Can’t Miss Alabama offers the best in holiday weekend entertainment
Have a safe and happy Easter. (Getty Images)
Chase away the winter blues with the blossoming splendor of Easter.
Talladega Superspeedway aids tornado victims
On Friday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., fans will have a chance to climb behind the wheel of their own vehicle at Talladega Superspeedway to help victims of disasters. With a $50 donation per vehicle, participants can drive around the track for two full laps with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross Alabama Disaster Relief through Dega Gives, a donor-advised fund of the NASCAR Foundation. Early registration can be found at nascarfoundation.org/talladegagives and is highly recommended to guarantee a spot. Drives can also be purchased the day of the event. Participants behind the wheel must have a valid driver’s license, and all vehicles must have a valid license plate. Each vehicle must be equipped with enough seatbelts for all passengers. Vehicles deemed unsafe by TSS staff will not be allowed onto the track for a track drive. No motorcycles, RVs or tractor-trailers will be allowed on the track. Participants must execute a Talladega Superspeedway track and COVID-19 waiver.
Red Baraat
For one night only, Red Baraat, a pioneering band from Brooklyn, New York, will perform a live virtual concert Thursday, April 1 at 6 p.m. in the Alys Stephens Center. Conceived by dhol player Sunny Jain, the group has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound, a merging of hard-driving North Indian bhangra with elements of hip-hop, jazz and raw punk energy. Red Baraat’s second album in 2013, “Shruggy Ji,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music charts in the U.S. and propelled the band on a world tour that has yet to stop. The event is free and open to the public.
Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival
The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival will return virtually April 3-May 1 with entertainment, artists and activities. From the comfort of your home, shop for art online, attend workshops and more. Shop for original creations of local and regional artists at the virtual Artist Village. Performances include Bama Sound, Cameron DuBois and a concert featuring five fantastic reimaginings of Wilson Pickett hits. Chef Chérie Bryant will demonstrate how to prepare Pickett’s favorite dishes. Get a closer look at Prattville’s talented artists with a sneak peek of Prattville resident Margarita Partridge’s upcoming original musical, featuring the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Register for virtual workshops including a live musical theater workshop with Muse founders Alex Lacamoire, Joseph Joubert and Zane Mark. Younger festivalgoers can participate in a live cookie decorating workshop and three visual art workshops taught by Prattville artists including a colored pencil workshop, acrylic painting workshop and watercolor workshop. Participants of the visual art workshops who live in and around Prattville can pick up a free bag containing all of the supplies needed to complete each workshop, while supplies last. Contact the Cultural Arts and Special Events office at 334-595-0850 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.
Alabama Ballet
Tickets are on sale for Alabama Ballet’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Performances are April 23-25 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Choreographed by Roger VanFleteren, associate artistic director and resident choreographer of Alabama Ballet, the classical ballet is based on Shakespeare’s tragedy. The ballet is known for its breathless pas de deux, dramatic emotions and tragic tale. Faithful to Shakespeare, it follows the fate of the star-crossed lovers from their first meeting to their untimely, tragic deaths. “Romeo & Juliet” is likely the world’s best-known love story, and the ballet version of the tragic tale is set to Prokofiev’s dramatic score, widely recognized as a masterpiece of 20th century music.
A Very Madd Tea Party
Say hello to spring with some friendly faces at A Very Madd Tea Party debuting on the OWA Island in Foley. This teatime experience will spotlight a family friendly live show with a cast of characters straight out of Wonderland. With a selection of snacks and teas from The Spice & Tea Exchange, this hourlong interactive experience will feature a live song-and-dance performance from a very Madd Hatter and friends including Alice, Queen of Hearts and the elusive White Rabbit. Stick around after the show for photos with characters and an autograph session. The ticketed event is available through April 3 at select times.
A Very Madd Tea Party is underway through April 3 at OWA in Foley. (contributed)
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
As the sun rises over Bellingrath Gardens and Home on Easter, guests are invited to come and enjoy a sunrise service with friends and family on the Great Lawn. The free service will begin at 6:30 a.m. and is open to everyone. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and to stay 6 feet apart at this outdoor event. A hot breakfast will be available for purchase after the service. In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved indoors to the Magnolia Café.
Alabama Symphony Spring Serenades
These special, never-before-seen performances have been carefully produced and captured during this unusual season by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Each presentation will be available to view for a little more than a week. Spring Serenades include Mozart’s “Clarinet Quintet,” “Bohemian Serenade,” and “Cinematic Spring.” Watch spring serenades here.
Avondale Brewing Company Concert
The Stolen Faces will perform Friday, April 2 at 8 p.m. at Avondale Brewing Company. Tickets are $15. Only a small percentage of tickets will be sold for these shows. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Feel free to bring lawn chairs. Guests are asked not to gather in front of the stage and to stay socially distanced from other groups.
Easter Photos at The Wharf
Get a professional Easter keepsake family photo at The Wharf in Orange Beach April 2-3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be multiple backdrop options to choose from, so wear your Easter best and “spring” into the season. Choose from a variety of price packages. Photos will have a socially distant setup and masks are encouraged. Live bunnies may not be available.
