroEnterprise Network (AMEN) is hosting an all-day forum in Montgomery, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 300 Tallapoosa St. in Montgomery. AMEN is designed to highlight the economic impact that microbusinesses have on Alabama and the nation and speak with one voice to serve, educate and empower Alabama’s microbusiness development organizations and the entrepreneurs they represent. For more go to: www.microenterprisealabama.org.
DON’T FORGET FOOTBALL… Every weekend!
FOR LOVE OF LAUGHTER…
COMEDIANS INTERESTED IN BEING DISCOVERED… AND SEEN….Email me at thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com and also gwenderu@yahoo.com.
THIS WEEKEND… Or coming soon….Don’t miss any of the LAUGHTER AT THE STARDOME COMEDY CLUB… . Check out…
FOR MORE LAUGHTER, October 31 – CINDY KAZA, November 7-8 – TIM STATUM, October 28-30 and also, November 1-2 – RONNIE JORDAN, November 4-5 – BRUHHMAN & KOL BUBBA ICE, November 7-8 and November 14-15 – JAMES GREGORY, November 11-16 – SHUAN JONES, November 20-21 – DUSTIN YBARRA, November 21-23 – LAVELL CRAWFORD, November 25-26 and 28-30 – JONATHAN SLOCUMB, January 2-4 – GARY OWEN, and February 7 – MIRANDA SINGS. Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you!! Call (205) 444-0008 for more.
IN AND AROUND THE SOUTHEAST…
**TODAY – American Playwright Theatre presents SPAGHETTI SUPPER with a Dine and Discuss Social Justice, 6:30 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee at 3510 West Hamilton Road, 35218.
2015 –
**JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 1 – URBAN SKI WEEKEND in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There will be 15 parties and events with special guest BENZINO and cast of Love & Hip Hop. Go to www.urbanskiweekend.com or text 832-249-0882 for more.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!! I WILL!! NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR OCTOBER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLOTTA SHEARER, TAMICA WASHINGTON and CYNTHIA MARZETTE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! THIS MEANS YOU… HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
Get outdoors, laugh and enjoy the time with family and friends! Check out our ‘What’s Happening Travel and Tourism Guide’… whenever you can.
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)
Gwen Deru, Vice President
The Lewis Group
(205) 251-1666
thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star and OG NeNe Leakes stopped by “The Real” to get real about some of her co-stars.
It’s no secret, in fact, it’s worldly knowledge Leakes doesn’t like Kenya Moore and Cynthia Bailey. She opened up about her feelings towards the ladies … once again.
Loni Love, in particular, asked Leakes if she patched up old wounds with Bailey yet. And she replied with a simple, “NO!”
Leakes added, “No, we have not kissed and made up and uh…. Although, I’ve tried. I think when you guys watch the show this season you’ll see a lot of things that happened. I felt like last season when we ended I was kind of being blamed. So I think this season you guys may see a different type of girl, that girl.”
Adrienne Bailon asked Leakes about the shade that happens even when the cameras aren’t rolling and shared a tweet Leakes sent out who many believe to be about Moore, “have you ever met a person that truly wanted to be you? Never met them. It’s actually sad.”
“I have actually met some people that, you know, want to be you. You know what I mean? They just all of a sudden… they start posing like you, they start using the language you use, you know what I mean?”
She added, “they start taking pictures like you take ‘em and start hanging out with the people you used to hang out with. You know, and start trying to use your glam people. You be like, “Okay so… I know you really want to be me but girl bye.”
As for it being about Moore, Leakes responded with a lack of knowledge who she is, “Who?!?!” Bailon took that as a yes answer.
Leakes added, “well you know what? I generally don’t talk about her because she recently, you know… Nobody was talking about her a few years ago. And so now, you know, I know this is a blessing that we are all speaking her name today.”
Season seven of the reality series premieres on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m. on BRAVO.
James Brown changed the face of American music forever.
Charting his journey from rhythm and blues to funk, Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown features rare and previously unseen footage, interviews and photographs, chronicling the musical ascension of “the hardest working man in show business,” from his first hit, “Please, Please, Please,” in 1956, to his iconic performances at the Apollo Theater, the T.A.M.I. Show, the Paris Olympia and more.
Directed by Oscar® winner Alex Gibney and produced by Mick Jagger, the feature-length documentary was made with the unique cooperation of the Brown Estate, which opened its archives for the first time, and debuts Monday, Oct. 27 (9-11 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.
Other HBO playdates: Oct. 27 (3:35 a.m.) and 30 (9 a.m., 5:30 p.m.), and Nov. 2 (1 p.m.), 4 (noon) and 15 (11 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Oct. 29 (11:30 p.m.) and Nov. 6 (9 p.m.), 25 (4 p.m.) and 29 (4:30 p.m.)
Abandoned by his parents at an early age, James Brown was a self-made man who became one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, not just through his music, but also as a social activist. In addition to extensive historical footage, including archival interviews with Brown himself, the film includes modern-day interviews with Mick Jagger, who remembers first seeing Brown perform from the balcony of the Apollo Theater; Rev. Al Sharpton, who met Brown at age 17 and considered him a father figure; band members Maceo Parker, Clyde Stubblefield, Melvin Parker, Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, Martha High, Bootsy Collins and Fred Wesley; Danny Ray, Brown’s MC, who shrouded the singer with a cape onstage; Questlove, founder of and drummer for The Roots, and a disciple of Brown’s “on the one” rhythm; rapper Chuck D. of Public Enemy; jazz musician Christian McBride; and tour manager Alan Leeds, among others.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Philadelphia judge has decided that the widow of R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass will retain control over his estate after rejecting a will submitted by the singer’s son.
Montgomery County Orphans’ Court Judge Stanley Ott said a will dated in May 2009 and submitted by Theodore “Ted” Pendergrass II “was fraudulent” and called his testimony “wholly lacking in credibility.”
Ott called testimony by the singer’s wife, Joan, and other witnesses “highly” credible and ruled that the will dated in March 2009 and giving Joan Pendergrass most of the estate will stand.
Attorney Timothy Holman said Pendergrass’ son “respectfully disagrees with the court’s ruling” and is considering an appeal.
The singer was paralyzed in a Philadelphia car accident in 1982. He died of colon cancer in 2010 at age 59.
J. J. Hairston & Youthful Praise is unparalleled in producing outstanding praise and worship anthems. They have come to be known as the choir that set the atmosphere for Sunday morning service. Having released six awesome titles, the stage is set for I See Victory (Light Records), their new live CD that will be in retail October 28th. Featuring an amazing selection of lively tracks, J. J. Hairston & Youthful Praise really knows how to take it to church, proper!
Adding to the excitement of this much anticipated release is the stellar lineup that have loaned their talent to this project. Featured guests include Donnie McClurklin, Karen Clark Sheard, Vashawn Mitchell, Jason Nelson, Deon Kipping, Greg Kirkland and Zebulon Ellis. They joined Hairston and Youthful Praise for a spirit filled concert at the First Cathedral in Bloomfield, Conn. where they recorded this collection.
I See Victory is comprised of 13 tracks. A deluxe version will be available on iTunes offering an additional five bonus songs. A lively tune of adoration, “Nothing Compares”, is the opener. “Bless Me” is wrapped with a mid tempo that’s laced with simple lyrics. It, along with “It Pushed Me’ are magnificent refrains that are rapidly climbing Billboard’s Gospel chart. “You’re Mighty” is highly inspiring – this is one for the warriors. “Awe Of You” is a beautiful anthem. The set closes just like it opens – on a high note – with “The Blood Still Works”. J. J. Hairston & Youthful Praise’s latest is their most dynamic collective to date. They continue to take Praise and Worship higher.
Track Listing: Nothing Compares ft. Vashawn Mitchell; You’re Mighty; Bless Me ft. Donnie McClurkin & Greg Kirkland; It Pushed Me ft. Zebulon Ellis; You Are Worthy; You Are Worthy Reprise; I Feel You Moving ft. Jason Nelson; You Are Great ft. Deon Kipping; Wonders To Perform; All Things Well; Awe Of You ft. Karen Clark Sheard; Good To Me; The Blood Still Works.
Beasley, who is roughly a two and a half drive from her hometown of Winfield in Northwestern Alabama, and Jones, who made the journey from over 500 miles down south from Columbus, Ind., have made careers out of providing the pathway to the point on the court.
Jones echoed Beasley’s thoughts on the matter.
