66 - Valley Planet

Transcription

66 - Valley Planet

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
#031507040407
March 15 - April 4, 2007
In This Issue...
What You
Should Be
Doing On
St. Patrick’s Day
Unchained
Maladies
News of the
Weird
Party of One
Bigger, Better
Calendar
And Tons of
Other Stuff
READ THE PLANET, IT’S FREE!
WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM
(256) 533-4613
Letter From the Publisher
203 Grove Ave., Huntsville Al, 35801, phone 256.533-4613
Publisher
Jill Wood
Sales & Marketing
Toby Campbell
256-631-7411
Calendar
Leslie Parks
Travel Editor
Billy Joe Cooley
Distribution
Charlotte Griffin
You are all invited to the Valley Planet, Olde Towne Brewing, Humphrey’s St. Patty’s Day Party this Saturday, March 17th. The
party begins at Humphrey’s right after the11:30 am parade downtown. We will be tossing t-shirts and beads from the balcony
and Humphreys is cooking up some Irish food specials. Live music begins at 1pm with Mike Roberts, Pla Station starts at 4pm
and the Fiddleworms will crank up at 8pm. It is an all day party! Check out the music calendar, there are lots of St. Patty’s
celebrations!
Don’t miss our next issue; it will have all the details of Panoply Arts Festival. Note that the prices have gone way down for
this weekend event.
To all of you artists in the Tennessee Valley…send in your work electronically if you think it might make a good cover for the
Valley Planet. Email it to [email protected].
Rock on!
Jill E. Wood
In The Planet
THE VALLEY PLANET
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
#031507040407
March 15 - April 4, 2007
NEXT ISSUE April 5, 2007
Graphics & Layout
251 Leonora Drive
Contributors
Allison Gregg
Ricky Thomason
Kenni Braswell
Billy Joe Cooley
Jeanie Kezo
Tina Leach
Leslie Parks
Sonny Edwards
Toby Campbell
& Sherri Carlee
The University of Memphis Tigers won their
Conference & their Tournament and have a
#2 Seed in the NCAA’s, GO TIGERS!
Thank you for reading the fine print of
the Valley Planet. The Valley Planet and
valleyplanet.com are published every three
weeks by J W Publications in Huntsville,
AL. You can pick up the paper free all over
the place or get it free on the web. Copyright
2003 by the Valley Planet, Inc. All rights
reserved.
Reproduction or use without our permission
is strictly prohibited. The views and opinions
expressed within these pages and on the web
site are not necessarily those of the Valley
Planet or its staff. The Valley Planet is not
responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or
art. Back issues are available for viewing
on our web site www.valleyplanet.com in the
archives section. You may reach the Valley
Planet office @ 256.533.4613.
256-533-4613
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Letters to the Planet
On the Cover
Huntsville Alive
Unchained Maladies, Ricky Thomason
Gossip, Billy Joe Cooley
Party of One, Allison Gregg
Community Announcements
News of the Weird, Chuck Shepard
MUSIC CALENDAR BEGINS
A True Dining Experience, Toby Campbell
Nothing To Do?, Leslie Parks
Exploring 52 Weekends, Jeanie Kezo
A Heavenly Coffee Shop, Jeanie Kezo
One-Man Show
John Mayer Rocks in Huntsville, Kenni Braswell
Local Songwriters Host Showcase
Dr. Anarcho’s Rx for Old Stuff That Don’t Suck
Are You Looking For a Fight?, Toby Campbell
Sciatica, Tina Leach
Howlin the Blues, Sonny Edwards
CALENDAR OF EVENTS BEGINS
Feet on the Rock, Name on the Roll
Home Games
Panoply
BUSINESS LISTINGS (Where to go)
Radiant Day Spa, Leslie Parks
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
THE VALLEY PLANET
HUNTSVILLE ALIVE!
Huntsville Alive! is a new social
networking organization with one
mission: provide adults of all ages
with opportunities to meet new people
and have fun! We host events that are
designed to help you network with other
professionals in the community through
social, educational, charitable and
recreational activities.
We know that Huntsville has a lot to
offer with things like hiking, boating,
sporting events, plays and live music…
just to name a few. We think that a lot of
these things can be even more enjoyable
when done with a group, so Huntsville
Alive! is looking for ways to bring
people together who are interested in
doing these activities and lots more.
 
We’re proud to announce that the free
Launch Event for Huntsville Alive!
will be held at House of Brews on
March 29th from 6-8pm. We’ll have
Happy Hour drink specials, appetizers
and live music. The goal of the launch
event is to introduce Huntsville Alive!
to the people of Huntsville and to
continue to expand our community to
include you, too! We welcome you to
come to our events alone, with friends,
with spouses or significant others. Come
one… come all!
Becoming a member is fast and easy…
all you have to do is sign up once
to receive our monthly newsletter.
Membership is free and you’ll be kept
up-to-date on all Huntsville Alive!
events as well as other happenings
in the Huntsville area. You can join
at the Launch Event or by visiting us
online at www.huntsvillealive.com.
Our website includes discussion forums
which will be used to keep everyone
informed about our upcoming events.
If you would like to know more about
Huntsville Alive! send us an email:
[email protected]
SEASON STARTS
APRIL 7
Letters To The Planet
There is nothing more fun for us than getting your letters and emails.
PLEASE keep sending them in. We may not print them all, but we’ll
try. Please send your comments to
[email protected]. Thanks everybody!
In Response to Unchained Maladies 022207 Issue
Dear Ricky,
Now that is funny! Really enjoyed the medical terminology
Thanks Again,
C.T.
Great article, Ricky.
The word “smarmalade” sent me into a fit of laughter! I will think of it every
time I see one of those diamond-wearing, lexus-driving, plastic-faced, holier(seeming)than-me pompous peckerwoods who call themselves Christian Leaders. A “slathering of smarmalade” indeed!
My only problem is that next to the last line in the article. I get your drift, but it
seems to me the “cure” most likely entailed a LIBERAL application of CONSERVATIVE bullshit rather than just “conservative applications of Bullls**t.”
Thanks for the laughs,
L. T.
L.,
I admit that I wrestled with that line a bit. I finally decided that - wordplay aside
- you’d have to have a Liberal - a whole bunch - of conservative BS applied before you
could believe anything about that smarmy deal.
Thanks for the letters,
Rick
Write a Song, by Inodu Tony Piri
On the Cover
“I base my paintings to transcend time and place and to elevate the aesthetics of the
peasants to a monumental dignity. Some of my figures are silhouette, a simplification
that best depicts a mystic illusion of time. With an open mind, I dwell and have
begun to explore my inner self and heritage. By so doing, I have also joined the
legions of my ancestor artists who have created art since the beginning of time.”
Originally from Nigeria, Tony has made the United States his home for more than
twenty years. He is an art teacher at Ed White Middle School. He has also taught
children’s classes in batik making, painting and drawing at the Huntsville Museum
of Art and the Huntsville Art League. He holds a Masters of Art Education from
Alabama A & M University.
This and several of his pieces may be seen at The Gallery at 305 A Jefferson Street,
Huntsville.
THE VALLEY PLANET
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
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I don’t know why I’m even writing this;
the sorry dog who gave you the crud is
always the first to bark, “We didn’t give
it to you.”
Unchained
Maladies
Of course you didn’t; it’s coincidence
that you’re the only one I’ve been
around that has it. You’re probably the
same dumb ass that sends your little
progeny to day care sick, too.
Ricky Thomason Writes
Taken as a whole, people are stupid.
Because the vaccines were not in short
supply, fewer people took flu-shots
this year. Remember last year? The
vaccine was hard to get. The privileged
were hoarding, and the old folks were
yammering that it was a “gubment
‘spiracy” to kill them all off and save
Medicare and social security dollars.
E
very workplace has a sicko. You
may be his or her next victim. You
may even be the sicko.
This sicko is not homicidal, but they
might kill you. More likely, they need
killing. He / she might not be a pervert,
but then again, it doesn’t really matter
– except in Alabubba, where dildos
are dirty. Believe it or not, all of that is
irrelevant.
Because I lack patience and good
sense, I tend to say things plainly.
Many write to say they’ve posted one
of my columns at work because I say
what they can’t, or won’t. May this be
another.
The office sicko is that you-know-who
coworker that catches everything, then
comes to work sick, and gives you a
taste of the crud they’ve contracted.
They drag in zombie-like, trailing
snotty tissues like mummy gauze. They
pollute your air and phones with germladen sneezes, snuff and snorp all over
the place and leave trails of slime like
slugs.
Unlike slugs, we can’t sprinkle salt on
them and watch them disappear. Oh, but
if I could...
Why do these Typhoid Marys, Harrys
and Careys do this? The simplest
answer is that they are rude, selfish,
inconsiderate, and ignorant -- and their
mamas didn’t raise them very well.
artwork by Debbie West
They may have a martyr complex and
seek brownie points. “Look at me, boss.
I’m suffering, dedicated, determined
and dependable.”
They aren’t. They’re insufferable,
medicated, and despicable. What part of
“Stay home when you are sick” do they
not understand?
Yeah, I’m bringing mamas into it; this is
serious enough to play the dozens.
The Alabama Department of Public
Health is currently running a highly
irritating but informative PSA that touts
hand washing as the best line of defense
against colds and flu. Wash your paws
for twenty seconds - or for the length
of one verse of “Old McDonald Had a
Farm.” E-I-E-I-ewww.
They may think they are indispensable
on the job. They aren’t. The place
functioned before them, and will
continue without them.
Now a message to you sickos from
the rest of us; stay home and sing “99
Bottles of Beer on the Wall” 9,999
times - or until you are well.
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Some companies offer small awards
for those with perfect attendance. They
shouldn’t. This encourages morons to
work sick and share diseases. Serious
suck ups will come to work in an
ambulance for an attaboy / girl.
All the way back to the spread of the
bubonic plague, the sicko is often the
office rat.
Anyone can screw up, have good
health, and make it a year or so sans
sick days -- I have once in 35 years
-- but simple math should solve the
equation for most. Ask yourself,
“Would I rather work sick and get fifty
bucks and a pat on the head -- or get an
entire day off with pay and not give this
stuff to coworkers?”
Duh.
I know people think officials cry
“wolf,” but there really is a flu
pandemic coming. Health officials say
it’s a matter of “when,” not “if.” We’re
overdue for a once-per-century flu
event, possibly the so-called “bird flu.”
What could make this one of the worst
ever is that many strains of flu are now
antibiotic resistant and those that aren’t
can mutate quickly. In today’s small
world, an airplane is an incubator and
something caught in Hong Kong today
can be around the globe so fast that we
won’t believe it. Captain Trips is on
the way. Millions may die - maybe you
- and chances are you know your killer
well: the workplace sicko.
If you think I’m talking about you, I
probably am. If you think someone left
this just for you to read, they probably
did. Tell on us. We dare you. But don’t
be surprised if the smart boss agrees
and says, “Stay home when you’re sick,
fool.” They don’t want the stuff you
spread, either.
If you’re the sicko who works wounded,
you may think you deserve a Purple
Heart. What you really deserve is a
black eye and a purple butt from a good
swift kick.
If we die from something you give us,
we’re taking you with us if it’s the last
thing we do.
Signed, Your Coworkers.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
THE VALLEY PLANET
Gossip
by Billy Joe Cooley
Need something to do on Thursdays?
Don’t forget the noon organ concerts
at First Methodist downtown.
This is “Be Nice to Brad Strom Day”
in Decatur.
Welcome to the world, pretty Carly
Rachelle Wallace. Her ma and pa are
Steve and Dr. Kara.
We’ve had to bid farewell to a few
great locals in recent weeks. Jack
Kendall and Charlie Cramer (Bud’s
granddad) among them. They were
the focus of talk around Mullins’
breakfast table. Larry Mullins has a
lot to say about his pals.
Floyd Hardin is planning his
springtime community appreciation
picnic. The date hasn’t been set yet,
but it will be on a Monday, says he.
Troubadour Tony Mason is packing
‘em in at the popular Lee Ann’s Cafe
off Church Street. We couldn’t park
within two blocks of the place.
THE VALLEY PLANET
Hats off to smiling Jesse Steven
Chandler of Five Points. He’s the
affable bellhop daytimes at Holiday
Inn Select (the old Hilton).
Tommy Crutcher and the Country
Blue Band, with Don Upton and
Willard Whitaker, sure had a fine
crowd the other night when they
performed at the Doctrinal Bible
Church, corner Oakwood and Russell.
That’s where Floyd Rickets presents
a free old-time country show once a
month.
Four topnotch singers -- B.T.
Thomas, Jeff Smith, Nick Trammel,
Dustin Bearden and Jeremy Elliott -comprise Alliance, an excellent gospel
quartet. www.allianceqt.com
Andrea Akin brought Redstone
soldiers Matthew Akin (her hubby)
and James Jackson to lunch Monday
at Ryan’s.
Scottsboro’s Rodney Bell is
recuperating nicely from a heart
episode. Wife Susan is a fine nurse.
We joined perky Lisa Love at dinner
the other night. Hubby David was off
on business.
Thanks to scribe Mary Jo Deaver for
snapping new photos of Jenny our
wolfdog. Sheila Knapp even brought
her ‘Fetch-a-Pet’ mobile grooming
service (603-0090) to make sure
Jenny was the prettiest 10-year-old
dog on the street.
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
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Party of
One
by Allison Gregg
The Trash Collectors
You know it’s nothing new / Bad news
never had good timing / The circle
of your friends will defend the silver
lining…Pain throws your heart to the
ground / Love turns the whole thing
around / No it won’t all go away, it
should / But I know the heart of life is
good - John Mayer
Community Announcements
The Clay House Museum is looking for Artists who would like to display and sell
their art in the museum.  Forms showing the guidelines are located on the web site
www.clay-house.com. For more information contact Robin Brewer at 325-1018.
 
Independent Musical Productions will be holding auditions for their 2007 season
on April 28th at 10am and April 29th at 2pm in the Choral Room of Lee High School.
You will need to bring and be prepared to sing approximately 16-32 bars of music.
Accompanist will be provided, no CD’s please. There will also be some dance/
movement, so dress comfortably. The 2007 Season features The Secret Garden
which will be performed June 15-17 and 21-23. The Fall children’s production A
Year with Frog and Toad will be performed October 4-7. For more information visit
www.imphuntsville.org or call 337-9071.
Moulton, Alabama – Plans are underway for the 3rd annual Alabama Chicken
and Egg Festival to be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15, 2007 at the
Lions Club Fairgrounds in Moulton, Alabama. The Alabama Chicken and Egg
Festival is a two-day outdoor festival with food vendors, live entertainment on
the Home Grown Stage, BBQ chicken cooking contest, more than two dozen
educational exhibits, children’s activities, arts and crafts fair, WDRM’s Chicken
Clucking Contest”, motorcycle chicken run, the Bunge Fireworks Show, and
chicken-wing and hard boiled egg eating contests. Admission to the festival is only
$2 per person and free for those under 5 years old. The Little Chick Beauty Walk
takes center stage from 10am-2pm on Saturday, April 14 in The Citizens Bank
Children’s Chicken Coop Area. The pageant is open to girls in the state of Alabama
ages 18 years and younger. Each applicant will receive 4 free tickets to the Alabama
Chicken and Egg Festival. Age groups will be 0-12 months, 13-23 months, 2-4
years, 5-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-13 years, 14-16 years, and 17-18 years. The winner
in each division will receive a crown with all applicants receiving a trophy. Other
winners to be selected will be Most Photogenic, Best Smile, and Most Beautiful.
Registration information, entry fees and an application can be downloaded from
www.alabamachickenandeggfestival.com or by calling 256-476-1690.  The entry
deadline is April 4.
Flying Monkey Arts announces a Call for Submissions for this year’s Recycled Art
Contest. All items must be constructed of used or discarded items. Contest winners
will be announced April 22, 2007. More details to be announced on our website:
www.flyingmonkeyarts.org
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#031507040407
The middle aged man in the vibrant
green jump suit slowly and methodically
picked up random scatterings of garbage
littering the I-565 off-ramp at Oakwood
Avenue. I was behind the wheel,
distracted with the beauty of the day
when the inmate on work release came
into my field of vision. As I breathed
in the cool air that was being pushed by
fans behind the dash, I began to wonder:
What leads people to the choices they
make? How did that guy in the bright
green suit lose what ever it is that tells
you to think twice before you act? Why
do some people fight for evil and others
sacrifice for the greater good?
Heavy on my heart that last day of
February was saying good-bye to
a month marked with hospitalized
friends, an appliance meltdown that
caused thousands of dollars of damage
to my home, and an ailing pet. In the
end, everyone recovered, the house
got an upgrade, and the pooch is back
to himself. But the road in between
was rough. It was a road I’d rather not
venture down again. What is that thing
in some of us that makes us triumph
when others would crack? Is it believing
in a higher power? Believing in you?
Believing in something?
Long after the traffic began to move,
the criminals continued lifting the litter,
placing it in their oversized garbage
sacks and I thought about how they got
to where they are and how I landed here.
Shouldn’t the thought of communal
showers, plastic mattresses, and the loss
of every right you have as an American
steer you toward a law-abiding life? I
thought about the victims: families
forced to bury loved ones, women
who survived attacks, children whose
innocence was stolen, clerks that lost
their lives for a pocketful of cash, the list
could continue. What gives anyone the
right to cause another individual pain?
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
I’m a sucker for the needy and a stickler
for the rules. I believe in the goodness
of the world, the kindness of people, and
that hope springs eternal. I have never
thought that people were purposefully
cruel. Instead, shameful behavior is
written off as ignorance. People aren’t
mean; they just don’t know any better,
bless their hearts. I learned this because
of the endless love that was showered
upon me as a child; from the friends
who support me unconditionally; and
the realization that doing the right thing,
no matter how hard it is, is the right
thing to do. A life of tip-toeing around
feelings, led me to think others would do
the same.
The men in green, now a faded memory
from earlier today, make me realize this
is not always the case. Hours later, I
find myself wanting to say that some
people are just cruel. But I can’t. I
can’t find a space in my heart for that
thought to sit. I won’t allow myself to
believe their souls are lost, their actions
unredeemable. If I did believe that, my
outlook on the world would change. If
I did change my way of thinking, would
I be forced to accept that there is evil in
the world? How would that change who
I am, how I treat others, and the choices
I make? Fortunately on this March eve, I
don’t have to answer those questions.
I believe the heart of life is good; I know
it’s good. In 2000, you could pay $5 to
see John Mayer in Birmingham. Seven
years later, his tickets sell for ten times
that amount. The crowds fill arenas
across the country. I can’t imagine the
changes his life has seen in that time.
His music still carries the same message:
life is good.
The month started with him live in
concert in The Rocket City. A difficult
28 days later, I found refuge in his
words. It’s my hope that the rest of the
world will find solace in that idea: we
must believe life is good and accept our
duty is to do good. Don’t wait on the
world to change. You already have the
power yourself.
Allison Gregg is an eternal optimist who has never
had it so good. Email Allison at
[email protected].
THE VALLEY PLANET
LEAD STORY
President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia (Africa’s
smallest country) has long believed he had
mystic powers, but he said a vision received
on Jan. 18 makes it possible for him to
personally cure AIDS and asthma, though
only on certain days and for a limited number
of people. The vision gave him recipes based
on seven herbs mentioned in the Quran but
authorized him to treat no more than 10
AIDS sufferers, on Thursdays and Mondays,
and not more than 100 asthma patients, on
Fridays and Saturdays. (Not surprisingly, the
government self-reports success.) Jammeh’s
previous visions included making Gambia rich
by exporting oil, but so far no deposits have
been found.
Compelling Explanations
Robert “Drew” Stephenson, on trial in Fort
Worth, Texas, in January for “torturing” an
ex-girlfriend, acknowledged her severe burns
but said it wasn’t his fault. He said the two
were having sex in a house that had no heat,
and to warm himself, he ran the flames of
a lantern up and down his arm. According
to him, his girlfriend said she wanted to
be warmed up with flames, too. (He was
convicted, and in February, after four other
women testified that he had beaten them, was
sentenced to life in prison.)
The Laws of Irony
-- In February, two anti-whaling activists
(one from Australia, one from Los Angeles),
intending to attack a Japanese whaling ship
near Antarctica with a bottle of acid and a
smoke bomb, got lost in the fog in their small
dinghy and were rescued with the help of
several boats, including the whaler. However,
as soon as the activists were safe, one
thanked the Japanese crew but said, “I guess
we’re back on schedule, and we’ll be pursuing
you again.” Shortly after that, the activists
approached the whaler and tossed the acid
onto the deck, injuring two crew members.
-- It is well-known that Saudi Arabia still
prohibits women from driving cars (or
riding in them unless accompanied by a male
relative), but a December Associated Press
dispatch from Riyadh reported on female
automobile salespeople (who are successful in
selling to females, who can own cars as long
as someone else drives). Also, in January,
a holding company owned by Saudi Prince
Alwaleed ibn Talal hired a female pilot for one
of its jets. The woman, Capt. Hanadi Zakariya
Hindi, flies with no restrictions but still
requires a male relative to get her to and from
the airport.
The Ligitious Society
-- William Davis filed a $1.5 million lawsuit
against the Murfreesboro, Tenn., police in
December because, when they raided his
home after complaints from neighbors, they
seized and destroyed the 114 dead cats and
one dead dog that Davis kept in freezers and
which he said had “emotional value” for him.
In addition, according to the petition filed
in Chancery Court for Rutherford County
(and uncovered by TheSmokingGun.com), the
carcasses were potential business property,
in that he was planning to start his own pet
cemetery, and also one of the cats, he claimed,
was destined for the Guinness Book of World
THE VALLEY PLANET
Records because it had been so large at birth.
-- We’re Smart, You’re Not: A group of socalled “gifted” eighth-grade students filed a
lawsuit in 2003 against the Beaubien School
in Chicago because officials denied them
their “right” to wear a “Gifties” T-shirt. The
school, with similar numbers of “gifteds” and
regular students (who, the Chicago Sun-Times
reported, are referred to as “tards”), works
to tamp down divisiveness and controversy
between the two groups. However, said one
giftie, “There’s a certain point when you have
to stick up for your rights,” and not only
was a lawsuit filed, but when it was tossed
out by the first judge to hear it, the students
appealed, and argument was heard in January
at the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Sweet Justice!
(1) Josie Medlock, 59, imprisoned two
home improvement contract workers and
two supervisors in her home in East Dene,
England, in December and refused to let them
out until they promised to finish her kitchen
remodeling by Christmas. A local government
mediator worked out a compromise, according
to London’s The Sun. (2) Luis Carlos de
Noronha Cabral da Camara, of Portugal, died
in 2001 with a 13-year-old will leaving his
entire estate (including two residences) to
be divided among 70 people he had randomly
selected from the Lisbon phone book, with
explicit instructions that his relatives would
get nothing. (According to a January 2007
Agence France-Presse dispatch, the outraged
relatives are still challenging the will.)
Civilization in Decline
-- (1) The Netherlands broadcaster SBS 6
was scheduled to launch a reality TV show
in February, “Love at Second Sight,” which
has been described as a dating show for the
“visibly disfigured.” An SBS 6 spokesman said
the show’s goal is to fight prejudice (which is
why the producers changed the name from
its original, “Monster Love”). (2) Southern
California filmmaker Dominic Scott Kay filed
a creative-control lawsuit in January against
the financial backer of his short film, “Saving
Angelo,” starring family friend Kevin Bacon,
which he wanted to enter in independent
festivals but was kept from by the financier.
Dominic Scott Kay is 10 years old.
Least Competent Criminals
Joshlynn Leigh, 30, was arrested in December
at a Pennsylvania state police barracks as
she arrived for fingerprinting in preparation
for being hired by the agency. Leigh was
discovered to have driven to the barracks in a
stolen car (the same one that was the subject
of a warrant against her in Georgia for auto
theft).
Not All the Weird News Is Bad
Ms. Pan Alying, a schoolteacher in China’s
Shandong province, had her purse snatched in
January (containing her mobile phone, bank
cards and cash) and decided to try pleading
with the thief by sending text messages to
her stolen phone. According to Xinhua news
agency, she patiently sent 21 sympathetic
notes to the man, with no answer, but the day
after the last one, she found a package at her
door containing her purse and all its contents
intact, with a note, “I’m sorry. ... I’ll correct
my ways and be an upright person.”
Great Art!
-- Chilean artist Marco Evaristti, serving
dinner to friends at a gallery in Santiago in
January, presented a dish of meatballs that he
said had been cooked using liposuctioned fat
from his own body. “The question of whether
or not to eat human flesh is more important
than the result,” he said. “You are not a
cannibal if you eat art.” (Evaristti is the artist
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who once put live fish in a blender at a gallery
and invited guests to push the button.)
Government in Action
Nathaniel Abraham was convicted of murder
in 1998 and incarcerated, but only until he
turned 21, which was in January, at which
time he was moved into a rent-free apartment
in Bay City, Mich., and enrolled tuition-free
in Delta College, in a program sponsored by
Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Though
some criticized such lavish treatment of a
murderer, Abraham seemed ready to start his
new life, arriving in Oakland Circuit Court for
his formal release wearing “a black fur coat,
ivory fedora hat, and a ivory and hot-pink
pinstriped suit with matching pink tie and
shoes,” according to a Detroit News reporter.
Police Blotter
-- Questionable Judgments: During an eightday period around New Year’s in the Chicago
area, thieves stole tractor-trailers filled with,
respectively, broccoli and asparagus.
-- Tacky: (1) U.K. soccer player Glen Johnson,
who reportedly earns the equivalent of about
$58,000 a week, was arrested at a B&Q store
in Dartford after a security guard said he
spotted Johnson placing a high-priced toilet
seat into the box of a lower-priced seat. (2)
Des Moines, Iowa, police detained James
Clay in December after a convenience store
clerk accused him of putting two hot dogs
inside a bun and covering them with enough
condiments that the clerk would think he was
buying only one dog.
-- More Tacky Crimes: (1) In November, Robert
Hanna, 42, of Meadville, Pa., reported that
he had just shot a deer and was about to
come down from his tree stand when three
armed men happened along and deer-jacked
him, knocking him to the ground and stealing
his bounty. (2) County jail inmate Brian
Bruggeman, 38, was arrested in North Platte,
Neb., in December and charged with felony
assault after allegedly passing gas repeatedly
in front of his cellmate (leading to a fight).
The “victim,” inmate Jesse Dorris, said he had
made numerous attempts to stay away from
Bruggeman but that Bruggeman purposely
sought him out in a dinner line and let him
have it once more.
-- Testifying in January against a San
Bernardino, Calif., strip club accused of
promoting prostitution, licensed private
investigator Duane Minard (who was working
on contract for the police) admitted that he
went too far in gathering evidence. He said
he had paid a woman $300 for a legitimate
dance in a private room, but by the time she
had “finished,” he owed her $500 more for
“additional” services. He testified that he
knew he wasn’t supposed to go all the way,
but “I didn’t have the time to clear my head,”
he said. “I was aroused. I was waiting for the
cavalry to come over the hill.”
The Weirdo-American Community
For two years now, Estrella Benevides, 46,
has been painting messages on her house
in San Mateo, Calif., and her prolificness
has escalated to the point where all outside
surfaces (including the roof) are covered with
cryptic references to the Bible, conspiracy
theories and episodes from her own life, and
a local community board gave her a February
deadline to remove the writing or pay a fine
of $50 a day. Benevides has said she can’t
remove the messages because they come from
God and expose a worldwide mind-control
cabal that uses witchcraft and technology, and
that this is the only way she knows to warn
people. According to court documents cited
by InsideBayArea.com, her life has spiraled
downward since she lost custody of a young
son.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
Least Competent Criminals
-- Police in Lilburn, Ga., were called to the
cemetery adjacent to Luxomni Baptist Church
at 2:40 a.m. one morning in January to
investigate reports of a man screaming for
about two hours. They found Ezekiel DejesusRodriguez, 24, pinned under a gravestone
(with a bloody, broken leg) and said he had
apparently been knocking over headstones for
fun until one fell on him.
-- Bright Ideas: Kurt Husfeldt, 46, and two
others were arrested in Lindenhurst, N.Y., in
January in possession of 14 stolen electronic
devices that they apparently assumed were
cell phones. However, they were global
positioning devices from a nearby municipal
facility, and police had followed their signals
to Husfeldt’s home.
Uniting for Peace and Brotherhood
(1) In December in Jerusalem, Israel’s Green
Leaf Party organized the first joint IsraeliArab conference promoting the legalization
of marijuana, which a party spokesman said
would create a “common (cultural) identity”
that could lead to peace. (2) In January,
India’s largest political party, the Bharativa
Janata Party, sponsored compulsory yoga
classes in public schools, but opposition was
strong, with the All India Muslim Personal
Law Board working side by side with various
Christian organizations such as the Catholic
Church of Madhya Pradesh.
Send your Weird News to
[email protected]
or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL 33679.
COPYRIGHT 2006 CHUCK SHEPHERD
DISTRIBUTED BY
UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE
4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111;
(816) 932-6600
7
Corr Wireless is the Proud Sponsor of the Valley’s Most Complete
MUSIC CALENDAR
SATURDAY
MARCH 17
THURSDAY
MARCH 15
3rd Base Grill, Edgar
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Duanne Walker
Benchwarmer, Too, Face Book
Black Water Hattie’s, Karaoke
Blue Parrot (Guntersville), Nick and Barry
Coppertop, Southern Rock 3
Crossroads, That 1 Guy ($8)
Ember Club, Pat Nickel hosts
Open Mic from 7-11pm
Finnegan’s Pub, Traditional Irish Music
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Halftime Bar and Grill, Karaoke
Hopper’s, Rudy Mockabee
and the Music Factory
House of Brews, LaSalle
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Leaving Madison
Jazz Factory, Crackerjacks
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, David Anderson
Lee Ann’s, Tommy Shepard’s Band
Olivia’s Sports Bar and Grill (formerly
Bobby G’s), Karaoke
Philby’s Pourhouse, ToY ShoP
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Ladies Night
w/Blackeyed Susan
Sandy’s Roadhouse, Karaoke
Shea’s Express, Norman Duffell (6-8pm)
Sports Page, 5 O’Clock Charlie
w/Mike Roberts
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Jim Cavender
The Corner (Hampton Cove),
Lacey Atchison
The Docks (Scottsboro),
Trey, Kenny & Coach
The Nook, Karaoke w/Gladys Knight
FRIDAY
MARCH 16
11th Frame Bar, Karaoke
3rd Base Grill, NTN Trivia
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Southern Hauler
American Legion Post 176, Square One
Benchwarmer, March Madness Party
Benchwarmer, Too, Karaoke
Black Water Hattie’s, The Crawlers
Blue Parrot (Guntersville), Marge Loveday
Coffeetree Books & Brew, Friday Music
Showcase featuring Jim Parker
Crossroads, Kiss Army ($10)
Esquire Lounge, The Fast Boys
Finnegan’s Pub, Sing Along with Nancy
Flying Monkey Arts Center, The Group
Hug, The Rudy Banes Shutdown, Dial H for
Caveman and Three Happenin Guys
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Rockin Acoustic Duo
Halftime Bar and Grill, Live Music
Hard Dock Café, Leaving Madison
Hog Wild, Backwater
House of Brews, Lance Allmon Smith Band
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Juice
Jazz Factory, Trio El Camino
& The Swing Shift
Judge Crater’s, Booga Funk
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, The Crackerjacks
Lee Ann’s, Four Door Ramblers
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), Pla’Station
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Friday Night $3 for all
Scooter’s (Scottsboro), Live Music
Sports Page, BLACK LABEL
The Corner (Bailey Cove), David Anderson
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Live Music
The Docks (Scottsboro), Jonathan
The Nook, Vibro Deluxe
8
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Burning Ember
Benchwarmer, Vicious Circle Reunion (VCR)
Benchwarmer, Too, St. Patrick’s Day Party
Bishop’s, Full Circle
Blue Parrot (Guntersville), Big Nose Roy
Coffeetree Books & Brew, Pete’s Corner
hosts Open Mic Night at 7pm
Coppertop, Space Wagon
Crossroads, The Wailers ($20)
Ember Club, Elston Gunn Reveu
Finnegan’s Pub, St Patrick’s Day Party !!
Flying Monkey Arts Center,
St. Patrick’s Day Party with Slipjig
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, The Scratch Band
Hard Dock Café, Live Music
Hog Wild, Backwater
Hopper’s, Rudy Mockabee and the Music
Factory
House of Brews, Maple Hill Celtic Band and
St Patrick’s Day Party
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill,
St Patrick’s Day Party
w/Mike Roberts, Pla’ Station
and The Fiddleworms
Jazz Factory, Open Delta & The Charlie Lyle
Quintet
Judge Crater’s,4-door Ramblers
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, St Patty’s Day Party
w/ye olde Hash Brown!
Lee Ann’s, Lance Allmon Smith Band
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), Pla’Station
Philby’s Pourhouse, 5th Annual St. Patrick’s
Day Party w/Juice - win 5 cruises!
Sammy T’s Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Day Party
w/Blackeyed Susan and DJ Doc Roc
Sports Page, Blood River
and 5ive O’Clock Charlie
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Liquid Caravan
The Corner (Hampton Cove), John Onder
The Docks (Scottsboro), Tony Brooks
SUNDAY
MARCH 18
Coppertop, Open Mic Jam Session
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Hopper’s, Brunch w/Edgar
and Evening with Janice’s Karaoke
House of Brews, Dawn and Josh (Brunch)
and Blues Jam open mic hosted by Lance
Allmon Smith (pm)
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Blues Jam hosted by
Freddie Earl and the Blues Mercenaries
Sports Page, Tune Doctors Karaoke w/Jimbo
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Open Mic Night
w/Scott Morgan
MONDAY
MARCH 19
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Jim Cavender
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Acoustic Open Mic
hosted by Greg Rowell
Sports Page, Brian-oke Karaoke Contest
TUESDAY
MARCH 20
Coppertop, HDK Karaoke
Continued on Page 9
THE VALLEY PLANET
A True Dining Experience
by Toby Campbell
R
ecently I had the privilege of
dining at Nikko’s in Hampton
Cove. When you first enter
Nikko’s a smiling face immediately
greets you. In the lobby you will find
a beautiful indoor garden with a replica
red bridge like the one at Big Spring
Park. Not only was the whole meal a
true dining experience, but I also had the
honor of sitting down with the owners
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Black As I was
sitting there talking with Robert, I was
able to learn the history of the “Red
Bridge” in famous Big Spring Park. Now
being a native of Huntsville, I of course
thought I knew it all. Wrong! I learned
that the original bridge was erected in
1976 by Major General Mikio Kimata as
a gift to the people of Huntsville to show
his appreciation for the hospitality he
was shown while stationed at Redstone
Arsenal.
As you sit in the lobby of Nikko’s you
will find the bar area is completely
closed off from the main dining area of
the restaurant. You can sit in the bar and
enjoy a nice cocktail and perhaps a cigar
while waiting for your table or after you
have completed your meal. As you cross
back over from the Bar area to the nonsmoking dining area you will find Edgar
playing a soft melody of instrumental
music for you to enjoy with your dining
experience. On the menu you will find
MUSIC
Continued from Page 8
Finnegan’s Pub, Josh Paddock/Dawn
Osborne
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Hopper’s, Janice’s Karaoke
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Donnie Cox
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Marge Loveday
Judge Crater’s,Thomas Furctron/ Louis Tully
Beach Patrol/Thrashis
Philby’s Pourhouse, Mike Roberts
Sandy’s Roadhouse, Karaoke Contest
Sports Page, Karaoke
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Scott Morgan
The Nook, Karaoke w/Carol
WEDNESDAY
MARCH 21
3rd Base Grill, David Anderson
American Legion Post 176,
HDK “Jackpot” Karaoke
Coffeetree Books & Brew,
Songwriter’s Open Mic Night
Esquire Lounge, Karaoke
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, The Moog
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Ben Trussell
Hog Wild, Free Couples Dance Lessons
House of Brews, Len Bullard
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Tim Tucker
Jazz Factory, Microwave Dave
Lee Ann’s, TA, Pat and Curtis
Philby’s Pourhouse, Donnie Cox
Scooter’s (Scottsboro), Trey, Gary & KB
Sports Page, Ladies and 80’s Night
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Chris Cook
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Reese Rushton
The Horse, Ladies Night Karaoke w/Jimbo
THE VALLEY PLANET
everything from Sushi to Steak to crab
legs. On this particular outing I decided
to go with the crab legs and some sushi
as an appetizer. I have to admit that not
only was I truly delighted with the food
but the service was just as amazing.
For dessert I had the Kailua chocolate
cheesecake. Now as a person that truly
has a passion for cheesecake, I have to
say this was by far the best cheesecake
I have ever had the privilege of putting
in my mouth. (Sorry Mom.) You will
find several different cheesecakes at
Nikko’s and I recommend the small trip
to Hampton Cove for this alone!
Some other accommodations you will
find at this establishment consist of a
large Banquet Room for your company
outing or even for a wedding party.
There is also a private dining room
with both wireless internet and hardline
jacks, surrounded by soundproof walls
for privacy. If you want to experience
a true Japanese dining environment,
try the Tatami room for traditional floor
seating. If you are looking for a great
place for a first date or a true dining
experience, then I urge you to make the
small trip over the mountain to Hampton
Cove and visit Mr. and Mrs. Black at
Nikko’s. I promise you will have a great
time, enjoy great food and have a true
experience to remember.
THURSDAY
MARCH 22
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Live Music
Blue Parrot (Guntersville), Duanne Walker
Crossroads, Todd Snider ($15) w/Will
Kimbrough
Ember Club, Pat Nickel hosts Open Mic from
7-11pm
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Factory
House of Brews, Glen
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Hot Rod Otis
Jazz Factory, Jim Cavender
Judge Crater’s,Lance Almond Smith Band
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Ladies Night w/
Southern Flight
Sports Page, 5 O’Clock Charlie w/Mike
Roberts
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Marge Loveday
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Lacey
Atchison
The Docks (Scottsboro), Trey, Kenny &
Coach
The Horse, Karaoke w/Jimbo and Dance Hall
open (No cover)
The Nook, Karaoke w/Gladys
FRIDAY
MARCH 23
Adrian’s (Guntersville), The Judas Goat
Benchwarmer, Haven
Benchwarmer, Too, Just Cause
Black Water Hattie’s, Trial by Jury
#031507040407
Blue Parrot (Guntersville), Microwave Dave
Friday Music Showcase
Crossroads, Shametown (no cover)
Freddy’s, karaoke
Furniture Factory, Duanne Walker
Hard Dock Café, MoJo Mixers
Hog Wild, Southern Limit
House of Brews, Jerry McAllister
and Open Delta
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Full Circle
Jazz Factory, Live Music & The Swing Shift
Judge Crater’s,Live Music
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Bob Walters Banned
Lee Ann’s, Boogafunk
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), Vibro Deluxe
Philby’s Pourhouse, Hot Soup
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Saliva w/special
guests Crossfade and Ligion
Sports Page, Tom Cremeens
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Jim Cavender
The Docks (Scottsboro), Kenny and Trey
The Horse, Dance Hall w/DJ lil Ed and Don E
SATURDAY
MARCH 24
Benchwarmer, Okra
Benchwarmer, Too,
Judas Goat and the Shine Junkies
Blue Parrot (Guntersville),
Donnie Cox and Ken Coffee
Coppertop, Lance Allmon Smith Band
Crossroads, The Tennessee Rounders
w/Caddle ($5)
Continued on Page 14
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
9
Nothing to Do?
by Leslie Parks
S
aint Patrick is most commonly
known for driving the snakes out
of Ireland and we drink green
beer once a year to thank him for it.
(Who cares that there probably never
were any snakes in Ireland since the
island was separated from the rest of
the continent at the end of the Ice Age?
Not me!) Saint Patrick’s Day has come
to be associated with everything Irish:
anything green and gold, shamrocks and
of course, good luck. I love St. Patrick’s
Day and can’t wait for the parade in
downtown Huntsville to start at 11:30am
on Saturday, March 17th.
After the parade you need to come on
over to Humphrey’s for the all day (and
all night) St. Patrick’s Day Party hosted
by Valley Planet, Old Towne Brewing
Company and of course… the good
folks at Humps! There’ll be live music
from Mike Roberts, Pla’ Station and
the Fiddleworms. If you want to jumpstart your St. Patrick’s Day partying
you can always go to Humphrey’s on
Friday night to hear Juice (that’s after
you get finished partying with HYP at
their St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Depot
Roundhouse.)
Have you been to Indigo Joes yet? We
took the kids a few weeks ago and had a
ball! They have over 20 different kinds
of beer on tap as well as a TV in eyeshot
10
no matter where you sit. The booths
even have their own personal size TV
so you can stay connected to the game
of your choice! It’s kid friendly with an
arcade area and a lot of different things
to choose from on the kid menu. The
grown-up menu has a lot to choose from,
too. We had burgers, swordfish and
chicken… all of it awesome with FAST
service.
Don’t know about you but when I go out
to eat and I finally get a table I’m ready
to start eating … like 5 minutes ago. The
service at Indigo Joes was definitely fast
and friendly. We were eating appetizers
within 5 minutes of ordering them. The
salads came just as soon as we were
done and then we had entrees before we
could even finish the salads. Definitely
fast! They’re not too far out on HWY
72… just go less than a mile past
Pauli’s and you’ll see them on the left.
Check out the menu on their website:
www.indigojoes.com and go watch
your next game out there. It’ll be fun!
Sometimes you get to a spot in the
road and you realize that something in
your life has to change. You need to do
something different… break out of your
rut… make new friends… try new things.
Maybe you’ve been through a divorce or
a breakup and your ex got custody of
all the friends. How do you start over
#031507040407
if you don’t want to hang out in bars or
join a church? Huntsville Alive is a new
social networking organization whose
main goal is to provide opportunities for
adults (of all ages) to meet new people
and have fun. They’re offering a lot of
different ways to do that… from social
gatherings and community service
projects to a wide variety of personal
growth activities like cooking classes or
sporting events or outdoor adventures or
my favorite, traveling!
Huntsville Alive is having their launch
event on Thursday, March 29th, at House
of Brews from 6-8pm. Check out their
website at www.huntsvillealive.com.
When you get a chance stop by Shea’s
Express in the Railroad Depot on
Church Street. (If you think the name
sounds familiar it does… this is the latest
creation from Cynthia Shea Hart who
is the mastermind behind Cyn Shea’s
Catering and Cyn Shea’s Garden Café
inside the Interior Marketplace.) Shea’s
Express is the ONLY made-from-scratch
bakery and coffeehouse in town… and
they have free Wi-Fi, too! They’re
open Monday through Thursday from
7am-9pm and until 11pm on Fridays
and Saturdays. They also have a Jazz
Brunch on Saturdays 11am-2pm with
a New Orleans inspired menu and live
jazz music.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
In a hurry? No problem! You can pop
in and pop out of “Shea’s Away” to
get your favorite items that have been
freshly pre-made and packaged to walk
right out the door with you. I’m lovin’
me some Shea’s Express and I know you
will, too! 3 words: Sour Dough Bread!
Trust me….
So how’s that Lent thing working out
for ya? Me… so far so good! I gave
up sugar/sweets/desserts and man I’m
missin them! I didn’t realize I had
cultivated such a sweet tooth until I
stopped feeding it and now it talks to me
all the time. Luckily my son Jake gave
up carbonated drinks so at least I haven’t
been alone in my “quest to atone.”) Lent
ends on Easter (April 8th) and I’m going
to end it with a bang by having peeps on
my birthday cake that day.
That’s right, for the first time since I
was born my birthday falls exactly on
Easter… how cool is that? It won’t
happen again until 2012 and then it
won’t happen again until 2091. (I’m
guessing I’ll miss that one.) So, 2007
and 2012 will definitely be the year to
celebrate. I’ll have a big party in 5 years
and you’ll all be invited. Keep it in mind
in case you’ve got Nothing To Do that
day….
THE VALLEY PLANET
Exploring 52 Weekends in the Tennessee Valley
by Jeanie Kezo
BIKE NIGHT
at Hooters, April 5
J
ust as the Tennessee Valley Authority
impacts the sale of power in the
Tennessee Valley, two local writers
hope to impact readers with their
authoritative and often humorous guide to
this area. 52 Weekends in the Tennessee
Valley was co-authored by Charles T. Frew
(an Army JAG officer and retired attorney)
and his son, Daniel R. Frew (a graphic
designer and Auburn University graduate).
Published in 2006 by Frew & Associates,
Inc. and printed by McQuiddy Printing
Company in Nashville, Tennessee, this
large, colorful paperback resembles a
traditional “coffee table” book and is
described as “a light-hearted look at the
region’s locations, attractions, events, and
festivals.”
The Frews show considerable knowledge
and expertise of the area as they explore
interesting places and events in the
Tennessee Valley.
The information
provided is practical and delivered in
a lively, easy-to-read manner, with a
vast array of color photographs, almost
exclusively taken by the authors. While
the content of this book is at-once
informative, its teasing and enthusiastic
tone is balanced with a healthy dose of
honesty. These combined attributes tend
to set this book apart from other tourist
guides and make the $24.95 purchase price
well worthwhile.
reader to experience what the region has
to offer, thus explaining the importance
of writing this book. While the authors
seem to spend an unnecessary amount of
space talking about why we don’t travel
more and how to prepare for a trip, they
quickly set a humorous tone with the
teasing admonishment to “put away the
Metamucil and prune juice and get out
your highlighter and map.” Bubba’s
Regional Rules of the Road is a particular
favorite of mine, which describes which
types of vehicles have the right-of-way
at a four-way stop. One of these includes
vehicles that have “either an animal or a
spouse tied across the hood.”
Conversely, the authors’ honesty becomes
apparent when they examine possible
disappointments that a visitor may
experience. For example, “Maybe, the
music at a festival is awful, but… (you
may) strike up a conversation with a
stranger and have a few laughs.” From
driving habits to dialect, the Frews
embrace the region’s differences and exult
in the pride of their heritage.
Chapter 2 traces the origin of the Tennessee
Valley’s earliest descendants and relates
the historical and social significance that
Indian tribes and white pioneers passed
Similarly, this book points to locations of
interest that defined the Tennessee Valley’s
role in the Civil War. The authors tell the
tale of several major battles: The Battles
of Shiloh, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and
Battle of Stones River. Several notable
commanders are memorialized, including
a Confederate officer named Nathan
Bedford Forrest, who had no previous
military experience but played a pivotal
role in damaging the Union forces.
Succeeding chapters describe the geography
and climate of the Tennessee Valley, its
agriculture, religious preferences, and
regional foods. Readers also learn about
the music, outdoor activities, and sports
events that are indigenous to the area.
The remaining chapters are separated by
state and document the diverse variety
of festivals and interesting locations
available to the visitor in Tennessee and
Alabama. The last few pages contain a
table of contacts for some of the events
and locations included in the book. In
conclusion, the authors try to convey what
they feel is important about the Tennessee
Valley and why we should all want to
experience everything it has to offer.
As a new resident to the Tennessee Valley,
I find this book extremely interesting and
helpful. Having lived north of the MasonDixon line for most of my life, I had never
been aware of much of the information
presented here. After reading 52 Weekends
in the Tennessee Valley, I hope to have
the opportunity to see some of these
attractions. Even if I can’t, I have gained
a deeper understanding of this region and
its people and have been humbled by its
beauty and its history. This book is a
treasure that can and should be enjoyed
by residents and visitors, alike. Its telling
invokes the bold spirit of Mark Twain,
and the authors use his words well:
“Twenty years from now you will be more
disappointed by the things you didn’t do
than by the ones you did do.”
The importance of images is illustrated
on the inside cover, with a quote from
Lewis Carroll, from Alice’s Adventures
in Wonderland: “What is the use of a
book, thought Alice, without pictures or
conversations?” The authors develop this
point with many candid photos, as well
as those familiar to visitors. Those who
are unfamiliar to the area may sometimes
wonder who or what the pictures depict,
since very few of them have captions.
In addition to the abundant photographs
and maps, various quotes appear as
sidebars on several pages, which also
serve to illustrate particular places or
events. The quotes cut through vertical
designs that lend visual appeal and show
the graphic design influence.
BIKE NIGHT
at Hooters, April 5
52 Weekends in the Tennessee Valley is
available at online bookstores, through its
website at http://www.tennesseevalleyboo
k.com/ and also from Shaver’s Book Store
in Huntsville, Alabama.
Chapter 1 tries to define the parameters of
the Tennessee Valley and encourages the
THE VALLEY PLANET
on to future generations.
Beginning
with the Paleo-Indians who inhabited the
Tennessee Valley approximately 15,000
years ago, the authors briefly summarize
information about the major tribes that
migrated to the area. They also highlight
the European influence that began with
Hernando De Soto’s expedition into the
Tennessee Valley in 1540. Prominent
white settlers who are profiled include
John Ditto, Madison County’s first white
settler, and James Robertson, “the father
of Tennessee.” Readers are directed to
places where they can learn more about
these descendants.
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
11
A Heavenly Coffee Shop
by Jeanie Kezo
I
f you’re looking for an island
paradise but can’t afford the luxury,
sail over to Angel’s Island Coffee
in Huntsville for a unique and soothing
alternative. Walk inside, and the tropical
ambience washes over you like a wave.
Palm trees and tiki torches line the
entrance, and the orange and yellow
color scheme invites the eye to wander
toward the unique tapestries and other
artifacts from Fiji that adorn the walls.
Examples of these include tapa cloth and
reproductions of war clubs that cannibal
tribes used to use. According to owner
Angel Wright, “Tapa cloth is made out
of the bark of a tree, and all the coloring
on the designs are natural ink.”
Angel and her brother, Mat, opened the
coffee shop on January 22, 2007. Both
share in its operation, along with three
other employees: Brad, Stewart, and
Molly.
This venture represents the culmination
of a long-time dream for Angel. “I
worked in a coffee shop in the Fiji
Islands for three years, and I just enjoyed
it a whole lot,” Wright said. Before she
and her family moved to Fiji, they lived
in Huntsville, so it seemed natural to
locate the business in Huntsville. She
saw a need for a coffee shop in the South
Parkway area, and the high volume
of passing traffic further added to the
location’s appeal.
This new business nestles between
Donato’s Pizza and Apple Lane Farms,
at 7538 South Memorial Parkway, and
offers both dine-in and drive-through
service. The menu includes a variety of
specialty coffees, as well as generously
sized Danish and muffins.
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
The coffee is excellent and competitively
priced and, if you accept one of their
“Frequent Coffee Drinker Club” cards,
every tenth purchase is free. “We’re
not trying to compete with Starbucks,
but our prices are a whole lot cheaper,”
Wright said. Prices range from $1.00 for
an espresso, to $3.50 for iced coffees.
The Chocolate Cherry Kiss Mocha
is a specialty coffee that consists of
chocolate and cherry syrups, vanilla,
and whipped cream with sprinkles, and
a Hershey kiss on the side. “We use an
Italian roast for our espresso bean, and
our brewed coffee is a medium roast,”
she added.
Sit down with a cappuccino, sip a latte
or espresso, and let your gaze wander
through the pastel sand in the plant pots,
or imagine what’s under the seashells.
Hook up to the free wireless connection
or relax on the plush, leather sofa with
one of the books. Bring a used book to
trade, if you prefer.
For a special treat, share an Open Mic
Night on Tuesdays, starting at 7:00 p.m.
“Read poetry or play a song, it’s up to
you!” the sign reads. Solo entertainers
will perform on Friday nights.
Wright said that customers have been
“very excited and interested—they feel
very comfortable, here. We want to get
people in here and talking about it—just
spreading the word—and we would
eventually like to open another store,
elsewhere.” For more information, call
319-3424.
THE VALLEY PLANET
A Magnificently
Insane One-Man
Show Has Been
Making Waves
Across America
Local Songwriter with National Chart
Records Hosts Showcase April 7th
Local Songwriter with National Chart
Records Hosts Showcase April 7th
When Jim Parker moved from Nashville
to Madison in 1985, her realized
that there were very few venues for
songwriters in this area. In Music City
USA, they were everywhere! He began
his quest for starting a Songwriter’s
Open Mic by approaching the owners
of the Bandito Burrito in Madison. This
became one of the biggest nights for the
restaurant, attracting many fledgling
writers from around the area.
O
ne-Man show returns to
Crossroads March 15th. His
influences include Dr. Seuss,
Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa and
Rube Goldberg. He’s a classically trained
stand-up jazz bassist, a student from the
prestigious San Francisco Conservatory
of Music and the inventor of The Magic
Pipe, an instrument that looks like a hightech version of an Australian didgeridoo,
but includes stainless steel, bass strings,
magnetic pick-ups, an old Appalachian
handsaw, an electric cowboy boot and
belches smoke. This is the real heavy
metal, a pipe dream come to life.
“It’s pretty serious,” says Bay Area
native Mike Silverman, who goes by
the name That1Guy, about his oneman concert performance, equal parts
music, technology, science, art and
spectacle and suitable for audiences
of all ages, as he uses his hands and
feet to create an industrial rhythm that
must be seen and heard to be believed. 
Combining elements of classical
music with electronica, Silverman
puts his classical training to good use
creating music that is ethereal, gothic
and heart pounding,  “There’s a lot to
take in. When people see me play, they
just intuitively get it” he comments.
After performing in such distant locales
as Istanbul, Edinburgh, Scotland and
Australia, where he has a remarkable
following, and opening for the likes
of Ani DeFranco, who signed him to
her Righteous Babe label for his 2004
debut, the memorably named Songs in
the Key of Beotch, That1Guy heads out
on a 30 city tour across America in 2007
in support of his debut DVD release,
a live collection of concert staples,
titled Live in the Land of Oz.
Come see him play The Magic
Pipe… It’s a universal experience.
The opening act for the show is
Huntsville’s own brand of quirkiness,
Daikaiju.  Mixing 60’s surf rock with
an ever-growing list of other genres,
the band throttles audiences playing
epic instrumentals dressed in masks
and costumes that bring to mind sci-fi
martial arts cinema.
The following year, Jim approached
Doug Gooch, of Sister Gooch, to organize
what is now Jim Parker’s Songwriters’
Showcase. The Songwriter’s Showcase
transitioned through three more venue
changes over the next few years. Then
a serendipitous moment came to light
when Jim was performing at the world
famous Bluebird Café in Nashville.
Steve Maples, COO of the VBC, heard
Jim tell the audience he was from
Madison Alabama. After the show, Steve
asked Jim to call him to discuss bringing
the Songwriter’s Showcase to the VBC.
In May of 2005, the Showcase moved to
the VBC in Huntsville. The program has
developed into one of the highest quality,
most unique and entertaining events in
this area. It is a three and one half hour
production with five songwriters telling
interesting stories about how, when,
where, what inspired and who recorded
their songs.
The Songwriters names are not as
familiar as the popular artists who made
them famous but many are fine singers
and great musicians. It’s a rare treat to
hear the stories behind the songs from
the Songwriter who wrote them.
The next Songwriter’s Showcase
is April 7th 2007 with hit writers
Jerry Vandiver, Victoria Banks, Tim
Buppert and hosts Jim Parker and
local Songwriter Leon Venerable.  
Jerry Vandiver songs: Tim McGraw;
“It Doesn’t Get Any Countrier Than
This” and “For a Little While”,
and Phil Vassar’s “Athens Grease”
Victoria Banks songs: Sara Evans;
“Saints & Angels” and the 3 of Hearts
single “Arizona Rain” and songs
recorded by Marty Raybon, Angie
Brady, Laura Bryna, Jaime Fox,
Cowboy Crush, and Megan Mullins.
Tim Buppert songs: “Another Nine
Minutes” by Yankee Grey and a #1
single by Kevin Sharp “She’s Sure
Taking It Well” and songs recorded
by Trisha Yearwood, The Wiggins,
Continental Divide and Marty Haden.
Jim Parker songs: “Chicken Truck”,
“I’ve Got A Feelin’“ by John Anderson
and songs recorded by Baby, The
Kitchen Cinq and Armageddon
Jim Parker’s Songwriter Showcase
began over five years ago and will
celebrate its 2nd Anniversary and 14th
performance at the Von Braun Center
(VBC) Playhouse this coming May 25th.
Check out www.JimParkerMusic.com fo
r archives of past performances and the
bios of every guest Songwriter over the
past years.
JOHN MAYER ROCKS IN HUNTSVILLE
by Kenni Braswell
M
onday night was cold but with
great anticipation, I along with
almost five-thousand fans
packed in and settled down for what was
sure to be a spectacular concert. John
Mayer was outstanding both in person
and most definitely on stage. He brought
a little more soul to Northern Alabama,
on Feb. 5th 2007 at the Von Braun Civic
Center, in Huntsville.
The stage was set and as I looked around
I was surrounded by a sea of unusual
fans. It was rare to see how diversified
his fan base is. There were women and
men of all ages, but more astounding is
how his music has become popular with
the “tweens” and “teens”.
There was a certain quality to the
atmosphere, not like that of other
concerts I have been to. It was refreshing
and most definitely entertaining to say
the least. With that, I sat to watch the
opening act Soullive, a small four man
THE VALLEY PLANET
band from New Orleans. The crowd was
receptive and they were rather good, but
I was there for the main act.
Taking the stage at 8:45pm, the crowd
howled with excitement and we were
now hearing Waiting on the World to
Change. It was radio in full motion and
it was the smooth sound of his voice and
his calm demeanor on stage that made
his fans go wild as they too sang along
with him. Although, his set was not as
long as most would have liked, he did
cover an assortment of songs from his
new album Continuum. Most impressive
was the song Gravity, a twelve-minute
serenade; nearing the end of the song he
showed his guitar skills with a solo. With
great technique and experience, we saw
first hand the talent that is John Mayer.
Aside from his set list he played an
impromptu little ditty about what it
would be like to play music in the
seventies, showing his audience his sense
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
of humor and more importantly that he is
just human. To round out the night he
not only covered Continuum, he played
songs from Heavier Things (2003), and
Any Given Thursday (2003).
I was delighted, like everyone else, that
he would exit the stage and come back
for a two song encore, which included
Your Body is a Wonderland from the
album Room for Squares (2001). He
rocked the crowd yet again and it was
true John Mayer and well worth the
wait.
Though outside the night was cold,
inside the VBC John Mayer unleashed
a fire of immense talent with harmony
and his commanding stage presence; he
brought to us his music and gave us for
only a brief time his “Soul.”
13
MUSIC
Finnegan’s Pub, David Merriman
Flying Monkey Arts Center, The Mattoid,
The Group Hug, Daikaiju
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Room 120
Hard Dock Café, Lipstick
Hog Wild, Southern Limit
House of Brews, Crackerjacks
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, PUSH
Jazz Factory, Devere Pride Trio
& The Charlie Lyle Quintet
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Marsha Morgan
Lee Ann’s, Full Circle
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), Spacewagon
Philby’s Pourhouse, Shametown
Sammy T’s Music Hall,
Sports Page, Handshake Promise
(from Tuscaloosa)
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Tim Tucker
The Docks (Scottsboro), David Anderson
Triple Play (Scottsboro), Blackeyed Susan
SUNDAY
MARCH 25
Flying Monkey Arts Center, Hi9
(More to be announced…)
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Hopper’s, Brunch w/Edgar
and Evening with Janice’s Karaoke
House of Brews, Blues Jam open mic
hosted by Lance Allmon Smith
The Corner (Bailey Cove),
Open Mic Night w/Scott Morgan
MONDAY
MARCH 26
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Scott Morgan
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Acoustic Open Mic
TUESDAY
MARCH 27
Finnegan’s Pub, Josh Paddock/Dawn
Osborne
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Lacey Atchison
Judge Crater’s,Tim Resvon
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Scott Morgan
WEDNESDAY
MARCH 28
Songwriter’s Open Mic Night
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Jerry Fordham
House of Brews, Jerry Pierson
Williams, Rikard & Mahan
Jazz Factory, Live Music
Judge Crater’s,The Kid
Philby’s Pourhouse, Jon Laird
Marge Loveday
THURSDAY
MARCH 29
Robert Keel and Michael Copeland
Crossroads, The Avett Brothers ($15)
Freddy’s, Karaoke
House of Brews, James
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Starroy
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Ladies Night
w/Year and a Day
Sports Page, 5ive O’Clock Charlie
w/Mike Roberts
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Jim Cavender
2007
SCHEDULE
3/30
4/13
4/21
4/28
5/04
5/12
5/19
5/26
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Birmingham Steeldogs 7:30pm
Florida Firecats 7:30pm
@South Georgia Wildcats 6:30pm
@Florida Firecats 6:30pm
Green Bay Blizzard 7:30pm
@Cincinnati Jungle Kats 6:30pm
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers 7:30pm
@Fort Wayne Fusion 6:00pm
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
6/01
6/09
6/16
6/30
7/07
7/14
7/21
7/28
@Quad City Steamwheelers 7:30pm
Florida Firecats 7:30pm
South Georgia Wildcats 7:30pm
@Birmingham Steeldogs 7:00pm
@Everett Hawks 9:30pm
Fort Wayne Fusion 7:30pm
Mahoning Valley Thunder 7:30pm
@Louisville Fire 6:00pm
THE VALLEY PLANET
THE VALLEY PLANET
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15
MUSIC
Lacey Atchison
Trey, Kenny & Coach
The Horse, Karaoke w/Jimbo
and Dance Hall open (No cover)
FRIDAY
MARCH 30
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Wasted Mason
Benchwarmer, Karaoke
Benchwarmer, Too, Joe-ski’s Party
Black Water Hattie’s, Jonathan and Dan
Karaoke with Dawn
Showcase featuring Why Not (Stan Hisaw &
Tom McKown)
Crossroads, The Duhks ($5)
Grammy Nominee
Little Pieces of Me, Ours to Alibi, Estoria
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Slightly Damaged
Hard Dock Café, Hot Rod Otis
Hog Wild, Bobby Randall and Cowboy Up
House of Brews, Four Door Ramblers
Tim Tucker and the Uh Huhs
Jazz Factory, Live Music & The Swing Shift
Judge Crater’s,Local Orbit
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Live Music
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), JD and the Bad Boys
Philby’s Pourhouse, Mike Roberts Band
Sports Page, Black Label
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Tim Tucker
The Nook, Live Music
SATURDAY
MARCH 31
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Makeshift Radio
Benchwarmer, 40oz Midgets
Blue Parrot (Guntersville), Crackerjacks
Coppertop, Driving South
Crossroads, Rollin-In-The-Hay ($8)
Finnegan’s Pub, David Merriman
Crash Boom Bang Theatre
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Jerry McAllister
Hard Dock Café, Hot Mix
Hog Wild, Bobby Randall and Cowboy Up
House of Brews, Shametown
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Kozmic Mama
& The Charlie Lyle Quintet
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Joe Sun
and the Global Cowboy, Brent Moyer
Lee Ann’s, Big Daddy Kingfish
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), JD and the Bad Boys
Philby’s Pourhouse, Live Music
Sports Page, Blood River
The Corner (Bailey Cove), ToY ShoP
The Corner (Hampton Cove), John Onder
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THE VALLEY PLANET
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Open Mic Night
w/Scott Morgan
MONDAY
APRIL 2
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Marge Loveday
TUESDAY
APRIL 3
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Jim Cavender
Judge Crater’s,Tim Resvon
The Corner (Bailey Cove),
Irish Night w/Maple Hill Celtic Band
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 4
Coffeetree Books & Brew, Songwriter’s
Open Mic Night
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Live Music
House of Brews, Sam Jones
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Russell Mefford,
Rob Malone & Clint Baliey
Lee Ann’s, Big Daddy Kingfish
Philby’s Pourhouse, Donnie Cox
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Reese Rushton
THURSDAY
APRIL 5
MUSIC
Yeterdays (Athens),
The Flashbacks Reunion Dinner Series
SUNDAY
APRIL 1
Flying Monkey Arts Center, Crash Boom
Bang Theatre
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Hopper’s, Brunch w/Edgar and Evening with
Janice’s Karaoke
House of Brews, Dawn and Josh (Brunch)
and Blues Jam open mic hosted by Lance
Allmon Smith (pm)
THE VALLEY PLANET
Blue Parrot (Guntersville), Live Music
Crossroads, Live Music
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, PUSH
Judge Crater’s,Lance Almond Smith
Ladies Night w/Blackeyed Susan
Sports Page, 5 O’Clock Charlie
w/Mike Roberts
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Marge Loveday
Lacey Atchison
Trey, Kenny & Coach
The Horse, Karaoke w/Jimbo
and Dance Hall open (No cover)
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17
MUSIC
FRIDAY
APRIL 6
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Civilian
Benchwarmer, Still Life
Benchwarmer, Too, Karaoke Party
Showcase featuring Lynx Quicksilver
Crossroads, The Codetalkers ($8)
Flying Monkey Arts Center, Zydepunks, The
Counterclock Wise
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Room 120
Hard Dock Café, Juice
Hog Wild, Duanne Walker and the Desperado
Band
Holiday Inn Port of Madison, Full Circle
Factory
House of Brews, Everyday Atlas
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Tim Tucker and The
Uh Huhs
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), Hot Rod Otis
Philby’s Pourhouse, Live Music
Port of Madison (Holiday Inn), Full Circle
Sports Page, 5 O’Clock Charlie w/Mike
Roberts
The Docks (Scottsboro), Joey Miller
SATURDAY
APRIL 7
Adrian’s (Guntersville), Lynam
Benchwarmer, VCR
Benchwarmer, Too, Aperon Karaoke Party
Coppertop, The Crawlers
Crossroads, Dubconscious ($8)
Finnegan’s Pub, St Patrick’s Day Party !!
Freddy’s, Karaoke
Furniture Factory, Ben Trussell
Hard Dock Café, Live Music
Hog Wild, Duanne Walker and the Desperado
Band
Factory
House of Brews, Mark Copeland Band
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CONCERTS
ATLANTA
Mar 16, Nickelback, Gwinnett Center
Mar 17, Josh Groban, Philips Arena
Mar 21, Snow Patrol, Gwinnett
Center
March 27, Celtic Woman, Fabulous
Fox Theatre
BIRMINGHAM
March 30, Sister Hazel, Sloss Furnace
April 14, Bill Gaither, BJCC
April 30, Nora Jones, BJCC
HUNTSVILLE
March 15, The Whalers, Crossroads
March 23, Saliva and Crossfade,
Sammy T’s
April 11, Hank Williams Jr. and
Lynyrd Skynyrd, VBC
April 14, Widespread Panic, VBC
April 19, Mercy Me and Audio
Adrenaline, VBC
April 26, Vince Gill, VBC
MEMPHIS
March 15, Jamie Foxx, FedEx Forum
April 1, Bobby Womack, Cannon
Center
April 12, Bill Gaither and Friends,
FedEx Forum
NASHVILLE
Mar 16, Justin Timberlake, Gaylord
Mar18, George Jones, Ryman
March 19, Willie Nelson with Merle
Haggard and Ray Price, Grand Ole
Opry
March 28, Evanescense, Gaylord
Entertainment Center
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Sky Hi
Nikko’s, Edgar
Bobby G’s), Hot Rod Otis
Philby’s Pourhouse, 5 O’Clock Charlie w/
Mike Roberts
Sammy T’s Music Hall, 17th Floor
Sports Page, Side Show
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Lisa Busler
The Docks (Scottsboro), David Anderson
Triple Play (Scottsboro), BLACK LABEL
Yeterdays (Athens), Martin Delray
THE VALLEY PLANET
’s
O
H
C
R
A
N
A
DR
Rx for Old Stuff That Don’t Suck
Something old, something new,
something borrowed and rocking blues.
If it sounds like I’m getting married to
Howard and the White Boys, I’m not.
But I am in love with them.
Old? Borrowed?
Howard and the White Boys have been
around for the better part of three
decades and are committed to the blues
and the roots. The members of Howard
& the White Boys first met at Northern
Illinois University in Dekalb in 1988 and
began jamming together just for fun,
but their fast-growing popularity soon
convinced them they could make a
career of it. After only a few months, they
got their first big break by opening for
B.B. King. The band soon made the move
to Chicago and began performing with
the biggest names in blues: Koko Taylor,
Albert King, Junior Wells, Lonnie Brooks,
Luther Allison, Bo Diddley, and Chuck
Berry.
HWB have paid their dues regionally,
but haven’t had proper recognition
nationally. They are well known in
Europe, very popular in Belgium, France,
Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Norway,
Germany, Luxembourg, and England.
Riding the ever-growing wave of
popularity both at home and abroad, the
group then released a well-received live
CD for Evidence Records entitled Live At
Chord On Blues in 2000.
Dr. A’s RX for Old Stuff That Don’t Suck
is: Howard and the White Boys Live at
Chord on Blues.
In 2004, long time band members
Howard McCullum (lead vocals/bass),
Rocco Calipari (guitar/vocals) and Jim
Christopulos (drums/vocals) were joined
by 28-year-old guitarist Pete Galanis.
Galanis’ tight blues chops, coupled
with his natural versatility at handling
the funk, R & B, and rock styles that are
Howard & the White Boys trademarks,
Galanis slotted perfectly with the group’s
signature sound. He has also lent it an
exciting, youthful exuberance.
The guy is good – very. Time will tell, but
I have a feeling we’re going to hear a lot
more from Galanis before he lays his axe
aside.
Longtime VP readers know I rarely get
this “up” about a new (to me) group. I
heartily give them 4.5 stars of 5. They can
earn the fifth if someone (like Crossroads
or Humphrey’s? Come on, guys…) will
bring them to Huntsville where every
blues lover in town can have the HWB
experience.
For now, I’ll have to be content with a
trip to Marietta, Georgia to catch them
– but from the sound of HWB’s Live at
Chord on Blues it’ll be worth every mile
of the ride.
Additional information, song samples,
CDs and related merchandise may be
found at: howardandthewhiteboys.net
They do cover – or should I say “re-cover”
some songs of other artists, but it’s
with a recipe of their own making and
spiced to suit them. What’s the knock
on covers? Eric Clapton has covered
everything J.J. Cale ever did.
The magic is in the music, the tightness
of the band and song choice.
New and Blue?
Tracks are:
1. Havin’ A Good Time Is A Full-Time Job
2. You’ll Come Back
3. Leave The Lights On
4. Use Me
5. Turn On Your Lovelight
6. Bo Diddley
7. The Barber
8. Bad Attitude
9. I Got My Mojo Workin’
10. Sex Machine
Well, HWB is a band new to me and they
are definitely blue. The majority of HWB’s
songs are their own compositions, and
darned good ones.
THE VALLEY PLANET
Are
You Looking For A Fight?
by Toby Campbell
D
o you find yourself from time to
time watching wrestling or UFC
fighting? Then, do you ask yourself
what it would be like to be ringside at one
of these events? I know you must be saying
that would be way too expensive! Well not
only is this your chance to see it up close
and personal, but at a mere fraction of the
cost that you might think. Coming up this
April 20th, Huntsville’s own Scott Jennings
will be holding the seventh of hopefully
many more ECI events.
ECI or Extreme Combat International
was founded here in Huntsville, and the
first event was a success from the start.
Jennings a former Huntsville High wrestler
and an avid UFC fan decided to start his
own extreme fighting league. This league
could give people with mixed martial arts
and wrestling talents the opportunity to not
only continue their careers but to combine
them with each other, with a small hint of
street fighting. Unlike the wrestling you see
on T.V., there is no acting involved. This
is pretty much a no holds barred fistfight
until someone is either knocked out or
taps out by submission. The only pads you
will find in ECI are small hand pads that
cover the knuckles of the fist. The fighters
are all well trained and come from a
background of some sort of mixed martial
arts or wrestling. A match consists of three
rounds that last three minutes apiece, with
the exception of a championship match
which has five rounds consisting three
minutes each.
There are two championship belts in the
amateur class, one at the one hundred
eighty five-weight class, and one in the
one hundred thirty five-weight class. In
the pro division the heavy weight belt is
held by “Big” John Ivey. In this division
you will find such local fighters as Travis
“The Freak” Hinton, Zack “King” Cole,
and Jason Sanderson to name a few. ECI
could be considered a minor league of the
more famous UFC seen on Spike T.V. The
fighters on the local scene compete for
the ultimate prize, which is the chance
to be invited to participate in the “grand
daddy” of them all, the UFC (which is by
invitation only).
On the Extreme Combat circuit you
will find that the fights are held in rings
not cages like you find on the pro UFC
circuit. One of the advantages to rings is
that the fighting is not as brutal as it is on
the larger circuits. Don’t get me wrong…
you will see lots of hitting, knock outs and
blood, however you will not find someone
repeatedly bashing another persons head
into a steel cage.
As far as prices are concerned, you can get
seats for as little as $20 a seat all the way
up to a VIP table which can accommodate
eight people and run $600, that’s $75 per
person. Not a bad deal if you ask me. First
row ringside seats without the table are
$100 and second row seats are $75. All
of these are very good prices to have the
opportunity to watch two men spend nine
minutes fighting for the ultimate price……
…. Pride!
MOONSHOT 2007
Moonshot, Inc., a local not for profit organization, is proud to announce their
2007 calendar of events in celebration of their 10th Anniversary. The season
this year will include a Music Festival in May featuring local independent
musicians, a Speakeasy Casino weekend in July, a Silent Auction in September
at the Jazz Factory, a Golf Tournament in October, and a White party in
November. Dates and locations will be announced in future publications.
The theme for the Main Event this year (held on the weekend of July 20th) is
“Speakeasy Casino”; the Roaring 20’s will be the costume for the evening.
Moonshot will feature Marge Loveday on both Friday and Saturday night’s
events at Huntsville’s Historic Roundhouse. All events are open to the public
and proceeds from donations will be granted to HIV/AIDS Prevention and
Education organizations in the North Alabama area. If you are interested in
volunteering, donating, or attending any events, please contact Penny Webster
at 256.508.6472
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
19
Sciatica
Down The Beaten Path
by Tina Leach
S
weet and tender. Songs about
puppies and bunnies and sunshine.
Oh wait! Wrong band. Sorry
about that. Um...yeah, no puppies
and bunnies. Sweet and tender? Well
depends on your definition really but
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say
probably not. Sciatica. Named after
the condition (a painful one caused by a
pinched sciatic nerve) because “it burns
and lingers and most definitely can’t be
ignored,” the band considers their music
to affect in a similar manner.
Formed in Huntsville and fronted by
a husband and wife team (Mike and
Christine), they provide a style that
can best be described as a harder edged
Evanescence in a sense. They are much
different really and much harder edged,
but that gets you in the ball park (or at
least in the parking lot). Christine has a
good singing voice. Mike has the death
metal voice, the kind that comes (as
internet toon character Strongbad would
say) “from the bowels of your lungs.”
And yeah, it does. Other members of
the band include Chris on bass and J
on drums. Mike also plays guitar. The
band refers to its style as “Hardcore
Buddha Metal.”
The band has played all over Alabama,
in Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida. Their
last tour was called “Slaughtering the
East Coast.” However, they do seem to
have become a bit more selective in their
touring as of late. According to their
website, “Dothan, Alabama Officially
Sucks...Do not ever Play there.” In
addition “we HATE Huntsville, so please
don’t ask us to hook you up with a show
here.” (That being said, they will be
playing at the Benchwarmer March 3).
Future touring plans include New York,
Chicago, Washington, and Philadelphia.
Their live shows are described as
intense, and there are photos of said live
shows on the website.
They are now signed to indie label
Dreamscape Records.
Their new
album (Down the Beaten Path) can be
downloaded on iTunes or cdbaby.com,
or purchased through their website (sciat
icahate.bravehost.com). Select songs by
the band are also available for a listen on
MySpace (myspace.com/sciatica666).
Down the Beaten Path has heavy bass
lines, angry screaming, melodic singing,
drumming that means business and
songs with titles like Open Up Your
Eyes, Sex Me Up, Crawling, Creation of
Your Demise, each song different from
the other. So give their “100% real,
100% scary, and 100% genuine” music
a listen. And if you notice a lingering
burn…the burn means it’s working.
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#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
THE VALLEY PLANET
HOWLIN THE BLUES
with an ALABAMA BACKBEAT
At Number 37 in the Americana Top 40 Charts
by Sonny Edwards
T
here are a number of reasons
which make “HOWL AT THE
BLUES” a relevant work
worthy of this article. Stephen Foster
and Howler is, first of all, a local
band. Secondly, even though they are
writing and playing locally, they are
acting globally. Thirdly, this offering
is an independent, homegrown project
conceived, recorded, and packaged
locally, but after entering the Americana
charts at a cellar dwelling number 420
five weeks ago it has risen to number 37
with a bullet on the National Americana
Music Charts, and continues to climb.
Let me explain all this briefly, and maybe
give some fledgling band out there a clue
how they might do something similar
with their own efforts.
Foster was at home, struggling with
an age old dilemma. He was in the
kitchen, sauté pan poised at the ready
on the trusty gas range, trying to decide
if he wanted to cook a hamburger or,
perhaps, a chicken breast. As he paced
about trying to decide, his feet led him
aimlessly into the T.V. room, just in
time to catch a video clip of soldiers and
rescue workers loading the dead bodies
of children into the back of a stake bed
truck.
The scene was from the site of a
bombing in southern Lebanon. Foster
was anything but hungry after that. He
was agitated, frustrated and overcome
by the images. He thought to himself,
“Why doesn’t anybody do anything
about this kind of thing?” Then he
picked up his acoustic guitar and “The
song just practically jumped out of me,”
he said.
The song, “Changing Times”, is an angry
commentary on the state of affairs in this
old world of ours. It is a song with a
social conscience, about small children
who are slaughtered when adults decide
to play war. It is a song about the young
boys and girls who don the uniforms and
pick up the weapons and wage those
wars. It is a protest song. He was “Mad
As Hell” (the title to the most played
song on the CD) when he wrote it
Stephen Foster wants to take the Blues
into new places. The rhythms he employs
have a decidedly international influence.
Traces of Latin, Irish, Scottish, even
gypsy, and myriad other flavors are
identifiable in Foster’s writing. “At the
end of the day” says Foster, “we are a
four piece Southern blues band. We are
not trying to sound like a blues band;
we just sound like a blues band. This
is Southern music, plain and simple. I
played you a cut off the album a minute
ago called “Mama’s Going Dancin’
When The Train Comes Home”, and
you sang half the lyrics while listening
to it the first time you heard it!” I told
Foster then it was simply because it was
already a classic song. It had been one
of my favorites for years. Never mind he
only wrote it a few months back. I stand
by that statement, at least according to
my understanding of what constitutes
Classic Southern Music.
The song is an eloquent, yet raw
expression, of the angst and emotions
so many of us, in constantly growing
numbers, feel about the wars American
boys and girls are fighting around
the world today. It is important in my
opinion just because he felt it and wrote
it.
Foster wanted to take it to another level
however. He decided to record this song
along with others, make a CD, and sell it
on CD Baby (cdbaby.com)
organization, which survives and
functions on donations, sends doctors in
to war torn areas, areas suffering from
famine and disease, and administers aid
to those who need it, period. Foster and
the band are donating the proceeds of
any and all downloads from the song
“Changing Times” to go to DWB.
Last but not least, I want to share with
you what Foster discovered when he had
a finished product and wanted to sell it
to the music loving world. He went to
CD Baby, and from there found his way
to a marketing guru in Philadelphia,
Pa. The man, Fred Boenig, owner of
Americana Media Productions, is one
of those “in the know” types who knows
every program and music director at
every radio station in the country that
reports to the Americana Music Charts.
He guided Fosters’ marketing effort, and
as a team, he and Foster have contacted
them all. While they haven’t been 100%
successful at getting every radio station
to play the CD, dozens of stations around
the country are playing it a lot, more are
added everyday, and the song has risen
up the charts and is now alongside
offerings by such stars as Bob Dylan,
and it was done for around $7500.00.
He did his homework and discovered an
international organization of doctors and
medical professionals known as Doctors
Without Borders.
Maybe this piece should be titled “Local
Band Makes Good, Makes a Record,
Makes a Difference, and Wants To Let
Everyone Know How They Can Do The
Same”.
This organization has no political
agenda and no state sponsorship. This
From the Southland,
[email protected]
There are other great songs on this new
CD. A couple of them are arguably more
socially important and timely. “Changing
Times” is such a song. It came about in
the usual way of important hit songs.
THE VALLEY PLANET
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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
21
C a l end a r o f
EVENTS
March 15
Noon Time Organ Concert Series at St. Mary
of the Visitation Church on Jefferson Street
from 12:10-12:50pm. Free, call 882-9380 for
details.
Huntsville Public Library free movie series
features Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson
in “Anger Management”. Admission is
free at the main branch of the library on
Monroe Street, the movie starts at 6pm.
www.hpl.lib.al.us or call 532-5940.
The Clay House Museum is presenting a
class on March 15th named “ Design Hand
Folded Greeting Cards.” This is a fun class for
everyone and the $20 fee includes supplies.
Call 325-1018 for reservations.
Butler High School Theatre Company
presents IMPROV NIGHT at 6:30 pm at the
BHS Auditorium. Admission is free and the
evening should be a night of fun, crazy, zany
theatre improvisation
Anyone is welcome to participate or just
watch and enjoy! For more information,
contact Amy Patel 428-7953or email
[email protected] visit our website:
butlertheatre.googlepages.com
Feet on the Rock,
Name on the Roll
March 15-17
Theatre Huntsville presents “Crossing
Delancey”, a romantic comedy that
explores womankind’s age-old traditional
roles. Performances at 7:30pm in the VBC
Playhouse on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
nights with a 2pm matinee also on Saturday.
www.theatrehsv.org or 536-0807
Local Band uses Modern Music
to Communicate 2,000-Year-Old
Message in Upcoming Music Festival
March 16
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) presents their
9th Annual Irish Evening 2007 at 6pm in the
VBC North Hall. Irish Evening features a silent
auction, authentic Irish cuisine, stepdancers
along with Celtic music performed by Slip Jig.
www.ucp.org or 859-4900
G
uitars screaming from Marshall
stacks. Loud, pounding drums.
Strong, powerful voices filling
the air with song. Dancing crowds
in blue jeans and tees with hands
lifted high, swaying with the music.
Would it surprise you to learn that
you were at an event in which
this type of music was actually
a form of Christian worship?
The Christian rock band “Paul Says
Hello”, made up of four Valley men
ranging in age from their mid-30s to
mid-40s, joined forces two years ago in
order to provide that same worshipful
experience. All of them had the desire
to use their gifts and talents to reach out
to people. You might even say that they
were called to be modern day psalmists
to lead their audiences into deeper, more
meaningful relationships with God.
Some critics of contemporary Christian
music contend that the use of modern
instruments and amplifiers are leading
the flock into error. The band totally
disagrees with this train of thought. “We
believe that there is no evil music, only
good and bad lyrics,”said bass player
Cameron Reeder. “Music is neutral. The
lyrics that we sing are predominantly
scripture.
In addition to Reeder, the group is
composed of guitarist Chris Shumake,
lead vocalist Jamie Tyler and drummer
Pete Dawson. The men all have unique
stories of their lives before and since
becoming Christians. All came from
lifelong musical backgrounds. Most
played in bar bands before dedicating
their lives and talents to God.
22
The name Paul Says Hello may seem
obscure at first, but there is a rational
explanation for the choice. While trying
to think of a name for the band, the
guys pulled a line from a Children’s
Bible in modern English. In Paul’s
salutations to the churches that in King
James read “Greetings from Paul”,
it simply read, “Paul says hello.” It
just seemed to click with everyone.
The signature guitar riffs of Shumake,
the soulful blues tones of Tyler and the
driving rhythm of Dawson and Reeder
make for a very unique and pleasing
sound. But more importantly, the four
realize all too well the potential the
band wields to positively influence the
lost and to encourage the believing.
Paul Says Hello will be headlining the
upcoming SOZO Shoutfest on April
7 at the Sparkman Civic Center in
Hartselle, Alabama. Doors open at 5
p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m.
All seats are general admission. Tickets
are $5 with discounts for groups of
10 or more. Tickets are available at
The Gospel Lighthouse in Decatur
or by contacting Cameron Reeder at
256-227-5377. Special guests include
the bands 6th Hour, owingadam,
and the World Harvest Outreach
Youth Worship and Drama Teams.
For more information, visit the band’s
website at myspace.com/paulsayshello.
#031507040407
Premiere of “Hurricane on the Bayou”
at the Space and Rocket Center’s IMAX
Theatre. Showtimes at 7pm and 8pm,
$25 admission includes cajun food and
beverages along with live entertainment.
www.spacecamp.com or 721-7114
March 16-18
More than 150 crafters will display and sell
their handcrafted wares at the 23rd Annual
NEACA Spring Craft Show inside the South
Hall of the VBC. No admission charged, open
Friday and Saturday from 9am-7pm and
Sunday from 12n-5pm. www.neaca.org
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11:30am in
downtown Huntsville. 881-9732
Flying Monkey Arts Center presents their
free Artist Market beginning at noon. Local
artists and others sell their wares to the
public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage
clothing, and more interesting things for sale
inside the facility – rain or shine.
The Huntsville Havoc takes on the
Richmond Renegades at 7:30pm in the
VBC Arena. General Admission $10.50,
reserved seats $13.50, $15.50, and $20.
www.huntsvillehavoc.com
Heartland in concert at VBC Concert Hall.
www.heartlandcountry.cc
The North Alabama Country Dance
Association will be hosting a Contra Dance
in the gym at Faith Presbyterian Church on
Airport Road. There will be live music by
Wolves A Howlin’ with calling by Jeff Hodge.
All ages are welcome - singles, couples
and families. Beginner’s Lesson from 7-7:
30pm, dance from 7:30-10:30pm. Admission
charged, free for ages 12 and under.
www.secontra.com/NACDS or call 837-0656.
March 18
Kite Expo from 1-3pm at Huntsville Botanical
Garden as part of “Kite Flight Month”
during March. Bring your kite any day in
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
March during regular Garden hours to take
advantage of the wide open, wire-free space.
www.hsvbg.org
March 19-23
Nature Rangers Spring Break Classes
all week at Burritt on the Mountain. The
students can attend for the week or selected
days. The camp days include: Rock My World/
You, Me and Bugs-eeeeee/ Fact, Folklore and
Beyond/A Little House on the Mountain/ and
Nature is Art. Email Joan at joan.morehead@
hsvcity.com
or call 512-0146 for a camp application.
March 19
Decatur’s Princess Theatre Lecture
Series continues at 7pm with author
and chef Frank Stitt, III of Birmingham,
Alabama.  Chef Stitt will discuss his culinary
experiences and philosophies in his lecture
followed by a book signing of his cookbook
“Southern Table, Recipe and Gracious
Traditions from Highlands Bar and Grill.
www.princesstheatre.org or 256-350-1745
March 22
Noon Time Organ Concert Series at St.
Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Whitesburg
Drive from 12:10-12:50pm. Free, call 882-9380
for details.
March 23
Huntsville Public Library’s Classic Films
on Friday Series will feature “The Band
Wagon”. Admission is free at the main
branch of the library on Monroe Street, the
movie starts at 12n. For more info check
www.hpl.lib.al.us or call 532-5940.
March 23-25
The Alpha Stage at Renaissance Theatre
presents “Home Games”, a light romantic
comedy of family, love, devotion and
baseball. Shows Friday and Saturday at 8pm
with a Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. Tickets are
$14. www.renaissancetheatre.net
The War Between the States will be
Re-enacted on Bridgeport, Alabama on
March 23rd through the 25th. Met Civil
War re-enactors from the movies “Sweet
Home Alabama”,“Gods and Generals”, and
“Gettysburg.” This is the largest reenactment
in Alabama. Admission is charged. For
more information 256 495-3614 or
bridgeportal.org.
March 24-25
The Heart of Dixie Orchid Society invites
you to their 2007 Orchid Show and Sale
at the Ramada on HWY 20 in Madison.
Orchid societies and growers from several
surrounding states will compete for awards.
Breeders, growers and suppliers will also be
on site offering high quality plants, special
orchid supplies that cannot be found locally,
and exciting hybrids new on the market.
9am-5pm on Saturday and 10a-4pm on
Sunday. www.h-o-d-o-s.org/show
March 24
Why does Easter fall on a different date each
year? Find out the relationship between
the Full Moon, Vernal Equinox and the
date of Easter as MSFC astronomer Mitzi
Adams presents an Easter Program at 7:
30pm inside the Monte Sane State Park
Planetarium. www.vbas.org or 539-0316
The Huntsville Havoc takes on the Pee Dee
Cyclones at 7:35pm in the VBC Arena. General
Admission $10.50, reserved seats $13.50,
$15.50, and $20. www.huntsvillehavoc.com
The Huntsville Traditional Music
Association is featuring MOUNTAIN FLING.
Beginning at 7pm at Village Green (2700
Winchester Rd). Mountain Fling is a fourpiece band based in Southwest Virginia,
relies heavily on traditional old-time material
and delves into the recent past for variety.
Freshness is brought to the group’s sound by
its use of instruments that were an important
part of the pre-World War II mix but are now
THE VALLEY PLANET
Home Games
by the Author of
Grace & Glorie
Directed by Gena Wilhite
A
lpha Stage Productions is proud
to present a light romantic
comedy to warm your heart and
tickle your funny bone. Mertle Mae
Tucker supports her dad, a canary, a
blind cat and herself working as a truck
dispatcher. Dad was once a Yankee he
spent the 1955 season on the bench
and then retired rather than be traded to
Cleveland. He lives in a twilight zone
of Alzheimer’s and a wicked sense of
fun, walking around in his uniform and
talking to the audience as he would to
Casey Stengel. When Mertle Mae takes
a night school class, she meets and
falls in love with a successful young
executive. He loves Mertle Mae but is
not so sure about taking on dear old
dad. He finds an assisted living home in
Cleveland, but Mertle Mae can’t bring
herself to put him there even though she
knows Frank is her big chance in life.
But Dad is more aware than the lovers
realize. The New York Post calls Home
Games “Beguiling.” “Delightful,” says
the Christian Science Monitor. .
As our population matures, we are
constantly being honored with the task
of caring for those who cared for us. It
becomes our responsibility to make sure
that long term care including shelter,
meals, medical care, and companionship
are handled with the grace and dignity
our loved ones deserve. So few of us are
capable of doing so because we haven’t
the qualifications of medical care givers,
financial advisers, psychologists or legal
counsels. This can be very taxing on a
caregiver who is trying to balance their
personal lives, their own family, their
career and much more. When the end of
life comes, it is so much more important
that there is a network of people in the
community to assist us as caregivers
and our elders with the respect that they
deserve. That’s where Hospice comes
in.
One such organization in Alabama
is Wiregrass Hospice Foundation.
Wiregrass professionals and volunteers
combine to provide such varied services
as in-home and in-patient needs, pastoral
care and bereavement services, dietary
THE VALLEY PLANET
support and medical equipment needs.
The Hospice team works together to
address the individual needs of patients
and their families. They focus on pain
and symptom management to help
ensure the patient’s comfort. Training
and education are provided to the patient
and to the family. The Hospice team is
available 24 hours per day, 7 days per
week, which helps make a wonderfully
unique and personal form of Healthcare.
All Hospice services are provided
regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
Alpha Stage Productions at Renaissance
Theatre is honored to assist Wiregrass
in promoting awareness and education
in the Tennessee Valley. Home Games
will be presented on March 23-24 and
March 29-31 at 8 p.m. with a matinee
on Sunday, March 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $14. There is a special event
Friday, March 30 for which tickets are
$40 with reservations required. The
evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres,
complimentary wine tasting, and a
viewing of silent auction items. Should
you wish to forego the heavy hors
d’oeuvres and enjoy only the dessert and
coffee served at intermission, tickets will
be $25. Lincoln Center Antiques and
Alpha Estate Sales will host the silent
auction. Auction items will be available
for viewing and bidding on beginning
March 23 at 7 p.m. All bids must be in by
5pm on Tuesday, April 3rd. Items will be
on view during antique shop hours of 11
a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
as well as during show times. Winners of
the items will be contacted April 4. All
of the proceeds of the Friday, March 30
event and the proceeds from the auction
will benefit Wiregrass Hospice.
Performances are on The Alpha Stage
(downstairs), at Renaissance Theatre,
1214 Meridian Street in Huntsville. The
number for reservations and tickets is
256-536-3117 (Thursday – Saturday 11
a.m. to 5 p.m.). More information can
be found on-line at www.renaissanceth
eatre.net.
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
23
March 29-31
baseball. Shows nightly at 8pm with a
matinee on Saturday at 2:30pm. Tickets are
March 30
Decatur’s historic Princess Theatre Center
for the Performing Arts presents rising
jazz star Rachael Price ay 7:30pm. Reserved
tickets available online at princesstheatre.org
or at the Princess Theatre Box Office at
256.340.1778.  Ticket prices range from $25
to $35 with a special discount for students
and teachers of $25
March 30-April 1
The Broadway Theatre League presents
“Wonderful Town”, the delightful tale of two
sisters fresh off the bus from Ohio… ready to
take New York City by storm! www.broadway
theatreleague.org
The Junior League invites you to shoptil-you-drop at their Spring Market in the
South Hall of the Von Braun Center. Friday
and Saturday from 9:30am-7pm and Sunday
from 1-5pm. 533-3554
baseball. Shows Friday and Saturday at 8pm
with a Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. Tickets are
March 31
C a l end a r o f
EVENTS
less heard in old-time bands. Among its
members, autoharp, guitar, banjo, hammered
dulcimer, harmonica, and bass are the
principal instruments played. Check it out at
www.huntsvillefolk.org.
March 26
Third Wave Feminist Mini Conference
begins at 6pm with oral interpretations of
women’s historical speeches on the UAH
campus, Studio 106. All events are free to the
public, but seating is limited in Studio 106.
Contact: Jana Seikel 683-9264 or Dr. Julie
Ferris at [email protected]
Nashville Songwriters Workshop meets
from 6:30-9pm in the clubhouse at Malibu
Apartments on Benaroya Lane. www.northala
bamasongwriters.com or 681-1564
March 27
The Third Wave Feminist Mini Conference
continues at UAH with a reception to honor
Amy Richards and Jennifer Baumgardner,
authors of Grassroots: A Field Guide for
Feminist Activism and Manifesta: Young
Women, Feminism and the Future. Reception
will be held at the Union Grove Gallery and
Meeting Hall at 4pm. All events are free to
the public, but seating is limited. Contact:
Jana Seikel 683-9264 or Dr. Julie Ferris at
[email protected]
March 28
The Third Wave Feminist Mini Conference
closes at UAH with a public lecture by
authors Amy Richards and Jennifer
Baumgardner in the Chan Auditorium at
7:00pm. All events are free to the public.
Contact: Jana Seikel 683-9264 or Dr. Julie
Ferris at [email protected]
March 29
Noon Time Organ Concert Series at
Episcopal Church of the Nativity on Eustis
Avenue from 12:10-12:50pm. Free, call 8829380 for details.
Alabama A&M University Books and
Coffee series continues with Program #3
at 1pm in the JF Drake Memorial Library.
Symmetris Gohanna will moderate a
discussion on “To Kill a Mockingbird” by
Harper Lee. Contact Johnnie Hargrove at
372-5398 or e-mail Johnnie.Hargrove@email
.aamu.edu
24
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
Come ride the Peter Cottontail Express
at the North Alabama Railroad
Museum on Chase Road. Train rides at
10 and 11am and 1, 2, and 3pm. www.n
orthalabamarailroadmuseum.com
Flying Monkey Arts Center presents
their free Artist Market beginning at
noon. Local artists and others sell their
wares to the public. There will be art,
jewelry, vintage clothing, and more
interesting things for sale inside the
facility – rain or shine.
The Dixie Derby Girls 1st Annual
Dixie Derby Down & Dirty Dodge Ball
Tournament at the Flying Monkey Art
Center. The Tournament will benefit the Art
Center and the Dixie Derby Girls roller derby
league. www.dixiederbygirls.com or 6832353.
The Huntsville Community Chorus presents
“Music for Sacred Spaces” at 7:30pm in the
sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church.
www.thechorus.org or 533-6606
The Planetarium at Monte Sane State
Park presents a Children’s Program:
“Observing Luna-Earth’s Moon” at 7:30pm.
www.vbas.org or 539-0316
April 1-30
Spring Festival of Flowers at Huntsville
Botanical Garden. Tens of thousands of
blooming tulips, daffodils, dogwoods, azaleas
& a breathtaking wildflower trail welcome
Spring in a spectacular show. www.hsvbg.org
April 1 – June 3
Opening of the newest exhibit at the
Huntsville Museum of Art: Josh Simpson:
A Visionary Journey in Glass, 1972-2007.
This exhibit of approximately 100 works of
glass arts includes planets, Megaplanets
weighing up to 60 pounds each and other
sculptures. Where the Earth Meets the Sky,
a DVD exploring the world and work of
Josh Simpson, will be shown continuously
throughout the run of the show in the
viewing room located off the Haws Gallery.
Join the artist for a 2pm Gallery Walk
followed by a 3pm Book Signing.
April 2
Huntsville Public Library free movie series
features Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman in
“Paycheck”. Admission is free at the main
branch of the library on Monroe Street, the
movie starts at 6pm. www.hpl.lib.al.us or call
532-5940.
THE VALLEY PLANET
THE VALLEY PLANET
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
25
Ca le n d a r o f
EVENTS
April 3
Join more than 1,000 Christians from
approximately 60 churches and 20 different
traditional backgrounds for Huntsville’s
annual “Christ Our Passover” Celebration
and Unity Banquet from 6-9pm in the North
Hall of the Von Braun Center. www.awarenes
sministry.org
April 5
HAL5 (National Space Society) presents
a free public talk by Mr. Stephan R. Davis:
“The First Step in the Long Journey
Ahead.” Huntsville Madison County Library
on Monroe Street at 7pm with social
to follow. Contact Ronnie 509-3833 or
www.HAL5.org
April 6
Sacred Harp Singing in the Madison
Baptist Church at Burritt on the Mountain.
Admission is free, show starts at 7pm. www.b
urrittonthemountain.com or 512-5570
Monkey Speak at Flying Monkey Arts
Center from 8-10pm. For mature audiences,
this is spoken word open mic… readers of
poetry, short stories and more are invited
to participate. Admission is $5, check
www.flyingmonkeyarts.org for details.
The Tennessee Valley Vipers inaugural
Coach T’s Kids Golf Classic at Sunset
Landing at the Huntsville International
Airport. Registration at 7am with an 8am
shot gun start on this four-man scramble
tournament. $275 fee per team and $75 fee
for individuals includes two mulligans per
person, two drink coupons, a goody bag
and lunch. Prizes will be awarded for 1st,
2nd, and 3rd places along with various door
prizes. Contact Darrell Ponder 513-2962 or
[email protected].
April 6-8
Dealers from across America will have
merchandise including furniture, estate
jewelry, silver flatware and centerpieces,
porcelain, paintings and decorative items
at the Weeden House Antiques Show and
Sale. Friday and Saturday from 10am-5:30pm
and Sunday from 12n-5pm at the Depot
Roundhouse on Church Street. 533-2563
April 7
Come meet the Easter Bunny at Burrritt
on the Mountain’s Easter Egg Hunt from
10am-12n. www.burrittonthemountain.com
or 512-5570
Paul Says Hello will be headlining the
upcoming SOZO Shoutfest at the Sparkman
Civic Center in Hartselle. Doors open at
5pm, concert starts at 6pm. All seats are
general admission and tickets are available
at The Gospel Lighthouse in Decatur or by
contacting Cameron Reeder at 227-5377.
Tennessee Walking Horse Show at 5pm in
the Alabama A&M Agribition Center on
Moores Mill Road. Admission charged, call
859-5896 for details.
Jim Parker’s Songwriter’s Showcase at
the Von Braun Center Playhouse featuring
Jerry Vandiver, Victoria Banks, Tim Buppert
and Leon Venerable. Admission charged,
check www.jimparkermusic.com for more
information.
Come experience a combination of “ghost”
stories at the Madison Spirit Stroll and
learn interesting tidbits of our local history.
Costumed guides in top hats and frock
coats lead strollers by lantern through
downtown Madison, walk departs from Hale
Fire Glass Company on Main Street at 7pm.
www.madisonis150.com or 325-4253.
26
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
THE VALLEY PLANET
Boeing to sponsor
Panoply Arts Festival
The Arts Council, Inc. (TAC) HAS
announced that The Boeing Company
is the title sponsor for the 2007 Panoply
Arts Festival, allowing festival
organizers to lower admission prices.
Panoply 2007 presented by Boeing is
scheduled Friday-Sunday, April 27-29,
in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring
International Park.
Panoply, a Huntsville tradition for 26
years, features music, dance, theater
performances, and art. Tens of thousands
attend this increasingly popular arts
event that is now rated among the “Top
20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism
Society and the state’s “Top Ten Tourist
Events of 2007” by Alabama Governor
Bob Riley.
“The support of this great company
proves Boeing’s commitment to the
Huntsville-Madison County community.
It serves not only to promote the area’s
arts, culture, and tourism, but provides
a greater outreach and accessibility to
our festival-goers by allowing The Arts
Council to lower the entry fee,” said
David Todd, executive director, TAC.
Admission to Panoply 2007 presented
by Boeing is $5 per person per day or
$10 for the 3-day weekend; children
under 12 are free.
“Boeing is proud to partner with The
Arts Council to ensure this wonderful
festival is available to the widest possible
audience,” said Chuck Allen, Boeing
vice president, Huntsville Business
Operations. “Boeing has been part of
Alabama for almost 50 years, working as
Art Investor Program
For those interested in beginning an art collection – or enhancing the treasure
trove of pieces they already own – The Arts Council once again offers their
popular “Art Investor Program” on the Saturday morning, April 28, of the
Panoply Arts Festival at downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring International
Park.
As always, the BOEING Art Marketplace is one of Panoply’s “crown
jewels,” and this program allows connoisseurs a first chance to preview
and purchase art before the marketplace is open to the festival public. The
majority of the art investors’ advance payment is applied toward the purchase
of artwork.
Many special accommodations await those Art Investors attending the festival.
Pre-payment ensures a special invitation to the Art Investor Breakfast
and Preview, running from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28. The
breakfast features delicious food by Cyn Shea’s Complete Catering. Also,
investors have access to the Artist and Investor Hospitality Room operated
by Watson, Jimmerson, Martin, McKinney, Graffeo, and Helms, PC during
all the hours that the marketplace is open to the public.
The marketplace’s public hours are Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m.
until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 29 from noon until 8:00 p.m.; this is a
wonderful opportunity for artists to meet directly with the public and sell their
masterworks.
The Boeing Art Marketplace has developed a strong following among area
residents and art collectors, and the Art Investor Program is the key reason
for its success! For your invitation
and further information on becoming an investor, contact Dan Halcomb at The
Arts Council, Inc. at 519-2787 (ARTS), extension 202.
a diverse team to make our communities
the best that they can be.”
During the kick-off event held at the
Huntsville/Madison County Visitors
Bureau, TAC announced that Panoply
2007 presented by Boeing will focus
on talent drawn from the Heart of
Dixie’s many brilliant performers, fine
artists, and craftsmen, in keeping with
the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and
Travel’s proclamation of 2007 as “The
Year of Alabama Arts.”
With that in mind, Huntsville artist Pat
Flynn Kyser was asked to produce one
of her unique quilts in celebration of both
THE VALLEY PLANET
#031507040407
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
the festival and its theme. The result was
a beautiful creation which highlights the
many facets of Panoply and serves as
the basis for the Panoply 2007 poster.
Panoply posters, signed by Kyser, are
available to the public for $20; unsigned
posters are $10 each.
Further information on Panoply,
including volunteer opportunities, the
schedule of events, featured performers,
children’s activities, and more, is
available at www.panoply.org or by
telephoning (256) 519-ARTS (2787).
27
SWAMP JOHN’S RESTAURANT
2850 North Memorial Parkway
Huntsville, Al 851-7760
TINA’S CANTINA @ Lowe Mill
2211 Seminole Drive, (around back)
Huntsville, 256-457-0977
TGI FRIDAY’S
4935 University Drive NW, Huntsville
256-830-2793, www.tgifridays.com
TOP O’ THE RIVER
7004 Val-Monte, Guntersville, 256-582-4567
WINGS SPORTS GRILLE
4250 Balmoral Dr. SW, Huntsville, 256-881-8878.
www.wingssportsgrille.com
Breakfast
Coffee & Lunch
Listings
[email protected]
801 FRANKLIN
801 Franklin Street, Huntsville (Downtown by
Medical Center), 256-519-8019. Lunch: M-F 11-2,
Dinner: M-W 5-10 pm & Th-Sa 5 pm-1 am. Lounge
opens 4 pm M-F. Full Bar & Extensive Wine List.
www.801franklin.com,
www.downtownhuntsville.com
APPLEBEE’S
3150 N. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, 256 8594200
BEAUREGARD’S (3 Huntsville locations)
1851 University Dr. , 256-512-0074
511 Jordan Lane, 256-837-2433
975 Airport Rd. SW, 256-880-2131
BISTRO LA LUNA
Covenant Cove Lodge & Marina, 7001 ValMonte Drive, Guntersville, 256-582-0930.
www.covenantcove.com
BONEFISH GRILL
4800 Whitesburg Dr. , 256-883-0643
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
2750 Carl T. Jones Dr.
256-650-4115
CHEF GREEN’S ON THE FOUNTAIN
Fountain Row, Huntsville, Al 35801
CHILI’S (2 Huntsville locations)
4925 University Drive, 256-722-9620
2740 Carl T. Jones, 256-882-1230
CHOPHOUSE, THE
109 Washington Street, Huntsville (Downtown,
corner of Clinton and Washington), 256-704-5555.
M-Th 5 – 10 pm, F-Sat 5 – 11 pm, Sun 11 am – 2 pm.
CRAWMAMMA’S
5000 Webb Villa, Guntersville, 256-582-0484
D&L BISTRO
7500 SW Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville,
256-881-7244, located in Main St. South
THE DOCKS
Goosepond Colony, 417 Ed Hembree, Scottsboro,
256-574-3071.
28
EDEN’S EAST
2413-B Jordan Lane, Huntsville, 256-721-9491
Vegetarian fare, M-Thu: 11am-6 pm; Fri: 11am-3pm
FURNITURE FACTORY BAR & GRILL
619 Meridian Street N, Huntsville, 256-539-8001.
GREEN HILLS GRILLE
5100 Sanderson Street NW, Huntsville (corner of
Wynn and University), 256-837-8282.
GRILLE 29
445 Providence Main, Huntsville, 256-489-9470.
HAZEL GREEN FAMILY RESTAURANT
13903 Hwy 231-431 N, Hazel Green 256 828-7959
HOOTERS
4730 University Drive, Huntsville, 256-722-0166.
HUMPHREY’S BAR & GRILL
109 Washington Street, Huntsville (Downtown,
corner of Washington and Clinton), 256-704-5555.
11 am – 2 am everyday.
JAZZ FACTORY
109 North Side Square, Huntsville (Downtown on
the Square), 256-539-1919.
K C’s COYOTE CAFE
410 Old Town St., Guntersville, 256-582-1676
LE BISTRO DU SOLEIL
300 Franklin Street, Huntsville (Downtown on the
Square), 256-539-7777
LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE (2 Huntsville locations)
4249 Balmoral Drive, Huntsville, 256-881-0584
University Drive NW, Huntsvile
2315 Beltline SW, Decatur, 256-432-2746
MAIN STREET CAFE
101Main Street, Madison, 461-8096
MAMA ANNIE’S
4550 Meridian Street N, 489-3275
NIKKO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
6565 Hwy. 431, Hampton Cove, 256-536-3690
THE PALETTE’ CAFÉ
5000 Whitesburg, Huntsville, 256-533-2230
Huntsville, Al 35802
PAULI’S BAR & GRILL
7143-C Hwy 72 W, Huntsville (corner of Slaughter
Road & Hwy 72), 256-722-2080.
SILVER POINT RESTAURANT
7840 Hwy 72 Madison, 856-895-3343
#031507040407
ALABAMA BREAD COMPANY
975 Airport Rd., Huntsville, 256-882-2010.
CAFE BABA
300 Church Street, Huntsville Museum of Art
Huntsville, AL 35801, 256-539-0683
CAFE DOMAIN
6585 Hwy 431 S, Ste. C, Huntsville, 256-519-2323
COFFEE CREATIONS
616 HWY 31, S ATHENS, AL 35611
COFFEE AND TEA COMPANY
Madison Square Mall University Dr.
Huntsville 256-837-7085
COFFEE TREE BOOKS & BREW, THE
7900 Bailey Cove Rd., Huntsville, 256-880-6464
CRACKER BARREL (2 Locations)
2001 Drake Ave, Huntsville256-881-4177
120 Cleghorn Blvd., Madison,256-461-7670
HIGHLANDER COFFEE SHOPPE
Bob Wallace Ave
Huntsville, AL 35805
HOUSE OF BREWS
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Downstairs.
Live Music & Bar upstairs
123 N Side Square, Huntsville, 256-533-9949
JAMO’S CAFÉ
413 Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville, 256-837-7880.
JAVA JAAY CAFE
1713 6th Ave. SE, Decatur, 256-351-8555.
KAFFEEKLATSCH
103 Jefferson Street, Huntsville, 256-536-7993.
KENNY MANGO’S COFFEE SHOP & GALLERY
119 N Side Square, Huntsville, 256-755-6559.
LAGNIAPPES COFFEE CAFE
119 East Moulton, Decatur
Coffee, Espresso, Bakery & Deli.
OLDE TOWNE COFFEE SHOPPE
511 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, 256-539-5399
SEATTLE SOUTH
2113 Whitesburg Drive S, Huntsville,(Whitesburg
Medical District), 256-534-0513
SOMEONE’S IN THE KITCHEN
11243 Memorial Parkway South Huntsville 8829073
SUBWAY
14450 hwy 231-431 STE A, Hazel Green
WEST SIDE COFFEE PLACE & CAFE
2699B Sandlin Rd., SW, Decatur, 256-353-2025
WILD ROSE CAFE
121 North Side Square, Huntsville, 256-539-3658
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
Cajun
CAJUN CAFE
704 Hwy 231 Lacey’s Spring 256-650-5586
PO BOY FACTORY
815 Andrew Jackson Way, Huntsville (in Five Points)
256-539-3616.
TIM’S CAJUN KITCHEN
114 Jordan Lane, Huntsville, 256-533-7589.
Mediterrnean
PAPOU’S
110 South Side Square, Huntsville, 256-534-5553
Greek Restaurant, Lunch & Dinner, Full Bar.
SAZIO
Corner of Pratt & Russell, Huntsville, 256-327-5555
Mediterranean Cuisine, Full Bar, Patio Dining
Burgers, Deli
& Pizza
BELLACINO’S PIZZA & GRINDERS (3 locations)
4851 Whitesburg Dr, 256-880-8656
8572 Madison Blvd, Madison, 256-774-1918
BIG ED’S PIZZERIA
7904 Memorial Parkwary, Huntsville,
CHEEBURGER, CHEEBURGER (3 locations)
5000 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, 256-885-3700
300 Hughes Rd, Madison, 256-464-9990
Providence Main, Huntsville
DALLAS MILL DELI
500 Pratt Ave. Huntsville, 256-489-4240
DUFFY’S DELI
2324 Whitesburg, Huntsville, 256-533-4179
McALLISTER’S DELI (2 Huntsville locations)
4800 Whitesburg Drive S, 256-880-1557 and
1480 Perimeter Pkwy, 256-425-0034. Appetizers,
Salads, Sandwiches, Spuds & Desserts. Kid’s Menu.
TONY’S ITALIAN DELI
119 James Madison Drive SW
SCHLOTZSKY’S DELI (2 Huntsville locations)
4319 University Drive NW, 256-830-6400
11120 Memorial Pkwy SW, 256-650-6300
8969 Hwy. 20, Madison, 256-464-5300
SOUL BURGER
2900 Triana Blvd. SW, Huntsville, 256-534-8585
STANLIEO’S SUB VILLA (2 Huntsville locations)
605 Jordan Lane, 256-837-7220
602 Governors Drive, 256-536-6585
VILLIE’S DELI
700 Pratt Ave., Huntsville, 256-533-4894
BBQ
BB PERRINS
608 Holly St, NE, Decatur, 256-355-0980
CLEM’S BBQ & FISHERY
3700 Blue Spring Road NW
DREAMLAND
3855 University Dr., Huntsville 256-539-7427
GIBSON BBQ (3 Huntsville locations)
3319 Memorial Pkwy., Huntsville, 256-881-4851
8412 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, 256-882-0841
735 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, 256-852-9882
1715 6th Ave., SE, Decatur, 256-350-6969
MERIDIANVILLE BBQ
11537 Hwy. 231N., Meridianville, 256-828-3725
THE VALLEY PLANET
Listings
Continued from 24
OLE HICKORY PIT BBQ
5061 Maysville Road
New Market, 256-859-2824
SIMMON’S BBQ
10099 South memorial parkway, 256-882-5030
Smokey’s Barbeque
8073 Hwy 72, W, Madison, 256-721-0300
TAILGATER’S BBQ
5638 Hwy 53 ( 3mi. north of Sparkman), Huntsville
256- 852-3388
THOMAS PIT BBQ
Hwy 72 ,W, Madison, 256-837-4900
Home Cooking
BLUE PLATE CAFE
3210 Governors Drive, Huntsville, 256-533-8808
ERNEY’S
1605 Pulaski Pike NW
Huntsville, (256) 533-5734
G’S COUNTRY KITCHEN
2501 Oakwood Dr., Huntsville, 256-533-3034
MULLIN’S
607 Andrew Jackson, Huntsville, 256-539-2826
ROLO’S CAFE
505 Airport Rd., Huntsville, 256-883-7656
Mexican &
Southwestern
BANDITO BURRITO (2 locations)
3017 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, 256-534-0866
208 Main St., Madison, 256-461-8999
CASA OLE
13989 Hwy 231-431 Hazel Green,, 256 828-6000
CASA BLANCA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
(4 locations)
7830 Hwy 72 W, Ste 230, Madison 256-864-0360
140 Browns Ferry Rd, Madison 256-464-6044
7900 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville 256-883-4447
1802 Hwy 72 E, Ste D, Athens 256-771-0130
EL CAMINO REAL
41782 Hwy 231, Meridianville, 256 828-2942
EL MARIACHI (3 locations)
14450 Hwy 231/431 N Hazel Green, 256-828-1466
1836 Winchester Road, Huntsville 256-851-7255
7193 Hwy 72 W, Madison, 256-890-0900
EL PALACIO
2008 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville 256-539-6075
GARIBALDI’S
2107 Old Blue Spring Rd. Hsv 256-851-7394
GUADALAJARA MEXICAN RESTAURANTS
11208 Memorial Pkwy S, Huntsville
256-882-7311 &
8572 Madison Blvd, 256-774-1401
LA ALAMEDA
3807 University Drive NW
LITTLE ROSIE’S TAQUERIA
4781 Whitesburg Dr S, Huntsville, 256-882-0014
PEPITO’S
3508 Mem. Pkwy. S, Hsv
256-858-0059
QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL
4800 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville 256-489-1367
ROSIE’S MEXICAN CANTINA
(2 Huntsville locations)
6125 University Drive, 256-922-1001
7540 S. Memorial Pkwy, 256-382-3232
Italian
CARRABAS
Parkway Place Mall
Huntsville, Al 35801
ITALIAN PIE
5000 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, 256-883-9112
LA STRADA
12824 Hwy 431, Guntersville. European cuisine.
256-582-2250. www.lastradabama.com
LUCIANO
964 Airport Road SW, Huntsville, 256-885-0505
RICATONI’S ITALIAN GRILL
107 N. Court St., Florence, 256-718-1002
ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL
5901 University Drive, Huntsville, 256-722-4770
TELLINI’S CAFE & GRILL
4855 Whitesburg Dr. Hsv
256-881-9155
THE VALLEY PLANET
Japanese
EDO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
104 N. Intercom Drive, Madison, 256-772-0360
MAMA FU’S ASIAN HOUSE
6920 University Dr. Huntsville, 256-830-4433
MIKATO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE & LOUNGE
4061 Independence Dr. NW, Huntsville, (one block
N. of University on Jordan Ln.), 256-830-1700.
MIKAWA RESTAURANT
1010 Heathland Dr, Huntsville, 256-837-7440.
MIWON JAPANESE RESTAURANT
404 Jordan Lane NW
MIYAKO
10013 South Parkway, Huntsville, 256-880-9879
6565 Hwy. 431, Hampton Cove, 256-536-3690
ROYAL BUFFET
2003 Drake Ave. Huntsville, 256-883-8998
SHO GUN JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI BAR
TOKYO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI BAR
1105 Wayne Road, Huntsville, 256-217-1719
Thai
PHUKET
Providence Town, Huntsville
SURIN OF THAILAND
975 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, 256-213-9866
THAI GARDEN RESTAURANT
800 Wellman Ave. NE, Huntsville, 256-534-0122
Chinese
CHINA MOON
11700 S Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-880-2626
DING HOW II
4800 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, 256-880-8883
JADE PALACE
4925 University Drive NW, Huntsville,
256-830-2458
TAI PAN PALACE
2012 Mem. Pkwy, S, Hsv
256-539-5797
German
DEUTSCHE KUCHE
418 Jordan Lane, Huntsville, 256-534-4807.
Authentic German Cuisine
HILDEGARD’S
2357 Whitesburg Dr., Hsv
256-512-9776
OL HEIDELBERG CAFÉ
6125 University Drive NW E14, Huntsville,
(shopping center next to Rosie’s), 256-992-0556.
Caribbean
TASTE OF D’ISLANDS
2105 Mastin Lake Road, Huntsville, 256-851-9262.
CASA MONTEGO INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
2117 Jonathan Drive, Huntsville, 256-858-9187.
Pubs & Taverns
& Clubs & Bars
11th FRAME BAR
Madison Bowling Center
8661 Hwy 27, Madison, 256-722-0015
2nd STREET MUSIC HALL
208 2nd Street, Gadsden 256-547-0010
3rd BASE GRILL
(2 locations)
1792 Hyw 72 E, Huntsville, 256-852-9191
7904 S. Memorial Parkway 256-882-9500
801 FRANKLIN
801 Franklin Street, Huntsville (Downtown by
Medical Center), 256-519-8019. Lunch: M-F 11-2,
Dinner: M-W 5-10 pm & Th-Sa 5 pm-1 am. Lounge
opens 4 pm M-F. Full Bar & Extensive Wine List.
www.801franklin.com,
ADRIAN’S
1405 Sunset Drive, Guntersville, 256-582-3106
ALLEN’S GRILLE & GROG
9076 Madison Blvd, Madison, 256-772-8514.
THE BARN
2510 Ready Section Road, corner of Pulaski Pike,
Toney
BENCHWARMER FOOD & SPIRITS
2998 University Drive, Huntsville 256-539-6268.
www.benchwarmersportsbar.com.
#031507040407
BENCHWARMER, TOO!
BILLIARD STREET CAFE
BLACK WATER HATTIE’S
10000 S. Memorial Pkwy. 256-489-3333.
BLUE PARROT MARTINI & CIGAR LOUNGE
7001 Val-Monte Drive, Covenant Cove Resort,
Guntersville, 256-582-0930.
www.covenantcove.com/parrot.htm
BOBBY G’S PLACE
1009 Henderson Road, 256-837-4728
BOGEY’S
412 Main St. Guntersville, 256-582-2860
BOONDOCKS
Hwy 69, Guntersville, 256-582-3935
Casa Montego
Jonathan Dr, Huntsville, 256-858-9187 or 714-0155
CHARLOTTE’S PLACE
1117 Jordan Ln.
CHIPS & SALSA CANTINA
10300 Bailey Cove Rd SE Huntsville, 256-880-1202.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
CLUB MIRAGE
4701 Meridian Street, Huntsville, 256-851-2920.
COPPER TOP BAR & GRILL
200 Q Oakwood Ave., Huntsville, 256-536-1150
Formerly Zesto’s in Five Points. Appetizers,
sandwiches & more. Karaoke & Live Music
CORNER GRILL & PUB, THE
(2 Huntsville locations)
10300 Bailey Cove Road SE, 256-880-2103.
129-A Old Highway 431,Hampton Cove
CRICKETS
3810 Sullivan St., Madison, 256-464-3777
CROSSROADS, THE
115 Clinton Ave, Huntsville, 256-533-6040. Live
Music Wed-Sat. www.crossroadsmusic.biz
EMBER CLUB
10131 Memorial Parkway, South Huntsville, 256882-1670
END ZONE, THE
ESQUIRE CLUB
3701 Governors Dr., Huntsville, 256-534-7303
CONTINUED ON 30
29
Listings
Continued from 25
Pubs & Taverns
& Clubs & Bars
FINNEGAN’S PUB
3310 Memorial Pkwy S, Huntsville, 256-881-9732
FREDDY’S
4070 Mem. Pkwy South Huntsville 35802
256-880-2590
Corner of Golf Rd. & The Paekway
New Restaurant with a New Attitude!
FURNITURE FACTORY BAR & GRILL
619 Meridian Street N, Huntsville (just north of
Downtown), 256-539-8001.
THE GREEN ROOM
Jordan Lane, Huntsville,256-837-2232
HARD DOCK CAFE
3755 U.S. Hwy. 31, Decatur, 256-340-9234
HALF TIME BAR AND GRILL
8873 Highway 72 W, Madison, 256-430-0266
HIPPOCRATEASE
University Dr. Huntsville
HOG WILD SALOON
2407 Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-533-7446
HOMEPORT
20076 N. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville,
256-852-8800
HOPPER’S
Holiday Inn-Research Park, 5903 University Drive,
256-830-0600
HOUSE OF BREWS
Bar & Live Music Upstairs
123 N Side Square, Huntsville, 256-533-9949
HUMPHREY’S BAR & GRILL
109 Washington Square, Huntsville, 256-704-5555.
Beef, seafood, sandwiches. Come for the food – Stay
for the Fun. Best Patio in Huntsville. Happy Hour
every day 11 am – 6 pm. Live music every night, no
cover. Open 11 am – 2 am everyday.
INSOMNIA
6402 Hwy 72, W
JUDGE CRATER’S PUB & GRILL
110 Southside Square, Huntsville 256-534-6116
KAFFEEKLATSCH @NIGHT
Live Music nightly.
KICKERS
Ramada Inn, 8716 Madison Blvd, Madison,
256-772-0701
LEEANN’S
415 Church St, Huntsville, 256-489-9300
MOODY MONDAYS
718 Church St, Huntsville, 256-533-4005
MOONDOGS
2002 13th St. SW, Huntsville, 256-534-8844
6565 Hwy. 431, Hampton Cove, 256-536-3690
THE NOOK
3305 Bob Wallace Ave.
256-489-0911
OLIVIA’S
1009 Henderson Rd, Huntsville, 256-837-4728
OTTER’S
Marriott Hotel, 5 Tranquility Base, Huntsville,
256-830-2222.
PHILBY’S POURHOUSE
PORT OF MADISON
Holiday Inn, 9035 Hwy 20 W, Madison,
256-772-7170
ROSEBERRY PUB & GRILL
Hwy 67 Scottsboro
256-574-4231
RUGGBY’S
RUSS T’S
Hwy 79, Scottsboro, 256-259-0641
SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL
116 Washington Street, 256-539-9974.
SANDY’S ROADHOUSE
12740 Hwy. 431 S, Guntersville, 256-571-0450.
SCOOTER’s
Willow St, Scottsboro, 256-575-0800
THE SHACK
105 Swancott Road, Triana 256-461-0227. The bar
that never closes!
SPORTS PAGE LOUNGE & DELI
9009 Memorial Pkwy S, Huntsville, 256-880-9471.
30
SPORTS ZONE
3429 Hwy 31, Decatur, 256-350-9702
THE STATION
8694 Madison Blvd., Madison, 256-325-1333.
STEVE’S BILLIARDS & LOUNGE
2322 Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-539-8919.
THE HORSE
2021 Golf Rd, Huntsville, 256-881-8820
THIRSTY TURTLE
4800 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, 256-881-5079
NETWORKs
2140 Gunter Ave. in the Holiday Inn,Guntersville,
256-505-0966
VISIONS
6404 University Dr. NW, Huntsville, 256-722-8247
WINGS SPORTS GRILLE
4250 Balmoral Dr. SW, Huntsville, 256-881-8878.
www.wingssportsgrille.com
Galleries
801 FRANKLIN
801 Franklin Street, Huntsville, (Downtown by
Medical Center), 256-519-8019. Dine with fine art.
www.801franklin.com.
ATHENS ST. STUDENT UNION ART GALLERY
300 N. Beaty St., Athens, Athens State University,
800-522-0272
ARTISTIC IMAGES
2115 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, 256-534-3968.
www.artisticimagesgallery.com
CAROLE FORET FINE ART
206 West Market St., Downtown Square, Athens
256-232-2521. www.caroleforet.com
CLAY HOUSE MUSEUM ART GALLERY
16 Main Street
Madison, AL 256-325-1018
DRAGONFLY GALLERY & DESIGN
125 Main Ave. S., Fayetteville, TN, 931-433-3024
HUNTSVILLE ART LEAGUE GALLERY
3005 L&N Drive, Suite 2, Huntsville, 256-534-3860.
Monday-Saturday 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday 1-4 pm.
www.huntsvilleartleague.org.
HUNTSVILLE MUSEUM OF ART
300 Church Street So. in Big Spring International
Park, Huntsville. Gen. admission fee is $7 for nonmembers. Members & children <6 free. Hours 15pm.Sunday; 10am-5pm. Mon-Sat; extended hours
on Th 5-8 pm. Call 256-535-4350 or
1-800-786-9095, or visit www.hsvmuseum.org.
LADAGE ARTISTRY
321 S. Jefferson, Athens,256-216-0039.
http://ladage.dews.net.
MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND STUDIO
3614 Jackson Highway Sheffield Al.
Open for public tours tues-sat 12:00 - 6:00
MERIDIAN ARTS
370 Little Cove Road, Gurley, AL, 256-776-4300.
www.Meridianarts.net.
MONDO DE TATUAGE GALLERY
Corner of 6th Ave. and 7th St., Decatur
256-306-9099.
MVAC FINE ARTS GALLERY
300 Gunter Ave.,Guntersville, 256-582-1454.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-4, Sat 10-3.
http://mountainvalleyartscouncil.org
SIGNATURE GALLERY
2364 Whitesburg Drive S, Huntsville,
256-536-1960. .
THE GALLERY
305-A Jefferson Street, Huntsville, 256-534-7475,
www.galleryevents.com
UNIVERSITY CENTER ART GALLERY
University of Alabama in Huntsville, 256-824-1000
Attractions
ALABAMA CONSTITUTION VILLAGE
109 Gates Ave., Huntsville, 256-564-8100. Open
daily, 9 am - 5 pm, except Sundays.
AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM
2003 Poole Drive NW, Huntsville, 256-852-4524.
www.american-indian-museum.com
BURRITT ON THE MOUNTAIN:
3101 Burritt Drive SE, Huntsville, 256-536-2882.
Summer Hours (April - Oct): Tues- Sat 9am to 5pm
Sun noon to 5 pm. Regular Adm. fee is $5 adult, $4
senior, military & students, $3 child (children under
2, free). www.burrittmuseum.com
CATHEDRAL CAVERNS STATE PARK
637 Cave Road, Woodville. 256-728-8193 Open
daily at 10 am.
CLAY HOUSE MUSEUM
16 Main Street, Madison 256-325-1018. Tour this
antebellum home with “A Walk Through Time”, 100
CONTINUED ON 27
#031507040407
Radiant Day Spa
It’s All About
You!
by Leslie Parks
Y
ou skin is the largest organ in
your body and for a lot of people
it’s often the most neglected,
too. Susan Wright is a Licensed Skin
Care Technician who’s on a mission to
change the way you think about (and
take care of) your skin. Susan and her
partner, Licensed Massage Therapist
Angela Musquiz have recently teamed
up to open a new skin care oasis in
Huntsville: Radiant Day Spa. Radiant
is located in Weatherly Plaza and offers
a wide variety of treatments for not just
the skin but the body, too.
The vision of Radiant Day Spa is to
teach, treat, and prevent skin damage
and disease. Susan is a graduate of St.
John’s School of Esthetics and she’s
currently working on her Instructors
Certificate from the same school. She
has taken all that she’s learned and
created an extensive menu of services
with a wide range of solutions for
your skin care needs. The heart of her
program would have to be facials; she
has many different options that she
can custom tailor to suit your personal
needs. The Radiant Day Spa Signature
Facial includes a thorough skin analysis,
deep pore cleansing, exfoliation, and a
customized mask with a light massage.
The Algomask Facial is a cooling mask
that acts as a decongestant helping to
diffuse redness and improve acne. There
are several anti-aging treatments, too,
like the Botinol Facial or the Collagen
90-II Facial. These help to reduce fine
lines and prevent the appearance of new
ones. If you’re in a hurry there’s a 30
minute Mini Facial or if you’ve got extra
time you can bring someone with you for
a Duet Facial where you can relax sideby-side and catch up while you enjoy the
facial that’s just right for you. Radiant
also offers Chemical Exfoliation (peels),
waxing, and a complete line of skin care
products from colorscience.
In today’s world, stress has become
the rule instead of the exception. We
demand a lot from our bodies and
we need to make time to take care of
our bodies so they will stay healthy
and last us a lifetime. A good way to
reduce stress is by using a sauna and
Radiant Day Spa has one of the few Far
Infrared Saunas (FIR) you will find in
town. While conventional saunas use
hot air to transfer heat, infrared saunas
use an invisible band of light that warms
objects without warming the air around
them. The result is an in-depth relaxing
heat without excessive sweating or
feeling uncomfortably hot.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
Whereas conventional saunas pull the
sweat out of your body, an infrared
sauna heats your body from within and
this gently pushes out the toxins that can
collect under your skin. Infrared sauna
can help treat skin conditions like acne
or eczema. It can also help relieve pain
from myalgia or rheumatism. Infrared
saunas even have benefits for athletes
or people who want to lose weight. Fat
becomes water-soluble at a temperature
of 100 F° when it begins to dissolve and
enter the bloodstream to be removed
from the body through sweat and
cellulite. A single infrared sauna session
will burn 200-500 calories; FIR saunas
are the only natural, healthy way to burn
calories without exercising!
Another great way to relieve stress is
through Therapeutic Body Work. Besides
being an ultimate treat, massage therapy
enhances the function of your joints
and muscles, improves circulation and
general body tone while increasing your
flexibility and range of motion. Angela
offers Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports
Therapy, Prenatal and Aromatherapy
massages by appointment. She even has
a 30 minute Neck and Shoulder Massage
that’s perfect for a lunchtime break from
the office.
Radiant Day Spa is truly “All About
You” and you can feel the difference
from the moment you walk in the door.
They’re open Tuesday through Friday
with extended hours on Thursday
nights. They’re also open on the 1st and
3rd Saturday of each month. To call for
appointments it’s 426-2322 for facials
or 508-8082 for massages. Visit their
website at www.RadiantDaySpahsv.com
THE VALLEY PLANET
The Valley Planet Music Exchange is FREE to any individual looking to buy, sell, trade or find bandmates. You get a headline and 3 lines of text for the low, low price of nothing. If you
wish to embellish your ad further, say, with a small photo (add $5) or more words (add $1 per line), it’s up to you. Now, if you are a business, you gotta pay a little something, $12 per
column inch. Please call Jill Wood at (256) 533-4613 if you would like to put your business in the Exchange. Email your ads to [email protected] or send them by snail mail to
Music Exchange,203 Grove Ave. Huntsville AL, 35801. NO AD WILL RUN UNTIL PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED!
MUSIC
EXCHANGE
Exp. Versatile Male SingerSeeks
Exp. Top 40 Rock or R&B Band
Contact @ 256-652-6535
Guitar Lessons: Fast track
method guarenteed! Beginners
thru Advanced - all styles of
music. Call “The Guitar School”
for more info (256) 714-7125
located in South Huntsville.
Guitar and Harmonica Lessons:
guaranteed fast-track proven
method in S.E. Huntsville. Call for
Demo 256 714-7125.
Guitars for sale: Acoustic-electric
Epiphone w/ case $250. 12
string Kona w/case $175. 1/2
size acoustic guitar $25. (256)
714-7125
Lead Guitarist & Singer looking
for “working” cover Band within 25
miles of Huntsville. Lot’s of equipment, professional, experienced
andtalented. No drugs or Alcohol,
expect the same of others. Influences include: Jimmy Page, Eric
Clapton, Carlos Santana, Joes
Walsh, Hendrix, etc. I’m over 50
so I prefer Classic Rock, Country,
Country Rock, Motown, Blues etc.
Definitely not super heavy metal,
punk, grunge, rap, etc. Last
worked with Rudy Mockabee for 3
years and performed as a
high-tech “singles act” (MIDI
& digital audio) as the house
band for many local venues over
the years. I was the owner of
Marimac Music & Entertainment
booking agency! I can sing lead
or backup... team player. Call
Johnny Mack 256-468-4233.
[email protected]
Looking for organ or synthesizer
player and experienced guitar
player for experimental funk and
jazz band. Call bryan  655-4178
Musical Garage Sale: used
guitars, amps, lights, and misc.
music accessories. Call for
appointment 256 714-7125.For
Sale: Ayotte Custom drum set for
sale. Sizes 10 x 7 1/2 , 8 x 7 1/2 ,
14 x 12 1/2 , 18 x 17 base drum
and 13 x 5 1/2 snare $1600
777-4072
For sale: 9 pairs of Silverfox 1A
A Restored Victorian Estate on Over 3 Acres
drumsticks $35 & 14x6.5 Kaces III
3 Hillcrest Street, Gadsden, AL 35904 4 BR, 3 BA (approx 3,000
bag $25 OBO—777-4072
Freeman Payne looking for bass
player 261-9141
Professional Keyboard player
needed. 783-5401. Must be
familiar with Billy Powell’s material
and sound. Serious inquiries only.
MP3’s can be checked out at
www.myspace.com/secondhelping
sq ft), 3 Car Gar w/sep Guest Qtrs and Workshop and offered at
$225,000.00 Seller may assist w/financing. For Additional info
with pictures see listing at www.owners.com/APD5312 To schedule an appointment call toll free (877) 769-6377, ext. 2735312
(Owner Occupied).
JOBS
Local Vocalist wanted. Forming
a Hard Rock Band with Metal
Elements. We are interested in
writing our Own songs and are
not a cover band! Singers and
Screamers are both welcome
to jam and a definite plus. Call
Jeremy 508-4638
Wanted: Studio Tech/Engineer
for new commercial recording
studio in South Huntsville.
Partnership opportunities may
be considered depending upon
dedication and experience. Call
256 714-7125.
New Paiste New Signature
Cymbals for sale: 14” HH, 19”,
17” and 15” crashes and a 22”
Prototype Ride. 777-4072
Wanted: Artist for multi-media
production studio, stained glass
experience preferred. Call 256
714-7125
Attractions
years of decorative style from 1850 - 1950 featuring
Noritake Porcelain.
EARLYWORKS MUSEUM COMPLEX
404 Madison Street SE, Huntsville, 256-564-8100.
GORHAM’S BLUFF
Pisgah, 256-451-ARTS. The Gorham’s Bluff Institute
is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing
arts and cultural activities to Jackson County and
Northeast Alabama.
HARMONY PARK SAFARI
431 Clouds Cove Road, New Hope. 1-877-7ANIMAL.
Drive through animal exhibits. Open March
through November.
HARRISON BROTHERS HARDWARE
124 Southside Square, Huntsville, 256-536-3631.
Alabama’s oldest hardware store.
HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN
4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville,
256-830-4447. The 110-acre garden is open
year-round. Summer Hours, Memorial Day
through Labor Day: M-Sat, 9am-8pm; Sun, 1–8pm.
www.hsvbg.org.
THE VALLEY PLANET
REAL ESTATE
HUNTSVILLE STARS
Joe W. Davis Stadium, 3125 Leeman Ferry Rd,
Huntsville, 256-882-2562.
HUNTSVILLE HAVOC
Professional Hockey, Eastern Hockey League. 700
Monroe Street. Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 518-6160.
THE LAND TRUST TRAILS
Bankhead Pkwy., Huntsville, 256-534-LAND
Year-round hiking on 547 acres of Monte Sano
preserve. www.landtrust-hsv.org
MONTE SANO STATE PARK
5015 Nolen Ave., Huntsville, 256-534-3757
SCI-QUEST
102-D Wynn Drive, Huntsville, 256-837-0606.
An exciting hands-on science center.
www.sci-quest.org
US SPACE & ROCKET CENTER
1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, 256-837-3400. Open
9am-5pm year round except for Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and
Day. Admissions: Museum only – Adults $12 & Child
3-12 $8, www.spacecamp.com
VON BRAUN CENTER
700 Monroe St. Huntsville, 256-533-1953. Check
calendar for events. www.vonbrauncenter.com
#031507040407
Enjoy all the conveniences of the Edgewater Community including lake access, pool, tennis, walking paths and more while
living in this wonderful 2 story home with 4 bedrooms and over
2500 sq/ft of open living space. Upstairs master suite features
dual walk-in closets, large glamour bath with whirlpool tub,
skylights and double vanity. $239,900. Call Julie at 656-8454.
Century 21 Steele & Associates.
 
West Ridge Subdivision! Close to Providence schools and shopping, easy access to 72 and 565.  Beautiful 2 story full brick
home.  Enjoy nature in your private park like backyard.  Inside
you’ll find 5 bedrooms including a large isolated master suite
with trey ceiling, glamour bath and walk in closet, formal living
and dining rooms, a family room and roomy eat-in kitchen.  New
carpet and paint throughout! Only $239,900.  Call Julie at 6568454. Century 21 Steele & Associates.
EARN NOW! EARN FOREVER!
Part-Time or Full-Time
Live Your Dreams
Call Stephanie @ 256-489-2188
THE WEEDEN HOUSE
300 Gates Avenue SE, Huntsville, 256-536-7718
ARS NOVA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
7908C Charlotte Drive, Huntsville, 256-883-1105.
www.arsnovahsv.com
ARTS COUNCIL, THE
700 Monroe street, Suite 2 Huntsville AL 35081,
256-519-2787 www.artshuntsville.org
BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE
700 Monroe St. Suite 410, Huntsville
(all performances held at Von Braun Center)
256-518-6155. www.btleague.org
FANTASY PLAYHOUSE CHILDREN’S THEATRE
3312 Long Avenue SW, Huntsville, 256-539-6829
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER
2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville, 256-489-7000
Flying Monkey Arts Center is a not for profit
community arts collective that encourages,
supports and promotes the arts. www.flyingmonk
eyarts.org
FOOTLIGHTS COMMUNITY THEATER
302 Hoffman St. Athens, 256-216-0903
www.footlightstheater.org
[email protected]
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4
HUNTSVILLE BALLET COMPANY
800 Regal Drive SW, Huntsville, 256-539-0961
HUNTSVILLE COMMUNITY CHORUS
3312 Long Avenue, Fantasy Arts Center, Huntsville,
256-533-6606
HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
North Side Von Braun Center, Huntsville 256-5394818.
LOWE MILL
2211 Seminole Dr., Huntsville, Art, Music, Film and
Poetry. See Calendar for Event Dates
M.B.D.T. MAYES BLACK DANCE THEATRE
2419 Oakwood Ave. NW Suite #F Huntsville,
“Where We Do Everything Creatively’ 256-698-5987
RENAISSANCE THEATRE AT LINCOLN CENTER
1214 Meridian Street N, Huntsville, 256-536-3434.
www.renaissancetheatre.net
THEATRE HUNTSVILLE
Business Office. 1701 University Dr, Suite 1,
Huntsville, 256-536-0807. www.theatrehsv.org.
THE WHOLE BACKSTAGE THEATRE
1120 Rayburn Avenue, Guntersville, Alabama, 256582-7469
Have Fun!
31

66 - Valley Planet

Transcription

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