Light Up The Lyric

The fundraising campaign that managed to raise enough money to restore the Lyric Theatre was called Light Up The Lyric. Those that gave a designated amount, were given a box containing a vintage light bulb such as these as a keepsake. When I photographed there last fall, these bulbs lit up the area underneath the new scaffolding. It wasn't until I combed that group of photos last night that I had a close look at this image. It reminded me of candles in a church. Soon, this fall hopefully, the Lyric will throw open her doors and welcome us all in for a new era and the Lyric will be lit up indeed!

This.....

will light up the Lyric again,  one day very soon. Because of the generous donors, the historic Lyric Theatre will again shine and provide a wonderful venue for our city!

Lighting Up The Lyric

                      

These bulbs were part of the Light Up The Lyric Theatre campaign to restore this 100 year old treasure in downtown Birmingham.  They have been installed and I had great fun trying to figure out how on earth to shoot them!  Thanks to countless donors who gave so generously, the Lyric's goal of 7 million dollars has almost been met. Things are moving forward with the renovation. 

We Lit The Lyric

The façade and new signage for the Lyric is completed and last night Birmingham turned out to watch the lights go on this almost 100 year old beauty.  1.9 million dollars are still needed to reach the goal so please go to Light the Lyric.com to make a donation or just learn more about the restoration of this historical landmark!

Grand Entrance

Serious work in the lobby of the Lyric Theatre has officially begun.  Last Saturday, we found a large hole on the 18th Street side wide open and of course we had to investigate. Shortly after, Glenny Brock stopped by and had to use the "new" entrance!

Play It Again Sam

As our faithful band of curious photographers combed the historic 99 year old Lyric Theatre last Sunday, we moved to the adjoining office building and started exploring. On some of the top floors, where I'd never been before, we found the pipes and parts of an organ and also these xylophones.  Who knows if they will ever be used again but what a great find!

Up On The Roof

Yesterday we gathered another group of enthusiastic photographers for Shoot The Lyric, Part II.  The 99 year old Lyric Theatre as no AC of course so we were a hearty but hot group.  Somehow I was persauded into climbing all six floors of the adjoining office building and........ up on the roof. The breeze was most welcome as was the chance to see our city from that vantage point.  I finally got to see the beautiful detail at the top of the historic Alabama Theatre across the street!

Shoot The Lyric - Part II

If you are a regular follower of this blog, you probably are familiar with the historic Lyric Theatre in downtown Birmingham.  This 98 year old lady started out as a vaudeville theatre and over the years has had many different "lives".  Thanks to Alabama Landmarks and the Light Up The Lyric fundraisers, she will be restored to her former glory by her 100th birthday.  I have had the privilege of photographing this historic place many times, but last week I organized a group of photographers for a Sunday afternoon "Shoot The Lyric" event.  We were allowed to venture into all the safe places in the theatre and adjoining office building.  These enthusiastic photographers will then share some of their photographs with the Light Up The Lyric group and hopefully share on their websites, Facebook pages etc. to bring public awareness to this historic treasure.

Today I share one of my photos of photographers LaTrelle Grayson and Pat Dortch , as they discussed their next shot from the stage.

They Shot The Lyric

L-R Katy, Charlie, Stacy, Patty, Larry, Caroline, LaTrelle, Michael and Pat

Yesterday an enthusiastic group of my photography buddies gathered at the historic Lyric Theatre for a little photo shoot. Thanks to Birmingham Landmark's Glenny Brock for opening on a Sunday afternoon and giving us a little history of this 99 year treasure.  It was hot and dusty but everyone scattered to find what caught their eye.  In return, they will all share some of their photos on blogs, websites and Facebook as well as donate images to Light Up The Lyric's fundraising efforts.

If you would like to make a much needed donation or schedule a tour, contact:brant@alabamatheatre.com

Historic Lyric Theatre

1816 3rd Avenue North

Light Up The Lyric

is the name of the fundraising campaign to help rustle up some much needed funding to renovate the old Lyric Theatre downtown.  This is one of the lovely old light fixtures in the lobby.