News for January 2011

Alabama Music concert series debuts in Birmingham

A major Alabama concert series called “ABALABIP!” and organized by The Oxford American magazine will debut on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the historic Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. The kickoff event begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature Alabama soul icons Ralph “Soul” Jackson and Mary Gresham, along with the original cast of The Sex Clark Five, a brainy, melodic Huntsville new-wave act, a solo performance from free-jazz sax-man (and cult favorite) Arthur Doyle, and The Secret Sisters, on the heels of the success of their T Bone Burnett-produced debut, Silver Threads and Golden Needles. Concert tickets will also guarantee free entry to an after-party at Bottletree that will feature Huntsville hip-hop duo G-Side. “The Feb. 5 concert will bring to life the idea that to fully appreciate the astounding musical heritage of Alabama a lot of genres must be played with,” said Marc Smirnoff, editor of The Oxford American.

This event is the first of four Oxford American events taking place in Alabama throughout 2011 to celebrate Alabama music and The Oxford American‘s 12th annual Southern Music Issue, which focuses on the musical heritage of Alabama.  The concerts are in conjunction with The Year of Alabama Music, an initiative by the Alabama Tourism Department to highlight the state’s rich musical heritage. Details about upcoming ABALABIP! concerts in other Alabama cities will be announced soon. The Oxford American concert series is called “ABALABIP!,” after a 1950 song by Eddie Cole – brother of Nat King Cole, and born in Montgomery – that is featured in the magazine and its accompanying CD.  Most of the performers at the Feb. 5 concert were also part of the magazine and CD. Smirnoff said that he also likes how the Feb. 5 concert will serve as a celebration for Ralph “Soul” Jackson’s forthcoming full-length CD debut (by hip Rabbit Factory Records of Chicago). “It’s amazing,” Smirnoff said. “Though Ralph ‘Soul’ Jackson has been releasing choice soul singles since the 1960s, it won’t be until Feb. of 2011 that he releases his first full album, not just singles.”

This event is presented by The Oxford American, Alabama Tourism Department, Florence Lauderdale Tourism, Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, MINI, and Arkansas Delta Byways. For information on tickets please see www.oxfordamerican.org.

Edited: January 27th, 2011

Gov. Bentley promotes tourism

Gov. Robert Bentley urged Alabama residents during his inaugural address to vacation in their home state. “I want to take a moment to encourage you to do what I’ve done. Travel this state – take time to enjoy the beauty of Alabama. Visit the mountains of North Alabama. Enjoy our clear lakes and streams. Stroll the main streets of our small towns in rural Alabama. Spend some good, quality time on the beautiful clean beaches of Gulf Shores.” His remarks came after being sworn in Monday as the state’s 53rd chief executive. He also called for the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources to “create and build a state-of-the-art convention center” along the Gulf Coast. When he addressed the tourism industry’s conference in Montgomery as a candidate in August, he identified a conference center at Gulf State Park as his top tourism priority.
    
State tourism director Lee Sentell, who was sworn in Tuesday to serve in the Bentley Administration, said he could not recall any governor giving such strong, specific support for tourism in an inaugural address. “This is great news. Gov. Bentley has made it clear what his goals are. Our industry will work very hard to help him complete this economic development project.” Sentell visited with Dr. and Mrs. Bentley during a reception of well-wishers at the Governor’s Mansion on Sunday night.

Edited: January 21st, 2011

Country Royalty: Hank & Patsy comes to town

Country Royalty: Hank & Patsy
Pell City, Feb 26

Hank Williams and Patsy Cline: The two biggest legends of country music on the same stage at the same time. “Hank Williams: Lost Highway” star and 2008 Obie Award winner Jason Petty re-creates the role he has become famous for while Carolyn Martin gives a jaw-dropping performance as Patsy Cline. This event is only 5 minutes from Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast.

Edited: January 7th, 2011

Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend near Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast

Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend
Birmingham, Feb 11–13
Birmingham’s premier charity running weekend celebrates its 10th anniversary. Athletes of all ages and running abilities are welcome to run or walk one of the well-organized Sunday races including the Mercedes Marathon, half marathon, marathon five-member relay or the 5k event on Saturday. Benefiting The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs and Kid One Transport.
 This event is only 2o minutes from Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast on Logan Martin Lake. Come stay with us, for a relaxing experience after a day of racing excitment.

Edited: January 7th, 2011

Alabama Tourism announces Top 10 Events for 2011

Come and stay at Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast and attend one of these exciting events.

A traveling exhibit inspired by the CSI television drama, the richest golf tournament in a generation, the 50th anniversary of “The Miracle Worker” and two original Civil War plays about Montgomery are among the top ten events selected by the Alabama Tourism Department for 2011. “These 10 events celebrate milestones in tourism in Alabama,” said director, Lee Sentell. “We celebrate The Year of Alabama Music, the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and significant anniversaries. These events showcase our state’s rich music and heritage.”

 
Below are the Top 10 Events of 2011 that are listed in the tourism department’s annual calendar of events:

1. CSI: The Experience, Huntsville
Jan. 29-May 1
U.S. Space and Rocket Center – The exhibit immerses guests in hands-on science while leading them through the challenge of solving a crime mystery. The center is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 256.721.5411,www.spacecamp.com.
 
 
2. Civil War Plays at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery
Feb. 4-Mar. 19
The Flag Maker of Market Street
In this performance, Montgomery store owner George Cowles walks a fine line catering to the Confederacy while holding secret Unionist meetings in his back room. Cautious of the increasingly stirring climate and fearful for his family and business, George is careful not to take any risks. But when George is asked to create the first Confederate flag and enlists the help of his slave Mae, he unwittingly exposes her to danger -and has to make a choice between upholding his convictions and living a lie. www.asf.net.
 
Feb. 18-Mar. 20
Blood Divided
Fifteen-year-old Willie Baldwin, enchanted by the passionate rhetoric of the ardent secessionist William Lowndes Yancey, is increasingly disgusted by his father’s more moderate views. As tension grows between Willie, his family and longtime friend freedman James Hale, Willie’s rash behavior has unforeseen consequences resulting in tragedy and ultimately, redemption.
800.841.4ASF,www.asf.net.
 
 
3. 197th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Alexander City
Mar. 26
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park – Visitors will experience live cannon fire, live the lives of Creek and Cherokee Indians, visit hunting camps and see demonstrations of traditional skills of the early 1800s. They will also learn the importance of this battle in U.S. history. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 256.237.7111,www.nps.gov/hobe.
 

4. Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedom Riders Bus, Anniston
May 14-Jul. 15
Calhoun County Public Library – Visitors can see more than 60 photographic panels depicting the May 14, 1961 attack by violent segregationists on the first Freedom Ride. Taken by a local newspaper photographer, the famous images show the mob at the downtown Greyhound Bus Station and the attack outside of town. The photographs helped ignite national and international outrage at the treatment of African Americans in the South. 256.236.0996,www.spiritofanniston.org.
 
 
5. Regions Tradition PGA Tour, Birmingham
May 2-8
Shoals Creek Country Club – Some of the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game compete with 16 World Golf Hall of Fame members and other major championship winners. 205.969.9229, www.regionstradition.com.
 
 
6. 50th Annual “The Miracle Worker” Play, Tuscumbia
Jun. 3-Jul. 9
Helen Keller’s Birthplace and Home – Now in its 50th year, this Broadway-style play recalls the childhood of deaf-blind Helen Keller, “America’s First Lady of Courage,” and her gifted teacher, Anne Sullivan. Performances on Fri. & Sat. only; gates open at 6:45 p.m. 256.383.0783, www.helenkellerbirthplace.org. 
 

7. 30th Annual W. C. Handy Music Festival, Florence
Jul. 22-30
The weeklong celebration honors the musical heritage of Northwest Alabama and the legacy of W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues,” with a parade, concerts, exhibits, theater, athletic events and live music. 256.766.7642,www.wchandymusicfestival.org.
 
 
8. BayFest Music Festival, Mobile
Oct. 7-9
More than 225,000 people are expected to jam the streets of downtown Mobile to hear some 125 live musical acts on nine stages during the weekend. BayFest offers continuous music for every fan including country, classic rock, alternative, pop, jazz, R&B, rap, gospel and modern rock. The event includes family activities that have garnered rave reviews. Fri., 6:30 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 2 p.m.-midnight; Sun., 2-10 p.m. 251.478.5679,www.bayfest.com.
 
9. 40th Annual National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores
Oct. 13-16
The beaches come alive with more than 300 vendors of fine arts, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace, delicious seafood and fabulous entertainment. There is a Children’s Activity Village, Sand Sculpture Contest and exhibits for families to enjoy. Local and national music acts feature genres from country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll to zydeco and soul. 251.968.4237,www.nationalshrimpfestival.com.
 
10. 40th Annual Kentuck Art Festival, Northport
Oct. 15-16
Nationally recognized for its quality and diversity, the festival celebrates a variety of artistic styles from folk to contemporary arts as well as traditional crafts. More than 250 artists participate in the festival and are invited as a guest artist or are juried based on the quality and originality of their work. The guest artists are nationally recognized and their powerful visual images continue to capture national and international acclaim. Annie Tolliver Turner, Lonnie Holley, Butch Anthony and Charlie Lucas are among the self-taught artists Kentuck has showcased. 205.758.1257, 205.391.9200,www.kentuck.org.

Edited: January 5th, 2011

Alabama bed and breakfast, Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast upgrades Anniversary Suite

Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast has added even more features to it’s most romantic and luxurious room. The Anniversary Suite has now been upgraded for in room streaming Netflix movies. It is perfect for that romantic getaway or to celebrate a memorable wedding anniversary. Enjoy the King sized sleigh bed, CD player, wall mounted LCD screen for watching Netflix movies, luxurious 5 x 5 marble shower with multiple shower heads in the master bath with the heated whirlpool tub, his and her wash basins and a bidet.

We host many couples for their wedding honeymoon retreat to our luxury suite. With its private entrance and spectacular view overlooking the lake, it is perfect for that special night to remember for newlyweds or for anniversary couples. Call us to arrange the room with fresh flowers and a tray of your favorite “goodies” for that special night.
Rate: $175/night

Make your stay even more special by requesting One Dozen Roses to take home with you $60, Chocolate Covered Strawberries $25, Sparkling Cider $15.  Request our Romance Package, which includes all 3, for $80.  www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com

Edited: January 5th, 2011