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 →
Birmingham’s new ‘rock’ anthem
By David Sher
Several years ago a bolt of lightning struck me!
Birmingham needs a ‘rock’ anthem.
Something like Sweet Home Alabama , but for Birmingham.
But how to make that happen? Continue reading Birmingham’s new ‘rock’ anthem is a real earworm →
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 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 →
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 →
Jay Taylor
Today’s guest columnist is Jay Taylor.
It’s all too appropriate that the centerpiece of Birmingham’s beloved Five Points South is a fountain titled, “The Storyteller.”
This eclectic entertainment district has quite a story to tell, and a horrific chapter was written on September 21, 2024. Continue reading It’s worth fighting for 5 Points South →
Birmingham’s 5 Points South mass shooting–al.com
By David Sher
“Birmingham booster struggles with mass shooting.”
Well, you guessed it.
I’m that Birmingham booster.
I’m that guy that who writes columns and gives speeches promising a better future for Birmingham. Continue reading Birmingham booster struggles with mass shooting →
Don Erwin
Today’s guest columnist is Don Erwin.
If the Birmingham metro is to grow and prosper, it must help new companies start up, help existing companies expand, and it must attract new companies to the metro area. Continue reading Why Birmingham can’t grow jobs →
“Cousin Cliff” Holman entertained youngsters with his children’s shows on WAPI-TV/Channel 13 in Birmingham. (AL.com file photo)
By David Sher
I grew up in Birmingham in the ’50s and ’60s.
It’s stunning how much Birmingham and the world has changed.
Everything is different.
Continue reading Birmingham far different when I was growing up →
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