City Stages: A wild ride that’s still paying dividends

George McMillan
George McMillan

By George McMillan

Music legend Carlos Santana knows a thing or two about music festivals, having performed at Woodstock and headlined dozens of the very best ones over his stellar career.

After exploring Birmingham’s signature event, the ten-time Grammy winner said, “City Stages is like acupuncture. It opens up the flow of consciousness.” Continue reading City Stages: A wild ride that’s still paying dividends

The best bakery in America is right here in Birmingham

Find yourself willing to stand in line at Last Call Baking (Photo David Beckett)
Find yourself willing to stand in line at Last Call Baking (Photo David Beckett)

Today’s guest columnist is David Beckett.

Rewarding my patience.

The line can spill out into the street and across several storefronts.

Customers line up early and the bakery closes when all the pastries are sold.

And what a story. Continue reading The best bakery in America is right here in Birmingham

Birmingham does not own gun violence

Birmingham skyline, Creator: Dennis Pillion al.com
Birmingham skyline, Creator: Dennis Pillion al.com

By David Sher

Tragedy strikes cities across the nation.

But when Birmingham faces a crisis, we often internalize it, questioning our future.

This column isn’t about the recent 5 Points shooting, though it serves as a stark reminder.

It’s about how Birmingham views itself compared to other cities. Continue reading Birmingham does not own gun violence

Mountain Brook man, indifference must end—time for action

Bucky Wood
Bucky Wood

Today’s guest columnist is Bucky Wood.

I was born and raised in Birmingham.

I currently live in Mountain Brook.

Some of you may jump to conclusions about people who live in Mountain Brook.

But I want to make it clear that me and many of my neighbors care about Birmingham, would like to make a difference, but feel powerless. Continue reading Mountain Brook man, indifference must end—time for action

To begin a conversation about a better Birmingham