Five-day event to feature rides and food, with proceeds benefittingThe Leeds Education Foundation

BIRMINGHAM – The carnival is coming to The Outlet Shops of Grand River (The Shops) – and for a good cause! The Shops will host the MayFest carnival, beginning Wednesday, May 7, and lasting until Sunday, May 11, with proceeds from ticket sales benefitting The Leeds Education Foundation.
The five-day event will feature 14 rides – including a giant slide – and traditional carnival food. Tickets are $15 per person for unlimited rides or one dollar for single ride tickets and can be purchased onsite at Guest Services in the Food Court.
“MayFest is the perfect way for individuals and families to celebrate spring and the upcoming summer season,” says Roslyn Rodda, OSGR manager, marketing and tourism. “Additionally, we plan to donate 10 percent of all proceeds to local education, which adds a special element to an already festive event.”

MayFest dates and times are as follows:
•    Thursday, May 8, 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
•    Friday, May 9, 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
•    Saturday, May 10, noon until 10 p.m.
•    Sunday, May 11, noon until 6 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Fresh off of the heels of a successful debut album, Alabama native Clinton Babers is partnering with a powerful event and a powerhouse singer to spread his melodious tunes to the masses.
On Friday, May 9, Babers will be featured at Newsaroo, supporting the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. The free music festival will be held at Avondale Brewery with Clinton Babers taking the stage at 7p.m.
More information can be found at: www.newsaroo.org

On Thursday, May 22, Babers will open for internationally known singer PJ Morton. The concert will take place at WorkPlay (500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL ‎). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m.

The reality show features First Lady and successful entrepreneur Junetta Barnes of Baltimore

BALTIMORE, Md. (BlackNews.com) — Bravo TV renews reality television show “Thicker Than Water” for second season. The show premiered to an audience of 1.6 million viewers in November 2013. The Tankard family of Tennessee was introduced to the world. The show chronicles the life of a Christian church family led by Pastor Ben Tankard and wife Jewel Tankard. Their blended family of eight takes center stage amidst the glitz and glam, the rewards of their church’s ministry of prosperity. The guiding principle is the belief that “God wants us all to be millionaires.
“Baltimore’s Junetta Barnes, sister of Jewel Tankard, was introduced mid season as a regular guest. The first season highlighted the complexities of Jewel, Junetta and Junice’s sisterhood. She will return for the second season.
Junetta Barnes is also a pastor’s wife. Pastor GJ Barnes and First Lady Barnes lead the Elevation Chapel AME Church in East Baltimore. Young, very successful entrepreneurs, they own and operate several multi-million dollar businesses. They founded Elevation Chapel in East Baltimore in 2010 to give back. Their mission “Elevate My Life” (EML) is dedicated to spiritual, personal and community development for Baltimoreans. The family doesn’t earn a salary from the church, everything is donated to its programs.
Stay tuned to see what’s in store for “Thicker Than Water.” Check out local cable listings to see when the second season will premiere on Bravo.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Grounded, a new book by Angela Correll, is drawing widespread acclaim and rave reviews from readers and critics alike. A Kentucky native, Correll will visit the Birmingham area for two book signing events in conjunction with Vapor, a ministry close to her heart.
The first book signing will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, May 16 at Vapor Thrift Store on Highway 280 across from Jim ‘N Nicks. The second event, “an afternoon with the author,” will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at Vapor’s headquarters, 338 Talladega Springs Road, in Sylacauga. This forum will include a word from Vapor’s president, Micah McElveen, as well as a discussion and Q&A session with Correll. Topics will range from characters in the book to Correll’s writing process, sustainable farming, organic food production, farm-to-table restaurant concepts and more.
In the style of authors such as Susan Mallery and Jan Watson, first-time novelist Correll has created a rich tapestry of characters with strong ties to family and faith. With deep roots in the soil of her family’s heritage, Correll tells a charming story about one woman’s journey to discover what really matters in life. And along the way, she highlights her passions for farming and sustainable agriculture, topics that especially resonate in the Heart of Dixie.
Though she has a love for the simplicity of small town life, Correll also has a heart to see lives changed around the world – something central to Vapor’s mission. Headquartered in Alabama, Vapor aims to make a lasting impact by establishing self-sustaining centers for humanitarian aid and disciple making in third-world environments.
Vapor enters communities with the desire to make a difference that truly improves lives in a sustainable way. Using avenues of sports, clean water, job creation, child sponsorship, education and microbusinesses, Vapor creates opportunities for sustainable life change in some of the poorest places on earth.
A faithful advocate of Vapor’s ministry, Correll is excited to lend her debut novel to this cause. Both book signings will provide opportunities to meet the author and learn about what Vapor is doing to make a difference around the world.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Center Point High School will present the Lion King Jr, May 8 at 7 p.m.; May 9 and 10 at 2 p.m., in the auditorium. The school is located at 1000 Eagle Drive, Birmingham, AL 35215. This production is only one of a dozen or so that will be presented in the United States and was hand selected by Disney as a pilot project to determine the intricate production needs that schools will require in order to launch the script for nationwide accessibility.
“This special partnership with Disney Theatrical Productions of New York is indeed an honor and credence to the growth of our Theatre program here at Center Point High School,” said Theatre Director, LaShanna R. Tripp. “This production has been monumental in furthering the development and training of our students to take on more challenges in the arts as well as in their academics, while becoming positive contributors to their society.”
 Under the direction of Ms. Tripp, students have engaged in intense performing arts workshops and rehearsals to prepare for this highly anticipated performance.
Follow the story of Simba (Donovan Stewart), who must learn the true meaning of being King of Pride Rock following the murder of his beloved father, Mufasa (Shemar Smith). Through the guidance of the wise Rafiki (Ashlee Pickard) and support from his childhood friend Nala (Jordyn Jones of Pleasant Grove MS), and the heartwarming and hilarious duo Timon (Tira Davis) and Pumbaa (Ashlee Tremble), Simba returns to Pride Rock to face his scheming Uncle Scar (Byron Bradley) to reclaim his rightful place as king and enable his pride’s survival.
 This is a fun-filled family event. Admission is $10 – Adults; $ 5 – Senior Citizens and Students with Valid ID. For more information, contact the Center Point High School Box Office at, cphstheatretix@gmail.com.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine being serenaded by rich, smooth, and harmonious sounds laced with skilled vocal mastery rivaling that of the best of A Capella greats. That’s the gift 8VAlution guarantees to each ear fortunate enough to be treated to a sampling of their critically acclaimed and publicly applauded singing.
8VAlution will be performing in Birmingham on Friday, May 16,  at Ramsay High School’s Auditorium (1800 13th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205). Admission is free and the performance starts at 7p.m. Joining 8VAlution’s members Brian Seay, Karmessa Padgett, Brittany Seay, Andriana Haygood, Deric Jackson, Sharita Smith, Cameron Blackmore, and Alana Plump for the Birmingham performance, will be special guests Clinton Babers, Ashley Sankey, and Jamelia Edwards.

BY MEREDITH COOPER
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Bill was ecstatic when Brooke gave him the papers, giving him back his company and custody of Will. Katie filled Ridge in on the story of how Bill conned her into signing the papers under false pretense of reconciliation. Ridge and Katie shared a painful moment as Bill, Will and Brooke entered the CEO office and Bill reclaimed his chair, clearly the king again. Having promised Wyatt that she will choose soon, Hope was still squarely in between the two Spencer brothers. Hope played with the kitten that Liam gave her as she remembered fantastic moments that the two of them have shared. A romantic proposal of marriage was made. Ridge and Katie looked forward to starting their lives together. Liam admitted to Quinn that he knew about her and Bill and then told her about everything that Brooke had done for his father, reiterating that she and Wyatt should find new lives. Later, Quinn reminded Bill that it was Brooke that got him his job back and threatened to blackmail him if he doesn’t give Wyatt what she felt is rightfully his. Brooke arrived at Katie’s house to try and explain her decisions and was floored when Katie announced her good news.  Having Bill right where she wanted him, Quinn urged Wyatt to arrive at Spencer Publications as fast as he could. At a Forrester meeting, Ridge arrived and told the group about Bill being reinstated as CEO all because of Brooke. He went on to reveal that he and Katie are engaged. Over at Katie’s house, Brooke implied that the only reason that Ridge proposed to Katie is because of Brooke. Katie was firm that Ridge’s commitment to her is solid. Still skeptical, Brooke left and headed over to Forrester where she ran into Ridge. Quinn attempted to blackmail Bill into giving Wyatt what he previously gave Liam. Wyatt remained unaware of his mother’s deception. Aly and Oliver kissed. Oliver reminded Aly to keep their relationship a secret. Later, Aly talked to Oliver about her mother and wished she could share her new found happiness with her. Bill and Wyatt both decided that Wyatt will officially become a part of the Spencer family. Liam was surprised to learn of the new developments and was immediately wary of Quinn’s role in the decision. Liam and Wyatt traded insults, and Liam accused Wyatt of allowing his mother to run interference in his life. Quinn attempted to get Hope to make a decision between Liam and Wyatt and urged her to choose Wyatt. Wyatt admitted to Hope that the change in relationship with his father feels right.  Pam and Charlie got excited for a medieval event they’re attending. Pam was disappointed that Aly’s not going with them. Pam mentioned to Charlie that both Taylor and Aly are in the same building.
THIS WEEK: Thorne becomes suspicious of Oliver and Aly’s involvement. Pam worries about Aly’s reaction if she sees Taylor.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
After a confrontation with Nick, EJ decided to take drastic action! Abigail was stunned by Nick’s revelation. The animosity between Jordan and Kate exploded – which led to a huge catfight! Hope was appalled when she uncovered Aiden and Ciara’s plot. Sami started to get cold feet about her and EJ’s decision. Eric had a romantic surprise for Nicole. Paige finally got to the root of JJ’s behavior.  Jordan admitted defeat to Kate and announced she’s leaving town. EJ assured a panicked Abigail he would stop Nick from exposing their affair. Realizing Nick truly is diabolical, Sonny took unexpected measures to protect those he loves. Nick pushed Will’s buttons and things turned violent. Daniel put all the pieces together and came to a reluctant conclusion. Eric and Nicole shared exciting news with Jennifer. Will was stunned when he found what Sonny’s hiding. Salem was rocked when a major character was shot in cold blood!  Will realized Nick’s holding something over Abigail’s head. Lucas and Kate were furious when they hear Nick’s making a bold move against Will. Sami and EJ debated whether they’ve made the right decision.
THIS WEEK: Rafe confronts Jordan over her secret plans. Daniel makes a shocking discovery.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
An enraged Julian confronted Ava about her betrayal, and she desperately begged him not to hurt her. Sonny asked Shawn to check on Ava’s whereabouts. Olivia started to put the pieces together and figured out what Sonny has been hiding. A guilt-ridden Duke suggested to Anna they work together to help bring down Julian. Carly and Franco discovered a hopeful and new discovery in AJ’s still unsolved murder case.  Just as Ned accused Luke of embezzling ELQ money, Tracy walked in on their confrontation. Sabrina questioned Carlos’ confession. Olivia approached Sonny about her suspicions, as he tried his best to delay the inevitable. Julian divulged stunning information about Ava to Shawn. Luke was caught off guard when Michael showed up at ELQ to talk about Kiki. Morgan reluctantly shared with Kiki the details of Sonny’s betrayal. Anna was suspicious of the evidence Carly and Franco might be hiding in regards to AJ’s case. Obrecht delivered startling news to the General Hospital staff, which also left Lucy dumbfounded. Michael was infuriated when he learned about the shenanigans Luke has been playing with Kiki and decided to work with Ned to bring him down. As the Nurses Ball 2014 began, several popular Port Charles residents were noticeably absent from the Red Carpet and stuck at home watching the festivities on TV. Old and new loves percolated while others found themselves in awkward situations. Amidst all the romantic drama, the never-dull Nurses Ball audience was entertained with fun performances and sexy surprises.
THIS WEEK: Maxie and Nathan argue about Levi’s influence over her. Mac meets resistance with his Nurses Ball routine.

YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Victor was surprised when Sharon asked for his help in uncovering her secret. He revealed to her that Phyllis knows what she’s hiding. Stitch confronted Kelly because he’s nervous she’s going to blow up his life again. He wanted to know if she’s going to tell people his secret and she said she wouldn’t. She didn’t forgive Stitch for what he did but said it’s time they both moved on.  Meanwhile, Billy asked Jack to get whatever information Stitch’s hiding out of Kelly.  Summer figured out that Jack’s seeing Kelly and accused him of cheating on her mom.  Meanwhile, Kelly was excited for her night with Jack, and Lily helped her prepare for it.  Chelsea was floored when Chloe informed her of her next move. Billy came to see Johnny, and Victoria struggled with the weight of knowing who she wants to be with.  Ian Ward went to see Paul at the GCPD and claimed that Dylan has been harassing him, but Paul said he needs a more substantiated claim.  When Avery received flowers, Dylan thought Ian sent them.  Avery considered quitting her show because of the stress it has put on her and Dylan’s relationship.  Meanwhile, Dylan had a heated confrontation with Ian.  Nikki and Victor found themselves at an impasse.  Victor wouldn’t admit to anything but did his best to try to make things right between them. Later, Nikki and Dylan shared a nice moment while Victor and Ian Ward had a run-in.  Lily overheard Colin tell Cane that he wants to pitch a business venture to Devon. Meanwhile, Jill figured out how to get back at Colin. She came home to tell him that she solved the mystery of the music box.
THIS WEEK: Jill puts her plan into motion. Stitch suspects that Victoria is keeping something from him.