The weather for Mardi Gras 2010 has not been the most agreeable, but what's a little rain (or snow for that matter) to intrepid maskers and parade-goers? Carnival goes on no matter what Mother Nature throws at us!
While there is no better way to experience the excitement and joy of Mardi Gras than front and center at the barricades, the City of Mobile has made it possible to enjoy the parades from the comfort of your office or living room. A web cam with streaming video of each parade has been set up on Royal Street. You won't come away with any throws, but with 17 parades between now and Fat Tuesday, the virtual parade experience might help you make it through them all.
A sure sign that things will soon be getting back to normal for the Port City is the plethora of events coming up that have nothing to do with Mardi Gras. Be sure to check out the listings below. Isn't it wonderful to have so much to choose from all year long?
For complete Mardi Gras parade schedules and routes, and live video, visit the City of Mobile website.
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Development Buzz
New Projects and Developments Downtown
The recently vacant Hurricane Brewery building is undergoing a face-lift with fresh paint and some interior remodeling. Owner Henry Arrington is still working toward reopening the brewery, but will need some help from the Alabama legislature and fans of micro-breweries.
A bill has been introduced that would allow the sale of local brew on premises to retail customers and off premises to wholesalers. This flexibility would energize the micro-breweries across Alabama. To read the entire bill, HB 406, and find out how you can help, click here.
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In other development news:
The New Orleans based law firm of Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr and Smith is in the process of opening an office in the Regions Tower. The firm specializes in defense work for the maritime and energy industries.
Downtown Mobile's creative class continues to grow with the addition of the Hunter Belle & Moorer Agency. The full service marketing and advertising firm will be located at 560 Dauphin Street.
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Retail Happenings
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment News
The Paper Wasp at 306 Dauphin Street has become one of downtown's most successful new art galleries, featuring exquisite hand made journals, silk scarves and other practical works of art. A new partnership will add another dimension to this artful enterprise.
The Paper Wasp will be working with Ashland Gallery to bring custom framing to the Cathedral Square Arts District. Framing will be offered Monday - Thursday from 11-4pm or by appointment.
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In other retail happenings:
Celebrate the release of the movie "The Lightning Thief" at
Bienville Books on Friday, Feb. 12 from 5 to 6:00 p.m. Fans of the series are invited to drop in, get a free promotional gift (while supplies last) and register to win a SIGNED hardcover copy of "The Lightning Thief." One item per customer please. Drawing held at 6:00 p.m. and you must be present to win. Note: Please be advised,
the store is INSIDE of the parade route so plan on staying for the Crewe of Columbus Parade.
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If you're looking for a conversation-starter that doubles as a book bag, head to Bienville Books. Their new Reading is Sexy bag is a little too racy to display here, but is sure to put a new spin on the bookish among us.
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Heroes Sports Bar and Grille is making a bold move by going smoke free on Ash Wednesday. Owner David Rasp says he has been wanting to limit smoking in his dining rooms for some time. "It's a better experience for diners and our employees if they don't have to deal with second-hand smoke," he says. The air will be a little fresher at Rasp's second restaurant, Royal Scam, in August. While smoking will still be allowed on the deck and in the courtyard, the move may help lay the groundwork in the larger effort to ban smoking in all area restaurants.
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At the Crescent Theater:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
February 5 - February 18
Show times: 9:00 p.m.
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Shutter Island
Leonardo DiCaprio
February 19 - March 4
Showtimes: 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Weekend matinee: 2:00 p.m.
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A Single Man
Colin Firth and Julianne Moore
March 5 - March 11
Showtimes: 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Weekend matinee: 2:00 p.m.
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Holiday Decorating Adds Appeal
For years we've been highlighting examples of good design and careful attention to detail in our urban setting because the small things often make the biggest difference. Who would have thought planting flowers in the tree wells along Dauphin Street would have had such a completely transformative effect? The same is true of our building fronts and windows. Does your building say, "Something creative is happening here?," as is the case with the Mardi Gras decorations at the Bellwether Group. Does it invite a passerby to open the door to explore further? Or does your building say, "I really don't have time to present an interesting and engaging presence."
The business and building owners listed below certainly understand the importance of creating an atmosphere of fun and festivity. We invited everyone downtown to participate in a holiday decorating contest in December and were impressed with the quality of the entries. Congratulations to the winners who helped make the holiday experience a special one for all who came downtown.
Best Decorated Hotel - Exterior
Hampton Inn
Best Decorated Hotel - Interior
Battle House Hotel
Best Decorated Empty Building
54 St. Emanuel Street (Central Optical)
Best Decorated Office - Large
Hargrove Engineers + Constructors
Best Decorated Office - Large
Lyons, Pipes & Cook
Best Decorated Eatery
Royal Scam
Best Decorated Coffee House
Mostly Muffins
Best Decorated Shopfront
Inside Up
Best Decorated Confectioner
A & M Peanut Shop
Best Decorated Financial Institution
Whitney Bank
Best Decorated Arts Facility
Larkins Music Center
Best Decorated Art Gallery
The Paper Wasp
Best Decorated Retail Service Provider
Dauphine Shoeteria
Best Decorated Office - Small
Kangal & Associates
The following businesses were awarded Honorable Mention:
Best Decorated Eatery
Spot of Tea
Best Decorated Coffeehouse
Serda's Coffee Company
Best Decorated Financial Institution
Coastal Bank & Trust
Best Decorated Arts Facility
Crescent Theater
Best Decorated Retail Service Provider
Royal Barbers
Best Decorated Office - Small
Wellborn Ideas
MDi Media Group
Ezell House
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Condo Financing Available
One of the biggest challenges for the housing market, especially condominiums, is securing financing. Steven Barr, the developer of St. Louis Lofts at 308 St. Louis Street, has arranged with BB&T Mortgage a process by which qualified buyers can buy a unit with 10 percent down payment, no private mortgage insurance and competitive rates.
It may be just the nudge we need to get some of the unsold inventory downtown filled with new residents!
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Upcoming Events
Happenings in and around Downtown
ArtWalk
Friday, February 12, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Cathedral Square Arts District
Bring the entire family down for great art, live music, and a community event that brings together all three in beautiful downtown Mobile. New shows promise intrigue at Space 301, Blue Velvet Studio, the Mobile Arts Council, Serda's, and many more of the 25 participating venues.
Step inside galleries, Ed Edward's glass studio, and unique shops to see, hear and sometimes even taste the culinary delights that only Mobile can offer.
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Bonsai 101
Wednesday, February 17, 10:30 - 11:30
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Learn about the history and basics of Bonsai from area Bonsai experts. Members of the Mobile Bonsai Society will have examples of their work. The hour long program will be held in the Magnolia Cafe and begin at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are requested.
All Winter Wednesday programs are free for Members and $11 for non-members which includes Gardens admission for the day of the program. There are additional charges to tour the Bellingrath Museum Home.
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Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers
Sunday, February 21, 2:00 p.m.
Ben May Main Library
Trimpin: The Sound of Invention with Peter Esmonde, producer/director. The film explores the outrageous work and agile mind of a wildly creative artist/inventor/composer/engineer. Recipient of a MacArthur "Genius" award and many other accolades, Trimpin (who uses only his last name)combines music-making machines and kinetic sculpture with homegrown computer technology. For more information go to
www.trimpin.com or call 208-7097.
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ROBERT CRAY
Saturday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.
Saenger Theater
Returning to the Saenger after a 2 year absence is one of the Saenger's favorites - Robert Cray.
As ever with Robert Cray's undefinable sound, the music on This Time remains stubbornly beyond category. He has been internationally admired as a stylist whose innovations have brought new life to the blues, and such punchy outings as "Chicken in the Kitchen" and "That's What Keeps Me Rockin'" should satisfy the most demanding blues fans.
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CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE
February 23rd and 24th
Mobile Civic Center
When George and his friends (including THE MAN WITH THE YELLOW HAT) come to life on stage, your whole family is in for the adventure of a lifetime! Come and experience for the first time ever the beloved world of Curious George Live on stage!
Three performances:
Tuesday, February 23 - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 24 - 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 24 - 7:00 p.m.
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GEORGE JONES WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOE DIFFIE
Thursday, February 25, 7:30 p.m.
Saenger Theater
Jones first hit the charts in 1955 with "Why, Baby, Why." He just celebrated his 50th Anniversary as a recording artist in 2004 with the release of a 3-CD set entitled GEORGE JONES 50 YEARS OF HITS which featured one hit for each year of his career.
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Colonial Day at Fort Condé
February 26, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Show your students what life was like in Colonial Mobile at this fun, FREE, festive, and educational event at Fort Condé. Watch the musket and cannon demonstrations, and participate in activities such as: candle making, writing with a quill pen, dressing up in colonial clothing, playing colonial games, and more! See live farm animals and talk to colonial re-enactors! For more information, call the Education Department at (251) 208-7723.
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MURDER AT THE FRUITCAKE INN
Friday, February 26, 7:00 PM
Mobile Carnival Museum
Welcome to the Fruitcake Inn in the quaint little town of Fruitcake, Louisiana. The Fruitcake Inn is home to some strange but lovable characters. Some of the strangest residents come out of their rooms to help out but lead to more confusion and laughter.
$57.00 Per person includes a tour of the museum, an unlimited wine bar, a delicious meal from The Pillars Restaurant and two hours of hilarity performed by the MMD Players.
For more information call 251-479-321.
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The Mobile Symphony Presents "French Connection"
Saturday, February 27, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 28, 2:30 p.m.
Let guest conductor Emil de Cou transport you to France with some of the greatest masterpieces of French symphonic repertoire - Franck's Symphony, Debussy's sensuous Afternoon of a Faun, and Ravel's irresistibly exciting Bolero. An evening of voluptuous musical delights!
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Indigo Girls And Brandi Carlile
Tuesday, March 2, 7:00 p.m.
Saenger Theater
Huka Entertainment and AEG Live bring back this blockbuster line up for the second time! It's been two decades since the Indigo Girls launched their career with their independently released debut album, 1987's Strange Fire. Now, after entertaining millions of fans with their 10 major-label studio albums (nine on Epic Records and one, 2006's Despite Our Differences, on Hollywood Records), Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have come full circle with the independent release of their new 2-CD album, Poseidon And The Bitter Bug.
For ticket information click here.
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DINOS AFTER DARK
Thursday, March 4, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 22, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Scientists today are unsure of many of the nocturnal activities of dinosaurs, but with the Gulf Coast Exploreum's new fundraiser, area residents can now find out for themselves. Presented by IberiaBank, "Dinos After Dark" is a roaring fundraiser where the 21 and older crowd can enjoy live entertainment, food and drink while supporting programs that benefit underserved children.
General admission for $25 includes two adult beverage tickets and allows patrons to visit the Dinosaurs Downtown exhibit and see the Dinosaurs Alive IMAX film, which is presented by WKRG News 5.
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Playhouse in the Park Presents: Beauty and the Beast
Friday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.
Saenger Theater
Mobile's Playhouse in the Park will present an all-new original staging of Beauty and the Beast Beauty, a beloved classic French fairy tale about Belle, a lovely maiden who promises her allegiance to a frightening, lonely beast in order to save her father's life.
A cast of 100 local youth ranging from age 6 - 20s will perform this original production with music and lyrics by Managing Director Danny Mollise and Musical Director Scott Jolly. The Playhouse original musical version takes place in antebellum New Orleans with a Mardi Gras theme.
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ACADEMY AWARDS NIGHT AT THE CRESCENT THEATER
Sunday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.
Crescent Theater, 208 Dauphin Street
Grab your closest friends, rent an limo and head for Oscar Night, Port City style. The Crescent Film Society is hosting an Academy Awards party at the historic theater with food, beverages, red carpet photos and Hollywood glamor.
VIP tickets are $100 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres, valet parking, an open bar and front row seats. Oscar Fan tickets are $50 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres, prime seating and a cash bar.
Contact Carol Hunter at
[email protected] for more information, or to make reservations.
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Gabriel Iglesias
Thursday, March 11, 8:00pm
Mobile Civic Center
Gabriel Iglesias has been described as unbelievably funny, electrifying, and a gifted performer who has the ability to consistently deliver a quality comedy experience in every venue he performs in. His high-octane show is a hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring all his personal issues to life. Gabe's clean, animated comedy style has earned national crossover appeal.
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Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance
Saturday, March 13, 7:30 p.m.
Mobile Civic Center
Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance tour -- the international Irish dancing phenomenon that has performed sold out shows at theatres, arenas and stadiums in more than 45 countries -- is returning to theaters across the United States for its 11th consecutive year. More than 55 million people worldwide have seen Lord of the Dance, coming off an extremely successful and highly acclaimed four-year residency in Las Vegas - with an estimated 5 million people attending the show.
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Gallery and Museum Exhibits
CSS Alabama Cannon Coming Home to Mobile
Museum of Mobile
One of the guns of the confederate raider, CSS Alabama has returned to the home of its captain, Admiral Raphael Semmes. The CSS Alabama sank in about 200 feet of water off Cherbourg, France, after an engagement with the Union's USS Kearsage on June 11, 1864. The recovered artifacts, many of them already on display at The Museum of Mobile, provide information about the CSS Alabama's construction, her technologies, armaments and the lives of those who served on her. Through archaeological projects such as the CSS Alabama excavation we share the story of our past.
The city carpenters and the Museum staff are currently building a cannon carriage for its display. They expect the gallery renovation to be complete sometime this summer.
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Pillars of the Community
Mobile's Greek Revival Movement
Museum of Mobile
111 S. Royal Street
The love affair of the city and its architecture is a story retold in The Museum of Mobile's newest temporary exhibit, Pillars of the Community-Mobile's Greek Revival Movement.
As a companion piece to the new book by John Sledge, The Pillared City - Greek Revival Mobile, the exhibit explores the people who in the 1820s changed the region physically from a fortified colonial town to a more modern American city. Images of the South made popular in books and films receive new attention as the visitor is introduced to a cast of characters from the real-life saga of how the face of the South was transformed to its lasting iconic perfection.
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Moving Vehicles
Through Sunday, March 7
Space 301, 301 Conti Street
Curated by Mia Kaplan, Co-Owner, AMMO Gallery, New Orleans, LA
When we think of "Moving Vehicles", we think of something mechanical, or of transportation. We become aware of the presence of something that is in motion, driven by a mysterious science. How often do we think of each other? Each one of us is a moving vehicle in our own right - an entity that is similarly mechanical, driven by events, beliefs, propaganda, goals, and an array of possibilities. What evidence has been left of these experiences? What vehicles have we created on our own, both literally and with the metaphor provided, that have taken us to where we are now?
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Have a Heart for Art: MAC Displays Student Art
February 1 - February 26
Mobile Arts Council, 318 Dauphin Street
Art by students from 29 public and private schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties brightens the galleries at Mobile Arts Council during the month of February. The show was organized by the Bay Area Art Educators and features work by students of 17 members.
The exhibition will be on display from Monday, February 1 through Friday, February 26, with a reception set for 6 to 9 PM, Friday, February 12, during the LoDa ArtWalk. Arts Council offices are located at 318 Dauphin St. and are open Monday through Friday, 9 AM until 5 PM, except for Monday and Tuesday, February 15 and 16. Admission is free.
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