By:Gwen DeRu

THIS SUMMER, THIS SUMMER! DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS GALLERY!  LAUGHTER AT THE STARDOME! RESTAURANT WEEK!!…AND MORE!!!!

Here are a ‘few’ things to do…. (and…, Don’t Forget to Vote August 27th!)

FIRST…,  the NEW YORK TIMES had an article by Joe Gose (August 6, 2013) about Birmingham, Alabama titled ‘A Return to Downtown Birmingham.‘ (Check it out!)

Keep up the good work ‘my’ City!

GALLERY OF DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS – Five persons will be inducted into the Birmingham City Council’s Gallery of Distinguished Citizens. A civil rights icon, two Birmingham youths whose lives were cut short as the city wrestled in 1963 with racial equality, and two longtime civic leaders will be inducted this year into the Birmingham City Council’s Gallery of Distinguished Citizens. Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Johnny Robinson, Virgil Ware, Mrs. Yvonne Turner and Mr. Bill Ricker will be inducted during a ceremony on Tuesday, August 13, at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The event will begin with a networking reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the induction ceremony of this year’s honorees and the unveiling of their bronze embossed plaques at 6:15 p.m. The Gallery was inaugurated in 1977 and is a Hall of Fame located in City Hall. Past honorees include A.G. and Minnie Gaston, Odessa Woolfolk and the four little girls killed in the 1963 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church. Citizens who have made significant contributions to the history of the city are nominated by the Birmingham City Council. For more information on the Birmingham Gallery of Distinguished Citizens and the induction ceremony, visit www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org.
EDDIE CONRAD THE CONSUMMATE ENTERTAINER AT THE STARDOME COMEDY CLUB – This Friday night at 7 p.m. the StarDome Comedy Club welcomes the Return of Eddie Conrad.  It’s a Comedy Homecoming.  He will M/C and introduce some of the ‘Magic City’s Up & Coming Talent.’ Eddie’s last appearance was as Coach Conroy/Vice Principal in “The Mystery at the Nightmare High School Reunion.  It had a five-year run.   Conrad says while he is New Orleans Made®, – just like his friend SINBAD; it is Birmingham’s StarDome ‘Magic’ that put him on the big stage. “I owe so much to Bruce & CHE-CHE Ayers.”  During his 10 years in the ‘Magic City,’ thousands have gotten to know Eddie Conrad – from Crest Cadillac to Vulcan Lincoln/Mercury and from Belk’s where he sold men’s clothing and sang for shoppers to Highlands Middle School as tutor, counselor, substitute, and music instructor on The RECORDER. He has been featured in many stories in the Birmingham News and Birmingham Times. He has been on Radio 98.7 Kiss FM with Oliver Brewer & Sheila Smoot, WERC 960 Morning Drive, and television WIAT-CBS42 and Fox 6.  When U call Eddie… WE ALL HAVE FUN:-)  For more call StarDome Comedy Club at (205) 444-0888.
BIRMINGHAM RESTAURANT WEEK 2013 – Last night was the BRW 2013 Preview PARTY sponsored by Alagasco and the City of Birmingham.  Chefs from participating restaurants served samples of their most popular BRW menu items that you can eat next week.  The preview event benefits the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s educational and outreach initiatives.  Some restaurants were Silvertron Café, VINO, Ted’s Restaurant, Michael’s Restaurant, La Paz, Rusty’s Bar-B-Q, JoJo’s on Broadway and Dreamland Bar-B-Que.

Next week is BRW 2013 Week presented by Regions Bank – August 16-August 25 and there are incentives for diners to revisit their favorite restaurants or to experience new venues for the first itme.  There will be approximately 40 restaurants throughout the Birmingham area that will offer food and drink specials .  The BRW 2013 goal is to celebrate Birmingham’s culinary culture while filling the seats of the city’s eating and drinking establishments.  See you around town!

THIS WEEKEND…
TODAY…..
**MARTINI THURSDAY at Ona’s Music Room.
**LIVE JAZZ, 7:30 p.m. with PJ SPRAGGINS AND FRIENDS at Jazz Underground.

FRIDAY….
** ART ON THE ROCKS 7 – 11 p.m. with MAN OR ASTRO-MAN?  After years of hibernation, they are now unveiling their finest recorded work to date. It has been nearly 12 years since the band last released their intergalactic sonic wave forms, and the new album, Defcon 5…4…3…2…1, shows that the band’s music is as catchy and energetic as ever before! Also, at the Art on the Rocks is:  DJ COCO, CHISTOPHER DAVIS (comedy), DANCEe COMPANY, BIRMINGHAM BALLET, JOHN AND KATIE GAISER and GLOW IN THE DARK PRINTS IN ACTION.  See you there!
**KELLEY ONEAL with the KAYOBand, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**VIP FRIDAYS, 9 p.m. (ladies FREE until 11 p.m.) at Merienda’s Lounge., with Happy Hour 5-9 p.m. with drink specials and free food while it lasts.
**RUSS McCLINTON’S BIRTHDAY BASH WITH SOULED OUT, 7 p.m. at Jazz Underground.

SATURDAY…ONA WATSON WITH CHAMPAGNE, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**The Leo Celebrations with live Music by SHARRON, MOSE STOVALL AND DANI LIVE at Jazz Underground.
(Photo: Baby Drew and Traci Steele)
**D.J. Babey Drew (Chris Brown), D.J. Traci Steele, 9 p.m. at Merienda’s Lounge.  (Both from the TV Show ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta Show.’)

**SUNDAY…The Music Café at Crescendo Lounge, 6 p.m. with R& B Legends.

COMING SOON…
**WEDNESDAY…Birmingham Social at the Red Zone Sports Bar in Five points South, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.  FREE!
NEXT THURSDAY…
**ESTELLE WITHERSPOON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DINNER, 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. dinner at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.  The dinner will honor The Reverend C.T. Vivian with Mr. William Nelson, President of CHS Foundation as Event Chair.  This is the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund 46th Anniversary Celebration. Call (404) 765-0991 for more.
**BIRMINGHAM VENTURE CLUB MIXER, 5 – 7 p.m. at the Innovation Depot.  FREE!
**B-METRO MAGAZINE MUSIC ISSUE RELEASE PARTY, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Iron City.  FREE!
**AUGUST 16 – 25 – RESTAURANT WEEK all around town!  Enjoy all the good food with good prices.  You will go back.  See you around town!
**AUGUST 23 – 25 – SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL.
**AUGUST 24 – REVIVAL – A Music Festival with The CO, Elenowen, Leagues, the Apache Relay, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors and JASON ISBELL at the Railroad Park.  For more go to, www.revivvalmusicfest.com
**AUGUST 24 – 25 – FOURTH AVENUE JAZZ FESTIVAL
**AUGUST 25 – The 2013 National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS) WINE TASTING AND DINNER presented by Waldrep, Stewart & Kendrick, LLC at the Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar.  (Look for more right here in People, Places and Things by Me (Gwen).
**SEPTEMBER 6 – Join First Fridays @ Crescendo Bar & Lounge – Where The Grown Folks Play – Live performance by jazz vocalist Sonja Hopkins with DJ Steve Sloan in the mix. Doors open 7 p.m. with Showtime 9 p.m. Happy Hours 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The BIGGEST Birthday Bash for September!!!  For more, call 205 862 4723.

For you… Birthday Ballers…..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…DOUG FORD, RUSS McCLINTON, NOELLE PETTIES, CHERYL ELDRIDGE, LAKEITHA DUNHAM, LATANYA GREENE, TERITA MOORE, SHAUN PEZANT, CAPRENIA ANTHONY, CHANDRA BELL, LARRY ALLEN and JESTINA HOWARD….. MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!  ENJOY!!

Well, that’s it for now.  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)

Vishneva Joins Film Producer/Ballet Dancer Allyson Tang to Educate and Inspire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 24, 2013) – Acclaimed Russian Prima Ballerina Diana Vishneva is bringing her talent, artistry and enthusiasm to children in an all-new educational DVD “AllyCat the Ballet Cat,” set for release on Aug. 13.
Pre orders for the DVD are now being taken at www.Arzura.com.
“I am so proud to be a part of it! This video is absolutely lovely and I do believe it will find its way to the hearts of many children worldwide. I love AllyCat,” Vishneva said.
“Children today are often staying home with their computers and video games and not getting the exercise they need and I feel this DVD will inspire them and encourage them to get moving and get active.”
Directed by noted filmmaker Ash Baron Cohen, “AllyCat the Ballet Cat,” also features film producer/ballet dancer Allyson Tang, who plays AllyCat, a superhero for children who joins Vishneva in helping children learn ballet using humor, imagination and comprehensive ballet techniques.
“I didn’t start dancing ballet until I was an adult. My hope is that my story will inspire others to follow their dreams and use their passion to make the world a brighter place for children. It’s never too late to do what you love,” said Tang.
“It was an honor and a delight to work with Diana and to have her perform for us so brilliantly.”
The superstar prima ballerina is known for her work as the principal dancer with the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre.
Part of what makes “AllyCat the Ballet Cat” so unique is its talented cast and fresh approach, said Baron Cohen.
“It’s what makes this DVD so special. To have such a great talent perform, but also to have all-new high quality footage for children to learn ballet,” he said.
Most educational DVDs use a stationary camera and stock or dated footage from past ballet performances to show technique. But “AllyCat the Ballet Cat” offers all-new footage geared specifically for young children to learn and perform.
“I’m honored to be part of the team that created a character like AllyCat and a children’s DVD that helps fight childhood obesity whilst at the same time makes the elite art of ballet so accessible to kids from all economic and cultural backgrounds,” said Baron Cohen.
“AllyCat the Ballet Cat” features a group of wonderful, young, multi-ethnic children dancers along with basic ballet technique, ballet language, fun dance combinations as well as captivating solo performances and an exclusive interview with superstar Diana Vishneva. Children will also learn creative stretching, barre and center exercises to increase their flexibility.
By taking on the character of AllyCat, the cat superhero who loves to dance ballet with children, Tang provides an imaginative and entertaining persona that connects with children and parents by showing that children who never heard of ballet can learn and perform many of its basic techniques.
“One of the main reasons we wanted to do this project was because I would meet so many children that didn’t have the opportunity to learn ballet and they desperately wanted to learn,” Tang said.
“It’s unfortunate, but there are many economically-impacted communities where children don’t have the opportunity to learn ballet. So this is our way to share our love of dance and to help them.”
DVD Details:
Title: Ally Cat the Ballet Cat
Studio: Arzura/Ytinifni Pictures
Category: Educational, Dance
Format: DVD/Blu-Ray, Color, NTSC
Release Date: Aug. 13, 2013
Rating: Unrated
Run Time: 60 Minutes
Starring: Diana Vishneva and Allyson Tang. Children Dancers: Kaylani Parks, Talya Marks, Camilla Marks, Isabella Davies and Joshua Horton.
Producers: Allyson Tang & Ash Baron Cohen, Executive Producer: George Nolfi, Director: Ash Baron Cohen, Writer: Allyson Tang & Ash Baron Cohen, Director of Photography: Svetlana Cvetko, Editor: Lauren Connelly, Choreographer: Stefan Wenta, Composer: Michael Roberts, Costume Designer: Maggie Barry, Illustrator: Diosdado Mondero.

By Saahara Glaudé, Special To The Birmingham Times

The industry is abuzz about new artist Denita Gibbs’ debut release, Without You, on the Audiostate 55 Entertainment record label (www.audiostate55.com). With this release Audiostate 55 Entertainment, which is distributed worldwide by Warner Music Group, becomes the first and only label from Birmingham to have major distribution from one of the remaining big three, i.e., Warner, Sony and Universal.
Without You is being touted as one of the best urban contemporary inspirational albums to come out in years. Excitement for this project has led to it being placed in more than 500 stores across America, including Walmart, Best Buy, FYE, Family Christian, and LifeWay Christian, among others. There is significant online presence as well, including the stores just mentioned plus iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christianbook.com. Most are engaged in significant pre-order, limited-time discounts for Without You, prior to the August 13 street date.
“Without You amply portrays the best of what has been lacking far too long by many of today’s “artists” while providing the fresh and current style to which contemporary listeners of music have become accustomed,” says Dr. Henry Panion, III, President and Founder of Audiostate 55 Entertainment, distinguished University Professor of Music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and noted conductor and arranger for pop-music icon Stevie Wonder. Panion goes on to say, “Many may wonder why anyone would establish a record company in this world of do-it-yourself recording and illegal downloads, etc. Well, the art of making a great record may be lost to the masses, but it’s one of the reasons I became a musician. I was simply mesmerized by the great records and the level of musicianship displayed by some of my favorite artists, such as Earth, Wind, and Fire and Stevie Wonder.”
Achieving a perfect match for the songs, arrangements, musicians, styles, and song sequence took more than a year to produce.  The addition of the vibrant and youthful performance by the string orchestra from the Alabama School of Fine Arts on the title track was approached with great care and consideration. In describing the title track, a song she wrote, Gibbs states, “even when I sing it myself, I get emotional thinking about how much I love The Lord and how I can’t live without Him.
Panion expressed how great talents often have their artistic dreams and aspirations crushed by the harsh realities of life, even those with music degrees. Denita Gibbs is one of those talents who, with just a little help, has been able to transform her own life stories into the most artful, revealing, and relevant project of hope and encouragement.
A happily married newlywed, Gibbs expresses that before now the only other time she and her 12 year-old daughter had lived in a physically and emotionally safe place was when they lived with her parents. In many ways this project is one big declaration to the Lord that none of this would have been possible “Without You.”