A Weekend in Greece.... Let the Dancing Begin

Birmingham has such a strong Greek population, and we love nothing better to join them for their annual Greek Festival. This is the 39th year for this celebration that all of Birmingham looks forward to each year. The Holy Trinity Holy Cross Cathedral is the place you need to be this weekend.  The delicious food is a must and you can drive through and pick it up , but you really need to park and come in to savor the authentic music and dancing.  I joined my dear Greek friends yesterday in order to photograph their grandchildren. I will admit to sipping some nice Greek white wine and bringing  home a large sack of goodies. I 'm thinking I might need one more run down there before the festivities end on Saturday night.

I  hope these photos will please my dear blog friend Costas, Nature Digital, who lives in Athens, Greece and brings us so many wonderful images from his beloved country.

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YROY WEN, KROY WEN!

New York Pizza in the charming Edgewood neighborhood of Homewood, has been dishing up great pizza  and a fine antipasto salad, since 1982. 

And of course, Frank has a song for you today right here.

No Loitering!

Well I suppose even one of Irondale's finest needs a break from the heat like the rest of us.

So Long Summer, 2011

This colorful umbrella and the ice cream stand at the Whistle Stop Festival last weekend, was a reminder that very soon ( maybe) our temps here in Alabama will start to feel more like fall and we'll be shopping for pumpkins!  In the meantime, we are still enjoying warm weather with just a hint of fall, and still buying ice cream!

Koi

A few weekends ago, I did a photo shoot with a former student.  As we explored downtown Birmingham,  I told her that I'd always wanted to shoot the Cathedral of Saint Paul.  She knew about the lovely garden adjoining the church, that I'd never explored!   The koi pond caught my interest as we entered. I hope to make photographs inside this beautiful downtown church in the days to come.

Boy Talk....

about that passing train, I'll bet!

Whistle Stop Festival 

Irondale, AL

The Dancer

Waiting to dance at the Magic City Art Connection.

Update: As luck would have it, I met one of the dancers later today and learned that the name of the dance troupe is Devyani.  

Project Bandaloop - Defying Gravity

Thursday afternoon Project Bandaloop rehearsed for their upcoming performances at The Alys Stepens Performing Arts Center at UAB.  This wasn't just any "dance" performance mind you, the performers' jaw dropping acts were done suspended by ropes off the side of the theater itself. See for yourself.  

This is how their website describes their amazing performance.

Project Bandaloop activates urban and natural environments with perspective-bending body-based live performance. Combining climbing technology, and dynamic physicality, Project Bandaloop turns the dance floor on its side, captivating audiences with site-specific performances in theaters, on buildings, mountains, bridges and structures around the world. Since 1991 artistic director Amelia Rudolph has collaborated with dancers, climbers, musicians and visual artists to redefine dance and performance space and inspire wonder and imagination in large and diverse audiences.

Today Oakland Daily Photo has posted Project Bandaloop from her city. Take a look here

A Gardener's Still LIfe

Spent some time at Christopher Glenn Antiques and Garden on Saturday shooting, and I was tempted to load up my car with these pots, until I remembered my balcony is the size of a phone booth!

Wheelies

Faith Skate Supply on 2nd Avenue North.  Obviously not a place I would normally hang out but it makes for some great photo ops.

David....

I spotted this on the side of the former Jimmie Hale Mission last weekend.  It reminds me of the urban art I've found in Paris, but never seen here in Birmingham. Interesting.

Love Pat

Steve Gilmer, the owner of the wild, wacky and eclectic What's on Second, has two shop pups.  They were just so darn cute peering over the counter at me I spent half the time I was there trying to catch them without motion blur!  I did catch Steve's dear assistant as she was getting ready to take one for a walk. I think her love pat says it all.

This post is for my dear dog loving friend in Gorbio, France......Jilly.  She blogs from Menton FR here, and Monte Carlo here, and features Riviera dogs here.  She and I always have lovely long phone chats while I"m in Paris and we SKYPE now and then.   One day I hope to meet her in person.  I can't wait to visit her  home and meet all of her chers chiens, and the ones she boards ( and loves)  while their owners are away.  Pension Milou must be a very wonderful place... for dogs and friends as well.

Posies For You

Yesterday I strolled the Pepper Place Market with a former photography student. I told her that I fear that I've run out of all the shots I can find there, then I spotted ..........this jar of zinnias!!!!  I'll be right back there next Saturday morning, you can take that to the bank! Happy Sunday everyone.

Looking For a Handout

Last weekend we stopped by photographer Liz Young's booth at Artwalk. Liz specializes in doggy portraits. What could be more fun!  I thought this photographed looked so convincing by the big bowl of dog treats!  I've also featured Liz's work here at Magic City Art Connection.

SWEET!!!

Soho Sweets,  in the family friendly Edgewood neighborhood on Oxmoor Road, is a kid's paradise. I think their colorful tables and chairs outside are a photographer's paradise!  On this drizzly, chilly day, they made me drag out my camera.  A very colorful so long to summer!

I"m gathering a group of photographers for my Snapshots to Photographs class. I'll teach them starting in October for five weeks. This series is designed for amateur photographers with any type digital camera. Want to improve the quality of your photographs? Contact me!

Biker Babes

Last Sunday, my daughter phoned and tipped me off that there might be some interesting characters biking down my street shortly. Sure enough,  the 3rd Annual Ladies Alleycat race was in full swing and one of the checkpoints was just a half  block away.  I walked down and hung out with Ben, one of the "officials" and snapped away.  The guys sported some interesting attire and were happy to show some leg!  This is a fundraiser for Bici Bicycle Cooperative.  Anna Carrigan was nice enough to send me the following information. What a great service they are providing our community!

"The event was a fundraiser for Bici Bicycle Cooperative, our non-profit organization working to make cycling accessible to all people through affordable maintenance, education, and community. The 3rd Annual Kitty Cat ladies alleycat was organized to encourage women to become more of an active part of the cycling community, showing that you can be competitive and crazy and have a great time while riding in our city. Bike racing and riding doesn't have to be a male dominated affair, and it certainly doesn't have to be serious all the time! These races are also an opportunity for the wider public to be exposed to a different type of bike riding compared to what they normally might see. And finally, our races help to create a stronger sense of community amongst cyclists themselves! "

Expressing Himself

On Artwalk weekend - Morris Avenue, it was encouraged!

Snail Mail or Email??

I know it's faster but that email you get on your iPhone can't compare with a letter typed on this great old manual typewriter.

Of course it brought this tune to mind........the Boxtops!

Artwalk 2011 - A Rainbow For Her Cheek

 This is just the first of many images I will share from this past weekend's 10th Art Walk.  I love Artwalk. It gets people downtown and showcases so many artists!  This beautiful little girl was taking part in the hands-on activities for kids of all ages on Morris Avenue.

I was fortunate to be able to take a photography workshop by well known Birmingham photographer,  Karim Shamsi-Basha  . Karim was, as I expected, a wonderful teacher.  We adjourned the class at Art Folk Gallery, and wandered the streets to put into practice what Karim had taught us.  It was a terrific day.  Thank you Karim.

Today is September 11th

Today we remember those that lost their lives on September 11th and those that knew and loved them.

Some Like it HOT!!!

And some like it "medium".  Barron's Original Salsa stand at the Pepper Place is a favorite of mine.  I make several "passes" each Saturday for free chips and salsa. ( I've been accused of always tasting but never buying, which is NOT true!)  When I'm feeling really brave, I opt for the HOT, but most times I settle for  the medium.  Occasionally, I have a seat on the curb across from his stand and wait for some good photo ops to pass by me. If I'm lucky, he'll "deliver" a few for me!  Great guy, great salsa!

Who Shot Rock and Roll

Time is running out.  September 18th is the last day to see the Birmingham Museum of Art's great exhibit, Who Shot Rock and Roll - A Photographic History 1955-Present, get your tickets now!

Thanks to Charlemagne Records in Five Points, the outside of the exhibit is almost as fun as what's inside.  I took up tickets last week and thoroughly enjoyed listening to everyone reminisce as they spotted their favorite old records or album covers.

Red Wheels

1892 Brewster Brougham Coach

Birmingham History Museum

Thomas E. Jernigan Sr. Memorial

Young and Vann Building, 1st Avenue

Alluring....

"...the fish are jumping

and the cotton is high."

George Gershwin

On a Shoestring Antiques and Collectibles

Shades Crest Road, Bluff Park

I'm pleased that My French Life. org had chosen more of my photos for: Waiting in Paris.

Watering Cans

Thanks to Tropical Storm Lee, practically the whole state of Alabama  won't need these for quite a while, but I couldn't resist the photo!  I spotted these at Bellewether, at terrific new shop in English Village.

Bob Hope...On the Road Again!

 

Friday, I was invited to view the newly completed exhibit - Bob Hope, An American Treasure, before it goes on a five year tour around America's historic museums and Presidential Libraries.  Method-1, a division of Expo Displays in Trussville built it incorporating memorabilia from the Hope family and the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museums.  Before it is dismantled and carefully packed in wooden crates, the nice folks at Expo allowed us to come have a look.  What a treat to be able to see video footage that chronicles Bob's career, but to also see the very special artifacts that the family has shared with the public. A special thanks to our friend Stewart Knox, who gave us the tour and helped with the design process.

Be watching, it could come to your city. You won't want to miss it!

A Cool Spot to Dine

This cool and inviting fountain at Bottega Restaurant and Café on Highland Avenue, is sure to be more popular for outdoor dining as the weather cools here in Birmingham. I can hardly wait!

The Lyric Theatre Series - Time to Exit

Today marks the end of this series. I hope you have enjoyed the tour through this grand old place. Of course,  I will keep you up to date on the latest restoration efforts.  For now.... we must exit.  We will return to our regular programming tomorrow.  Thank you for your kind comments this week.

The Lyric Theatre Series - The Photographer's Eye

This last trip to the Lyric Theatre, my photography buddies Mike, LaTrelle and Rip joined me.  As I was leaving the hallway that led to the balcony, Mike Callahan was setting up his next photograph.  I got off a quick shot (without my tripod, as usual)  as I went down the stairs.

For my Birmingham readers... coming soon!


 FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS

My five week classes are designed just for you, the amateur photographer who wants to start taking better photographs.  Maybe it's vacation photos or precious family memories.  Email me for further information!

CDP Theme Day - Perspective

Today is the first of the month and by now, you know that means.... Theme Day for all the daily photobloggers around the world.  This month's theme is PERSPECTIVE, and in keeping with my Lyric Theater series, I found a photo that fits both...I hope!  The stage floodlights are still in working order, or rather some of them are!  When the renovation is complete, I'm sure they will all be aglow.

Here are two excellent videos that you will enjoy here and here.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants