Lagniappe Weekly by Becoming a “Friend with Benefits.” What to Expect and Who to See at Scan This Code for More Info: 41 the 2015 Senior Bowl

2 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WEEKLY January 22, 2015 – January 28, 2015 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor Joe Caintroversy is apparently settled as [email protected] societies announce parade changes. Rob Holbert Co-publisher/Managing Editor 6 [email protected] Steve Hall COMMENTARY Marketing/Sales Director It’s time for an NFL team in this L.A. [email protected] Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor 12 [email protected] Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter Historic Antoinette building is at the [email protected] epicenter of a downtown residential Jason Johnson revival. Reporter 18 [email protected] Alyson Stokes CUISINE Web & Social Media Manager/Reporter [email protected] Andy wades into the

Kevin Lee CONTENTS uninviting waters of a Associate Editor/Arts Editor gluten-free diet and [email protected] delivers a recipe even Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor grandma would be [email protected] proud to serve. Stephen Centanni Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer [email protected] 20 Daniel Anderson Chief Photographer COVER [email protected] For both marquee Laura Rasmussen college football players Art Director and those who’ve built www.laurarasmussen.com up their professional skills 26 Brooke Mathis Advertising Sales Executive under the radar, Mobile’s [email protected] Senior Bowl has provided Beth Williams an opportunity to take Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] their game to the next level. Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] Kelly Woods ARTS Advertising Sales Executive Bob Burnett, who’s been at the helm [email protected] of the Mobile Arts Council since 2003, Melissa Schwarz resigned effective Jan. 14. Editorial Assistant 26 [email protected] Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert MUSIC W.T. Bankhead • Ron Sivak Husband and wife duo Jeff Poor • Jennifer McDonald Clyde Foster Michael Trent and Cary On the Cover: Senior Bowl Ann Hearst bring their by Dan Anderson indie rock act Shovels LAGNIAPPE (USPS 20) is published weekly, 52 issues a year, Volume 13, Issue 4, every & Rope back to Mobile Thursday by Something, Extra Publishing, Inc. Entered at the Mobile Post Office, 250 St. Jan. 23. Joseph St, Mobile, AL, 36601. 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- FILM [email protected] or [email protected] “The Two Faces of January” is another LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, 2610 brilliant Patricia Highsmith adaptation. Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. 36 Member: Association of Alternative Newsweek- lies and Alternative Weeklies Network MEDIA All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or “Today’s Homeowner” hits 1.5 million in any way reproduced without the expressed permission of the publishers. Individuals may take one copy of the paper free weekly viewers. Lagniappe’s Gabriel of charge from area businesses, racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per Tynes wins prestigious fellowship. issue. Removal of more than one copy 40 from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution. SPORTS Help support Lagniappe Weekly by becoming a “Friend with Benefits.” What to expect and who to see at Scan this code for more info: 41 the 2015 Senior Bowl. STYLE Boozie has the first Senior Bowl sightings and a report on a recent 46 episode of “Cops,” in which the MPD was featured.

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 3 GOING POSTAL pictures were taken on Sunday, Jan. 18. was your neighborhood, the situation would have already been Mississippi did it right To the editor: What has been removed has been picked up by neighborhood addressed. The Mississippi Braves did it right. The Atlanta Braves own volunteers or carried into storm drains by rainwater. This is not a Tom Herder the minor league team in Pearl, Mississippi and Trustmark owns new problem, and we have offered resources and educational op- Mobile the stadium — just the opposite that exists in Mobile. Any issues portunities to address it. Now we’d just like to agree upon a solu- with the Trustmark Stadium is between the Braves organization tion, and here’s one that would at least be way better than nothing: Upgrade the stadium if you want fans and Trustmark, not the taxpayers. I am sure there were incentives Have one maintenance person in a golf cart with a trash picker My husband and I are “true baseball fans.” We are season ticket to get the team there, but the Braves, the city of Pearl and state of (we have provided several, along with trash bags) spend one hour holders for USA baseball. We went to Bay Sharks games and when Mississippi did it right. per week policing the three parking lots on Friday afternoon when the BayBears first started, we went to every Sunday game, after It’s a lesson Mobile needs to learn. A city like Mobile has no most of the cars have left. USA baseball was over. business building and maintaining stadiums. Too many failures in When Murphy students and staff leave at the end of the week, But we have not attended a BayBears game for the past two structures, like the convention center, the civic center, the cruise this is what the neighborhood gets to enjoy when they entertain years. Why? Because it isn’t “fan friendly.” The stadium has not terminal and other buildings have haunted Mobile. visitors over the weekend. The Carlen Street parking lot is equally been properly maintained and has deteriorated. I don’t know about Pat Shreve degraded. As the city of Mobile enforces a new litter ordinance, the men’s restrooms, but when I last went, the ladies’ rooms had this historic facility escapes city jurisdiction and enforcement. broken doors and standing water. This had gone on for many years. Why will the Mobile County Public School System not do what Stadium seats were broken and not repaired. Friends who were Just asking for one man-hour per week is right? One man-hour per week. We will continue to police the To the editor: season ticket holders gave up trying to get their seats repaired and perimeter sidewalks and storm drains daily (at approximately 40 gave up their season tickets. Yes, we should upgrade the field, but if I’ve taken pictures of the Murphy High School parking lot on minutes per day) because we care about our neighborhood and its South Street adjacent to the tennis courts (also trashy and un-po- you want to get the fans back, upgrade and maintain the area where receiving waters and we walk the path every day. the fans are. liced) to demonstrate an ongoing and long-standing problem. Trash Our request is reasonable. The current situation is not. If this has been in place since before the school’s holiday break. The Bea Isher P OLIce DISPATch BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected] Three murders, manslaughter, shooting reported over the charge for one Daphne man after he struck several cars while charges as the case moves forward. week attempting to flee from police. The result of the botched escape Employee shot in Krystal’s robbery Prichard Police have released the names of two victims in a caused one death and several injuries on U.S. Highway 90. The Mobile Police Department has asked the public for assis- double homicide that occurred Jan. 15, but so far no suspects have The Daphne Police Department arrested Christopher Corey tance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a robbery been identified in the case. According to authorities, 22-year-old Cain after the incident came to a halt last week. He is currently and shooting that took place Jan. 17 at the Krystal’s restaurant at Charnesha Jaquail Penn and 33-year-old Roderick Reed of Mount being held at the Baldwin County Jail, where he’s charged with 1914 Government Blvd. Vernon were shot multiple times in Whistler near the intersection manslaughter. According to authorities, a black male entered the business of Gould Avenue and Warren Street. Authorities pronounced both According to authorities, Cain got into a domestic argument armed with a handgun over the weekend and demanded cash. He dead at the scene of the crime, where they were discovered inside in the parking lot of the Jubilee Mall with an unidentified female. then shot a female employee once before fleeing. As of Tuesday, of a vehicle. During the argument, the female went to Daphne’s north precinct, the unidentified victim was listed in critical but stable condition. According to police, a neighbor called 911 after hearing which is located in the mall. Anyone with information is asked to call Mobile Police at multiple gunshots at approximately 10:42 p.m. Anyone with “When Cain realized the female contacted the police, he fled 251-208-7211. knowledge of murders is encouraged to call Prichard detectives at the parking lot through the exit close to Home Depot,” a press Police bag puppy snatchers 251-452-2211. release stated. “Cain turned to travel west on U.S. Highway 90 … A woman in Mobile had her pit bull puppy taken at gunpoint Police find man dead on Helveston Street Cain accelerated to a high rate of speed and was attempting to flee last Wednesday, but police were able to find the robbers and On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Mobile Police found the body of the area. No one was pursuing Cain.” return the dog safely to its owners the same day. According to au- 22-year-old Timothy Tyrone Taylor at a home on Helveston Street Authorities say as Cain approached a red light at the intersec- thorities, Ladairus Fowler, 24, and Tony Fowler, 20, were arrested in Mobile. Authorities say it appears Taylor died from a single gun- tion of Jubilee Parkway, he struck a vehicle occupied by Frances and charged with first degree robbery on Jan. 15 in connection shot wound. An investigation has been launched into the homicide, McDowell Scott, who later died from her injuries. with the incident. and anyone with information about the case is asked to call Mobile Authorities say at least five others were injured during the Tony Fowler was also charged with possession of a controlled Police at 251-208-7211 or CrimeStoppers at 251-208-7000. collision. substance during the arrest. Daphne man charged with manslaughter in DUI case Daphne Police have requested a bond hearing to possibly Police say the robbery happened around 5:30 p.m., near the What began as a domestic dispute resulted in a manslaughter upgrade the current charge and are expected to add additional 1600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue in Mobile.

4 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 5 BAY BRIEFS BB Joe Caintroversy apparently settled with parade changes BY ALYSON STOKES AND GABRIEL TYNES

f you think you’re seeing double at this year’s Joe Cain parade, it may have nothing to do with whatever you’ve been drinking. The Joe Cain Parading Society announced ITuesday its 2015 procession will be led by a representation of Joe Cain himself, not Chief Slacabamorinico, who has held the traditional spot for the past three decades. “Out of respect for tradition and out of respect for Wayne Dean, we are not going to have an imposter chief,” said Greg Watts, the society’s advisory board chairman. Watts’ 28-year-old son, Thomas Watts, will portray Joe Cain, wearing an 1860s period business suit consisting of a black frock coat, pants and cravat. He will ride in the mule wagon with the society’s grand marshals, behind half of the Excelsior Band and a unit of foot marchers. Chief Slac himself, who has long been portrayed by Dean, will follow the Parading So- ciety’s floats with a new society of foot marchers, Photo/Gabriel Tynes the Joe Cain Marching Society, which obtained Wayne Dean portrays Chief Slac at a separate permit last year after breaking ties with the Parading Society. The other half of the the 2013 Nappie Awards. Excelsior Band will march with Slac. The shake-up is the result of new rules insti- all,” Dean speculated. “I know Julian Rayford tuted by the Parading Society last year requiring would be beating on (Mayor) Stimpson’s door to all foot marchers to register for the parade and keep it like it was. It took him 11 years to have pay a fee for insurance. Many believed it put an Joe Cain dug up and reburied at the Church Street undue burden on what has long been considered Graveyard, but he also wanted a festival people “the people’s parade,” open to all who wish to could participate in without having to join. If march. you don’t have the spirit of Joe Cain and Julian The Mobile Police Department determined Rayford you have just another parade.” the lineup of this year’s procession, awarding Tuesday Baldwin acknowledged Dean’s deci- the spot at the head of the parade to the Parading sion to join the Marching Society by saying, “he’s Society, citing its seniority as a permit holder. very passionate and had a philosophical opposi- While some animosity may remain between the tion.” When Dean made his departure, Baldwin two organizations, Tuesday’s announcement ap- said it “took the option off our plate” to have him pears to settle the ensuing debate and put to rest lead this year’s parade. rumors the Parading Society would introduce a “We would like to have Chief Slac leading Chief Slac imposter. the Joe Cain Parading Society, but that’s up to “That was never even considered,” Jim Wayne,” Watts added. Baldwin, one of the Parading Society’s directors Since 2008, the Joe Cain Parading Society pa- and parade coordinator, said of having two Chief rade has required foot marchers to register, but it Slacs. “simply didn’t happen” from 2011 to 2013, even Thomas Watts is the great grandson of Louis though it was still requested by the Mobile Police Diemert, who was named the “The Man of Many Department, according to Baldwin. Faces” for his Mardi Gras portrayals from the “There’s no parade in Mobile where someone 1920s to 1950s. Watts will take up his great- doesn’t know who’s in it,” he said. grandfather’s “avocation of Mardi Gras and Further, Baldwin said having his name on the frivolity,” and “continue a family tradition,” Greg parade permit puts him as the responsible party Watts said. for the event, and he could not overlook the According to Baldwin, there is room for mul- requests made by MPD. tiple people to portray the “mystical” Joe Cain “It’s amazing to me the controversy that has character and said the new motto for Cain is “I grown, but the whole point of this is to have fun,” was here, I was there, I was everywhere. That’s Watts said. my story and I’m sticking to it.” “We’ve just simply got to move forward.” For his part, Dean inherited the role of Chief Both societies are limited to no more than 200 Slac from Julian Rayford, who is largely credited foot marchers, meaning there could potentially for elevating Cain as the “father of Mobile Mardi be 400 marchers. If space is still available on the Gras” and parading in Cain’s honor beginning in day of the parade, new marchers will be welcome 1967. Originally known as the Joe Cain March- to join. ing Society, the group evolved into the Joe Cain Watts said while he hates to even say it’s two Parading Society after it ceased its role as the societies, the Parading Society believes the idea caretaker of the Church Street Cemetery and of a longer parade could actually be a positive added floats and other units to the procession note to come out of the ordeal. through the years. While the Parading Society announced this In an interview last month, Dean called the solution for this year’s parade, they have not recent controversy “nothing personal,” but ex- committed to the idea for next year. pressed concern over the spirit of the procession. “There’s no telling what will happen in the “Joe Cain would not be a happy camper at future,” Watts said.

6 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 BAY BRIEFS BB Public hearing on oil storage tanks scheduled Jan. 29 BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

hanges to zoning requirements for above-ground oil storage tanks could either protect a historic Mobile neighborhood from being consumed by the Cshadow of industry, or could negatively prohibit industrial opportunities in and around the port, depending on who you ask. Representatives from both sides will have a say when the Mobile Planning Commission’s subcommittee on above-ground oil and petro- leum storage tanks holds a public hearing at 2 p.m. next Thursday, Jan. 29 in the Government Plaza auditorium. Photo/Gabriel Tynes Africatown residents like Mae Jones fear that if left unrestricted, industrial growth will con- A petroleumn tank property owned sume the historic district. by Plains Marketing near the Africa- “The community does not want oil storage tanks,” Jones said. “They’ll force people to move.” town community. For example, Jones mentioned an attempt by Austin said he understands industry’s right to American Tank and Vessel to repurpose the for- exist there, but suggested it be frendlier toward mer International Paper mill, as a reason residents the community. should be fearful. She also noted the community “We’re trying to revitalize the community,” he just got finished fighting a business owner who said. “We don’t want to be the ghetto. We want to wanted to rezone a parcel of land to put in a steel be Africatown.” storage facility. When it issued a report last year, one of the Industry leaders like Steve Gordon, manager issues a citizens ad-hoc committee on above- of Radcliffe Economy Marine Services and presi- ground oil storage tanks couldn’t resolve was dent of Keep Mobile Growing, used the American the distance of appropriate setbacks for future Tank and Vessel proposal to illustrate how the tank installation. Gordon said proposed setbacks current system is working and that special zoning of 1,500 feet to a half-mile would be too much. for storage tanks is unnecessary. The American Those restrictions would mean seven currently Tank and Vessel application was withdrawn last operating terminals wouldn’t be in compliance. year. “I don’t know how they got to that number,” “There have been two (recent) applications,” he said. “Setbacks are set by the National Fire Gordon said, during a recent media tour through Protection Association and they range from 50 to the port. “One was withdrawn and one was shot 200 feet, depending on the commodity.” down. That proves the system works.” A change to the zoning requirements for the Judy Adams, vice president of marketing for oil storage tanks could affect federal funding for the Alabama Port Authority, said all applications the port, Adams said. The $27 million in federal in heavy industry (I-2) zones still need Planning funding the port receives for dredging operations Commission approval. barely keeps up as it is, she said. As for the port, she said there’s very little “Any loss will hurt us,” she said. “This issue space left to put new terminals. The port is has made the port and [U.S. Army Corpsof Engi- bound on the west by a CSX railway bridge that neers] take notice.” is part of the railway’s national east-west route Adams said the port is an $18.7 billion opera- and won’t be moved for new industry. The port tion that provides the city with 127,000 jobs in property is bound on the north by U.S. Highway just the public terminals. Gordon said every time 90 and 98. a ship comes through the port it’s $100,000 in “We felt like when the City Council and other revenue or more. groups said (the terminals) were encroaching, we In terms of reach, the port supports four refin- really had to drop our jaws and say ‘come on, eries and about 10 percent of the nation’s energy look at a map,’” Adams said. supply passes through it, Gordon said. There are only a few small parcels of port “It’s a commodity that’s not going away property on which to build, Adams said. soon,” he said. “We’re all for the environment Africatown resident Harry Austin said the his- and production of alternative fuels, but they tory of the area gets lost when industry makes a haven’t been developed enough yet.” decision to expand nearby. Critics of oil storage tanks, like Jones, say “That should be sacred ground,” he said of there is room for oil terminal expansion to the Africatown. “There’s a community out there and north and others say production south of the people out there. I can’t see anybody with a heart Brookley Aeroplex would be acceptable, but being in favor of that.” Adams said it’s not that simple. She said the For Austin, safety of nearby residents is also a infrastructure for terminals near Brookley simply concern. He recalled when Hurricane Katrina hit, doesn’t exist. the area flooded for the first time in his memory. When asked if certain restrictions on terminals He said firefighters had to rescue residents from would be acceptable if current terminals were their homes and with chemicals in the air and allowed to be grandfathered in, Gordon said his flood water, it was hard to breathe for several group would have to look at the recommendations. days afterward. He fears a worse result if the oil “We haven’t agreed, or not agreed to anything storage tanks aren’t limited. yet,” he said. “We haven’t seen a finished product.”

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 7 BAY BRIEFS BB Lawsuit over riverbed rights moved to federal court BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

lawsuit against Alabama’s Department oil, gas and minerals” lying underneath them. of Conservation and Natural Resources A large part of that strategy seems to be based (DCNR) and its Commissioner Gunter on the fact that bottoms of the creeks and rivers Guy has moved from state to federal in question were not navigable when Alabama courtA in a case that’s pitting oil and timber entered the union in 1819. companies against a state that typically supports However, less than a month after the original their endeavors. paperwork was filed, the case was moved to the Though the case was filed in Conecuh U.S. District Court in Mobile at the request of County in November, attorneys for ADCNR the state. filed a request last month to move the suit to The DCNR has since abandoned the bids, U.S. District Court in Mobile. and isn’t likely to proceed with the oil gas leases The complaint was filed by Cedar Creek until the matter is resolved in court or it could Land and Timber, Inc. and Pruet Production face financial penalties for “slander of title” if Co., who dispute the state’s claim to land un- the court ruled in favor of Cedar Creek. derneath navigable waterways within Alabama. Attempts to reach Guy for comment on this Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson owns a stake in report were unsuccessful, and Will Gunter, Pruet Production Co. general counsel for the DCNR, declined to In October, the state announced it would comment because the matter is still pending be receiving bids for the purchase of oil and in court. gas leases on four tracks of riverbed located in However, in the final circuit court filings Guy Conecuh County — two beneath the Sepulga claimed federal court would have original juris- River and two beneath Pigeon and Bottle creeks. diction in the action because it arises under the However, a portion of the four tracks includes equal footing doctrine of the U.S. Constitution. land that is owned by Cedar Creek, and the com- “Questions of navigability for determining pany says this is not the first time it’s happened. state riverbed title are governed by federal law “Your office has previously issued oil and … ” the filing reads. gas leases purporting to cover alleged navigable The U.S. Supreme Court handled a similar beds and bottoms in other lands that, in fact, are case in 2011 known as PPL Montana V. Mon- owned by Cedar Creek, some portion or all of tana, which was cited in the state’s defense. The which have been leased to Midroc Operating litigation dealt with a company using parcels of Company, in which Pruet is the owner of an land under three rivers it also used for hydro- undivided interest in such leases,” the company electrification. wrote in correspondence with the state prior to Montana’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of initiating the lawsuit. the government and ordered PPL Montana to The complaint suggests Commissioner Guy pay $41 million to the state in back rent for its and the DCNR’s attempt to the lease the prop- use of the properties. However, that decision erty for oil and gas exploration “disputes” Cedar was later reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court Creek and Pruet’s ownership of the oil, gas and in an opinion that states, “to determine riverbed minerals which lie underneath the streams, beds title under the equal-footing doctrine, this Court and bottoms of the waterways. considers the river on a segment-by-segment The DCNR and Guy are tasked with oversee- basis.” ing the leasing of land owned by the state, and The case affirmed that the use of waterways the DCNR currently disputes Cedar Creek’s when an area was granted statehood must be claim to ownership of the properties in Cone- considered when determining navigability as cuh County based on the assumption that, as it relates to title ownership, which means the navigable waterways, the state has a claim to federal court will have to analyze each of the ownership of the land, oil, gas, minerals and three sections of waterway in Conecuh County other valuables beneath the rivers and creeks. as they were used when Alabama became a state The state asserts that claim under the equal in 1819. footing clause of the U.S. Constitution, which According to the state Department of Forest- gives states the right to the title of “navigable” ry, logging commerce has been present in Ala- waterways upon entering the union. bama since 1773, which used the river system Navigable waters, as defined by the U.S. to move products at the time. Native Americans Army Corps of Engineers, “are those waters in Alabama also used creeks and rivers to trade subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and those beaver pelts and other animal products, which inland waters that are presently used, have been would be included as commerce in the definition used in the past or may be susceptible for use to of navigability. transport interstate or foreign commerce.” However, it will have to be proven that the According to the complaints, Cedar Creek exact segments of land disputed in Conecuh has owned and paid the proper ad valorem taxes County were used in such a way in order to on the property for more than a decade. Cedar declare them navigable, and to validate the Creek also claims the bottoms and beds of the state’s claim to ownership. But proving such a bodies of water weren’t excluded when the pre- fact could prove difficult and will likely require vious title holders purchased or leased the lands. heavy historical research. The plaintiffs were asking a circuit judge to In the PPL Montana case, the court was actu- declare any land underneath the bodies of water ally required to go back and review the journals as “not navigable” and to establish that the state of Lewis and Clark in order to evaluate the “has no right, and no claim to ownership of the traversability of the rivers in question.

8 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 BAY BRIEFS BB Appeal expected in legal dispute over Fairhope parklands BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

pecial Baldwin County Circuit Court Judge George great detail and signed it. The two plats look very similar.” to a public right-of-way. Elbrecht denied two post-trial motions last week Wynne told the court the city would like to go back and cor- When asked by Wynne if the city’s planning regulations give brought by a Fairhope resident seeking relief from an rect the mistake. leeway to the Planning Commission for unique subdivisions, earlier judgment in favor of the city regarding parklands The plat mistakenly approved by Smith was the original plat Smith said “yes.” Sadjacent to his Mobile Street home. submitted by Preble-Rish, Wynne said. City Planner Nancy “The subdivision layout was not something we’re used While the motion for relief of judgment and a separate mo- Milford reviewed the plat and sent a letter to Preble-Risch, after to seeing,” Smith told Wynne. “The size of the lots wouldn’t tion for a stay of construction on a sidewalk on the property she found several issues with it. The engineering firm then sent normally meet regulations. It’s unique that it’s on a bluff near were both denied, the action makes way for a ruling from the a letter back with the plat that was eventually approved by the the bay.” Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, according to attorney Greg Planning Commission. George Roberds, a Planning Commission member, testified Buffalow, who represented his plaintiff and law office partner Wynne asked Smith if it was a typical application. Smith the lots in the subdivision aren’t normally the type the Planning Gene Warhurst in about five hours of testimony on Friday. said it wasn’t typical because it’s the result of a “complex” Commission approves. Roberds also told the court a “majority Warhurst was initially sued by the city after he tried to build lawsuit and “there was a court order involved.” of the time” sidewalks are adjacent to a public right-of-way. a private pier at his house next to the city’s White Avenue During redirect, Buffalow asked Smith a series of questions During the line of questioning, Buffalow also mentioned Rob- pier, which is deeded to the public. Warhurst and five of his about planning regulations, such as if a 50-foot buffer zone was erds’ own firm built the sidewalks in question. neighbors later agreed to a settlement, which allowed the city typically required on subdivided lots and the shoreline. Smith During a line of questions for Fairhope Single Tax Corpora- to build a sidewalk on the shoreline of the land they claim had answered “yes.” Buffalow then asked if there was a mention of tion Secretary Leslie Stejskal, FSTC Attorney Alan Chason told been deeded to them by the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation a waiver of that requirement in a notice sent to affected home- the court Warhurst and five of his neighbors agreed to a settle- in 1931. The land is behind the residents’ homes along Mobile owners. Smith answered “no, sir.” ment deal with the city that would allow the sidewalk in ques- Bay. Buffalow also pointed to planning requirements that for a tion. Stejskal also revealed tat those six leaseholders applied Elbrecht denied the motions because “the defendant did not piece of land to be considered a park it must be at least three for new leases with FSTC. As part of the new lease application, show exceptional circumstances for relief.” acres. Smith said he couldn’t answer because “I don’t have the Warhurst is paying $15,000 through a payment plan. The city subdivided the land and built a sidewalk that cut regulations in front of me.” After Buffalow gave Smith a copy “If the plat is void, what’s the status of the lease?” Chason Warhurst’s and other’s backyards in half, Buffalow said. Last of the planning regulations, which had been previously put into asked Stejskal. “The new leases will have to be recalled.” week’s motions follow a court action for relief of judgment evidence, Smith said “it looks that way.” “We’re going to be in a heck of a mess,” Stejskal said. brought by Warhurst in July, after he discovered the plat “I need to read the entire page this comes from,” Smith Stejskal also testified the other five lessees have “no objec- recorded by the city’s planning department was not the same as said when Buffalow asked if a waiver is needed to modify the tion to the sidewalk.” the plat approved by the Planning Commission on Dec. 2, 2013. requirement. “I feel like three acres is a guideline.” Buffalow argued the settlement judgment did not include an With Fairhope Planning Director Jonathan Smith on the Buffalow questioned Smith about the size of the individual illustration and the easement for the sidewalk was supposed to stand, Buffalow argued the subdivision plat the city is work- lots. He argued they were smaller than would typically be be along the shoreline and not on the bluff near the homes. ing with is void because it wasn’t recorded within the 60 days seen in a subdivision. He also argued that since some of the “There’s an interpretation of what ‘shoreline’ means,” required after Planning Commission approval. lots were situated between a bluff and private homes, they Stejskal said. During cross-examination by City Attorney Tut Wynne, did not have access to a public right-of-way, a requirement in During follow-up testimony with Chason, Stejskal said it Smith explained he signed the wrong plat. Fairhope’s planning regulations. wasn’t practical to build the sidewalk on the actual shoreline. “It was placed in front of me two days after (Planning Com- Smith agreed with Buffalow that under normal circumstanc- Buffalow argued there is enough room on the shoreline to mission approval),” Smith told Wynne. “I didn’t look at it in es the land would not be subdivided because it is not adjacent build a sidewalk.

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 9 BAY BRIEFS BB Baldwin County teacher claims racism behind termination BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Baldwin County Public School Board last week voted to After the meeting, Baldwin County schools spokesman Terry allegations, once again claiming Dixon was not even working that terminate a Loxley Elementary School preschool teacher, Wilhite told Lagniappe he could not speak about the matter, say- day and that it was another teacher who committed the alleged who says she was accused of spanking students and believes ing it would be against policy to comment on personnel issues. spanking. the allegations against her may be racially charged. Dixon, who felt like she was being “racially profiled,” said “Nobody investigated my parents, nobody talked to my par- TDeborah Dixon, a teacher of 17 years, spoke before the school there have been issues with the school’s new principal dating ents, nobody talked to any of the staff at the school and nobody board prior to the vote and asked them to reconsider her termina- back to the beginning of the school year, when she first took on talked to me as far as an investigation,” she said. “The investigation, which she said stemmed from false accusations she imple- the role. tion had taken place long before they talked to me.” mented corporal punishment, or spanking, against students. Noting several instances in which the principal seemed “inat- Dixon said she was told that in the investigation process, dirty “The allegations of me spanking children goes against every- tentive” and “really not concerned,” about her classroom, Dixon clothes were found in her classroom in addition to dusty furniture thing I believe in,” she said. said she has since shared her feelings with other black coworkers and a “filthy” floor. Additionally, Dixon said the investigation Dixon maintained that she was not even on the school’s cam- who have shared the same sentiments. revealed she had been putting children in time out, all of which pus when allegations were reported. “I felt that she wasn’t interested in anything we had to say, and she denies. “It was a one-sided investigation,” she said. “I am an innocent it was just that she catered to the whites more than she did the “My guidelines state that we don’t put children in timeout, and person. I am a wife, I am a mother, I am a teacher. This is my blacks,” she said. I said I do everything according to that,” she said. calling.” Further, Dixon said tension really began to surface during late Currently, the Alabama Department of Education does not Four parents of Loxley Elementary School students also went September and early October, when she took personal leave after have a policy in regards to corporal punishment, according to before the board on Dixon’s behalf, praising her as a teacher and two family members passed away. Erica Pippins, public information specialist. saying their children looked forward to coming to her class. “I don’t know what happened in that classroom from the time “What (we) do require is for school systems to list in their According to parent April Davenport, there have been more I left to the time I got back,” Dixon said. “The principal never student handbook each year whether or not they utilize corporal than 10 different new teachers at the elementary school since Oct. came to me, she never told me that something had happened in punishment, so that parents are aware,” she said. 17, constant changes that have caused a lot of confusion for the my classroom. She never told me that any parents had com- Therefore, Pippins said the ALSDE does not get involved with 4-year-old students. plained.” corporal punishment cases and such matters are decided on by “It’s caused a lot of drama and there’s no communication,” she Further, Dixon said she did not return to work until Oct. 13 each individual school system. said. and had no knowledge of any issues that occurred while she was “We do receive dates on the instances, but do not create re- Davenport called Dixon’s dismissal “pure racism” and pleaded away, especially involving a child being spanked. ports at this time, as neither state law nor the U.S. Department of for the board to reinstate Dixon’s teaching duties at Loxley “For two days, my principal did not come to me,” she said. Education require it,” Pippins said. Elementary School. Dixon is black while students and teachers at “She didn’t tell me about anything. She didn’t even welcome me According to Alabama Code Section 16-28A-1, “Teachers are Loxley Elementary are primarily white. back to school.” hereby given the authority and responsibility to use appropriate “No one cares what the parents have to say and what the chil- It wasn’t until Oct. 17, when Dixon returned from an annual means of discipline up to and including corporal punishment as dren have to say,” she said. Pre-K workshop in Montgomery, that she received a phone call may be prescribed by the local board of education.” Carla Hughin, a parent of two students at the school, told the from a parent saying some things were going on in the classroom. For Baldwin County public schools, corporal punishment is board Dixon is an “outstanding teacher” and pointed out it may “I was dumbfounded,” she said. “I didn’t know what the par- prohibited as stated in the board of education’s policy manual, be another teacher who created the problems. ent was talking about.” which reads “Corporal punishment (spanking) shall not be admin- Furthermore, parents also told the board they felt their children Dixon said she immediately called the principal, who directed istered by school personnel.” should not have been interrogated during the investigation with- her to contact the school system’s human resources department. According to Dixon, this is not the first discrimination case at out consent. According to Dixon, human resources then told her not to report Loxley Elementary School. “Their parents should have been notified,” Dixon told La- to school Monday morning but instead report to the system’s “They don’t want any blacks teaching there,” Dixon said. gniappe after the meeting. “Their parents should have been there central office in Loxley. “They don’t want any blacks to get tenure there.” or had knowledge of it, but they didn’t.” “From that morning, (they) told me I would be on administra- Loxley Elementary School’s current principal could not com- The school board ultimately voted 6-1 on Dixon’s termination tive leave until they did an investigation,” Dixon said. ment on the matter, but Wilhite told Lagniappe Monday that “this effective Jan. 16, with board member David Cox, who represents Further, Dixon maintains the investigation was one-sided, is an active human resources matter, so as such, we’re limited in District 1, voting against the motion. while several parents have also written statements to discredit the what we can say at this point.” City shopping Central Fire Station to private developers BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

Georgia-based developer recently toured Central look for creative solutions,” he wrote. “Mayor Sandy Stimp- Fire Station, a two-story brick building at the foot of son is committed to using public-private partnerships where Springhill Avenue, in hopes it could be converted to appropriate to bring value to our taxpayers and improve multi-family residential housing. services to our citizens.” APace Burt of Burt Development said he toured the facil- Landolt mentioned a plan months ago to close or consoli- ity with a broker, but decided the space wouldn’t work as date certain stations that aren’t heavily used or are in need of residential. major repairs. Central was among those targeted at that time. “It’s a very nice building, but it isn’t good for residential,” The plan, at the time, was to move the station to a smaller he said, noting its dimensions were challenging. “It would building on Beauregard Street. Other stations, like Gus Rehm make a good restaurant, or a great office space.” on Moffet Road, Henry J. Reid off Telegraph Road and Ash- City spokesman George Talbot confirmed the city is land in Midtown would also be consolidated. shopping the building and other city-owned assets to private A MFRD employee, who requested anonymity, said fire- developers. fighters at Central Station had heard rumors it was for sale. “Our goal is to establish (Mobile Fire-Rescue Department) The firefighter said a group witnessed the tour on Wednesday. as the finest fire-rescue department in America,” Talbot wrote The firefighter called the station, which opened in 1925, the in an email message Friday afternoon. “The first step in that “identity” of the MFRD and said closing it would be a mis- process is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all of our take. The employee suggested as many as 11,000 addresses MFRD assets — everything from boots to trucks — as well would be impacted if the station and the trucks inside are as our training and operating procedures. That effort, which is moved. being led by Director of Public Safety Rich Landolt, includes “If you want to kill morale sell the station, or tear it a review of our real estate assets to determine if our fire sta- down,” the employee said. “What a punch in the face.” tions, training and administrative facilities are best situated to When he discussed the consolidation plan, Landolt said he protect and serve our citizens.” was having a study done to see how it would affect response Photo/Gabriel Tynes Talbot wrote the city has been in contact with developers times. Other vacant or under-utilized buildings rumored to as part of an “information gathering process” and has given be offered for private development include the former police The city of Mobile is offering Central fire station several of them a “first-hand look” at some of the facilities. administration building on Water and St. Joseph streets and “We’ll do more of that going forward as we continue to the Mobile Civic Center. and other properties to developers.

10 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 BAY BRIEFS BB Council approves transfer for stadium improvements BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Mobile City Council voted 5-1 Tues- internal and external technological means, while day to transfer nearly $500,000 from a also developing a “robust stakeholder outreach completed park project to make improve- program” that would include input from the City ments to Hank Aaron Stadium ahead of Council, the Chamber of Commerce, private Tthe 2015 Mobile BayBears season opener in businesses and nonprofit organizations, Cooper April. With the $464,649 transfer, the city will said. install an improved lighting system, upgrades With the approval of the advisory committee, to the audio system and field rail padding at the councilors voted to table an earlier ordinance 17-year-old facility. introduced by Councilman Fred Richardson that Council President Gina Gregory was absent would request the number of minority employ- from the meeting and Councilwoman Bess Rich ees of prospective city contractors. was the lone dissenting vote on the measure. Rich argued the club still owes the city O’Daly’s complaint $150,000 in back rent for use of the stadium. The council voted to reduce the length of She also tasked the administration with review- time requested by O’Daly’s Irish Pub for a ing aspects of the contract in regard to lighting waiver of the noise ordinance from midnight and whether the city or the club was responsible to 11 p.m. on Feb. 6, after hearing a complaint for light bulbs. from a downtown resident about the amount of “They have not fulfilled their obligations, noise the business generated. but they want us to commit money for stadium Casey Ginn, of St. Francis Street, said he has upgrades,” Rich said. “Yes, the stadium is our no problem with the time listed on the waiver, responsibility, but the lights are adequate for but said the bar is too noisy. He said he was at high school and college games.” the council meeting speaking on behalf of the Rich said she wouldn’t vote in favor of the neighborhood. move until a new contract is negotiated with the “It rattles my dishes,” he said of the sound BayBears. level heard from his apartment. “I can’t hear my Councilmen Joel Daves and Levon Manzie TV.” both said they disagreed with Rich on the issue, Manzie suggested he would meet with adding that transferring the funds would mean O’Daly’s management to see what kind of the city is taking care of its responsibility. modifications can be made. Rich recommended “This is a city-owned facility whether we the waiver be cut by one hour, from midnight to have an occupant there or not,” Manzie said. 11 p.m. She said in previous situations, Mobile “We have a responsibility to make the improve- Police Chief James Barber has requested the ments.” council not approve noise ordinance waivers Additionally, Manzie mentioned new South- past 11 p.m., if the property is adjacent to resi- ern League stadiums in Pensacola and Biloxi, as dential property. a reason why Mobile should keep Hank Aaron “I think 11 is reasonable,” Manzie said. Stadium up to date. He added that the comple- tion of the McGowin Park shopping center MoonPie Over Mobile would mean a boost in economic development Mobile’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration around the stadium. brought approximately 50,000 to 60,000 revel- “I think this is a move we need to make,” ers downtown, Events Mobile President Carol he said. Hunter said. Using standard crowd tracking, Hunter said an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 peo- Diversity among contractors ple were near the stage, while another 10,000 or The council voted to establish a Citizens’ Ad- so were in businesses downtown. visory Committee on Contracting Opportunities She reported to the council that hotels down- for Small Business and Minority-Owned firms, town were 90 to 100 percent filled and hotels at following the recommendation of the Adminis- the Beltline and at Tillman’s Corner also booked trative Services Committee last Thursday. rooms because of the event. The committee would study how other cities, Hunter reported David Rasp, owner of like New Orleans, Atlanta and Chicago, have Heroes and the Royal Scam, said he had about addressed minority business partnerships and the same sales as last year’s event, but was busy. how those cities have leveled the playing field in She said business was up 15 percent over last terms of procurement, Manzie said. Comprised year at O’Daly’s. of council appointees, the committee will be In other business, the council authorized an given three months to report their recommenda- agreement with Mobile County, the cities of tions to the council. Prichard, Satsuma, Saraland, Chickasaw, Creola, In addition to the council committee, Mayor Bayou la Batre, Semmes, as well as the South Sandy Stimpson’s Chief of Staff Colby Cooper Alabama Regional Planning Commission, Wave announced last week the city was considering a Transit System and the state for a transportation new position for a Chief Procurement Officer. planning process. Cooper made the announcement official Tues- The council also authorized a $458,345 day, telling councilors Stimpson would shed contract with Gulf Equipment for bridge repair more light on the subject later this week. and a $49,500 contract with Apex Construction, The new executive staff member would also LLC for sidewalks and park improvements at be charged with starting a supplier diversity pro- Theodore Park. gram, among other responsibilities. The person The council also authorized an agreement appointed to the position will work to streamline worth $150,000 to allow the Mobile Bay Con- the dozen or so procurement processes existing vention and Visitors Bureau to retain a market- throughout the city, as well as focus on modern- ing firm to rebrand the city and area. izing the city’s procurement process through

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 11 BAY BRIEFS BB Baldwin County announces increased graduation rate BY ALYSON STOKES/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Baldwin County Public School System last week based on a four-year cohort, which makes it possible for states percent graduation rate by 2020 would have a $430 million revealed its four-year, on-time 2014 graduation rate was to uniformly track their graduation rates, ALSDE public infor- greater economic impact on the state than if it remained at its 84 percent, an increase over last year’s 80 percent and 74 mation specialist Erica Pippins said. current level. percent in 2012. According to Baldwin County schools spokesman Terry Wil- Furthermore, each year Alabama maintains a graduation rate TThe announcement came less than a week after the Mobile hite, one challenge seen by BCPSS is that students often move of 90 percent, each graduating class would increase by 5,643 County Public School System disclosed its graduation rate at out of the school district. If a student transfers, and the school statewide, resulting in 3,564 graduates entering the workforce 82 percent and about a month after the Alabama State Depart- system is unable to follow up and confirm the student has since and a net addition of 1,167 more people employed, according to ment of Education (ALSDE) announced the state’s overall enrolled in another high school, therefore that student counts as the ALDSE. This means each class with a 90 percent graduation high school graduation rate had reached a new record high — a dropout, he said. rate would earn $68 million more than a class with last year’s 86 percent. Further, Wilhite said BCPSS works to account for all statewide graduation rate of 80 percent. “We are absolutely delighted to see the graduation rate students who transfer, but it does not always happen. Such in- Despite the increase in graduation rates across the state, vari- making these kinds of unprecedented gains. It is the result of stances should be taken into consideration when thinking about ous school systems along with the ALSDE agree it is important teachers focusing on identifying the specific needs of students, the school system’s overall graduation rate, he said. to see students graduate, but it is even more important to ensure removing barriers to learning and helping students meet their In a press release issued by the ALSDE, Bice said exceed- students finish high school with a quality education to success- goals,” State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice said in a ing the state’s previous record-breaking graduation rate of 86 fully enter college or the workforce. news release. percent is just further validation that teachers and students are According to the BCPSS website, every Baldwin County Of the county’s seven high schools, Spanish Fort ranked working harder than ever. student upon graduation will be multilingual, fluent in a lan- the highest at 94 percent followed by Daphne at 90 percent, “Students are taking responsibility for their own academic guage other than the student’s native language; internationally Fairhope High School at 87 percent, Baldwin County and Gulf success and putting in the hard work that is required to graduate connected, aware of international issues based upon personal ex- Shores high schools at 83 percent, Robertsdale High School at from high school,” he said. “In an era of more rigorous academ- periences and relationships; civic minded, active in community 82 percent and Foley High School at 75 percent. ic standards, greater accountability and higher expectations of life and involved in addressing global challenges; collaborative, Superintendent Robbie Owen said the goal for BCPSS is to our teachers and students, Alabama educators and the students skilled at working within a team to solve problems around a achieve a 100 percent graduation rate. they serve continue to demonstrate what steadfast resolve and common goal; academically competitive, effectively prepared to The rate was calculated by the Alabama Department of Edu- hard work garners.” succeed in national and global arenas and technologically savvy, cation through a statewide formula adopted in 2005 by the Na- According to the ALSDE, the state’s initial goal was to reach adept at using technology to be innovative and entrepreneurial. tional Governor’s Association, and reflects how many students a graduation rate of 86 percent by 2018; however, that bench- Additionally, every graduate will be college and career ready, entered high school as freshmen in 2010 compared to how many mark was met four years ahead of the predicted schedule. The or able to move seamlessly into post-secondary education or a graduated in the spring of 2014. state is setting a new goal for a statewide graduation rate of 90 chosen profession through preparation within one or more of Previous methods of determining graduation rates made it percent by 2020. the following: International Baccalaureate Programme (IB), difficult to compare rates from state to state however, the new A recent report by the independent organization Business Advanced Placement courses (AP), dual enrollment in college initiative implements a common formula for calculating rates Education Alliance of Alabama suggests that reaching a 90 classes and Career Academies.

’m going to admit up front this is a “BIG the Mobile River in the stadium design and actually win games. Tough choice. IDEA.” Even for Mobile — already an electric — BINGO! — suddenly we’re tapping into Now we need to build enthusiasm, and swirl of maritime museums, cruise ship termi- those hundreds of millions in federal highway what better way than with a catchy team nals and soccer/aquatic complexes — this idea funds and you know those guys don’t keep name? For alliteration, Mobile MoonPies hasI moxie. It’s the kind of thing that would make track of that stuff at all. Skim a little from is nice, but no one is scared of a snack cake former mayor Mike Dow’s mustache twitch. other areas of the bridge — make it a little and the MoonPies are from Chattanooga, so Frankly I’ve been swept up in the glut of all shorter, or get rid of the bike paths and bun- no dice there. Something that pays homage these other big ideas and wanted to put forth one gee platforms — and move that money into to our port might be nice. The Portlies? The of my own. And I’m not talking about one of the the stadium. Cut back on a couple of support Portsmen? The Cargo Haulers (uniforms with faux big ideas like moving the airport downtown, pilings, there’s no need for all that load bear- cargo pants might be cool)? building a racetrack in Prichard or having high ing. It’s overkill. OK, those all stink on ice. Moving on. speed ferries carry drunk drivers across the bay Almost there. To close the rest of the There are some other obvious ones — at nearly 20 knots. Those fake big ideas had their funding gap all we have to do is transfer Hurricanes (asking for trouble), Pelicans days in the sun, but it’s time for a new BIG IDEA the money saved by ignoring the ridiculous (goofy), Rednecks (asking for trouble), Jubi- for Mobile to get behind — and it’s a doozy if I do idea of moving the Mobile airport down to lee (too much explaining), Tarpon (none left) say so myself. Brookley. Just ballparking it, that would save and Yellow Fever (tough mascot) jump to You may wonder why if I’ve got such a great $500 million. mind. In the end I say we go with Oystermen. dadburned idea why I’ve held it back until now. Or Yes I’m aware no one in authority is actu- Who’s tougher than an oysterman? Nobody. you may be wondering where “Peanuts” is in this ally championing that idea and no money And it would lend itself to some interesting newspaper. If it’s the latter of the two, you’re read- has actually been set aside for it, but that’s cheerleading outfit designs using the shells. ing the wrong newspaper. just a technicality. We’re calling it a savings Move over Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. The reason for waiting until now is simple — anyway and moving that money over to the So with the NFL honchos in town this the NFL is in town and they have to get behind this stadium. (I’m a proud graduate of the Fred week I figured this was my chance to either idea. That’s right, I’m proposing the National Foot- Richardson School of Accounting.) make an impassioned plea for them to give ball League award an expansion team to Mobile. So now we have our stadium. We’ll Mobile a franchise, or to write 1,000 words KABOOM!! bypass the crazy billionaire too. Just have explaining why Dez Bryant’s catch was good, I know your minds are totally blown aren’t the city own the team like Green Bay does. three steps and a lunge IS a football move they? You probably thought I was going to suggest If we need an insane figurehead to serve as and the Cowboys should be going to the making the cruise terminal the world’s largest a focal point for our anger when the team Super Bowl. You lucked out. Cracker Barrel — which isn’t a bad idea if you does poorly, I say we hire either a Harbaugh Face it Roger Goodell, the only L.A. you like carved items and super dry country fried steak Brother or Ryan Brother to run the show. should be considering is Lower Alabama. Let — but you have to admit this came at you like a Coach/GM sounds about right. The Ryan the flakes out in Southern California watch linebacker off the blind side. with the crazy hair seems like a really good soccer matches and make the next BIG IDEA Think about it, Mobile has everything an NFL fit, is funny to watch and will probably drink an NFL team in Mobile, or at least pitch in on franchise needs for success, other than an insane a lot in the local bars, but the Harbaugh boys this giant Cracker Barrel thing. local billionaire to own it, a state-of-the-art stadium and a huge population base. But we do have enough people to fill a stadium if 50 percent of the population bought season tickets, we have roads, The Gadfly we love football and we have plenty of dance clubs where NFL players could get in trouble. When you line up all the things we do have, they clearly out- number the things we don’t have, at least in sheer number, if not in importance. I got this great idea after hitting my head on the sink yesterday, then reading where the NFL has been talking about putting a team in Los Angeles once again, ignoring the fact those people have already lost at least two franchises and are too high to care. They clearly aren’t interested in professional football. We are. We’re even interested in pee wee football. If any people deserve a pro football team, it’s us. I’m sure naysayers of the kind I usually admire are going to quickly say, “Nay!” and ridicule this idea as being more “DUMB” than “BIG.” They would probably be quick to ask where the money for such a project would come from. I know I would. Here’s the genius part of this whole plan. We pay for this BIG IDEA by taking money from the other not-so-big BIG IDEAS. For instance, scoop up the $40 million or so for this soccer/aquatic thing and throw that into getting the stadium going. Build the stadium on top of the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum and make it so people have to go through the museum to get to the game. BAM! Attendance at the museum is immediately through the roof and the stadium suddenly has one of the coolest locations in the NFL, right along our working port. Plus it’ll mean the museum actually has to open. Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen Now let’s generate some real money. Incorpo- NFL brothers Rob and Rex Ryan discuss job security rate one of the on ramps to the I-10 bridge over during Senior Bowl week in Mobile.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 HIDDEN AGENDA COMMENTARY C Negotiating your way through the Terrible Twees BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected]

t’s hard living with a crazy person. A real emotional roller coast- “No sweetheart, you can’t wear a bathing suit to school, and it’s They each work better at different times or in different situa- er. They’ll grab things out of your garbage. Really nasty things, also 20 degrees outside this morning. Let’s put these cool jeans on,” tions. But the panty/jean debacle was going to require some form of which they may try to eat. One minute they’ll tell you they love you plead. deceit. you. The next they’re screaming they don’t. Another moment you “I. DON’T. LIKE. JEANS. I wanna wear dis,” she insists. You My favorite form of said subterfuge is starting the next battle Iget a sweet kiss, followed almost immediately by a head butt to the grab the bathing suit and throw it across the room, desperately try- before the current one ends. face. They are just as likely to color you a pretty picture or graffiti ing to get it out of sight. This is how it works: right as you start putting the hated Frozen your walls like a vandal. Some times they’ll just poop on your floor, She views this as an act of terror on your part and lets you know panties on, you say “Mommy made you some cheese grits for right next to the toilet. And leave it. Why? “Because I did.” about it. breakfast.” If you have ever lived with a 2-and-a-half to 3-year-old child, And before you can even continue The Great Pants Debate of As she is telling you she “don’t want dat,” you slip the putrid you may have endured such abuse. 2015, you have to bring in the United Nations to help you get the panties and deplorable denim on. They used to say beware the “Terrible Twos” but when our sweet issue of underwear settled. By the time she finishes telling you she wants cereal — but not baby girl turned 2 she was still an angel. But now as we approach “Here let’s put your Minnie Mouse panties on,” you say. cereal in a bowl, she wants it in a cup — and not a green-colored her third birthday, the halo has pretty much disappeared. We see “No, no, no, no, I don’t like Minnie,” she says with real tears one because that’s a boy cup, she’s totally dressed. a glimpse of it every now and again but for the most part, it’s just streaming down her face. And guess what sucker, you’re eating breakfast at daycare so you horns. “No, no, you love Minnie. Remember yesterday you insisted on can fight with them! Muhahahahaha! Score one victory for Mommy. So without question, a more appropriate “terrible” time period to wearing Minnie?” Woop! Woop! beware than the “Twos” would be the “Two-and-a-half-to-threes” or “I. DON”T. WANT. MINNIE. I want ‘Frozen,”” the tyrant Maybe it’s a girl thing. I really don’t remember battling over the “Twees,” if you are into the brevity thing. demands. things like this with my son. But then again, maybe I’m just doing All of the parenting experts, books and websites confirm this. You search through the drawer and of course there are plenty of that revisionist history mom thing where your mind glosses over all One I stumbled upon on parenting.com read, “Age 3 is the peak other options, Dora, more Minnie, Ariel, Tinkerbell and some other your memories of the bad and/or unpleasant things from morning of defiant behavior.” brunette fairy, along with various other explorers, queens, sprites, sickness to labor and delivery on. It goes on to say parents begin to become more controlling toy doctors, cats and princesses, but a run of “Frozen” panty love Perhaps this challenging time will be similarly glossed, and I because your little ones are testing your boundaries (check), but at last week has depleted that particular supply. You are about to offer should just enjoy it. After all, the next time I am fighting with her the same time they are seeking greater autonomy (check, check), a Hello Kitty replacement when you see one last pair, but it’s her over panties, the battle will probably be much different. which “makes life a series of battles (ding!ding!ding!ding!).” And least favorite of the “Frozen” panty line. You know you are screwed, “These are not appropriate for a 16-year-old, young lady!” their vocabulary is also really starting to develop so they are ready but alas, it’s your only hope, so you go back to the bargaining/ Yikes! I can’t think about that right now! to enter into “high level negotiations.” changing table, inferior “Frozen” panties in hand. Later that evening after you’ve “negotiated” over the dinner Welcome to my world. Battles and negotiations, although I “Yay! Look Mommy found the panties you wanted,” you say as menu and what colored chalice her evening milk will be served in, wouldn’t call them “high level,” unless you are saying it is like ne- you try to get them on before she notices them. among countless other things, you sit down for a moment and watch gotiating with someone who is very high on some sort of phenom- But she’s the Inspector General and nothing — and I mean noth- the nightly news. You see all of the atrocities and unspeakable enally potent drug. Then yes it is indeed “high” in that regard, but if ing — is getting by her. acts going on across the globe and in your own backyard, and as a not, I would call them ludicrous, nonsensical or insane battles and/ “Dos aren’t Frozen,” she says with disdain. profound sense of sadness and hopelessness washes over you, your or negotiations. “Yes, they are. See, these are the ones with Elsa and Anna’s pint-sized dictator crawls up into your lap and kisses your cheek and She gives us a few warm and fuzzy cuddling moments in the silhouettes,” you try to point out, as you silently curse, “Damn you says, “I lub you, Mommy.” morning right after she wakes up. But soon after that she takes out little girl panty manufacturers, make the characters more obvious!! And you are so grateful for her terrible, healthy, sassy, indepen- her imaginary starter pistol and shoots it in the air, as she squeals, I can’t work with framed profiles of these ice hookers! She doesn’t dent, beautiful, awful, glorious little self. And all is right with the “Let the games begin!” even know what a silhouette is!” world for that moment, as you hug her tightly. It starts with the morning change of clothes. You realize no amount of reasoning (or lack thereof) is going to She sits quietly for a few micro-seconds and then says to you, “I “I want to wear dis,” she says with conviction, as she hands you appease both sides, so you resort to one of your other tactics: subter- don’t wanna watch dis.” her bathing suit that she has somehow managed to find. fuge, bribery, distraction and/or shaming. On that, my love, we can agree.

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 15 BELTWAY BEAT COMMENTARY C The de-redneckification of our ‘Riviera’ BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

GRAYTON BEACH, Fla. — Has the gan. The resulting planned community “Redneck Riviera” title outlived its useful- ultimately became a vacationing spot for ness? It sure seems so. the affluent. It is Norman Rockwell meets For the last several decades, the cor- Southern Living, but with the Florida ridor of land that stretches from Mexico beachside vibe. Beach, Florida to Pensacola and across Those pastel cottages with screened-in the Alabama border onward to Dauphin front porches and widow’s walks over- Island had been unofficially deemed the looking streets made of brick pavers that “Redneck Riviera.” went for $100,000 in the 1980s are now For around six weeks every year, that listed in the millions. Although that wasn’t 200-mile long section of the Gulf Coast, the intent of the founders of Seaside, who dotted with fishing villages and U.S. foresaw a community for which the rich Navy and Air Force outposts, was the and the poor would live side by side, it has destination for vacationers from all over become the reality. the Southeast and also many from the That reality apparently became the rule Midwest. and not the exception. On the 20-mile The traditional clientele, a somewhat stretch on Route 30A in Walton County, unpolished Southern variety that traveled where the community is located, the Sea- to these spots over the past few decades side theme is imitated over and over and for vacation, earned it the moniker. over again. If you’ve ever been fortunate enough Suffice to say, you won’t see very to spend a few spring breaks or post-high many Confederate flags or Hooters res- school or college graduation weekends at taurants along this stretch. High-end retail one of these destination spots at any given including chic wine shops and organic time between 1985 and 2005, you would produce stands with exorbitant mark-ups have seen it wasn’t necessarily a pretty have replaced convenience stores adver- sight. It was a sort of younger version of tising Marlboro cigarettes and discount the night before the main NASCAR race prices on 30-packs of Icehouse beer. at Talladega, but with a beach nearby. It’s a development that has been con- Drunk tourists with their pickup trucks tagious. and Confederate flags would inhabit the A little further down the road, the hundreds of old and rundown classic centerpiece of the “Redneck Riviera,” motor lodges that dotted U.S. Hwy. 98 Panama City Beach, has made efforts to featuring those old-school neon “vacancy/ clean up its act. Many of those old tourist no vacancy” signs. trap motels and condos built just long All of this was tolerated by the locals enough to withstand the next hurricane because of the shot in the arm to their lo- have been given facelifts with fake stucco cal economies. and new paint. Of course, every few years, a hurricane Some of the old dive and biker bars would come along and mess things up. for which Panama City Beach was long In my lifetime, hurricanes Frederic in known have been knocked down and re- 1979, Opal in 1995 and Ivan in 2004 stick placed by chain restaurants and Starbucks. out as times when reset button had to be Locals and frequent visitors to Panama pushed and a hurried rebuilding effort City Beach will tell you as much. They would take place to get things ready for admit there is an effort underway to steer tourist season. it away from its reputation as a wild, It has been nearly a decade, however, no-holds-barred and trashy vacation since the last major hurricane and dur- spot. From the looks of things, there is ing that time the region has experienced still some work to do, but inevitably it tremendous change. That evolution has probably will happen. been aided by the rise of what has been When you’ve lost Panama City Beach called the New South, which is for the to de-redneck-ification efforts, will it still lack of a better term, a more sophisticated be fair to call this stretch the “Redneck Southerner. Riviera?” There are any number places on The area known as the Redneck Riv- the map that would give that section of the iera, given its proximity by automobile, Gulf Coast a run for its money on that one is still a Southern vacation destination of — Myrtle Beach, S.C., Daytona Beach, choice, especially based on the increase Fla. and Tybee Island, Ga. of the volume of traffic that streams into As long as the Flora-Bama is still Florida from Georgia and Alabama to standing, this section on the Gulf Coast points north brought on by the improve- will still hold first place for that title. The ments to thoroughfares. South will certainly rise again in Pen- All of this has led to demand for the sacola Beach a handful of weeks during development of amenities for those with the season. But in the next few months, higher standards. when the thousands of winter tourists de- Thirty years ago, planning for the scend upon the Alabama and northwestern tiny little hamlet of Seaside, Florida’s Florida beaches, it won’t be your mama much-ballyhooed transformation be- and daddy’s “Redneck Riviera.”

16 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 TAO OF JEN COMMENTARY C Local artist-turned-actor keeping the dream alive BY JENNIFER MCDONALD/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

emember when we were kids, when comic book he illustrated and co-created our capacity to dream knew no with his partner writer Kevin LaPorte and limits, and dreams were the only colorist Gavin Michelli. The local team re- thing that fueled our whimsical leased the first issue of their four-part series, spirits?R I was going to be an astronaut, an “Last Ride for Horsemen,” in 2013 and the explorer, a doctor, an animal behaviorist, a second issue is expected to be out soon. rock star and at one time, a pitcher for the At 42, Nathan is a man of many talents. Boston Red Sox. After attending B.C. Rain High School Back then the only limit was my own in Mobile, he earned a degree in graphic imagination, but the older I get the more design and gained experience working in my dreams seem anchored by the weight of website design while leaving plenty of reality, and so many of the things I wanted time for his comic work and other art. He as a kid just don’t seem to make sense especially enjoys creating fan art, where he anymore. draws customized characters on commis- When was the last time you took inven- sion at comic book conventions and other tory of your own dreams? There’s nothing events, as well as by request. Especially like a new year to find new inspiration. If fun are his “Super-U” creations, where he you could do absolutely anything with your uses a person’s picture to recreate them as a life, what would it be? What would you do? superhero. Dream big! Nathan has had plenty to keep him busy Would you go to medical school? Move the past few years, but he’s been getting to Alaska? Climb a mountain? Marry Harry, the most attention lately for his acting, an the Prince of Wales? Become the next Lady old dream reawakened by an unexpected Gaga? opportunity here in Mobile. He has worked These days there are really two big ones in local theater and small independent films for me: I want to finish and sell the book throughout the years, but it wasn’t until the I’ve been writing for years and I want to locally filmed movie “Rage” (aka “Tok- learn kung fu. arev”) came to town that he realized he’d I’ve wanted to learn the ancient Chinese found his dream. martial art ever since I was a kid and it After checking out his rather impressive seems like it would be the most awesome, physique and learning of his martial arts and fun thing ever. I desire the discipline, mental firearm training, Nathan was able to score focus, and peace of mind associated with the small part of a Russian thug. He appears kung fu, and I want to cultivate the skill and in several scenes of the movie before being physical conditioning necessary to destroy shot by Nicolas Cage. the average suburban opponent in hand to Shortly after, Nathan went on to have hand combat. small parts in “Convergence,” filmed at My dreams are big, but they don’t the old Knollwood hospital, “The Prince,” require me to risk my life or even give up where he was shot by Jason Patrick, and my day job. More than anything they simply “Vice,” where he played Bruce Willis’ require me to stop talking and start doing. security guard. For many years there has been one thing Perhaps most exciting was his recent gig holding me back from both of these major on the amazing “American Horror Story: life goals: fear. Freak Show,” where he scored a small part What if I write the book and it’s just not as a carnie and made brief appearances in any good? What if everyone says it’s awful? the majority of the season’s episodes. For What if I join a kung fu class and I can’t big fans like me it’s been a blast following keep up? What if I faint or puke or die? Oh along and playing “Spot the Nathan.” my god, what if I try to do something amaz- Aside from making his hometown proud ing AND I FAIL? with his talent, professionalism and amazing As for the kung fu, I finally took a deep charisma on and off the set, Nathan had the breath one day and dove in head first. It’s time of his life working on the wildly popu- been almost six months now since I enrolled lar TV series. By now he knows for sure he at the Shaolin Institute in Mobile, and I’ve has to take this acting thing as far as it can been training hard two or three days a week go, giving it everything he’s got and learn- since I started. I decided to give it a full ing anything he can. The sky is the limit for year before I make an assessment, but so a bright talent and genuinely terrific person far I can tell you it’s already been one of the like Nathan, and it’s only a matter of time most profoundly rewarding experiences of before he lands his next big role. my life. To make it through those rough patches As for the book, well, I’m still making in between, Nathan has turned to crowd excuses for why I can’t finish, and I can funding site Patreon, which allows patrons never seem to shake that nagging fear it to support a member’s creative projects with will never be good enough. As Mobilian a monthly contribution. If you’re interested Nathan Smith would probably tell me, when in supporting a local talent with the guts to it comes to dreams, sometimes you have to dream big, visit Nathan’s page at https:// drop the insecurities and just jump in and www.patreon.com/nathanosmith?ty=a. make things happen. In the meantime, stay tuned and keep I first introduced you to Nathan in this your eye on this handsome kid. He’s going column back in 2013, when I mentioned the somewhere big.

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 17 THE REAL DEAL BUSINESS BB Antoinette at epicenter of downtown urban revival BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST | [email protected] ated with the science, technology, engineering he 14,000-square-foot historic Antoinette Commercial r eal estate moves building, parked on 29,400-square-feet The Paul Carter Agency recently closed and mathematics (STEM) program. This is of foundation formerly home to Alabama on the sale of 16 acres of land at 9600 Mof- the seventh year for Ingalls’ STEM partner- Women’s Hall of Fame author Augusta fett Road in Semmes. The sale price was ship. The company has awarded more than $609,000 for STEM-related projects during TEvans Wilson, possibly sits primed as a future $220,000 and the property is located just west that period. epicenter of an imminent downtown residential of McCrary Road, about a mile before Snow The 2015 STEM grants in Alabama revival, according to owner Debra Baumhauer. Road. The seller was Moffett Road Baptist include: $4,782 in funds to Baker High Recently used as the backdrop for several Church. The buyer was Southern Colonel School used to purchase physics equipment scenes in the Nicholas Cage-headlining “Rage” Homes, which plans to open a retail sales lot necessary to perform experiments in the film, the 104-year-old, two-story building may for manufactured homes around the beginning of March. physics and math classrooms; $5,000 given play a much larger role in reality by dispelling to BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and the stigma of a downtown too dangerous to “Southern Colonel already has locations in Mississippi and decided to add an addi- Technology) — a volunteer-driven robotics inhabit for upwardly mobile Mobilians. program that impacts schools in Mississippi “The biggest question I’ve heard (and still tional location in our area due to high public demand,” Paul Carter, president of the Paul and Alabama. hear) when my husband and I moved downtown The donation will be used to help sponsor from our home of 27 years in Spring Hill was Carter Agency said. Twenty-two manufactured home models are planned to be on display a robotics competition for students that is held ‘are you safe?’ My answer has always been a upon opening. annually in Mobile; $3,113 donated to Erwin resounding yes,” Baumhauer said. Locally owned sports and recreation outlet Craighead Elementary School towards the With developer Pace Burt’s recent acquisition Spoke ‘N Trail is moving from its long time Junior Master Gardner Program that is used of 951 Government St. almost directly across location at 3315 Old Shell Road on the as a vehicle to involve students in science and the street being converted into 48 high-end Beltline, to the former Red or White location math through gardening; $1,200 allocated to apartments with a bottom floor slated for an up- at 1801 Old Shell Road, at the intersection St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School to imple- scale restaurant, Baumhauer expects curb appeal of Kenneth Street/Mobile Infirmary Drive ment a Lego robotics program for students in around the vicinity to grow exponentially in the and across the street from the Dew Drop Inn. grades 3 to 5. near future. Doors are expected to be open at the new “Having 951 under development as well as locale early next week. Aerofest Indy Ride held in support the historic Protestant Children’s Home, almost The Beltline property was recently pur- for military veterans around the corner from here — being renovated chased for $595,000 by local investors and Mobile Aerofest announced in a recent by the Historic Restoration Society — you can plans are in place for the 8,000-square-foot press release joining with the Independence feel a new excitement in the area. I feel like we building to be converted into office space for Fund and the Gary Sinise Foundation to were ahead of the curve when purchasing and LLB&B Real Estate and Title Guaranty. provide a group of more than 100 injured renovating this place last year. A lot of work, the Melissa Morrissette of LLB&B represented veterans and caregivers from across the building has good bones and has been a labor of the buyer and Jeremy Milling of Milling country to meet in Mobile to participate in the love,” she said. Commercial Realty worked for the seller. inaugural AeroFest Independence “Indy” Ride With two units still on the market, a Bob Pope, owner of the Yardarm Restau- on March 21. 2,000-square-foot unit downstairs listed at rant located on Fairhope municipal pier, has The ride will begin in Bayou La Batre and $325,000 and a 2,500-square-foot upstairs space confirmed that he is selling the well-known conclude at the Mobile Aerofest at the Brook- going for $349,000, the majority of serious eatery to Rick Gambino, owner of Gam- ley Aeroplex. It is expected to have more than interest has been seen by out-of-towners from bino’s Italian Grill in Fairhope. According to 1,000 participating riders. The Aerofest, which larger cities (Austin and Atlanta), possibly Gambino, the restaurant will have a new name is open to the public and scheduled for March because no preconceived notions exist by suitors and an oyster bar theme upon reopening. 20-21 is expected to draw over 30,000 guests. already used to an upscale, urban lifestyle. “The Mobile Aerofest, commencing “The property is somewhat of a challenge Huntington Ingalls donates with the Independence Ride that starts in to price relative to the market because it is so Bayou LaBatre and concludes at the Mobile $102,000 to Gulf Coast schools Aeroplex, represents a totally new concept unique. There’s nothing else like it in Mobile,” Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) for a socially conscious large scale event,” Ashley McLean of LLB&B Real Estate Inc. recently announced that its Ingalls Ship- Mayor Sandy Stimpson said in a statement. said. “I live in Oakleigh, not too far removed building division has awarded more than “It will bring veterans, active duty and the from the activity occurring on that block of Gov- $102,000 in grants for 28 projects at schools larger community together around world class ernment Street. As a realtor and resident, I can and educational organizations in Alabama and music, food and entertainment to support our Mississippi. tell you there’s a palpable energy felt here from wounded heroes. I am confident that Aerofest The gr ants, w hich w ere r equested by t he all the work in downtown and look forward to will be a landmark event in our region for organizations, will be used for projects associ- the transformation soon to undoubtedly occur,” years to come.”

couple of issues ago I wrote about the trend in gluten free diets. Yes, we need whole grains. The tragedy is that a gluten free diet prohibits them. The conclusion is that unless you are intolerant of gluten or have celiac disease, Aa diet sans gluten is not recommended. Intolerance of gluten and the myriad symptoms that come along with the ailment can range from slight discomfort to pretty severe. The only way to test for gluten intolerance is by abstain- ing from gluten for a few weeks then returning to a pasta sandwich on whole wheat bread with a Budweiser. You will probably not feel that great no matter what the result of that experiment is, but your body will let you know if you need to stay away. There are times when I eat something and immediately feel bad. The problem is I unashamedly eat everything. I couldn’t pinpoint a food malady in my everyday lifestyle if said lifestyle depended on it. There are just too many variables to contend with. But I decided if I was going to write about a gluten free diet I should at least give it a try. There are perils. There are hardships. But for the most part after a week and a half I do feel like I have a little more pep in my step. Photo/faviasflavors.com The first part of losing the gluten was immediately noticing how hard this really is. It seems it’s everywhere. If you are going gluten free your menu options are severely limited. Cooking is a 2 cups cooked, dark meat chicken, shredded bit difficult, too. I had to exclude almost any Cajun recipe from Homemade chicken broth my diet. That’s a tough one for me. But pretty soon I got the hang 1 stick of butter of it. White flour became rice flour. Cornstarch can be used to ½ cup of rice flour thicken sauces. Backed into a corner, I began to find avenues out. Shopping takes some planning. Pro tip: a lot of gluten free 1 cup of white onion chopped products can be found on the ethnic foods aisle. There are so ½ cup of chopped bell pepper many crackers that will blow your mind. I must say I will con- 1 Tablespoon of garlic tinue to buy some of these on a regular diet. Almond crackers Creole seasoning are really thin and sturdy. Rice crackers are a little more brittle. ½ cup of chopped carrots, boiled until soft Different brands pair with different cheese and all is right with ½ cup of canned sweet peas the world. Cooked gluten free pasta Another problem with the diet is that I became ill after a Fresh grated parmesan cheese couple of days. Not ill as in sick. I mean ill as in pill. I was not easy to be around. It was exactly like giving up smoking, but on a In a large Dutch oven melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the onions and bell pepper until soft. smaller scale. Once I got over that hump I felt fine. It was a mod- erate level of irritability, and if I snapped at you in those couple of Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Season it with Creole seasoning. Add the flour and con- days please accept my apology. tinue to stir with a wooden spoon until a blonde roux forms. I must say the thing I miss the most is beer. Sorghum beer is pretty good. Ciders are sometimes gluten free but are in no way Add chicken broth one cup at a time until a soupy but thick mixture is produced. This is usually be- a replacement for beer. Wine and vodka are grand libations. But tween two and three cups but start thick. You can always add a little more. It’s more difficult to take the when it comes to a man like me, I need a beer with my crawfish, a broth out. beer with my Super Bowl wings, a beer with my raw oysters and a beer with my old man. At this point add the chicken, carrots and sweet peas. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes stirring So to walk a mile in the shoes of our gluten free friends, I occasionally. decided to replicate a dish I claim to have invented. It’s basically chicken pot pie filling over pasta rather than in the shell. This dish contains a roux, chicken broth, and pasta. The broth I made from Serve this over cooked pasta with grated parmesan. My results were far better than I had hoped. I chicken thighs. The roux was butter and rice flour. The pasta was did not miss the regular flour or pasta. It tasted like home to me! Experiment with different cheese or gluten free. Enjoy! throw in some Conecuh sausage for a bite. The only thing missing from this was a beer.

20 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 W ORD OF MOUTH CUISINE CC Fairhope Brewing Company heads ‘Back to the Future’ for second anniversary BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

eep the DeLorean under 88 mph when you head to the the wines of Terra D’Oro Winery from Plymouth, Amodor Benjamin’s enters the food truck business with Fairhope Brewing Company for their second anniversary County, California. “Back to the Future” party. Saturday, Jan. 24 is the date to The reception is a Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc/Voignier for eclectic burgers Add one more to Mobile’s meals on wheels group. MiMo’s save as you celebrate the past, present and future of our the first course followed by an Amador County Zinfandel. Third Benjamin’s at 2101 Airport Blvd. is known for a wild menu of Klandmark local beer from 4—11 p.m. at the taproom of FBC at course is a Barbera, ’12 and a grand finale is a strong close with burgers and gastric craziness like meatloaf cupcakes with mashed 914 Nichols Ave. Zinfandel Port. potato icing. They are keeping their dinner and weekend brunches Representing the past, lower Alabama’s only craft brewer will Expect some surprises with the food, but we know for sure we going but are putting on the brakes for weekday lunch service in be serving up the suds that put them on the map with Everyday will see duck breast, orzo, Chateaubriand, roasted carrots, and order to hit the gas on their new food truck, the Burga Kaboose. Ale, Fairhope 51, and the Paint it Black IPA that we’ve come to dark chocolate truffles. They just entered the scene but got off to a rolling start. They know and love. You see these brews in recipes, at festivals, and This is your last chance for one of these events at this location. do have pimiento cheese, chicken salad and the like, but the main spilling from taps in Mobile and Baldwin Counties at bars. I am certain this one will be memorable as the doors will be clos- The present is the celebration, and for this the boys are working after the last 2015 Valentine dish is served. Cost is $60 per focus is burgers. Expect this truck to have a burger of the week, ing overtime. Expect more than 20 small batch signature beers person and reservations are required. Call now, as it should fill up which could be one of many of what they call “burger personali- and seasonal brews produced just for this event. quickly, at 251-478-2881. Start time is the usual 7 p.m. ties.” I have heard of their King Cake burger. There is even talk So what does the future hold? Well that’s the big news. of deep fried pizza with a patty in between. Have they gone off Fairhope Brewing Company is unveiling its plans for bottling in the rails or is it pure genius? You be the judge. Check Facebook Pour Baby hosts wine dinner with Mac McDonald updates for daily truck locations. 2015! Guests can check out bottle designs and sample some of As one door closes another one opens. West Mobile newcom- the latest recipes. ers Pour Baby are getting into the wine dinner game with a menu Entry is only $10 and includes a commemorative glass and put together by Mac McDonald of Vision Cellars, Mike Toups of Cuisine for Kids huge fundraiser for CAC the beer of your choice. Live music begins at 4 p.m. with Mitch Rush Wines and Pour Baby Chef Josh Lear. It’s one day out of the year, but it’s for a worthy cause. Cuisine Johnson followed by Rondale and the Kit Katz at 7 p.m. Hoot The event is also Thursday, Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. This one will for Kids is scheduled for Jan. 27 and will raise funds for Mobile’s Wheels, the Hungry Owl food truck will be on site as well as feature four courses beginning with a Blanc Gris, a Pinot Noir Child Advocacy Center. Simply put, restaurants from our area Bean and Bistro providing you with delicious fare so you don’t from Sonoma, a Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands, and a have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds from that Tues- have to drink on an empty stomach. Rose’ Pino Noir from the Russian River Valley. day to help victims of child abuse. So call Lorraine. If you don’t take her out to this event Darth Of course the Pour Baby menu gets a bit eclectic with some Some are national chains, some are regional chains, and some Vader will come down from the planet Vulcan and melt your brain! amazing tastes. Starting with seared scallop and sweet potato are 100 percent local, but these Mobile restaurants all have their gazpacho the dinner makes its way toward clams, spicy sofrita, St. heart in the right place. And it seems Mobile’s restaurant scene is Last Italian Fisherman wine dinner finalized Louis style ribs, and a carrot soufflé. Chef Josh won’t disappoint. considerably generous. At the time of this writing there are over The menu is in for the Thursday, Jan. 29 wine dinner at the The price is $59 per person, plus tax and an 18 percent gratu- forty restaurants participating in this fundraiser. The complete list Italian Fisherman at 2503 Old Shell Road. Celebrating the final ity. Location is 6808 Airport Blvd., Suite H out in WeMo. Call for is at www.cacmobile.org. You have one job: dine out! wine dinner in the successful series, Chef John has called upon reservations at 251-343-3555. Recycle!

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 21 TIN ToP ReSTAuRANT & oySTeR BAR ($$) CReAM & SuGAR ($) MAMA’S ($) RoMA CAFe ($-$$) Best seafood, premium aged Breakfast, lunch in Oakleigh. Ice Slap your mama good home Pasta, salad and sandwiches. steaks, extensive wine list. 6232 Bon cream too. cooking. 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 Secour Hwy County Rd. 10.• 949- 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 RoSIe’S GRILL ($-$$) 5086 D’ MIChAeL’S ($) MARS hILL CAFe ($) Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days WINTzeLL’S oySTeR houSe ($-$$) Philly cheese steaks, gyros & Great sandwiches, coffee & more. 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 more. 7101-A Theodore Dawes 5025 Cottage Hill Rd. • 643-1611 626-2440 $ UnDeR $10/PeRSOn 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 Rd. MARy’S SouTheRN CooKING ($) RoyAL KNIGhT ($) $$ 10-25/PeRSOn 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., 653-2979 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 Steak night on fridays. Saraland • 442-3335 $$$ OveR 25/PeRSOn DeLISh DeSSeRTS ($) MeLLoW MuShRooM ($) 3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1270 zeA’S ($$) Pies & awesome beer selection. RoyAL STReeT CAFe ($) Gourmet rotisserie with prime rib Great desserts & hot lunch 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 Homemade lunch & breakfast. & seafood. 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 DeW DRoP INN ($) 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 Business Casual Classic burgers, hotdogs & MICheLI’S CAFe ($) SAGe ReSTAuRANT ($$) Inside the Mobile Marriott. BoNeFISh GRILL ($$) setting. 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473- 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 Eclectic dining & space. 7872. MoMMA GoLDBeRG’S DeLI ($) 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 Completely Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. SAToRI CoFFeehouSe ($) DoWNToWNeRS ($) Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. BAuDeAN’S ($$) Great sandwiches, soups & salads. 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 Fried, grilled, steamed & always ComfortaBle 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 AL’S hoTDoGS ($) 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 SeRDA’S CoFFeehouSe ($) fresh. 3300 River Rd. 973-9070 Classic hotdogs, gyros & e WING houSe ($) MoNTeGo’S ($-$$) BouDReAuX’S CAJuN GRILL ($-$$) Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft Coffee, lunches, live music & milkshakes 195 S University Suite H gelato. Quality Cajun & New Orleans beer. 6601 Airport Blvd. 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 662-1830. 2212 Dauphin Island 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 Cuisine. 29249 US Highway 98 AShLAND MIDToWN PuB ($-$$) Pkwy • 479-2021 634-3445 SMoKey DeMBo SMoKe houSe Daphne. 621-1991 Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. FIRehouSe SuBS ($) MoSTLy MuFFINS ($) ($) eD’S SeAFooD SheD ($$) Muffins, coffee & wraps. 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 245-A Old Shell Rd. 479-3278 Hot subs, cold salads & catering. 473-1401 Fried seafood served in hefty ATLANTA BReAD CoMPANy ($-$$) 6300 Grelot Rd. 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 Sandwiches, salads & more. SPoT oF TeA ($) portions. 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625- 3680 631-3730 MuDBuGS AT The LooP ($) Dauphin St. • 380-0444 Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. 1947 FISheRMAN’S LeGACy ($) 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. FeLIX’S FISh CAMP ($$) BeNJAMIN’S ($) 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 Burgers,wings and seafood. Deli, market and catering. SouTheRN DeCADeNCe DeSSeRTS Upscale dining with a view. 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 MuG ShoTS ($$) ($) Soups, Salads, Desserts & 2107 Airport Blvd. • 450-9377 Bar & Grill. 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 BRIqueTTeS STeAKhouSe ($-$$) FIve GuyS BuRGeRS & FRIeS ($) Sandwiches. hALF SheLL oySTeR houSe ($) Grilled steaks, chicken and 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 1956 B University Blvd. 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 seafood. 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 NeWK’S eXPReSS CAFe ($) 300-8304 720A Schillinger Rd. S. Oven-baked sandwiches & more. JohN WoRD’S CAPTAIN TABLe ($$) Suite 2. • 607-7200 FooSACKLy’S ($) STevIe’S KITCheN ($) Come wine, dine and dance. CAFe 219 ($) Famous chicken fingers. 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 Sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, 2701 Battleship Pkwy • 433-3790 Salads, sandwiches & potato 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 oLD 27 GRILL ($) soups, salads & desserts Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. LeGACy BAR & GRILL ($$$) salad. 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. American, Seafood,Stekhouse. CAFe MALBIS ($) 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 150. Fairhope • 281-2663 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 Contemporary fare & eclectic 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761. TAMARA’S BAR & GRILL ($) spirits. oRLeANS Po-BoyS ($-$$) LuCy B. GooDe ($$) 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 Wings, po-boys, burgers. 661-6620 Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. CAJuN SeAFooD ($) ISTANBuL GRILL ($) 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores Authentic Turkish Resturant. 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 • 929-0002 Seafood market & deli fresh oRLeANS CAFe ($-$$) TP CRoCKMIeRS ($) 967-5858 seafood. 408 Dauphin Island 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 LuLu’S ($$) JAMAICAN vIBe ($) Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & American Restaurant & Bar Pkwy. 478-9897 wings. Live music & great seafood. CAMILLe’S SIDeWALK CAFé ($) Mind-blowing island food. 3721 Airport Blvd. • 380- 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores 1503 The BLIND MuLe ($) Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. 3700 Government Blvd. Ste A PANINI PeTe’S ($) Daily specials made from scratch. 967-5858 5817 Old Shell Rd. 602-1973 Original sandwich and bake shop. 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. oRIGINAL oySTeR houSe ($-$$) 343-0200 JACK’S CATFISh CAMP ($$) The houSe ($-$$) A great place for kids and CAMeLLIA CAFé ($-$$$) Steak & Seafood 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope Contemporary southern fare. 929-0122 Seafood, sandwiches, salads & seafood. 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626- 4815 Halls Mill Rd. • 661-4434 soups 61 Section St., Fairhope JIMMy JohN’S ($) 19 S. Conception St. • 405-0031 2188 PDq ($) 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 oySTeR RoCKeFeLLeR ($$-$$$) 928-4321 Sandwiches, catering & delivery CAMMIe’S oLD DuTCh ($) Chicken fingers, salad & The huNGRy oWL ($) 312 Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 too. 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414- sandwiches. Burgers, flatbread pizza & RICe ASIAN GRILL & SuShI BAR Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. 1165 University Blvd. 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 5444 202-0959 seafood. 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. ($) 3964 Government Blvd. • 378- CARPe DIeM ($) Joe CAIN CAFé ($) queeN G’S CAFé ($) 633-4479 8083 Deli foods, pastries & specialty Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. Down home cooking for lunch. ThRee GeoRGeS CANDy ShoP ($) The hARBoR RooM ($-$$) drinks. 4072 Old Shell Rd. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 Light lunch with Southern flair. Unique seafood. 304-0448 KITCheN oN GeoRGe ($-$$) ReGINA’S KITCheN ($-$$) 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 ChAT-A-WAy CAFe ($) Contemporary American food. Sandwiches, subs and soups. TRoPICAL SMooThIe ($) 351A George & Savannah St. TP CRoCKMIeRS ($-$$) Quiches & sandwiches in Spring 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 Great smoothies, wraps & American Restaurant & Bar Hill. 4366 Old Shell Rd. 343-9889 436-8890 RIveR ShACK ($-$$) sandwiches. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 ChICKeN SALAD ChICK ($) LAP’S GRoCeRy & GRILL ($-$$) 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Salad Seafood, burgers & steaks. The BLueGILL ($-$$) Casual Seafood & southern 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River WILD WING STATIoN ($) A historic seafood dive with live & Soup. 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit classics. 1595 Battleship Parkway, 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 R • 660-0501 443-7318. music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 Spanish Fort • 626-0045 RoLy PoLy ($) yAK The KAThMANDu KITCheN CRAvIN CAJuN ($) MAGhee’S GRILL oN The hILL ($-$$)Authentic foods from The ITALIAN FISheRMAN ($$) Po-boys, salads & seafood. Wraps & salads. ($-$$) Great lunch & dinner. Himalayan region. Seafood Italian style. 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 2503 Old Shell Rd. • 478-2881 287-1168 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115

22 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 The TReLLIS RooM ($$$) WASABI SuShI ($$) RAveNITe ($) hIGh TIDe CAFé AT IP CASINo Italian dishes & local flair. Japanese cusine Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more ReSoRT SPA ($) Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 Casual & relaxing, extensive yeN ReSTAuRANT ($) vIA eMILIA ($$) menu. 850 Bayview Ave. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Homemade pastas & pizzas made 888-946-2847 BR PRIMe AT BeAu RIvAGe ($$-$$$) a little Vino 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 DoMKe MARKeT Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne Fine dining establishment. Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, 625-4695 875 Beach Blvd. 888-952-2582 ‘Cue & more. 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. olé mi amiGo! JIA AT BeAu RIvAGe ($-$$) BACKyARD CAFe & BBq ($) 375-0599 is tHe Game on? CABo CoASTAL CANTINA ($) Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Home cookin’ like momma made. FAThoMS LouNGe BuFFALo WILD WINGS ($) 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 Best wings & sporting events. DAuPhIN ST. TAqueRIA ($) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 music 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic BAR-B-quING WITh My hoNey ($$) 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 MeMPhIS q AT BeAu RIvAGe ($) ReD oR WhITe fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 Memphis-style Q. BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood BuTCh CASSIDy’S ($) eL ChARRo ($) 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 Famous burgers, sandwiches & 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 Finest Mexican in WeMo. CoAST ReSTAuRANT AT BeAu BRICK PIT ($) RoyAL STReeT TAveRN wings. 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 A favorite barbecue spot. CALLAGhAN’S IRISh SoCIAL CLuB RIvAGe ($) Live music,martinis & a light FueGo ($-$$) Sports bar-style joint. ($) Burgers & beer. Outstanding Mexican cuisine. 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 dinner menu. 26 N. Royal St. • 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 DReAMLAND BBq ($) 338-2000 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 LB’S STeAKhouSe AT GRAND Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. SouTheRN NAPA heRoeS SPoRTS BAR & GRILLe ($) LoS ARCoS ($) CASINo ($$-$$$) 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. Sandwiches & cold beer. Quaint Mexican restaurant. Fine dining with juicy steak Moe’S oRIGINAL BAR B que ($) 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 & fine wine. Bar-b-que & music. Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 LA CoCINA ($) Bayfront Park Authentic Mexican cuisine. 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS MCShARRy’S IRISh PuB ($) Cuu LoNG SuPeR Pho AT GRAND Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 CASINo ($$) falafel? try 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope SANTA Fe GRILL ($) Asian noodle soups, bubble teas SAuCy q BARBque ($) Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. Award-winning BarBQue. some Hummus 990-5100 & more. 7 SPICe ($-$$) The LANDING ($) 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 eMeRIL’S GuLF CoAST FISh WhISTLe SToP ($) Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. From seafood to steaks. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 houSe AT ISLAND vIeW CASINo Home cookin’ & BBQ. LuCKy’S IRISh PuB ($) ($$-$$$) Kick it up a notch. 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 ABBA’S MeDITeRRANeAN no GamBlinG CAFe ($-$$) Irish pub fare & more. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. Beef, lamb & seafood. 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 Casino fare 877-774-8439 The STADIuM ($) atmore C&G GRILLe AT ISLAND vIeW 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 CASINo ($) Drop DeaD JeRuSALeM CAFe ($-$$) Catch the games with great food. FIRe AT WIND CReeK CASINo & 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope hoTeL ($$-$$$) Large breakfast, lunch or dinner Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. menu. Gourmet 990-0408 World-class prime steaks, 3300 W. Beach Blvd. ALABAMA CRuISeS ($$) 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 seafood & wine. 877-774-8439 Fine dining & sailing from KAN zAMAN CAFe ($) WeMoS ($) WAhoo’S PooLSIDe BAR & GRILL Of Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 Orange Beach • 973-1244 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 GRILL AT WIND CReeK CASINo & AT PALACe CASINo ReSoRT ($-$$) BAy GouRMeT ($$) MeDITeRRANeAN SANDWICh 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 hoTeL ($) Fresh seafood & more. A premier caterer & cooking classes. CoMPANy ($) Great & quick. Contemporary & old-fashioned 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 favorites. MIGNoN’S AT PALACe CASINo CAFé 615 ($$-$$$) 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725- mama mia! 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 ReSoRT ($$-$$$) American fare with local ingredients. 0126 BeNTz’S PIzzA PuB ($) Biloxi Extraordinary wine, steaks & 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. MINT hooKAh BISTRo ($) Homemade pizza and Italian vIBe AT hARD RoCK hoTeL seafood. CAFé RoyAL ($$-$$$) Great Mediterranean food. dishes. 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625- AND CASINo ($-$$) 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. The DeN AT TReASuRe BAy Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 6992 CASINo ($-$$) 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 zoRBA The GReeK ($-$$) BuCK’S PIzzA ($$) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 NoJA ($$-$$$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. Delivery. RuTh’S ChRIS STeAK houSe AT Intimate & casual with daily specials. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 Inventive & very fresh cuisine. 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 hARD RoCK hoTeL & CASINo ($$$) Exceptional servie & taste. Cq AT TReASuRe BAy CASINo ($$-$$$) 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 GAMBINo BRoTheRS ($) 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing oSMAN’S ReSTAuRANT ($$) Homemade pastas & sandwiches. hARD RoCK CAFé AT hARD RoCK entrees. Supreme European cuisine. far eastern fare 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 hoTeL AND CASINo ($) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. BANGKoK ThAI ($-$$) GAMBINo’S ITALIAN GRILL ($) BLu AT TReASuRe BAy CASINo ($) Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. American fare & rockin’ RoyAL SCAM ($$) Italian, Steaks, Seafood, memorabilia. Lounge with cocktails & tapas 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 menu. 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) BANzAI JAPANeSe ReSTAuRANT GuIDo’S ($$) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. SATISFACTIoN AT hARD RoCK RuTh’S ChRIS STeAK houSe ($$$) Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. hoTeL AND CASINo ($) MARGARITAvILLe 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 Exceptional service & taste. 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 Southern favorites & fresh- ReSTAuRANT ($$$) 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 GoLDeN BoWL ($) Burgers, salads, specialties & more. Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine LA RoSSA ($$) smoked meats. TAMARA’S DoWNToWN ($$) Catering and Market. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 FeeDING FReNzy BuFFeT ($-$$) Casual fine dining. LIquID ($$) 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne TIeN AT IP CASINo 104 N. Section St., Fairhope ReSoRT SPA ($-$$) (MARGARITAvILLe CASINo) Amazing sushi & assortment of 625-0345 Featuring Gulf Coast Cuisine 929-2219 rolls. PICKLeFISh ($$) Pan-Asian cuisine made in front 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 of you. 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 uNIoN ($$$) MIKATo JAPANeSe STeAK houSe Pizza, sandwiches & salads. Premium steaks & burgers. 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 MARINA AT LANDShARK ($$) Upscale sushi & specialties. 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 hIGhLIGhTS SPoRTS LouNGe AT IP LANDING($-$$) 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 PAPA’S PLACe ($$) (MARGARITAvILLe CASINo) The BuLL ($-$$) RoCK N RoLL SuShI ($$) CASINo ReSoRT SPA ($) N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. A Taste of Italy . BYOB. Brews & game on 65 screens. 4 portable food stations. 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 160 5th St. • 855-667-6777 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 23 CC ELIXERS CUISINE Silence is golden in Sonoma’s Russian River valley BY W.T. BANKHEAD/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

love the Russian River Valley in Sonoma resulting in tiny bubbles. After his first taste of County, California. As they say, half the fun champagne, Dom Perignon called to another is getting there. Driving north across the monk, “Come quickly, I’m drinking stars.” Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco But actually, it was other French winemak- Inever fails to be an exciting way to begin your ers in the 1700s and later who perfected the journey. method. I don’t want to disclose my opinion You can take the freeway toward Santa on the French claiming that “champagne only Rosa, which is mostly scenic, grassy rolling comes from Champagne, France,” especially hills and pastoral landscapes of grazing cows, as champagne in the United States has been but if the mudslides and falling rocks have made with the identical method since the late been cleared from State Route 1, you’ll find 1800s. Bottles are currently labeled “American the two hour drive along the Pacific Coast to Champagne,” and Korbel has been served at the be astonishingly beautiful. White House during six presidential administra- Along the sometimes treacherous drive, tions and at President Obama’s inauguration. you’re likely to see sea lions sunning them- Before you go to the Korbel vineyards, selves on sand bars, or if you’re lucky, maybe you may want to drive a few miles north of a whale. There are very few establishments at Guerneville, to a redwood forest named Arm- which to stop along the way, but there is an strong Woods. It’s usually extremely, serenely incredible Oyster House almost midway to quiet. They have one cut redwood, a center Guerneville, your enchanted destination on the slice that shows you the rings of its historic life, Russian River. They are known for their barbe- some going back to age of Christopher Colum- cued oysters, which are as good and unique as bus’ discoveries. they sound. But don’t linger too long, as we’re As you wander down the self-guided trails, going to one of the finest vineyards in Sonoma the silence may have you contemplating God, County. even if perhaps you are agnostic. The trees Its neighbor, Napa, is more famous, but to are simply awe inspiring, bringing to mind the me that is simply due to quantity, not qual- absurdity of Ronald Reagan’s preposterous ity. Turning off the Pacific Coast Highway (the remark, “If you’ve seen one redwood, you’ve PCH), you’ll discover plenty of campgrounds seen them all.” He was a conservative, but and as you approach the little town, there are clearly not a conservationist. more cabins. As you drive east, there are more The Korbel brother, Francis, Anton and Jo- and more redwood trees. In the village, there seph, were born in Bohemia in what today is the are several B&B’s, and a small resort called Czech Republic. By way of New York and San Fife’s, which is on the river and has small Francisco, they wound up in the Russian River cabins to rent. Valley of Sonoma County in 1872. After trying There are no phones or TVs, just very old several crops, they began growing the favorite and basic accommodations with claw-foot bath- grape of France’s Champagne region. tubs (at least there’s plumbing!) and outside, the Using the methode champenoise, by 1894, biggest hydrangeas I‘ve ever seen. The blos- after much experimentation, they began to sell soms are literally the size of a cabbage. their champagne. In 1956 they introduced Kor- Even if you’re staying elsewhere, you may bel Brut, making it much lighter and drier than want to have dinner at Fife’s, which is a surpris- other American champagnes. Champagne con- ingly sophisticated treat. You’ll probably run sumption in the United States reached its peak into several same-sex couples from San Francis- in the mid-1980s, with a 34 percent increase. co, but lots of straights, too. You will be ready The vineyard is located just a bit east of for rest after a long day, and can look forward to Guerneville. The people are welcoming, the your tour the next day of Korbel Vineyards and tour fascinating and the tasting worth repeat- Armstrong Woods. ing. When I was younger, I used to look down Korbel & Bros. has been known for its on any domestic wine or champagne. But champagnes since the 1880s. Situated along California wines have improved a great deal Sonoma’s Russian River, the Korbel Estate is since then. open to the public for free tours, including the After going to the Korbel vineyard, I’ve lovely manicured and landscaped grounds. The grown more fond of their product, and no tour begins with an informative 10-minute longer act snobbish about domestic wine in movie about the rich history of Korbel Cham- general. I’m enjoying a flute of Korbel Brut pagne Cellars. The complimentary tasting room right now, and I can tell you it’s dry enough, but offers four to five different champagnes. maintains a certain fruitiness that is very pleas- I tend to be puzzled by the people who swirl ing to the palate. it around, then spit it out like Listerine. For Imported champagne has snob appeal, but me, unless it tastes like white wine vinegar, if Korbel is good enough for our presidents, it’s down the hatch. The samples were so good why not give it a second chance? To quote I had the audacity to come back the next day. David Muir of ABC World News, “It’s made in They also have a gourmet café serving Mimosas America!” and Bellinis if you’re there around lunch- I did a brief survey today of area prices for time. Unfortunately, they are not free. Korbel Brut, and the results — rounding off The legend is that a French Benedic- the numbers — are as follows: CVS, $15.50; tine monk named Dom Perignon invented Walgreens, $15; Publix $14 and Rouses $12. It champagne, named for France’s Champagne won’t break your bank account. region. The key to making a sparkling wine Cheers! And remember, a man looks better is the methode champenoise, which allows a in cufflinks than handcuffs. When in doubt, call second fermentation to take place in the bottle, a taxi.

or most football fans, the Reese’s Senior Bowl Jan. 24 will University, but as an athlete at Davidson High School, most of the best players, regardless of what school they represented. serve as a farewell to collegiate athletes who captivated larger football programs — notably the two biggest in-state rivals “He used to always tell me, ‘you’re gonna play in that game audiences around the country, but for the players themselves — weren’t interested in his services on defense. But that was five one day,’” Coates said. “Getting this opportunity to be in the the opportunity can be the difference between hanging up years and 38 pounds ago. Senior Bowl, it’s really big for me. It’s truly a blessing from God, Fthe cleats for good or moving on to Sunday play. Throughout his college career, the three-time All American has and I wish he was here to see it.” Phil Savage, executive director of the Senior Bowl, called it had NFL scouts from every team visiting Birmingham to see his Coates is one of many players from southwest Alabama — “the ultimate job fair,” and said the connections players make to abilities, and now he wants to show everyone else. regarded as a hotbed of football talent — with memories of the the National Football League can be as valuable as competing in “[The Senior Bowl] will give me an opportunity to show that game. Its location in Mobile was also a determining factor to the game itself. I can compete against the guys from bigger schools and show the participate for some of the local players, like Fowler, who may not This year, coach Ken Whisenhunt of the Tennessee Titans will scouts there’s not a big dropoff in my game playing against guys have needed a boost in their draft stock, but wanted to play again try to break the North team’s two-year drought against the South, from bigger programs,” Tartt said. “Personally, it’s big for me too. in front of hometown crowd. which will be under the direction of Gus Bradley and the coaching It’s going to be good to represent my school and my family well Savage said the all-star game is a perfect bridge between colle- staff of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Players will also be evaluated and and show that no matter what school you go to, if you can play giate sports and the pros, and acts as a “rite of passage” for players weighed by representatives from 31 of 32 NFL teams throughout football, you can play.” bound for the NFL. At the same time, he also said it gives Mobile the week. Tartt is not alone. There are currently 500 Senior Bowl alumni national exposure and an extra identity. However, players aren’t the only ones who have benefited from on active rosters in the NFL, and the 110 prospects playing in “Phoenix, Atlanta and New Orleans — those are ‘Super Bowl the Senior Bowl’s 64-year history in Mobile. The annual event Mobile Jan. 24 are only hoping to add to that number. cities,’ but we’re a ‘Senior Bowl’ city. Leading up to the game I’m packs around 40,000 people into Ladd-Peebles Stadium, and Savage said performing well in the Senior Bowl can really ben- usually on a national platform on a daily basis,” he said. “ESPN, economists and business owners in the area say the game’s related efit players like Tartt who may have had less exposure in college Fox Sports NBC, CBS — they all will have representatives here exposure and tourism is second only to Mardi Gras. or who developed pro-level skills later in their collegiate career. and their bylines are going to all say Mobile, Alabama.” The spurt in tourism falls during what might otherwise be a He also said the game is good chance for players to showcase how Despite the exposure the city gets from its investment in the slower time of the year for hotels and restaurants, which is one of well and how quickly they learn a new system. game, Savage said when he took the helm in 2012, he noticed the reasons city and county officials continue to support the game “If you’re a good enough player, the NFL will find you,” Sav- there wasn’t much interaction between the players and the Mo- financially. This year the city of Mobile gave $132,300 to the age said. “They’re going to go to every school where there’s a po- bile community outside of the autograph tents, practices and the Senior Bowl while Mobile County pledged $165,000 to the game’s tential prospect. It takes a little luck, but they find those diamonds game itself. parent organization, the Mobile Arts and Sports Association. in the rough, and they find the late bloomers.” “I said, ‘we’ve got 110 of the best players in the country. Because of that continued commitment, financial and other- Jalston Fowler grew up in the same neighborhood as Tartt, but These are super kids that have done all the right things, why wise, Savage said Mobile has become part of the fabric of the at least for the time being, his name is more widely recognized. A are we not incorporating them into our local schools?’” Savage Senior Bowl and the annual event has become one synonymous graduate of Vigor High School, Fowler was listed as a fullback at recalled. “So in 2013 we branched the players out in groups and with the Port City. the University of Alabama, but in truth he was multidimensional as sent them across Mobile and Baldwin counties. It was met with a “When you look at the landscape of all-star games, most of a running back, halfback, wide receiver and specialist, all the way lot of enthusiasm.” them have moved around trying to find a home and are trying to up until his final game in the 2015 Sugar Bowl. This year, on Friday, Jan. 23, players will visit patients at the figure out somewhere they can get any kind of support,” Savage Savage said Fowler’s versatility makes him quite desirable to University of South Alabama’s Children’s and Women’s Hospital said. “Here, there’s no questioning the kind of support we get, not NFL teams because he can save them a draft pick. Though it’s very and in the children’s division at Mobile Infirmary. The athletes only from the local governments, but from the community itself. likely an NFL team will extend Fowler an offer, he’s playing in the will also be dispatched to 15 elementary and junior high schools It’s a date that people look forward to. Regardless of who’s in the Senior Bowl to show his hometown what he couldn’t at Alabama. in the area. game, the fans are still going to show up because the Senior Bowl “It’s big for me because I get to showcase what I can do, and Savage said in years past, only schools with returning local is bigger than any individual player.” I’m hoping they’ll let me play a little bit of running back so the players would get a chance to interact with those participating scouts can see that side of me too,” Fowler said. “But, the big- in the Senior Bowl. He said both the schools and the players Something to Prove gest reason for me playing are the people who wanted to see you, now consider the community service day a real highlight of the Some say the week of practice preceding the showcase in front but didn’t get to — your family and your friends. Just being from week’s festivities. of representatives of nearly every NFL organization is just as valu- the neighborhood and this area made me really want to play in “Football is huge in this area, and a lot of these guys can really able to the 110 invited players as the game itself. this game.” relate to the kids,” Savage said. “When these kids recognize a Savage, who worked behind the scenes in the NFL for more Jalston Fowler or a Sammie Coates, it’s going to resonate with than two decades, said “connections and competition” are the two 64 years in Mobile them when they talk about the importance of graduating or mak- main components needed by players looking to make a name for Wide receiver Sammie Coates just finished up a dynamic sea- ing it to the college level from a small town or a large inner-city themselves in the pros. With 35 percent of professional football son with the Auburn Tigers, but long before his days showing up school.” players having played the Senior Bowl, for some, the stakes on the Saturday night highlight reels of ESPN, Coates was sitting Fowler said he’s been able to come back for a few Vigor High couldn’t be higher. in the stands of Ladd-Peebles Stadium with his dad. School games, but his schedule at Alabama has kept him from Mobile native Jaquiski Tartt is one of the players hoping to Though his father passed away in an industrial accident when doing as much community service work as he’d like — though become a household name, and he feels like the Senior Bowl will Coates was only 11 years old, he was a big part of Coates’ child- he has done work through the Crimson Tide program in cities like give him a chance to shine on his biggest stage yet. hood sports endeavors. As a self-declared “football fan,” Coates Anniston and Gadsden. Tartt just wrapped up a successful career as a safety at Samford said they would travel to the Senior Bowl from Leroy to see the In interactions like those, Fowler said he always emphasizes the

26 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 importance of education, even to students during the game. who are already on the path to a college football “It’s just football. It’s really not that serious, career. but the fans make it bigger than what it is,” he “I always tell the young players to stay said. “It’ll be a great feeling just playing with focused, and that schoolwork is more important these guys.” than football,” Fowler said. “If you can get Like many of the fans of the Southeastern the grades and all that, you won’t worry about Conference, a lot of the players take pride in all passing the ACT and all that type of stuff. That’s of the SEC, no matter what school their degree what I always harp on when I talk to the kids.” comes from. After a disappointing 7-5 finish in Fowler said he owes a lot to his coaches the bowl season this year, there was a lot of talk and teachers from Mobile County. One could that the SEC’s days of dominance had come to even argue the Tide faithful might also owe at an end. least a thank you to Florence Howard Elemen- Coates, however, said that every team in the tary School, which is where Fowler was first SEC starts off the season with ambitions to win convinced to pull for Alabama by a third grade the national championship, and the competition teacher. among teams causes them to “beat up” on each Fowler’s head coach at Vigor, 10-year veteran other during the regular season. Kerry Stevenson, actually joined his former “We all want to prove a point, but once you fullback in Tuscaloosa when he was hired as the get knocked down a couple of times, it’s hard team’s director of player development in 2014. to get back up,” Coates said. “A lot of the guys The good news for Stevenson, might have — at in the SEC that are playing for the South in this least at first — seemed like bad news for Fowler. game, they’ve got a lot to prove. I think it’ll be “It was a good thing for me because he came fun to watch.” in and he pushed me,” Fowler said of Stevenson. But perhaps more important than conference “Because he (had) coached me, he knew when pride, is pride in your community, and that’s I wasn’t going as hard as I could, and he would something both Fowler and Tartt say continues push me harder. It got on my nerves a little bit at to drive them. Tartt said he didn’t idolize many first, but I’m so thankful for that now.” professional or college safeties before or during his career with the Samford Bulldogs. However, Once rivals, now teammates he did look up to Jalston Fowler, but not for his Alabama is also perhaps a fitting place for performance on the field. the Reese’s Senior Bowl because of the state’s “Jalston grew up in the same neighborhood as love affair with college football. With the state’s me, and he’s always been a great guy. Every- two largest programs represented in the national body has always looked up to him since we were championship game for five straight years until young,” Tartt said. “Being able to see him get his 2015, there’s also no doubt the state plays an master’s degree, that kind of set the bar for me.” important role in professional recruiting and That sentiment is something both Tartt and player development. Fowler say is prevalent among all college play- The rivalry between Auburn and Ala- ers recruited from the Mobile area. There’s a bama runs deep, even for the players. Coates sense of competition and pride, but there’s also wouldn’t admit growing up as an Alabama fan, an underlying respect amongst the athletes, no but did reluctantly say he “watched Alabama matter what side of Mobile Bay they hail from. more than Auburn.” Even though he finished “It’s really a pride thing,” Tartt said. “Grow- his career as a Tiger with 82 receptions, 1,757 ing up you want to win in everything. When you yards and 13 touchdowns, Coates said he was line up against the friends you grew up with, you only able to turn “a few” of his family members want to have the bragging rights at the end of into Auburn fans. the day.” However, the 2015 Senior Bowl will also Fowler said that competitive pride and a give some of its rival players a chance to line up desire to “show up and show out” will be on on the same side of scrimmage for a change. display during Senior Bowl, but he also said “It’s crazy knowing I’ve been playing against playing with people like Tartt and Dismukes these boys for like three years,” Coates said of again gives him a sense of joy. his Alabama counterparts on the South team. “Some of us are from the same neighbor- “Being on the same team is going to be a little hoods, and we know what it was like coming weird, but at the same time, I know it’s going to up in this community,” Fowler said. “That be fun.” support is always there. No matter where Fowler said he really doesn’t see it that way. they’re from, if they played at Spanish Fort or He even said he was looking forward to Auburn Davidson, I want to see them doing good on center and Spanish Fort native Reese Dismukes and off the field.” opening up some holes for him to run through

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 27 ARTIFICE | ART Bob Burnett bows out as head of Mobile Arts Council BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected] obile’s arts community was shocked when Mobile Arts umbrella organization with an annual budget of around $300,000 They transitioned the arts calendar from a print format to an Council’s (MAC) Bob Burnett suddenly resigned Jan. and a staff of three. At this point, MAC boasts a membership of electronic one. That led to the establishment of Art Start, the 14. A search through records and news stories show the about 200 organizations and artists. email notices which remind members of the daily arts events. now-former executive director first reported for duty In perhaps the greatest of coincidental omens, the first Arts MAC was a key player in the implementation and growth of MNov. 3, 2003. Alive festival unfolded five days after Burnett moved into his the monthly LoDa Artwalks. They remain at the hub of those “We wish Bob all the best in this next chapter of his career,” Mobile office. That night of singular magic made it seem as if the activities, with the crowd at its thickest around their location. MAC Board President Bunky Ralph said in a press release. “Our arts were finally ascendant in the Azalea City. Through it all, Burnett delivered a message of inclusion. organization is grateful for his contribution to Mobile’s creative Burnett also oversaw overdue changes. Old notions of MAC When Artifice recently asked him what he wanted to see for the community and we thank him for his service.” as the reserve of wealthy housewives and a support agency for arts in 2015, he was quick to list all the artists that need greater Burnett’s reign atop MAC was among the longest in the orga- the pleasures of the ruling class needed to be addressed. appreciation. nization’s history. Former director Jean Galloway led the body The MAC offices were moved from a previous perch in a hid- “So much of what we have in our community is taken for grant- for 17 years until she left in 2002. den corner above Dauphin and Jackson to a highly visible street- ed, from artists on the streets to garage bands and slam poets, from In a conversation with Burnett, he attributed the decision to level spot in sleek, modern and accessible environs on Dauphin museum collections to what is on our walls at home, from church personal matters. He also acknowledged breaking the news to the at Cathedral Square. They added galleries and figuratively swung choirs to temple cantors, high school bands and second-line brass board in a Jan. 12 meeting. their doors open wider than they had ever been. bands to classical musicians and opera singers,” Burnett offered. “We will keep our members, patrons, sponsors and stakehold- It wasn’t long before MAC re-evaluated their annual “Show- Burnett’s era was rough on nonprofits. Over most of the last ers updated as plans are made to address the leadership of the case on the Arts,” a performance-oriented Saenger event that had decade, corporate and individual giving has faded on a national organization,” Ralph said. waned in attendance. Those energies were re-directed toward an level and locally as well. Last year’s tumult over the city of She said current staff will continue on and revealed her plans Arts Forum and the Greater Mobile Art Awards. The awards in par- Mobile’s decision to cut back performance contracts to cultural for an increased presence at MAC. There is no timetable for nam- ticular brought greater attention to the area’s cultural achievements. players was only the latest salvo in what have become uncertain ing a successor. Fundraisers were implemented in the fall and spring. The times for the arts community. Currently, MAC Associate Director Charlie Smoke finds him- autumn version mutated into the popular and successful “Arts In a farewell statement released to the arts community, Burnett self at the helm. The remaining staff members are Director of Op- Throwdown,” a beat-the-clock challenge with climbing atten- pointed to MAC’s approaching 60th anniversary and echoed erations Hillary Anaya and Education Coordinator Riley Brenes. dance and buzz. familiar sentiments. He challenged locals. Smoke has been in this position before. He took charge when During Burnett’s time, MAC membership grew from nearly “The time for complacency is over. This is your community, previous executive director Robin Harvey was axed in January 50 organizations to more than 200 member organizations and and you determine what is valued … the most important thing 2003 after just nine months on the job. Harvey and Smoke were artists. MAC also published an artists’ directory spanning medi- that you can do to shape the quality of life in our community is to both hired in the spring of 2002. ums and genres. be engaged,” Burnett wrote. “Support the local creative organiza- In a search for Harvey’s successor, the first selection turned MAC coordinated the emergence of public sculptures through- tions by attending performances and exhibitions, purchase work down the job offer in July 2003. Burnett stepped in and quelled the resultant angst. out downtown, some of which doubled as bicycle racks. Mobile’s by local artists and craftspeople, and more consciously integrate What the Indiana native brought to Mobile was fresh perspec- dearth of public art had been cited as a need in previous studies. creativity into your life.” tive from beyond Mobile’s fishbowl. He also carried experiences They began the Artbreakers program that helped curious Mo- Arts Alive premiered with his arrival. Coincidentally, the gained at the wheel of a larger vessel as he was director of the bilians become active participants through group involvement. It festival recently announced its departure from the arts and Columbus Area Arts Council, a similar group that served 11 boosted attendance at various arts happenings. entertainment district to be folded into a bigger event at Brookley counties in south-central Indiana, had a $750,000 budget, nine They began the ChARTing New Directions educational Industrial Complex. full-time and four part-time positions. program that served at-risk youth at Mobile’s Strickland Youth A portentous bookend signaling a return to Mobile’s pre-2003 When he arrived in the Azalea City, Burnett took charge of an Center. The program was expanded to the Boys and Girls Clubs. arts community? We best hope not.

s a wealthy Southern woman of the 1950s, Margaret Johnson is miered on PBS’ “Live at Lincoln Center,” it drew two million viewers. understandably protective of her developmentally-challenged It was nominated for 11 Tony awards and won six. It also drew 11 daughter Clara. The duo head to Florence, Italy for vacation, Drama Desk award nominations and won five. where the cradle of the Renaissance fosters a personal renais- Now it comes to the Lola Phillips Playhouse at 801 Iroquois St. in sanceA in Clara, thanks to a romance with the local man, Fabrizio. For Chickasaw, thanks to Chickasaw Civic Theatre. Directed by Mobile Margaret, the emotional flowering forces her to face her expectations for Opera’s Stacy Driskell and Scott Wright, it features the onstage talents her daughter and her own shortcomings. of Sarah Wright, Tommy Rowell, Breanna Smith, Myles Garver, Tjaden Based on a novella by Elizabeth Spencer, the music and lyrics were O’Dowd Cox, Blake Waters, Linda Grill, Steve Alsip, Monica Ganoe, written by Adam Guettel and eschewed pop sensibilities for Neoromantic Leah Johnson, Elizabeth Anderson, Jackson Henson, Ken Austin and classical music and opera. The score features a range of harmonic shifts Glen Vanderbeek. and heavy orchestration. The foreign nature of the characters means many The production runs Jan. 23 through Feb. 1. Friday and Saturday of the lyrics are in broken English and Italian. curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Developed at playhouses in Seattle and Chicago, the musical had its Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, military and students. Tickets can be Broadway premiere in 2005 and ran for 540 performances. When it pre- reserved by calling 251-457-8887 or by going to cctshows.com.

Jazz group focuses on Baldwin theatre calls for Mobile Chamber Music soulful organ masters original play submissions welcomes German quartet

The Hammond organ emerged in the 1930s and was South Baldwin Community Theatre A family producing one musical prodigy marketed to churches as a more cost-efficient alternative in Gulf Shores has issued a call for local is cause for pride. Imagine turning out three to elaborate and expensive pipe organs. A generation of playwrights to premiere their works in a of them. musicians gained exposure to it during their formative new event for the coast. The celebration is The Henschel household boasts violin- years playing gospel in churches, then took their mastery the first annual End of The Road New Short ist twins Christoph and Markus and their of its sounds into secular music like soul and jazz. With Play Festival and Beach Party to run July 17, violist sister Monika. The trio were sent to its wide array of tones and robust sound, it became an 18 and 19. study with a graduate of the Moscow Violin affordable alternative to larger sized bands. The festival will consist of three staged School and graduated with distinction from Fats Waller and Count Basie experimented with the readings of the 10 winning plays. Submis- London’s Royal College of Music. Hammond but its first notable aficionado was Jimmy sion amounts to the author’ s agreement to To form the Henschel String Quartet, Smith. His Hard Bop excursions on the Blue Note label participate in the reading and attendance is a they added cellist Mathias Beyer-Karlshøj. made the sound a signature part of the jazz scene in the requirement for winning scripts. They became the quartet in residence at the 1950s and on into the 1960s, especially after a landmark Plays should not exceed 10 minutes in 1994 Aldeburgh Festival and the 1995/1996 performance at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival. length and appropriate for a family-friendly Tanglewood Music Festival. Smith sparked a revolution. Brother Jack McDuff theatre. Deadline for submission is Feb. 15, In 1995 the Henschel Quartet were switched from the piano to the Hammond organ. It con- 2015. winners of five prizes at international string tinues with contemporary players like Barbara Denne- Submissions should be mailed to: South quartet competitions in Evian, Banff and rlein and Joey DeFrancesco, the latter of which even Baldwin Community Theatre, P.O. Box 722, Salzburg. Their honor-laden ways continued collaborated with Jimmy Smith. Gulf Shores, AL 36547. on several continents and through contem- Now Mobile keyboard master Chris Spies leads a Submissions can also be sent via email to porary proceedings with regular appearances tour of the instrument’s capabilities and history for the [email protected]. Include your name at the Goethe Institute and the royal palace Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed (MOJO). The event and contact information on a separate sheet in Madrid, Spain. is MOJO’s January Jazz Jambalaya and features Spies of paper. The playwright’s name should not Now they are bound for Mobile. On Jan. plus guitarist Chris Clifton, saxophonist Roland Cobb appear anywhere in the body of the script. 24, they will appear in an area outreach for and drummer John Milham. A $100 prize will be given to the overall area students and teachers. Then on Jan. Things get underway Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m. at Gulf winner. There will be a $25 audience favor- 25 at 3 p.m. they will take the stage at the City Lodge (601 State St.). Located at the intersection ite winner and a $25 second place winner as University of South Alabama’s Laidlaw of State and Warren streets in downtown, it is directly well. Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA Drive S. adjacent to Dunbar Performing Arts School. The weekend will include an opening Tickets are $20, $10 for students. Lim- Entrance is $12, $10 for students and military, $8 for night beach party reception and three talk- ited individual tickets will be available at the MOJO members. Admission includes a light jambalaya back sessions with the authors. door and at Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea, 4072 dinner and a cash bar is available. For more details or questions call 251- Old Shell Road. Cash or check only. For more info, call 251-459-2298, email mobile- 968-6721 or visit the theatre online at www. For more information, call 251-476-8794 [email protected] or go to mojojazz.org. sbct.biz. or go to mobilechambermusic.org.

Band: Shovels & Rope, Carolina Rose Date: Friday, Jan. 23, doors at 8 p.m. Venue: Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin St., www.soulkitchenmobile.com Tickets: $17 in advance /$20 day-of available at Soul Kitchen, their website, Mellow Mushroom (WeMo/MiMo) and by calling 1-866-468-7630 rom Callaghan’s to “Late Night with David Letterman,” CAH: Since there’s nobody bossing us around in the A&R local fans of Shovels & Rope have watched the band department telling us what we should and shouldn’t be, we make rapidly rise from obscurity to fame. Michael Trent and good ol’ music. Whatever it is, people who like music will like it. his wife Cary Ann Hearst have been spending their Nobody wants to be spoon-fed the same thing or just one thing Ftime on the road in support of their sophomore effort “Swimmin’ over and over again. We benefit from an audience out there that Time,” which builds on a foundation of rock, folk and country. likes good music and doesn’t care if it’s country, blues, rock ‘n’ The follow-up to the critically acclaimed “O, Be Joyful” has been roll or what. well received by both fans and critics. Hearst and Trent recently SC: Your debut was a success, and now “Swimmin’ Time” took some time to chat with Lagniappe about their life on the road, is doing very well. What do you think about the success of this their rising success and their latest album. album? SC: Cary, Mobile has watched you and Shovels & Rope grow CAH: It’s a relief. We didn’t feel a lot of pressure, but we’re over the years. How does it feel to be touring on your second glad. record and playing all these huge venues? MT: It’s actually our third album. We released a record called CAH: It’s awesome, man. It’s cool. We made a plan to do it, Shovels & Rope, and that’s what we got started on. That was back and we knew it was going to take a lot of years of touring and a when we were calling ourselves just our names. We circumvented lot of dedication and a few sacrifices here and there. Even then, it the sophomore slump by making everybody think that it’s our Photo/ www.shovelsandrope.com wasn’t guaranteed. We’re pretty happy about it, especially to come second record, when it’s really our third. to lower Alabama. I’ve got a lot of family down there. I know CAH: (Laughing) We outsmarted the system! Husband and wife duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann it’s been good for them to come and see us and not have to worry SC: Why did you decide to record this one in your home studio about where we’re sleeping and what we’re eating anymore. and go DIY? Hearst are Shovels & Rope. SC: You’ve played everything from small venues to major MT: That’s the way we’ve been doing it since the beginning. that two people can do with their four arms and two mouths. At festivals. Which do you prefer: the bigger stages or the intimate It’s easier for us, because we’re in control of everything. We don’t this point, we’re making as much noise as we physically can. venues? have anyone else in there telling us what to do, not that it’s always SC: One thing that I really like about this album is your murder MT: We like to sample a little bit of all of them. We’ve played bad. There’s still other opinions in the room. So far, we’ve been ballad “Ohio,” because I’m a fan of the old school murder ballads. coffee shops in Mobile, and the (Alabama) Music Box and Cal- lucky to make the exact records that we want to make. They’ve What’s the story behind that one? laghan’s. We really love Callaghan’s and the staff over there. come across, and people have enjoyed them. If we struggled with MT: The opening line is a tip of the hate to Gillian Wilson’s CAH: Michael’s right. Every place that we play has a certain our own vision, it would be different. We have a pretty clear idea song “Ohio.” It’s just kind of funny. I think it started off with that thing to make it cool. Our thing is awesome to see in a really small of what we’re going for, so it’s easier for us. clever one-liner, and then a whole story was written around it venue. It’s awesome to see in a little rock club. We’re lucky that SC: How do you think the Shovels & Rope sound has evolved about this guy who went down this spiral of bad luck. In the end, it we’re having these great big shows. We’re definitely making sure with this album? was his friend that talked him into going down this terrible spiral. that when we’re in these bigger rooms that the sound is always CAH: When we made our actual first record that was called It started out as a little quip, and it ended up being one of the tunes consistent. There’s a little bit more production that helps translate “Shovels & Rope,” we didn’t play a whole bunch of live shows. It on the record. to bigger venues. Even in those big venues, we snuggle up nice was just me and Michael’s friends getting together to do some- SC: I always ask spouses who are in bands together how they and tight to those tiny stages and make those stages nice and dark. thing. It was a recording project exclusively. We started touring keep from driving each other crazy on the road. You’re not distracted by a great big stage. We want you to feel and played shows in Charleston bars. We went out on the road and CAH: We drive each other plenty crazy. Honestly, me and Mi- like you’re at an intimate show, even in a thousand-seat room. perfected singing together, and we slowly added some drums. chael figured out early in the game that we needed to be in a band Then, there’s the difference between the sit-down theater and the When we recorded “O, Be Joyful,” there were horn parts and together to stay married, and so we wouldn’t be on different tours live rock club. Alabama Music Box would be an example of that. electric guitar parts that needed to replicated in some way. While all the time. Within the band, we needed to be really earnest and We’re lucky that we can play either and that our crowd will stay we don’t have any obligation to replicate a record sound for communicative and patient with each other and give each other quiet for a pretty song and rock out for a rowdy song. We’re lucky sound identically, we definitely wanted to bring that energy and personal space, even on tour and at home. Maybe it was because that way. bring those parts in. That problem was solved with a micro-chord we didn’t get married until we were in our 30s, but it has been SC: Talking about diverse venues, one thing that I love about keyboard and a drum kit. That sound developed as a part of a core relatively easy to do so far. Neither of us are emotionally needy, Shovels & Rope is your diverse fan base. What do you think it is sound. We incorporated that into “Swimmin’ Time.” You can hear and we can talk to each other honestly about how we’re doing. about your music that attracts all these different tastes? the grungy, distorted, low-end piano/organ sounds and sometimes We do that musically and in the context of being together all the MT: It’s what we grew up on. We’re not trying to stick to any horn and electric sounds. We continued to use that instrument to time. I wouldn’t want to be out here in this game with anybody specific genre. Some of it’s heavier. Some of it sounds like country bring that dynamic of being a little low-end, and it adds a counter- other than Michael, who I respect the most. It’s like two cavemen music. Some of it is folkier. I think we just enjoy writing different point to the guitar. We use it more as a percussion instrument that surviving in the wilderness, except on a really cool tour bus. types of songs. kicks it up as part of our drum kit. It literally makes it the most

Band: Lightnin’ Malcolm, Lisa Mills, Tom Gray, Grayson Capps and Corky Hughes Date: Sunday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m. Venue: The Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm (call 251-232-3072 for address) Tickets: $25 for more info call 251-232-3072 (reservations only)

he Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm is preparing for another epic Sunday Social that matches organic music with similar surroundings. Grayson Capps and Corky Hughes (Willie Sugarcapps) will once again sit-in as three excellent musical artists join them on the porch. Last time Lagniappe readers heard from Lisa Mills, she was in the midst of re-releasing her debut Talbum “I’m Changing.” The redux album has earned rave reviews, which should please those who participated in her Kickstarter cam- paign. As she croons through “I’m Changing,” listeners can witness Mills’ soulful power. This might be some fans’ last chance to catch Mills before she embarks on an East Coast tour through February. Lightnin’ Malcolm has made The Frog Pond a regular stop. Hailing from North Mississippi, he is a master of all the sounds of the Delta and Hill Country. No stranger to the area, the bluesman brings all the power of the darkest juke joint with every performance. Tom Gray will complete the lineup. Gray is best known for his work with twang blues powerhouse Delta Moon. In 2008, he was named “Blues Songwriter of the Year” by Roots Music Association. The songwriter has penned compositions for artists ranging from Cyndi Lauper to Manfred Mann. Photo/www.lightninmalcolm.com | Lightnin’ Malcom

Familiar lineup returns to Alchemy Kimbrough solo with an honorary local

Band: The Volks, Black Titan, Jaguarundi Band: Will Kimbrough with special guest Edward David An- Date: Friday, Jan. 23, 8:30 p.m. derson Venue: Alchemy Tavern, 7 S. Joachim St., Date: Sunday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. www.alchemytavern.com Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., Tickets: Call 441-4471 for more info www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: $30 available at Callaghan’s lchemy Tavern continues to bring Mobile weekends full of musical entertainment. This event will bring together three of the Azalea City underground’s most popular s of late, Will Kimbrough has been sticking close to home. While here, he continues bands with a lineup that includes Jaguarundi, a four-piece that describes itself as “an to build his musical legacy as a member of Willie Sugarcapps. Recently, he surprised alternative rock band with punk roots and progressive elements.” Jaguarundi will be his local fans with two Will & The Bushmen reunions. His latest solo effort, “Side- performingA tracks from their debut album “… Goes on the Offensive.” show Love,” reached No. 10 on the AMA Chart. He also reached No. 2 on the Top 21 Black Titan brings old school stoner metal into the modern age. Their rich, booming sound AlternateA Roots Guitar Players. has earned them fans from Mobile to Austin. While on tour, this impressive local act brought the Edward David Anderson is quickly becoming an honorary local. From Moe’s BBQ to The masses tracks from their debut self-titled EP. Black Titan’s set is sure to make brains rumble and Frog Pond, Anderson has been steadily earning fans with regular gigs in the area. The singer- bodies move. songwriter first earned notoriety with Backyard Tire Fire. Currently, he is promoting his solo The Volks have experienced steadily growing popularity. The local band has impressed crowds effort “Lies & Wishes.” from The Hangout to Soul Kitchen. The Volks’ brand of rock is laced with elements of garage rock and plenty of charisma.

Photo/facebook.com/The-Volks/| The Volks Photo/www.willkimbrough.com | Will Kimbrough

34 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 RUNDOWN | MUSIC Erdman and friends celebrate new album BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

n Tuesday, Jan. 13, singer-song- Center for the Arts (63 Midtown Park E.). writer Eric Erdman released The event is the brainchild of several local his latest effort “No Slowing guitar teachers who felt their students Down” and an impressive num- lacked critical performance opportuni- Ober of fans filled Soul Kitchen to celebrate ties. One of those teachers is University and hear live interpretations of the new of Mobile professor Mark Habib, who tracks. Erdman promised to bring a caval- elaborated on the concept in a recent press cade of guests, and he followed through. release. Honestly, Mobile needs more shows “Practicing and perfecting a piece of like this. The stage full of talent brought music for a competition, playing in front an edge that is rarely scene in a local of a judge, and gathering with your peers show. Erdman recruited friends including who are also studying music, is an impor- Ryan Balthrop, Kristy Lee, Holli Mosley, tant part of learning an instrument,” Habib Harrison McInnis and John Milham. The said. “There are opportunities for students Hussy Hicks also paid a visit. of piano, band instruments, and strings In addition to Erdman’s new tracks, along the Gulf Coast, but until Guitarfest the evening’s vocal work was one of the holds its first competition in January, there most impressive aspects of the show. The have not been any for guitar.” Hicks mingled delicate backing vocals The competition will cost $25 for and perfectly accented each song in which students, and they will be judged by they were included. McInnis, Lee, Mosley David Bryan, a guitar professor at Wil- and Balthrop also added the down home liam Carey University. In addition to the soul of their voices. However, credit has competition, the crowd will also enjoy to be extended to Erdman. Although he performances from the William Carey took ill just days before the show, he de- University Guitar Quintet, Mark Habib, livered one of his best performances yet. Bryant Gilley, the Josh Titford Trio, Chris and Melody Duncan and Corky Photo/www.ericerdmanmusic.com Guitarfest debuts Saturday Hughes. Walter Cazalas from Cottage Mobile singer-songwriter Eric Erdman debuted his new album “No Slowing Down” at Hill Christian Academy will also provide Guitarfest is coming to Mobile Satur- Soul Kitchen Jan. 13 with a stage full of friends lending support. day, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Azalea City an educational demonstration.

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 35 Musical diplomacy with Xavier Rudd and the United Nations BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

ith the lineup for Hangout Fest 2015 revealed, festival-goers from around the world are busy making plans for the latest installment of this world-class event, May 15-17 in Gulf Shores. ThoseW planning on attending the epic beach party are now faced with deciding their schedules, and which talented artists they will experience during the typically fair weather weekend. As usual, there are many well-known names on the lineup, but festival enthusiasts will also recognize opportunities to catch a musical act that might be more unfamiliar. As such, Lagniappe is continuing its tradition of spending the weeks leading up to the festival exposing our readers to some of the lesser known acts with its “Hangout Spotlight.” Hailing from the land down under, Xavier Rudd has won a legion of fans with his talent. In the past, Rudd has performed as an extremely unique solo artist. Surrounded by an orchestra’s worth of instruments onstage, the multi-instrumentalist has taken the concept of a one-man band to the extreme. Currently, Rudd is spending 2015 introducing the world to his latest project, Xavier Rudd & the United Nations. With a lineup consisting of band mates from around the globe, Rudd’s project definitely lives up to its moniker. The international collective of musicians have created music “to return to spirit, respect the ancient ways and protect the Earth and the very essence of creation,” showcasing an ethereal style of earthen music that should accent the festival’s beautiful coastal setting. Rudd and his group have captured their sounds on the album “Nanna.” The public has been getting a taste through the release of songs such as “Follow the Sun.” where Rudd’s serene vocals weave in and out of acoustic guitar work and organic percussion. General admission tickets for Hangout Fest 2015 are $289 and on sale now through the festival’s website with additional Photo/ www.xavierrudd.com shuttle options, VIP and travel packages available as well. Xavier Rudd left a successful solo career behind to form a band of international musicians.

36 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 37 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS JANUARy 22 - JANUARy 28 Hard Rock (Live)— Captain Station Disco, 9:30p THUR. JAN 22 Fantastic the Magic of Elton John, 8p Industry Bar— Bayou Rhythm, BLUEGILL— Jon Cowart, 6p MON. JAN 26 John Word’s Captains Table— 8:30p Celtic Irish Pub— Leonhardt Blues Tavern— Meacham Motor Jerry Squires, 7p John Word’s Captains Table— Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Co., 8p Legacy— Tim Kinsey, 6p// The Jerry Squires, 7p Flora Bama— Cathy Pace, 4p Callaghan’s— Phill Proctor Modern El Dorados, 9p Lulu’s— Coconut Radio, 4p Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 4p Celtic Irish Pub— Sam Donald Lulu’s— Kyle and Karl, 4p McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p R-Life Live— Ryan Balthrop Felix’s— Bat Main Street Cigar Lounge— Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Chad Flora Bama— Frankie Golden, Rock Bottom, 8p Parker and Derek Norsworthy, 6:30p 3p// Bo Roberts, Mark sherill, Chris TUE. JAN 27 McSharry’s— DJ Demps, 10p Old 27 Grill— Tyler Champion, BLUEGILL— Lee Yankie, 6p Newbury, Mickey Springston, 5p/// Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Ryan 6:30p Butch Cassidy’s— Al & Cathy Brian Hill, 9p Balthrop, 6:30p Top of the Bay— Mother Mojo Cockeyed Charlie’s— Matt John Word’s Captains Table— Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Tropics— The Long Gone Neese +1 Jerry Squires, 7p Hitchhickers, 8p Soul Kitchen— Miller Lite Felix’s— Tim Kinsey Legacy— Ryan Balthrop Old 27 Grill— The Budz, 6:30p Concert Series Presents: Frank Foster, Flora Bama— Cowboy Johnson, Lulu’s— Adam Holt, 4p R-Life Live— Grant Dunaway 9:30p 3p// Perdido Brothers, 7p McSharry’s— Fobes NVade, 7:30p Tropics— Grits N Pieces, 7p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Lulu’s— Jimmy Lumpkin, 4p Pour Nelson’s— Bryant Gilley, 10p Soul Kitchen— Shovels & Rope// Windmill Market— The Budz, R-Life Live— David Chastang R-Life Live— Grant Dunaway Caroline Rose, 9p 11a Soul Kitchen— Yonatan Gat with Veets— Troy Brannon, 8p AREA MUSIC LISTINGS | Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p The Western Lands and Black Titan, Windmill Market— Michael Tilley, SUN. JAN 25 9p FRI. JAN 23 11a// Jesse Duncan, 6p BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr., Veets— Jason Taylor & Donnie Beau Rivage— Rick Springfield Skidmore, 8p Bill’s by the Beach— Lisa Zanghi, 11a// Adam Holt Band, 6p 7p SAT. JAN 24 Blues Tavern— Al & Cathy, 5p Bill’s by the Beach— Mel of the BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard Jr., Butch Cassidy’s— Trivia, 6p WED. JAN 28 Foxy Iguanas, 7p BLUEGILL— Ross + 1, 6p 11a// Matt & Sherry Neese, 6p Callaghan’s— Will Kimbrough with BLUEGILL— Al & Kathy, 6p Blues Tavern— George Eberlein Blues Tavern— Fortunate Few guest Edward David Anderson Blues Tavern— Ric McNaughton Band, 8p Review, 9p Felix’s— Brandon Bailey Band, 9p Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand Celtic Irish Pub— Project 9 Flora Bama— J. Hawkins & James Callaghan’s— Senior Bowl Party// Hotel)— Adam Holt Piano Show, 8p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Vertigo Daniel, 12p// Perdido Brothers, 4p/// Daddy Longlegs Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio Haze Celtic Irish Pub— Sinfelt & Lee Yankie, 8p Celtic Irish Pub— Mike Felix’s— Soulshine DREAD Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 1p// Greg Cockeyed Charlie’s— Jonesy & Flora Bama— LeaAnne Creswell & Cockeyed Charlie’s— DJ Chill Brown, 5p Gambino John Joiner, 2p// Jack Robertson Show, Felix’s— Grits N Pieces McSharry’s— Trad Irish Session, Felix’s— Grant Dunaway 5:30p/// Lauren Kay, CD Release Flora Bama— J. Hawkins & 6:30p Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 3p// Party w/ Sugarcane Jane, 6p//// Ryan James Daniel, 2p// “Bat”, 4p/// Jack Old 27 Grill— Lisa Zanghi, 11:30a Smokin’ Elvis’, 7p Conner, 6p//// Nick Sturms, 9:30p//// Robertson Show, 5:30p//// hurricane Pelican Patio— Legacy— Lee Yankie Hart Break Hill, 10p Warning, 6p//// Ben Sutton Band, Picklefish— Bayou Rhythm, 12p Lucky’s Irish Pub— Bryant Gilley, Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Gilley, 9:30p//// Smokin’ Elvis’, 10p Stir— Bryant Gilley, 9p 8p 6p Fusion Sushi Bar— Bryant Gilley, Lulu’s— Lee Yankie, 4p Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Gas Veets— Chris Powell & Timmy 6p R-Life Live— Brett LaGrave Station Disco, 9:30p Dennis, 8p Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Gas Veets— Grits N’ Pieces, 8p SEND yOUR MUSIC LISTINGS TO [email protected]

38 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 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 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 39 THE REEL WORLD/MOVIE REVIEW | FILM Entire cast delivers in ‘superior intellectual thriller’ BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

here are plenty of fictional worlds we all may have dreamed of inhabiting — Middle Earth perhaps, or Hogwarts, or maybe the glamorous New York City of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” To find Toneself, however, in the world of Patricia Highsmith, is to most assuredly enter a nightmare. You’re lucky if you manage to wake up, because most of her characters do not. The first film version of Highsmith’s dark works of AREA fiction was Alfred Hitchcock’s “Strangers on a Train,” in which two strangers exchange each other’s desired mur- THEATERS der victims to escape suspicion. As in all of Highsmith’s work, everything works out super great for the very nice people involved. MOBILE That film looks like the “Wizard of Oz” compared to 1995’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” a fascinating portrait COUNTy of a nebbish sociopath played by Matt Damon. Like in Photo/imdb.com | “The Two Faces of January” her most recent journey to the screen, “The Two Faces of CARMIKE January,” what makes these thrillers so compelling is the ‘The Two Faces of January’ is another brilliant Patricia Highsmith film adaptation. taut relationship between hatred and desire, which, given CINEMAS Wynnsong 16 Highsmith’s painful biography, seems to be a topic she of languages, but it’s not long before he gets schooled in and disturbing mixture of fatherliness and sinister self- 785 Schillinger Road S. knew all too well. Her characters do not ascribe to the “If manipulation by Chester (Mortensen), a shady financial interest, and his jealous control over the two younger 251-639-7373 you love something, let it go” school of thought. planner on the run with a suitcase full of cash. characters is quite worth watching. Dunst creates a “The Two Faces of January” concerns a married Quickly developing a crush on Dunst, Rydal decides worthwhile enigma, as we wonder how involved she is American couple abroad in Greece and their misadven- to help the couple escape from the law, but does not with her husband’s misdeeds, and how involved she is CRESCENT tures with a fellow American, Rydal, a tour guide and realize what he is getting into. Highsmith gives us plenty with Rydal. THEATER low-level grifter. The cast is magnificent: Kirsten Dunst of psychological background to chew on, like Rydal’s The real star is unquestionably Oscar Isaac, who 208 Dauphin St. as the pretty younger wife of Viggo Mortensen, and relationship with his recently deceased father. The trio doesn’t have the major material that he had in “Inside 251-438-2005 the fascinating Oscar Isaac as Rydal. Isaac is a riveting traipses miserably through the dusty ruins of Greece as LLewyn Davis,” but who is clearly an actor to watch. the stakes get higher and higher. I won’t spoil the ending Everyone delivers in this superior intellectual thriller, performer, who was incredible as the titular character in HOLLyWOOD “Inside Llewyn Davis” and looks every bit the young Al by telling you that it is not a happy one. and the setting and time period are flawlessly executed. STADIUM 18 Pacino in this one. Ripley was Highsmith’s most popular creation, and A worthy entry into the misanthropic Highsmith cannon, 1250 Satchel paige Drive Rydal thinks of himself as a pretty quick study, none of the characters in “The Two faces of January” “The Two Faces of January” is unsparing in its depiction 251-473-9655 scamming tourists with his good looks and knowledge equal him in fascination. Still, Mortensen is a compelling of amorality.

NEW IN THEATERS NOW pLAyING BALDWIN THE IMITATION gAME BIg EyES COUNTy Crescent Theater, Carmike Wyn- Regal Mobile Stadium 18 nsong 16, Carmike Jubilee Square INTO THE WOODS RAvE MOTION 12, Eastern Shore premiere All listed multiplex theaters pICTURE Cinema 14, Cobb pinnacle 14, UNBROkEN JUBILEE Carmike Wharf 15. All listed multiplex theaters SqUARE 12 WHIplASH THE HOBBIT: 6898 U.S. Highway 90 Carmike Wharf 15. THE BATTlE OF THE FIvE ARMIES Daphne FOxcATcHER Carmike Wynnsong 16, Carmike 251-626-6266 Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Eastern Jubilee Square 12, Eastern Shore Shore premiere Cinema 14, Car- premiere Cinema 14, Cobb pin- CARMIKE mike Wharf 15. nacle 14, Carmike Wharf 15 “American Sniper CINEMAS ANNIE 23151 Wharf Lane All listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike Orange Beach Photos/ imdb.com BlAckHAT Wynnsong 16, Carmike Jubilee 251-981-4444 All listed multiplex theaters. Square 12, Eastern Shore premiere pADDINgTON “STRANgE MAgIc” Cinema 14, Carmike Wharf 15 COBB All listed multiplex theaters. NIgHT AT THE MUSEUM: THEATRES A mysterious potion prompts a group THE WEDDINg RINgER of elves, goblins, imps and fair- SEcRET OF THE TOMB All listed multiplex theaters. pINNACLE 14 ies on an incredible adventure in All listed multiplex theaters 3780 Gulf Shores pkwy “MORTDEcAI” this fantastical fantasy inspired by TAkEN 3 THE HUNgER gAMES: Gulf Shores Johnny Depp stars as a debonair art Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s All listed multiplex theaters. 251-968-7444 dealer who must traverse the globe MOckINgJAy- pART 1 Dream.” All listed multiplex theaters. SElMA armed only with his good looks, Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike All listed multiplex theaters. special charm and silly moustache in “THE BOy NExT DOOR” Wynnsong 16, Eastern Shore EASTERN a race to recover a stolen painting ru- THE WOMAN IN BlAck 2: premiere Cinema 14 SHORE mored to be the key to a trove of Nazi Jennifer Lopez plays a high school ANgEl OF DEATH teacher who has a fling with a student THE THEORy OF EvERyTHINg pREMIERE gold. Gwyneth Paltrow and Ewan Carmike Wynnsong 16 Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Cobb McGregor costar in this comedy-ac- and lives to regret it when he beings CINEMA 14 to terrorize her at home and at work. WIlD pinnacle 14, Carmike Wharf 15 tion caper. Regal Mobile Stadium 18, 30500 State Highway 181 Have you seen the terrible trailer Carmike Jubilee Square 12, Cobb Carmike Jubilee Square 12, Eastern BIg HERO 6 Spanish Fort where he mentions her cookies? All pinnacle 14, Carmike Wharf 15 Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Carmike Shore Premiere Cinema 14, Cobb 251-626-0352 listed multiplex theaters. Pinnacle 14. Wynnsong 16 Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for showtimes.

40 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 FEATURE | FILM Having a very different ‘dream’ for America BY CLYDE FOSTER/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Photos/Rotten Tomatoes

Regardless of their historical accuracy or how well they are received by critics, do popular Hollywood movies like (clockwise, from top left) “Selma,” “12 years A Slave,” “The Help” and “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” do anything but perpetuate the stereo- type of black people as victims? am about to say something about a movie, one praised by many pub- philosophy would not have been as effective if it weren’t for his more lications and even heralded as a masterpiece, specifically within the aggressive counterparts in the North. Malcolm X, Huey P. Newton black community. What I have to say about the movie may possibly and Fred Hampton all offered an “if not this, than that” alternative that bring my very blackness into question, a fact that I have accepted frankly, scared many into accepting King’s request. There were simulta- Iand am prepared to deal with. With that being said, I have absolutely no neously pleas for civil rights and fights for human rights at the time. The interest in spending money or time to watch “Selma.” fear was that if the pleas were not appeased, the violent struggle would It’s not that I question whether or not it’s a good film. On the contrary, become more of a reality. I understand it is a very well executed piece of work. I have seen it Both sides were equal in importance, so why is it that one is por- ranked on Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 Movies of 2014” list and read re- trayed in the highest of light, while the other is reduced to the verge of views of its praise. Yet, I have no plans on viewing it any time soon for domestic terrorism in history’s context? reasons that may or may not be understood. As for the film itself, I believe it is strengthening an emotional bond First, I am slightly offended that this film is being promoted as a to a tradition, a “dream” that, now more than ever, is apparent to be a “must see” for black people. We are the only race whose authenticity is dream deferred. The constant retelling, and re-sensationalizing of said based so heavily in group thought. dream is part of the reason the current generation is so shaken by the The fact that I know I will be criticized and shunned by my own people racially-heated incidents involving Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, Eric for voicing an opinion that I have a God-given right to have … well, to Gardner and others. be blunt, kind of disturbs me. Oprah’s cosign be damned. We have been so conditioned to accept the idea of a “post racial Considering the currents events of racial tension in our society, I America” that we are ill equipped to deal with the ugly truth that has do not think that African Americans, or Americans in general, should been slowly, yet blatantly veering its head at us for the past couple of rush to see this movie. To blindly do so is to severely underestimate the years. power of propaganda. I read in a USA Today that “Selma” could provide answers for the It is worth mentioning that every widely acclaimed piece of black problems being faced today. My response would be “how?” How could cinema for the past five years or so has shown blacks either being a movie about people being beaten and brutalized ensure the fair treat- brutalized or submissive, in some cases both. “The Butler,” “12 Years ment of future generations, when some 50-plus years down the line, a Slave” and “The Help” are all examples of such works. While some justice turns a blind eye to those future generations being shot down in may argue that these are mere historical representations of actual events the street? in black history, I would have to argue that it runs a little deeper than If anything, it’s time for black folks to reevaluate the “dream,” some- that. thing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself did before his death. But it Admittedly, I am far from a psychologist, but one would have to appears our sensationalism of him won’t allow us to accept that. question what effect this may have on black people. To see a group of I’m not saying that the Civil Rights movement did nothing. I’m not people who look like you being constantly victimized on screen — only saying Dr. King shouldn’t be honored. I’m not even saying that “Selma” to be rewarded off screen — has to damage the psyche. Does it subcon- shouldn’t have been made. What I am saying, however, is not right now. sciously condition black people to accept a victimized role? This is not what we need right now. I’m sure my comments will be I think about the first time I ever read about myself in a history book dismissed by a good number of people. But I too, have a dream. I have a … was as a slave. I’m not sure that I ever fully recovered from that. dream that we will stop dreaming. I have a dream that we will no longer For those who still lean on history to justify “Selma,” let’s talk facts, allow our attachments to the past hinder us from seeing things for what not sensationalism. The fact is that there were two very different faces they presently are. I have a dream that progress will override tradition. of black empowerment in the ‘60s. Dr. King’s non-violent, pacifist But in the sum of all things: what’s a dream worth?

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 41 C O E BACK TO THE FuTuRE BASH

WHERE: FAIRHOPE BREWING COMPANY WHEN: SATuRDAY, JAN. 24

Join Fairhope Brewing Company, 914 Nichols Ave., for its second anniversary party and the launch of its new bottling enterprise. Party like it’s 2015 with more than 30 beers on tap throughout the day. There will be live music by Rondale and the Kit Katz and food by the Bean & Bistro and the Hungry Owl. For more information call 251-279-7517 or visit www.fairhopebrewing.com. Photo/Fairhope Brewing Company

January 22 Spark Talks January 24 weaving workshop at 2:30 p.m. For more Government Street Forum The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Guitarfest 2015 information and a schedule of events visit Join the Government Street Presbyterian will be hosting a series of “Spark Talks.” Mobile’s inaugural Guitarfest will take mobilemuseumofart.com. Church for lunch and a speaker every Each talk will begin at 6 p.m. with light place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Thursday through March 26. The speaker refreshments and feature an eventful Azalea City Center for the Arts. The will be Scotty Kirkland, curator of history, evening of conversations. This week’s talk idea for a guitar competition sprang History Museum of Mobile. The lunch and will be “Archaeology, Bringing the Past to from a conversation among local music forum is held in the church’s Fellowship Life: Recent Excavations at Tel Gezer” by teachers who were discussing the lack Hall at the Jackson Street entrance on Dennis Cole, Ph.D. For more information of opportunities for guitar students. The Government and Jackson streets. Lunch visit exploreum.com/events or email event is open to the public with a $10 is served at noon and costs $10, which [email protected]. admission, which includes lunch. For includes tea, coffee and dessert. There more information about Mobile Guitarfest, is no charge to attend the forum. For January 23 please contact Daniel Driskell at 251-454- information, call the church office at 251- Senior Bowl: Meet the Players 6591 or email mobileguitarfest@gmail. 432-1749. Fans get to interact, get an autograph com. and snap a picture with their favorite

28, 2015 22, 2015 - J ANUARY EVENTS | J ANUARY Senior Health Fair player at the Exhibit Hall of the Mobile Isle Dauphine Golf Club Grand Opening West Side United Methodist Church, 269 Convention Center, 1 S. Water St., from Everyone is invited to be part of the Mohawk St., will host a senior health 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. More information on celebration. Even if you are not a golfer, OF fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about the two sessions, including when specific come by and meet the staff and enjoy the programs and services available to those players will be attending the event, will facilities. A golf scramble will be held from Photo/ www.seniorbowl.com aged 55 and up for healthier, happier life be available at seniorbowl.com on the 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Call Dale Snellman at this free event. Call 251-478-3721 for Thursday before the Meet the Players at 251-533-0398 to sign up your four 2015 Senior Bowl more information. event. person team. If you don’t have a team The 2015 Senior Bowl is scheduled you may sign up individually and we will for kickoff at 3 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Jewish Film Festival pair you with someone. The entry fee is Stadium, 1621 Virginia St., Mobile. The ALENDAR The 2015 Mobile Jewish Film Festival $10 per person and includes nine holes of best senior collegiate players in the C will show seven acclaimed Jewish films golf, a cart, range balls and food. Isle of country square off as the North and South at venues around Mobile and Baldwin Dauphine is located at 100 Orleans Drive, teams as they demonstrate their talents counties through Jan. 22, as it celebrates Dauphin Island. and athleticism for NFL recruiters. Tickets 14 years of presenting films that reflect start at $10. Game day activities include the Jewish experience in an attempt to South Coast Mensa the Baumhower’s Restaurant Tailgate promote dialogue between religions, Dr. Rob Gray, one of the filmmakers of Challenge and the Food For Less Tailgate cultures and generations. For more “Mobile in Black and White,” and Dr. Party. For more information visit www. information visit mobilejewishfederation. Elliott Lauderdale will bring a 20-minute seniorbowl.com. org. portion of the film to the January Mensa supper, then answer questions as well as Fairhope Brewing Company Back to The History of the Costume encourage a little bit of dialogue. Supper the Future Bash Haute couture designer Kelle Thompson begins at 6:30 p.m. at Boudreaux’s in Join Fairhope Brewing Company, 914 boasts 50 years of experience in the fine Daphne. “Mobile in Black and White” is a Nichols Ave., for its second anniversary art of spectacular fashion. Here to talk documentary in four parts that takes aim party and the launch of its new bottling about how Mardi Gras royalty is made, on portraying race relations and lingering enterprise. Party like it’s 2015 with more and the space where custom meets institutional racial imbalances in Alabama. than 30 beers on tap throughout the Photo/History Museum of Mobile costume, Thompson will share how he The public is welcome to attend. For more day. There will be live music by Rondale made a career in the fashion industry right information, call Dan at 251-767-0106 or and the Kit Katz and food by the Bean & here in Mobile at the Mobile Museum of Ark of India Gary at 251-633-3564. Bistro and the Hungry Owl. Art, 4850 Museum Drive. The talk will “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores begin at 7 p.m. For more information visit Southern Asia” is an exhibit about Family friendly Mardi Gras at MMoA Mobile Bay Film Scramble screenings mobilemuseumofart.com. personal discovery and exploration. It All ages are welcome at this adorable, Two weeks and one prompt. That’s all is an account of late 19th and early West Mobile alternative to downtown local filmmakers are given before they Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice 20th century India as seen by Alabama debauchery. Spend the morning begin the short film contest, “scrambling” The North Team will practice from 9:30 artist Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his decorating cardboard floats and then join to meet the deadline. Don’t let this local to 11:30 a.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, paintings, drawings, sculptures and most the parade led by the Excelsior Band. fit of creativity pass you by. Come to the 1621 Virginia St., Mobile. The South Team importantly, photographs and writings. The afternoon is filled with hands-on Crescent Theater, 208 Dauphin St., on will practice 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Ladd- The exhibition is organized by the History learning, lunch will be available from Jan. 23 at 11 p.m. or the Ben May Library, Peebles Stadium. Both practices are free Museum of Mobile at 111 S. Royal St. and Geaux Boy food truck and stick around 701 Government St., Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. to and open to the public. Some players will is on view until Sept. 1, 2015. Admission for an artist talk from Dixon Stetler, witness the glory our creative community be available to sign autographs. For more is free. creator of the current MMoA exhibition’s can produce when put under pressure. information visit seniorbowl.com. grand entrance, who is also giving a free Call 251-208-7106 for more information.

SEND yOUR EvENTS TO [email protected] 42 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 January 25 Wedding of a Lifetime Bridal Show Teen Tech Tutor Program The 18th annual Wedding of a Lifetime The Baldwin County Library Cooperative Bridal Show and Give Away will be held (BCLC) recently implemented a Teen Tech at the Mobile Convention Center where Tutor program at the Robertsdale Library, MARDI GRAS 2015 the area’s finest wedding merchants will 18301 Pennsylvania St., Robertsdale. This meet hundreds of brides, mothers and program is designed to match high school friends to assist in planning their dream age students with strong technological skills SCHEDULE wedding. Admission is $12 the day of the with adults and seniors who are unfamiliar show. A portion of proceeds will benefit with basic laptop computer technology. The St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. program is available Monday through Friday Mobile • Fairhope • Daphne If you would like more information about from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is free of charge. Orange Beach this topic, please contact Jimmy Francia An appointment is required and can be or Renee Smith at 251-753-6922 or 251- made by calling the library at 251-970-4010. 533-0773, email at Rsmith0214@comcast. net. Noon until 5 p.m. Arthur Outlaw Mobile January 27 Convention Center, 1 South Water St. Trap-Neuter-Return Alley Cat Allies, in partnership with Azalea FRIDAy, JAN. 30 FRIDAy, FEB. 13 SHC Friends: Scotty Kirkland City Cat Coalition, will host a free Trap- 6:30 p.m. - Conde Cavaliers 6:30 p.m. - Crewe of Columbus (Mobile, The Friends of the Spring Hill College Neuter-Return (TNR) workshop at Tillman’s (Mobile, Route A) Route A) Library are hosting an afternoon with Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol 6:30 p.m. - Mystical Order of Mirams the History Museum of Mobile’s Scotty Plantation Road. The workshop will teach SATURDAy, JAN. 31 (Orange Beach) E. Kirkland, curator of history, at 2:30 how to help outdoor cats and kittens, cat 2 p.m. - Order of the Rolling River (DIP) 6:45 p.m. - Maids of Jubilee (Fairhope) p.m. in the Gautrelet Room. Kirkland history and behavior, the practice of Trap- 2:30 p.m. - Bayport Parading Society will discuss his book about Mobile artist Neuter-Return, and how to get involved in (Mobile, Route A) SATURDAy, FEB. 14 Roderick D. MacKenzie. A book signing your community. Complimentary snacks will 6:30 p.m. - Pharaohs, Order of Hebe, (vAlENTINE’S DAy) and light refreshments follow the event. be provided. Call Hannah at 240-482-1935 Conde Explorers (Mobile, Route A) 11 a.m. - Foley parade (Foley) Guests may purchase the book for $35 for more information. 11 a.m. - Krewe of Kids (Krewe of with cash or check; it regularly retails for SUNDAy, FEB. 1 Goats Prichard route) $39.99. The public is invited. The event is Tea for Two (SUpER BOWl) Noon - Floral Parade, Knights of Mobile, free for Friends members and a donation The Fairhope Museum of History will host 2 p.m. - Krewe de la Heron Lakes Mobile Cadets, Mobile Mystical Ladies, is encouraged from others. For more “Tea for Two” at 2 p.m. The speaker will be (Heron Lakes Circle) Order of Angels (Mobile, Route A) information, contact Julie Kraft at 251-380- Kyla G. Kelim, Esq. Each Tuesday afternoon Noon - Krewe of Goats Parade (Prichard) 2284 or [email protected]. at 2 p.m., the Museum hosts a tea where WEDNESDAy, FEB. 4 Noon - Mystic Revelers (Bay Minette) guests enjoy a cup of delicious Baldwin 2 p.m. - Krewe of Mullet Mates Cathedral Pops: Sacred Favorites County tea, cookies and a lecture on an 12:30 p.m. - Mystics of Ashland Place (kids) (Lanier Avenue) (Mullet Point) If you enjoy all time sacred favorites, than interesting aspect of Fairhope history. For 5:30 p.m. - Mystics of Pleasure this Christ Church Cathedral concert is for more information on the upcoming “Tea for (Orange Beach) you, featuring music that has stood the Two” programs, call the Fairhope Museum THURSDAy, FEB. 5 6 p.m. - Mystics of Time (Mobile, Route A) test of time and endures from year to year of History at 929-1471. 6:30 p.m. - Order of Polka Dots 6:45 p.m. - Shadow Barons (Daphne) as favorites in churches far and wide. The (Mobile, Route A) musicians of the Cathedral will be featured January 28 SUNDAy, FEB. 15 in the informal and fun variety concert. Bend & Brew FRIDAy, FEB. 6 Christ Church Cathedral is located at 115 S. Join Fairhope Brewing every Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - Order of Inca (JOE cAIN DAy) Conception St. Call 251-438-1822 for more night starting at 6 p.m. for Hoppy Yoga. The (Mobile, Route A) 2:29 p.m. - Loyal Order of the Firetruck information. taproom is transformed into a yoga studio 6:45 p.m. - Apollo’s Mystic Ladies (Daphne) with Soul Shine Yoga leading the session. (Daphne) 2:30 p.m. - Joe Cain Procession January 26 It’s only $5 to participate in the class and (Mobile, Route A) Auditions for “Aida” then you can stick around for beer specials 5 p.m. - Le Krewe de Bienville SATURDAy, FEB. 7 (Mobile, Route A) The Joe Jefferson Playhouse is seeking as well as light snacks provided by Pretty 10 a.m. - Hickory Ridge Kids Krewe (kids) singers to audition for “Aida” at 7 p.m. on Mean Sweets. Fairhope Brewing is located (Timberly Circle) Monday, Jan. 26 and Tuesday, Jan. 27 at at 914 Nichols Ave., Fairhope. 2 p.m. - Mobile Mystics, Mobile Mystical MONDAy, FEB. 16 JJP, 11 S. Carlen St. We are looking for all Revelers (Mobile, Route A) (lUNDI gRAS) ethnicities and all ages (16 and up) who Tour Space 301 6:30 p.m. - Maids of Mirth, Butterfly Noon - King Felix III, Floral parade can sing and learn choreography. Please Tours of the Main Gallery and Fabrication Maidens, Krewe of Marry Mates (Mobile, Route A) come prepared with at least 32 bars (or Hall are every Wednesday and Saturday, (Mobile, Route A) 1 p.m. - Prichard Mardi Gras Association about 2 minutes) of music to sing. Your 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Centre for 6:45 p.m. - Knights of Ecor Rouge Parade (Prichard) selection can be from “Aida” or it can be the Living Arts/Space 301, 301 Conti (Fairhope) 3 p.m. - MLK Business and Civic any other piece of music. Please also bring St. Tours included with the price of Organization, MLK Monday Mystics, your own sheet music for the pianist. For admission. Call 251-208-5671 or visit Northside Merchants (Mobile, Route D) information, call 251-471-1534 or visit www. www.centreforthelivingarts.com for more SUNDAy, FEB. 8 2 p.m. - Mystics of Children 6:45 p.m. - Order of Mystic Magnolias joejeffersonplayers.com. information. (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 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 43 MEDIA FRENZY | MEDIA Today’s Homeowner hits 1.5 million viewers BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

Today’s Homeowner hits 1.5 million weekly viewers Tynes will attend the 2015 H.F. Guggenheim Conference on Things for Danny Lipford and the gang keep getting better as Crime in America in New York City Feb. 8-11, exploring a theme his nationally syndicated show “Today’s Homeowner with Danny of “Race, Justice and Community: Can We All Get Along?” He is Lipford” reached 1.5 million weekly viewers during the November expected to follow through with a related project proposal, which sweeps. will be published incrementally in Lagniappe throughout the year According to Lipford’s public relations manager Stephanie and packaged wholly online as it develops. Greenwood, the ratings are the highest in the show’s 17-year his- It will also be republished on thecrimereport.org, the Center’s tory. She attributed the success to the expansion to 214 stations aggregate of national crime and justice stories nationwide. We will in 205 markets as the reason they’ve been able to attract such a release additional details about the project next month. large audience. The show, which also features Lipford’s daughter The symposium Tynes will attend features a prestigious group Chelsea Lipford-Wolf, features real home owners working with the of speakers, including Joe Ponte, Commissioner, New York City Today’s Homeowner crew to make improvements to their houses. Department of Corrections; Terri McDonald, Assistant Sheriff, Los “We are very proud of setting this new record for our viewing Angeles Sheriff Department; Adam Gelb, Director, Pew Public audience,” Lipford said. “I think that Today’s Homeowner con- Safety Performance Project; Mark Earley, former Virginia Attor- tinues to attract new viewers and fans because we deliver quality ney General (R-VA); Michael Jacobson, Director, CUNY Institute information in an easy-to-understand format — and we always mix for State and Local Governance; Nancy LaVigne, Director, Justice in a little fun along the way.” Policy Center at the Urban Institute and Anne Milgram, Vice Presi- Good to see the local boy continue doing well. dent of Criminal Justice, Arnold Foundation. “Even as crime rates continue to drop, the events in Ferguson, Tynes awarded Guggenheim fellowship Staten Island and other cities have made clear we still have a long Speaking of local boys doing well, Lagniappe is proud to an- way to go in improving relations between poor urban populations nounce our Assistant Managing Editor Gabriel Tynes was recently and law enforcement—and addressing the flaws in the justice awarded an H.F. Guggenheim Journalism Fellowship sponsored system itself that lead to racial bias and inequity,” Stephen Handel- Photo courtesy of “Today’s Homeowner” by John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Center on Media, Crime man, director of the Center on Media, Crime and Justice, which and Justice. It was one of 18 available to practicing journalists organizes the annual symposium, said in a press release. Danny Lipford (center) and the crew with “Today’s nationwide. “On the 10th anniversary of what has become one of the most Homeowner” reached 1.5 million weekly viewers. prestigious national justice forums for journalists and the criminal John Jay College is a division of the City University of New Lagniappe is proud to see Tynes awarded this fellowship and justice community, we hope our conference can contribute to the York (CUNY), and its Center on Media, Crime and Justice is “the certain it will lead to extraordinary work that will greatly add to debate.” nation’s only practice-and research-oriented think tank devoted both the local and national discussion. Tynes is a thoughtful and According to its release, the Guggenheim Foundation will sup- to encouraging and developing high-quality reporting on crimi- dedicated journalist and we feel honored to have him leading our port Tynes and 15 other fellows as they work on projects directly nal justice, and to promoting better-informed public debate on news team. The opportunity to be involved in the Guggenheim relating to conference topics such as biases in jury selection and the complex 21st-century challenges of law enforcement, public Fellowship can only broaden his horizons as a journalist and ulti- treatment of mental health issues in jails, to campus sex assaults security and justice in a globalized urban society,” according to its mately help Lagniappe as we cover our community. website. and the growing commercial marijuana industry.

44 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1. Gulf war missile 5. Like an enthusiastic fan 9. Boxing maneuver 12. Cut down to size 13. Antler’s point 14. Flamenco shout 15. Divorce alternative 17. Outfield surface 18. Business orgs. 19. Smooths 21. Fizzle, with “out” 24. House adjunct 26. Poetic paean 27. Card game start 29. Small amounts 33. Grazing ground 34. Gratifies 36. Break 37. Nothing but 39. Doctor’s directive 40. Age of Aquarius, for one 41. Needs treatment 4. Two-spots 31. Plain 43. European viper 5. Bill producers 32. Practice in the ring 45. Extinguishes 6. C’est la ___ 35. Doesn’t go 48. Kind of flour 7. Hostel 38. Bark 49. Half and half 8. Block or dissuade 42. Biblical patriarch 50. Highflying industry 9. Incense stick 44. Stop 56. Dawn discovery 10. Soothing plant 45. Extinction exemplar 57. During 11. Flower plots 46. Again, in different form 58. Australian export 16. Christmas song leapers 47. Whimper 59. Mouse catcher 20. Elaborate 48. Was a passenger 60. Die 21. Equestrian contest 51. Flightless bird 61. Duration of office 22. Heaven on earth 52. Barbecue offering 23. Pond swimmer 53. Make like DOWN 24. “Bullitt” director 54. Game show giveaway 1. Aromatherapy site 25. Pub pints 55. Glade shade 2. Is up to the task 28. British noble 3. Coffee holder 30. Became mellow Answers on Page 44

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 45 UPON FURTHER REVIEW | SPORTS

Senior Bowl shows off the best of Mobile to football fans across America BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

t’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, I’m not talking Stoudt of Clemson and Bryce Petty of Baylor; running back about Christmas. It’s Senior Bowl Week. Jeremy Langford of Michigan State and Synjyn Days of Georgia For a few days each January, the eyes of college and NFL Tech; wide receivers Kevin White of West Virginia, Tyler Lockett fans all turn to see what is happening in Mobile. Who knows of Kansas State, Titus Davis of Central Michigan and Tommy Iwhat overlooked player will wow the pro scouts and propel them Shuler of Marshall; tight end Sam Arneson of Wisconsin; tackles up the draft list? Cedric Ogbuehi of Texas A&M and Jamil Douglas of Arizona A perfect example is Bill Kollar, who was inducted into the State; guards Kyle Costigan of Wisconsin and Shaq Mason of Senior Bowl Hall of Fame last April. During the ceremony, Kollar Georgia Tech; center Greg Mancz of GoDaddy Bowl champion said his career might have never gotten off the ground without the Toledo; kick returner Jamison Crowder of Duke and kicker Sam Senior Bowl. He had not gained much notice playing at Montana Ficken of Penn State. State, but he ended up being selected the MVP in the 1974 Senior Acknowledged on the defensive side of the ball are tackles Bowl. He became a first-round draft pick, played eight seasons James Castleman of Oklahoma State and Grady Jarrett of Clem- in the NFL and is now the assistant head coach of the Houston son; ends Houston Bates of Louisiana Tech and Markus Golden of Texans. Missouri; linebackers Eric Kendricks of UCLA, James Vaughters These are the kind of stories that have drawn fans to Ladd-Pee- of Stanford and Tony Washington of Oregon; cornerbacks Donte bles Stadium for decades. That, and perhaps enjoying the greatest Deayon of Boise State and Bryce Callahan of Rice; safeties Erick tailgating experience of the year. Dargan of Oregon and Lorenzo Waters of Rutgers; and punter The 110 players have been displaying their skills all week. Sam Irwin-Hill of Arkansas. Fans can catch their final workouts at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on There are also two legacy players. LSU fullback Connor Wednesday and Thursday. An autograph tent is set up immediately Neighbors was preceded by his father Wes (1987) and grandfather after practice for 30 minutes. The players will spend Friday visit- Billy (1962), who both played at Alabama. Fresno State wide ing young patients at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital and receiver Josh Harper is also in Mobile, just like his father Willie Mobile Infirmary, as well as elementary schools in Mobile and Harper was in 1973 for Nebraska. Baldwin counties. Overseeing this year’s players are the coaching staffs from up close and personal the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans, Fans will have an opportunity to meet all the players Friday led by first-year head coach Ken Whisenhunt, is directing the from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center’s Exhibit North team. Second-year Jaguars coach Gus Bradley is guiding Hall. The free event allows spectators and players to gather for the South squad. The week of practice gives both NFL teams an autographs and photos. The event is divided into two sessions, edge going into the draft, as the Titans have the No. 2 pick and the with more information on which players will be available at each Jaguars the No. 3 choice. session available at www.seniorbowl.com. Also set for the Mobile Convention Center on Friday from 3 to Field full of stars 7 p.m. is the Senior Bowl Experience. The free event will offer sev- The Southeastern Conference dominates the Senior Bowl eral interactive displays, special activities and other entertainment. roster with 24 players accepting invitations. Spanish Fort’s Reese On Saturday, the East parking lot at Ladd-Peebles Stadium Dismukes, the 2014 Rimington Trophy winner, leads the Auburn turns into the Food For Less Tailgate Party. The event is free, but Photo/Dan Anderson for Lagniappe contingent at center. Tigers joining him are running back Cameron passes are limited to the first 3,500 fans who purchased tickets to Artis-Payne, wide receiver Sammie Coates and defensive tackle the game. Passes are available at all Food For Less locations and The Senior Bowl brings 40,000 fans to Ladd Stadium. Gabe Wright. There is also a possibility that quarterback Nick the Senior Bowl ticket office at 151 Dauphin St. In addition to Marshall may be invited to complete the roster. Representing the food and drink, the tailgate party will include inflatable activities, Crimson Tide this year are fullback Jalston Fowler, who played at face painters, clowns and other events. not be surprised when running across a famous NFL coach along Vigor in Prichard; quarterback Blake Sims; offensive tackle Aus- The Baumhower Tailgate Challenge is set for 10 a.m. to 2 Dauphin or Royal streets this week. Veet’s Bar & Grill, located tin Shepherd and offensive guard offensive guard Arie Kouandjio. p.m. on game day. The competition, which began in 2004, judges across from the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, has become In addition to Dismukes and Fowler, players with local con- participants on the right combination of good food, originality and a common gathering place following a rough day of scouting nections include Coates, from Leroy; Samford’s Jaquiski Tartt, outstanding presentation. The winner is recognized on the field players. who played at Davidson in Mobile; Senquez Golson of Ole Miss, during the first half of the game. My greatest recollection of this scenario was when Mike Ditka from Pascagoula; and Damarious Randall of Arizona State, from Kickoff for the Senior Bowl is set for 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 and his Chicago Bears staff were at a local watering hole, and Pensacola. Ameer Abdullah, a Homewood native whose father for sideline seats between the 10 yard lines; $20 for sideline seats a young woman approached the table. She said Ditka was her Kareem grew up in Mobile, ended up as Nebraska’s career all- between the 10 yard lines to the end zone; and $10 for general ad- father’s favorite player and she would be honored if she could buy purpose yardage leader after Auburn and Alabama wanted to sign mission in the end zone. The game and practices will be broadcast him a shot. Ditka looked her straight in the eyes and said he could him as a defensive back. on the NFL Network. For more information, call the Senior Bowl not accept the offer, but he would agree to purchase a round for Offensive players that the Senior Bowl scouting staff recog- at 251-432-4109 or 888-736-2695. her, his coaches and himself. The crowd cheered at the gesture. nized for impressive bowl performances are quarterbacks Cole And while not officially part of the Senior Bowl schedule, do Yes, this is most wonderful time of the year … for football fans.

46 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 THE LOADED QUESTION

WHAT WAS THE BEST MOMENT OF YOuR LIFE? Asked @ Cammie’s Old Dutch

“When I was born because every moment has been great.”

-Deontae

“It hasn’t come, life is going to continue to get better and better.”

-Eloise

“When I hit a behind the back hook shot without looking.”

-Jonathan

LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 47 PORT CITY PREMONITIONS | STYLE Sagittarius shows up for Drake’s toilet tour BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18) — Taking the hint a pretty big bet on the upcoming Super Bowl, from Darwin Singleton, you begin a one-man wagering an entire paycheck against the Patriots. crusade to throw back all of the unsolicited After the Seahawks’ incredible comeback last al.com advertising circulars that get tossed in weekend, you’ll think they’re a shoo-in. But your neighborhood like trash several times per Tom Brady’s beautiful grace and Ken-doll-esque week. Starting at the crack of dawn, by 8 a.m. looks will prove too much for Russell Wilson. you retrieve enough to fill the bed of a pickup He’ll be blinded by beauty, resulting in a record- truck. Claiming the same First Amendment breaking 10 turnovers before halftime. You’ll be rights as the non-local news source, you are ap- forced to accept a side job pouring fruit daiquiris parently protected by law as you dump the loads for a crowd of drunks during Fat Tuesday. Your daily on their Royal Street doorstep. Keep up the lucky Mardi Gras throw this year is Little Deb- good work. Nothing bad can come of it. Your bie oatmeal cakes. lucky Mardi Gras throw this year is doubloons. Virgo (8/24 - 9/22) — After embarrassing Pisces (2/19 - 3/20) — Feeling particularly yourself at the water cooler in front of your feisty after President Obama used his 2015 current office love interest, you’ll invite the lame-duck State of the Union address to troll attractive coworker (who also has amazingly you and your political party, you begin to orga- good hair) to a Mardi Gras parade, where you’ll nize fellow Republicans to offer realistic counter get pegged in the face with an entire box of solutions to the president’s proposals. But your Little Debbie oatmeal cakes. Not only will this patriotism wanes as in-fighting fractures the incident bruise your ego even more, but it’ll also group and lackluster conservative candidates jack your face up pretty good. Next time, try begin to throw their hats in the ring for the 2016 taking your date to the new, trendy wine bar that elections. Filling your SUV one day with $1.50 charges a $5 corking fee. Your lucky Mardi Gras per gallon gas, you’re struck with an existential throw this year is name-brand MoonPies. crisis as you inadvertently mutter “Thanks, Obama” under your breath. Your lucky Mardi Libra (9/23 - 10/22) — A week from Gras throw this year is silver beads. Thursday, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a high-profile news conference. You’ll haphaz- Aries (3/21 - 4/19) — Work and personal ardly pick the worst possible place to stand, relationships begin to falter after you begin to and your “I-just-pooped-myself” face will be spend all your spare time, and some of your broadcast across live television. Thousands of work time, playing the new “Call of Duty” on memes will be made using your face, and you’ll PlayStation 4. Your girlfriend threatens to leave almost go viral on the Internet. But one question and frequent tardiness leads to a write-up in your will remain – “Who IS that man in the charcoal CROSSWORD pUZZLE ANSWERS personnel file, but you are emboldened every coat?” Your lucky Mardi Gras throw this year is time you get to tell a fourth-grader who’s up purple beads. past his own bedtime just how much he really sucks. You only put down the controller after the Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21) — In the spirit of developers of Minecraft release a game update, Mardi Gras, you’ll start drinking in the middle turning its creative exploration format into a of the day. But, after discovering that your lucky first-person shooter. Your lucky Mardi Gras throw this year is “balls,” you’ll do so without throw this year is plastic cups. bothering to put on a pair of trousers. While some will instantly get your tribute to the Car- Taurus (4/20 - 5/20) — You’ll pick Ina nival season, most will not — their averted eyes Garten up at the airport and the two of you will fixed firmly on the ground. The police, however, immediately get things hot in the kitchen. As will have no trouble staring you down or corral- you cook, her heart will begin to melt, like a ling your pants-less body into a cop car off Conti pad of butter in a nice shrimp scampi. She’ll be Street. “Laissez les bon temps rouler.” down here in time for Mardi Gras, so the two of you will indulge. Your lucky Mardi Gras throw Sagittarius (11/21 - 12/22) — After taking in this year is lingerie, which will be fortunate countless lists of overhyped bands on the various because the kitchen isn’t the only place things music festival lineups, your confused brain will will get hot. soon begin to think R&B star Drake is perform- FROM pAGE 42 ing everywhere this summer including “Your Gemini (5/21 - 6/21) — You’ll spend the Dad’s House” June 3-6 and “The Bathroom at next couple weeks hitting on various members the west Mobile Heroes” July 2-4. Once you F of the Merry Widows’ and getting blindingly establish that you’re too old to attend any event drunk at the Garage. Your hopes to snare a that is made bearable only with copious amounts U cougar fail miserably and you’ll leave the bar of marijuana, you’ll do what any self-respecting T each night alone. You’ll think your luck has Mobilian would do … go check out one of the changed when you knock down a small child to various incarnations of “The Perry Wall” at U grab a rose from the black-clad lady-mourners. the Brickyard. Your lucky Mardi Gras throw is R The moment will be misinterpreted. Your lucky bubble gum. Mardi Gras throw this year is stuffed animals. E Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19) — You’ll have a Cancer (6/21 - 7/22) — Weeks of mourning tough go of it at work this week. As the person will follow the news of Richard Stain’s untimely who conceives the generic social media out- S death. Your loneliness will grow and grow until reach questions for a local television station’s H one evening you’ll hear a faint train whistle Facebook page, you’ll finally be stumped after in the distance. The sound of a train whistle is months of creating countless, thought-provoking O not uncommon in Mobile, but this is different. queries for your audience. However, just before You’ll soon see your friend sweeping a ghostly you give up, you’ll type “Paper or plastic?” and C train car. He’ll smile at you before commenting press post in desperation. To your surprise, the K on the lousy condition of your apartment. You’ll question creates a lengthy debate that quickly be happy to have your friend back. Your lucky devolves into extremely racist comments and a Mardi Gras throw this year is ramen noodles. slew of funny pictures that don’t actually apply to the thread in any way. Your lucky Mardi Gras Leo (7/23 - 8/23) — You’ll decide to place throw is confetti. 48 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 49 MOBILE MAGNIFIED | STYLE Let the bowls and good times roll BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

t’s go time, boys and girls. Senior Bowl is this weekend. And Mardi Gras is next. Hope you all got enough rest The big-boobied sphinxes are famous! “Vice,” the sci-fi flick filmed in Mobile a while back was because we’re full on until Ash Wednesday. No whining or released on Jan. 16. The film starring Bruce Willis and Thomas crying allowed. Ladies and gentlemen, grab your flasks and Jane features a “resort” populated by robots called “artificials.” Istart your livers! And I might add, most of these “artificials” are really hot women. Humans can pay to go into this resort and live out all Let the Senior Bowl Sightings begin… of their rapey, robbery, murdery fantasies. As one reviewer put At press time, all of the NFL folks were just getting into it, it’s like being able to be in a real life (sort of ) “Grand Theft town, but we hear there have already been large men in vari- Auto” video game. Willis owns the resort. Jane plays the detec- ous team attire spotted at all the usual locales: The Riverview, tive who is fed up with the actions inside said resort bleeding Battle House, Veet’s, Royal Scam, Heroes, Wintzell’s, Bike into the real world. Sounds interesting and plausible enough, Shop and Callaghan’s. One restaurateur said he had had plenty huh? of scouts in, but no big names yet. But he also said business Well, let’s just say the reviews have not been kind, to put it had been really good. Big men with little names drink as much mildly. But we don’t have to care about the quality of the mov- as big men with big names apparently. Does that make any ie, we just want to see all of our landmarks make an appearance sense? I think Confucius may have said something like that. on the big screen … or at least the screen in your living room. Anyway, we did get word that local musician Ryan And in the trailer alone, you get a glimpse of Dauphin Street Balthrop, who had a gig earlier in the week at the Riverview, right at Bienville Square, the Convention Center, the steps at was seen taking a photo with University of Alabama’s Blake what I think may be the RSA Tower and The Temple, includ- Sims and Jalston Fowler. ing a close up shot of everyone’s favorite golden big-boobied Next issue, expect the full scoop on where all these people sphinxes. You could ask them for their autographs, but unfortu- were eating and drinking. Because, hey, that’s exciting news! nately they don’t have hands. And of course, you can look for all your friends who worked Bad Boys, Bad Boys whatcha gonna as extras. WZEW deejay Gene Murrell even had a speaking do? part and I hear he really “kills” it. And I am dead serious. If you Apparently they are going to run from you if you are Mobile didn’t get those subtle hints, then well spoiler alert: he is actu- Police Officer Jermaine “The Stallion” Rogers. ally the first one to die in the movie. Impressive! The Mobile Police Department was featured on a recent “Vice” is currently available on On-Demand. I feel a Mobile episode of “Cops” on Spike TV and let’s just say, the suspect landmark drinking game coming on! Officer Rogers detained seemed to be a bit impaired. It became obvious something was in his mouth, so Rogers asked him to The survey says… spit it out. At that point, the suspect took off. The officer chased We hear one local family may soon be appearing on every- him and was ultimately able to get him. Once he got him in the one’s favorite game show, “The Family Feud.” We will keep back of the squad car, Officer Rogers told him not to run from you posted on this developing story. him again because he was a “stallion.” He was able to find the drugs he spit out and take him into custody. Nice socks Who is this police stallion, you ask? Our friends at Griffith Service Station apparently got an eye According to a profile on the Cops webpage, Officer Rogers full last week. Apparently the overnight man was there alone has been an officer since November 2012. He says the best part in the wee hours of the morning when strolling down Ann of his job is “that I get to change the way people think of police Street was a gentleman wearing nothing but a pair of white tube officers. My first week on the streets by myself, my plans were socks. to meet with the community I patrol. I came across several On his feet. This wasn’t one of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. kids playing basketball and all of them ran in the house. After According to our spy, the nude walker wasn’t in any particu- making contact with the kids I advised them that I just wanted lar hurry and seemed perfectly proud of his attire. At least he to play basketball. They couldn’t believe that a police officer chose white socks to warn motorists of his presence. Smart. would actually take the time out to play with them. Now those same kids run to my car when they see me and that is the best part of my job. I want children to have the same outlook on law Well kids, that’s all I have for this one. Like I said, I will Photo/Sam Emerson/imdb.com enforcement that I had as a child.” let you know where all of your favorite NFL coaches had That’s so nice. We love this guy! Thank you for your ser- hamburgers in the next issue. And just remember, whether rain Is that the escalator in Mobile’s Riverview plaza vice, Officer Rogers. Keep up the excellent work! or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or some plain ol’ “artificials” starring in “vice?” Oh yeah and Thomas Jane too. lovin’, I will be there. Ciao!

50 | LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 LAGNIAPPE | January 22, 2015 - January 28, 2015 | 51