2 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• LAGNIAPPE WEEKLY January 29, 2015 – February 4, 2015 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor Bayou la Batre Councilwoman Jennifer [email protected] Stork resigned over ethics allegations Jan. Rob Holbert 22. Co-publisher/Managing Editor 6 [email protected] Steve Hall COMMENTARY Marketing/Sales Director You have to break a few eggs to make an [email protected] omelette and move some balls to flatten a Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor 12 civic center. [email protected] Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter Details is opening a new interior design [email protected] studio in Spring Hill. Jason Johnson Reporter 16 [email protected] Alyson Stokes CUISINE Web & Social Media Manager/Reporter [email protected] With a menu combining

Kevin Lee CONTENTS American classics and Associate Editor/Arts Editor Asian standards, Von’s [email protected] Restaurant and Grill in Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor Bayou la Batre offers a [email protected] lot of variety under one Stephen Centanni roof. Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer [email protected] 18 Daniel Anderson Chief Photographer COVER [email protected] Same-sex couples Laura Rasmussen rejoiced after a federal Art Director judge ruled the state’s www.laurarasmussen.com ban on gay marriage 24 Brooke Mathis Advertising Sales Executive was unconstitutional. But [email protected] with a pending appeal, Beth Williams is there hope for equal Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] rights in one of the most conservative areas of the Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive country? [email protected] Kelly Woods ARTS Advertising Sales Executive Home to more than Mardi Gras balls, [email protected] the Civic Center’s demise might be a Melissa Schwarz Editorial Assistant 26 mortal blow to a pair of arts institu- [email protected] tions, in Artifice. Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert MUSIC Jeff Poor • Ron Sivak “The Detour” is bringing Ken Robinson • W.T. Bankhead world-class musicians On the Cover: Equal rights by Dan Anderson to Soul Kitchen Feb. 4.

LAGNIAPPE (USPS 20) is published weekly, Lagniappe speaks with 52 issues a year, Volume 13, Issue 5, every Thursday by Something, Extra Publishing, Inc. sought-after session Entered at the Mobile Post Office, 250 St. Joseph St, Mobile, AL, 36601. guitarist Mark Lettieri. Periodicals postage paid at Mobile Post Office, 250 St Joseph St., Mobile, AL 36601 and other locations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 1102A Dauphin St. 30 Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: ashley- [email protected] or FILM [email protected] Actress/comedienne Jenny Slate shines LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. as a woman dealing with the undesired All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. 38 results of a one-night stand. Member: Association of Alternative Newsweek- lies and Alternative Weeklies Network MEDIA All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or Veteran reporters were among the in any way reproduced without the expressed permission of the publishers. latest victims of another round of Individuals may take one copy of the paper free of charge from area businesses, layoffs at the Alabama Media Group. racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per 42 issue. Removal of more than one copy from these points constitutes theft. Viola- tors are subject to prosecution. SPORTS Area baseball and softball teams Help support Lagniappe Weekly by prepare for the season’s first pitch. becoming a “Friend with Benefits.” Scan this code for more info: 44 STYLE Boozie’s got some big men ordering fancy smoothies and more from 46 Senior Bowl. CORRECTION: A cutline accompanying a story last week entitled “Public hearing on oil storage tanks scheduled Jan. 29” incorrectly identified the photo of oil storage tanks as belonging to Plains Marketing. The tanks were actually on property owned by American Tank & Vessel, Inc., adjacent to Plains’ property. LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 3 GOING POSTAL After the decision to place the procession after the parade, Chief Slacabamarinico (Wayne Dean) Chief Slac opposes parade lineup announced, “Where the procession and the marchers are is where I will be.” For the first time in the 48-year history of Joe Cain Day, Chief Slacabamorinico and the Joe Cain The procession is the heart and soul of the Joe Cain Day celebration. Joe Cain Marching Society Procession, consisting of hundreds of costumed marchers, will not lead the parade. Instead, they member Ted Flott said, “We didn’t get everything we wanted but we are very pleased to be making will follow the 35-unit truck parade. our own decisions about the procession. There is now no registration or fees.” The decision by the Mobile Police Department to put the procession behind the truck parade “Judy Rayford organized the original Joe Cain Marching Society in 1971; he was VP and I was came after the Joe Cain Marching Society’s application for a separate parade permit was approved Secretary,” Dean explained. “Judy would be furious to see how far astray things have gone the last by the MPD. The Marching Society contended (unsuccessfully) that the procession should be, as it several years. He would be outraged at the effort to marginalize the procession. The procession was always had been, at the front of the parade and that it was not a “new” entity, but rather a re-orga- led by the Chief who was portrayed by Judy, then Red Foster and now by me (since 1985). That is nization of the original procession created in 1967 by local folklorist Julian “Judy” Rayford as the the original vision created by Judy, and that tradition is now in danger of being lost. As Chief, it is “People’s Parade.” my duty to honor Joe Cain and his importance to Mobile Mardi Gras and to live up to and stand up The Marching Society’s actions came after years of conflict with the Joe Cain Parading Society for the vision created by Judy Rayford in1967.” (which held the parade permit for the entire parade) over foot marcher restrictions, registration and individual marching fees of $20 each. Gerald Tomlinson Mobile P OLIce DISPATch BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

there are two different aspects of prostitution law enforcement bama’s “big-city” mayors to share best practices and solutions to 16 arrested for prostitution, drugs in human traf- commonly see and pursues. problems facing their municipalities. ficking investigation “You’ve got your street walkers who walk up and down a The latest summit included public safety officials from each Recently, the Mobile Police Department partnered with the certain area looking to engage in prostitution, and then there are city. U.S Department of Homeland Security to conduct a joint human call girls,” he said. “They are advertising in different ways, and Stimpson was accompanied by Mobile Police Chief Jim trafficking investigation that did not yield any arrests related to you can go to them at a hotel or a residence or they come to you Barber and Rear Admiral Richard Landolt, the city’s executive forced prostitution. However, the Jan. 20-21 operation did net 16 at your hotel or residence.” director of public safety. arrests related to voluntary prostitution and possession of narcot- Barber said the vice unit works to find where prostitutes are “This is a significant opportunity to work alongside other ics. Police recovered drug paraphernalia, marijuana, cocaine and advertising, track them and make arrests. cities in Alabama to create safer neighborhoods for our citizens,” crack cocaine. As for the drug arrests — a significant portion of the recent Stimpson said in a statement. “We used the time together to share Captain John Barber, who heads the MPD’s Vice Unit, said the busts — Barber said, in his experience with vice work, “drugs ideas on how to increase safety measures in our city. Listening department has partnered in a human trafficking task force with and prostitution go hand in hand.” and learning from other cities’ successes and failures on crime the U.S. Attorney’s office in Mobile for years. Barber said the The following individuals were arrested and charged with so- and safety will move Mobile closer towards our goal of becoming task force monitors police intelligence from across the country, liciting prostitution during the recent human trafficking operation: the safest city in America by 2020.” which he said shows trends of women being trafficked for sexual Christopher Parker, Anna Marie Fernandez, Kellie Brinson, Sim- The mayors also met with Gov. Robert Bentley during the retreat. service. one Briones, Jessica Dragg, Chezleigh Grisham, Mary Mauldin, At press conference afterward, Chief Barber said the MPD According to Barber, victims of human trafficking are typi- Tracy Dickinson and Charmayne Bridges. would be working to release Mobile’s crime statistics for 2014 cally underage juveniles or girls brought into the U.S. from other Demarcus Bettis was also charged with third degree promotion later this week. countries specifically for prostitution. of prostitution. Though the department has yet to confirm them, an early crime “Luckily, after we exhausted the recent operation for two days, evaluation released by the FBI in its Preliminary Semiannual Uni- we didn’t find any human trafficking or forced prostitution in the form Crime Report showed a wane in crime across the country, area,” Barber said. “That’s good for now, but it doesn’t mean it Stimpson attends crime public safety summit with down 2.9 percent, but an uptick in violent crime in Mobile. won’t ever happen here.” Alabama mayors Mobile showed a 4 percent jump in violent crime, and a Barber has headed up the vice unit for a little over a year, and Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson joined the mayors from Bir- murder rate that nearly doubled from numbers reported in 2013. said he’s yet to see a human trafficking case during his tenure, mingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa for a two-day According a spokesperson with the Mobile Police Department, but he said general prostitution here is on par with the national retreat in Birmingham Jan. 25-26 to discuss public safety. there were 31 total homicides in Mobile in 2014. average for cities of Mobile’s size. Barber said in the Port City, The summit was the latest in a series of meetings among Ala-

4 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 5 BAY BRIEFS BB Bayou councilwoman resigns amid ethics complaint BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

t seems a hastily made website has prompted the resignation of a member of the Bayou la Batre City Council, a move that comes on the heels of multiple complaints made to the IAlabama Ethics Commission about several city officials. Jennifer Stork, elected in 2012, tendered her resignation to the council effective Jan. 22 citing the “propaganda from a certain website.” Stork’s letter was referring to a template- based website that has taken issue with Mayor Brett Dungan and the current City Council. Several recordings of candid conversations with the mayor and other city officials, as well as multiple city documents, have been published on the website in recent weeks, garnering more than 7,000 visitors in fewer than 10 days. Photo/Gabriel Tynes Stork, whose primary source of income is The Lighthouse Restaurant in Bayou la Batre, was Bayou la Batre City Councilwoman mentioned on the site Jan. 20, claiming the city Jennifer Stork (left) resigned Jan. 22. used her restaurant to provide catering services. A complaint to the Ethics Commission was The opinion of the attorney general also goes made about the alleged conflict of interest in late on to say the business of a council member December. can contract the municipality they serve only if A copy of the complaint was obtained by the “council member fully discloses his or her Lagniappe, and suggests that Stork, Dugan and relationship in the business, the council mem- Wanda Overstreet, who is Dungan’s assistant bers does not participate in the decision-making and Stork’s sister, “conspired to secure an event process, the municipality uses a competitive bid for The Lighthouse Restaurant” on Dec. 18. The process and the council member is the lowest services charged to the city totaled $551.05. responsible bidder.” In her letter of resignation, Stork denied any Early attempts to obtain documentation of wrongdoing stating “I, nor my business, have the minutes from the meeting when the vote was done anything wrong and have done everything held have so far been unsuccessful. However, the by the rules. I have a business that I have to think operators of the website claim “the catering was of and 30 employees that work with me. I cannot never on the agenda, and Stork only abstained have my restaurant hurt due to people who want from voting on approving her payment.” to push the wrong words out to the city.” Lagniappe’s records show Stork did indeed Dungan acknowledged and accepted Stork’s abstain from voting on bi-weekly payments that resignation, but made no mention of the ethics included the payment to the Lighthouse Restau- complaint. rant. Kasee Heisterhagen, one of the city’s attor- Attempts to reach Stork for comment have neys, cited an Attorney General opinion stating so far been unsuccessful, but her fellow coun- that such instances are permitted “when the cil members said she would be greatly missed. council member’s business is the only domiciled Johnson called her resignation “another great loss vendor of that personal property or service within for the city.” the municipality and the amount to be expended “I spoke with Jennifer today and I’m very does not exceed $3,000.” humbled by her concern for her business,” John- The opinion also says a counselor should son said last week. “I pray that the people of this abstain from the decision-making process of community remember that though she may have selecting his or her business for city contracts or been paid for this one meal, there were many reimbursement. times that the Storks’ Lighthouse Restaurant, According to council member Annette John- their employees and their staff have donated, son, Stork did abstain when the catering services not just hundreds of dollars worth of goods, but were discussed by the council. they’ve donated their time, they’ve donated their “On the date in question, we had 17 commu- hearts and they’ve donated their passion for the nity economic development specialists that came community.” to visit our town, and we catered a seafood lunch As a Class 8 municipality, Stork’s resigna- on short notice,” Dungan said. “They were the tion from the council should be approved by the only restaurant that was available to cater that remaining council members at the council’s next event. That is exactly the case.” regular meeting. Then they will have the opportu- The city’s legal advisors contend that Attorney nity to nominate someone to serve the remainder General Luther Strange’s office further advised of her term, which expires in October 2016. that, as the only business providing lunch cater- “In the event a vacancy is not filled within 60 ing services, the city’s use of Stork’s business days after it occurs, each existing city council was permitted, as long as she wasn’t involved member, including the mayor, may submit a with voting for it. name to the Governor for appointment,” Alabama However, the original ethics complaint Code 11-44-G-1 reads. “If the Governor fails to claims it is not the only business that could have make an appointment from any submitted names provided such catering services. Attached to the within 90 days after the vacancy occurs, the complaint is a list of several other business in the judge of probate shall call a special election to area providing similar services. fill the vacancy.”

6 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 BAY BRIEFS BB Lawsuit filed over Airmont subdivision closure BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

hile some West Mobile residents are Shelly Bell, told councilors the Airmont group applauding the City Council’s recent misrepresented facts regarding crime in the move to allow the Airmont Property neighborhood. She said of the 35 calls for service Owners Association to close off an in 2013, 19 were from burglar alarms and the Waccess to Azalea Road, others have filed a lawsuit majority of those were false alarms. to reverse the decision. Allgood suggested many instances are crimes The request was initially voted down Dec. 16 of opportunity, because several houses don’t have before it was put back on the agenda by the City adequate fencing around their backyards, even Council earlier this month. Later, it was approved though they abut an apartment complex. Barnard by a vote of 6-1, with only Councilman Fred was quick to dismiss the claim. Richardson voting against it. Councilmen Levon He said there have been some instances of Manzie and C.J. Small changed their initial votes. “kids climbing over the fence,” but it doesn’t Members of a group of residents opposed to explain the crime problem the neighborhood has the closure, the Airmont/Montclaire Community been experiencing. Committee to Keep Montclaire Way Open, have “I’m not saying that putting a bigger fence since hired an attorney and filed a lawsuit to there wouldn’t be a good idea, but we’re not appeal the council’s decision in circuit court and having problems from people peeking over the seek an injunction to stop the action, according to fence,” he said. spokesperson Jamie Allgood. Allgood lives in an In an earlier letter to councilors, Hunte wrote adjacent subdivision with her father. a report of calls to the Mobile Police Depart- Seven members of the group spoke to ment in 2013, showing 35 calls in the neigh- councilors during Tuesday’s City Council meet- borhood, “the great majority of which were ing. Council President Gina Gregory told the non-criminal activity.” residents that councilors had been advised by “One theft of property and one burglary does their legal counsel not to respond because of the not constitute a crime wave,” Hunte wrote. pending litigation. Allgood added that the reason her fam- But first, Dr. Janice Morton Hunte, who ily moved to the neighborhood is because it’s lives on Airmont Drive, presented Mayor Sandy peaceful. Stimpson and councilors with a petition asking Opponents of the closure also claim it will them to reverse their decision to close off Mont- negatively impact students walking to and from claire Way. Fonde Elementary School, who often cut through Eaton Barnard, president of the Airmont Prop- the neighborhood to Azalea Road using Mont- erty Owners Association, claims crime was a big claire Way. factor in the push to restrict access to the neigh- With the route cut off, Allgood said, the stu- borhood. He said the idea to close the street came dents would be forced to take the busier Cottage after an alleged attempted abduction of a girl from Hill or Pleasant Valley roads to Azalea. the neighborhood about four years ago. “It’s more dangerous,” she said. Since, the community has dealt with burglar- In the letter to the council, Hunte also sug- ies, Barnard said, including one within the past gested students would “taking their lives in their two months at a house where five weapons and hands” by walking alternate routes. two televisions were stolen. Additionally, he “I have tried this traverse only once in my 19 said, petty theft has been a recurring a problem. years of residence,” Hunte wrote. A neighbor complained about a gas can stolen Barnard questioned why elementary students out from underneath his carport. Barnard said a would be walking to school by themselves in power washer was taken from his own front yard, the first place, but added that there would still be left unattended for just a few moments while his pedestrian access to Montclaire Way. wife went in the house to get a glass of water. “It’s a red herring,” Barnard said of concerns Another neighbor reported a missing raft while over the students. “It’s a non-issue.” still others complain about mail being stolen He said the idea is not to keep pedestrians from mailboxes. from entering the neighborhood. “A lot of people have quit reporting it because “Walkers are not the problem,” he said. it wasn’t worth it,” he said. “These people aren’t the ones robbing us.” Barnard said police advised them to build He said his group has tried to work with the gate in order to cut down on the number of members of the other group to find amenable entrances and exits, and therefore limit crimes of solutions. For instance, he said, they originally opportunity. But Allgood and others contend the wanted to build a three-foot gate, but were told alleged crime is blown out of proportion. an eight-foot fence would work better with the “The call reports, once you break them down, infrastructure. are very misleading,” Allgood said. “They blame Allgood said Barnard’s group had talked of it on crime, but the crime’s not there.” locking the gate and giving residents a key to Montclaire Way resident Reginald Davis told unlock it. Barnard said there are no plans to have councilors Tuesday that he was upset by the a locking gate. council’s decision to give in to the concerns of 26 Allgood accused the group of not following residents and ignore the concerns of at least 80 proper procedures in getting the request passed others. He suggested the Airmont residents con- through council. She said the group didn’t un- cerned with crime should invest in surveillance derstand how it went from being denied to being systems for their homes. He called the move to passed so quickly. approve the Airmont request without looking at In the letter, Hunte complained that residents other options “drastic.” of the surrounding areas weren’t properly notified Another opponent, Montclaire Way resident before the meetings.

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 7 BAY BRIEFS BB Hangout Fest secures five- year contract extension BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Gulf Shores City Council unanimously lining position for this year’s festival, consider- voted Jan. 12 to extend an agreement for ing as many as 16 people were hospitalized for staging the Hangout Beach, Music and drug overdoses at one of his shows in Chicago Arts Festival on the grounds of the city’s this past October. Tpublic beach for at least five more years. Additionally, Damien “Jr. Gong” Marley’s In October of last year, the City Council name and genealogy alone conjures the idea unanimously passed an ordinance granting a of drug use. Not only has Marley admitted to conditional franchise agreement through 2020 inheriting his father Bob Marley’s love of smok- however, the new amendment allows organizers ing marijuana, but in 2011 LA Weekly named to host the festival through 2025. him as one of the top 10 bands to do drugs to at “This document has done all we know to do Coachella. to serve the public and keep something that’s im- Further, Major Lazer, an electronic act portant for a large portion of our community and scheduled for this year’s Hangout Festival, address the concerns of the others,” Gulf Shores have openly addressed the issue of drug use at Mayor Robert Craft said after the ordinance was festivals, calling for young people to be taught passed in October. “We’ve worked real hard for how to do drugs safely after multiple deaths were that, and I’m delighted to have unanimous sup- reported at New York’s Electric Zoo. port….” According to Brown, the city does not actu- The new amendment, dated Jan. 8, names a ally approve the festival’s lineup beforehand, but new festival co-owner, subsequently announced they do have the ability to deny a renewal permit as California-based entertainment company the following year if anything goes awry. Goldenvoice, and extends the franchise term 10 “We’re not censoring this,” he said. “We’d years versus five years, provides the flexibility to never want to. We’re relying on the quality of request an attendance modification in conjunc- past festivals.” tion with the festival’s annual site plan applica- The agreement still requires a site-plan appli- tion and amends Section 2.1(b) to provide the cation to be completed annually, which the City city of Gulf Shores additional leverage to ensure Council can deny or revoke based on all facets of the festival compliments and preserves the fam- the festival, including annual performance. ily oriented image of its community. “(The) franchise agreement has a 10-year life, Notably, the agreement still calls for a fran- but each year, the festival comes back for an an- chise fee of 1 percent gross revenue beginning nual permit,” Brown said. in 2017 and increases one percent each year Furthermore, if the festival fails to perform until three percent is reached in 2019. The three or meet its obligations, the city will have the op- percent will continue through 2025, according to portunity to review and potentially deny a permit Grant Brown, director of recreation and cultural for the following year, he added. Brown said affairs for the City of Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores is putting a lot of faith in the festi- “It’s capped at 3 percent through the extended val’s new co-owner, Goldenvoice, which created five year addition,” he said. California’s popular Coachella Valley Music & Additionally, the amended agreement main- Arts Festival. tains that the festival and Gulf Shores have ad- “There’s a high level of satisfaction that opted an absolute zero-tolerance drug policy. The they’re going to continue on this preferred path September 2014 draft of the ordinance stated that of the city,” he said. “There are an awful lot of the “Franchisee shall not include in the perform- positive benefits that will come from it.” ers, bands, or acts to appear at any Music Fest Brown called Goldenvoice “a big fish in a big any person or group with a publicly documented pond” and a “pretty impressive entertainment association with the promotion or advocacy of company” that will ultimately help Hangout Fest illegal drug use, with a publically documented attract the biggest names in the music industry. history of onstage drug use, or with a publicly Because the festival has grown tremendously documented history of recurring drug-related since its start in 2010, Brown said founder Shaul audience disruptions at performances.” Zislin began having a more difficult time attract- However, the wording was later softened ing more popular artists. to clarify that only acts with a history of using “He’s come on so strong and the event has drugs while on stage would be prohibited from become such a high-quality event, that other playing the festival. The updated October version events were putting stipulations on other artists,” of Section 2.3(b) remains the same in the amend- Brown said. “It was harder for our festival to get ment and reads, “On stage drug use by perform- bigger names.” ers is strictly prohibited. Use of performers and “From the beginning, the Hangout Music their associates with a documented history of on Festival’s main priority has been to create an in- stage drug use is strictly prohibited. The festival credible fan experience,” Zislin said in a news re- agrees to, in its best ability, to program acts and lease. “By aligning ourselves with Goldenvoice, activities that do not harm the reputation of Gulf who produces top festivals including Coachella, Shores.” we have found a partner that shares our vision When Hangout Fest organizers announced in both fan experience and music programming. this year’s lineup Jan. 12, the same day as the This partnership offers an exciting opportunity City Council meeting, there appeared to be for the overall enhancement of Hangout.” mixed reactions from concertgoers, with some Brown added that with the support of Golden- wondering if the ordinance might have played voice, artists will embrace Hangout Festival even a role in which artists were booked to play the more and the partnership will make for even weekend-long festival. greater experiences for the fans, artists and the Without the rewording in the agreement, Gulf Shores community in the future. chances are Sonny Moore, better known by his “The city is adamant about the atmosphere moniker Skrillex, would not have landed a head- that the festival will maintain,” he said.

8 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 BAY BRIEFS BB County employees receive bonus, early pay raise BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

ounty employees felt the love on Monday as Mobile County $500 at the end of February. MCCD approves blanket raise, delays merit reductions Commissioners announced a surplus of undesignated funds District 3 Commissioner Jerry Carl said moving the raise up two A month after agreeing to half the amount of annual merit in- would be used to implement a second 2.5 percent pay raise months would cost the county $200,000, and the $500 bonus for the creases, the board members of the Mobile County Communications on Valentine’s Day — a full two months ahead of schedule. 1,600 employees would ring up around $800,000. District (MCCD) recently delayed the change until October, while CCommission President Connie Hudson said a preliminary report A full report on the finances from fiscal year 2014 is expected also agreeing to an additional blanket raise for new employees. of the county’s year-end finances showed the early raise was within from Finance Director Michelle Hermon at the Commission’s Feb. 5 The 2.5 percent across-the-board raise was proposed by former the county’s ability. The action was suggest by Lt. Richard Cayton, conference meeting, which will give more insight into the county’s Mobile Fire Chief and current MCCD board member Stephen president of the Mobile County Merit System Employees Associa- broader financial picture heading into the remainder of FY 2015. Dean, who said recent pay raises given by the city of Mobile and tion (MCMSEA), earlier this month because of the a perceived Though Cayton and dozens of other Mobile County Sheriff’s Mobile County put those agencies’ starting salaries ahead those at savings on gasoline. But county officials say the current price of gas Office employees who attended Monday’s meeting are paid by the MCCD. was negligible in its impact on the unrestricted fund balance or its the county, he said those in the MCMSEA look after each other, According to Dean, the raise will have an estimated $28,000 carryover, which will ultimately fund the early raises. and said the association was hopeful city employees might see a impact to the MCCD’s budget, which included a $2 million figure Hudson attributed the savings to a combination of “controlling similar bonus. set aside to fund the salaries of the organizations 32 employees. costs, an uptick in sales tax revenues and a one-time sale of county “This helps the Sheriff’s office because we’ve been having a Dean said employees will have an extra $7.50 per pay period, assets,” but county employees are pleased either way. hard time keeping personnel. Just like in regular business, people go and it would benefit employees like “call takers” for the 911 board, which are currently making around 32 cents per hour less than their “We’re feeling good about the fact that the 2.5 percent raise is elsewhere for higher pay,” Cayton said. counterparts at other agencies. coming three pay periods before it was officially suppose to go Following Cayton’s comments, city of Mobile Communications “Our overtime cost is up, and the only reason for that is either into effect, and that all 1,600 county employees will get it,” Cayton Director George Talbot said lower gas prices have also been good people taking a whole lot of time off or vacancies,” Dean said. “If said in response to the move. “We wish to thank the commission for the city, but claimed there hasn’t been enough time to assess for working on it. We have a line of communication going, and you’re trying to fill vacancies and you have other agencies that are whether the savings could justify pay raise or a one-time bonus. hiring at a higher rate than you are, you’re not going to be competi- hopefully we can work some other things out as well, like our health According to numbers received through the mayor’s office, the insurance.” tive in the employees you get.” city spent $168,160 for diesel fuel and $64,983 on unleaded gasoline After the meeting, some in the audience expressed frustration Cayton is one of a number of merit system employees that began in the last two months of 2014. Current gas prices, which are at a publicly airing grievances with the Commission after the county with the abrupt nature used to consider and pass the across-the- five-year low, helped save $9,000 and $18,154.35 for unleaded and board raise. The raise was not listed on the agenda and wasn’t being swapped to the Local Government Health Insurance Plan last April diesel fuel respectively. officially considered by the board until Dean’s motion Jan. 8. — a change many employees say has increased their personal health “The mayor did include a (two-tiered) pay increase for city em- As for the delay in reduction of merit increases, Dean also pro- care costs. ployees in the budget passed by council back in October, 5 percent posed the 2.5 percent cut be pushed back until October, to make a Those changes, and what some were calling “stagnant” wages, in total,” Talbot said. “Because of the improved financial situation “clean break” and to “be fair to all employees.” helped spur the once dormant MCMSEA into a membership that in Mobile, the mayor moved up the second part of that raise, which Dean said making the change in the middle of the fiscal year currently exceeds 630 members and continues to grow, according went into effect Jan. 3.” would unfairly prevent some employees from receiving the same to Cayton. Talbot said, if possible, Stimpson also hopes include a similar in- level of merit increase because of the date they began their employ- The 2.5 percent raise approved this week was the second Com- crease in next year’s budget to complete with Mobile’s “peer cities.” ment with the MCCD. missioners had planned for the current fiscal year, but the commis- The board passed the motion unanimously, with a second from sion went further by announcing at the regular meeting that all full- However, he said there were no current plans for a one-time bonus to city employees. Trey Oliver, and proceeded to approve a 5 percent increase for an time county employees would also be extended a one-time bonus of employee who was being considered for an annual merit raise.

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 9 BAY BRIEFS BB Council establishes ad-hoc committee on tax reform BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Mobile City Council Tuesday voted unanimously to es- Finance Advisory Committee could simply be tasked to look at the flea market — for four weeks. Rich said another Public Safety tablish an ad-hoc committee to study taxes, fees and other tax reform. Committee meeting would be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 1:30 funding sources for the city. “We’ve got advisory committees upon advisory committees,” p.m. to discuss the issue further. The approval comes months after Council President he said. Additionally, the council held over an ordinance that would TGina Gregory announced, during budget negotiations, the idea for Gregory said several councilors would be asking those ap- amend the law dealing with noise in residential districts. The a committee to look at the city’s tax structure and come back with pointed to the finance advisory committee to serve on the tax issue will be discussed at the Feb. 10 Public Safety Committee recommendations. The committee was considered after the coun- committee as well, but some would not be able to. meeting. cil voted to override Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s veto of extending Among other things, the committee will be tasked with The council also tabled a resolution in support of the Alabama an increase of the city’s sales tax for three years. examining the city’s ad valorem, or property tax rate, or explor- Lighthouse Foundation’s efforts to relocate the Mobile Middle Gregory said Tuesday the committee will be chaired by Coun- ing a funding mix. Councilman Fred Richardson said he believed Bay Lighthouse to Lighthouse Point at Battleship Park. cilwoman Bess Rich. Councilman Levon Manzie will serve as the raising property tax would not result in as much funding as main- The council approved the rezoning of 7600 Mitsubishi Lane, co-chair. taining the sales tax at its current level. He said ad valorem tax from I-1 to I-2 to allow Standard Concrete Products Inc. to con- The committee will be made up of seven council appoint- revenue only makes up about 7 percent of the city’s budget. struct a manufacturing facility at the site. ments, two mayoral appointments and two members of Mobile’s “You can raise the property tax all you want, you won’t be The council also approved the reallocation of $4,745 to repair legislative delegation, who will serve as ex-officio members. A able to buy a fire truck,” he said. “The grass looks greener on the lights at Public Safety Memorial Park. Councilman Joel Daves vote of the legislature would be needed to approve any increase other side, but it’s still grass.” said he would be chipping in $3,750 of discretionary money for in the city’s property tax rate. Williams countered, saying the city actually receives about the project, which council also approved. Although the vote was unanimous, the decision did not come 14 percent of its revenue, or about $31 million, from property Finally, the council approved a $12,600 contract with Kitchens without some dissent among councilors. Councilman John tax revenue. Electric Co. for the repair of lighting at Cooper Riverside Park Williams argued, during the pre-council meeting, that instead In other business, the council held over a vote on the city’s amphitheater and approved a contract with American Tennis Courts of appointing an entirely new committee, the existing Citizens’ new animal ordinance — including a ban on the sale of animals at for the resurfacing of tennis courts at Medal of Honor Park. Millions at stake in city’s trash trial BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

t’s true that a lot has changed since Oct. 6, 1993. But one thing Due to the city’s refusal to raise the fee, Betbeze told jurors which the city picks up every two weeks, and is different than that hasn’t changed, according to attorney Jaime Betbeze, that Waste Management has lost about $1 million in revenue. In household garbage. is the tipping fee his client, Waste Management Mobile Bay addition, he told jurors the authority is only paying a $9.88 per ton The authority’s biggest contention is that Waste Manage- Environmental Center is allowed to charge the city of Mobile’s fee at a transfer station it uses in Theodore. ment has asked for an increase in the fee without showing the ISolid Waste Authority at the Chastang Landfill. The station is managed by Waste Away, Inc., a subsidiary of proper documents to support the move, Wettermark said. He While the price of Harvard tuition has nearly doubled and the Waste Management. Betbeze said a reasonable rate for the transfer said the contract stipulated an increase, as part of the escalation price of a gallon of gas has increased significantly before falling station would be $12.45 per ton. He said Waste Management has clause, must be justified through documentation provided by the again as of late, the $20 per ton tipping fee Waste Management lost $200,000 because of the transfer fee. Additionally, Betbeze contractor. Without proper documentation, Wettermark said Waste is allowed to charge the city has remained stagnant, Betbeze told said the authority has begun to use another landfill for some of its Management asked the authority to reimburse them for unforeseen a jury during opening arguments of an ongoing civil case in U.S. garbage, constituting a breach of contract. He told the court Waste expenses to the tune of $2.9 million. District Court Monday. Management would be asking for $8.5 million in damages. The complaint was originally filed in August 2013 and the Although Waste Management entered into a long-term agree- “It’s time to bring the authority into the 21st century whether parties were incapable of reaching a settlement agreement even ment with the authority in 1993, Betbeze argued the contract they like it or not,” Betbeze said. through a mediation period. By the time the court broke for lunch included an escalation clause, allowing his client to increase its Mobile Solid Waste Authority attorney Larry Wettermark at noon on Monday, the plaintiff’s first witness, retired Waste tipping fee at the landfill it operates to an agreed upon amount. opened by saying the Chastang Landfill makes the majority of its Management Vice President David McConnell, was still on the “It’s not unusual for contracts to be for the entire life of a land- money from private sources and only about 25 percent of its busi- stand. The trial is expected to continue through the week. fill, which can be 70 years or more,” he told jurors. “The current ness comes from city garbage. He added that the missing garbage contract could be in effect for 50 years or more.” “stream” to which Betbeze was referring is actually yard debris, Group replacing blighted property with new, affordable housing BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

s a part of new program, a local group dedicated to flip- needed to revitalize neighborhoods,” White said. to move, board member and Realtor Melanie Bunting Seymour ping historic-but-blighted houses in the city is bringing The group also owns three houses on George Street, property said. the same passion to providing new homes. on Elmira Street and a historic home at 460 Chatham St., with The neighborhood is making a comeback after suffering for Restore Mobile, Inc. recently finished three new af- plans to build on or restore all of it. years after the closure of Brookley Air Force Base, Bemis said. Afordable homes at 1051, 1053 and 1055 Texas St. in the Oakleigh The home at 460 Chatham is actually two historic homes “Oakleigh is up-and-coming,” he said. “What we’re hoping is Garden District and is waiting to sell the homes to families who joined together to make one, Bemis said. The house on the front to build on what’s already happening.” make at or below 80 percent of the area’s average median income of the property was built in 1870 and the house on the back of the Construction on the Texas Street homes was finished in July, (AMI). For a family of four, that equals roughly $43,100. property was built in 1840. The plan, Bemis said, is to move the Construction Committee Chairman Mac Lewis said. The homes were built on property purchased from the Order of older house across the street to 1008 Texas St. and restore and sell “They were built pretty much at the same time,” Lewis said. Incas society for $30,000, Mobile Historic Development Commis- both, with help from federal Neighborhood Stabilization funds. “The idea was to get them all done in the same timeframe.” sion Director Devereaux Bemis said. Federal funds totaling close The house at 1008 Texas St. will be a one-bedroom, two-bath All three homes have security systems, modern appliances and to $150,000 per house made it possible for the group to build the house, while 460 Chatham St. will be a two-bedroom, two-bath were built with energy efficiency in place, Bemis said. Each of the three-bedroom, two-bath homes and sell them for $88,500 each, home. The homes will be available to individuals or families liv- homes is roughly 1,500-square-feet. Bemis said. ing on either 50 percent or 120 percent of AMI. The group held an open house for the homes and has had some Initially, Restore Mobile looked at only restoring individual Two of the homes on George Street will be subject to Neigh- interest, Seymour said. The challenge, according to Bemis, is find- historic homes for resale, but that philosophy took a turn toward borhood Stabilization funds. They will be available to folks living ing an interested family able to qualify for a home loan. restoring whole neighborhoods, board member Jarrod White ex- on 50 to 120 percent AMI. The third home will be sold at 80 A portion of the money from each home that sells will go back plained. After several years of focusing its energy in the Old Shell percent AMI. to HUD, while the remaining funds will be into Restore Mobile’s Road area, east of Ann Street, the group has moved its efforts Focusing its revitalization efforts on small areas has been suc- next project. to an eight-to-10-block radius in the south part of the Oakleigh cessful for the group, White said. The group chose Midtown and The group will remain in Oakleigh at least until its current Garden District. specifically the Oakleigh neighborhood for its second batch of projects are completed, Bemis said. At that point, the group will “We realized homes were part of neighborhoods and we projects because it is trendy and where young professionals want move into another neighborhood and continue the work.

10 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 11 D AMN THE TORPEDOES COMMENTARY C You’ve got to break a few eggs, to make a better city BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

f you ever wonder just how politics can twist and generator that we shouldn’t mess with their turn in ways not at all foreseeable during a heated festivities? And there doesn’t appear to be campaign, just think back to when Sandy Stimp- anywhere else for the opera and ballet to go. son was running for mayor and one of the big So we’re just stuck with this old, unprofitable Iknocks against him was his involvement in a (gasp!) flying saucer-shaped building downtown. Mardi Gras society. That’s one point of view I suppose. Former Mayor Sam Jones tried to nail him for be- The other might be that Stimpson was ing a member of a “racially segregated” Mardi Gras elected to make changes and get Mobile’s organization, and there were plenty who felt such financial house in order. It’s pretty hard to do an involvement was going to mean maskers pulling that when every potential change is met with the strings in Government Plaza. Fast forward a year cries over how it’s going to mess up the way and a half and it’s Stimpson telling those very Mardi things have always been done. Gras societies he may take a wrecking ball to the Perhaps many of those cries will go away place where most of them hold their lavish parties. when there’s actually some kind of plan to To put it more succinctly, the mayor whose take down the Civic Center and replace it administration waived just about every rental fee the with something specific. Maybe that some- Mobile Civic Center should have charged and let it thing will not only serve carnival groups, but become a massive drain on city expenses, warned also the fine arts community and maybe even everyone his opponent was going to give his white — stay with me here — not drain the city buddies special treatment because they all know the coffers. Since there’s nothing more than talk same secret handshake. But a little over a year later, about leveling the CC at this point it’s kind Photo/Dan Anderson Stimpson’s ready to close the doors on the breath- of hard to envision what might take its place, Mayor Stimpson has proposed taking financial sinkhole that has become the Mobile but hopefully whatever does will be exciting Civic Center, a move that will send the Mardi Gras and practical at the same time. bulldozing the Civic Center. societies looking for new places to throw down. Stimpson has ruffled some feathers by be a massive pain in the ass for residents, mo- Hard to have seen that one coming. telling the Mardi Gras associations and fine torists and businesses. We’ll have to reroute It’s rather amazing to be talking about changing arts groups they’ll need to start looking for and make different plans, but when it’s done what has been a tradition in Mobile for decades — new homes — at least for the short term. But there should be a shiny new road that doesn’t put on a tux, go to the parade, head over to the Civic we didn’t elect him to leave all the feathers serve as a Viagra alternative for every align- Center and get hammered. But as the Stimpson snugly in place. A change like demolishing ment shop owner in town. Admin pointed out last year, the CC hasn’t exactly the Civic Center will certainly create upheav- I see this as a “pardon our progress” situa- been bringing in the bucks. Under Jones pretty much al for at least a few years, but at the end of tion. You’ve got to break a few eggs to make all any organization had to do was write on a loose- the day it will hopefully result in something an omelet, and Stimpson’s going to have to leaf piece of notebook paper that they’d like their good for the city. move some Mardi Gras balls and ballets to fee waived and it was done. The idea of actually Thinking about it on a smaller scale, get rid of that burned-out, expensive Civic taking money for use of the publicly owned facility sooner or later someone is going to have to Center. apparently hadn’t made it into Jonesian Accounting pave Ann Street before it becomes an actual But don’t forget we didn’t hire the guy to Concepts 101. dirt road. When that time comes it’s going to keep everything the same. The Civic Center is right at the center of our pack of deadbeat city buildings — those who theoreti- cally have purposes that should make them at least break-even propositions. CC hangs out in Tin Pan The Gadfly Alley with the empty cruise ship terminal and Hank Aaron Stadium. We’re all hoping they won’t be joined by others in the near future and that maybe some of these derelicts may someday even be able to struggle their way into respectability. But at more than half a century old, looking about as stylish as bellbottom jeans and a rhinestone vest, the CC is in rough shape. Once you start talking about it losing $1.8 million a year in city money as mostly a home to umpteen Mardi Gras balls, it’s not hard to figure out why those balls and their home are possibly on the chop- ping block. But like most decisions in a financially strapped city, this isn’t an easy one. Certainly booting the politically powerful Mardi Gras associations out of their party home comes with some political nega- tives. Compound that with the fact that both the ballet and opera call the CC home, and you’ve got a lot of people with deep pockets worried about where some of their favorite activities are going to take place. Is this an ant bed Stimpson is really ready to kick? He’s got fire ants marching on several sides of this issue already. Maybe the question is what is an acceptable loss each year for a facility that is arguably the center of the event that is the city’s biggest economic genera- tor each year. What’s losing $1.8 million in the CC when it greatly helps facilitate an activity that brings Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen in many times that to the city each year? Should we just say Mardi Gras is enough of an economic The administrators of bayousnadu.wordpress.com engage in a little anonymous civil disobedience.

12 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 HIDDEN AGENDA COMMENTARY C Let freedom ring, along with the wedding bells BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected]

ast Friday night, as many of us were comment. The rhetoric was heated on both just getting home from work, news sides. While no one is certain just yet how broke that U.S. District Court Judge this will ultimately turn out, it is obvious it Ginny Granade with the stroke of her will be a divisive issue in the state for some Lpen essentially made same sex marriage in time, no matter if it is decided on Feb. 9, in the state of Alabama legal. Stunned, equal early summer or beyond. rights supporters looked out their windows I applaud Judge Granade’s decision and to confirm porcine were not flying in the was deeply saddened by some of the afore- skies from Muscle Shoals to Mobile, as mentioned rhetoric. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange A little over 12 years ago, I met one of almost immediately filed for a stay. my best friends. We hit it off almost im- Judge Granade granted one for 14 days, mediately and did all the things friends do but if no action is taken by the Eleventh together, especially when you are in your Circuit Court of Appeals to extend or lift 20s. We went out to clubs and would call the stay within that time period, it will be each other the next morning to “rehash,” lifted on Feb. 9, and same sex couples can watched “Idol” together and binged on TV begin planning their Alabama weddings. shows like “24,” brunched and vacationed This case began when local couple together, talked about guys we liked or who Cari Searcy and Kimberly McKeand both had hurt us, even weathered a hurricane or sought to have equal rights to the child they two together. We bitch about work and gos- had raised together, who was biologically siped about friends. McKeand’s but had been planned together When my mom died, he sat right by my and achieved using a sperm donor. The side at her funeral. When I got married, he couple had legally married in California was one of only three friends I had with me and Searcy sought to adopt their son under at my small courthouse wedding. He helped a provision in Alabama’s adoption code host a wedding and baby shower for us. He that allows a person to adopt their spouse’s came to the hospital after both my children child. But their petition was denied under were born. He buys them the best and most the “Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amend- thoughtful gifts at Christmas and on their ment” and “Alabama Marriage Protection birthdays. He is their uncle, as far as they Act,” both of which define marriage as one are concerned. He is my family. And he just between a man and woman. happens to also be gay. The couple challenged this as a violation And I absolutely believe to the core of of their constitutional rights, and Judge my being he should be afforded the exact Granade ultimately agreed. Citing other same rights I have been. I would love to be recent “doctrinal developments,” she said able to host a wedding and/or baby shower the courts have found the definition of for him one day. And see him be able to marriage could not be limited to just those experience the same happiness my husband between a man or woman. And she went on and I have. Why wouldn’t I? I have the to say denying same sex couples the same same hope for all of my friends and family, parental rights as heterosexual couples is no matter who they love. not only demeaning, but harmful to the I believe more and more people are children of those same sex couples. starting to see this in the same way. And “If anything, Alabama’s prohibition of these people are from all walks of life, rac- same sex marriage detracts from its goal of es, denominations, political backgrounds promoting optimal environments for chil- and socioeconomic classes, which is why dren. Those children currently being raised this issue is going through the courts at by same sex parents in Alabama are just lightning speed, (as far as court speed is as worthy of protection and recognition by concerned anyway). the state as are the children being raised by Unless you only travel in the most high- opposite sex parents,” Granade wrote. ly insulated and uber-evangelical circles This is just one of the many cases across — which many do in this state — everyone the country working its way through the has a friend, co-worker, neighbor, sibling, courts. cousin, aunt, uncle or even parent, who And probably one of the many reasons just happens to be gay. And if you do, you why just a couple of weeks ago, the U. S. know they go through the same struggles Supreme Court said it would take up this we all do and are no different than any of issue in April, possibly deciding by June us. Being gay, just like being straight, is once and for all if same sex couples have only a very small portion of their identity. the constitutional right to marry or if states All it takes is just one relationship like have the right to ban them. this for you to be beyond certain Judge Judging by many of the courts’ most Granade and the rest of these courts are recent rulings, many legal scholars specu- moving in the right direction. Once you do, late the Supreme Court will recognize this there is no way you would ever want your constitutional right to same sex couples friend to have to live under a different set of across the country. rules or be treated inferiorly for one more After last week’s ruling, many took second, much less for two more weeks. to social media and local media sites to

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 13 BELTWAY BEAT COMMENTARY C Redefine college education before even thinking about making it free BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Last week, President Barack Obama Long after those wage and price controls expired, em- of so-called free education. set forth his vision for higher education in the United ployers continued to provide health insurance as a benefit, Right now in higher education, there’s an emphasis States, part of which is to offer two years of college educa- which drove the demand for health care up as more and on aspects of a classical education — culture, the arts, tion for free. more people had the benefit of insurance. With the rise in philosophy. Certainly they’re worthy in some areas of study. “I want to spread that idea all across America, so that demand and no real answer for it within the health care But they don’t necessarily introduce anything that would two years of college becomes as free and universal in industry, the costs continued to go up. tangibly benefit the American economy. America as high school is today,” Obama said in his State Another institution born out of World War II was the G.I. Yet, college curriculums are loaded with these types of of the Union address. Bill, which provided veterans with payments for tuition and studies. Therefore, if you’re going to burden the American Right, because that vision is working out so well with the living expenses to attend a college or university. This led to taxpayer with paying for universal college education, it American health care system. a lot of people attending college who otherwise would not should start eliminating some of the old school elements of a Even though this $60 billion plan from Obama is dead- have. It was perceived to be a political success and that led college education. on-arrival in the Republican-controlled Congress, it suggests to other government-created inventions to make a college Basic computer skills should replace required courses Obama and many allies on the left see higher education as education more obtainable, including Pell Grants and yes, that explore the study of Henry James and Charles Dickens. one of the components to improving the American econo- student loans. Instead of spending a week of lecture on the Immanuel my. In 2015, most anybody with a high school diploma who Much like the effect of the proliferation of employer-pro- Kant’s transcendental idealism, how about reinforcing math wants to go to college is largely able to. It may not be Har- vided health insurance on health care, the cost of a college skills that may or may not have been taught in our glorious vard, but it isn’t any less than Bishop State. And for many, it education has increased. public primary and secondary education systems? requires student loans. In 2015, the average cost for college is $9,000 per year Once we get the foundation of higher education changed, Those student loans, for which the Consumer Financial at a public institution and more than triple that for a private then we can proceed with more meaningful studies in trades Protection Bureau estimates to be well over $1 trillion in to- college. Those costs reflect a rate of two-and-a-half times that would be in demand, whether it technology, construc- tal debt, have put a burden on the American economy. That’s the rate of inflation going back to 1985. tion or manufacturing. And that’s where meaningful discus- where Obama sees his opening, which is to begin to put that One of the mistakes of ObamaCare, which is an apparent sion about universal higher education should begin. burden on the backs of the taxpayer. And that seems to be as effort to appease health insurance companies by imple- Judge Smails in “Caddyshack” didn’t say, “Well, the ill-conceived as his signature legislation, ObamaCare. menting a hybrid system that incorporates government into world needs gender studies graduates, too.” The problems with higher education are much like the the health care industry, is it doesn’t address the structural A lot of colleges have realized this and are making a tran- problems with the American health care system. Both have problems of supply or demand in health care. Instead it sition. But it’s going to take a lot more effort to overcome costs that have increased well beyond the pace of inflation. subsidizes the demand. the entrenched mindset at these institutions that have come In health care, it goes back to World War II. During the That’s similar to what two free years of community to be because of the higher education bubble created by the Roosevelt administration, the War Labor Board ruled that college would do, which is to grow the behemoth of higher government’s subsidization of college education. wage and price controls did not limit benefits including education by shouldering more demand. It might behoove It won’t be until then that Americans should take Presi- health insurance, which was a way for employers to incen- the federal government to look at the curriculums of these dent Barack Obama’s proposal of free universal higher tivize workers. two- and four-year institutions before implementing the idea education seriously.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 COMMENTARY C Will legislators continue to kick the can on budget decisions? BY KEN ROBINSON/COLUMNIST

ard choices. That’s what the governor of obtained on the cheap. Alabama, along with the state Legislature A study conducted in 2013 by the Public have before them in 2015. By far the most Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) pressing is the gaping hole in the General noted that in 2011 Alabama ranked last among HFund budget, estimated to be around $265 million, ALL the states in overall state and local tax but like a hurricane moving into the warm summer revenue. It has been observed by several studies waters of the Gulf, that number is expected to that if our legislators were to raise property taxes balloon in size. — just to the level of our sister state of Mississippi Gov. Bentley’s recent inauguration ceremony — the General Fund would have upwards of an may have been a festive occasion, but to his credit, additional billion dollars in revenue to work with. during his speech, and of late, he has been willing Yes, that’s BILLION. to admit we indeed face a dark and dire situation. But even passing legislation that says, “let’s Unfortunately, a very popular panacea being match Mississippi,” when it comes to property put forward to in part address this malignant taxes, (not a very tall order you would think) problem is the un-earmarking of state revenues seems totally untenable. The low-hanging fruit op- dedicated for education spending in the state. The tion then becomes taking money from education. rationale given for this by various state politi- Positively though, the governor doesn’t seem cians and like-minded entities is that opening up averse to the possibility of a state lottery or an dedicated education dollars for Alabama legisla- agreement with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians tors to shift as they see fit, will concomitantly help that would call for the tribe paying more in state ease funding issues with the General Fund, which taxes in order to expand casino-like gambling in pays for such uncontrolled costs as Medicaid, state other places besides the three casinos it currently prisons and the court system. This is a bad idea. has in the state. Why? Because the problem is not that Alabama Regarding the latter, a lottery has proved to be can’t shift around sufficient monies to the right very effective in surrounding states like Florida programs or agencies, but that it doesn’t have and Georgia whose lottery revenues are normally enough money in the first place to meet all its around a billion dollars a year. And with the for- needs. Un-earmarking education dollars would mer, expanding Poarch Creek casinos in Alabama, only provide a convenient source of additional not only would this be beneficial for the state, but revenue for the General Fund, but would not ad- a city like Mobile could definitely benefit as a dress the core problem: a lack of money. major expansion site (maybe a viable purpose for Education in Alabama has come a long way, but the Alabama Cruise Terminal and quite possibly still has a long way to go. Since the onset of the more Convention Center bookings). Great Recession in 2009, Alabama has had some This is indeed a year of hard choices, but one of the steepest cuts in education spending than easy choice should be to leave education dollars almost any other state. Yet, Alabama’s graduation alone. Governor Bentley stated recently that Ala- rate has moved up and quite a few notable posi- bama needs to deal with its funding issues once tives have happened locally as well as statewide. and for all and stop kicking the can down the road. More has been done with less, but that’s not the I totally concur. Increasing property taxes to settle recipe for long-term success. general fund issues, allowing the people to vote on Our political leaders have to be willing to ex- a lottery and giving permission to expand casinos plain to the state’s citizens that good roads, good in Alabama are more tenable and long-term cor- schools, an efficient court system, well-staffed and rective options. run prisons, and other things we rightfully expect Some may scoff at the likelihood of any of the our state government to do, can’t be funded by bad above stated options being implemented. Firm in ideology or wishful thinking. For some odd rea- the belief that Alabama is destined to be a perpetu- son, we can understand that to get the top football al backwards state, proud of its stubborn resistance coaches and assistant coaches for our major state to change and embracing of reforms and actions colleges (Alabama & Auburn) takes a willingness that can really propel it forward. I however, maybe to pay accordingly for the level of success you sometimes naively, tend to be an optimist. Things expect, yet when it comes to having top-notch can and do change. I’m hopeful, even if by force state agencies and services, somehow these can be of circumstance, the right choices will be made.

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 15 THE REAL DEAL BUSINESS BB Details opening new design studio in Spring Hill BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

etails, an interior design studio, will pottery, jewelry, garden and children’s art. Bay Wood Product’s Wilson stepping open in a 2,000-square-foot retail space Lane, who owns The Amber Ivey Fine Art down from NWPCA Gallery at 3607 Old Shell Road in Mobile, was next to the Pollman’s Bake Shop on Old Robertsdale-based Bay Wood Products Inc.’s also one of only 25 participants at the event Shell Road in Spring Hill. Katie Kirby president and founder Jimmy Wilson will soon chosen out of the group to display her work for Dand Melanie Rowan will operate the new step down after a three-year term of actively purchase at the new Preview Gallery at Neiman venture and plan to offer “to the trade” items, serving on the Board of Directors for the Na- Marcus Lenox Square. as well as their design services. Vallas Realty, tional Wooden Pallet and Container Association “We are honored to have some of our top Inc. worked for the owners while The Mitchell (NWPCA). selling artists from around the Southeast provide Company represented the landlord. Representing more than 600 business owners works for sale at our spectacular new gallery at A plot of land in Mobile, formerly the across the country, Wilson will depart the board Neiman Marcus Lenox Square,” 2015 chairper- site of a gas station on an acre of property at in March 2015, during the association’s annual son Molly Jamieson said. 1710 Dauphin Island Pkwy., recently sold for meeting. Nominated by the membership and $230,000 according to Mike Reid of White- voted into the position in 2012, Wilson said he Spunner Realty who represented the purchaser. has been honored to serve with a dynamic group Fortier joins Comprehensive Pain & M.J. Baxter & Associates handled the sale of who tackled tough legislative issues and long- Rehabilitation the foreclosure property. range planning for the association. Comprehensive Pain & Rehabilitation (CPR) A 6,000-square-foot office building located According to Wilson, the NWPCA gives headquartered in Daphne recently announced at 105 W. I-65 Service Road in Mobile was a voice to hundreds of privately owned small that Kimberly Fortier, MHS, PA-C, joined the recently bought for $525,000. Bryan Maisel businesses that might not otherwise have the team of pain management specialists to provide & Associates represented the buyer. Justin means to be represented in Washington. With patient care services at its Mississippi clinic Toomey of Stirling Properties worked for the a seat on the board, he got a firsthand view of locations. seller. Plans are for the property to be opened what the association does for the industry. Fortier earned a master’s degree in health as a retail Eyeglass & Vision Center in the As an example, Wilson played a key role in sciences with a concentration on physician near future. protecting pallet and crate manufacturers, and assistant studies from the University of South their customers, from potentially damaging leg- Alabama. She earned an undergraduate degree Mobile Area Chamber holds annual islation. The International Code Council (ICC), in athletic training from the University of North which sets building and other code regulations Florida. For seven years, she has worked on the meeting Mississippi Gulf Coast in the role of program The Mobile Area Chamber held its annual followed by all 50 states, creates new rules director and clinician for a general surgery meeting Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Mobile Civic about the storage of empty pallets and crates. practice. Center to another standing-room-only crowd. During his tenure, NWPCA members lobbied “A lot of what I enjoyed about my previ- Presented by major sponsor Trustmark, agenda in the capitol against recently proposed changes ous job in bariatrics and weight loss was being highlights included a review of last year’s major in regulations imposed by the ICC, showing able to support patients both as a clinician and accomplishments in the metro area by outgo- the need for further analysis and study. Because emotionally through their treatment process. I ing 2014 board chairman Michael Chambers of this effort, members of the ICC voted not to think the field of pain management shares the of Swift Biotechnology. The chamber’s 2015 adopt new rules in 2014 for exterior pallet stor- same features, which ultimately contribute to a plans for economic growth in the region were age that could have adversely impacted small businesses nationwide. “This was a huge win patient’s long-term success.” Fortier said. discussed by incoming 2015 board chairman Fortier is a former president of the Missis- Frank Lott of Heritage Homes. for our industry and our customers and some- thing I’m proud of,” Wilson said. sippi Academy of Physician Assistants and is Additionally, chamber President Bill Sisson also a member of the American Academy of reviewed the organization’s objectives and Physician Assistants as well as the American Local artist displays work at major results achieved internally in the year prior. Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She The annual meeting is also historically Atlanta event is certified in basic life support and has worked Local artist Amber Ivey Lane recently par- known for having one of the area’s largest busi- as a certified athletic trainer. ticipated with 350 other artisans from all over ness networking events and this year’s version Comprehensive Pain & Rehabilitation (CPR) the world at the 2015 Spotlight on Art Trinity did not disappoint. More than 1,000 attendees is a multi-disciplinary medical practice devoted Show in Atlanta. The market is one of the most showed up to circulate throughout the Civic to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diverse of its kind in the Southeast. Established Center arena. The after-hours program was pain using an integrated program of interven- in 1982, Spotlight on Art has introduced new hosted by 28 local sponsors with 17 regional tional pain medicine, behavioral medicine and works by some of the region’s most established restaurants and caterers offering food and bever- functional rehabilitation. Offices are located in artisans as well as emerging stars. Categories age samples. Daphne, Pascagoula and Biloxi. include: contemporary, realism, folk, sculpture,

16 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 17 THE REVIEW | CUISINE Von’s offers a lot of variety under one Bayou roof BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

outh Mobile County is largely uncharted culinary ter- ritory for me. I don’t spend a lot of time in the Forest Gump region of our fair state. But recently I heard about a place that would make the drive worthwhile, with a Smenu so eclectic you may end up with something country fried next to your Pad Thai. For this we look no further than Von’s Restaurant and Grill. I’d had an all around rough week. I nightmarishly moved from midtown to another part of midtown in the midst of what would normally be a positive transition, but there were a couple of bad days where things beyond my control were crashing around me. Yes, I do not get them often, but I was coming down with a good ol’ case of the blues. In this rare occurrence the best thing to do to combat the situation is to change the scenery. So I called up Rob and we jetted on down to Bayou la Batre to Von’s. The smallish unassuming building looks just like some place you’d find on a road less traveled and if you were a betting man you’d gamble it housed a country buffet. Rob and I walked into a handful of open tables in a room that looked exactly as I expected sans said buffet. It was the two of us at a table for four, but when I am down and out I can eat enough to compensate for the space. Call it emotional eat- ing. They weren’t serving anyone else whiskey that day at 11 a.m., so we opted for the wiser choice of water with lemon, you know, Photos/Dan Anderson just trying to fit in. I mentioned this menu was From American classics to Asian standards, you can find a little bit of everything eclectic. The description is on the menu at Von’s Restaurant and Grill in Bayou la Batre. American and Asian cuisine, but it’s more than that. We were dressing. He’s a bit of a health nut. roof. It’s nothing fancy. It’s a local’s place for sure. I get the feel- choosing from stuffed burgers, I was certainly in the mood for ing Bayou la Batre is happy to have them grace Wintzell Avenue. seafood baskets, five different some spirit-lifting Asian cuisine. I To a Midtown boy like me it seems like it’s a billion miles away. fettuccine dishes, Panini, po-boys was keen on a couple of things, but Once we knew where we were going the drive was quite enjoy- and other sandwiches, fusion ap- the waitress said most folks order the able. petizers and a good sized Asian Hibachi Express ($8.99). I ordered But if you don’t want to drive that distance or simply don’t menu. On top of all this there are mine with shrimp. This was the usual have the time then check out their food truck. This is where they two American daily specials and veggies and fried rice, but it was shine with daily special eccentricities. Loaded Boston butt tots one Asian special. exactly what I needed. seem to be a recurring item. Seafood nachos with parmesan and There was a lot of ground to We couldn’t come all this way Creole sauce are often the norm. Banh mi, egg rolls and bisque cover so we decided to sacrifice and try this much food without hav- are just as likely to be on the menu as chicken sliders and shrimp our health for the sake of journal- ing a burger. The one that drew the and grits. Check in on Facebook for truck locations and daily ism. Our first dish was gulf crab- attention was the Inside-out burger specials by searching Von’s Food Truck. meat and cheese wontons ($5.99). There were eight of them on ($6.99). We asked what made this one inside-out, and the answer I paid the very affordable bill, and Rob and I hopped in the the platter with a little bit of sauce for dipping. I’d say we were was that it was stuffed with bacon and cheese. Cut in half we car for our journey to the center of our daily grind. Sure, I’d had off to a good start. couldn’t find any bacon and cheese on the inside of the patty, a tough week. But the fog was lifting. Spirits were a bit higher Rob was craving the gumbo ($3.99 per cup) while I eyed the but the outside was smothered in both. This is the kind of burger and the sun shone brightly over midtown. For some it would be a crab bisque at the same price. The gumbo was not as thick as some I enjoy. I didn’t have to unhinge my jaw to eat this one. It was hassle to head down to Bayou la Batre for lunch. For me, it was but good. The bisque was buttery, but maybe the better choice. cooked medium, but still tasty. just what I needed. We were trying to touch on all parts of the menu (except Needless to say after all of this food there was no room for Check them out at www.vonsrestaurantandgrill.com. salads) and neither one of us was feeling the pasta. Rob had the bread pudding, strawberry shortcake or brownie delight, but they grilled grouper ($14.99). It was cooked fine, there just wasn’t sounded good. Von’s Restaurant and Grill too much to it for the price. It came with sweet potato fries that Von’s is definitely worth the drive if you are looking for 12953 Wintzell Ave N. were well seasoned and he enjoyed a salad with bleu cheese something different or at the very least a lot of variety under one Bayou La Batre, AL 36509

18 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 W ORD OF MOUTH CUISINE CC Assemble your troops for ACS Chili Cook Off BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected] 014 was a landmark year for the American Cancer Soci- deer hunter friends to be beer hunter friends I would be in high ety’s Chili Cook Off. The event had spent nearly a quarter cotton. century in downtown locations, but its 25th birthday was Just last week a student of mine returned from camp with a held in West Mobile at The Grounds (yes, the fairgrounds). cooler full. “Take what you want,” he said. “My wife is a vegetar- 2With much more room, RV parking teams were able to arrive ian.” Don’t mind if I do. Four days later another offer came in and the day before and begin setting up. Some were smoking meat I had to turn it down! Here at the end of the season I have deer all night long. Others were there to tailgate. When all was said meat coming out of my ears. and done, the new location opened doors for this event to grow I love pounding out medallions nice and thin from tenderloin. exponentially. A light dusting of flour and a quick fry in shallow oil is deli- This year’s showdown will be held in the same location cious with a side of potatoes. Shoulders I can do, but usually on Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Expect the usual live a smoker low and slow. It’s not my favorite cut. I’d rather send music and tons of chili. If you are interested in volunteering for this to the processor and have something made. The big ham is this event or have the guts to try your hand at the largest contest Photo/KFC my favorite. in our area, log onto community.acsevents.org. Teams must sell at Cooking one of these all day long is the key to fine venison least 75 tickets to enter at the $10 advanced price. Tickets at the It puts the ‘yum’ in YUM! Brands. eating, but I don’t always have all day to tend to a flame. Recently gate will be $15. I had to opt for the oven. I know Mardi Gras is just underway, but you have to plan KFC launched a much more publicized campaign of the Double I love a good dry rub more than most marinades, but with veni- ahead if you want to make a splash in this game. Down Sandwich, the first of its kind using chicken in place of son you’re dealing with almost no fat. For this big chunk of meat bread. My confusion is in the “why.” If the chicken is breaded and I gave it an overnight soak in Italian dressing with a few dashes of KFC has done it again with the Double Down Dog fried then it certainly isn’t low carb. Maybe KFC just has some- Worcestershire sauce. The next day I discarded the marinade and It is unlikely that this will ever make it to the United States, but thing against bread as a containment option. salted the meat, placing it on a roasting pan rack at 300 degrees as consumers we should be aware of the possibility. KFC has the for about six hours. When the meat thermometer reached 170 de- Internet buzzing with their latest creation, the Double Down Dog. Deer season comes to a close, recipes abound grees it stopped climbing. I allowed it to cook another hour or so Some are calling it an abomination while some call it a stroke of When it comes to hunting I would rather fish. I’m not the until the temp began to rise. At that point I took it out of the oven genius. Others call it a stroke inducer. This “sandwich” looks like squeamish type. I just don’t feel like getting up early or being as and covered it with foil as it cooled. it could have come from Frankenstein’s lab. It’s a hot dog covered quiet as a church mouse for any length of time. Call me what you Pulling the meat is a meal itself. I can’t help but graze every in cheese. However, the bun has been replaced by a breaded and want. I am one proud Southerner who never got buck fever. time the perfect piece comes my way. When all was said and deep fried chicken breast filet. To most of my hunting friends the excitement is in the kill. To done I had more meat than my family could consume in a week. Before you get too excited and write your Congressman to me it’s in the eating. I am quite fond of wild game, and though I The first night, I smothered some of the meat in barbecue sauce keep this kind of smut out of our restaurants rest easy knowing it don’t think it always makes a recipe better I will go on record as with onions. The next day I had deer spaghetti. The following has so far been available only overseas. Select KFCs in the Philip- saying it almost always makes it more interesting. night I made venison chili. I am nearing the point of getting sick pines sold 50 Triple Ds per day for Jan. 26 and 27 only. It was Lucky for me my shotgun rests in the closet free of shells while of it, but it’s so lean and so good. I still have plenty in the freezer enough to get the Internet’s attention. According to KFC there are I have somehow tricked others into spending valuable time and for the next time I fire up the smoker, but oven deer meat was no plans to bring it into the US. money on camouflage, hunting camp fees and artillery as they almost as good! This is the latest takeoff in the Double Down series. In 2010 return home with fresh meat to offer me. If I could get half of my Recycle!

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 19 tin tOp ReStAuRAnt & OYSteR BAR ($$) CReAm & SuGAR ($) Slap your mama good home ROmA CAFe ($-$$) Best seafood, premium aged Breakfast, lunch in Oakleigh. Ice cooking. Pasta, salad and sandwiches. steaks, extensive wine list. 6232 Bon cream too. 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 Secour Hwy County Rd. 10.• 949- 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 mARS HiLL CAFe ($) ROSie’S GRiLL ($-$$) 5086 d’ miCHAeL’S ($) Great sandwiches, coffee & more. Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days wintzeLL’S OYSteR HOuSe ($-$$) Philly cheese steaks, gyros & more. 1087 Downtowner Blvd. 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. 643-1611 626-2440 $ uNDeR $10/PeRSoN 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 653-2979 mARY’S SOutHeRn COOkinG ($) ROYAL kniGHt ($) $$ 10-25/PeRSoN 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., deLiSH deSSeRtS ($) 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 Steak night on fridays. Saraland • 442-3335 meLLOw muSHROOm ($) 3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1270 $$$ oVeR 25/PeRSoN zeA’S ($$) Great desserts & hot lunch 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 Pies & awesome beer selection. ROYAL StReet CAFe ($) Gourmet rotisserie with prime rib Homemade lunch & breakfast. & seafood. dew dROp inn ($) 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 Classic burgers, hotdogs & Business Casual setting. miCHeLi’S CAFe ($) SAGe ReStAuRAnt ($$) 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473- Inside the Mobile Marriott. BOneFiSH GRiLL ($$) 7872. 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 Eclectic dining & space. mOmmA GOLdBeRG’S deLi ($) 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 dOwntOwneRS ($) SAtORi COFFeeHOuSe ($) 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 Completely Great sandwiches, soups & salads. Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. BAudeAn’S ($$) 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. ComfortaBle 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 Fried, grilled, steamed & always AL’S HOtdOGS ($) e winG HOuSe ($) 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 fresh. 3300 River Rd. 973-9070 mOnteGO’S ($-$$) SeRdA’S COFFeeHOuSe ($) Classic hotdogs, gyros & 195 S University Suite H Coffee, lunches, live music & BOudReAuX’S CAJun GRiLL ($-$$) milkshakes 662-1830. 2212 Dauphin Island Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft Quality Cajun & New Orleans beer. 6601 Airport Blvd. gelato. 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 Pkwy • 479-2021 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 Cuisine. 29249 US Highway 98 ASHLAnd midtOwn puB ($-$$) FiReHOuSe SuBS ($) 634-3445 SmOkeY demBO SmOke HOuSe Daphne. 621-1991 Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. Hot subs, cold salads & catering. mOStLY muFFinS ($) ed’S SeAFOOd SHed ($$) Muffins, coffee & wraps. ($) 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 245-A Old Shell Rd. 479-3278 6300 Grelot Rd. 473-1401 Fried seafood served in hefty AtLAntA BReAd COmpAnY ($-$$) 631-3730 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 SpOt OF teA ($) portions. 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625- Sandwiches, salads & more. 3680 FiSHeRmAn’S LeGACY ($) mudBuGS At tHe LOOp ($) Dauphin St. • 380-0444 Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. 1947 Deli, market and catering. 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. FeLiX’S FiSH CAmp ($$) BenJAmin’S ($) 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 Burgers,wings and seafood. 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 muG SHOtS ($$) SOutHeRn deCAdenCe deSSeRtS Upscale dining with a view. FiVe GuYS BuRGeRS & FRieS ($) ($) Soups, Salads, Desserts & 2107 Airport Blvd. • 450-9377 Bar & Grill. 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 Sandwiches. BRiquetteS SteAkHOuSe ($-$$) 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 HALF SHeLL OYSteR HOuSe ($) Grilled steaks, chicken and 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 1956 B University Blvd. 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 FOOSACkLY’S ($) newk’S eXpReSS CAFe ($) seafood. 720A Schillinger Rd. S. Oven-baked sandwiches & more. 300-8304 JOHn wORd’S CAptAin tABLe ($$) Suite 2. • 607-7200 Famous chicken fingers. SteVie’S kitCHen ($) Come wine, dine and dance. CAFe 219 ($) 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 Sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, 2701 Battleship Pkwy • 433-3790 Salads, sandwiches & potato OLd 27 GRiLL ($) soups, salads & desserts 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. LeGACY BAR & GRiLL ($$$) salad. 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite American, Seafood,Stekhouse. CAFe mALBiS ($) 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. 150. 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761. Fairhope • 281-2663 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 Contemporary fare & eclectic 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 tAmARA’S BAR & GRiLL ($) LuCY B. GOOde ($$) spirits. 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • iStAnBuL GRiLL ($) ORLeAnS pO-BOYS ($-$$) Wings, po-boys, burgers. Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. 661-6620 Authentic Turkish Resturant. 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 CAJun SeAFOOd ($) 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 • 929-0002 Seafood market & deli fresh ORLeAnS CAFe ($-$$) tp CROCkmieRS ($) 967-5858 seafood. 408 Dauphin Island JAmAiCAn ViBe ($) Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & LuLu’S ($$) Mind-blowing island food. American Restaurant & Bar Pkwy. 478-9897 wings. 3721 Airport Blvd. • 380- Live music & great seafood. CAmiLLe’S SidewALk CAFé ($) 3700 Government Blvd. Ste A 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores 1503 tHe BLind muLe ($) Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. 602-1973 pAnini pete’S ($) Daily specials made from scratch. 967-5858 5817 Old Shell Rd. JACk’S CAtFiSH CAmp ($$) Original sandwich and bake shop. ORiGinAL OYSteR HOuSe ($-$$) Steak & Seafood 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. 343-0200 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope tHe HOuSe ($-$$) A great place for kids and CAmeLLiA CAFé ($-$$$) 4815 Halls Mill Rd. • 661-4434 929-0122 Seafood, sandwiches, salads & seafood. Contemporary southern fare. JimmY JOHn’S ($) 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626- 19 S. Conception St. • 405-0031 soups 61 Section St., Fairhope Sandwiches, catering & delivery 2188 pdq ($) 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 OYSteR ROCkeFeLLeR ($$-$$$) 928-4321 too. CAmmie’S OLd dutCH ($) 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414- Chicken fingers, salad & tHe HunGRY OwL ($) 312 Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 5444 sandwiches. 1165 University Blvd. Burgers, flatbread pizza & RiCe ASiAn GRiLL & SuSHi BAR Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. JOe CAin CAFé ($) 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 202-0959 seafood. 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. ($) 3964 Government Blvd. • 378- CARpe diem ($) Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. queen G’S CAFé ($) 633-4479 8083 Deli foods, pastries & specialty 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 Down home cooking for lunch. tHRee GeORGeS CAndY SHOp ($) tHe HARBOR ROOm ($-$$) drinks. 4072 Old Shell Rd. kitCHen On GeORGe ($-$$) 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 Light lunch with Southern flair. Unique seafood. 304-0448 Contemporary American food. ReGinA’S kitCHen ($-$$) 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 CHAt-A-wAY CAFe ($) 351A George & Savannah St. Sandwiches, subs and soups. tROpiCAL SmOOtHie ($) tp CROCkmieRS ($-$$) Quiches & sandwiches in Spring 436-8890 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 Great smoothies, wraps & American Restaurant & Bar Hill. 4366 Old Shell Rd. 343-9889 LAp’S GROCeRY & GRiLL ($-$$) RiVeR SHACk ($-$$) sandwiches. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 CHiCken SALAd CHiCk ($) Casual Seafood & southern Seafood, burgers & steaks. 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Salad tHe BLueGiLL ($-$$) classics. 1595 Battleship Parkway, 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River wiLd winG StAtiOn ($) A historic seafood dive with live & Soup. 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit Spanish Fort • 626-0045 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 R • 660-0501 443-7318. music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 mAGHee’S GRiLL On tHe HiLL ROLY pOLY ($) YAk tHe kAtHmAndu kitCHen CRAVin CAJun ($) ($-$$) Great lunch & dinner. ($-$$)Authentic foods from tHe itALiAn FiSHeRmAn ($$) Po-boys, salads & seafood. Wraps & salads. Seafood Italian style. 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 Himalayan region. 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy mAmA’S ($) 2503 Old Shell Rd. • 478-2881 287-1168 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115

20 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 tHe tReLLiS ROOm ($$$) 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999 of you. Italian dishes & local flair. wASABi SuSHi ($$) RAVenite ($) 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 Japanese cusine Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more HiGHLiGHtS SpORtS LOunGe At ip 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 CASinO ReSORt SpA ($) Yen ReStAuRAnt ($) ViA emiLiA ($$) Brews & game on 65 screens. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. a little Vino Homemade pastas & pizzas made 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 dOmke mARket 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 HiGH tide CAFé At ip CASinO Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne 625-4695 ReSORt SpA ($) ‘Cue & more. 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. Casual & relaxing, extensive BACkYARd CAFe & BBq ($) 375-0599 olé mi amiGo! menu. 850 Bayview Ave. Home cookin’ like momma made. FAtHOmS LOunGe CABO COAStAL CAntinA ($) A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live is tHe Game on? 888-946-2847 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 BuFFALO wiLd winGS ($) 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 BR pRime At BeAu RiVAGe ($$-$$$) BAR-B-quinG witH mY HOneY ($$) music 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 Best wings & sporting events. dAupHin St. tAqueRiA ($) Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic Fine dining establishment. BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood Red OR wHite 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 875 Beach Blvd. 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 ButCH CASSidY’S ($) 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 eL CHARRO ($) 888-952-2582 BRiCk pit ($) Famous burgers, sandwiches & Finest Mexican in WeMo. JiA At BeAu RiVAGe ($-$$) ROYAL StReet tAVeRn wings. A favorite barbecue spot. Live music,martinis & a light 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 dinner menu. CALLAGHAn’S iRiSH SOCiAL CLuB FueGO ($-$$) Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. 26 N. Royal St. • ($) Burgers & beer. dReAmLAnd BBq ($) 338-2000 Outstanding Mexican cuisine. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. SOutHeRn nApA 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 mempHiS q At BeAu RiVAGe ($) HeROeS SpORtS BAR & GRiLLe ($) LOS ARCOS ($) 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. Memphis-style Q. mOe’S ORiGinAL BAR B que ($) 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 Sandwiches & cold beer. Quaint Mexican restaurant. 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 Bar-b-que & music. Bayfront Park 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 LA COCinA ($) COASt ReStAuRAnt At BeAu Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS mCSHARRY’S iRiSH puB ($) Authentic Mexican cuisine. RiVAGe ($) 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 falafel? try Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 Sports bar-style joint. SAuCY q BARBque ($) 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope SAntA Fe GRiLL ($) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 Award-winning BarBQue. some Hummus Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. 7 SpiCe ($-$$) 990-5100 LB’S SteAkHOuSe At GRAnd 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. tHe LAndinG ($) CASinO ($$-$$$) wHiStLe StOp ($) From seafood to steaks. Fine dining with juicy steak Home cookin’ & BBQ. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 & fine wine. 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 ABBA’S mediteRRAneAn CAFe ($-$$) LuCkY’S iRiSH puB ($) no GamBlinG 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 Beef, lamb & seafood. Irish pub fare & more. Cuu LOnG SupeR pHO At GRAnd 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 Casino fare CASinO ($$) Drop DeaD JeRuSALem CAFe ($-$$) tHe StAdium ($) Asian noodle soups, bubble teas Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. Catch the games with great food. atmore & more. Gourmet 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope FiRe At wind CReek CASinO & ALABAmA CRuiSeS ($$) 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 HOteL ($$-$$$) 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 kAn zAmAn CAFe ($) 990-0408 emeRiL’S GuLF COASt FiSH Fine dining & sailing from Of wemOS ($) World-class prime steaks, 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 Orange Beach • 973-1244 Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. seafood & wine. HOuSe At iSLAnd View CASinO BAY GOuRmet ($$) mediteRRAneAn SAndwiCH ($$-$$$) Kick it up a notch. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 A premier caterer & cooking classes. COmpAnY ($) Great & quick. GRiLL At wind CReek CASinO & 3300 W. Beach Blvd. 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 HOteL ($) 877-774-8439 CAFé 615 ($$-$$$) 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725- Contemporary & old-fashioned C&G GRiLLe At iSLAnd View American fare with local ingredients. 0126 mama mia! favorites. Bentz’S pizzA puB ($) CASinO ($) 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. mint HOOkAH BiStRO ($) 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 Large breakfast, lunch or dinner Great Mediterranean food. Homemade pizza and Italian CAFé ROYAL ($$-$$$) menu. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 dishes. 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625- Biloxi 877-774-8439 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 zORBA tHe GReek ($-$$) 6992 ViBe At HARd ROCk HOteL nOJA ($$-$$$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. BuCk’S pizzA ($$) And CASinO ($-$$) wAHOO’S pOOLSide BAR & GRiLL At pALACe CASinO ReSORt ($-$$) Inventive & very fresh cuisine. 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 Delivery. Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. Fresh seafood & more. 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 OSmAn’S ReStAuRAnt ($$) GAmBinO BROtHeRS ($) RutH’S CHRiS SteAk HOuSe At 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 Supreme European cuisine. far eastern fare Homemade pastas & sandwiches. HARd ROCk HOteL & CASinO ($$$) miGnOn’S At pALACe CASinO 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. BAnGkOk tHAi ($-$$) 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 Exceptional servie & taste. ReSORt ($$-$$$) Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. Extraordinary wine, steaks & ROYAL SCAm ($$) GAmBinO’S itALiAn GRiLL ($) 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 Italian, Steaks, Seafood, seafood. BAnzAi JApAneSe ReStAuRAnt HARd ROCk CAFé At HARd ROCk 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 HOteL And CASinO ($) 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 RutH’S CHRiS SteAk HOuSe ($$$) ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. GuidO’S ($$) American fare & rockin’ tHe den At tReASuRe BAY Exceptional service & taste. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. GOLden BOwL ($) memorabilia. CASinO ($-$$) 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 Intimate & casual with daily specials. tAmARA’S dOwntOwn ($$) Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine LA ROSSA ($$) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 Casual fine dining. Catering and Market. SAtiSFACtiOn At HARd ROCk Liquid ($$) HOteL And CASinO ($) Cq At tReASuRe BAY CASinO ($$-$$$) 104 N. Section St., Fairhope 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne Amazing sushi & assortment of Southern favorites & fresh- Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing 929-2219 rolls. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 625-0345 entrees. uniOn ($$$) mikAtO JApAneSe SteAk HOuSe piCkLeFiSH ($$) smoked meats. Premium steaks & burgers. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 ($$) Upscale sushi & specialties. Pizza, sandwiches & salads. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 BLu At tReASuRe BAY CASinO ($) 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 tien At ip CASinO tHe BuLL ($-$$) ReSORt SpA ($-$$) Lounge with cocktails & tapas ROCk n ROLL SuSHi ($$) pApA’S pLACe ($$) menu. N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 A Taste of Italy . BYOB. Pan-Asian cuisine made in front 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 21 CC ELIXIRS CUISINE Fairhope Brewing celebrates two years, new bottling operation BY W.T. BANKHEAD/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coin- 800 beers that night. cidence?” Dan credits his wife Amy for encourag- -Stephen Wright ing him to pursue his passion for creating beer. There are windows behind the bar, and f you weren’t at The Fairhope Brewing you can literally see the vats making beer. The Company’s “Back to the Future,” second brewing is hot, the fermenting warm and the car- anniversary celebration last Saturday, you bonation & storage are cold. Barley is the main missed the premiere gala event of the early ingredient and cork wine barrels add sweetness IMardi Gras season. Sadly, I was not. But I heard and tartness. everyone had fun and seemed to enjoy the cool Fairhope Brewing Company has a spacious signature anniversary glassware for patrons to taproom — an artfully designed and unique take home. oasis — that somehow blends sophistication and Luckily however, I was treated to a personal elegance with an underlying rusticity. The atmo- tour of the brewery prior to the event, where I sphere is masculine, but the ladies like it, too. learned one of the reasons for the celebration The taproom accommodates 60 comfortably, was that the brewery is expanding and plan to and features reclaimed pine tables by a Fairhope bottle their beer by Memorial Day. Currently carpenter & unusual metal chairs crafted by a their beers are available only in kegs, therefore welder from Loxley. only available at bars and restaurants that have a Although they don’t serve food in the draft system. taproom, you’re welcome to bring your own By expanding to a bottling line, the product or have it delivered. When I’m on the Eastern will be available at grocery stores, convenience Shore, I like to pick up seafood or cheeseburgers stores and at restaurants that don’t have taps. at Seafood by the Bay, and I think anything on When this phase begins, FBC will be ca- their menu would be complimentary. pable of producing almost 20,000 bottles per Fairhope Brewing Company has movie day. Their inventive mascot, the pelican, will be nights and are frequently booked for wedding featured prominently on the bottles’ label. parties. The beers retail for $5 to $6, and on the They will also be unveiling some new chalkboard, which changes frequently, were recipes, but my personal favorites remain their Causeway IPA, Fairhope SI, Patented Black IPA Everyday Ale, Painted Black IPA and Fairhope and Imperial Stout. 51. You might also try the Lil Poison Brown Ale, In other news, Good People Brewing Co., a a Mardi Gras special, named after a Grayson craft brewery located in Birmingham, has sent a Capps song. limited-release canned beer to Mobile. It’s their On Saturday, the party kicked off with guitar- most popular beer, a Double IPA called “Snake ist and singer Mitch Johnston while The Hungry Handler” that has a huge cult following. The Owl and Bean & Bistro provided the scrump- four-packs hit shelves in Birmingham last week tious food. The brew magicians had roughly 25 and sold out within minutes. Another 60 cases small-batch beers on tap, including the brew- have just arrived in Mobile recently and should ery’s most successful seasonal ales from 2014 be on shelves where available. Good People is and new offerings brewed just for the celebra- the largest and oldest brewery in the state of tion. RonDale and the Kit Katz apparently really Alabama, and was the first craft brewery in the got the crowd into the groove. Southeast to can their beers. The Fairhope Brewing Company is the only As a side note, beer is one of the world’s brewery within a 150-mile radius in Alabama, oldest prepared beverages, and possibly dates offering arguable the freshest beer in the area. back to the early Neolithic Era or 9500 BC. The It’s the 12th craft-brewing operation to open in Fairhope Brewing Company is located at 914 the state. Nichols Ave., in Fairhope, Alabama, just west of Head brewer Dan Murphy, along with U.S. Highway 98. partners Brian Kane and Jim Foley got off to a At the end of the day it’s a good thing to phenomenal start. There was a line out the door support your local brewery. It’s an American at the grand opening, and the brewery sold about tradition.

22 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 23 COVER STORY Same-sex couples envision equality in wake of judge’s decision BY JASON JOHNSON & ALYSON STOKES

obile couple Cari Searcy and Kimberly McKeand made order to give the state the opportunity to appeal the decision to the stand in firm support of the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment,” he national headlines last week when the case they brought 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Strange was also quick to posted Friday. against the state prompted U.S. District Court Judge Callie request a permanent stay from that court, but so far, there has been Hubbard went on to speak for the Legislature saying it would en- “Ginny” Granade to overturn Alabama’s long-standing ban no response. courage a “vigorous appeal” to protect Alabama’s “Christian values.” Mon same-sex marriages. According to Kennedy, Searcy and McKeand were “mildly disap- In a statement to Bentley, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore said However, with a 14-day temporary stay issued during the pointed” by the temporary stay, but were still optimistic. Granade’s decisions raised serious, legitimate concerns about the weekend and both sides dedicated to fighting all the way to the U.S. “My clients certainly want to exercise their equal rights under the propriety of federal court’s jurisdiction over the Sanctity of Marriage Supreme Court, Searcy v. Strange has become a case with wide- law and get this adoption finished, but they also are long-range adults Amendment, and said the federal government has no authority to spread implications that Searcy’s attorney David Kennedy said are and realize it’s only a two-week stay,” Kennedy said. “We hope redefine marriage in Alabama. “changing by the hour.” that’s as long as it lasts, but Christine and I respect Judge Granade’s “The laws of this state have always recognized the Biblical Both the Mobile County Probate Court and the Alabama Court of decision and will abide by whatever order she gives.” admonition stated by our Lord,” Moore said, going on to quote from Civil Appeals previously denied Searcy’s attempts to adopt McK- In hopes of limiting the length of the court’s stay, Kennedy said the Gospel of Mark. “Today the destruction of that institution is upon eand’s biological son, citing Alabama’s Marriage Protection Act and the first order of business would be to file a response with the 11th us by a federal court using specious pretexts based (on) clauses of Sanctity of Marriage Amendment, the latter of which was approved Circuit to Strange’s request to extend it. the U.S. Constitution. If we are to preserve that ‘reverent morality, with 81 percent of the vote in a 2006 statewide referendum. Kennedy said he and Hernandez “expect the 11th Circuit to fol- which is our source of all beneficent progress in social and political The case was one of constitutionality, challenging Alabama’s defi- low Judge Granade’s take on the case,” which would be in line with improvement,’ then we must act to oppose such tyranny.” nition of a marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman, and a similar decision it made regarding same-sex marriages in Florida Moore claimed Alabama’s constitution and morality were “under prompted Searcy and her attorneys, Kennedy and Christine Hernan- earlier in January. attack by a federal court decision that has no basis in the Constitution dez, to take the issue to federal court last May. “The Florida AG and the State of Florida were saying pretty much of the United States,” and vowed to stand up to “judicial tyranny and Last week, citing cases in other states, Granade ruled that Ala- same thing in their appeal as Alabama, which is that ‘the fabric of any unlawful opinions issued without constitutional authority.” bama’s laws violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantees of society would come apart,’ essentially,” Kennedy said. “In reality, Those sentiments are shared by many who claim the will of equal protection and due process by denying homosexual couples this is only allowing a segment of our population, not even a large Alabama’s people shouldn’t be trumped by a single judge, but Ken- the right to marry, one that according to an increasing majority in the segment, to do the same things heterosexual people do. This is not as nedy said Granade — appointed to the bench by President George judicial system, is conclusively guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. sweeping of a change as it’s being made out to be by some.” W. Bush in 2001 — is a “respected, conservative judge” who issued Answering the complaint, Alabama Attorney General Luther Kennedy said there’s no way of knowing whether the 11th Circuit a “well-reasoned opinion” as to why she declared the state’s actions Strange made the argument the state had a “legitimate interest in might consider the appeal, but he hopes the court would realize the unconstitutional.” protecting the ties between children and their biological parents,” but gravity of the case and take into consideration that his “clients have “Like everybody, I love democracy and our right to vote and Granade found both laws in question “did not fulfill that which what been waiting nine years” to be considered equal parents to their child. shape the laws under which we live, but its also important to keep they were cited as protecting.” However, some are arguing Searcy’s case could ultimately be a in mind that sometime the majority will do things that infringe upon “The Attorney General fails to demonstrate any rational, much moot point, because the Supreme Court has scheduled a case about the rights of the minority,” Kennedy said. “Sometimes the laws less compelling, link between its prohibition and non-recognition of same-sex marriage it may hear as early as April. Kennedy said that’s passed by democratic vote are overly broad, and after we see how same-sex marriage and its goal of having more children raised in the something he and his clients would follow closely, but went on to they impact people and the effect they have, its up to lawyers and biological family structure the state wishes to promote,” Granade say, “you never know what the Supreme Court is going to do.” judges to interpret what those laws mean and whether they pass basic wrote. “If anything, Alabama’s prohibition of same-sex marriage de- “Ultimately, that’s not our job,” Kennedy said. “It’s our job to constitutional scrutiny.” tracts from its goal of promoting optimal environments for children.” litigate this case. The Supreme Court could legalize a certain recog- Kennedy went on to point out how similar laws were crafted in She went on to find that “children of same-sex couples are just as nition of gay marriage, but it’s all speculative when you’re talking the past to deny women and African Americans the right to vote and worthy of protection and recognition by the state” as those parented about the future.” permitted acts like child labor, poll taxes and other things that have by heterosexual couples. long since been confined to the pages of history books. Then, on Jan. 25, Granade cited Searcy v. Strange in a ruling Reaction to Granade’s ruling Though some were upset by the ruling, Searcy said she and favoring James Strawser, who likewise sued the state over its refusal On Friday, word of Granade’s ruling spread quickly through local, McKeand celebrated by dancing with their son Khaya, who was to recognize his marriage to his partner John Humphrey. Granade’s state and national media outlets, and a range of varied responses be- conceived with the donation of a sperm donor. ruling in that case again declared the state’s ban denies citizens a gan immediately pouring in spanning from regular citizens on social “It’s been nine years, and we’ve been told over and over again, “fundamental right to marry.” Because the current laws prevent media to those in the upper echelons of Alabama’s politics. ‘it can’t be done here in Alabama, just wait on a federal ruling,’” Strawser from listing his partner as his medical power of attorney, That same evening, a spokesperson for Gov. Robert Bentley Searcy said following Granade’s initial ruling. “We knew that it was Granade said it has caused “irreparable harm that outweighs any issued a statement saying, “The people of Alabama voted in a consti- possible and that if we presented the case in a smart, educated and injury” to the state. tutional amendment to define marriage between a man and a woman. strategic way, there was no way they could deny us, and that’s what Granade also applied a 14-day stay in that case, also scheduled The governor is disappointed with the ruling today, and we will happened. We’re very proud of Alabama tonight.” to expire Feb. 9. Strange filed an appeal to the Strawser case Tues- review the decision to decide the next steps.” day morning. In days since, Bentley has been largely quiet on the matter, but other couples, religious leader weigh in he has also been quoted as believing Alabama’s limited definition of Mary Knowles and Dawn Bordelon recently got married during Subsequent stays and appeals marriage is “totally constitutional.” a small ceremony in Pensacola Jan. 18, traveling first to Century, Almost immediately after the Searcy ruling, Strange submitted a Mike Hubbard, speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, Florida to legally obtain a marriage license. request for a permanent stay. Had it not been denied by Granade, it was quick to lash out against Granade through his own social media “It’s been a long time coming,” Knowles said. “Finally, now we would have prevented any same-sex marriages from being performed avenues, but swiftly deleted his comments after Granade approved a can be a family in the eyes of the law.” or recognized in Alabama until the Supreme Court possibly rules in a two-week stay. Knowles, 30, and Bordelon, 33, opted to bypass Pensacola assum- similar case later this summer. “It is outrageous when a single unelected and unaccountable ing lines at the probate court might be too long in a border city that Instead, Granade permitted a temporary stay expiring Feb. 9 in federal judge can overturn the will of millions of Alabamians who had just been permitted to issue marriage licenses to same-sex

24 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 couples. Driving on to the small Escambia problems every relationship faces like paying County town of Century, Knowles said she and bills, having a bad day at work and other everyday Bordelon were in and out the courthouse doors in issues that come with life. just 10 minutes with an official marriage license “I never wanted to crusade for gay rights,” he in hand. added. “I want to crusade for equal rights.” The couple said they were originally going Mobile couple Katy Blankenhorn, 33, and to ask a county clerk to preside over a private Stephanie Grabowsky, 32, have been together since ceremony, but once their friends and family heard 2004 and recently wed in Pensacola on Jan. 8. the news, they insisted on participating. Having an unofficial wedding ceremony in With about 15 people in attendance at Pensac- 2008 without any legal documentation, the couple ola’s Bayview Park, a friend of the couple married opted for a courthouse ceremony so the marriage the two women in front of friends and family. could be recognized immediately. Knowles carried a bouquet and Bordelon donned a “As the clerk read the words and we repeated traditional boutonniere for the impromptu wedding. after her, I felt like I was disconnected from my- “It was really small and really thrown together, self for a minute,” Blankenhorn said. “We’d been but it was really nice to be able to do that in a pub- married in our hearts and minds for so long, it was lic, open setting and let our kids know that love is bizarre that only as of that minute were we finally going to win,” she said. legally wed … As we walked out, paper in hand, I The newlyweds were traveling to Louisiana didn’t really feel any different. Here was my fam- to visit family when the news broke of Judge ily, same as we had been for so long now. Granade effectively overturning the state’s ban on “With marriage equality on the horizon in gay marriage. Alabama, soon we’ll be able to legally be a family “I checked Facebook and it was blowing up,” here in our home state as well,” Blankenhorn con- Knowles said. “It’s so crazy to get so excited over tinued. “When the hospital asks if I’m married, I something that our neighbors can do five times don’t have to pause and say, ‘Well not in Alabama, over. It’s insane to get so excited over such a small legally.’ Instead I can just say yes.” thing (like marriage), but I don’t believe it’ll be According to Rev. Sandy O’Steen, pastor of small in the long run.” Mobile’s Cornerstone Metropolitan Community Knowles said she and Bordelon had been paying Church, there are only six books in the entire close attention to cases in Mississippi, Louisiana Bible that speak on homosexuality, a word she and Texas, believing one of those Southern states claims didn’t even exist until 1890. would be next to legalize same-sex marriages — “I think it’s a human rights issue,” she said. not Alabama. Knowles believed Alabama would be “The church historically has been wrong and the last state to permit gay marriage. they’re wrong on this issue.” “Alabama was a complete shocker,” she said. Further, O’Steen said she urges anyone who “We were completely surprised.” condemns same-sex marriage to study the scrip- Mobile native Travis Greene, 44, shared similar tures instead of simply taking things at face value. sentiments when he first saw the news online. “Don’t just believe what you’ve heard,” she “I really thought it was some satire website,” said. he said. “I was very surprised to hear that Alabama O’Steen has been a pastor for 20 years and has had overturned (the ban). I really thought the Su- served at Cornerstone MCC for three. She was preme Court was going to have to do it for us.” present in support of Searcy and McKeand at a Greene and his partner, Jeff Vice, 46, have press conference Monday. Cornerstone MCC is a been together for 17 years and like many other Protestant Christian church with about 85 percent same-sex couples, have contemplated traveling to of the congregation part of the LGBT community. another state to get legally married. However, the “I don’t think any church should be afraid that pair ultimately decided to wait. gay people are going to walk in,” she said. “We really wanted to be able to get married Knowles believes the ruling is a big win for in Alabama,” he said. “We’ve always wanted to. the LGBT community and recognizes that in the I just want to make sure it’s recognized here. I eyes of the law, same-sex marriages are just like wouldn’t want to go down there (to the court- heterosexual marriages and eventually, everyone house), and think it’s finally happened and some- will be afforded equal rights. one tell you ‘no.’ Jeff and I want to make sure that “It means unity, equality,” she said. “Our son when it happens, it happens.” was so proud to go to school and announce that Despite living in the South for his entire life, his parents were legally married just like every Greene said he has never felt oppressed for his one of his other friends. I’ve just got so much sexuality, yet does admit feeling a tinge of jeal- hope for the next generation. They don’t see it ousy toward same-sex couples who can freely and openly be married in the state in which they live. as one side or the other. Love wins out, and it’s “It’s like, ‘I wish I could do that here,’” he said. amazing to watch in our youth.” Further, Greene said he is hopeful that his rela- Knowles’ recalled taking her 12-year-old bio- tionship may finally be recognized in Alabama. logical son Payton to the Civil Rights Memorial “I want to get married like anyone else,” he in Montgomery two years ago to show him how said. “It’s just as important as a straight couple’s far society had come from that point in time to the relationship. “ present day. Greene said he and Jeff experience the same “He may be able to do that with his kids for the

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 25 ARTIFICE | ART Arts organizations anxious about Civic Center’s fate BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

eah, yeah, we know: Mardi Gras organizations will have meeting where else we could hold our performances because of them and Mobile Ballet. to find new confines for their 2016 soirees. Bye bye the expense and have not come up with an alternative.” Opera board members also wonder if their dissolution could Civic Center. Cooper commiserated but explained the Civic Center had negatively affect the Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO). While The mayor’s office sprang that feline from the croaker “outlived its usefulness” to the tune of a $2 million annual drain MSO uses the Saenger, they share office space with the opera. Ysack well over a month ago when they told Carnival organiza- on city finances. He acknowledged the lack of facilities that The Josephine Larkins Music Center in LoDa was built specifi- tions to find new venues for their pre-Lenten balls. Hence the could accommodate their demands. cally for those two arts organizations and the opera still holds Infant Mystics’ newly found interest in historic preservation. “We are committed to a smooth transition and to helping long-term debts MSO would have to assume. There’s also the But lost in the clutching of the plastic pearls was the disas- those organizations who may be displaced (and possibly only issue of Mobile Opera’s equity in that building. trous effect this might have on a pair of fine arts mainstays and temporarily) find alternative locations for their purposes,” When asked what might happen in such a situation, MSO CEO the ripples it could create through the cultural community. It’s Cooper wrote. “We recognize the need for large venue space and Celia Mann Baehr declined to speculate on hypothetical questions. just too bad they weren’t debriefed as well. world-class performing arts space.” “We of course wish all to remain financially healthy and vi- Long ago, Mobile Opera performed its solo work at Murphy Cooper mentioned near-term consequences that might “in- able since our arts organizations are part of what makes Mobile High School auditorium then moved to the Civic Center Theater convenience” citizens and organizations. He said diligent plan- the wonderful city it is,” Baehr wrote. after its mid-1960s construction. In 1978, the venerable cultural ning and thoughtful engagement would provide alternatives with “So who is the one who gets to hold the meter telling Mobile institution, one of the nation’s oldest, doubled its annual perfor- “whatever replaces the Civic Center” making “us more complete what it needs and doesn’t?” an opera board member asked Ar- mance slate where it has remained ever since. as a city.” He had no specific time frame for the conversation. tifice. Some would quickly say because he was elected to lead, Mobile Ballet was born in 1986 from a fractious 8-year his- Cooper asked whether the University of South Alabama’s that power is granted solely to the mayor and his staff. tory that featured the salacious murder of a founding member. Laidlaw Performing Arts Center could serve as a temporary So we’ve seen those decisions unfold, slicing performance Aside from a joint performance with Jackson Ballet at the replacement venue. But the auditorium in west Mobile seats contracts for arts while throwing cash at the tennis center, put- Saenger during an earlier incarnation, Mobile Ballet has made a roughly 250 compared to approximately 2,000 at the Civic ting Hank Aaron Stadium on life support while possibly swing- home at Mobile Civic Center Theater. The reasons they use the aging venue are obvious. The Center. ing a wrecking ball at the Civic Center. Combined with a failure backstage accommodations, equipment and facility, in addition The opera advocate wrote back with news Mobile Opera of courtesy for the opera and ballet the mayor gave to mystic to stage size and an orchestra pit, eclipse any other in town. The Director Scott Wright volunteered for any conversation with the societies, it sends a message — intentional or not — that the arts Saenger is a tight squeeze for the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, administration. She also said the Saenger’s lack of an orchestra are way down on the priorities list. so getting a symphonic unit in there along with dancers or sing- pit was a major hindrance and asked if the the money saved by Rule of thumb has classical cultural entities adding allure to a ers would be pretty difficult. the Civic Center’s eradication could be used to build one. city when courting new business. Europeans especially, popular Now, personnel from Mobile Opera tell Artifice neither they “The city will look at all options once it decides to take ac- wisdom maintains, are keen on such things. nor Mobile Ballet were included in the demolition pow-wow. tion on the Civic Center,” Cooper wrote back. “That said, I am Yet, judging from the overseas investors we seem bent on at- They found out about their imminent homelessness through not making a firm commitment. As I said, we want this to go tracting, lackluster education and an easily exploited labor pool media reports. smoothly and are sensitive to all those affected by this.” appear to be the real calling cards. Strong backs and low pay are Finally, a Mobile Opera board member wrote the mayor’s One of the concerns from Mobile Opera orbits the multi- the bait for steel mills and assembly lines. Chief of Staff Colby Cooper to inquire as to the future of the year planning process for their shows. This isn’t Mickey If arias and Arabesques don’t make the cut, so be it. We’ve venue. She explained their dilemma. Rooney and Judy Garland deciding on the fly to stage a show been there before but the question is do we want to be there again? “If the civic center theater closes so goes Mobile Opera,” in the barn — look it up, kids. They said the evaporation of This story’s not over yet, but the ending of this chapter is Sheryl Bates wrote in email. “We have discussed at many a the Civic Center Theater might just be the death knell for both certainly a cliffhanger. As Artifice knows, so will you.

26| LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 27 ART GALLERY | ART

Upstate artist featured at UM BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected] he University of Mobile welcomes not In 2006 and 2011 Speed pieces were selected just the work of an artist from upstate but for publication in New American Paintings the artist himself at the Marilyn Foley Art Southeastern and Western editions. He also Gallery for “Through the Trees: an exhibit boasted solo exhibits at the Nebraska Gover- Tby Bryce Speed,” which will run through Feb. 27. nor’s Mansion and has shown in several states. “Often within my compositions on paper, Marilyn Foley Gallery Director and Universi- images of outside and inside merge, creating ty of Mobile Professor of Art Phillip Counselman an ambiguity of architectural and atmospheric called Speed’s works a “collage of architectural space,” Speed said in a statement. “Line and structures combined with natural elements.” color represent the forces of nature, like water, “I think the viewer will find these works fire, and wind that invade and sometimes de- appeal in a very familiar way, such as color har- stroy these living spaces.” monies and luminous natural textures,” Counsel- The artist based the work on drawing and lik- man said. “The compositions will challenge and ened the structural forms as a reference for both provoke, creating a very interesting dialogue the stability and fluidity of identity. about our everyday surroundings.” “Images of destruction paired with the tempo- The gallery is located in the Ben May Build- rary and/or resilient nature of architecture serves ing and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to as a metaphor for the evolving self,” Speed said. 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Speed earned a bachelor of fine arts in paint- Speed will be on hand for a talk on Feb. 19 at ing and drawing at the University of Mississippi 1 p.m. A reception will follow. and a master of fine arts in painting from the For more information about the exhibit, call same institution in 2005. He is currently an as- the University of Mobile College of Arts and Sci- sistant professor of art at his alma mater, where ences at 251-442-2280 or go to umobile.edu. he teaches painting.

Post-War euphoria at Civic Center

alk to anyone who recalls the period after World War II and the fondness of the memories leap to the fore. Amidst the relief, opportunity and optimism, was music closely tied to those feelings and those booming years. The latest show to grace the Mobile Civic Center Theater (401 Civic Center Drive) recre- Tates it all in grand fashion as “In The Mood” takes to the stage. The live romp through yesteryear gets underway with a pair of shows on Thursday, Jan. 29, the first at 3 p.m. and the second at 7:30 p.m. This fully staged tribute to America’s Greatest Generation glides through all the jazzy, sentimental and patriotic music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and other stars of the day. With the 13-piece String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and a half-dozen singers and hoofers — in- cluding some high-flying swing dancers — the 1940s revival is at times brassy, romantic and upbeat. The costumes, choreography and arrangements are a veritable time vault. The show is in its 21st season of sold-out engagements across the U.S., Canada and England. In 2011, it swept across Australia and New Zealand with a 16-city tour. Tickets are $18.75, $27.50, $32.50 and $37.50 and available through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 251-208-7373 or go to www.mobilecivicctr.com.

Casting for Disney’s magical nanny

eel like spending a few days covered in fake soot or flying beneath an open umbrella? Then you’re in luck with a new offering from Chickasaw Civic Theatre. Auditions for Disney’s “Mary Poppins” will be Sunday, Feb. 1 and Monday, Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. in the Lola Phillips Playhouse at 801 Iroquois St. They are scheduled to last two hours. FInterested parties should be prepared to sing a short song. Bring a CD of recorded backing music or sheet music for the supplied accompanist. English or Cockney accents are encouraged. Don’t feel intimidated as your Cockney efforts couldn’t be any worse than those made (in)famous by Dick Van Dyke in the silver screen version. You might be asked to read for certain parts so don’t be alarmed. Callbacks, if needed, will be Thursday, Feb. 5. Those interested in the dance company chorus, please audition Sunday, Feb. 1. Animated pen- guins please bring your own cartoon sardines, thank you. A large cast of actors and dancers is needed, as well as two children, ages 8 to 14. Rehearsals begin in early March. The show will run May 29 through June 14, which comprises three weekends. Please bring any list of possible conflict to the audition. For more information, please email Steve Alsip, [email protected].

28 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 29 FEATURE | MUSIC ‘The Detour’ bringing world-class instrumentalists to Soul Kitchen BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Grammy Award-winning, instrumental fusion band Snarky Puppy has made quite the name for itself with an extensive catalog of live video and audio recordings. Building a dedicated fan base along the way, the rotat- Ting “family” of more than 40 session musicians has made some big strides in R&B and jazz in only a few short years. The group’s most recent release, “We Like It Here,” debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes jazz charts, and their rendition of “Some- thing” with vocalist Lalah Hathaway earned a 2014 Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Mobile will get a taste of the talent as some of Snarky Puppy’s key members present the “The Detour,” at Soul Kitchen, Wednesday, Feb. 4, a show consisting of three separate acts: Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles, Ghost-Note and the Mark Lettieri Trio. Cory Henry is an accomplished and awarding-winning organ and keyboard player that has lent his skills to a myriad of art- ists including Sara Bareilles, P. Diddy, Kirk Franklin, Michael

McDonald, Boyz 2 Men, NAS, Bruce Springsteen, The Roots Photos/Royal Artist Group and many others. Lettieri is a well-versed guitar player skilled in multiple styles who has made a name for himself outside of Snarky Puppy Mark Lettieri, along with “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth (l-r) will present “The Detour” Feb. 4 playing with neo-soul icon Erykah Badu and a host of others. He’s also made a splash in the instrumental guitar world, having guys that all know my music and I’ll sort of just put them all in the gospel scene,” Lettieri said. “Snarky Puppy had been a band released two albums of his own, “Knows” and “Futurefun,” with different combinations,” Lettieri said. “It’s really just a bunch for a little while before I joined, so there was a year of me watch- a third currently in the works. of Dallas guys that have playing together for years. The Mark ing them be awesome. Then they were finally like, ‘OK, you can Ghost-Note, featuring percussionist Nate Werth and drummer Lettieri Trio is just what I call it when there’s three of us, and the play with us.’” Robert “Sput” Searight, have been called the heartbeat of Snarky (Mark Lettieri) Group is what I call it when I can find four.” When he hasn’t been on the road with the “Fam,” Lettieri Puppy. The two typically make up part of the rhythm section Though he’s been playing guitar since he was 11, Lettieri took became a sought-after studio guitarist, working with artists like that gives the band its dynamic sound, and Ghost-Note is an a different path compared to most jazz guitarists. He originally 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Adam Levine, Keyshia Cole all percussion show that captures the melody through the pairs’ moved to Texas to run track and field at Texas Christian Univer- and others. Most of that work came through his involvement intertwined and multi-styled grooves. sity, where he majored in advertising. But after his track meets with Team SKP, a production collective led by award-winning Each of the three groups are fundamentally different, but and classes were finished, Lettieri was gigging and getting his producer Symbolyc One. are rooted in the same love for instrumental music, and Lettieri feet wet in the Dallas music scene. “He has an interesting dynamic. Sometimes he’s really recently told Lagniappe each musician has a chance to showcase Like many college graduates, Lettieri didn’t exactly have a specific about what he wants on a track, and other times he says, their own sound, with support from their regular touring mates. job waiting on him after he got his diploma, which presented him ‘here you go, go do your thing.’” Lettieri said. “It’s almost like “Calling it ‘The Detour’ suggests taking an alternate route with a chance to try and make “this music thing” work. a blank canvas and anything goes. It’s cool, because a lot of hip- from what we normally do with Snarky Puppy, but still ulti- “Playing guitar was always my passion, but it wasn’t until hop stuff today has a fair amount of rock and indie rock guitar mately getting us to the same place,” Lettieri explained. “We’re maybe the end of my time in college I realized I could turn it into stuff being brought in.” not the only guys in the band that have solo or side projects, but a career,” he said. “When you’re a kid, you think every profes- Though the members of all three bands in The Detour have recently we’ve been talking about making this package deal that sional musician must be a rock star, but then I was able to figure been playing together for years, Lettieri said he, Henry and showcases three groups that are related to Snarky Puppy, but out there’s this thing called being a freelance musician. Trying Ghost-Nate all intend to focus on their own original sounds as sound completely different from one another. It’s a cool thing to figure out how to make a living doing this actually takes more they visit venues around the country. Or at least they’re going to for the fans because we’re related, but still unrelated in our own time than anything.” try. right.” Because he wanted to keep the income incoming, Lettieri ex- “I want to showcase our composition as much as I can,” Lettieri Though he’s from northern California, Lettieri considers panded his versatility as a guitar player. More styles meant more said. “We’re trying to stay away from a big jam session, but I himself a Dallas guy — it’s where he cut his teeth in the music gigs, which in turn meant more money. think the crowds are going to expect to see something like that. industry. The members of the Mark Lettieri Trio on “The De- He started working on his studio chops while he also began The cool thing is, the stage is going to be set up the same for all tour” reflect his Texas influence. to cater to the gospel scene. While playing with Myron Butler, three acts, so if I turn around and Cory is on keys, I’m not going Wes Stephenson (bass) of the Funky Knuckles and TaRon Lock- Lettieri shared the stage a few times with Michael League, to kick him off.” ett (drums) will be backing Lettieri during the stop in Mobile. Snarky Puppy’s founder and bassist. Then, for a while, he toured Doors open at Soul Kitchen on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 Both have been involved in previous collaborations with the alongside Snarky Puppy while playing guitar for trumpeter p.m., and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available in guitarist. Philip Lassiter’s group. advance at soulkitchenmobile.com for $10 or at the door for $12. “I don’t really have a band so to speak, it’s just a stable of “We were all just a bunch of white boys getting involved with

30 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 31 RUNDOWN | MUSIC AeroFest promises unique festival experience BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

or decades, many locals have not paid much table, AeroFest also plans on being one of the most attention to Brookley Aeroplex. Then Airbus technologically advanced festivals in the world. An came around. The aircraft manufacturer’s attendee’s entry bracelet will serve as an interactive arrival has the potential to once again fill this key to many festival enhancements. Flargely dormant airfield with people and businesses, Those in attendance will have the option of mak- but in a couple of months, a new event promises to ing AeroFest a cashless experience. Funds can be bring people and attention to the complex and not for loaded onto the bracelet for purchases during the economic development purposes. festival. After a purchase is made, festival-goers will From March 20-21, Mobile AeroFest will be land- have the chance to review their purchases online and ing at Brookley. The new festival not only promises to see exactly how much of their money is going to the bring a wide selection of musical acts and entertain- Independence Fund. ment, but will also generate income for the Indepen- When bracelets are purchased, festival-goers dence Fund, which assists service men and women will also answer a questionnaire. From the spon- who have been injured in battle both physically and sor’s booths to the expo, their input will shape their mentally. Further, the festival will host a Titan FC festival experience. For example, those interested in championship fight, an education fair, a career fair and the career fair will have the chance to upload their a business symposium. resume. When they approach a business featured at Since the festival was announced several months the career fair, their resume can be instantly accessed. ago, I have been quite curious about what the lineup AeroFest will also feature other unique techno- would include. Last Friday, AeroFest shed a little light logical perks. For example, attendees will also have on the subject, unveiling a surprisingly varied and a chance to create a personalized video of their Aero- talented schedule of musicians. Fest experience that can be featured on their social Big & Rich will return to Mobile as the festival’s media page. When attendees choose this option, their major headliner, but the lineup includes Matisyahu, bracelet can be detected by video cameras throughout Dawes, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Cowboy the festival. At the end of each day, festival goers Troy, Lee Fields & the Expressions, Dumpstaphunk, can visit a sponsored area where their video will be Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Zoogma, Lost Bayou compiled and provided for posting online. Ramblers, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, The General admission tickets are on sale now at www. Whigs, Soul Rebels, Rosco Bandana, Honey Island mobileaerofest.com. One day general admission Swamp Band, Matthew Curry, Futurebirds, The tickets are $30, while weekend passes are $45. Those Photo/ Aerofest: big and rich: bigandrich.com Heard, Steve Gunn, Generationals, 88 Ultra (Kingston wanting to attend the festival will also have the option of BSBD), Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires, Ryley of paying extra to experience the Titan FC Champion- Walker, Nick & the Ovorols and Horse Thief. ship fight card. VIP options are also available. Big & Rich will be among the headliners of the inaugural Mobile AeroFest. While all aspects of the festival are quite no-

32 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 Dual bill from Nashville BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Los Colognes, Willie & the Giant Date: Saturday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: $10 at the door Mobile favorite is returning to Callaghan’s for another evening of classically in- spired modern rock. Los Colognes is one of the many bands that have exploded in popularity since first performing at the intimate Oakleigh Garden District venue. The six-piece from Nashville has toured relentlessly since the release of their debut,A “Working Together.” Inspired by organic rockers such as J.J. Cale, their nostalgic sound has earned an ever-growing fan base as well as slots on the lineup at Hangout Fest and the Austin City Limits Festival. They are also gaining notice across the pond, with a recent tour through the UK. For Saturday’s performance, Los Colognes will follow fellow Nashville (by way of Bir- mingham, Alabama) band Willie & the Giant, self-described as “a double-shot of vintage rock ‘n’ soul, tastefully wrapped and carried like a party gift into the now.” In order to capture its vintage sound, Willie & the Giant entered the analog environment of Nashville’s Welcome to 1979 studio to lay down tracks for their debut single “Ain’t Gonna Wait/Poor Boy.” Discreet listeners may notice the band opted to record the track live in the studio. With a soulful groove and heartfelt lyrics, it’s a throwback to classic Motown that could tear through the hardest heart. Currently, the band has returned to the studio to complete a full- length album. Willie & the Giant will also stop by Mobile Records at 140 S. Sage Ave., for an in-store performance at 2 p.m. the same day. Photo/ www.loscolognes.com by: Rachel Briggs | Los Colognes Swinging back to the ‘40s Jamming for Christ at annual

Band: In the Mood: A 1940s Revue Date: Thursday, Jan. 29 with showtimes at 3 p.m. and 7:30 worship tour p.m. Band: Winter Jam Venue: Mobile Civic Center Theater, 401 Civic Center Dr., Date: Thursday, Feb. 5 with doors at 6 p.m. www.mobilecivicctr.com Venue: USA Mitchell Center, 5920 Old Shell Road, Tickets: $28.75-$47.90 through Ticketmaster www.mitchellcenter.com espite conflicts raging around the globe, the ‘40s were a glorious time for music. Today, Tickets: $10 at the door Composer/producer Bud Forrest is honoring the era by taking some of the best sounds of the decade and compiling them into “In the Mood.” hether you can appreciate it or not, contemporary Christian music remains a domi- Forrest is a Julliard trained pianist and conductor whose career boasts a position nant force in the music industry. The Winter Jam tour is an annual tour gathering the Daccompanying the U.S. Air Force’s “Singing Sergeants.” Forrest’s success with “In the Mood” has best and the brightest in modern Christian music and bringing their message of praise allowed the production to tour for 21 consecutive seasons. and worship to the world. Collaborator Vic Schoen joined Forrest after spending time as the musical director for both Uni- WSkillet will be returning to the Azalea City as Winter Jam’s major headliner. The group has been versal and Paramount film studios and creating arrangements for The Andrews Sisters throughout able to find exposure through more secular outlets and gather a legion on dedicated fans. Their their entire career. mainstream hit “Monster” still receives major airplay on the radio waves. Skillet will be performing A full-swing band will highlight the elaborate production, with music from Tommy Dorsey, Er- in support of their latest album “Rise.” skine Hawkins, Harry James, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Talented vocalists will also deliver Winter Jam will also bring performances from acts including Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, hits from icons such as Frank Sinatra and The Andrews Sisters. Building 429, Family Force 5, Newsong, For King & Country, Blanca, About a Mile and Veridia.

Photo/inthemoodlive.com | In the Mood Photo/www.skillet.com | Skillet

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 33 Steelism strumming its way to larger stages BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

n addition to its widely known headliners, Hangout Fest 2015 will feature a number of acts that may be more obscure. Although it may Ibe your first opportunity to see them on a larger stage, some of those acts have become local favorites with their regular performances at smaller Azalea City venues. When Steelism made their local debut, the Nashville band was virtually unknown in Mobile. However, their memorable shows at Callaghan’s gave both the band a chance to win over local fans and the Callaghan’s regulars a chance to see them in an intimate environment. The pedal-steel guitar serves as the sonic focal point of the band’s music. An instrument generally known as giving country music an extra twang, Steelism takes the pedal-steel to new dimensions by incorporating it into old school garage, mixed with a little psychedelic surf rock. When they take the stage at Hang- out Fest, the band will perform tracks from their latest release “615 to Fame.” Currently, they are warming up with a series of dates in the U.K. Steelism’s energy-filled set should pair well with the beachside setting of this world-class music festival. Photo/ steelismmusic.com Tickets for Hangout Fest are on sale now at the Hangout Fest website. VIP and In just a few short years Steelism has moved from more intimate venues to larger audiences on festival stages. travel packages are available as well.

34 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 EXTRA | MUSIC Yonatan Gat reflects on career outside Israel BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

or generations, the Middle East has become a focal point backgrounds in punk mixed with African and Middle Eastern for the Western world in various ways. Americans can rhythm. Gat refers to Domingues as an “inspiration for the rhythmic rarely experience current events in the media without aspect” of his new material. Together, they created the EP “Iberian some story explaining our intricate ties to the region. Passage,” an album called a metaphysical experience pulled from FWhile the majority are political in nature, the music of the region is the world conscious. also an important aspect of the ongoing cultural exchange. “The goal is always to know yourself,” said Gat. “It’s about The members of modern garage punk powerhouse The Mono- exploring your ideas in ways that go deeper than words. In ‘Iberian tonix displayed intense power with their style, but their hometown Passage’ we were fusing African and Middle Eastern drums and of Tel Aviv, Israel did not seem receptive to the style of music from guitars with the energy of punk rock. It was like combining ele- their local talent. Monotonix guitarist Yonatan Gat would cite the ments of where we came from and where we were. I saw it as a collective mindset in the area as a reason that they were eventually political album, about the music of the future having no nationality banned from virtually all music venues in not only Tel Aviv, but whatsoever.” also the rest of their native country. When Gat comes to Soul Kitchen, there is a possibility he will “Israel is a really intense place, for better and worst,” Gat introduce the audience to tracks from his upcoming album “Direc- explained prior to his show at Soul Kitchen last Tuesday. “It’s full tor,” which is due out in March. Domingues will not be joining him of conflict. People are very direct, honest and intense. Everyone is Photo/Yonatan Gat on this tour, but Gat revealed that drummer Gal Lazer has been a screaming and driving like lunatics. I believe that in a place like proper replacement. Lazer has been providing “radical jazz and ex- that, people are not looking for release in music the same way Guitarist Yonatan Gat toured through Mobile Tuesday. perimental dance beats” for the tracks on his upcoming release. Gat Americans and some Europeans do. People in Israel like to listen also recruited Brazilian bassist Sergio Sayeg, who is best known for with us or to our fans, but playing bigger shows or more huge to sad songs on the radio. That is their release from the intensity of his work with the band Garotas Suecas. Even though the album has festivals would not change the fact that we felt we had said what we the streets.” yet to be released, Gat is already busy planning on its follow-up. had to say.” While The Monotonix might have not found the acceptance Soon, he will be traveling to Chicago to work with legendary After two years of plotting his next move, Gat decided to ex- they sought from fellow Israelis, the rest of the world welcomed producer Steve Albini (Pixies, Nirvana, The Stooges) and Calvin plore the boundaries of his own talent. In October 2013, the guitar- them with open arms. After venturing out of the Middle East, their Johnson (Modest Mouse, Beck). Gat attributes this stellar work eth- ist surprised fans with the release of the single “Escorpiao.” While popularity spread rapidly through countries including the U.S., ic to the natural flow of creation that he experiences in the studio. Gat still embodied the garage punk foundation of The Monotonix, Canada and Australia. The Monotonix’s reputation intensified with “The records we are currently making are very enjoyable to his first single permeated with exotic overtones bearing witness to the release of their 2008 EP “Body Language,” followed by 2009’s make, as opposed to Monotonix who often suffered in the stu- his evolution as an artist. “Where Were You When It Happened?” and 2011’s “Not Yet.” dio,” he said. “Monotonix built songs in a system that was kind of “Monotonix was an all-immersive experience,” he said. “Being The Monotonix was also featured on several split 7-inch albums. ordered, then the live aspect was more chaotic and really exciting. in a band is like being the scientist and the lab rat at the same time. In spite of an impressive tour schedule that usually resulted in The new band is far more chaotic in the early stages when we are I needed a moment to plan the next idea. This time, it started with sold-out shows, The Monotonix decided to go their separate ways creating the music. We never know what is going to happen. The one person and not a group, so it’s more personal, more political. shortly after the release of “Not Yet.” Instead of citing “artistic dif- music is built on improvisation and raw energy. It is who we are.” Slowly more and more people are taking part in this new way, and ferences” or behind-the-scenes personal drama, Gat said the band The Monotonix were well-known for physical onstage antics it’s slowly leaving my hands again.” felt like it had “made its point.” that matched their music. While Gat’s live shows often capture the Gat found assistance in creating his fresh rock sound with “It was strange because the band was growing really fast when same energy, he explained that his current performance relies more Portuguese drummer Igor Domingues. The two bonded over their we stopped,” he said. “It seemed unintuitive to the people working on the power of music over the performance itself.

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 35 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4 Flora Bama— Johnny Barbato, 2p// Willie and the Giant THUR. JAN 29 Jack Robertson Show, 5:30p/// Destiny Celtic Irish Pub— Hydrogen Child BLUEGILL— Tim and Dale Duo, 6p MON. FEB 2 Brown, 6p//// Neil Dover CD Relase & My Hero the Villain Felix’s— Bryant Gilley Blues Tavern— Art & Friends, Party, 6p//// Trig County, 9:30p//// Felix’s— Bobby & Jana Flora Bama— Cathy Pace, 4p// 8:30p Smokin’ Elvis’, 10p Flora Bama— Hung Jury- Chili Elaine Petty, 8p Callaghan’s— Lee Yankie Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Gilley, Cook-off, 11a// Johnny Barbato & Hangout— Gary, 11a Celtic Irish Pub— Joey Culver 6p Friends, 1p/// LeaAnne Creswell, John Lucky’s Irish Pub— Marcus, 8p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Jonesy & Garage— PEEK Joiner, Darrel Roberts, 2p//// Ryan Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 4p Gambino Duo Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Conner, 4p//// Big Muddy, 5:30p//// Stir— Danny Spiro and the Wingmen, Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin Rumor Has It, 9:30p Jezebel’s Chill’n, 6p//// Hart Break Hill, 9p Flora Bama— Frankie Golden, IP Casino— Kathy Griffin, 8p 10p//// Whyte Caps, 10p 3p// Bo Roberts, Mark Sherrill, Chris John Word’s Captains Table— Garage— Grits N Pieces Newbury, Mickey Springdton, 5p//// Jerry Squires, 7p Hard Rock (Center Bar)— 5 Larry T Wilson & John Cook, 9p TUE. FEB 3 Legacy— Rock Bottom Band, 6p// Finger Discount, 9:30p BLUEGILL— Josh Ewing, 6p Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Gilley, Captain Fantastic- a tribute to Elton Hard Rock (Live)— Fab Four, 8p Butch Cassidy’s— Jimmy Lee 6p John, 9p John Word’s Captains Table— Cockeyed Charlie’s— Matt Neese John Word’s Captains Table— Lulu’s— Jeri, 4p Jerry Squires, 7p Felix’s— Brandon Bailey Jerry Squires, 7p Main Street Cigar Lounge— Legacy— David Chastang, 7p Flora Bama— Cowboy Johnson, Legacy— Eric Erdman Eric Erdman, 8p Lulu’s— Surgercane Jane, 4p 3p// Perdido Brothers, 7p Lulu’s— Adam Holt, 4p

AREA MUSIC LISTINGS | McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Hangout— Cribbage, 12p McSharry’s— TJ & Marshall, 7:30p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Old 27 Grill— Robbie Sellers, 6:30p Lulu’s— Neil Dover, 4p Picklefish— Danny Spiro and the Soulshine, 8p Top of the Bay— Your Girlfriend Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Beer Wingmen, 9p O’Daly’s— Danny Spiro and the Tropics— Sergio Rangel, 7p Bands and Bingo, 6p R-Life Live— Grant Dunaway Wingmen, 10p Stir— Bryant Gilley, 9p Traders— The Lizards, 7p Old 27 Grill— Hannah Wallace, Veets— The Family Jewels Soul Kitchen— John Martin David 6:30p Windmill Market— Rebecca Band with Jordy Searcy, 8p WED. FEB 4 R-Life Live— Grant Dunaway Barry, 11a BLUEGILL— Ross + 1, 6p Veets— Brooke Brown, 8p Tropics— Ric McNaughton, 7p Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand Soul Kitchen— Kristy Lee// The Hotel)— Adam Holt Piano Show, 8p Hussy Hicks, 9p SUN. FEB 1 Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio FRI. JAN 30 Veets— The Family Jewels Bill’s by the Beach— Lisa Zanghi Cockeyed Charlie’s— Ryan Beau Rivage— Merle Haggard Windmill Market— Eric Jones, Bimini Bob’s— Art & Lou Balthrop Bill’s by the Beach— Lisa Zanghi, 11a// Lisa Mills, 6p BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr., 11a Felix’s— Lee Yankie 7p Butch Cassidy’s— Trivia, 6p Flora Bama— Tophat & Jackie, 11a// BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr., Felix’s— Brandon Bailey Neil Dover, 3p// Smokin’ Elvis’, 7p 11a// Andrew Tyler, 6p Flora Bama— Legacy— Jimmy Lumpkin, 7p Blues Tavern— Jonny No, 9p SAT. JAN 31 Bill’s by the Beach— Sam Glass, Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p// Greg Lulu’s— Webb Dalton, 4p Celtic Irish Pub— Comedy Night 7p Brown, 5p Soul Kitchen— The Detour: Corey Cockeyed Charlie’s— Ryan BLUEGILL— Tim Kinsey Trio McSharry’s— Trad Irish Session, Henry, Ghost-Nate, Mark Letteri Trio, Balthrop, Ben Leninger and Greg Blues Tavern— Velvet Monkey, 9p// 6:30p 7:30p DeLuca Benefit BBQ Cookoff Picklefish— Bayou Rhythm, 12p Felix’s— DOTC Callaghan’s— Los Colognes and SEND YoUR MUSIC LISTINGS To [email protected]

36 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 AREA CLUB LISTINGS [DoWNToWN] 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 Ravenite Pizzeria [Fairhope] 251-967-LULU Trader’s Serda’s Coffee Company 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] 4015 Battleship Pkwy Alchemy Tavern www.serdas.com Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar www.pinkponypub.net 626-5630 alchemy.joltpro.com 3 S. Royal St. | 415-3000 [Daphne] 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 The River Shack 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 Skyview Lounge www.rosiesgrill.com Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] 6120 Marina Dr. S. The Blind Mule Atop the Lafayette Plaza 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 www.piratescoveriffraff.com (under Dog River bridge) 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 Windmill Market [Fairhope] 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 443-7318 Boo Radley’s Soul Kitchen www.windmillmarket.org Tacky Jacks www.booradleysmobile.com Tin Top www.soulkitchenmobile.com 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 www.tackyjacks.com 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 6232 Bon Secour Hwy. County 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 [Orange Beach] The Bar Rd. 10 | 251-949-5086 Spot of Tea’s Jaggers [WESTMoBILE] 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 352 St. Francis St. | 648-1596 Touch Down Tavern 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 All Sports Bar & Grill [Gulf Shores] The Brickyard 5460 Inn Rd | 662-7543 Studio 5’4 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881 266 Dauphin St. | 473-4739 VFW Post 7320 [Saraland] 216 Dauphin St. | 725-0406 345-9338 [Gulf Shores] Buck’s Pizza 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 T.P. Crockmiers Billiards Club 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 www.buckspizza.com Whiskey Blues [Theodore] 250 Dauphin St. | 476-1890 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 The Handlebar [Pensacola] 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 Veet’s Midnight Rodeo www.handlebarpensacola.com Cabo Cantina Zebra Lounge www.veetsbarandgrill.com 7790 Tanner Rd., Ste. B|639-2222 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 225 Dauphin St. | 441-7685 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 Cockeyed Charlies The Wharf [Orange Beach] Callaghan’s Irish Social Club 6920 Airport Blvd.|725-1112 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 473-2997 www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com [MIDToWN] Crooked Martini 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 Ashland Midtown Pub www.thecrookedmartini.com [ARoUND AND ABoUT] [CASINoS] AREA CLUB LISTINGS | MUSIC Dalhia’s Electric Piano Hall www.ashlandmidtownpub.com 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 Bill and Charlie’s [Theodore] Beau Rivage [Biloxi] 258 Dauphin St. | 378-5025 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 Flashback Club 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 www.beaurivage.com Dauphin St. Blues Company Blues Tavern 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 Blue Gill Restaurant 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 & Draft Picks www.bluestavern.com Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill www.bluegillrestaurant.com or 888-595-2534 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Firehouse Wine Bar Shop Butch Cassidy’s Cafe Lucky Irish Pub & Grill Bottoms Up [Biloxi] 216 St. Francis St. | 421-2022 www.butchcassidys.com 3692 Airport Blvd.| 414-3000 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 www.hardrockbiloxi.com Gabriel’s Downtown 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 Mellow Mushroom Briar Patch 777 Beach Blvd. 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 Kimberly’s Midtown Bar www.mellowmushroom.com 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. |228-374-ROCK (7625) The Garage 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 973-1120 Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 Mellow Mushroom Moe’s Southwest Grill Burnout’s Bar & Grill [Saraland] [New Orleans] Grand Central www.mellowmushroom.com www.moes.com 7151 Hwy 158 W | 679-9255 www.harrahsneworleans.com grandcentralmobile.com 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 280 McGregor Ave. S.| 342- 5233 Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] 256 Dauphin St. | 432-6999 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 Royal Knight Restaurant Royal Knight 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 Hayley’s Downtown Grand Casino [Biloxi] 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |287-1220 3004 Gov’t Blvd.| 476-6044 Ed’s Seafood Shed 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 www.grandcasinobiloxi.com Silver Horse Pub Patches www.edsshed.com Joe Cain Café 280 Beach Blvd. 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 228-436-2946 Whistle Stop Bar & Grill Satori Coffee House Felix’s Fish Camp Liquid IP Casino Resort & Spa 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 www.satori-coffee.com www.felixsfishcamp.com 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 [Biloxi] 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 Loda Bier Garten www.ipbiloxi.com [EASTERN SHoRE] Runway Billards Midnight Rodeo 251 Dauphin St. | 287-6871 850 Bayview Ave. Bay House Pub [Daphne] 8000 Airport Blvd. | 634-8006 7790 Tanner Rd. |639-2222 Mobile Civic Center 800-436-3000 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 The Hungry Owl Mississippi Coast Coliseum www.mobilecivicctr.com Wind Creek Casino Club 44 [Daphne] 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 [Biloxi] 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 www.windcreekcasino.com 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 Stir Mobile www.mscoastcoliseum.com O’Daly’s Irish Pub 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore Gumbo Shack 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 866-946-3360 www.guysgumbo.com VFW Post 49 The End Zone Sports Bar OK Bicycle Shop 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 [Mt. Vernon] 19170 Hwy 43. 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 McSharry’s [Fairhope] 829-9227The Oar House [NEW oRLEANS] Pat’s Downtown Grill www.mcsharrys.com [THE BEACH] [Dauphin Island] House of Blues 271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 Flora-Bama 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 www.houseofblues.com Riverview Plaza (Fathoms Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] www.florabama.com Original Oyster House 225 Decatur St . Lounge) www.moesoriginalbbq.com 17401 Perdido Key Dr., www.theoysterhouse.com |504-310-4999 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 850-492-0611 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 Howlin’ Wolf Royal Scam Old 27 Grill [Fairhope] The Hangout Pelican Pub & Restaurant www.thehowlinwolf.com/new- www.royalscammobile.com 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 www.thehangoutal.com [Dauphin Island] orleans 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 907 S. Peters St. Royal Street Tavern www.papaspizza.com Live Bait Pelican Reef Restaurant 504-522-WOLF (9653) 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 www.livebaitrestaurant.com 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Louisiana Superdome Saenger Theatre 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. Plow [Fairhope] | 973-2670 www.superdome.com www.mobilesaenger.com 974-1612 96 Plantation Pointe| 410-7569 Tacky Jacks [Spanish Fort] 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 Lulu’s at Homeport Marina Courtyard 311 www.tackyjacks.com Tipitina’s Saddle Up Saloon www.lulubuffett.com 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 1175 Battleship Pkwy. |621-8988 501 Napoleon Ave. www.saddleupmobile.com 200 E. 25th Ave. 504-895-TIPS (8477) LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 37 THE REEL WORLD/MOVIE REVIEW | FILM Jenny Slate breaks out in ‘obvious Child’ BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

f all the many year-end lists I the comedy club where she performs and read in December, I’ve been hangs out and he charms her despite being having the most fun with one a square business type guy instead of a from “Variety” called “The most hip comedian. That (plus lots of alco- ooverlooked films of the year.” This worthy hol) ends in a one night stand and their category includes several I have loved, hook-up, while perhaps ill-advised from a from “Frank” to Margaret Brown’s “The contraceptive standpoint, is fun and satis- Great Invisible,” so I figure the whole list fying, not debauched and depressing. is pretty trustworthy, which brings us to Amidst the bummer that her job at a AREA “Obvious Child,” a wonderful surprise bookstore is coming to an end with its THEATERS about a touchy subject. closure, she discovers that she’s pregnant, Jenny Slate stars as a twenty-something and no time is spent agonizing over what stand-up comedian who gets unceremoni- to do next. She decides to have an abor- ously dumped by a cheating boyfriend in tion. MoBILE the film’s first moments. Slate is a funny What makes this film so unusual and, pre- and compelling woman who was also on sumably, controversial is that she doesn’t CoUNTY “Saturday Night Live” briefly, “Bored to really debate her decision at all. She’s Death” on HBO, “Parks and Recreation” certainly upset and sad, but her choice CARMIkE and if you have kids you may know her is pretty matter of fact. I think this is a CINEMAS as the author of “Marcel the Shell with very refreshing view for many women. Wynnsong 16 Shoes On.” That’s a strange and delight- In a short and sweet film, she navigates 785 Schillinger Road S. ful YouTube film she made and voiced the two weeks she must wait to have the 251-639-7373 and turned into a strange and delightful procedure, and decides how to handle the picture book of which I am quite fond. fallout with the father. Despite the popularity of her alter ego The film doesn’t demonize her or make CRESCENT Marcel the Shell, I think we can safely her a hero for what she does; she is THEATER term this role her break-out performance. simply, as she refers to herself, a female 208 Dauphin St. 251-438-2005 As Donna, she is vulnerable but not human. Full of humor and humanity, Photo/imdb.com | “Obvious Child” pathetic, and her actions and reactions “Obvious Child” is a nicely underplayed are entirely believable. Humiliated and character study and its stars bring their Jenny Slate shines as a single woman dealing with the predict- HoLLYWooD brokenhearted, she meets a cute guy at characters fully and memorably to life. able effects of an unprotected one-night stand. STADIUM 18 1250 Satchel Paige Drive NEW IN THEATERS NoW PLAYING 251-473-9655 MORTDEcAI Wynnsong 16, Carmike Jubilee All listed multiplex theaters. Square 12, Eastern Shore Pre- BALDWIN STRANgE MAgIc miere Cinema 14, All listed multiplex theaters. Cobb Pinnacle 14 CoUNTY UNBROkEN THE BOy NExT DOOR RAvE MoTIoN All listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike THE IMITATION gAME Wynnsong 16, Eastern Shore Pre- PICTURE Crescent Theater, All listed multi- miere Cinema 14, Cobb Pinnacle JUBILEE plex theaters. 14, Carmike Wharf 15 SqUARE 12 WHIplASH THE HOBBIT: THE BATTlE 6898 U.S. Highway 90 Daphne Carmike Wharf 15 OF THE FIvE ARMIES 251-626-6266 FOxcATcHER Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike Carmike Wharf 15 Wynnsong 16, Carmike Wharf 15 AMERIcAN SNIpER ANNIE CARMIkE All listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike CINEMAS BlAckHAT Wynnsong 16 23151 Wharf Lane All listed multiplex theaters. NIgHT AT THE MUSEUM: orange Beach pADDINgTON SEcRET OF THE TOMB 251-981-4444 All listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Eastern Photo/ imdb.com | “Black or White” THE WEDDINg RINgER Shore Premiere Cinema 14, Cobb CoBB Pinnacle 14, Carmike Wharf 15 All listed multiplex theaters. THEATRES THE HUNgER gAMES: BLACk OR WhITe The LOFT TAkEN 3 PINNACLE 14 A bitter court battle ensues be- not a story about a conservative All listed multiplex theaters. MOckINgJAy- pART 1 3780 Gulf Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike tween a white lawyer (kevin Cost- but fashionable women’s clothing SElMA Shores Pkwy Wynnsong 16 ner) and a black woman (Octavia store, “The Loft” actually concerns All listed multiplex theaters. Gulf Shores Spencer) over custody of their a secret penthouse co-owned by BIRDMAN THE THEORy OF 251-968-7444 biracial grandchild. All listed multi- five married guys. They take turns Regal Mobile Stadium 18, EvERyTHINg plex theaters. using this penthouse loft to carry Carmike Wharf 15 Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Eastern EASTERN out their deepest fantasies and THE WOMAN IN BlAck 2: Shore Premiere Cinema 14, Car- SHoRE this otherwise ideal situation is ru- ANgEl OF DEATH mike Wharf 15 PREMIERE ined when a dead body turns up in Carmike Wynnsong 16 BIg HERO 6” CINEMA 14 PROJeCT ALMAnAC the loft. This means one of them INTO THE WOODS Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike Wynnsong 16 30500 State A group of teens construct a time is not just a jerk with a secret sex Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike Highway 181 machine but things go awry. All loft, but also a murderer. All listed Spanish Fort listed multiplex theaters. multiplex theaters. Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for showtimes. 251-626-0352

38 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1. Subway alternative 4. Klutzes 8. Things that go ___ in the night 12. Tumult 13. Woodwind 14. Calculus calculation 15. N.Y.C. sports venue 16. Fly, e.g. 17. Approximate 18. Wind surges 20. Isn’t quite perpendicular 21. Cinderella’s soiree 23. Factions 25. Athens attractions 27. Don’t keep up 28. Bow wood 31. Busy 33. Mariachi band instru- ment 35. Fido’s greeting? 36. Variety DOWN 26. Token taker 38. Scottish ponds 1. Engine part 28. America’s Cup activity 39. 2004 Jude Law role 2. Billboard messages 29. Audio effect 41. Buy stuff 3. Confusing 30. Stinger 42. Abalone production 4. Cry over spilled milk 32. Holiday help 45. Unwelcome forecast 5. Looks out for, maybe 34. Kate in “Titanic” 47. Egg cell 6. Paleontologist’s pursuit 37. Mug 48. Rush job notation 7. Get firm 39. Holding one’s piece 49. Diamonds 8. Deadly poisons 40. Make happy 52. Ran 9. Fertilizer ingredient 42. “___ chance!” 53. Honor, in a way 10. Suggest 43. Declare 54. Peck at 11. Course guidelines? 44. Fix 55. Blown away 19. Skeleton component 46. Fencing category 56. Certain surgeon’s 20. By-the-book 48. Fore’s counterpart “patient” 21. Forehead 50. Mushroom topper 57. Mail place (abbr.) 22. Surrounding glow 51. “I” problem 24. Aswan or Hoover Answers on Page 45

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 39 C O E MWAnGAzA ChILDRen’S ChOIR

When: WeDneSDAY, FeB. 4 WheRe: DAPhne UnITeD MeThODIST ChURCh, 2401 Main St.

A wonderful group of talented children from east Africa is going to be performing at Daphne United Methodist Church in the church Sanctuary at 2401 Main St. in Daphne. This choir, The Mwangaza Children’s Choir is an inspiring group of 20 hopeful and talented children, ages 8-14, admirably represent the orphaned and poverty-stricken youth of Uganda. Touring as a ministry outreach of Africa Renewal Ministries, they come to share a special message of hope through authentic Ugandan song and dance. The upcoming performance will be a part of Mwangaza’s tenth international tour. Please contact Randy Davis at [email protected] or the church office 251-626-2287 for questions or more information. Photo/Mwangaza Children’s Choir

January 29 and get “In the Mood” to hear a exhibit about personal discovery Come enjoy complimentary Book signing “Moonlight Serenade” performed and exploration. It is an account mimosas as artists work at the February 4 Page and Palette will host award- by a 13-piece Big Band and of late 19th and early 20th Cathedral Square Gallery, 612 Mwangaza Children’s Choir winning author Ravi Howard for a a half dozen singer-dancers century India as seen by Alabama Dauphin St. There will also be A wonderful group of talented “Wine & Sign” author event with with some hot boogie woogie! artist Roderick D. MacKenzie, works by more than 60 area artists children from East Africa is going the release of his historical novel In The Mood is a fully staged using his paintings, drawings, on display. For more information to be performing at Daphne “Driving the King.” Howard will tribute to Glenn Miller, Tommy sculptures and most importantly, call 251-694-0278. United Methodist Church in the be at the bookstore on Thursday, Dorsey, The Andrews Sisters photographs and writings. The church Sanctuary at 2401 Main Jan. 29 to discuss and sign and big band greats of the ’40s. exhibition is organized by the February 2 St. in Daphne. This choir, The copies of the book beginning Complete with period costumes History Museum of Mobile at 111 Irish network Mwangaza Children’s Choir is at 6 p.m. Tickets to the event and choreography, In The Mood S. Royal St. and is on view until Being Irish is not required! an inspiring group of 20 hopeful are $5 and may be redeemed celebrates America’s greatest Sept. 1.. Admission is free. Open to residents of Baldwin, and talented children, ages as a coupon toward the book generation that listened and Escambia, Mobile and 8-14, admirably represent the purchase. Tickets are available boogied to up-tempo big band January 31 Washington counties. Join us for orphaned and poverty-stricken for purchase prior to the event at rhythms and danced to intimate The Charity Chase a shrimp sale and planning events youth of Uganda. Touring as Page and Palette or at the door ballads. Experience the jazzy, The Charity Chase is a 5k race for the official launch of IN-MB a ministry outreach of Africa the evening of the event. For more brassy, sentimental and patriotic that allows you to compete on where dignitaries from Ireland Renewal Ministries, they come

4, 2015 29, 2015 - F EBRUARY EVENTS |JA NUARY information, contact Page and music of the World War II era. behalf of your favorite nonprofit will be here to welcome us to the to share a special message of Palette at 251-928-5295 or www. There will be two performances, organization. If you select St. Irish Network, USA. The sale and hope through authentic Ugandan pageandpalette.com. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Mary’s Home upon registration, planning will begin at 6 p.m. at song and dance. The upcoming

OF Center Theater. Tickets can be we will automatically receive a the Henderson Center, 5253 U.S. performance will be a part of Ladies night: It’s not You, It’s purchased at mobilecivicctr.com portion of your registration fee Highway 90, Henderson Antiques. Mwangaza’s tenth international Me and we will be able to win even For more information call or email tour. Please contact Randy Davis It’s not you, it’s me: breaking Government Street Forum more money based on your Cece Redmond 251-281-8783, at [email protected] or the church up with the fairytale narrative. Join the Government Street performance. Top overall male and [email protected]. office 251-626-2287 for questions Whether you are running around Presbyterian Church for lunch and female finishers will win a Jackpot or more information. kissing frogs looking for your a speaker every Thursday through Donation for their selected Ballroom Dance prince, or scaling the racks at March 26. The speaker this charities. Top age division winners The Moonlight Chasse Ballroom Mardi Gras In Mobile lecture & ALENDAR DSW for your glass slipper; this week will be Jeff Collier, Mayor will gain additional donations Dance Society hosts dance book signing

C night will examine why everything of Dauphin Island. The lunch for selected charities courtesy classes with professional Mardi Gras in Mobile is the oldest might not have a fairytale ending and forum is held in the church’s of race sponsors. The race will instructors at 7 p.m., followed Carnival celebration in the United when the clock strikes midnight. Fellowship Hall at the Jackson begin at 8 a.m. at University of by dancing from 7:30 to 10 p.m. States. We welcome Mobile’s And why that is OK. A 30 minute Street entrance on Government South Alabama Intramural Fields. Admission is $10. There will be a own, L. Craig Roberts, the author presentation followed by an open and Jackson streets. Lunch is Register online at thecharitychase. cash bar and no need to bring a of “Mardi Gras in Mobile.” The discussion mixer at the Mobile served at noon and cost $10, com or at McCoy Outdoor, Run- partner. Beginners are welcome. book explores the origins and Museum of Art, 4850 Museum which includes tea, coffee and N-Tri or Running Wild at Fairhope. Fitzpen Place, 11247 State unique elements of Mobile’s Mardi Drive. The talk will begin at 7 dessert. There is no charge to Highway 31, Spanish Fort. For Gras celebration. The lecture p.m. For more information visit attend the forum. For information, Flora-Bama Super Chili Bowl more information, email Cassie and signing will begin at 10:30 mobilemuseumofart.com or call call the church office at 251-432- Cookoff Fishbein at [email protected]. a.m. at Bellingrath Gardens, 251-208-5200. 1749. Flora-Bama’s 21st annual ‘Super 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road. Chili-Bowl Saturday’ Cook-off Teen Tech Tutor Program Contact Emily at 251-973-2217 hydroponics Gardening Class Thursdays at the Museum kicks off several annual events The Baldwin County Library for more information. Anyone can grow your own Every Thursday from 10 a.m. until aimed at giving something back Cooperative (BCLC) recently fruits and veggies no matter 9 p.m. the Mobile Museum of to a community that helped the implemented a Teen Tech Tutor Bend & Brew where you live or how you Art, 4850 Museum Drive, offers iconic roadhouse to prosper over program at the Robertsdale Join Fairhope Brewing every live. Hydroponic gardening is free admission to all visitors. Join the last 50 years. Last year over Library, 18301 Pennsylvania Wednesday night starting at better for you and cheaper in MMOA each week to experience $5,000 was raised to fight cancer. St., Robertsdale. This program 6 p.m. for Hoppy Yoga. The the long run. In this class we the museum in new and exciting Entry fee is $40 per team, who is designed to match high taproom is transformed into a will show you different ways ways throughout the year. No will be competing for over $300 school age students with strong yoga studio with Soul Shine Yoga to make your own hydroponic reservations are necessary. in cash prizes. All ingredients technological skills with adults leading the session. It’s only $5 to systems. Refreshments will be must be prepared and cooked on and seniors who are unfamiliar participate in the class and then served before class begins and January 30 premises. Souvenir chef apron with basic laptop computer you can stick around for beer as in all our classes, you will Play: The Light in the Piazza and complimentary beer from technology. The program is specials as well as light snacks take something home with you. An emotional tale of unexpected the Goldring Gulf Distributing is available Monday through Friday provided by Pretty Mean Sweets. Bring your notebook, as we will love found while an American provided to all contestants. A from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fairhope Brewing is located at introduce you to a lot of new mother and daughter are visiting $2 donation per bowl, goes to is free of charge. An appointment 914 Nichols Ave., Fairhope. things. We will have extra helpers in Italy. This beautiful love story American Cancer Society efforts is required and can be made by there to help answer questions. with its rich, lyrical melodies and to eliminate cancer as a major calling the library at 251-970- Tour Space 301 The class starts at 10 a.m. at romantic tunes will set your heart health problem through research, 4010. Tours of the Main Gallery and Seasons in the Sun, 13006 on fire. The play run through Feb. education, advocacy, and service. Fabrication Hall are every Jenkins Pit Road, Spanish Fort. To 1 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 For more information, contact February 3 Wednesday and Saturday, 11:30 register call 251-423-4381 or visit p.m. For tickets and reservations Jenifer Surface Ivey at jenifer@ BInGO a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Centre SEND YoUR EvENTS To [email protected] seasonsinthesun.biz. visit cctshows.com or call 251- florabama.com or visit us at Join The Haberdasher at 451 for the Living Arts/Space 301, 457-8887. www.florabama.com or on www. Dauphin St. every Tuesday 301 Conti St. Tours included “In The MOOD” 1940’s Big facebook.com/florabama. beginning at 9:30 p.m. for Bingo, with the price of admission. Call Band Musical Ark of India with prizes every round and drink 251-208-5671 or visit www. Hop aboard the “Chattanooga “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist February 1 specials. Free to play. For more centreforthelivingarts.com for Choo Choo” to “Tuxedo Junction” Explores Southern Asia” is an Open Studio information call 251-287-1976. more information.

40 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 MARDI GRAS 2015 SCHEDULE Mobile • Fairhope • Daphne Orange Beach

FRIDAy, JAN. 30 FRIDAy, FEB. 13 6:30 p.m. - Conde Cavaliers 6:30 p.m. - Crewe of Columbus (Mobile, (Mobile, Route A) Route A) 6:30 p.m. - Mystical Order of Mirams SATURDAy, JAN. 31 (Orange Beach) 2 p.m. - Order of the Rolling River (DIP) 6:45 p.m. - Maids of Jubilee (Fairhope) 2:30 p.m. - Bayport Parading Society (Mobile, Route A) SATURDAy, FEB. 14 6:30 p.m. - Pharaohs, Order of Hebe, (vAlENTINE’S DAy) Conde Explorers (Mobile, Route A) 11 a.m. - Foley parade (Foley) 11 a.m. - Krewe of Kids (Krewe of SUNDAy, FEB. 1 Goats Prichard route) (SUpER BOWl) noon - Floral Parade, Knights of Mobile, 2 p.m. - Krewe de la Heron Lakes Mobile Cadets, Mobile Mystical Ladies, (Heron Lakes Circle) Order of Angels (Mobile, Route A) noon - Krewe of Goats Parade (Prichard) WEDNESDAy, FEB. 4 noon - Mystic Revelers (Bay Minette) 12:30 p.m. - Mystics of Ashland Place 2 p.m. - Krewe of Mullet Mates (kids) (Lanier Avenue) (Mullet Point) 5:30 p.m. - Mystics of Pleasure (Orange Beach) THURSDAy, FEB. 5 6 p.m. - Mystics of Time (Mobile, Route A) 6:30 p.m. - Order of Polka Dots 6:45 p.m. - Shadow Barons (Daphne) (Mobile, Route A) FRIDAy, FEB. 6 SUNDAy, FEB. 15 6:30 p.m. - Order of Inca (JOE cAIN DAy) (Mobile, Route A) 2:29 p.m. - Loyal Order of the Firetruck 6:45 p.m. - Apollo’s Mystic Ladies (Daphne) (Daphne) 2:30 p.m. - Joe Cain Procession (Mobile, Route A) 5 p.m. - Le Krewe de Bienville SATURDAy, FEB. 7 (Mobile, Route A) 10 a.m. - Hickory Ridge Kids Krewe (kids)

(Timberly Circle) 2 p.m. - Mobile Mystics, Mobile Mystical MONDAy, FEB. 16 Revelers (Mobile, Route A) (lUNDI gRAS) 6:30 p.m. - Maids of Mirth, Butterfly Noon - King Felix III, Floral parade Maidens, Krewe of Marry Mates (Mobile, Route A) (Mobile, Route A) 1 p.m. - Prichard Mardi Gras Association 6:45 p.m. - Knights of Ecor Rouge Parade (Prichard) (Fairhope) 3 p.m. - MLK Business and Civic Organization, MLK Monday Mystics, SUNDAy, FEB. 8 Northside Merchants (Mobile, Route D) 2 p.m. - Mystics of Children 6:45 p.m. - Order of Mystic Magnolias (Rosswood Drive) (Fairhope) 6:30 p.m. - Neptune’s Daughters, OOI 7 p.m. - Infant Mystics, Order of Doves (Mobile, Route A) (Mobile, Route F) MONDAy, FEB. 9 TUESDAy, FEB. 1 6:30 p.m. - Order of Venus (FAT TUESDAy) (Mobile, Route A) 10 a.m. - Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Association (Gulf Shores) TUESDAy, FEB. 10 10:30 a.m. - Order of Athena 6:30 p.m. - Order of LaShe’s (Mobile, Route A) (Mobile, Route A) 12:30 p.m. - Knights of Revelry, King Felix III, Comic Cowboys(Mobile, Route A) THURSDAy, FEB. 12 2 p.m. - Orange Beach Parade 1 p.m. - Order of Impalas (kids) (Orange Beach) (St. Ignatius Catholic School) 2 p.m. - MAMGA Mammoth Parade 6:30 p.m. - Mystic Stripers Society (Mobile, Route B) (Mobile, Route A) 6 p.m. - Order of Myths (Mobile, Route C)

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 41 MEDIA FRENZY | MEDIA AMG issues statewide layoffs but predicts revenue increases for 2015 BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

ust over a week after editorial staffers at the Press-Register wrote. “As you know, we have recently hired several people in and other Alabama Media Group-run newspapers across different roles, and we have job postings active for others. We Washington Brantley mourned Longtime Press-Register reporter Cheryl Renee Washington the state were brought in to have management “raise a remain committed to building this company, ensuring we have the Brantley passed away after a long illness Jan. 23. glass” to them for helping the al.com website collect nearly right people in the right roles and adding to the overall skills and Brantley worked as a lifestyle reporter and design editor for Ja billion clicks last year, some of those very staffers were abruptly abilities of our teams in all locations.” more than 20 years. She was the wife of reporter and photogra- fired this past Monday. The new round of layoffs come at a time when Randy Siegel, pher Michael Brantley. According to insiders, Press-Register reporters Tommy Hicks, president of Advance Local, the highest-ranking non-Newhouse Her remains will lie in state on Jan. 30 from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thyrie Bland and Sally Ericson — last year’s Nappie Award win- member of Advance Publications, has made the bold claims the at Small’s Mortuary in Mobile and visitation will take place the ner for best al.com reporter — were dismissed along with com- company’s digital advertising gains will exceed print newspaper next day from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at Aimwell Missionary Baptist munity news director Randy Kennedy and managing producer ad losses this year. Church. Her funeral will take place following the visitation. In Jackie Byrd. Gareth Clary, who oversaw editorial duties at The “Our local sales and marketing teams have leveraged their lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation Mississippi Press in Pascagoula, also was released according to entrepreneurial abilities and expansive digital knowledge to prove of America (www.lupus.org) and the National Kidney Foundation inside sources. One other local staffer was fired, although who it they can grow digital ad revenue faster than we’re losing print ad (www.kidney.org/support). was could not be verified before press time. revenue,” Siegel wrote to employees early this month. “In 2015, Staffers were apparently called into a 9:30 a.m. meeting Monday our local leadership teams plan to generate higher total ad revenue and met individually by Alabama Media Group Vice President of in every one of our markets, reversing a longstanding trend of John and Johnna back at WABD Content Michelle Holmes, who informed them the company was decline.” Following the departure of Glenn “QTip” Johnson, a pair of undergoing some restructuring, offered a severance and told them But even with those predictions of an improved financial future old names are returning to the local airwaves to fill his spot. it would be their last day. Several of those who were fired had been for the company’s digital offerings, Siegel’s letter also foreshad- John Marty and Johnna Farmer, who had previously been with the paper for several years or even decades. owed more cuts, which may have been realized — at least in part heard on the former WABB-FM, are returning to the air Feb. 2. According to those familiar with the company’s inner work- — in this week’s firings. “I couldn’t be happier to be back in one of the best cities on ings, a total of nine reporters were fired across the state, along “It’s clear we’re on the right path to building sustainable, thriv- the Gulf Coast and working again at an amazing and legendary with al least one other community news director — a position ing media organizations. But this journey will take a little longer station! I can’t wait to work with Johnna again! I’m a lucky guy akin to what was once called the newspaper’s editor. The dis- and be a little harder than we originally anticipated, which is why to be able to come back home to great people and a great station!” missal of nine reporters would represent more than a 10 percent we continue to need to recalibrate our expenses,” he wrote. Marty said in a press release. reduction in AMG’s overall reporter pool one source placed at Still, while the company has clearly placed its money on digi- Johnson left the air recently to pursue his fiancée Cherish Lom- between 70 and 80 scribes. tal and predicts bold growth this very year, the layoffs — along bard, who took a job with a TV station in Nashville. Johnson said Efforts to get any comment from Holmes or other AMG lead- with AMG’s stubborn refusal to stop throwing largely unwanted he hasn’t quite figured it all out yet as far as what he’ll be doing in ership was, as usual, unsuccessful. However, a letter sent to AMG advertising circulars Yes and Bargain Finder, despite the mayor’s the Music City, but he has a few irons in the fire. employees by Holmes was leaked by Monday afternoon and it office declaring them a major source of litter — might suggest “Cherish and I talked about what cities we would leave for if offered some explanations for the firings. they’re still not very sure of the digital future. Whether Siegel’s either one of got an offer and Nashville was my number one pick. “Today, we made a variety of changes in our staff. In our plans to further reduce print losses could include more job cuts The reason was because of all the opportunities. I love radio, but quest to constantly focus on a sustainable future, we have had and reduced printing remains to be seen this year. I also love the music industry. So I am talking with Cumulus right to make some very tough decisions about which positions and now on options of joining the Nashville cluster of stations in some who best fits into that future.... We have been clear for the last way, but I’m also looking toward the industry side also,” Johnson several months that we are regularly assessing our staffing needs, said. our skills and our overall performance in building and serving He added that his fellow WABDer, Nick Fox, is also headed to our audiences. Today’s moves are part of that process,” Holmes Nashville.

42 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 THE LOADED QUESTION

hOW DO YOU FeeL ABOUT The FeDeRAL COURT’S DeCISIOn TO LIFT The BAn On GAY MARRIAGe In ALABAMA? ASkeD @ MIRkO

“hey, my dad is gay. Gay pride.”

-hayden

“I think we are all human and everybody has the right to love who they love even if they are the same gender. What is im- portant is happiness. If we think it is a problem, we need to take a step back and see there are bigger problems going on.” -Max Fox

“I am 100 percent for it. everyone deserves a shot at happiness.”

-Annie Mayfield

LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 43 UPON FURTHER REVIEW | SPORTS Area baseball and softball teams prepare for first pitch BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

here may still be a little nip in the air, but there is no doubt him and it did a lot for him.” ready enrolled in school, and will be eligible to play next season. that baseball is just around the corner. Both collegiate and The BayBears have released game times for their 2015 regu- Four players who have one year left to play are offensive professional teams are preparing for their season openers. lar season schedule. This includes match-ups with two division lineman Cameron Blankenship (6-4, 280), quarterback Cody Cle- The University of Alabama team is playing away from rivals, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the newly formed Biloxi ments (6-2, 210), tight end Gerald Everett (6-3, 215) and running TTuscaloosa this season as its stadium is being renovated. The Mo- Shuckers. back D.J. Vinson (5-10, 195). Linebacker Kalen Jackson (6-1, bile Sports Authority and the BayBears stepped up to the plate, The season opens April 9 at the Birmingham Barons. The first 205) has two years of eligibility, quarterback Austin Chipoletti (5- and helped to arrange a three-game series for the Crimson Tide at game at The Hank will be April 15 against Biloxi. 11, 190) has three years and offensive lineman Lee Dufour (6-3, Hank Aaron Stadium March 6-8 against Lipscomb University. The BayBears’ weeknight games will start at 6:35 p.m. during 285) has four years. “Mobile is another opportunity for us to go into southern Ala- April and May. General Manager Chris Morgan said the move USA has signed contracts for a pair of home-and-home series. bama and bring our brand to Mobile,” head coach Mitch Gaspard was to help families during the school year. One will start next year, while the other begins in 2018. said. The Tide will be playing their “home” games at the Hoover Mobile is looking to clinch a sixth consecutive playoff berth. The Jaguars will travel to San Diego State on Sept. 19. The Met, which hosts the annual SEC Tournament. For a complete schedule, visit www.MobileBayBears.com or call Aztecs will reciprocate with a visit to Ladd-Peebles Stadium on The UA team, which qualified for the NCAA Regional tourna- 251-479-BEAR (2327). Oct. 1, 2016. This completes USA’s non-conference schedule ment the last two years, last played at The Hank in 2004 against through 2017. the University of South Alabama. The Tide played a three-game Softball teams ready for action On Sept. 22, 2018, the Jaguars will play at Memphis. The series in Mobile once before, opening the 1981 season with USA The University of South Alabama is coming off one of its Tigers return to Mobile on Sept. 14 a year later. at Stanky Field. greatest seasons in school history. The Lady Jags finished at No. Head coach Joey Jones has also completed his coaching staff. The Jaguars will face nine squads who reached the NCAA 22 in the national rankings after going 42-14. They were second Richard Owens, who had been at UAB, will oversee the tight ends. Regionals in 2014. Head coach Mark Calvi said playing tough in the Sun Belt Conference regular-season standings, and made Tyler Siskey, who had worked the last two years in an administra- teams is a key for success. SBC Tournament and NCAA Regional final appearances. tive role for the Crimson Tide, will coach the wide receivers. “You obviously want to try and put together the best schedule After losing only two players to graduation, USA is at No. 23 you can,” he said. “It used to be that 40 wins was the benchmark in the latest preseason ranking. The local fans have noticed, as Get ready to rock ’n’ rumble to get into the Regionals, but now there are teams with 40 or the season-opening home game versus No. 3 Alabama on Feb. 5 Plans for the inaugural Mobile AeroFest have been announced. more wins that get left out before their RPI (Rating Percentage has already sold out. The Crimson Tide was last year’s national Along with a list of impressive musical acts, the multifaceted Index) is lower than a team with fewer wins.” runner-up. festival set for March 20-21 will offer 14 mixed martial arts bouts All but one of the Jaguars’ first 17 games will be played at “It is always an honor when our student-athletes are recog- inside the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley Field. Stanky Field, beginning with a three-game series with New nized for their hard work and accomplishments on the softball “Mobile AeroFest is a very special event that will be bringing Orleans (Feb. 13-15). USA will host Auburn (Feb. 17) before field,” said USA head coach Becky Clark. “We are all looking the Gulf Coast community together for our nation’s veterans,” Lex welcoming Maryland, Arkansas and Central Florida for a week- forward to the start of the 2015 season and the opportunity to get McMahon of Titan FC (Fighting Championship) said. “As such, end tourney (Feb. 20-22). The Terrapins advanced to a Super back on the field and compete.” we wanted to put forth our most compelling fight card to date.” Regional last year, while the Razorbacks fell in a Regional title In addition to the Crimson Tide, the Lady Jags will host No. 9 Four sanctioned title bouts are planned for that weekend. In game. Louisiana-Lafayette for three SBC games March 7-8, while No. the featherweight division, Desmond Green (14-3) will defend his Spring Hill College head coach Frank Sims has announced 19 LSU will host USA March 24. title against Kurt Holobaugh (13-2). A heavyweight match is set changes to his staff. Andy McCall is moving from graduate as- Other single-game tickets are now on sale, by calling 251- between John Madsen (8-1) and Chase Gormley (11-4). For the sistant to assistant coach, while Brooks Bobinger will be the new 461-1USA (1872). The schedule includes two home tournaments, bantamweights, Walel Watson (13-7) will battle Brett Johns (10- graduate assistant. the Mardi Gras Invitational (Feb. 13-15) and the South Alabama 0). A fourth championship bout will be announced at a later date. McCall had a .335 career batting average with SHC, and still Invitational (Feb. 20-22), at the newly renovated Jaguar Field. Event sponsors say the fights will be broadcast on the CBS owns the single-season record with six triples as a senior. Bobin- The University of Mobile softball team just missed making Sports Network. This will be the first nationally televised MMA ger, a Baker High product, played in the infield and on the mound the NAIA Softball Coaches’ preseason rankings. The SSAC’s event in the state since the formation of the Alabama Athletic during his career with the Badgers. Auburn-Montgomery and William Carey hold down the top two Commission. Joe Espada, a former University of Mobile player, has been spots, while league members Belhaven and Brenau also made the “The Gulf Coast is MMA country, and we are confident that hired by the New York Yankees as their new infield and third base list. the AeroFest title fights will have a full house,” McMahon said. coach. Espada served as a special assistant to general manager Mobile opens the season at the Auburn-Montgomery/Faulkner Tickets are $30 per day or $45 for the weekend, and are avail- Brian Cashman last season. University Tournament Feb. 20-22. After playing at Spring Hill able at www.AeroFest.com. Organizers plan to give away 5,000 Espada was a two-time NAIA All-American and second-round Feb. 25 for a double-header at noon, the Lady Rams will host tickets to disabled veterans, and their caregivers and family. pick in the 1996 Major League draft. During his time in Mobile, Central Methodist for two games March 10 starting at 4 p.m. Sponsors say the mission of the Mobile AeroFest is to ac- he posted the school’s two highest single-season batting averages tively improve the lives of America’s injured veterans through (.468 in 1995 and .446 in 1996). His .442 career average is still USA football news a confluence of talent, vision and technology. Also planned is a record, while he is third with 212 hits and 159 in runs scored. The regular season and bowl game may be completed, the Independence Ride, which will begin in Bayou La Batre and Espada was named the Gulf Coast Conference’s Player of the but the football team at the University of South Alabama has end at Brookley Field. Organizers expect 1,000 participants, Year two times. remained busy. including more than 100 injured veterans and caregivers from “He continues to give back to the program every year,” said Following the announcement that the University of Alabama across the country. Rams head coach Mike Jacobs, “donating money and equipment, at Birmingham was ending its football program, the USA staff The ride will offer four routes covering 10.5, 22.1, 42.5 and 53.0 and helping us recruit in Puerto Rico. This school is important to added several former Blazers to their roster. The group has al- miles. For more information, visit www.IndependenceFund.org.

44 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 PORT CITY PREMONITIONS | STYLE Leo lights up the office with a full moon, and stars BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY

Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18) — As Mardi Gras been eating food without you. kicks off in its ancestral home, you give a whole new meaning to “let the good times roll.” While Leo (7/23 - 8/23) — You and your cowork- the two different incarnations of Joe Cain bicker ers will make a bet on who can lose the most about historical parading order, you decide to weight. Things will go well for a while, and depict the “father of Mobile Mardi Gras” in a you’ll drop a modest two pounds, but your third, more modern personification. Until this boss will soon become a Nazi weight-loss dic- year, the Port City knew little of Joe Cain, roller tator. You’ll be forced to take laps around the derby champion, and as you don your squirrel- block, participate in group yoga and do core tail belt, black frock coat and bright green training until you vomit. While learning what rollerblades, you celebrate both the pre-Lenten monkey lunges are, you’ll split your slacks season and a recent marriage equality ruling in a and expose yourself to the entire office. Once way that will eventually transform Mobile into again, you’ll be thankful your job doesn’t have the ultimate gay vacation destination. a HR department.

Pisces (2/19 - 3/20) — The news of KFC’s Virgo (8/24 - 9/22) — You’ve been antiso- new “Double Down Dog,” a cheese-stuffed cial lately, but that’s OK! Things will look up hot dog wrapped in a fried chicken breast, has for you this week when you decide to venture you considering what else you can market to off your couch and out to a local bar. Having America’s morbidly obese. Within weeks, not been in the scene for a while, you’ll be a you’ve pitched the idea of a Caramel Donut little skittish at first, but a few shots of Jameson Skittles smoothie to authorities at McDonalds will help you ease back into the swing of things. and a spam, sausage, bacon, beef and bolo- Things will get sketchy when a stranger starts gna Thickburger to the folks at Hardees. But telling you how the world has turned into So- Wendy’s is where you find real inspiration, and dom and Gomorrah and that everyone is going as you prepare to market a four-inch square to hell in a handbasket. Offer him a shot, and sugar cube topped with artificially colored lay- he’ll turn into a pillar of salt. ers of aspartame, stevia and saccharin, the ghost of Dave Thomas visits you in a dream and says, Libra (9/23 - 10/22) — After discovering a “I like the way you think.” recipe for “herb” brownies, you’ll decide it’s a good idea to start your own “business.” You’ll Aries (3/21 - 4/19) — As you watch the develop a business model that pretty much Northeast dig out from a record-breaking snow indicates you can quit your day job, but things storm, you smile gleefully with thoughts of the will go awry when someone is hospitalized deep South’s warm winter. The only blizzard after consuming one of your concoctions. One you’ll experience this year is at Dairy Queen, by one, your “clients” will become ill, and rat CRoSSWoRD PUZZLE ANSWERS where you enjoy it with bits of Heath bars or you out without a second thought. You’ll join M&M’s. But you know what they say about a widely publicized prostitution ring while in karma, so when you’re huddled in your closet Metro Jail. this summer as a Cat 5 swirls outside, with only warm beer and a 51-card deck of Bicycles to Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21) — After coming into keep you company, remember this moment. A a large sum of money — in the neighborhood little humility will do you good. of $30,000 — you’ll start to seriously entertain the idea of buying Lagniappe. Owning your Taurus (4/20 - 5/20) — You’ll slowly own alternative weekly is not without its perks, discover that Ina is your perfect match. She’ll but it’s a task that takes a few years to get the make you feel good, while filling your belly hang of. After finally getting into the stride of with warm breads, cookies and the bacony it all, you’ll start a policy of “click quotas” and goodness everyone deserves in their lives. abandon your local roots. Overtime, your read- You’ll be comforted by the fact that she’s not ership will dissolve and Lagniappes will only to a vegan and loves a big, juicy … steak, every be used to cover fictitious homeless people of once in a while. Her whirlwind trip will end midtown. after two weeks and it’ll be hard for you to say goodbye. You both decide the romance should Sagittarius (11/21 - 12/22) — After your end for now. bluetooth mouse starts shorting out at work, FRoM PAGE 39 you’ll revert back to a wired mouse. When that Gemini (5/21 - 6/21) — You’ll make an device begins giving you issues as well, you’ll effort to stop suffering fools for Lent. The Lord buy a manual typewriter and start working near will make that assignment tough though. The a payphone. When the payphone gets discon- F ashes won’t even be dry on your face before nected, you’ll start chiseling your accounting you’ll run into buffoonery at Government Plaza. work on to the side of mountain caves, and U I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not related Jacob from the communications department will T to county government. Instead, you’ll find a be forced to start repelling up hundreds of feet note from a fellow driver explaining that they to bring you the snail mail. Eventually, Jacob U hit your parked car. They won’t leave their in- becomes a highly successful free climber and R formation, but will only apologize. You’ll calm hires you as his bookkeeper. down from that only to get mildly injured by a E guy who ignored a stop light. Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19) — You’ll be shocked by the turnout at the probate court- Cancer (6/21 - 7/22) — As the jealous type, house when Alabama finally legalizes mar- S you’ll immediately exploit your friendship with riage to barnyard animals next month. As a H the railway-employed apparition to spy on your completely logical, and a in-no-way-ridiculous significant other. Whether it’s a “study group,” analogy to homosexual unions, hordes of men O or “late work,” your significant other always has will flock to the courthouse to make their C a good excuse to be gone at key hours, during commitments to their hooved lovers official in the evening. Mr. Stain will be able to sneak into the eyes of both the law God himself. The cer- K wherever your lover claims to be and check, you emonies will be the quaintest thing you’ve ever know, the way that ghosts do. It turns out your seen — groom’s side dressed in black, bride’s lover is unfaithful, as they have consistently side, an open pasture LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 45 MOBILE MAGNIFIED | STYLE Local balls dazzle and prove to be anything but deflated BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY an you hear the sirens, the sound of barricades scraping the My Callaghan’s spies said Rex Ryan, Sean Payton and bunch of with a soda fountain and jukebox. asphalt, the boom-boom of the bands? Can you feel the sting Saints’ assistants made their usual stop in the OGD, as did “Mean The La Luna Servente ball theme this year was “Paint the of beads hitting your face? Or worse, the peanuts? Can you Joe” Green. Town,” and I am told their backdrop at the Mobile Civic Center was taste the deliciousness of your first slightly warmed banana And a spy at the Smoothie King in Midtown said he was behind a true work of art. The spies said they had a set comprised of black Cmoonpie? (10 seconds in the microwave, that’s it!) several Saints coaches and assistants, as they all placed their orders. and white outlines of a city skyline. Different groups of the ladies Oh sweet Mardi Gras, at last you are back, for I have missed you. He said most of them ordered concoctions with names like “The were called out wearing different colors, and the Barrett Greer art- The first downtown parade rolls this weekend as the Conde Hulk” and “The Gladiator,” but at least one guy ordered the “Angel ists painted the backdrop live in the colors the different groups were Cavaliers hit the streets Friday, Jan. 30, and there’s no stopping until Food,” which prompted one fellow staffer to razz him a bit by say- wearing. Wow. Finally a tableau you actually want to sit through! Fat Tuesday on Feb. 17. It’s officially time to make bad decisions, ing, “Hey how’s your Angel Food?” go into work repeatedly with a massive hangover, forget where After some nasty weather late in the week, Senior Bowl Saturday honey, I swear that’s not what I meant! you parked your car and all of the other wonderful things the Gras turned out to be one of those absolutely glorious ones, which argu- It seems one husband made a poor decision on his wife’s Christ- brings. But before we get to that, we have some Senior Bowl left- ably only causes even more debauchery. mas gift this year, judging by an ad one spy noticed on our local overs to gnosh on, as well as some other tasty vittles. Tent city was packed. I’m told the Iberia Bank corporate tent Craiglist page. village really brought it with the drinks and eats. And the Republic The text of the ad read, “The Mrs and I have been wanting Senior Bowl sightings and tent hopping Parking and Wind Creek Casino tents had nice spreads as well. bicycles for a while to give us something to do and to help us get So in the week leading up to the Senior Bowl, plenty of our local But probably one of the most popular of the day was the Gulf some exercise. I decided it would be a good idea to surprise the Mrs watering holes and restaurants reported large men in various NFL Distributing/WNSP tent, which was so packed, a sheriff’s deputy with bicycles for Christmas. HOLY COW did I mess up! I got the team attire but many of my spies — even the ones who watch a lot was only letting people enter as others exited. I don’t think I’ve ever ‘are you calling me fat on Christmas?!’ routine. NOPE! Forget that of football — were not exactly sure who these folks were. Hey, they seen or heard that about a tent at Senior Bowl. Pretty crazy! noise. These bicycles have to go. What you get. 2 bicycles his & have big staffs. (That’s what she said.) However, some of my spies The stadium was packed and the game and city looked beautiful her’s (paid $400), 2 new helmets (paid $50), 2 new upgraded seats did spot some familiar faces and reported back to your old gossip on national TV. (paid $75). I also have the seats the bicycles came with if you want gal here. After the game, people flocked to the “World’s Largest Senior them. The first $200 gets it all. Call or text between 9am - 9pm.’ Heroes Sports Bar is always a popular place, for you know Bowl Party” at Callaghan’s, which was packed. Ha! Good thing he didn’t give her a gift card to Jenny Craig or people in sports, so accordingly we had several reports from there. Just another great week in the Port City. something! Bill O’Brien, head coach of the Houston Texans, came in for lunch one day and back for dinner. The spies said he was “a very So the good times are already rolling nice guy” and was very complimentary to the staff about their A couple of weeks ago, the Sirens held their Mardi Gras ball Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters. May- service and the food. at the Country Club of Mobile. Apparently a huge tradition was be not. Jay Gruden, head coach of the Washington Redskins also had broken as one lady exclaimed, “Oh no. They didn’t have the bacon We hear a lady walked into a local hardware recently and asked lunch at Heroes. We hear he likes it HOT, as he apparently ordered a wrapped Waverly wafers this year.” First, no more Civic Center, the clerk if he had anything to get rid of ghosts. We hear the clerk “big ass Blackened Chicken Salad with Jalapeno Ranch dressing.” I now this! What is this city’s Carnival coming to? This aggression first confirmed she was indeed speaking of apparitions and she don’t know why it makes me giggle to know what kind of food they will not stand. confirmed she was. So, eager to please his customer, he didn’t miss eat, but it does. As the non-parading societies continued with their balls, I had a beat and said, “Get some hot lime and a horseshoe … and be sure Conversation amongst the NFL guys, according to our eaves- spies at both the Neriedes and La Luna Servente galas and the talk and have the lime blessed by a priest.” She thanked the clerk and dropping spies, last week was dominated by the Packers heartbreak- of all of my spies was the amazing backdrops during the tableaus, said, “I knew y’all would have it, y’all got everything.” ing collapse against the Seahawks in the Conference Championship both created I am told by the visionaries at Barrett Greer. The Ner- No word on if the ghost is still giving her problems. game. What no mention of Tom Brady’s balls? Boozie would have iedes ball at Fort Whiting had a “Grease” theme and I am told the Well kids, it has been a busy week and it’s only gonna get busier. loved to hear more about those, I mean, that issue. ‘50s diner the Barrett Greer folks created was gorgeous, complete Just remember, whether rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous or some plain ol’ ball lovin’ (of all kinds), I will be there. Ciao!

46 | LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 29, 2015 - February 4, 2015 | 47