Can’t Miss Alabama: ‘American Mariachi’ takes the stage at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents “American Mariachi” through Aug. 21. (Frank C. Williams and Hillary Taylor)
Start planning for a super, exciting weekend.
‘American Mariachi’
Family, tradition, progress and the freedom to dream big are at the center of the hilarious and big-hearted musical “American Mariachi.” Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother. Yearning to break free from her life’s monotony, she comes up with a wild idea: an all-girl mariachi band. But it’s the 1970s and girls can’t be mariachis … or can they? Follow Lucha and her spunky cousin as they hunt for bandmates, dodge disapproving relatives and bring mom along for the ride. Will the band come together? Performances through Sunday, Aug. 21. Visit the Alabama Shakespeare Festival to purchase tickets.
Upcoming live concerts
- Cody Jinks will perform at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre Friday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
- Jeffrey Osborne and Peabo Bryson are at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Friday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
- Fantasia and Babyface are coming to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Friday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
- Luke Bryan and Mitchell Tenpenny take the stage at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Legends in Concert
Summer performances are underway through Sunday, Sept. 4 at OWA in Foley. Fans will see performances by Isaiah Mercado as Bruno Mars, Nellie Norris as Katy Perry, Nae Cullors as Michael Jackson and more. The show features high-energy dancers, backup vocalists, a live band, costumes, elaborate theatrical sets and a full array of special effects. Performances are at the OWA Theater Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m.
Renew Our Rivers
Renew Our Rivers (ROR) is back from summer break and ready for the fall. Gear up for cleanups at Plant Miller (Locust Fork) Friday, Aug. 12 and Valley Creek, including Fairfield, Midfield, Hueytown, Pleasant Grove and Brighton, on Saturday, Aug. 13. For information about the Locust Fork cleanup, contact Marybeth Vines at 205-488-2033. For information about Valley Creek’s cleanup, email jonika.smith@jcdh.org. Supplies for the cleanup will be provided. ROR is a national award-winning campaign originated by Alabama Power in 2000 that has since grown into community cleanups on rivers, lakes and creeks across four Southeastern states. Since its start, thousands of volunteers have removed more than 16 million pounds of trash and debris from waterways. For the complete ROR schedule, visit shorelines.com.
Sidewalk Film Center
Weekend shows include:
- Aug. 11-18: “I Love My Dad.” Purchase tickets here.
- Aug. 11-18: “Sharp Stick.” Purchase tickets here.
- Aug. 11: “Marcel The Shell With Shoes On.” Purchase tickets here.
- Aug. 13: “The Room” (2003) Midnight Madness! Purchase tickets here.
Visit sidewalkfest.com for upcoming shows and the schedule for the upcoming Sidewalk Film Festival, kicking off Aug. 22.
Equal Justice Initiative
Discover Black history at the newly expanded Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery. The museum examines the legacy of slavery, from its introduction in the New World in the 17th century to ongoing issues related to mass incarceration. The Legacy Museum includes a welcome center, gift shop and the popular restaurant Pannie-George’s Kitchen. A few blocks away is EJI’s National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Peace and Justice Memorial Center. Follow this link to read more about the Legacy Museum.
Woodlawn Street Market
Because of the summer heat, the Woodlawn Street Market will be a night market on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Market vendors will feature jewelry, food and drinks, packaged food and baked goods, crafted goods, candles, skin and body care and more. Thrive Wellness Lounge, one of Woodlawn’s new businesses, will have its grand opening. For the complete list of products and services, follow this link. The market is on 55th Place between First Avenue North and First Avenue South. Follow Woodlawn Street Market on Facebook and Instagram for updates throughout and between market seasons.
Helen Keller Art Show
The Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama is underway through Wednesday, Sept. 14. The exhibit is a traveling juried art show that displays work created by students throughout Alabama who have visual impairments, blindness and/or deaf-blindness. Children who participate in the show use various media to create their works. The arts are included in the students’ academic curriculum in areas such as the development of communication skills utilizing visual and tactical abilities, math, science, reading and leisure-time activities. This year’s exhibit will feature 46 pieces of art that can be purchased for a donation starting at $100. For more information, visit the website.
Yard Party for Art
Yard Party for Art (YPA) returns to the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan after a two-year hiatus Saturday, Aug. 13, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and music starting at 6:30 p.m. The one-night art and music festival will have a diverse lineup of live, original music from regional performers, large-scale sculpture and art installations, interactive tech components, the Oasis Tent VIP experience, yard games, a museum pop-up shop, drinks and food trucks. There will be five musical acts, including a headlining performance from nationally touring pop-rock band Mike Mains and The Branches. Other musicians include singer and songwriter Lady Dan, a Dothan area native; vocalist Symone French from Mobile; alternative pop act Tedious & Brief; and rapper/producer Erthling. Advance tickets for Yard Party for Art are available online and at the museum’s front desk for $20. General admission tickets will be $25 at the gate on the evening of the event. Guests must be 18 years or older to attend.
Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC has scored six goals in back-to-back home games. The team squares off against the San Diego Loyal FC Saturday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. and Detroit City FC Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the games are available online. Call 205-791-7145, download the Legion FC app or follow @bhmlegion on social media for more information. Games will be played at Protective Stadium.
