Category Archives: What’s great about Birmingham

Birmingham in line to be South’s next major success story: What’s our brand?

Tom Luckie
Tom Luckie

Today’s guest columnist is Tom Luckie.

When people ask me what Birmingham’s brand should be, I often remind them that a brand isn’t just a logo or a tagline – it’s all the memories and associations people have with our city. Continue reading Birmingham in line to be South’s next major success story: What’s our brand?

I was eager to escape Birmingham, now I’m thrilled I came home

Joseph Mungenast
Joseph Mungenast

Todays guest columnist is Joseph Mungenast.

When I left Birmingham at 18, I didn’t imagine I’d come back after college.

Like many young people, I was eager to escape the place I’d always called home.

The idea of a bigger city with more opportunities, excitement, and a faster pace was appealing. Continue reading I was eager to escape Birmingham, now I’m thrilled I came home

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 music greats gather together

Bill Ivey
Bill Ivey

Today’s guest columnist is Bill Ivey.

I had a dream.

In my dream, time stands still, and many great Birmingham musicians are alive simultaneously.

These giants gather on 4th Avenue North in Birmingham’s old Black Business district, in the Lodge Room at the Masonic Temple—4th Avenue’s grand, seven-story anchor.

This is an incredibly diverse, brilliant group, each with Birmingham roots, that represents multiple music genres. But, at their respective cores, they are the same. Continue reading Birmingham music greats gather together