Lagniappe Weekly

2 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WEEKLY April 10, 2014 – April 16, 2014 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Toland-Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor Council takes on form-based code. [email protected] And we take an extensive look at the Rob Holbert coal industry in Mobile. Co-publisher/Managing Editor 6 [email protected] COMMENTARY Steve Hall Rob ponders the city’s financial future, while Marketing/Sales Director [email protected] Ashley ponders the taste of pollen water. Gabriel Tynes 10 Web Editor/Reporter [email protected] CUISINE Dale Liesch A new hot spot on Reporter The Hill and a local [email protected] strawberry festival Jason Johnson 15 celebrates their 27th Reporter year. Plus, Andy has [email protected] some tips on what to Kevin Lee Associate Editor/Arts Editor do with left-over ham [email protected] CONTENTS and eggs, green or Andy MacDonald otherwise. Cuisine Editor [email protected] Stephen Centanni BUSINESS Music Editor [email protected] MAAS Aviation earns contract from Mark Bryant Airbus for painting airplanes prior to Sports Writer delivery. [email protected] 20 Daniel Anderson Chief Photographer COVER [email protected] SouthSounds 2014 Laura Rasmussen Rosco Bandana among Graphic Designer many varied acts ready www.laurarasmussen.com to entertain Mobile Brooke Wilder Advertising Sales Executive during the SouthSounds [email protected] Music Festival 2014. Check out our guide. Leigh Wright Advertising Sales Executive Lost Bayou Ramblers [email protected] (right) play Saturday Beth Williams night. 22 Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] MUSIC Jeff Winter Umphrey’s McGee Advertising Sales Executive to bring Progressive [email protected] Improvisation to the Melissa Schwarz Saenger Theatre next Editorial Assistant [email protected] week.

Contributors: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert Jeff Poor • Jennifer McDonald Ron Sivak • Susan Larsson For Music Listings & Events Calender Email your info to Melissa at: 28 [email protected] & [email protected] ARTS Lagniappe is published every other Wednes- day, 26 issues a year by SOMETHING EXTRA Is the future of the Mobile Theatre Guild PUBLISHING, INC. Business offices are located at 1102-A Dauphin Street and mailing in jeopardy? Found out in Artifice. address is P.O. Box 3003, Mobile AL 36652- 3003. Telephone (251)450-4466. Email editor@ lagniappemobile.com. Reproduction in whole 35 or in part without express, written approval of the publisher is prohibited. The publication is free, one per reader. After that, papers are $2 per copy. Removal of more than one copy from any distribution point constitutes theft. FILM Violators are subject to prosecution. All letters sent to Lagniappe will be treated as intended Coen Brothers’ ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ for publication. Publishing history: La- gniappe was first published bi-weekly provides a perfect smoke ring in a cold July 24, 2002. quiet car ride. On the Cover: Rosco Bandana/Photo 37 courtesy of Michael J Media MEDIA Help support Lagniappe New face at WPMI and familiar face Weekly by becoming a back at WKRG. “Friend with Benefits.” 38 Scan this code for more info: SPORTS University of Mobile coaches hit major milestones with victories, while another 39 legendary mentor closer to retirement. STYLE Boozie has all your Lagniappe Launch Party gossip from the Battleship, and 42 there was a safari in WeMo. What? LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 3 GOING POSTAL Accident prevention, safety should be focus I waited several days to make this report coal terminal, hundreds of thousands are because this area is no place for snap being spent to suppress coal dust. It is not decisions or uniformed actions. The Urban helpful to use an isolated accident in North Development Department was correct in Carolina as a reason to blockade industrial recommending planning commission ap- expansion in Mobile. Nor are silly ideas like proval. We have to recognize the magni- a dome helpful. Where the focus should tude of what we are talking about. In the be is accident prevention, safety and clean Port of Mobile energy products bringing operation. The industries are well down more than $200 million a year and it is this road. growing. The expansion of port facilities As to the tank farms as oil storage, and the addition of capabilities through big there are 400,000 tank cars on the move investment in Mobile is a remarkable trend. in the United States in any one day. These We also have to recognize that such millions and hundreds of millions of gallons trends in the energy world generate im- are moved mostly without a peep. Pipe- mediate opposition from environmentalists, lines are even safer. The magnitude of both in and out of Mobile. This is not only a gallons and growing trends of this industry local trend, it is national with national mon- must be taken into account. We haven’t ey and happening to coal, oil and natural even mentioned economic impact or the gas facilities and companies everywhere. thousands of good jobs involved. Alabama Power is under continual attack. Mobile is listed in the top 10 economic In the Port of Mobile, with significant indus- growth cities. This is no accident. The trial expansion of energy facilities, we are growth must be nurtured and the risks a great target. We have the coal terminal, minimized. Municipal officials and regulat- the tank farm and the pipeline all at once. ing agencies must be very deliberate and The case against these facilities has been fully informed in making critical decisions exaggerated, fabricated and distorted by with so much at stake. ignoring the facts. New facilities are constructed with Capt. Hal Pierce high cost provisions for safety and envi- Daphne ronmental protection. In the case of the POLIce bLOTTer Police blotter is a collection of reports from the Mobile Police Department over the past two weeks. Information is supplied by MPD. April 1, at approximately 8:15 a.m., officers Officers located, detained, and arrested responded to the 7400 block of Howells 27 year old, Jamarco Jones. Jones was in Ferry Road for a report of a vehicle leaving possession of property that was stolen from a the scene of residential burglary in the 2400 residential burglary. block of Raspberry Lane. Officers detained and arrested subjects, 53-year-old James Perry and April 3, at approximately 8:36 p.m., officers 52-year-old Terry Perry. Detectives were able responded to ITT Tech, 3100 Bel Air Blvd for to clear (7) city cases, (2) County cases, (1) a report of one shot. The adult male victim Baldwin County and (1) Fairhope case. stated the suspect, a known black male shot him once following a verbal argument. As the April 1, at approximately 7:30 a.m., officers suspect was fleeing the location he grabbed responded to the 1200 block Carlton Acres the victim’s property. E for a report of a residential burglary. The adult male victim stated a known white male April 3, at approximately 8:45 p.m., while subject struck him over the head several times officers were in the area of 1400 block of Ann with a weapon. Once the victim was down the Street they heard several shot fired. Officers subject allowed several unknown subjects to located an adult male victim who had been enter the victim’s residence. shot. The victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries. April 1, at approximately 3:55 p.m., officers responded to Mobile Public Library 701 April 3, at approximately 9:53 p.m., officers Government Blvd for a report of a commercial responded to the 50 block of Williams Court robbery. The adult female victim stated for a report of a vehicle burglary. Officers arrested person 45 year old Walter Jeznach, located, detained, and arrested, two male handed her a note demanding cash from the juveniles. register. The victim advised Jeznach there was no money in the register and he fled the April 3, at approximately 10:53 p.m., officers location. The victim was not harmed during responded to the 1000 block of Lyons Street this incident. for a report of one shot. The adult male victim stated a known black male subject demanded April 1, at approximately 5:17 a.m., officers his property and then shot him. The victim responded to Circle K 5575 Highway 90 for was transported to a local hospital for non-life a report of a commercial robbery. The adult threatening injuries. female victim stated an unknown white male subject entered the location armed with April 4, at approximately 2:20 a.m., officers a handgun and demanded cash. The victim responded to the 2400 block of St Stephens complied and was not harmed during this Road for a report of one shot. The adult male incident. victim stated two unknown black male subject demanded his property and then shot him. The April 3, at approximately 9:00 a.m., officers victim was transported to a local hospital for responded to the 400 block of Marine Street non-life threatening injuries. for a report of recovered stolen property.

owing to pressure from DeTonti Square Counciman Joel Daves said the T-3 designa- property owners, the Mobile City tion was too restrictive on private property rights Council tabled a recommendation to and some existing buildings in the square are not adopt a proposed form-based develop- suited for residential purposes. mentB code for downtown while it considers a “DeTonti’s best interest is always to be mixed last-minute change that more closely mimics use so there is somebody always there, in the zoning currently in use for the six-block neigh- daytime you have business people and in the borhood. nighttime you have residents,” he said. The change was recommended by the coun- In other action April 8, the council waived cil’s Public Service Committee after a hearing the business license requirement for property last week. owners around Ladd-Peebles Stadium who sell “Essentially the committee decided to recom- overflow parking spaces during events. Several mend all of the DeTonti Square area be zoned of those property owners received tickets this T-4, a classification very much similar to the year during the Senior Bowl after a complaint. mixed-use already in place,” said Councilman Rather than pay an annual fee, the city will Levon Manzie, who sits on the committee and require the owners or representatives of the represents the neighborhood on the council. owners to obtain a free annual permit from the Today, what was one of Mobile’s first police department to allow parking. Applicants neighborhoods is almost a 50-50 mix of private must show proof of ownership or have the writ- homes or apartments and small businesses such ten permission of property owners to obtain a as law offices or architectural firms. Originally, permit. the plan designated the square T-3, which is low- On April 22, the council will hear at least density residential and would have mandated 14 appeals from residents in opposition to the commercial properties revert to residential use if proposed Blue Creek Coal Terminal on the Mo- the owners failed to maintain a business license bile River, which was approved by the Mobile for a period of two years. Planning Commission March 20. City Council “Our intention was to make a public state- President Gina Gregory said each appellant will ment of support for residential development,” be given five minutes and one person from each said Elizabeth Sanders, whose Downtown Mo- side will be able to provide a closing argument. bile Alliance supervised the creation of the plan. The appellants represent a much larger “I think you can do that without intending to get group of residents and business owners who are rid of business because we have this very liberal opposed to the terminal’s proximity to general non-conforming use rule where the business can public and who believe it will emit excessive stay until they abandon it.” quantities of coal dust on surrounding neighbor- About a month ago, nearly a dozen DeTonti hoods. Walter Energy, the company behind the Square property owners appeared before the terminal proposal, has said it would combat dust council to oppose the T-3 designation, fearful at the 40-acre facility with a system of 20 “mist- that it would change the character of a neighbor- ing cannons.” hood that was largely revitalized in recent years Council approval is the last regulatory under existing code. hurdle the facility must cross in order to begin The T-4 designation is defined as “a mixed- construction. use district of low intensity, primarily residential In resolutions held over, the council autho- and neighborhood retail.” rized a $58,500 professional services con- “It’s the closest option we have to what is tract with Dogwood Productions for ongoing currently in place and in my conversations with maintenance of the city’s website and a $64,499 the affected property owners, they would be professional services contract with KONE, Inc. amenable to having area rezoned T-4, if it was for elevator maintenance services. rezoned at all,” Manzie said. During council announcements, Vice With the plan tabled, the council will have to President Fred Richardson said he regretted his readvertise the proposed changes and may not vote a week earlier in favor of Mayor Sandy consider the plan for approval until late May. Stimpson’s revised budget. After reviewing Sanders said she hopes by then, everyone’s a comprehensive financial report he said he concerns will have been met. wasn’t provided until the vote, Richardson said “The neighborhood is very divided and has he was of the opinion the city did not have a been since I met them over a year ago,” she said. $4.3 million debt in the general fund. Daves “Everyone up there cares passionately for the reminded Richardson the debt was reflected in neighborhood and will make it work no matter the unassigned portion of the fund and if the what the city does, but I would say the people councilman couldn’t trust the mayor, perhaps he who were passionate about the residential are should believe the city’s independent auditor, disappointed.” who uncovered the debt. Both sides are also concerned about what “I’ll be the first to admit our budget docu- constitutes an abandonment. ments are very complicated and can be interpret- “If you have a business license but don’t ed a number of different ways,” Daves said. keep the lights on, is that abandonment?” asked Upcoming public meetings include the Public DeTonti property owner Pete Burns, a supporter Safety Committee May 6 at 2 p.m. in the 9th of a mostly residential neighborhood who urged floor conference room, where the topic is sched- the council to work with the administration to uled to include emergency response times at the form a “clear and liberal” definition of abandon- Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and a meeting ment. “For 30 years urban planners have said we of the Finance Committee April 29 at 2 p.m. in need residential downtowns and if we don’t put the same location, which will include a discus- it in DeTonti, there’s no place for it.” sion of ongoing budget issues.

6 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB Oyster shuckers in tip pool cost local restaurant BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

local seafood restaurant recently paid out more than customers in a way that warranted a share of the gratuity left by their time records adjusted to the start time of their shift. $40,000 in a settlement with two employees in a dis- customers.” The Original Oyster House denied any wrongdoing in an pute over back pay. The suit claims the restaurant’s inclusion of non-tip employ- eight-page answer to the suit filed in early February. In addition, A suit filed in U.S. District Court in Mobile in Janu- ees into the tip pool invalidates it, which resulted in the “misap- the restaurant, through attorney R. Scott Hetrick of Adams and aryA claimed the Gulf Shores location of the Original Oyster plication of the tip credit, as well as the misappropriation of the Reese, LLP, asked the suit to be dismissed “in its entirety with House failed to meet the requirements of an exemption to the servers’ tip-earnings.” prejudice and without costs or fees of any kind to (award) to the Fair Labor Standards Act, pertaining to tip employee credits. plaintiffs….” Daniel E. Arciniegas, of Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis and The restaurant did admit in the document that oyster Quinn P.C., sued on behalf of two former servers, Jeff Beck and Ignorance of the law is no shuckers “at times received a small percentage of servers’ tips Alesia Daniel, arguing in a 15-page complaint that more than 20 generated from raw oyster sales.” The restaurant also admit- percent of his clients’ shifts were made up of side-work, or work excuse. A lot of people could ted expeditors occasionally received a small percentage of tips where they didn’t interact with customers. generated from food sales. The suit also claimed the servers were owed wages related to be breaking this law, or skirting it. As part of a settlement reached as a compromise between the a system known as a tip pool operated by the restaurant, which - R. Scott Hetrick two parties, the restaurant didn’t admit any fault, but agreed to forced them to share tips with employees who didn’t directly pay out a total of $18,408.28 to Daniel and $25,857.96 to Beck interact with customers. The suit argued the tip pool was invalid in unpaid and liquidated wages, according to court records. The because it included oyster shuckers and kitchen staff, who The suit says the restaurant counted the pre-tipout total as the restaurant also agreed to pay court costs and attorneys fees of didn’t interact with customers on a regular basis. tip credit without crediting the servers for the money they paid $7,056.46. “This action is brought to recover unpaid compensation, in to the tip pool when checks were issued. Hetrick didn’t comment specifically about the case, but did the form of unpaid wages and overtime, owed to the plaintiffs, The suit also alleges servers were asked by the restaurant say it would be a good idea for restaurant owners in the area to and all similarly situated servers employed by the defendant, to report to work about an hour before they opened and would seek legal advice pertaining to the Fair Labor Standards Act. pursuant to the FLSA,” the suit reads. “For up to three years perform non-serving duties for the same $2.13 per hour, which “I think anyone who operates a restaurant locally needs to prior to the filing of this complaint, (the) defendant has had a is minimum wage for tipped employees. seek counsel, as it pertains to tipping,” he said. “Ignorance of uniform policy and practice of requiring employees to partici- “Duties performed during this time included washing win- the law is no excuse. A lot of people could be breaking this law, pate in an invalid tip pool.” dows, cleaning section(s), wiping down tables, window ledges or skirting it.” The suit alleges the servers were paid $2.13 an hour, and and baseboards, making tea … setting up tables … stocking Bob Omainsky, owner of Wintzell’s Oyster House, said he were required to participate in a tip pool that included employ- server stations with to-go bags, to-go cups, to-go silverware, can’t speak to the practices of the Original Oyster House, but ees who aren’t usually tipped, like oyster shuckers. napkins, paper towels and any supplies needed throughout the said oyster shuckers at Wintzell’s are paid an hourly wage “sig- “Oyster shuckers are non-tip employees as they are not em- day,” the suit reads. “At the end of their shifts, plaintiffs … were nificantly above minimum wage.” ployed to engage with customer(s), but to prepare oysters in the required to perform non-serving, non tip-producing duties for “They earn their own tips,” Omainsky said. “They shuck for kitchen, away from customers,” the suit reads. “Whatever inter- approximately 45 minutes to one hour.” the public. People actually sit at the oyster bar.” action oyster shuckers had with customers was incidental. The According to the suit, this side work made up more than 20 He said Wintzell’s servers are paid $2.25 an hour plus tips oyster shuckers do not customarily and did not regularly receive percent of their working time. and can be paid more depending on performance and seniority. more than ($30) in tips a month, nor did they provide service to The suit also claims that servers who clocked in early had

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 7 BB BAY BRIEFS Downtown residents still grappling with an old nemesis BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected] he quality of the air is an old discussion for downtown resi- permits from ADEM based on a comprehensive emission and storm and got the same answer. dents, but since the Mobile Planning Commission approved water reduction plan. Walter Energy estimated it would cost between $40-60 million to plans for the city’s second coal terminal in late March, that talk “The biggest factor is wind suppression. You want to keep (coal) construct a dome structure for the Blue Creek site, and coupled with is dusting up yet again. materials sufficiently moist so they don’t become airborne, which the additional dust control measures, the dome could cost more than TThe Blue Creek Coal Terminal is slated to sit on 36.6 acres on the typically happens when the materials are transferred,” ADEM $85 million per ton of dust controlled. banks of the Mobile River. The facility is projected to house 360,000 Spokesperson Scott Hughes said. CST Covers Industries, Inc. builds domes all over the world, with tons of coal in two 80-to-90-foot piles when it reaches maximum Though Blue Creek is still at least five years from being opera- much of its business coming from smog-riddled countries like India capacity and will process 6.5 million tons annually. The discussions tional, Walter Energy currently has an air permit issued April 18, 2011 and China where domes are now required. about a new coal terminal have residents near the river talking once and water permit issued May 24, 2013. “There are hundreds if not thousands of domed facilities elsewhere again about what coal means to the community. Blue Creek’s dust suppression plan is multifaceted and is projected in the world, but not many in the U.S.,” CST’s global business man- What Blue Creek is proposing is far less than the 2 million tons by the company to control 96 percent of the facility’s emissions. Like ager of bulk material storage Kari Kauppi said. “The regulators have currently stored at the Alabama State Port Authority’s McDuffie Coal McDuffie, it is based primarily on keeping coal wet with a surfactant talked about it, but there’s just too much lobbying power.” Terminal, which is one of the largest coal terminals in the United or crusting agent when it is being stored or transferred through any Kauppi said covered facilities get rid of all emissions, but the price States. McDuffie handles coal but doesn’t process it, other than to mix uncovered area. is often a matter of size and local costs. He estimated it would cost two types of material on occasion. “The design we’re proposing to use is really taking the best of around $3-$4 million to build a dome large enough to cover 150,000 Over the years many residents in historic downtown neighbor- what people have learned about control measures and incorporating metric tons of coal, and additional equipment inside of the dome hoods like Church Street East, Oakleigh and DeTonti Square have them into a new facility,” Tom Hoffman, vice president of communi- could bring the overall costs up to more than $10 million. complained about coal dust on their homes, which they claim has cations for Walter Energy said. “When you look at these big terminals The added cost of chemicals and water is another continuing come from McDuffie and the former Mobile River Terminal (MRT). up in Virginia, there really isn’t anything comparable in size or in the expense, not to mention the purchasing and upkeep of the misting “When I first moved in in 2002 I heard a lot of complaints from age of the facility.” cannons used to disperse surfactants. Kauppi also said keeping the neighbors about coal dust, and they turned out to be true,” said Marie According to Hoffman, there isn’t a coal terminal that comprises coal moist reduces heating power. McDuffie is budgeted to spend Dyson, who lives on Dearborn Street. “We all have to power wash all of the technology the facility would utilize, which is why its dust- nearly $430,000 this year on water alone. Because the facility isn’t our houses three to five times each year.” control capability are based off of emission projections. yet operational, there’s no simple way of determining what the cost of In 2007, test samples from five houses throughout the Church “We’re starting from scratch in terms of the equipment that will Blue Creek’s dust suppression technology will be. Street East area were sent to a lab in Chicago, and all of the samples handle the coal,” Hoffman said. “In addition to being new, the site is Hoffman said the cost and means of meeting environmental contained between 15-40 percent coal dust, with 20 percent being the going to be a lot more efficient.” standards shouldn’t matter, as long as those standards are met. Those average. Walter Energy paid to have a study conducted by Enviroplan Con- standards are currently being met, but as more detailed plans are “Both companies pointed the finger at each other,” Dyson said. sulting, which concluded Blue Creek’s environmental footprint would developed, ADEM will have to reissue air water permits to Walter “Eventually, MRT went out of business and McDuffie said they have little effect on the air quality of Mobile County as whole. Energy based on the new information. would improve their misting cannons and other equipment to try to The study focused on the effects of particulate matter, which is The Blue Creek property, which is in Mobile’s “I-2” or heavy combat airborne emissions.” defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as solid or industrial zone, was acquired when Walter Energy purchased MRT Since 1999 the facility has spent nearly $9.5 million improving liquid particles found in the air. Particular matter (PM) emissions in 2010. Since then, Walter Energy has also purchased a second and its dust control measures, according to Alabama State Port Authority can come from a multitude of sources, and can cause adverse health larger piece of land in the I-2 zone, but the company has stated several CEO Jimmy Lyons. He said there is also $700,000 budgeted for ad- effects in humans depending on the level of exposure. PM-10 is a par- times they have no plans for the property at this time. ditional improvements in fiscal year 2014. ticle with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, which is one-seventh The Mobile City Council is set to hear appeals from several orga- In additional to mechanical improvements, McDuffie is working the width of a human hair. nizations and potentially affected neighborhoods on April 22. Mayor to increase the optimization of its automated weather and moisture The EPA’s air quality standard for particulate matter of that size is Sandy Stimpson is scheduled to meet with officials from Walter monitoring systems and taking air and dust samples of its own. 50 micrograms per cubic centimeter based off of a yearly average or Energy and from the Port of Mobile this week to discuss the project. “We’ve done sampling for years starting back when this issue 150 micrograms per cubic centimeter measured as a daily concentra- “When it comes to industrial development, I try to determine if first surfaced. If there is dust getting off the island, it is a very minor tion. the risk justifies the reward,” Stimpson said. “Based on everything amount,” Lyons said. “Our sampling is an ongoing effort, but the goal In theory, Blue Creek will meet those standards based on the I’ve seen to this point, the company has met or exceeded all of its is zero.” Enviroplan study, which projected Blue Creek would only account permitting requirements and the project appears to be an appropriate In 2011, McDuffie took samples of four buildings in the Church for 0.005 percent of PM-10 emissions in Mobile County when it is use of the site. I see no reason to intervene in the process as long as it Street East and Down the Bay neighborhoods and found coal and operational. However, those estimated contributions were based on a is working as it should.” coke comprised 34 percent of residue on structures that had not been total throughout all of Mobile County, an area significantly larger than Stimpson did say he has heard the complaints from downtown cleaned, Lyons said. In 2012, a study in the same area on buildings the downtown area that has been traditionally affected by coal dust. residents and will address the coal dust issue during his scheduled cleaned six months prior found coal and coke comprised 10 percent “We did our research and found a group of citizens in West Vir- meetings. As for Church Street East, Dyson said she’s seen some im- of residue on those structures. ginia that sued Massey Energy and won, which required the company provement in the amount of dust, but there’s still a big concern over These dust control and water recycling standards are reviewed to put a dome on their coal,” Dyson said. “That’s what we were shoot- adding more coal to the area. when McDuffie renews its air and water permits through the Alabama ing for with McDuffie and MRT, but we were told it was not cost “I know my neighbors and me still have to power wash our Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Walter Energy, effective.” houses, but there’s been some improvement,” she said. “That’s a hard the parent company of Blue Creek, has already received air and water The citizens involved in the recent debate proposed the same idea question to answer scientifically.” New retail complex a ‘win-win,’ according to manager BY GABRIEL TYNES/WEB EDITOR | [email protected] cGowin Park, one of the largest retail developments in approved the district last summer with constriction originally its storefronts remain vacant. Mobile in recent memory, will not be a liability to the slated to begin in February. But dirt at the 90-acre property near “What happened at Spanish Fort Town Center was they made city or county despite a corporate partnership that will Hank Aaron Stadium has yet to be turned, although the devel- sales predictions at the time that were a little rosy and actual return millions in sales tax to the developers over a 20 oper, Chattanooga, Tenn.-based The Hutton Co., is still project- tax collection was about a third of what was projected, so that’s Myear period, according to its manager. It may be the first example ing an opening date sometime in 2015. Tenants have not been when they got into trouble,” Chang said. “It is a really beautiful of an “improvement district” in the county, which allows devel- announced, but initially the site was rumored to possibly host a place, but the Bass Pro Shop didn’t play the kind of anchor role opers to issue bonds to finance public infrastructure, usually in Costco. they anticipated and it failed to attract customers to the remain- exchange for tax incentives. Last week, the district’s board met to approve an engineering ing stores in the Town Center.” “In the olden days, [developers] may go to local govern- and assessment report. Chang said the revenue projections at McGowin Park are a ments and say, ‘I need $5 million for water and sewer to lure in Since they were approved by state law in 2000, improvement little misleading because 50-75 percent of those are “transfer new businesses,’ but now it’s so much better,” said Phil Hunt, districts have been cropping up around the state. In Baldwin sales,” meaning people who may have shopped somewhere else McGowin Park’s manager and financier. “There is no liability (to County, similar public-private partnerships were used to create in the city will spend their money at the new development. Only municipalities) and that’s the beauty of it, it’s a great tool for the the Eastern Shore Center in Malbis, The Wharf in Orange Beach, about 25 percent can be credited as a net increase in sales, a developer to fund infrastructure without the city or county being The Spanish Fort Town Center and Colonial Pinnacle at Craft number that can increase depending on the presence of unique on the hook. [Developers may say] ‘you give me the tools I need Farms in Gulf Shores. retail providers that don’t already exist in the area. and allow me to form my own district’ and they are the one’s Local economist Semoon Chang, director of the Gulf Coast “My opinion is shopping centers like Bel Air Mall will lose paying for it.” Center for Impact Studies, said improvement districts may allow money, it’s just a matter of how much,” he said. In the case of McGowin Park, which will include developers to construct higher-end shopping centers and attract Yet Hunt said the tax increase in the city’s general fund will 600,000-square-feet of retail space anchored by a new retail outlets to the region, but sales projections have to be noticeable. 140,000-square-foot club store, the city will return 1.4 cents of be realistic. In 2011, the Spanish Fort Town Center, which was “Tax is estimated to be $7.5 million,” per year he said. “For its five-cent sales tax collection and the county will return three- incorporated with the authority to charge an additional district a financing vehicle that allows [us] to issue tax exempt munici- tenths cents of its one-cent sales tax collection on revenues that fee on top of local sales tax, fell into receivership after default- pal bonds to help fund public infrastructure in and around the are projected to be as high as $200 million per year. ing on a $17 million loan. There, developers had hoped a district development without a burden on taxpayers, it becomes a pretty The Mobile County Commission and Mobile City Council anchored by a Bass Pro Shop would thrive, but today several of good win-win.”

8 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 BAY BRIEFS BB Pringle and Hembree line up for House 101 seat BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected] he race for the Republican nomination in Mobile’s House ting down on the red tape would be a good way to start helping individual counties from seeking their own economic develop- District 101 pits an experienced legislator against a politi- local business. ment. cal newcomer. Hembree, who owns a heating and cooling company, as well “I don’t support a constitutional convention, but we can go in Chris Pringle, who represented the district from 1994 being involved in commercial real estate, said he has a three-fold and repeal portions of the constitution that were put in in 1875 Tto 2002, will face Don Hembree in the June 3 GOP primary, as plan related to job creation. He said the legislature and the local and codify the amendments used to get around those,” he said. incumbent Jamie Ison won’t seek re-election after 12 years. government must work to foster a business-friendly environment, When it comes to the Medicaid expansion as a result of the The two candidates agree on several issues, but each has a dif- first off. He said there should be a push for more entrepreneurship Affordable Care Act, both candidates side with Gov. Robert Bent- ferent view when it comes to term limits in Alabama. as well. He added that a qualified workforce would help draw ley’s opposition to it. Hembree, a Mobile native and business owner, believes the industry to the area. Pringle said the state won’t be able to afford Medicaid expan- time is right to mandate term limits for state politicians. “That’s one of the biggest struggles I face as a business owner sion in the long run. “I’m a big proponent of term limits,” he said. “I think that’s is hiring qualified, competent people,” Hembree said. . “If I had “It’s one of those things that sounds good, but I don’t know how something we need to have in our government because those 20 people right now that were qualified mechanics — (air condi- the state can pay for it,” he said. allow the opportunity or new people to get in there and to expand tioning) mechanics — I could give them a job tomorrow.” Hembree said he sees the benefits of expanding the program, and improve our government. I think one of our biggest Achilles’ Hembree believes finding qualified workers is the biggest but knows that it’s going to cost too much money. heels is just trying to make things better by doing the same thing struggle facing local small business owners. “What reading and studying on it I’ve done, you expand it over and over again.” “That’s hands down the biggest challenge I hear,” he said. and then it’s going to end up costing us more money than we can Hembree vowed to not serve more than two consecutive terms “My competitors and fellow business people talk about just find- afford long term,” Hembree said. “I can see some of the needs for in Montgomery before coming home. ing qualified workforce.” it, but to me, it really boils down to can we afford it? That’s part Pringle said he opposing term limits because they “empower Hembree said local and state government should work with of the common sense approach I take to the subject.” special interest groups.” community colleges to find out what employment needs there are Both candidates said the area has been represented well in the “Every place that has passed term limits has regretted it,” Prin- in the area and go from there. past, but each felt compelled to run with Ison giving up the seat. gle said. “The problem with limiting the length of time a person “Whether it be air conditioning mechanics, IT specialists, you “We’ve had such a massive changeover in the local legisla- can serve in public office is you don’t limit the length of time the know, whatever it is, we need to try to feel out what those needs tive delegation,” Pringle said. “I want to put my experience and bureaucrats can work there. And I warn people about this all the are and try to find a way to meet those requirements,” he said. knowledge back to work.” time, be very careful about the reforms you ask for because what Neither candidate is in favor of a rewrite of Alabama’s 1901 Pringle, who gave up his legislative seat in 2002 to run for you get is the exact opposite of what you want.” constitution, which has made headlines in the past for being the U.S. Congress, said he would work with local government The candidates share different ideas related to how to create world’s longest. Instead both candidates believe the legislature officials to help fix problems facing the municipal and county jobs and what are the biggest issues facing small businesses. should work around problems by continue to amend it. governments. Pringle, a licensed contractor and small business owner, said a “I think it’s too big of a thing to tackle at one time,” Hembree Hembree said he felt running for office was his civic duty. reduction in state and federal regulations would go a long way in said. “I think we can continue to address the issues we have with “Just sitting on the sidelines and watching, observing and sort helping small businesses create jobs. the constitution by amendment, as opposed to trying to complete- of seeing things, seemingly, in some areas, fall apart for a lack “It’s such a conglomeration of state and federal rules and ly rewrite the constitution.” of leadership, whether it be on the state level or national level,” regulations,” he said. “They’re so intertwined it’s almost like a Pringle spent eight years on the constitution and elections Hembree said. “Just seeing us go down a path that if I felt that I net on top of you.” commission, during his previous time in the legislature. He said just sat idly by and didn’t try to make a difference then I wasn’t As an example from his business, Pringle noted at one time he’s in favor of repealing older portions of the constitution that being responsible to my kids and family and generations to come there were 300 separate regulations on septic tanks. He said cut- were carried over from as long ago as 1875 intended to prohibit to be able to enjoy the benefits we’ve enjoyed.”

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 9 Damn the torpeD oes CommentarY CC Are casinos and annexation a path to a brighter future? BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

n watching the City Council pass the mayor’s new word “maritime” that worries me a bit, start to trickle down to the others work- budget last week, many thoughts danced through my because I’m just not sure lots of people ing in the city and the sullen Jonesitude mind about the city’s situation. are going to want to pile in the car and go will eventually go away. That in and of First I couldn’t help thinking about how spectacu- see exhibits on container shipping. itself will mean a great deal for the city’s Ilarly bad a job the previous administration did handling Not trying to be negative here. The future. money during Silent Sam’s eight-year reign. When your few things that were operational when we But we still need ways to improve city idea of a budget is to just make things up so the num- were there were very nice, and I’m sure finances that don’t involve pulling money bers come out to zero, that’s not really so much budget- the Titanic tour will draw well. But it still out of one pocket and putting it in anoth- ing as it is a fairy tale with a bad ending. Things like seems like its best chance of doing really er. Airbus should provide a good boost in forecasting outlandish amounts of employee attrition well is if there is a boatload of tourists that regard, and other new companies and or budgeting half of what the city normally pays for its coming off cruise ships every few days. retail developments promise more bucks. part of the jail can’t even really be accidents can they? But I’m certainly hoping to be pleasantly But there is another opportunity the city No wonder Sam was so surly about nosy reporters surprised. The place should look great now has as well — annexation. asking questions. Somebody could have had a calcula- when it’s finally ready — which is now With Jones in office any large annexa- tor that worked. looking like it will be closer to the end of tion of WeMo was a pipe dream, but I’d The second thought I had was more of an amuse- the year. bet if the new administration is capable ment in listening to Council Vice President Fred So that’s the negative side of the led- of living up to its word this year and Richardson attempt to explain his concepts of how 1. ger, and it sounds like a pretty daunting showing financial progress, the hoards of the city isn’t in financial trouble; 2. the budget passed mess. Still, regardless of everything I just people and businesses now outside the by the previous administration was just fine; and 3. his wrote about, there is still a lot more to be city limits might be more amenable to own tortured understanding of budgeting and econom- positive about right now. the idea of becoming proper Mobilians. ics. First, going back to the original Like it or not, their own fates are tied to Fred’s diatribe wandered around the solar system as subject, it appears the current administra- that of the city and the city’s fate is tied usual but essentially made the point there is no budget tion is very interested in living within to growing. problem because the city could just take money out of financial means and even getting back With the passage of this new budget, other accounts to pay for accounts where there is no to doing crazy things like paving roads. nothing has been magically fixed, other money. Fred must think if he needs $10 but only has (Feel free to squeal.) The fact that they than the rushing sound of money being $5, moving that sawbuck to his other pocket will cover are willing to sit down and answer ques- sucked into the abyss, and there are plen- the deficit. tions and provide documents gives me ty of hurdles to hurdle. (That’s what you But beyond all of that silliness, my thoughts wan- hope Stimpson’s crew is serious. do with hurdles.) But I can also see a path dered toward what we must do next. The mayor and his Of course, it’s still the honeymoon to something better, even if it doesn’t staff appear to have come up with a structured budget, phase and things could change, but let’s include a Playboy Club on the river. but it is tight as my pants after Thanksgiving dinner, hope they don’t. and that’s not leaving much room for improvement. Hopefully the attitude at the top will Remember, things would be far worse if it were not for what is projected to be an $8 million increase in revenue for this year. If that number drops or even stays the same, auster- The Gadfly ity will still be the name of the game. Because so much money has been transferred out of the capital budget and put into the general fund over the years, Mobile is millions short and years behind in repairing roads and other infrastructure. Even their computer system is like something that might be studied by technological archeologists (if that profes- sion exists). I would bet $100 million could be poured into just the roads, waterways and buildings alone and wouldn’t make much of a dent. And then we still have issues like the cruise ship terminal, a beast that will continue to be a money hole until we can either land a ship or find another use. Per- sonally I think a casino is the only project that jumps to mind — besides another cruise ship — that has more than a 50-percent chance of working. It’s not like we’re against gambling around here, we’ve got a dog track just a few miles away. Still I doubt that idea’s getting much consideration. Someone has floated the idea of a big ‘80s-style, “Miami Vice” sort of night club. I guess that would be Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen cool to hang out at then blast across the bay in your cigarette boat after shooting someone with an Uzi. Or maybe we could get Hugh Heffner to open a Playboy club there. The GulfQuest Maritime Museum is another po- tential issue. I was fortunate enough to take a tour of the as-yet-incomplete museum a few weeks ago and I believe it will be a great maritime museum. It’s that Trying to decipher Fred-Based Code.

10 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 HIDDEN AGENDA COMMENTARY CC Things that make you go hmmm BY ASHLEY TOLAND-TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected] accept life is mysterious and there may never be definitive Councilman Fred Richardson, although a bit of a character, was a make a lot of noise — about everything the mayor wants to do. answers to some things. How did we get here? Is there life on good councilman who looked out for his district. A couple of years Perhaps he thinks that is a smart political move. Some times it other planets? How many licks does it take to get to the middle ago, I moved into his district and one of the first things one of my can be. But Fred, purely from a political standpoint, it’s kind of of a Tootsie Roll pop? Is Bruce Jenner still a human? new fellow District One-ians told me, “You know, I know Fred dumb right now. Why? Because there is a lot of wonderful things I But lately, questions I think should have relatively simple can be a little kooky, but when we had a problem, we called him on the horizon for us, and this city is collectively in a pretty damn answers are giving me trouble. And it’s aggravating. How am I and he had it fixed right away.” good mood. Being the “No Man” may be a good play when we are supposed to concentrate on which Kardashian I need to keep up So I’ve personally overlooked his “showboating” over the down and out and depressed and need a collective dose of Prozac. with if I am busy worried about these things? I need answers, years, because, well, I thought it was just entertaining political But with this feeling of optimism permeating the air along with people. HELP! theater. And as long as he was doing his job, who cares, right? the pollen, we all want to work together to get things done and Let’s just giggle and move on. But lately, the showboating has make our city better. People are metaphorically skipping through What is up with this weather? turned into conspiratorial rants and grandiose diatribes that are the meadows of Mobile right now, chasing butterflies. And you are It was a miserably cold winter and spring. It seems to be abso- borderlining on cray-cray. Accusing people of lying about the ripping their wings off. lutely gorgeous every day I am stuck under flickering fluorescent city’s finances, talking about Martian math and promising us the In times like these, if you are seen as the guy who is trying to lights, and raining every weekend. I am no botanist or climatolo- city is not broke. block everything just for spite (which is exactly what it looks like) gist— or whoever it is that studies these here things— but I would “Let it be said over every hill top, every mountain, every river it’s going to backfire on you. think the overabundance of precipitation coupled with frigid tem- in the valley that Fred Richardson said ‘we are not broke, we’re on I don’t like this new angry, ranty Fred. Bring back the old one peratures would make there be LESS pollen, but I swear I have sound footing and the City of Mobile is healthy financially.’ Let we all know and love! never seen this much in my life. it be said that I said it first in case somebody else wants to say it I know you are probably saying to yourself at this very mo- after me,” He decreed. This final question is one for the ages: ment, “Are you seriously dedicating this much precious ink to pol- Hill tops and mountains? Rivers and Valleys? Fred, are you Why do I have a disproportionate amount of Mobile Mystics len production?” Yes I am. And I’m sorry, but I am just absolutely drinking the Pollen Juice? I think you may be hallucinating. Mardi Gras cups in my cupboard, as compared to other parading amazed by the sheer volume of it. The other day, the rain washed Well if we ain’t broke, let’s fix it! Wait, is that how that expres- societies? I have an IM or two, a couple of KORs, some generics off the most recent dusting of my car. But once it stopped, it sion goes? Anyway, this is the best news I have heard all week, with future Fat Tuesday dates, but for the most part, it’s Mobile seemed to be completely coated again in it in a matter of millisec- Fred! Please, please do something about Ann Street and all the rest Mystics. And they span over the years. It’s not like we caught a onds. Why so much? Oh the intrigue! of our crumbling roads and infrastructure with all this money we whole sleeve of them at one parade one year or something like Then it started sprinkling again and created what can only be have. While we are at it, why don’t you fix your ditches in Trinity that. Is this by design? Do they want to be known as the cup described as cloudy, yellowy-green toxic pollen sludge, which Gardens too. You’ve only been talking about those for umpteen people? Or is this all just completely random and unique to my started creeping slowly down my windshield. I thought to myself, years. Give all of our public safety workers a much deserved raise own collection of to go cups? Inquiring (and arguably disturbed) I wonder what that stuff tastes like. Then I thought, I shouldn’t right this instant! I would love some new playground equipment minds must know. tell anyone I thought about that. I’m thinking it’s a combination of at all of our parks, bike paths, soccer complexes, skate parks, a Perhaps I will invite some of them over, along with Fred and Goody’s powder and Lawry’s seasoning salt. fancy riverwalk, maybe even a ferris wheel like they have over Bruce Jenner, and we can discuss all of these things. Maybe I’ll there in London, England! Please do tell us, kind sir, where all this even serve up a little Pollen Juice in my fancy Mystics cups. And On to the next burning question... treasure is buried? we can put to rest once and for all what it tastes like... chicken What is up with Councilman Fred Richardson? It seems the good councilman just wants to position himself perhaps? Hmmmmm? I covered city council for many years, and I always thought as the Anti-Stimpson guy and he is going to oppose — or at least

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 11 BELTWAY BEAT COMMENTARY CC Putin to offer a ray of hope for the future of the LCS-2? BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

WASHINGTON — If you haven’t proposal and ultimately eliminated by fiscal heard, the manufacturing of the Littoral year 2016, according to budget documents Combat Ship at the Austal USA facility has released by the Navy. hit somewhat of speed bump. Also scheduled to be cut is the U.S. Air The LCS-2 is built in Mobile, and Austil Force’s A-10 Warthog, a 1970s-era aircraft is responsible for employing roughly 4,000 which has survived in the Air Force because residents in the region. Despite its benefits of its close-air support capabilities. for the area, federal budget constraints But with Putin making waves in Eastern could spell an end to the longterm contracts Europe, which diplomatic efforts have expected for the ships. failed to deter, some of the power brokers Back in February, Secretary of Defense in the nation’s capital could be rethink- Chuck Hagel announced a number of mili- ing these hard-hitting cuts to the Defense tary cuts, one of which included unspecified Department. cuts to the LCS program. Those undefined In a radio interview last week, the rank- cuts have sent Mobile’s Congressional del- ing Republican on the Senate Armed Ser- egation scrambling — largely Rep. Bradley vices committee, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Byrne, and Sens. Jeff Sessions and Richard connected U.S. defense spending to Putin’s Shelby. actions in the Ukraine. “The decision to cut the order of these “Right now there are 80,000 Russian ships could place the Navy’s procure- troops in Ukraine,” Inhofe said. “I just got ment schedule back by a decade, further back from Georgia. Georgia has said — and shrinking our Navy at a time when force this is right before the Winter Olympics projection remains an integral axis of the – they said that Putin is going to do the administration’s pivot to the Asia-Pacific,” same thing in Georgia and all the rest of the Byrne said on the heels of the February countries. Right now in Moldova, in this Defense Department announcement. “Sec- Transnistria – I think you have probably retary Hagel’s announcement comes before been talking about that – there are 1,200 any strategic review of defense capabilities Russians over there. They are laughing at and strategy has been completed, and makes us because they know we don’t have the this drastic change in requirement seem capability to send over – you know we arbitrary and capricious in nature.” might send over a few of our leftover F-22s The threat to downsize the Navy’s pro- to Poland or someplace like that.” posed LCS fleet is part of the larger down- At some point, if Putin should decide to sizing of the U.S. military. Some in the take another country, the United State might pundit class and in the halls of Congress in not respond with its own direct military Washington, D.C., believe these cuts have action against Russia, but it could send contributed to recent international aggres- military aid to threatened nations. Addition- sion from bad actors like Russian President ally, it would likely have its military on Vladimir Putin. ready should Putin to decide to expand the A little more than 6,000 miles away from borders of Russia even further. Mobile is Sevastopol, now in Russia as Pu- With this need for military readiness, tin’s troops occupy territory that was once Defense Department cuts could be ill- Ukraine. Additionally, based on some of advised and perhaps politically hazardous, Russia’s military maneuvers near a number even for Obama, who has shown a lack of of its borders, there could be more aggres- interest and understanding in foreign policy, sive action to come. but a propensity for manipulating a situa- Leaders in Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia, tion for political gain. Poland, the Czech Republic and Georgia — Although it is hard to imagine a circum- which was the victim of Russian aggression stance where the U.S. Navy would deploy in 2008 — are all on standby and wonder- the Littoral Combat Ship in this sort of ing if or what Putin might do next. theater, members of Congress, particularly Some of those nations have looked to the Sessions, Shelby and now Byrne, aren’t West for assistance. That assistance for the going to stand by and allow some sort of most part would be bolstered by the United military spending to be passed without their States, given that most of the countries in home district’s priorities, e.g. the Littoral Western Europe have relied on U.S. military Combat Ship. might since the end of World War II. A Thus, in a big picture sense, Putin and hollowed-out U.S. military, however, limits any other bad actors in the world could any aid that could be lent to a country fac- somehow aid the survival of the LCS and ing hostility from Putin’s Russia. other high-profile weapon systems under According a Washington Free Beacon the threat of the knife. report last month, the Obama administration Much of this will be determined in the is seeking to abolish two signature missile upcoming midterm and presidential elec- programs of the U.S. Navy, which experts tions, as we’ll find out what sort of direction say gave the United States an edge over the two major political parties will go when the past several decades. Those include it comes to determining the United States’ the Tomahawk missile program and the overall role in the world — whether it is to Hellfire missile program. The Tomahawk try to maintain its super-power status inter- missile program is slated to be downsized nationally or put a larger focus on domestic under Obama’s fiscal year 2015 budget priorities with a smaller role abroad.

12 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 ashlanD miDtoWn puB ($-$$) 3972 Airport Blvd. • 414-9949 orleans po-Boys ($-$$) Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. firehouse suBs ($) Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. 245-A Old Shell Rd. • 479- Hot subs, cold salads & 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 3278 catering. 6300 Grelot Rd. • orleans Cafe ($-$$) atlanta BreaD Company 631-3730 Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & ($-$$) Sandwiches, salads & fisherman’s leGaCy ($) wings. more. Deli, market and catering. 3721 Airport Blvd • 380-1503 $ under $10/person 3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 panini pete’s ($) $$ 10-25/person aurora’s ($-$$) five Guys BurGers & fries ($) Original sandwich and bake $$$ over 25/person Tapas & gourmet pizzas. 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 shop. 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope 14 N. Church St., Fairhope • 928- 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 • 929-0122 Business 1714 foosaCkly’s ($) 19 S. Conception St. • 405-0031 BenJamin’s ($) Famous chicken fingers. pDq ($) Casual Burgers,wings and seafood. 310 S. University Blvd. • 343- Chicken fingers, salad & Bonefish Grill ($$) 2107 Airport Blvd. • 450-9377 0047 sandwiches Eclectic dining & space. Briquettes steakhouse ($- 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 1165 University Blvd. • 202- 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 $$) 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 0959 CatCh of the Day ($$) Grilled steaks, chicken and 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761 phatheaDz ($) Fried, grilled, steamed & always seafood. 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 Steak and chicken fingers. fresh. 3300 River Rd. • 973- 720A Schillinger Rd. S. Suite 2. • istanBul Grill ($) 3915 Government Blvd.• 287- 9070 607-7200 Authentic Turkish Resturant. 1314 eD’s seafooD sheD ($$) Cafe 219 ($) 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 queen G’s Café ($) Fried seafood served in hefty Salads, sandwiches & potato JamaiCan viBe ($) Down home cooking for lunch. portions. 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625- salad. 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 Mind-blowing island food. 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 1947 Cafe malBis ($) 3700 Government Blvd. Ste A • roma Cafe ($-$$) felix’s fish Camp ($$) Contemporary fare & eclectic 602-1973 Pasta, salad and sandwiches. Upscale dining with a view. spirits. 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne Jimmy John’s ($) 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 • 661-6620 Sandwiches, catering & delivery reGina’s kitChen ($-$$) leGaCy Bar & Grill ($$$$) CaJun seafooD ($) too. 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414- Sandwiches, subs and soups. American, Seafood,Steakhouse. Seafood market & deli fresh 5444 2056 Government St. • 476- 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 seafood. 408 Dauphin Island Joe Cain Café ($) 2777 luCy B. GooDe ($$) Pkwy. • 478-9897 Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. river shaCk ($-$$) Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. Camille’s siDeWalk Café 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 Seafood, burgers & steaks. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores ($) Gourmet wraps, pizzas, kitChen on GeorGe ($-$$) 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River • 443- 967-5858 & more. 5817 Old Shell Rd. • Contemporary American food. 7318. lulu’s ($$) 343-0200 351A George & Savannah St. • roly poly ($) Live music & great seafood. Camellia Café ($-$$$) 436-8890 Wraps & salads. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • Contemporary southern fare. lap’s GroCery & Grill ($-$$) 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 967-5858 61 Section St., Fairhope • 928- Casual Seafood & southern 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 oriGinal oyster house ($-$$) 4321 classics. 1595 Battleship royal street Cafe ($) A great place for kids and Cammie’s olD DutCh ($) Parkway, Spanish Fort • 626-0045 Homemade lunch & breakfast. seafood. 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626- Mobile’s classic ice cream lava 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 2188 spot. 2511 Old Shell Rd. • ($) Fish & Chicken saGe restaurant ($$) oyster roCkefeller ($$-$$$) 471-1710 396 Azalea Rd. • 345-8121 Inside the Mobile Marriott. 312 Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 Carpe Diem ($) maGhee’s Grill on the hill 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 riCe asian Grill & sushi Bar Deli foods, pastries & specialty ($-$$) Great lunch & dinner. satori Coffeehouse ($) ($) 3964 Government Blvd. • drinks. 4072 Old Shell Rd. • 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 Coffee, smoothies, lunch & 378-8083 304-0448 mama’s ($) beers. 5460 Old Shell Rd. • the harBor room ($-$$) Chat-a-Way Cafe ($) Slap your mama good home 344-4575 Unique seafood. Quiches & sandwiches in Spring cooking. 220 Dauphin St. • 432- serDa’s Coffeehouse ($) 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 Hill. 4366 Old Shell Rd.• 343- 6262 Coffee, lunches, live music & taCky JaCks ($-$$) 9889 mars hill Cafe ($) gelato. Gulf Shores favorite on the ChiCken salaD ChiCk ($) Great sandwiches, coffee & 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 Causeway. 1175 Battleship Sandwich, Chicken Salad, Salad & more. 5025 Cottage Hill Rd. • smokey DemBo smoke house ($) Pkwy. • 621-8988 Soup. 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R 643-1611 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473- the BlueGill ($-$$) • 660-0501 mary’s southern CookinG ($) 1401 A historic seafood dive with live ColD snap miDtoWn ($) 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 spot of tea ($) music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625- Carpe Diem Coffee & Frozen melloW mushroom ($) Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & 1998 yogurt. 2425 Old Shell Rd. • Pies & awesome beer lunch. the Compleat anGler 479-9500 selection. 2032 Airport Blvd. • 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. ($$) Caribbean fare & great Cravin CaJun ($) 471-4700 southern DeCaDenCe sunsets. 29249 U.S. Hwy. 98, Po-boys, salads & seafood. 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 Desserts ($) Soups, Salads, Daphne • 621-1086 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 287- momma GolDBerG’s Deli ($) Desserts the italian fisherman ($$) 1168 Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. 1956 B University Blvd. • 472- Seafood Italian style. Cream & suGar ($) 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 6351 2503 Old Shell Rd. • 478-2881 Breakfast, lunch in Oakleigh. Ice 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 stevie’s kitChen ($) the little house Bistro cream too. monteGo’s ($-$$) Sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, ($-$$) 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft soups, salads & desserts Best contemporary Southern D’ miChael’s ($) beer. 6601 Airport Blvd. • 634- 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite cuisine. Philly cheese steaks, gyros & 3445 150. 2351 Airport Blvd. • 477-2623 more. 7101-A Theodore Dawes mostly muffins ($) tamara’s Bar & Grill ($) Wintzell’s oyster house Rd. • 653-2979 Muffins, coffee & wraps. Wings, po-boys, burgers. ($-$$) Delish Desserts ($) 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 • 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 Great lunch & dinner. muDBuGs at the loop ($) 929-0002 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 Cajun Kitchen & seafood tp CroCkmiers ($) 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., DeW Drop inn ($) market. 2005 Government St. • American Restaurant & Bar Saraland 442-3335 Classic burgers, hotdogs & 478-9897 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890. zea’s ($$) setting. 1808 Old Shell Rd. • muG shots ($$) the BlinD mule ($) Gourmet rotisserie with prime rib & 473-7872. Bar & Grill. Daily specials made from seafood. DoWntoWners ($) 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 scratch. 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 Great sandwiches, soups & neWk’s express Cafe ($) 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. salads. Oven-baked sandwiches & the CourtyarD at 311($) Completely 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 more. 252 Azalea Rd. • 341- Great food and large selection of e WinG house ($) 3533 spirits. ComfortaBle 195 S University Suite H • 662- olD 27 Grill ($) 311 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope • al’s hotDoGs ($) 1830. 2212 Dauphin Island Pkwy • Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & 928-2032 Classic hotdogs, gyros & 479-2021 wines. the house ($-$$) milkshakes. 4701 Airport Blvd. • fiDDlefish ($) 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. Seafood, sandwiches, salads & soups 342-3243 Seafood Cafe´. Fairhope • 281-2663 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 13 taste. miKaTO Japanese sTeaK papa’s plaCe ($$) 946-2847 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 hOuse ($$) Upscale sushi & A Taste of Italy . BYOB. Br prime aT Beau rivage ($$- Tamara’s dOwnTOwn ($$) specialties. 28691 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne • 626- $$$) Fine dining establishment. Casual fine dining. 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 1999 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952- 104 N. Section St. Fairhope • 929-2219 rOCK n rOll sushi ($$) raveniTe ($) 2582 uniOn ($$$) Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more Jia aT Beau rivage ($-$$) The hungry Owl ($) 6345 Airport Blvd. • 287-0555 Premium steaks & burgers. 1410 U.S. Hwy. 98 Ste. J, Daphne • 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 Exotic Japanese, Thai, Burgers, flatbread pizza & 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 621-1906 via emilia ($$) Chinese, Korean & Vietnamese seafood. 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. The Bull ($-$$) 167 Dauphin St. • 433-7644 Homemade pastas & pizzas made cuisine. • 633-4479 N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast yen resTauranT ($) daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342- 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952- cuisine. 609 Dauphin St. • 378- Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. 2582 Three geOrges Candy shOp 3677 5091 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 memphis Q aT Beau rivage ($) ($) Light lunch with Southern The Trellis rOOm ($$$) Memphis-style Q. flair. Italian dishes & local flair. oLé mi amiGo! 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952- 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 CaBO COasTal CanTina ($) Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338- 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 2582 TrOpiCal smOOThie ($) 5493 iS tHe Game on? COasT resTauranT aT Beau Great smoothies, wraps & BaumhOwer’s wings ($) dauphin sT. TaQueria ($) Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic rivage ($) sandwiches. Du Rhu Dr. • 378- Famous wings, burgers & Sports bar-style joint. 5648 steaks. 3673 Airport Blvd. • fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432- a LittLe Vino 2453 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952- 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 dOmKe marKeT 344-2134 2582 True midTOwn KiTChen ($) Jubilee Shopping Center, Daphne • el CharrO ($) Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet foods, & Finest Mexican in WeMo. lB’s sTeaKhOuse aT grand Gourmet Southern at a good 625-4695 CasinO ($$-$$$) more. 2410 Dawes Rd. Ste. D. • 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 price. 1100 Dauphin St. • 434- BuffalO wild wings ($) Fine dining with juicy steak & fine 375-0599 Best wings & sporting events. fuegO ($-$$) 2002 faThOms lOunge wine. wild wing sTaTiOn ($) 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 Outstanding Mexican cuisine. A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946- 1500 Government St. • 287- BuTCh Cassidy’s ($) 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 music 2946 1526 64 S. Water St. • 438- Famous burgers, sandwiches & lOs arCOs ($) 4000 Quaint Mexican restaurant. Cuu lOng super phO aT grand yaK The KaThmandu KiTChen wings. 60 N. Florida St. • 450- CasinO ($$) ($-$$)Authentic foods from 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 red Or whiTe 0690. Asian noodle soups, bubble teas & Himalayan region. 3210 Dauphin Callaghan’s irish sOCial la COCina ($) 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • Authentic Mexican cuisine. more. St. • 287-0115 CluB ($) Burgers & beer. 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946- 990-0003 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 1801 Old Shell Rd. • 478-9494 sanTa fe grill ($) 2946 herOes spOrTs Bar & grille ($) emeril’s gulf COasT fish rOyal sTreeT Tavern Sandwiches & cold beer. Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. ‘Cue Live music,martinis & a light dinner hOuse aT island view CasinO BaCKyard Cafe & BBQ ($) 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 menu. 26 N. Royal St. • 338- ($$-$$$) Kick it up a notch. Home cookin’ like momma Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341- 2000 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774- made. 2804 Springhill Ave. • 9464 8439 sOuThern napa mCsharry’s irish puB ($) 473-4739 Bistro plates, craft beers and C&g grille aT island view BriCK piT ($) Brillant Reubens & Fish-N- no GambLinG pantry. 2304 Main Street. • 375- CasinO ($) A favorite barbecue spot. Chips 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope 2800 CaSino Fare Large breakfast, lunch or dinner 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 • 990-5100 atmore menu. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • TasTe The landing ($) dreamland BBQ ($) Midtown’s best wine selection & fire aT wind CreeK CasinO & 877-774-8439 Ribs, sandwiches & great From seafood to steaks. hOTel ($$-$$$) wine bar. 2033 Airport Blvd. • farraddays’ resTauranT aT sides. 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973- World-class prime steaks, seafood & 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479- 479-3435 isle Of Capri CasinO in BilOxi 9898. 2696 wine. 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946- ($-$$) Steak & seafood. mOe’s Original Bar B Que ($) luCKy’s irish puB ($) 3360 151 Beach Blvd. • 800-843- Bar-b-que & music. Irish pub fare & more. grill aT wind CreeK CasinO & 4753 Bayfront Park Dr., Daphne • 625- FaLaFeL? try 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 hOTel ($) wahOO’s pOOlside Bar and RIBS The sTadium ($) Contemporary & old-fashioned grill aT palaCe CasinO resOrT 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427. Some HummuS Catch the games with great favorites. ($-$$) 7 spiCe ($-$$) food. 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope • sauCy Q BarBQue ($) Healthy, delicious Mediterranean 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 Fresh seafood & more. Award-winning BarBQue. 990-0408 food. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725- 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725- 252 Government Blvd. • 433- wemOs ($) biLoxi 2239 mignOn’s aT palaCe 1177 Wings, tenders, hotdogs & 7427 aBBa’s mediTerranean Cafe viBe aT hard rOCK hOTel and CasinO resOrT ($$-$$$) sandwiches. 312 Schillinger Rd. • whisTle sTOp ($) ($-$$) Beef, lamb & seafood. CasinO ($-$$) Extraordinary wine, steaks & Home cookin’ & BBQ. 633-5877 Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 seafood. 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427. Jerusalem Cafe ($-$$) cigars. 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725- Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 2239 cuisine. ruTh’s Chris sTeaK hOuse aT The den aT Treasure Bay 5773 Airport Blvd. • mama mia! hard rOCK hOTel & CasinO Drop DeaD 304-1155 BenedeTTO resTauranT ($$) CasinO ($-$$) mediTerranean sandwiCh Catering and Market. ($$$) Exceptional service & Intimate & casual with daily Gourmet COmpany ($) Great & quick. 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne • 625- taste. specials. alaBama Cruises ($$) 0345 777 Beach Blvd . • 877-877- 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747- Fine dining & sailing from 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725- BenTZ’s piZZa puB ($) 6256 2839 Bellingrath Gardens. • 973-1244 hard rOCK Café aT hard rOCK 0126 Homemade pizza and Italian CQ aT Treasure Bay CasinO ($$- Bay gOurmeT ($$) minT hOOKah BisTrO ($) dishes. 28567 County Rd. 13 • hOTel and CasinO ($) $$$) A premier caterer & cooking Great Mediterranean food. 625-6992 American fare & rockin’ Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing classes. 1880-A Airport Blvd. • memorabilia. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 BuCK’s piZZa ($$) 777 Beach Blvd. • entrees. 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800- 450-9051 ZOrBa The greeK ($-$$) Delivery. 877-877-6256 747-2839 Café 615 ($$-$$$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 saTisfaCTiOn aT hard rOCK Blu aT Treasure Bay CasinO American fare with local hOTel and CasinO ($) 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633- gamBinO BrOThers ($) ($)Lounge with cocktails & tapas ingredients. 615 Dauphin St. • Southern favorites & fresh-smoked 2202 Homemade pastas & menu. 432-8434. sandwiches. 873 Hillcrest Ave. • meats. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877- 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747- Café rOyal ($$-$$$) 344-8115 877-6256 2839 Prime steak & seafood in elegant gamBinO’s iTalian grill ($) Tien aT ip CasinO resOrT spa margariTaville resTauranT setting. 101 N. Royal St. • 405- Far eaStern Italian, Steaks, Seafood, ($-$$) ($$$) 5251 Fare 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990- Pan-Asian cuisine made in front of Burgers, salads, specialties & nOJa ($$-$$$) BangKOK Thai ($-$$) 0995 you. more. 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 Inventive & very fresh cuisine. Delicious, traditional Thai guidO’s ($$) 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946- feeding frenZy BuffeT ($-$$) 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 cuisine. 3821 Airport Blvd. • Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. 2847 (margariTaville CasinO) Osman’s resTauranT ($$) 344-9995 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626- highlighTs spOrTs lOunge aT Featuring Gulf Coast Cuisine Supreme European cuisine. BanZai Japanese resTauranT 6082 ip CasinO resOrT spa ($) 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006. ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. la piZZeria ($$) Brews & game on 65 screens. marina aT landsharK rOyal sCam ($$) 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 Italian, pizza, seafood & steaks. 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946- landing($-$$) Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. liQuid ($$) 1455 Monroe St. • 380-6419 2847 (margariTaville CasinO) 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM Amazing sushi & assortment piCKlefish ($$) high Tide Café aT ip CasinO 4 portable food stations. (7226) of rolls. 661 Dauphin St. • 432- Pizza, sandwiches & salads. resOrT spa ($) 160 5th St. • 855-667-677 ruTh’s Chris sTeaK hOuse 0109 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 Casual & relaxing, extensive ($$$) Exceptional service & menu. 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-

14 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 THE REVIEW | CUISINE Leftover Easter ham and egg pie BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

t won’t be long before Peter Cottontail invades our How do you boil them? homes with baskets full of annoying fake grass, hol- I spent years boiling the crap out of my eggs with low chocolate, malted robin’s eggs, and those horrible mixed results. Nowadays I get much better results with Peeps. Give me jelly beans and peanut butter eggs. As consistent yolks that don’t edged their way to the side Ifrightful as it is to know that a possibly oversized rabbit of the white yielding an impossible to stuff egg. And with magical powers is doing a B and E at the home of this is easier because you don’t have to babysit them as every child in the neighborhood, it’s even scarier to think of the food poisoning possibilities from tepid boiled eggs. The boys and I will boil and decorate eggs while watching a little Easter Beagle and refrigerate our master- pieces as soon as the dye dries. We don’t play around with that. I’m going to eat the eggs one way or another, and I’m not risking a bacteria outbreak. The rabbit is crafty enough to find them and hide them for us. Be sure to count them before you go to bed. It’s bad to “think” you retrieved all of the incredible edibles and then have the dog discover a rancid, neglected oval with a scribbled name on a marbled finish. He will bite it. And you will regret it. One of my favorite post-Easter meals I learned from dear old mom. It’s a simple ham and egg pie perfect for

that last April cool snap we always endure. I hope you Photos courtesy of Wikimedia enjoy it as much as I do. Leftover ham, leftover eggs, I’m a recycling machine. 2 raw cayenne peppers, preferably from your garden The portions do not matter. Choose a baking dish that 1 teaspoon peppercorns supports your leftovers for two layers. Place the peeled boiled eggs in jar(s). Leftover ham, torn or sliced In a medium saucepan combine vinegar, onion, garlic, Leftover boiled eggs, sliced cayenne peppers and peppercorns. Boil over medium-high much. heat for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool 2 frozen pie crusts, thawed and sliced into inch-wide In a large pot or saucepan cover eggs with water. Add a strips a bit. Remove cayenne peppers if desired. Pour mixture ¼ teaspoon of salt for a dozen eggs. Bring to a boil. Cover, evenly over eggs. 1 teaspoon sugar remove from heat, and let them sit for 15 minutes. Cool ¼ cup milk the eggs in cold water. Easy cheesy. Seal the jars and refrigerate for at least a week. Some 1 raw egg, beaten I’m tickled when they are pickled Salt and pepper to taste say longer. If making small batches as with Mason jars, you may A lot of you will turn your nose up to a pickled egg. chop up the cayenne peppers and add to the individual This is one of the few recipes I’ve put in here that does You think they are an inferior method of protein consump- not begin with a roux. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a jars, making some hot, some not. Don’t forget to label the tion, but I am here to shout from the rooftops that pickled hot ones. What a great gift idea. I’m sure the ladies would deep casserole dish layer the ham and sliced eggs. Add may be my favorite way to eat an egg. It isn’t just a gas milk, salt and pepper (heavy on the pepper). Layer the first have fun dressing the jars up, but don’t bother with mine. station delicacy anymore. There are as many pickled egg It’ll be open in minutes. I would shy away from sticking pie crust in a lattice fashion. options as there are Bubba Gump shrimp dishes. I love Next, layer eggs, ham and another lattice crust. Brush these in someone’s Easter basket, but this is a gift that can mine with onions and garlic so I’m pickling more than just be given to fans of low brow cooking any time of the year. the lattice with the egg and sprinkle on the sugar. eggs. Make sure your jars are sterilized and these things Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the pie Don’t forget to eat the onions and garlic. They make will last a while, that is if you can keep your hands off your breath smell great. Try substituting whole peeled crust is golden brown. The crust is the only thing that isn’t them. cooked, so it gets all the attention. Serve piping hot with pearl onions for the regular sliced white. Want to know love. Turnip greens with rabbit fricassee are nice sugges- how to make the eggs pink? Beet juice is the key. You still 1 dozen eggs, boiled (see above) have to have the vinegar, but the beet juice also gives the tions for accompanying dishes, but I think this one can 1 quart white vinegar stand alone as a single dish entrée. recipe a bit of sweetness. Have fun with it. Share your 2 white onions, sliced into rings ideas. Maybe a little cumin for a Mexican flavor is in 6 peeled cloves of garlic order. I’ll let you know how those turn out.

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 15 WORD OF MOUTH CUISINE CC Baldwin County’s fabulous Strawberry Fest turns 27 BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

Photo courtesy of Facebook| Baldwin county Strawberry Festival

ust what were you doing in 1987? It the like, but they pride themselves on adding was a landmark year. The Iran Contra a twist to other menu items. I had a potato scandal was in full swing. In the music/ smothered in brisket, sour cream on the side, art world, Liberace, Kabalevsky and and barbecue sauce followed by fries that are JWarhol bit the dust while U2’s wildly popular pretty much the same way except this time Joshua Tree album was birthed. with pork and cheese. By the way, the sauce is Personally, I remember holding hands with excellent. the prettiest girl in school at the Little Shop of They do have lighter offerings like turkey Horrors remake. I was quite the hero amongst sandwiches and chicken salad. This could be my friends. As if all these events weren’t im- a great lunch spot for the Bienville Square portant enough, that was also the year of the crowd. first Baldwin County Strawberry Festival. At the time of this writing, there wasn’t To make it 27 years is a remarkable feat for even a sign out front. The Facebook page is any event. This one is still going strong. The nothing more than a logo and an address. Still dates of this year’s fest are April 12 and 13, the place was bustling with people. It is a and visitors can expect more of the same from good sign of things to come. years past. Arts and crafts, games for the kids, Call 251-545-4682 for to-go orders. Hours and carnival rides should be enough, but live of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. music featuring heavy hitters Sugarcane Jane, Lisa Mills and many more certainly adds to The Noble South to fill Busaba the allure. Saturday features a classic car show and the Antique Tractor and Engine Club will void According to a sign in the window and a be on hand both days. Ask for Dallas if you Facebook page, the former downtown Thai make it by that attraction. connection Busaba’s vacancy will be replaced Although food vendors will be plentiful, by a new southern restaurant called The Noble whatever you do save room for strawberry South. shortcake. That is the reason for this event in The actual address is 203 Dauphin, and not the first place. much is known other than owner/Chef Chris The whole shindig takes place at 4198 Rainosek and owner Robert Yarbrough are Municipal Park in Loxley, Ala., just a mile the minds behind the operation. Word on the and a half south of I-10 on Ala. 59. It runs street is to expect farm to table style cuisine in from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days, with music a fairly casual atmosphere. I sure hope that’s all day beginning at 10 a.m. Although admis- what we get. Facebook page says coming sion is free, all money raised at the festival March 2014. goes to the Association for Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County (ARCBC) and Loxley Elementary. The House to fill Shamrock void If you were a fan of Blu Bistro and the Shamrock Rose and Thistle (and I was), Tilmo folks prepare to open then this will make your Spring Hill visits a Cotton State BBQ downtown pleasure. If you thought one downtown barbecue Kevin Brooks, former owner/chef of Blu joint was enough, think again. We’ve got Bistro and chef at Shamrock Rose and Thistle, Moe’s at one end of Dauphin cranking out has opened his own restaurant, The House, the ‘cue. Now another place is serving up the in the former Shamrock Rose and Thistle good stuff down the street. Don’t worry, it’s building. The soft opening occurred last week apples and oranges. at the 4313 D Old Shell Road location. I can’t Cotton State BBQ just had its soft open- wait to get my hands on the po-boys, pastas, ing at 101 N. Conception at the corner of St. pork chops and burgers. Shrimp and grits are Michael. Turns out the restaurant is controlled also a fave. by Tilmo’s BBQ of West Mobile. That’s Open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. where the meats are smoked the night before to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. and transported to the downtown location. The and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Check smallish building would not support the smok- them out soon before they get too popular. ing of meats on premise. Find them right behind Holiday. Yes, they have pulled pork sandwiches and

e talk a lot about hops when we glands and are released when hops are boiled talk about beer — hoppiness, (with malted barley and water, of course). The hoppy flavors, hoppy aromas and longer the hops are boiled, the more bitter hop varieties. Snooty beer bloggers flavors they’ll impart to a beer. W(yes, they exist) go on and on (and on and on) Cascade, Centennial and Columbus are about the flavors of particular hop varieties. three popular varieties grown in Washington They can get as wound up in the subject as state which, along with Oregon and Idaho, snooty wine bloggers can about grape variet- produces the majority of U.S. hops (and the ies. Does it really matter? U.S. ranks second in the world, after Ger- Talk to microbrewers—or even home many, in acreage devoted to hops). brewers — and they’ll definitely tell you; the Cascade is mildly bitter (4.5-8 percent al- kind of hops you use will have a major impact pha acids in a given weight of dried hops) and on the taste and “feel” of your beer. So here’s is known for its grapefruit aromas. Centennial a little hop primer to help you know what has more pungent citrus aroma than Cascade you’re going to taste before you drink (or and higher acidity (9-11.5 percent). Columbus brew) it. has grapefruit aromas similar to Cascade and First, what are hops? They’re a plant that Centennial, but even higher acidity (14-18 grows like a vine, but which is actually called percent) and with lengthy boiling can add a bine. The part of the bine used in beer mak- resiny (pine tree) flavors to your beer. Chi- ing is the hop flower. It looks something like nook, also grown in Washington, is another a tiny, green, unopened pine cone, and it’s piney hop, but with slightly lower acidity produced only by the female hop plant. (12-14 percent). Hops can be used in their fresh-picked It’s no surprise from their flavor profiles state, but that’s pretty difficult — so difficult, that Cascade, Centennial, Columbus and in fact, that entire festivals are devoted to Chinook are all used in hoppy American Pale making fresh-hop beers. The problem with Ales, India Pale Ales, and those uber-hoppy fresh hops is they don’t stay fresh long, so you brews with words like “2X IPA” on their have to rush them straight from the field into labels. You’ll sometimes hear the high-acid the brewery, and most breweries just can’t hops referred to as “bittering hops,” because handle the logistics. they primarily add bitterness to the brew — as So, the hops used in beer are mainly dried opposed to fruit or spice. hop flowers, which is fine — no worse than At the other end of the acid spectrum are using dried herbs when you cook. In fact, the “noble hops,” which differ from American there’s a lot of similarity. And just as experi- varieties not only by their taste, but because enced chefs know what flavor basil or thyme they were not intentionally cultivated — they or pepper or cloves will add to their food (and are wild hops named for the particular city or wouldn’t substitute one for the other), experi- region where they were first discovered. enced brewers know what flavor a particular Noble hops are low in bitterness and high hop will add to their beer. in aroma, hence their characterization as Hops also come in a processed, com- “aroma hops,” not “bittering hops.” They pressed “pellet” form frequently used by include varieties such as Hallertau, Saaz, Spalt home brewers and there’s some debate about and Tettnanger from the Czech Republic and the pellets’ quality. They look like rabbit food Germany. (rabbits, hops, not going there…) but what You’ll find noble hops in European-style counts is their taste. Most of my brewer-bud- lagers and pilsners, such as Cologne’s Kolsch dies think they’re just fine — less processed, or the widely available Pilsner Urquell, as in fact, than some other ingredients home well as in American versions — like Mama’s brewers use (such as malt syrup) — and gen- Little Yella Pils from the Oskar Blues Brew- erally true to the original hops’ flavors. ery, which uses Saaz hops (and is now on tap Others, though, think they’re harsh and or in cans at numerous watering holes across challenging to control during brewing. One Mobile). The low alpha-acid level in Saaz friend drew a comparison between pellet hops (2-5 percent) makes these beers feel light and and cake mix: Does a cake from a box taste as gluggable, and there’s no grapefruit punch. good as a cake made from scratch? Maybe it Bitterness aside, hops can add flavors of depends on the baker. licorice (Mount Ranier) or blueberry (Mosaic) Personally, I see a similarity with tea: or grass (Palisade) or pineapple (Zythos). My loose-leaf versus powdered instant. I prefer favorite is Fuggles — similar to Oregon’s my tea to look like leaves, and my hops to Wilammette — a British hop (with the world’s look like flowers, but I’m here to talk flavors best name) used for both aroma and bittering — not start an argument. So what do hops (4-6 percent alpha acid). Fuggles actually is taste like, and should you care if your beer is a parent strain of many U.S. varieties, prized made from one hop or six? for its grassy, floral aromas and slightly sweet There are more than 40 American hop va- flavor. You’ll find it in bitter ales from York- rieties — out of at least 80 grown worldwide shire’s Black Sheep Brewery (another great — and they all basically add bitterness to name), at better local package stores. beer. Where they vary is in their degree of bit- Can you track 80 hops without a score terness and accompanying flavors (especially card? It may take time but, with practice, citrus and pine) and aromatics. Their bitter- you’ll learn which hops you like best and ness comes from alpha acids, which reside home in on beers you’ll love. Practicing with in different percentages in hop flowers’ resin beer — what a concept.

irbus has awarded MAAS Aviation the Final Assembly Line to the Flight Line until the paint shop operation contract for the final delivery to the customer. A320 Family Assembly Line in Mobile. The Quality Inspectors Final Assembly Line MAAS will be responsible for painting positions are responsible for the execution and aircraftA prior to their delivery to Airbus’ custom- confirmation of quality inspections in the produc- ers. tion process. MAAS’ paint hangar will be located on the Both openings require experience with quality Mobile Aeroplex property at Brookley, within inspection of aircraft installations, among other the Airbus Assembly Line campus. Construc- qualifications, and a minimum of nine months tion of the $13 million facility is scheduled to training abroad. begin second quarter 2014 and will be complete For a full job description of all the positions by the middle of 2015. Jesco Inc. will lead the and to apply, go to www.aidt.edu/airbus. construction of the paint hangar. The new facility is expected to employ 34 people. MAAS also Rural Sourcing Inc. finalizing has options for expansion as Airbus’ production increases over the years. permanent office space Rural Sourcing Inc. has hired its first wave of “We’ve reached yet another major mile- employees locally, and a few of the first clients stone in establishing the A320 assembly line assigned to the new Mobile location include an in Mobile,” said Allan McArtor, chairman of online dating firm, a healthcare company and a Airbus Americas. “Throughout a very tough consumer products business. competition, MAAS showed that it would build As previously reported, RSI has temporar- a world-class, state-of-the-art paint facility which ily set up shop in an office behind the Chamber will provide our customers with beautiful aircraft of Commerce building off Government Street, for their passengers. We look forward to working but expects to inhabit a more permanent loca- together for many years to come.” tion later this year. RSI has narrowed down their “We are delighted that Airbus has given us choices in LoDa and hopes to make a final deci- this vote of confidence,” said Darragh Hall, man- sion in the next few weeks. aging director of MAAS. “Our relationship with “We have found a strong technical talent Airbus is going from strength to strength and the pool in the greater Mobile area and are looking U.S. project in Mobile, Alabama, provides further forward to being part of the business develop- opportunity to reinforce this further. This is a big ment and growth of the downtown area. RSI is opportunity for our company and the green field currently seeking developers that have skill sets nature of this project holds great appeal. We are in .Net, JAVA, SAP and QA,” said Margaux also very excited to become a part of the local Kaynard, director of Human Resources and community and to be one of the many leading Recruiting. “RSI is excited to join the flourishing companies building the aviation hub here.” downtown culture and is looking forward to a Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, MAAS has thriving partnership with Mobile.” a history with Airbus. The company is responsi- Interested applicants can apply on their web- ble for some of the paint activities for the airplane site at www.ruralsourcing.com. manufacturer’s assembly lines in Germany. They also have facilities in the Netherlands. MAAS Aviation has been delivering world- Commercial real estate moves class standards in aircraft painting to aircraft op- The historic Protestant Orphanage on 911 erators located throughout Europe and the world Dauphin Street in Mobile recently sold for for more than 30 years. The company provides $440,000. The property covers two acres and has aircraft painting services to OEM manufactur- two buildings. The historic structure is 15,960 ers and is regarded as one of the leading aircraft square feet, and the contemporary structure painting companies in Europe. MAAS Aviation is is 4,800 square feet. It was purchased by The certified in the EN/AS9100 Revision C standard, Historic Restoration Society Inc., a local not-for- an aerospace industry requirement. profit. Plans are to renovate the property for civic Aircraft assembly in Mobile is still planned purposes. The entire transaction was handled by to start in 2015, with first deliveries from the NAI Mobile, the local footprint of NAI Global. facility beginning in 2016. Airbus anticipates the American Heritage Financial has leased 3,300 plant will produce between 40 and 50 aircraft square feet of office space at 411 Azalea Road in per year by 2018. Since 1990, Airbus has spent Mobile. Tony Cooper and David Cooper of Pru- more than $140 billion in the U.S., with hundreds dential Cooper and Company Inc. Commercial of American suppliers in more than 40 states. Air- Division handled the transaction. bus supports, trains and sells to customers in the Antiques and Estates recently opened up on Americas from its centers in suburban Washing- 12 S. Conception St. It is the sister store of the ton, D.C., and Miami, Fla. 4-year-old Joachim Street Antique Mall located on 9 S. Joachim St. Both businesses are owned by William Appling. The property is 11,000 Latest job openings at Airbus square feet in entirety, but only the bottom floor Airbus, in conjunction with its hiring partner will be used. Of that area, 2,500 square feet will AIDT, has posted new open job positions for be dedicated as showroom space. It sells high- Quality Inspectors with its assembly line. end furniture for both residential and office space The company is seeking one Quality Inspector use. Flight Line and six Quality Inspectors Final As- Steven McMahon with Inge and Associates sembly Line. worked for the seller of the former City Loan The Quality Inspector Flight Line position business that closed shop July 2013. “The build- will be responsible for planning and executing ing was originally built in 1875 as a livery stable, the quality activities in the Flight Line phase of and in the 1940s it was a restaurant known as assembly, starting from the handover from the Rector’s Café,” Appling said.

20 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 21 SOUTHSOUNDS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014

Road-tested Rosco Bandana to put on eclectic show Fresh sounds from BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected] Atlanta on display Band: Rosco Bandana Date: Friday, April 11, from 12:15 a.m.-1 a.m. at Alchemy Tavern Venue: Alabama Music Box, 455 Dauphin St., www.alabamamusicbox.net Band: Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun he Mississippi Gulf Coast is a dif- and all around the Northeast? Date: Saturday, April 12, from 10:15 p.m. to ferent kind of scene. U.S. 90 rolls ES: That’s something that we were wor- 11 p.m. seamlessly through cities such as ried about a little bit at first, but we have a Ocean Springs, Biloxi and Gulfport. little bit of rock. It’s like Southern rock. I Venue: Alchemy Tavern, 7 S. Joachim St., TThis metropolitan cohesion adds an interest- think they like it. I think they find it endear- 251-441-7741 ing dynamic for local and touring bands. ing, most of the time. On the West Coast, There is a reason that Atlanta earned the nickname Rosco Bandana was born within this for sure, and on the East Coast, there’s not a “Hotlanta.” This city has always boasted an extremely rich environment. With members boasting musi- lot of that Southern sound. So, I think it’s a music scene that caters to all genres. cal tastes ranging from country to rock, this breath of fresh air for them. Fortunately, there are many excellent bands that man- collective of talented musicians have crafted SC: You mentioned all of you loading up age to escape the confines of “The Perimeter” and expose a homespun sound that is an amalgamation in the van to go out on the road. You’re one the rest of the world to Atlanta’s freshest sounds. Today of Southern rock, country, and whatever else of only two women in the band. What’s it the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun is one of the shining stars they feel like throwing into the mix. like for you two on the road? Do you find of that city’s music scene, which has been spreading their The nation has slowly become acquainted yourselves breaking off from the guys? electronically infused indie dance pop since 2008. with Rosco Bandana through their new album ES: Honestly, we just become one of the This quartet mingles live and synthesized instrumenta- “Time to Begin.” Their track “Woe Is Me” guys. We end up sniffing our armpits to make tion to deliver a sound that is as interesting as the band’s was also used in the television show “Body sure we’re good. When we’re not on the road, name, which was conceived while recording a demo of Proof.” we catch ourselves doing that stuff in public. during the wee hours of the morning. The band’s moniker Rosco Bandana is on the cusp of making We’re like, “Whoops! We’re not surrounded initially found guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Lauren Gibson it in the music business, and the SouthSounds by a bunch of dudes. We have to be ladies!” Photo/Michael J Media | Rosco Bandana and bassist Micah Silverman as they thumbed through a audience will definitely see why. As they SC: All of your members come from a va- random tabloid. prepare to entertain the SouthSounds crowd, riety of musical backgrounds and tastes. What and refreshing on the album to me was your “There was this article about what other countries could vocalist Emily Shoals gave Lagniappe some was it like trying to find a sonic common interpretation of Blur’s “Tender.” What made say to top America’s first words on the moon,” Gibson ex- insight into their world. ground amongst all the members? you take that on? plained. “It said that Poland would say, ‘Today the moon, SC: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a pretty ES: You know, I think that differences in ES: On our first day in the studio, Greg tomorrow the sun!’ At three o’clock in the morning, we interesting music scene. I’ve heard bands our tastes are what make the music interest- Collins was like, “OK, now that I have all thought it was very cute and very funny.” describe it as one big city. In many ways, ing. Our live show is very eclectic. We have of you in the studio, the first song that we’re As time progressed, the band accepted this statement you guys are not like any other band on the a lot of Southern rock. On the other hand, we gonna do it ‘Tender.’” He’s a big Blur fan, as both their name and as a philosophical foundation. For Mississippi Coast. What was it like for Rosco have this gypsyfied stuff. We have a couple and he was just jamming and he had this the members of this group, this statement represented their Bandana coming up in this scene? of people who really like Pop Country. Then, epiphany that Rosco should cover this. He ideas of succeeding in the music industry. While “making ES: When we came in the scene, it was we have people who like the more indie rock had these harmonies in his mind. So, that was it” is a goal for any band, it almost begins to be a silly, mostly cover bands around here. We really scene. Jason (Sanford), Josh (Smith) and Greg Collins’ idea, and it just worked. It was unobtainable goal. respect that, when it’s done right. At the same I are really into the indie rock scene. It is a fun one. However, Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun has been time, we all have a deep appreciation for the combination of forces that make things SC: In addition to SouthSounds, Rosco getting a lot of attention, especially at SXSW 2014. The originality and original music. We kinda were interesting. So, it’s not like we try to force Bandana has a lot of big shows coming up group played four shows during that week. For these four one of the first bands to start playing original others in the band to mold to our taste. We over the next few months. With the new young musicians, the performances were not the only ap- songs on the coast, and it started an epidemic. just want everyone to appreciate each other’s album and all this exposure on the way, what pealing aspect of this yearly music extravaganza. It seems like there’s more original bands on taste and use the best of each of their genres are the band’s goals? Where do you want to “It’s this neat sense of camaraderie,” Gibson said. the coast than there has been. and combine them into one. see Rosco Bandana a year from now? “When you tour, you make friends all over the place. It’s SC: Over the past couple of years, you SC: Your latest release is “Time to Begin.” ES: I’m hoping that we’ll do more tours neat that during this week that you’re all in one place. You guys have definitely broken out of the South- What was it like putting that one together? outside of the United States, maybe go to look out in the crowd and see friends from Nashville or east. What’s it been like watching this project ES: It was very fun! I was actually right in London. I’m think we’re really hoping to Buffalo. All these people from all over the place are in one come into its own on the national level? the middle of student teaching and about to get some licensing deals and get our songs place at one time. There’s a real sense of community at ES: It’s surreal. We really, really like the graduate college. I had just got off for Spring out there, whether it be commercials, TV or SXSW.” Northeast. We do a lot of shows in New York Break to go to Los Angeles and record. It movies. “Woe Is Me” was already featured on When Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun takes the and Boston. Those are two of our favorites. was so different from anything that I had ever “Body of Proof.” As far as licensing, we want stage at Alchemy Tavern, they will be entertaining the We’ve been to the West Coast a couple of done and very surreal. It was an honor to more stuff like that happening and really get SouthSounds crowd with cuts off of their upcoming four- times. It’s pretty cool. We all like traveling. work with Greg Collins, who has worked with our songs out there. I think the most impor- song EP “Quads,” which will have its industry-wide release So, it’s interesting packing all seven of us into people like Gwen Stefani to U2. So, he knew tant goal is to somehow touch people and a on Tuesday, April 29. However, the SouthSounds audience a little van, but it keeps things interesting. what he was doing. Once you’re in the studio, broader audience with our music. will have the chance to purchase pre-release copies at their SC: With such a Southern sound like you see music in a different light. It makes performance. Rosco Bandana has, what kind of reaction do you feel a lot more secure with music. you get when you go to places like Boston SC: One thing that was very surprising

22 LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 According to Gibson, this release is an evolu- entire year to write. I hope it shows a sign of us tion of their previous work. Judging from the evolving. I think that’s necessary.” first two singles (“Youth Found in the Night” After SouthSounds, Today the Moon, Tomor- and “Walls”), this album will feature an indie row the Sun will release video for the last two rock vibe hybridized with synthed-out dance singles featured on “Quads.” The band will keep pop. their touring to the Southeast in the near future “We just really took the time to mold and for good reason. They will be preparing to tackle shape them in a way that we’ve never done a full-length follow-up to “Quads.” before,” said Gibson. “It was a neat thing to do. In hindsight, it seems like these songs took an

Spies, friends to offer up some instrumental jams

Band: Chris Spies Organ Trio Plus Two Date: Saturday, April 12, from 11:15 p.m.-midnight Venue: Alchemy Tavern, 7 S. Joachim St., 251-441-7741

Mobile’s most prominent hired gun will be taking time out of his busy schedule to entertain the denizens of the SouthSounds Music Festival. Keyboardist Chris Spies has been a constant in the Mobile music scene for many years. Photo courtesy of Facebook/ Tarver Shelton Over that time, local music lovers has seen him perform with local musical acts such as Haere Marue, Chifauco, DJ Trey Stein and Lee Yankee & Spies has recruited drummer Doug Belote the Hellz Yeah. He was a member of the legendary (Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Ramsey Lewis) to group Kung Fu Mama, and he has performed with lay down the rhythm for this project. At this point, national acts such as Grayson Capps & the Lost Spies is “cleaning up the vault of old songs” and Cause Minstrels, Skip Heller, Col. Bruce Hampton organizing new songs to include on the album. He and Papa Mali. has also been gathering notable musicians to ap- On top of all his collaborations, Spies has pear on the album. released a solo effort called “Confessions of a “I’ve been going around collecting guest spots Kung-Fu Mama,” which features his collection of from people like Papa Mali, Oliver Wood, Col. his “Interstellar Trailer Park Jazz.” This keyboard Bruce and finishing up like that,” Spies said. wizard is also one of the creative forces behind the When his group was added to the SouthSounds highly popular “Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas” line-up, it was originally the Chris Spies Organ and the annual “John Coltrane Christmas Party.” Trio Plus One. Since then, the group has changed Therefore, the SouthSounds organizers found it to the Chris Spies Organ Trio Plus Two. Spies will only natural that Spies represents the Azalea City be joined by drummer John Milham, Japanese at this year’s festival, and he is excited to be a guitarist Seizo Shibayama and Cuban percussion- participant. ist Andy William. Together, they will entertain the “I think it’s great,” Spies said. “Bands don’t get Alchemy crowd with a set of instrumental jams. to see other bands all the time, and this is a good In addition to his performance at Alchemy, there way to see who all is out there. That’s what I’m is a possibility that Spies may sit in with some excited about. I get to see other bands going around of the other bands performing at SouthSounds. and doing the same thing.” However, random sit-ins for Spies are not as easy Ever the workaholic, this keyboardist has been as it is for other musicians, but he will be catching busy working as a session musician and complet- as many bands as he can. ing his next solo effort. Spies is calling this album “It’s not like a guitar,” Spies said. “I can’t bring “Super White Boy Deluxe.” This album has been in a B3 and play. I’m looking at the venue and the the creative process for quite some time. His work artists and thinking about that actually. If they don’t schedule and brief relocations have hindered the al- already have a keyboard set-up, then they probably bum’s completion. However, Spies has constructed won’t have the room. I’m definitely going to be a home studio, and progress on “Super White Boy making the rounds and checking out some people.” Deluxe” has increased.

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 23 A E & GUIDE

Photo/umphrys.com | Umphrey’s McGee 32/MUSIC Mobile’s newest holiday honors legendary drummer Jabo Starks.

35/ART College students to display their art projects at Mobile Arts Council.

Photo/imdb.com | “Inside Lleywn Davis” 37/FILM John Goodman gives an unforgettable effort as a jazz musician in the Coen Brothers’ newsest feature. 38/MEDIA A new face at WPMI and a familiar face returns to WKRG.

39/SPORTS Lady Jaguars have first softball player to be selected in professional draft.

42/STYLE Boozie has all the scoop from the Lagniappe launch party and a WeMo safari.

24 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 25 26 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 27 Fans never know what to expect when Umphrey’s McGee performs BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected] Band: Umphrey’s McGee, Lionize Date: Wednesday, April 16, with doors open at 8 p.m. Venue: Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim St., www.mobilesaenger.com Tickets: $25 available through Ticketmaster and at the Saenger Box Office mphrey’s McGee survived the jam craze at the turn of millennium with their loyal fan base intact. Music enthusiasts should note this band’s sonic versatility as one of the most detrimen- tal aspects to their survival. Masters of what has been called “improg” (Progressive Improvisation), their audiences Unever know what to expect with their live show. A jazz-laden song could plunge into a realm of rock- and-roll, before shifting into a tune heavy in electronic elements. This allows the band to walk a fine line between jam and progressive rock categories. With the recent passing of drummer Mike Mirro, Umphrey’s Saenger show will be many local fans’ first time experiencing the band’s new drummer Kris Myers. Lionize will be laying the foundation for Umphrey’s McGee. Drummer Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch) acted as producer for their recent release “Jetpack Soundtrack.” When one takes Clutch’s style into consideration, it is no surprise that Gaster took an interest in this trio. Lionize’s sound is steeped heavily in pure rock ’n’ roll that maintains a consistent edge throughout their tracks. This band embraces rock’s blues roots with each song while leaving their own aural footprint. Ultimately, their creative methods have resulted in a rock sound for the future that is beautifully dif- Photo/Umphrys.com| Umphry’s McGee ficult to categorize. Their set will definitely get the crowd energized for Umprey’s McGee. Legendary band Anvil Tech N9ne ready to bring headlines show at AMB ‘Something Else’ to Mobile Band: Anvil, Tanks, D.R.E.A.D., Excessum, Band: Tech N9ne, Freddie Gibbs, Jarren Benton and Broken Paradym Psych Ward Druggies Date: Sunday, April 13, with doors open Date: Saturday, April 12, with doors open at 8 p.m. at 7 p.m. Venue: Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin St., Venue: Alabama Music Box, 455 Dauphin St., www.soulkitchenmobile.com www.alabamamusicbox.net Tickets: $20 advance/$25 day-of, available at Soul Tickets: $12 advance/$15 day-of, available at Kitchen, its website, Mellow Mushroom (WeMo and Alabama Music Box and through its website MiMo) and by calling 866-468-7630

outhSounds will be winding down on Sunday night. ech N9ne continues to reign supreme as the king of indie rap. In However, a legion of metal bands are preparing to end the 2013, this verbal assassin went out on the road with his “Some- weekend with a showcase of furious sounds with legendary thing Else Tour.” metal trio Anvil acting as headliner. This year, Tech N9ne has embarked on the “Independent SMany metal icons of the ’80s, ’90s and beyond consider Anvil TGrind Tour.” This artist is touring in support of his 2013 release “Some- a major influence. Hailing from the icy lands of Canada, Anvil ex- thing Else” on his Strange Music label. This album spawned the single ploded on the world scene with their own brand of thrashing speed “Fragile,” which features Kendrick Lamar, Mayday and Kendall Morgan. metal. In addition to heavy radio rotation, “Fragile” has become a favorite of fans However, they quickly faded into obscurity before being re- and critics alike. discovered by many through the 2008 rockumentary “Anvil! The Tech N9ne will be joined by three of Strange Music’s most promising Story of Anvil.” Since then, the band has traversed the globe and artists. Freddie Gibbs will be on the lineup with Tech N9ne. Gibbs just reacquainted themselves with old fans while making new ones. released a collaborative album called “Pinata,” which was produced by Anvil will be joined by a cavalcade of supporting bands. Fresh Madlib. Jarren Benton will entertain the crowd with cuts from his album from their SouthSounds appearance, Tanks will bring their intense “My Grandma’s Basement.” As Southern California’s masters of pop- noise rock to the mix. Local groups D.R.E.A.D. and Broken Parad- up shows, Psych Ward Druggies will bring some new school beats and ym will complete this show with a serving of Azalea City metal. rhymes to the mix.

28 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 29 REIgNWOLF BRINgS METAL SOuNdS TO WIdER AudIENCE BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected] he modern underground scene in for that band (Black Sabbath). They’re the best that echoed throughout their tracks and Seattle can be marked by its avant- rock ’n’ roll band going, so it’s nice to be out delivery. Their acceptance by the locals garde, eclectic nature. It does not with them.” was undeniable. This unparalleled support seem like the kind of place that would These three rockers are reviving rock’s encouraged the trio to continue as Reignwolf. embraceT a band such as Reignwolf. edginess and danger with their music. While So far, the band has teased the public with a However, Jordan Cook (guitar/vocals), their music and stage show may seem like a couple of singles, but Cook revealed that there Stitch (bass) and Joseph Braley (drummer) well-planned movement, Cook explained that will be a Reignwolf full-length released before quickly gathered local fans with an evolved everything about the band is totally organic, the end of 2014. style of metal. Reignwolf pulls inspiration from including its creation. Originally from Canada, When Reignwolf takes the stage, Hangout the primordial days of metal, when bands such Cook moved to Seattle before he even had Fest will be brought to its knees. While the band as MC5 and Blue Cheer were pioneering the his visa. When he made his move, he arrived is accustomed to playing smaller venues, their genre. without gigs, equipment or a band. He gathered unbridled rock is custom-built for an arena This trio amplifies their music with an gear from pawnshops, guitar stores and “friends environment. According to Cook, this is yet electrifying live performance. When Lagniappe of friends.” another challenge that the band is quickly spoke with Cook, it was the day after Reignwolf “The next thing you know, I’m playing conquering through their travels with Black had played their first show as the tour opener shows,” Cook said. “I met Joseph and Stitch Sabbath. for Black Sabbath at the Barclay Center in New through a mutual friend. Then, we were on stage “We are definitely new to the arena,” Cook York. and playing. It was a very natural progression.” explained. “Last night, it was a big test. Playing “It’s been surreal. Playing the first show at Reignwolf brought hellfire down on the in New York where they’ve seen the best of the The Barclay Center in itself was just an amazing Seattle scene with their atypical sound. best, you’ve got to be the best you are. People experience,” Cook said. “I have lots of respect Each show was marked by a primal rage can smell if it’s real, or if it’s not.”

30 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 31 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS APRIL 10 - APRIL 16

Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike 10p//// Kyle Wilson Trio, 10p//// Mario Mena THURS. APRIL 10 Flora Bama— Troy Brannon, 1p// Johnny Band, 10:30p MON. APRIL 14 Baumhower’s— Justin Forbes Barbato, 2p/// Jack Robertson Show, 5:30p//// Garage— Fat Man Squeeze Felix’s— Brett Lagrave Bimini Bob’s— Ric McArthur J. Hawkins & James Daniel, 6p//// LeaAnne Hangout— Scars on 45// Oak and Ash, Flora Bama— Cowboy Johnson, 3p// Dale Blues Tavern— Johnny No Creswell Trio, 6p//// Cornbred Duo, 8p//// 11p Drinkard, 5:30p/// Cathy Pace, 6p//// Brasher/ Celtic Irish Pub— Chamomile and Kyle Wilson Trio, 10p//// Whyte Caps, 10p//// Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Goldy Bogue, 10p//// Wes Loper & Thomas Jenkins, Whiskey Lee Yankie & Hellz Yeah, 10:30p Locks, 9p 10p Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Jay Garage— Oak and Ash Hard Rock (Live)— Terry Bradshaw, 8p Hangout— Peek, 6p// Ellux Furor, 10p Williams Hangout— The Oneders, 7p// Foxy Iguanas, Legacy— Brent Loper Live Bait— DJ J. Steven, 9p Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott 11p Live Bait— Hip Kitty, 10p Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 5p Morlock, Gene Murrell & David White Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Goldy Lulu’s— Alarado Road Show, 5p Tropics— Harvest Band Felix’s— Grits N’ Pieces Locks, 9p McSharry’s— DJ Carter, 10p Flora Bama— T. Bone Montgomery, 2p// Hard Rock (Live)—Styx, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Ryan Balthrop TUES. APRIL 15 Dale Drinkard, 5:30p/// Bo Roberts, Mark IP Casino— Simply Liza, 8p Band, 2:30p// New Orleans Suspects, 9p Butch Cassidy’s— Chris Powell Sherill, Mickey Springston, 6p//// Kyle Wilson Legacy— Gabe Willis Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Yellowhammer Cockeyed Charlie’s— Matt Neese + 1 Trio, 10p//// Mario Mena Band, 10p//// The 1 Lulu’s— Meachum Motor Company, 5p Productions, 8p DeCuba— Roman Street, 6p Oz Jig, 10:30p McSharry’s— DJ Carter, 10p Old 27 Grill— Sara Percy, 6:30p Felix’s— Grant Dunaway Hangout— Cornbred, 6p// Adam Holt Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Grayson Capps Pirates Cove— Them Again, 7p Flora Bama— Ron Kimble, 3p// Troy Band, 10p and the Lost Cause Minstrels, 9p Tropics— Rodger Fleshman Duo Brannon, 5:30p/// Perdido Brothers, 6p//// Legacy— Brent Loper Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Soulshine, 8p Saenger— Russian Festival, 8p Preachin’ to the Choir, 10p Live Bait— Hip Kitty, 10p Old 27 Grill— Ryan Balthrop, 6:30p Soul Kitchen— Tech N9ne Hangout— Rhythm Intervention, 6p// Ellux Lulu’s— Adam Holt, 5p TP Crockmiers— Kyle and Karl Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Furor, 10p McSharry’s— MacWellies, 9p Tropics— Midlife Crisis Windmill Market— Leland Clay, 11a Live Bait— DJ J. Steven, 9p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Yellowhammer Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Lulu’s— Grits N’ Pieces, 5p Productions, 8p Windmill Market— Jimmy Lumpkin, 6p Tropics— Tommy Morse AREA MUSIC LISTINGS | Traders— Steve Varnes & the Lizards, 7p SUN. APRIL 13 Veets— Pat & Benita Murphy, 7p Veets— Troy Brannon, 7p SAT. APRIL 12 Alabama Music Box— Anvil with guests Baumhower’s— Tyler Champion Tanks, Dread, Excessum, Broken Paradym, 9p WED. APRIL 16 FRI. APRIL 11 Bimini Bob’s— Greg Brown Blues Tavern— Clay McClinton Baumhower’s— Destiny Brown Baumhower’s— Double D Blind Mule— Through The Sparks, Callaghan’s— Cardinal Sons and Andrew Bimini Bob’s— Tony Bowers Beau Rivage— Alan Jackson, 8p Cosmonaut on Vacation, Vintage Cowboys, Duhon BLUEGILL— Ross +1, 6p Bimini Bob’s— Justin Forbes Teen Getaway, Post Mortem Delirium: Felix’s— Chris Powell Blues Tavern— Michael Vincent Band Blind Mule— Preston Lovvinggood, Eric Southsound Festival Flora Bama— Perdido Brothers, 1p// Cockeyed Charlie’s— Ryan Balthrop Erdman, Gregg Fells, Kennon Barton, Leland Blues Tavern— Harvest Brian Hill Band, 5p/// Hazy Ray, 6p//// Jezebel’s Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Jay Clay: Southsounds Festival Callaghan’s— Erin Go PawFest with Julie Chill’n, 6p//// Brasher/Bogue, 10p//// Ryan Williams BLUEGILL— Brittany Grimes, 12p Anne and Peek Balthrop Band, 10p//// Wes Loper & Thomas Felix’s— Brandon Bailey Duo Blues Tavern— Johnny Barbato and the Celtic Irish Pub— Startisan Jenkins, 10p Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 3p// Mary Sarah, Lucky Dogs Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Garage— Foxy Iguanas 6p/// Rhonda Hart & Friends, 6p//// Ron Callaghan’s— SouthSounds: Jesse Payne Destiny Brown Hangout— Jay Williams Band, 6p// The Kimble, Gove Scrivenor & Guests, 10p and Great Peacock Courtyard @ 311— Jimmy Lumpkin Band Perry Wall, 10p Garage— The Perry Wall Celtic Irish Pub— Moontower + Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Legacy— Amy True Hangout— Mario Mena Band, 6p// JSteven, Anyone’s Guess Morlock, Tony Edwards & David White Live Bait— Hot Sand 2.0, 8p 10p Cockeyed Charlie’s— Disciples of the Felix’s— Raising Karma Lulu’s— Alvarado Road Show, 5p Legacy— Brent Loper Crow Flora Bama— Troy Brannon, 1p// Rhonda McSharry’s— Trad Irish Session, 6:30p Live Bait— Grandma Lee, 8p// Jason Abel Compleat Angler (The Wharf)— Al Hart & Friends, 1p/// Troy Brannon, 1p//// Old 27 Grill— Lisa Zanghi, 11:30a Project, 10:30p & Kathy Dave & Joe Show, 2p//// Preachin’ to the Saenger— Russian Festival, 8p Lulu’s— Cornbred, 5p Courtyard @ 311— John Martin Band Choir, 2p//// Jack Robertson Show, 5:30p//// Veets— Jon Cowart, 7p Saenger— Umphrey’s McGee, 8p Dahlia’s Electric Piano Hall— Scott Fatty Waters, 6p//// LeaAnne Creswell Trio, Windmill Market— Eric Jones, 11a Soul Kitchen— Wayne Static, We Are The Morlock, Tony Edwards & David White 6p//// Foxy Iguanas, 8p//// Brasher/Bogue, Riot, DREAD, Broken Paradym DeCuba— Glass Joe, 8p Veets— Grits N’ Pieces, 7p [email protected]

RUNDOWN | MUSIC Mobile’s newest holiday honors legendary drummer BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

allaghan’s Irish Social Club was packed to capacity for sary, this year’s Shindig will be bigger than last year’s, with Billy Ben Jernigan’s collaboration with New Orleans’ Johnny Currington as the weekend’s big headliner. Sansone and Mobile native Jabo Starks. Those in at- In addition to Currington, Shindig plans on delivering another tendance also witnessed the birth of a new holiday in line-up packed with Flora-Bama favorites. Currently, the line-up CMobile. March 29 was declared “Jabo Starks Day” in the Azalea includes Fatty Waters, Lee Yankee & the Hellz Yeah, Betsy Badwa- City. Councilman Levon Manzie (District 2) was on hand to present ter, Hotel Oscar, The Modern Eldorados, Brent Burns, Big Muddy, the drummer with a physical declaration that gave him credit for The Lucky Doggs, Sugarcane Jane, Ultraviolet, Wayne Toups and bringing his audiences to a “fever pitch.” Known for his work with many, many more. James Brown and Bobby Blue Bland, Starks told Lagniappe that Tickets are on sale now at The Flora-Bama and its website. he is looking forward to heading out to Hollywood for the premiere Purchasing a ticket not only gets the public in the door, but it also of the upcoming James Brown biopic “Get On Up.” Otherwise, gives them the chance to help the Gulf Coast Musicians Assistance his fans can catch him at his regular gig at The Red Bar in Grayton Fund, which provides help for Gulf Coast musicians in need of Beach. urgent medical attention. In 2013, the beachside phenomenon known as The Flora-Bama It has been awhile since the Azalea City has heard from Venom. decided to celebrate its decadent glory with the first ever Shindig Recently, this rhythmic lyricist emerged from the shadows to re- in the Sand. This event focused on the musical side of The Flora- lease three new tracks. He could not have picked three better songs Bama persona, with a line-up that featured a plethora of the venue’s to represent his impressive verbal skills. However, “Grindtime” and favorite musical acts. Those who attended this inaugural event must “The Cypher” are the golden tracks in this trio. Venom spits lyrics have had a good time, because The Flora-Bama is doing it again. at breakneck speed and flawlessly maintains the meter of each line. The second annual Shindig in the Sand has been scheduled for June Venom has remained a constant in the local hip-hop scene. Hope- 6-8. With this state-line watering hole celebrating its 50th anniver- fully, the Azalea City will get a full-length in the near future. Photo/Facebook/Ben Jernigan| Jabo Starks 32 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 AREA CLUB LISTINGS

[DOWNTOWN] Saenger Theatre Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 11799 Dauphin Island www.mobilesaenger.com www.moesoriginalbbq.com Live Bait Pkwy. Alabama Music Box 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 www.livebaitrestaurant.com 973-2670 www.alabamamusicbox.net Saddle Up Saloon Old 27 Grill [Fairhope] 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. Tacky Jacks [Spanish Fort] 455 Dauphin St. | 441-8934 www.saddleupmobile.com 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 974-1612 www.tackyjacks.com Alchemy Tavern 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] Lulu’s at Homeport Marina 1175 Battleship Pkwy. |621-8988 alchemy.joltpro.com Serda’s Coffee Company www.papaspizza.com www.lulubuffett.com Trader’s 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 www.serdas.com 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 200 E. 25th Ave. 4015 Battleship Pkwy|626-5630 The Blind Mule 3 S. Royal St. The Pub 251-967-LULU The River Shack 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 415-3000 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] 6120 Marina Dr. S. (under Dog Boo Radley’s Skyview Lounge Ravenite Pizzeria [Fairhope] www.pinkponypub.net River bridge)| 443-7318 www.booradleysmobile.com Atop the Lafayette Plaza 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 VFW Post 7320 [Saraland] 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 Buck’s Pizza Soul Kitchen [Daphne] www.piratescoveriffraff.com Whiskey Blues [Theodore] www.buckspizza.com www.soulkitchenmobile.com www.rosiesgrill.com 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 Tacky Jacks Zebra Lounge Cabo Cantina Spot of Tea’s Club Insanity Windmill Market [Fairhope] www.tackyjacks.com 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 225 Dauphin St. | 441-7685 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 www.windmillmarket.org [Orange Beach] 473-2997 Callaghan’s Irish Social Club Veet’s 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com www.veetsbarandgrill.com [Gulf Shores] 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881

[CASINOS] AREA CLUB LISTINGS | MUSIC Elixir Lounge [WESTMOBILE] [Gulf Shores] Beau Rivage [Biloxi] 101 Dauphin St. | 405-5251 All Sports Bar & Grill 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 www.beaurivage.com Dalhia’s Electric Piano Hall [MIDTOWN] 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. The Handlebar [Pensacola] 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 258 Dauphin St. | 378-5025 Ashland Midtown Pub 345-9338 www.handlebarpensacola.com or 888-595-2534 Dauphin St. Blues Company www.ashlandmidtownpub.com Billiards Club 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino & Draft Picks 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 The Wharf [Orange Beach] [Biloxi] 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 Blues Tavern Club Casino 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 www.hardrockbiloxi.com Gabriel’s Downtown www.bluestavern.com 7790 Tanner Rd., Ste. B|634-3929 777 Beach Blvd.|228-374- 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 Cockeyed Charlies ROCK (7625) The Garage Butch Cassidy’s Cafe 6920 Aitport Blvd.|725-1112 [AROUND AND ABOUT] Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 www.butchcassidys.com Crooked Martini Bill and Charlie’s [Theodore] [New Orleans] Grand Central 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 www.thecrookedmartini.com 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 www.harrahsneworleans.com grandcentralmobile.com Kimberly’s Midtown Bar 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 Blue Gill Restaurant 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 256 Dauphin St. | 432-6999 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 Flashback Club www.bluegillrestaurant.com Grand Casino [Biloxi] Hayley’s Downtown Mellow Mushroom 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 www.grandcasinobiloxi.com 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 www.mellowmushroom.com Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill Bottoms Up 280 Beach Blvd. Joe Cain Café 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 228-436-2946 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 Royal Knight Restaurant Mellow Mushroom Briar Patch IP Casino Resort & Spa Liquid 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |476-6044 www.mellowmushroom.com 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. [Biloxi] 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 Silver Horse Pub 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 973-1120 www.ipbiloxi.com Live @ 360 Jazz Cafe 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 Moe’s Southwest Grill Burnout’s Bar & Grill [Saraland] 850 Bayview Ave. 360 Dauphin St. Taste Wine Bar www.moes.com 7151 Hwy 158 W | 679-9255 800-436-3000 378-5795/Box office 433-4977 2033 Airport Blvd.|287-1490 280 McGregor Ave. S.| 342-5233 Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] Wind Creek Casino Liz’s Haven Whistle Stop Bar & Grill Patches 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 www.windcreekcasino.com 665 S. Conception St. | 433-1221 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 Ed’s Seafood Shed 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore Mobile Civic Center Satori Coffee House www.edsshed.com 866-946-3360 www.mobilecivicctr.com www.satori-coffee.com 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 [EASTERN SHORE] 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 Felix’s Fish Camp O’Daly’s Irish Pub Bay House Pub [Daphne] The Hungry Owl www.felixsfishcamp.com [NEW ORLEANS] 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 House of Blues OK Bicycle Shop Club 44 [Daphne] Stir Mobile Mississippi Coast Coliseum www.houseofblues.com 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 [Biloxi] 225 Decatur St .|504-310-4999 Pat’s Downtown Grill Compleat Angler [Daphne] VFW Post 49 www.mscoastcoliseum.com Howlin’ Wolf 271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 29249 U.S. 98 | 621-1086 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 www.thehowlinwolf.com/new-orleans Riverview Plaza (Fathoms Fly Creek Café [Fairhope] The Oar House [Dauphin Island] 907 S. Peters St. Lounge) www.theflycreekcafe.com 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 504-522-WOLF (9653) 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 831 N. Section St. | 990-0902 [THE BEACH] Original Oyster House Louisiana Superdome Royal Knight Guy’s Gumbo Shack Flora-Bama www.theoysterhouse.com www.superdome.com 3004 Gov’t Blvd.| 476-6044 www.guysgumbo.com www.florabama.com 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 Royal Scam 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pelican Pub & Restaurant Tipitina’s www.royalscammobile.com McSharry’s [Fairhope] 850-492-0611 [Dauphin Island] www.tipitinas.com 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) www.mcsharrys.com The Hangout 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 501 Napoleon Ave. Royal Street Tavern 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 www.thehangoutal.com Pelican Reef Restaurant 504-895-TIPS (8477) 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 33 C O E BELLINGRATH GARDENS EASTER EGG HUNT WHEN — APRIL 12, REGISTRATION STARTS AT 9 A.M. WHERE — BELLINGRATH GARDENS 16, 2014 Bellingrath Gardens will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on The Great Lawn. Thousands of Easter Eggs will be all over The Great Lawn for children to discover. Children may participate in one of three Egg Hunts, depending on age. The Easter Egg Hunt is opened to the public. Admission is free for members of the Friends of Bellingrath. Regular Gardens admission of $12.50 for adults and $7 for children

ages 5-12 will be charged. Children under the age of 5 are always admitted free. Photo courtesy of Facebook Registration starts at 9 a.m.

April 10 of varied artistic experiences hour, a dog friendly street party. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny celebration of Russian music 10, 2014 - a P r I l Little Black Dress and interactive and hands- The fun begins at 3 p.m. and Bellingrath Gardens will be at The Saenger Theater. This The fifth annual Little Black Dress on activities. The hallmark of admission for adults is $10 and hosting breakfast with the Easter concert will certainly satisfy those (LBD No. 5) promises to be a Arts Alive! since inception has kids $5 with proceeds going to Bunny in the Magnolia Café. who were begging for more! night you will not want to miss been it’s multi-dimensional FOMAS. There will be live music The Cafe staff will be prepare Tickets are on sale now. Visit complete with a runway show arts platform. Each festival by Julie Anne Sellers and Peek. and serve pancakes, Sausage mobilesaenger.com for more and cocktail party benefiting showcases a wide selection of This is an event you don’t want Patties, and fruit. Breakfast is information and tickets. Ronald McDonald House art genres – theater, film, visual, ot miss. $8 for adults and $5 for children Charities of Mobile. Presented music, dance – all featuring local 12 and under. Reservations are Book Signing by Mercedes Benz of Mobile, and regional talent. Arts Alive! Pump It Up for Life encouraged. Guests that attend Fox News Channel star and takes place in the Cathedral Come support Adoption Rocks at the breakfast will have priority author Greg Gutfeld will be nts | a P r I l LBD No. 5 features food and drinks from top area chefs and Square Arts District in Downtown Griffith Shell Station – 1260 Gov’t for photos with the Easter signing his new book Not Cool at restaurants as well as special Mobile. Festival hours are Friday, St. from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Various Bunny. Call 251-973-2217 for Page & Palette, starting at 7 p.m. appearances by Miss Alabama 5-9:30 p.m.; Saturday 11- 7 Pro Life Clubs will be pumping reservations. For more information call Page & USA - Jesica Ahlberg, Miss p.m. and Sunday Noon-5 p.m. gas and washing windows for Palette at 251-928-5295. Mississippi USA - Chelsea Admission is free for the entire tips, all donations go towards Walking Tours Reardon, and Ronald McDonald festival. raising adoption awareness in our Alabama will be on display April 15 himself. Proceeds benefit Ronald community. Saturday mornings in April as Book Signing McDonald House Charities of Artwalk part of the Alabama Tourism Southern author and blogger Mobile. To purchase tickets, Kangal Gallery in The Sail Loft will UMobile’s Ram Run Department’s April Walking Tours. Robin O’Bryant will be at Page please visit www.rmhcmobile. be featuring artist Shelly Smith. The University of Mobile will host The hour-long tours will start & Palette signing her new book ndar OF E v E org or call 251-694-6873. The There will live music smooth jazz its annual on-campus Ram Run at 10 a.m. Towns and starting Ketchup Is A Vegetable and Other fun begins at 6:30 p.m. at Fort by Jerry Robins. The Artwalk will Saturday, April 12. The event will places for the April Walking Tours Lies Moms Tell Themselves. The Whiting Armory, 1630 S Broad St. be 5-9 p.m. at 58 North Royal feature a 5k and a 1-mile fun run are: Fairhope Welcome Center; signing will start at 1 p.m. For Street. for all ages. The family-friendly Mobile, Cathedral Basilica. more information call Page & Cal E Prom Night Makeover event is designed for all runners, More information about the April Palette at 251-928-5295. Remington College Monster Jam and children are welcome to Walking Tours is available on the Mobile Campus is offering Monster Jam will be at the attend. Medals will be awarded Alabama Tourism Department It’s All Relative: Genealogy complimentary student salon Mobile Civic Center Friday and to each age group. Participants website at www.alabama.travel. For Everyone services for local high school Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m. will receive tech running T-shirts Learn how to search using students headed to prom. Tickets available at the Mobile and refreshments. To register Atlas Fights, Mixed Martial various data bases provided Prom Night Makeover’s goal is Civic Center Box Office, by phone online for the April 12 Ram Run, Arts by the Mobile Public Library to help students look and feel at 800-745-3000 or online at visit www.umobile.edu/ramrun. Atlas Fights debuts in Mobile, and other organizations; in their best at the big dance – all Ticketmaster.com Fees range from $10 to $25, with Alabama at Convention Center partnership with the Church of at no cost. The complimentary discounts for pre-registration, with “Battle on Mobile Bay”. Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. student salon services will be Cinderella students and UMobile alumni. For Tickets on sale now. This is a new The Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at available on Thursday and Friday. Special narrated cameo more information, call 251-442- beginning of sorts in Mobile for the Mobile Public Library, Moorer/ Girls can get updos, manicures, performances for groups and 2917. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) cage Spring Hill Branch. pedicures and makeup; guys can school classes. Bay Shore fighting as they have not had any get haircuts. Appointments are Ballet Theatre. 9:30 & 11:15 AM. Chickasabogue Park Clean- Live MMA cage fighting events in April 16 recommended and can be made Fairhope Civic Center 161 N Up the area in over five years. This is Umphrey’s McGee by calling 251-342-4848. Section St, Fairhope For tickets South Alabama Mountain Bike the first ever Atlas Fights event in Umphrey’s McGee is an American contact Allison at 251-454-6947. Association is doing a clean up in Mobile. progressive rock band originally Acrylic Painting Class Chickasabogue Park-60 Aldock from South Bend, Indiana, whose Dauphin Island Heritage and Art April 12 Road, Eight Mile, Al 36613. The Discovery Day at the Dauphin music is often referred to as Gallery offers a acrylic painting St. Jude Memphis to Mobile clean up will be from 9 a.m.- Island Sea Lab “progressive improvisation”, class from 1-3 p.m. Class fee is Run 12 p.m. with a ride and BBQ Fun and Educational for the or “improg” and they are going $10 and is limited to 12 people. St. Jude Memphis to Mobile following. Close-toed shoes are whole family! Explore our to the Saeger Theater. UM The lead artist will be Artist Run is a relay style run. We required and helmets if you ride. laboratories and meet Marine experiments with many genres Benno Kollegger. For more begin our run in Memphis on Scientists to learn about their including funk, jazz, blues, metal, questions and to register call 251- April 9, 2014 and will arrive in Easter Egg Hunt research and projects. Enjoy lots electronic, bluegrass, and folk. 861-3300. The class will be held Mobile at Moe’s BBQ Downtown Bellingrath Gardens will host their of marine and environmental The show starts at 8 p.m. and at 1008 Alabama Ave. Dauphin at 12:00pm Saturday April 12, annual Easter Egg Hunt on The hands on exhibits, games and tickets are on sale now. Island, Al 36528. 2014. All money raised goes Great Lawn. Thousands of Easter activities. Free child’s admission directly to St. Jude Children’s Eggs will be all over The Great to the Estuarium, the Dauphin Brown Bag in Bienville Book Signing Research Hospital to help find Lawn for children to discover. Island Sea Lab’s public aquarium. Spring is here and what better Author Roy Hoffman will be cures for childhood cancers. Children may participate in one Food available for purchase. way to enjoy the nice weather signing and discussing his Please contact us for more of three Egg Hunts, depending Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 than lunch in Bienville Square. new book Come Landfall at information about the run and/or on age. he Easter Egg Hunt is Bienville Blvd., 251-861-2141 for There will be live music and Page & Palette in Fairhope. The the route. We are always looking opened to the public. Admission more information. tables set up to make your lunch discussion will start at 6 p.m. for more runners! Contact: is free for members of the Friends more enjoyable each Wednesday For more information call Page & Kate Irvine-251-455-3677 or of Bellingrath. Regular Gardens April 13 in the Spring from 11:30 a.m. till Palette at 251-928-5295. [email protected] for more admission of $12.50 for adults Russian Festival 1:30 p.m. You can bring your information. and $7.00 for children ages 5-12 Blind since birth and the Van lunch or stop in at your favorite April 11 will be charged. Children under Cliburn Gold Medal WInner, Bienville Square eateries and ask Arts Alive Erin Go Paw Fest the age of 5 are always admitted pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii joins for the Brown Bag special. The festival offers three days Join Callaghan’s for yappie free. Registration starts at 9 a.m. the Mobile Symphony for a

34 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 ARTIFICE | ART Does McGill expansion threaten cultural icon? BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

hange comes slowly to Mobile, and to its historical they represented the nation as one of only 24 countries invited. Owing to its location in a historic neighborhood, McGill- neighborhoods slowest of all. Since the advent of histori- During the 1990s, MTG had five productions performed in festi- Toolen has few options. They recently purchased the lot at 1504 cal preservation, the growth of institutions has been vals at state, regional, national and international levels. Old Shell Road, along with a Craftsman-style cottage probably piecemeal and painstaking, taking a patchwork approach “We have brought home 28 awards, including many of the top erected in the early 20th century. It’s likely to become parking to Cto expansion. honors,” McKee said in 2001. “We have been to Ireland’s fes- adjoin the lot to its immediate west. Reading announced plans and city codes, one of those tival twice and now will perform at the crown jewel of interna- “We’re trying to actively find somebody to move that house,” establishments may have little choice toward that end soon. And tional festivals, the only recognized world festival in Monaco.” Shields said. “We did get some bids on moving it. The ballpark the unfortunate victim of such might be one of the state’s most McKee received a 2013 Greater Mobile Art Award for his estimate on that is between $16,000 – $20,000.” decorated cultural organizations. contributions at the helm of MTG. He resigned his directorship On another boundary, a parking lot sits on the northeast Sitting on land owned by the Roman Catholic archdiocese in 2011. corner of Lafayette and Dauphin by McGill-Toolen. It was pur- since 1927, Mobile Theatre Guild (MTG) has given over a Considering the lofty pedigree they’ve earned, MTG’s place chased by the archdiocese in 1993. half-century of award-winning work to local theatrical patrons. in Mobile’s cultural scene would seem assured. However, to To its north at 8 N. Lafayette is an apartment building Shields According to their website, they began in 1949 as a Catholic those who can read between the lines of news stories, that spot said they purchased the first week of April 2014. Its lack of his- Youth Organization (CYO) summer project. Fr. Anthony Zoghby might not be so safe. toric status means it could be razed by McGill-Toolen. cultivated the group, staging plays in a variety of venues around McGill-Toolen Administrative President Fr. W. Bry Shields, “We’re trying to expand the parking lots that we have, to see town until they became a full-fledged community theatre in 1954 Jr., has boldly announced a $6.5 million capital campaign to if we can’t replace the parking we have that way,” Shields said. with a state charter. media over the last year. The reason is spelled out on the McGill- Immediately north at 12 N. Lafayette is a two-story house Zoghby threw himself into the affairs, writing, directing, Toolen website. owned by Tyrone and Maureen Russell, according to the city creating sets and costumes, even recruiting family members for “We are beginning a planning phase for the campaign to fund site. Mobile Historic Development Commission Director De- his productions. In his 2009 book “Opposable Lives,” former a new student center, which will include a dining hall for 400, a vereaux Bemis said the structure is guarded from destruction by Joe Jefferson Players director Peter Carnahan described Zoghby student plaza, and a new chapel,” Shields wrote. “ Architectural historic preservation regulations, however, it could be moved if as “…black-haired, strong-featured, intense and bursting with plans for the new student center are 95-percent complete. Other bought. energy. I have never met such a theatre enthusiast. He loved it. projects include additional parking, two new locker rooms for “If we do acquire that, we wouldn’t demolish it but would All of it. Every kind of theatre.” His portrait still hangs in the the gymnasium and new, updated technology infrastructure for use it for some purpose for the school,” Shields said. “It’s a two- current facility. the campus.” story house so it would be very expensive to move it.” In 1958, the group took up residence in land owned by the According to the same website, “the new student center will Next to the north is MTG at 14 N. Lafayette St. The building archdiocese at 14 N. Lafayette St., adjacent to what is now occupy space currently used for parking. This campaign will pro- is unprotected by historic preservation. McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. Their name changed from vide funds for land acquisition to replace this student and visitor “We don’t know yet about the Theatre Guild, so it’s just kind the Catholic Theatre Guild to its current moniker. parking.” of a wait and see,” Shields said. “It doesn’t seem that building Tom Pocase was recruited as director in 1972. Then in 1984, Rumors running through local Catholic and arts circles put has any historic value for the neighborhood. It’s got a sign on Mike McKee, who taught part-time at the University of South MTG at risk. Beyond that, little is clear. there that it was built in 1951 or ‘52.” Alabama and the University of Mobile was hired to succeed According to the Mobile City Code, Chapter 64-6 – acces- “To my knowledge (the archdiocese) has not submitted any- Pocase. sible at www.municode.com – certain ratios are established for thing to the city (regarding demolition),” Olsen said. “Normally McKee set them in a new direction, emphasizing smaller, schools in relation to their enrollment. In order to ease curbside if they’re looking at doing something like that, they’d contact us fresher, more out-of-the-mainstream works. It was an insurance parking problems, the code calls for senior high schools to pro- and historic development prior to submission, let us know there’s of quality. vide parking lots with one spot for every four students enrolled. going to be a very detailed review of the application.” “These are Tony award-winning shows that just don’t tour,” Mobile City Planner Rick Olsen told Lagniappe Mobile Olsen said the application process is normally a 30 – 60 day current MTG Board President Barney March said. “That’s what County Public Schools are exempt from those ordinances and procedure. Any appeal might lengthen that. Shields said he hopes we’ve traditionally brought to the community. We can hold our older schools are grandfathered in due to age. Hence, Murphy for a resolution within the calendar year. own with any community theater in the country.” High with an enrollment of 2,300 need not supply 575 spots. He “They could go vertical in the form of a multi-level parking MTG’s scope and presence spread beyond the Azalea City. also said parochial and private schools must fall within code. garage but those are just so expensive,” Bemis said. “It’s far They became a participant in the American Association of Com- McGill-Toolen’s website gives its 2013 enrollment as 1,111 cheaper to just buy land and make a lot.” He said any structure munity Theatre (AACT) festival and began to collect honors at students. By current code requirements, that calls for 278 park- erected would also have to meet the approval of the historic every level imaginable. ing spots. commission. “The culmination came with 1997’s production of ‘Smoke on “We meet the city requirements and in fact exceed that right On the verge of their 65th season, the directors of MTG seem the Mountain’ placing first place nationally and I was cited for now, but what we are concerned about is serving our students unfazed. They tip their hat and exude confidence. outstanding direction,” McKee said in a 2001 interview. “As a and their parents,” Shields told Lagniappe. “We draw students “The Theater Guild has long enjoyed a great working rela- result, I was awarded the Marian Gallaway Award for outstand- from all over the city and Baldwin County and it’s a convenience tionship with the archdiocese,” March said. “They have been ing contribution to the state of Alabama by the Alabama Confer- and even a necessity for the children to be able to get to school. very gracious about allowing us autonomy, of letting us present ence of Theatre and Speech.” If they can get there on their own, it’s a great help. They come material and having artistic freedom on stage. In turn, we’ve The International Amateur Theatre Association recommended from so far away they really need the parking so that’s our main always been respectful of that. I don’t see that relationship end- MTG to the Monaco Festival founded by Princess Grace where concern.” ing anytime soon.”

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 35 ART GALLERY | ART Biennial show unveiled in LoDa BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

Five Where: Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St.) When: Through April 25

hough it’s not always evident, the Mobile Bay area is lucky to count five institutions of post-high school education — the University of South Alabama, the University of Mobile, Spring Hill College, Bishop State Community College and Faulkner TState Community College — based in the area. That’s a notable number for a mostly blue-collar metropolis of this modest size. The Mobile Arts Council is taking advantage of the fact as they do every two years with an arts competition open to all students of the aforementioned schools. Juried by Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts Program Manager Elliot Knight, the show features 59 works in a variety of media by 38 artists. An opening reception will take place during the April 11 LoDa Artwalk. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. that evening. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. En- trance is free. For more info, call 251-432-9796 or go to www.mobilearts.org. “Egg & Log”/Justin Snyder (USA)

Nazi victim’s Blind pianist center stage for MSO

tale arrives at Russian Festival from Mobile Symphony Orchestra Where: Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim St.) Spring Hill College When: April 12 & 13 Nobuyuki Tsujii was born sightless, but not without abundant talent. At the age of 2, he Hélène Berr, A Stolen Life began to peck out melodies on a toy piano after merely hearing his mother hum them. At 4, Where: Spring Hill College Library he began formal study. In 1995, the 7-year-old won first prize at the All-Japan Music of Blind Students by When: Through Aug. 10 the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. At age 10, he debuted with the Century Orchestra Young French woman Hélène Berr was bursting of Osaka. He went on to earn top honors at the 15th International Frédéric Chopin Piano with joie d’ vivre at Paris Sorbonne studying Russian Competition in Warsaw, Poland, as well as the Van Cliburn International Piano Competi- and English literature, playing the violin when swasti- tion. kas and jackboots advanced from the Rhineland across The guest from across the Pacific will be a featured performer as the Mobile Sym- Europe. Tragically for Berr, she was also Jewish. phony Orchestra runs through a survey of works from another Asian country, Russia. The The remarkable young woman began to keep program lists pieces from Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky, but all eyes will be journals, intimate and profound records of her fellow trained on the man with his own eyes focused nowhere. students, her loves, her passions and the hatred she Saturday’s show is at 8 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee is at 2:30 p.m. battled. In 1944, Berr and her family were sent to the Tickets are $20 to $65. Students K-12 receive free admission to the matinee when ac- Auschwitz concentration camp. She was later trans- companied by a paying adult. Just download the Big Red Ticket from the MSO website. ferred to Bergen-Belsen, where she died just five days For more info, call 251-432-2010 or go to www.mobilesymphony.org. before the camp was liberated. Following her death, Berr’s diary was released to her former fiancé, Jean Morawiecki, who was a member of the French Resistance. It was finally published in 2008, where the first 24,000 copies sold out in two USA Drama stages stormy Shakespeare days and earned Berr the title of “the French Anne Frank.” A traveling exhibition based on her journal has ar- The Tempest rived at the Marnie and John Burke Memorial Library Where: Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, University of on the Spring Hill College campus. Utilizing archival South Alabama photos, films and interactive animations, the exhibit When: April 11-13, 17-19 shows the daily lives of Jews in the era. Curated by Karen Taieb and Sophie Nagiscarde, it was designed, The magician Prospera spends a dozen years perfecting her dark arts in exile on an iso- created and circulated by Mémorial de la Shoah lated island with her daughter, Miranda. Finally, she conjures a storm that brings the nobil- (Paris, France), and made possible through the gener- ity who wronged her so many years previous and begins a scheme of vengeance threatened ous support of French rail system SNCF. by the turmoil of love. The exhibit will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon- This last solo work of Shakespeare’s bears a few changes, namely that the vengeful days, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 9 a.m. to 9 central character has undergone a gender shift, originally being penned as a man. The p.m. on Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and change isn’t a complete departure from precedent, as Vanessa Redgrave played the role as 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Docent-led tours are available. a sexually ambiguous one in 2000. Copies of Berr’s book will for sale at the circula- Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. tion desk for $18. Tickets are $10 to $14. Special group rates and dates are available. For more info, call 251-380-3870 or go to http:// For more info, call 251-460-6306 or go to www.southalabama.edu/drama. library.shc.edu.

36 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 THE REEL WORLD/RENTAL REVIEW | FILM Coen brothers’ reach new heights BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected] will never understand why “No Country for Old more realistic story. Llewyn Davis is a struggling folk Men,” of all of the Coen Brothers’ films, is the one singer, couch surfing through Greenwich Village in upon which the Academy Award for Best Picture 1961, leaving lost pets and unplanned pregnancies in his was bestowed. It is easily my least favorite of morose wake. Itheir many wonderful and varied works, in which their Llewyn gazes at the world through heavy lidded eyes, tendencies toward mythologizing took over the story his expression sardonic whether he is chasing a cat down and made it matter less. Meanwhile, a film as beautiful the street or receiving career rejection. The source of this and interesting as “Inside Llewyn Davis,” probably their expression is a supreme confidence in his own talent, most emotionally authentic film, shambles through the and a staunch refusal to compromise. These traits seem AREA Oscars relatively ignored? particularly galling to the females he encounters, giving Photo/imdb.com |Inside Llewyn Davis THEATERS With films such as this and “A Serious Man,” the the baby faced Carey Mulligan a chance to go ballistic Coens have toned down their visual whimsy for a more every time they are alone together. Llewyn Davis, as gorgeously portrayed by Oscar naturalistic style, but one that is perfectly controlled Everyone is the movie is wonderful, and there is not a Isaac, has little to personally recommend him, except Mobile County nonetheless. Gone are the spinning cans of “Dapper moment that is wasted. Everything we see is meant to be for his talent. It is particularly painful when he insults a Dan” from “O Brother, Where Art Thou,” and the indel- there. John Goodman is unforgettable in a short but bril- doting Upper West Side couple of intellectuals who put CarMike CineMa’s ibly wacky dream sequences from “The Big Lebowski.” liant part as a jazz musician. Justin Timberlake is perfect him up, put up with him, and feed him no matter how Wynnsong 16 Instead we get a perfect smoke ring in a cold quiet car as Mulligan’s husband, Llewyn’s clean-cut romantic and obnoxiously he treats them. But despite his many terrible 785 schillinger rd. s. ride, hanging in the miserable silence as Davis endures a professional rival, representing a far more marketable qualities, the character as he is written, acted, and sung, (251) 639-7373 hellish road trip in pursuit of his ever dimming prospects folk faction. A recording session of his lively, idiotic is one of the most oddly sympathetic characters I have ever seen. If Anton Chigurh in “No Country for Old as a musician. song about being an astronaut gives the film one of its CresCent theater The strength of writing that made every moment of few laugh-out-loud sequences (we mostly get rue- Men” was a terrifying cipher, Llewyn and his desperate 208 Dauphin street “The Big Lebowski” a perfectly conducted masterpiece ful chuckles,) and also gives us a chance to see Adam life are wonderfully the opposite, and you don’t have to of interrelated lines and stories is still in service of a Driver (Adam from “Girls”!) show his stuff. tank as a musician to feel his pain. (251) 438-2005

hollyWooD staDiuM 18 “Captain america: the Winter soldier” all listed 1250 satchel Paige Dr. in theaters noW multiplex theaters “noah” all listed multiplex theaters (251) 473-9655 “sabotage” all listed multiplex theaters “Divergent” all listed multiplex theaters balDWin County “Muppets Most Wanted” all listed multiplex theaters CarMike CineMas “need for speed” all listed multiplex theaters 6898 u.s. 90 “the single Mom’s Club” all listed multiplex Daphne, al theaters (251) 626- 6266 “300: rise of an empire” all listed multiplex theaters “Mr. Peabody & sherman” all listed multiplex CarMike CineMas theaters 23151 Wharf ln. “the leGo Movie” all listed multiplex theaters orange beach, al (251) 981-4444 Photo/imdb.com “the Grand budapest hotel” Crescent theater; Carmike Jubilee square 12 “oculus” “God’s not Dead” regal Mobile stadium 18, Cobb theatres Carmike Wynnsong 16, eastern shore Premier PinnaCle 14 All listed multiplex theaters Cinema 14, Carmike Jubilee square 12, Cobb Karen Gillian (Dr. Who) stars in this horror flick as 3780 Gulf shores Pkwy a sister who must prove that her brother didn’t kill their theaters Pinnacle 14 Gulf shores, al “non-stop” regal Mobile stadium 18, Carmike Photo/imdb.com parents when they were kids, because it was really the (251) 968-7444 work of an evil mirror. I hate it when that happens. Wynnsong 16, eastern shore Premier Cinema 14, Cobb theaters Pinnacle 14, Carmike Cinema at the Wharf eastern shore “Rio 2” PreMiere CineMa 14 All listed multiplex theaters “DRAft DAy” “son of God” regal Mobile stadium 18, eastern I have seen the first “Rio” eleventy-billion times, and All listed multiplex theaters shore Premier Cinema 14, Cobb, Carmike Cin- 30500 alabama 181 #500 Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway reprise their charm- The general manager (Kevin Costner) of the Cleve- ema at the Wharf spanish Fort, al ing roles as a pair of macaws having adventures. Better land Browns trades for the number one draft pick. “about last night” regal Mobile stadium 18 (251) 626-0352 than many animated movies. Evidently this refers to football. “bad Words” Carmike Wynnsong16

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 37 FEATURE | SPORTS

Coaches take the spotlight after reaching milestones BY J, MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] ost sports articles are focused on the astonishing exploits While at St. Paul’s, she has coached the Lady Saints to 570 wins of athletes. But the men and women who mentor these and six state championships in 13 seasons. Eleven of her players stars can also be pretty amazing themselves. have gone onto the college ranks. Two coaches who have reached major milestones can Her No. 7 Saints jersey is retired at St. Paul’s. School officials Mbe found on the campus of the University of Mobile. They are Mike say it will remain there to “encourage every young female athlete to Jacobs and Uwe Tittl. strive to be the best she can be.” Jacobs picked up his 800th career coaching victory in a big way, as the Rams baseball team defeated No. 1 ranked Faulkner Univer- Lady Jaguar selected in draft Photos courtesy of University of Mobile sity 6-3. That brought his overall mark to 800-508-2, which ranks Hannah Campbell, a senior left-handed pitcher for the University 14th in wins among active NAIA baseball coaches. of South Alabama softball team, has received a special recognition. University of Mobile head baseball coach Mike Jacobs, left, He started the program in 1990, and has directed the Rams to She is the first female in school history to be drafted by a profes- receives congratulations from senior pitcher Jeff Price. three conference championships and a berth in the 2001 NAIA sional sport. World Series. Jacobs has coached 32 players who went on to sign Campbell was taken with the third overall pick by the Akron professional contracts, and 10 Rams have won either conference (Ohio) Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch League. This year’s members include Demarcus Ware (Senior Bowl player or pitcher of the year honors. The Satsuma native has a 76-30 record now in her final season at 2005), first-round pick out of Troy University and seven-time Tittl has recorded 400 victories in his coaching career, but in USA, with a career earned run average of 1.66. In 2013, she became All-Pro with the Dallas Cowboys; Torry Holt (Senior Bowl 1999), a much more varied way. He has guided the men’s and women’s the Lady Jaguars’ first softball All-American, as she was named to first-round selection from North Carolina State, seven-time All-Pro teams in tennis, along with the women’s soccer squad. the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s second-team squad. with the St. Louis Rams and holder of the 10th most receiving yards He began the UM women’s soccer program in 1992, and has a “It still hasn’t sunk in yet; the nerves are still going,” Campbell in NFL history when he retired; and Bill Kollar (Senior Bowl 1975), 196-90-9 record. Included in this total is the 1997 NAIA national said after the announcement. “I’m pretty excited; I’m honored.” first-round pick out of Montana State who played eight seasons in title. Tittl has a 144-67 record with the women’s tennis team since Campbell currently owns the following USA school records in the NFL and has been a coach for 30 seasons. 2003, and a 60-40 mark with the men since 2008. softball: fewest walks allowed per 7 innings (1.28), wins (76), saves Up Interstate 65 in Huntsville, the 2014 True South Rugby “I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to coach this long, and (15), complete games (85), shutouts (26) and strikeouts looking Championship is taking place Saturday and Sunday. Mobile’s work at a school that provides the support necessary to reach 400 (162). Battleship Rugby Football Club recently beat the Okaloosa Island- wins,” Tittl said. Campbell is a three-time All-South Region selection, and has ers, 20-19, to secure a spot in the tournament. For more information • While these coaches are likely to keep adding to their victo- been named Most Outstanding Player of the Sun Belt Conference in on the Mobile team, which has an 8-1 record this season and won ries, one celebrated coach is planning to hang up her whistle. Kelli 2012 and 2013. She has thrown two perfect games in her career, and national titles in 1992 and 2001, please visit www.battleshiprugby. Hillier has announced she is stepping down as head of the volleyball is on the “watch list” for the Collegiate Player of the Year award. com. team at St. Paul’s Episcopal School after the 2014-2015 campaign. On April 14-16, the University of South Alabama is hosting the Hillier was a star at St. Paul’s herself in volleyball, basketball Coming attractions Sun Belt Conference women’s golf championship. The teams will and track. She went on to play at the University of Georgia, where Some big events are on the calendar for this week. The first is the compete that Monday through Wednesday at Steelwood Country she earned all-SEC honors and was an honorable mention All- Reese’s Senior Bowl Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Thursday, Club in Loxley. The course was designed by former U.S. Open American. April 10, at the Grand Hotel at 6:30 p.m. champion Jerry Pate and opened in 1997.

38 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 MEDIA FRENZY | MEDIA From Russia with news BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

atching up on newer folks in the local media, Kristina Zverjako started with Local15 News at Cthe beginning of the year and has been primarily covering Baldwin County since. Zverjako’s background includes the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State, as well as the ABC affiliate in Bakersfield, Calif. And it also includes Tallinn, Estonia where she was born and lived up until finishing fifth grade. She says she was able to pick up English quickly, but there are times it’s Kristina Zverjako Photos courtesy of WKRG’s Facebook still a little tricky doing the news in her second language. Workers install WKRG’s new set, which will debut next week. The change is the first in more than 10 years. “Before moving to America, I would have never imagined having a career as a TV journalist. For some reason, English actually pretty easy — my whole life fit inside my little Nissan obviously took a bit longer. Here’s wishing Randy good health came easy to me. I spoke fluently and without an accent within Sentra. I have never looked back since coming out here... and a happy return. a year of moving to the States,” she said. “But this doesn’t Everybody told me about Southern hospitality, but people here mean that I don’t have my moments of ‘what does that word take it to the next level!” she said. New set mean?’ or when my accent slips out. It is not unusual for me to Randy’s return will coincide with a new set that should de- turn to my coworkers or friends and ask them for help finding a Patrick back after illness but next week. The update is reportedly the first in more than a specific word or phrase that I might be thinking of in Russian. I WKRG’s sports director Randy Patrick returned to the air- decade and staffers are excited about it. No word yet on exactly guess you can call my Russian heritage my ‘hidden talent.’ waves April 7 after a lengthy illness that has kept him at home what day it will debut. Despite being a long way from both her U.S. and Russian for more than three months. homes, Zverjako says the move to Alabama has been one she’s Lagniappe has received plenty of calls wanting to know The record stops enjoyed, primarily because of the famed friendliness of our where the man who has won 11 Nappies in a row for favorite The Mobile Record, a small publication that catered primar- locals. sportscaster has been. Randy told us in late February that he’d ily to carrying legal advertising from the county and city has “Moving to the Gulf Coast has been one of the best experi- been “quite ill” but was on the mend. called it quits. No word yet as to why, but it was one of the ences so far in my life. The actual process of moving was At the time he was aiming for a mid-March return, but it local publications deemed eligible to carry such advertising.

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 39 CROSSWORD PUZZLE THE LOADED ACROSS 1- Move forward 8- Supervise 15- Part of a gun QUESTION 16- Subscription continuation 17- Vacuum tube type 18- Hardens metal ASkED @ THE 19- Nabokov novel 20- Deck quartet 22- “Goodnight” girl BICyCLE SHOP 23- Compass point 25- Cease 26- Chip maker 29- Bad-tempered If you started 31- Sault ___ Marie 34- Sea nymph a band what 36- Decease 37- Thames town 38- Unsubstantial would it be 40- Inflexible 42- Goddess and sister of Ares called? in Greek mythology 43- Goddess of dawn in Greek mythology 45- Thing that sucks 46- Boy king 4- Cabinet dept. 35- Live 47- Frank 5- Vietnam’s ___ Dinh Diem 37- Host 49- Destitute 6- Chest or closet material 39- “___ don’t say!” 50- German auto 7- Builds 41- Parent’s sister 52- To talk, usually in a pomp- 8- Table scraps 44- Reason to cancel school ous manner 9- Neckline shape 47- Contiguous with 54- Heals 10- Animosity 48- Vestiges 56- Did the butterfly 11- Dupe 51- Old finnish money 57- With “up,” exasperated 12- Lottery 53- Appliance brand 60- Plant of the buttercup 13- Acquire through merit 54- Cod, Good Hope, or family 14- Ultimatum word Canaveral, e.g. 62- Stalagmite makeup 21- Israel’s Barak 55- Home of the Bruins 65- Pillage 23- Food and water 56- Spanish muralist 66- Catch 24- Potpourri 57- Decree 67- Least difficult 25- Luges 58- French 101 verb 68- Stroll 26- Atlas feature 59- Woodland animal “Asian Persuasion” 27- First prime minister of India 61- French possessive DOWN 28- Treacherous 63- Baton Rouge sch. kellie & Brandon Gates 1- ___ boy! 30- Narrow inlet 64- MSNBC rival 2- Historic Scott 32- In shape 3- La Dolce ___ 33- Diary bit Answers on p. 41

“Phuk It” Corey, “Its all in you”

“Fuchfighters” Msc. Stefan

40 | LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 PORT CITY PREMONITIONS | STYLE

Sagittarius: Full house brings on mullet dreams BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY | [email protected] Aries (3/21 – 4/19) – Things will go from Libra (9/23 – 10/22) - Your unrealistic, bad to worse for you when you fall overboard, media-fueled body image complex will have while attending a work party on the U.S.S Ala- you all up in the gym sweating this week. bama. Things will get bad right off the bat when Fortunately, it takes about two months to trick you can’t find the bathroom inside the ship your brain into making any good habit become and attempt to pee in a gun turret. Things will routine, which means you’ll be back on the continue to deteriorate when you run deck-side PlayStation in no time. Keeping with the times, because one of the exhibit’s mannequins looked you’ll get gauge earrings and be promptly fired “too real,” but your coworkers will never let from you job as a kindergarten teacher. The you forget about the “splash down” after one lawsuit will fall in your favor thanks to a tat- too many whiskey sours. tooed attorney from upstate.

Taurus (4/20 – 5/20) – A golf outing goes Scorpio (10/23 – 11/21) - The son you re- terribly wrong when the head of your 9-iron fused to vaccinate will finally reach the peak of flies off the shaft and hits your playing partner human health and evolution, just as the prophet in the face. Everyone told you to replace those Jenny McCarthy said he would. He’ll begin by decade-old, twice-refurbished clubs, but you healing quicker than normal, but will soon be didn’t listen. Your negligence will not only levitating objects around your trailer. Unfortu- result in the silent treatment from many of your nately, his doctor will secretly vaccinate him closest friends, but will also lead to a visit to a while you’re reading The Blaze in the waiting local hospital and the purchase of cheap, gift- room and his powers will be lost forever. You’ll shop quality flowers and a stuffed, smiling bear also be preapproved for a Capital One credit wearing a tiny shirt that reads, “Your hospital card with a $5,000 limit. Check back next week visit is un-bear-able.” to find out how bad you’ll be in debt.

Gemini (5/21 – 6/21) - You will force your Sagittarius (11/22 – 12/21) - You’ve found favorite parish priest into early retirement yourself torn lately as your children have begun when, during your pre-Easter reconciliation, watching reruns of “Full House.” The horrible- you admit things that would make a syphilitic ness of this show is somehow balanced by the sailor blush. You will notice things are taking fun you’re having watching “Uncle Jessie’s” a turn for the worse when the reverend shouts giant mullet change over time. It’s even got at you in Latin and throws holy water in your you thinking about breaking out your own ‘80s face. You’ve never been that religious, but you “do.” Cut it out. A creepy neighbor is watching know it’s rarely good when a holy man screams you bathe. Just thought you’d like to know. a dead language. On a brighter note, you will find a rare quarter on the floor, while waiting in Capricorn (12/22 – 1/19) - There’s trouble line at the bank. at home as it turns out the dog has been cleaning its nether regions then licking members of Cancer (6/22 – 7/22) - You will immediately the family. This will lead to a family meeting regret getting that monkey you saw advertised in which the dog leaves, several people cry and for free in the local want ads. It’s true you’ve the paternity of at least one child is challenged. always wanted a monkey, but little Darwin will Fortunately it’s Lobsterfest at Red Lobster and run amok in your house. First, you’ll never be the family will all pull it back together to enjoy able to find a fresh banana, and then he’ll take dunking seafood in drawn butter. You may control of an entire room, tossing monkey dung notice the emergence of a superfluous nipple in at you anytime you enter. It’s like the old say- the coming days. ing, monkey see, monkey throw poop at. On the bright side, he’ll eat the fleas off your dog. Aquarius (1/20 – 2/18) – The absurd fas- cination with last week’s Wrestlemania XXX Leo (7/23 – 8/23) - You’ll have a short tem- will inspire you to take up the fake sport of per tantrum, while trying to find a new swimsuit professional wrestling. In an effort to get the at a Gulf Coast surf shop. The tan, boyish ball rolling you will legally change your name cashier will not only fail to give you back cor- to “AlaHammer” and begin “training” by taking F rect change, he’ll also fail his next drug test and enough steroids to make Barry Bonds tear up. U keep his job because he sells sunglasses. You’re It will turn out to be a positive move as no one also due for credit at work. You can have coffee will notice a difference in your giant head size T made and waiting on everyone at 8:30 a.m. ev- and ‘roid rage will actually be considered an U eryday without missing a beat. You dedication improvement to your personality. won’t remain unnoticed for much longer. R Pisces (2/19 – 3/20) – Try to avoid any E Virgo (8/23 – 9/22) -You’ll catch the orches- Scorpios you see this week who are suffering tra in the front row of the Sanger Theater, but from a stomach virus going around. That crud is be mindful of the new acoustic shell. Though vicious and will result in a night of suffering for S it makes the sound beautiful, it’s a giant heavy you and your significant other. If you manage H piece of coral. Nothing will happen because to not end up doubled-over making an offering those people are professionals, but the anxiety to the porcelain God, you will run into your ex. O of worrying about it falling on your family or Tough luck, kid. Sometimes you can’t avoid an C the lead flautist will make most of the show unpleasant situation. If you’re lucky you’ll find unenjoyable. Your brother is also going to win yourself in a medically induced coma, though. K his office’s NCAA bracket pool, proving once Keep your fingers crossed. and for all that he’s luckier than he deserves.

LAGNIAPPE | April 10, 2014 -April 16, 2014 | 41 MOBILE MAGNIFIED | STYLE Lagniappe goes weekly and crazy BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY f it’s not raining, it’s pouring pollen. This has been a soggy the end of the evening by some of the Lagniappers (yes, I heard detail was thought out and executed in fabulous style. It was and allergy-abusing spring thus far. But you guys have been about the flashing of “granny panties” on Dauphin Street and called “Praisin’ in the Wild 2014,” the fourth such fete put on by throwing on your rain boots and taking your Claritins because other interesting post-party activities – you all know who you are Kenny Dumas and Terry Aucoin. Hunters, huntresses, Tarzans despite this stuff falling from the sky, you have all been out and some of you remember what you did), one decision we know (one with a leaf placed strategically) and Janes (one with a snake Iand about in full force misbehaving. And in the immortal words was right is bringing you all a lot more of this rag, including this placed strategically) ran around with other people dressed in of Dido, I-I-I-I want to thank you for giving me the best gossip of oh-so-tasty gossip. And I thought it was going to be hard to get leopard prints and khakis. my life. I think she said something like that anyway. enough of it every week? Not in Mobile. As we like to say at the A gospel choir entertained, along with music from a Baldwin Let’s get to it! office, Mobile always provides a good story. County lady who was on “The Voice” (Sorry, the spies don’t get all the info some times – Shawna P perhaps?). There was Lagniappe Launches Weekly; goes “overboard” Of big hair and colored cumberbunds LOTS of dancing, getting acquainted, food and drinks of every The Lagniappe crew celebrated the launch of their first weekly The same night as the launch party, the Mobile Arts Council flavor. Shuttles to transport the guests driven by safari-clad guys publication on the deck of the USS Alabama on Thursday, April hosted their “1984 Prom Night” at the Temple downtown. My …it really was amazing,” the spy gushed. 3. It was an absolutely amazing venue and the perfect place to spies said it was great fun with lots of slow dancing and no teach- mark this momentous occasion for the almost 12-year-old paper. ers to break the lovebirds up. A great DJ and great costumes… Crawfish, Bluegrass and Precipitation We were actually surprised how many native Mobilians said it some dressed as ‘80s rockers or other infamous ‘80s styles, while Extravaganza was their first time to be on the historic ship. others wore ‘80s prom attire. The Knights of Columbus held their Crawfish and Bluegrass While no one went overboard in the literal sense, most of the “Wanda Sullivan looked particularly fetching, and Sydney Extravaganza at St. Mary’s on Saturday, April 5. The threat of staff did in other ways… if you get my drift. Let’s just say every- Betbeze had her hair in ‘80s coiffure and wore her sister’s prom rain could not keep the crowds away for this great cause. Kids ran one had a really good time. I mean, really good. Did I mention dress from 1985. All I can fit in from back then are my earrings,” around like crazy, as adults munched on mudbugs. everyone had a really, really good time? my spy confessed. Me too! The music was rockin’ with full sets by Phil and Walon and Before things got too sloppy (towards the end of the night), Angelica Zamudio and Jamie Franco-Zamudio were crowned Drunker Shade of Green. Our very own cuisine editor Andy folks were seen chatting with Mayor Sandy Stimpson, along “Prom Royalty.” MacDonald’s band Fat Man Squeeze got going, but the Heav- with chief of staff Colby Cooper and communications director ens opened up in the middle of their set – a baptism of sorts. As George Talbot, as well as Councilman Levon Manzie. WPMI’s A Safari in WeMo? they ran off the stage with their equipment, all of the attendees Kelly Jones and Darwin Singleton were spotted, as was a WKRG My spies kept reporting they were seeing their friends posting elbowed their way under the tents trying to find a dry place. Kids news crew, GM Mark Bunting and news director Mike Rausch. pics on Facebook of themselves dressed in safari attire at some were pulling the plastic tablecloths off and using them for cover. The head honchos at FOX 10 also made an appearance, including event called “Praisin’ in the Sun.” One such spy said she thought The rain did not dampen spirits though, as everyone still had a their new news director, Scott Flannigan. The talented Kyle and perhaps it was a religious or church event until she noticed ex- great time. Karl provided the tunes for the whole “crew.” (Man, there really actly which Facebook friends were posting about it and then she are lots of nautical references.) knew that couldn’t be the case. Well kids, that’s all I got for you this week. Still have to get Chef Rob & Co provided the tasty vittles, and I am told the Boozie had no idea, until finally I found a spy who was actu- used to saying that! Just remember, whether rain or shine, dra- meatballs and the potatoes were absolutely fabulous. One person ally there and said it was “the best party ever.” matic or scandalous, or just some plain ol’ WeMo safari lovin’, I admitted to eating about 14 of the tasty balls. Yum! “A house in West Mobile was transformed into a safari re- will be there. Ciao! Anyway, though there were some poor decisions made at sort Saturday afternoon, and it was a party for the ages. EVERY

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