57 - Valley Planet

Transcription

57 - Valley Planet

READ THE PLANET, IT’S FREE!
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
WWW.VALLEYPLANET.COM
September 7 - September 28, 2006
Jam Line Up
Theatre Huntsville’s Noises Off
Oktoberfest
IN THIS ISSUE
Roller Derby Revenge
Party of One
News of the
Weird
Dr. Anarcho
Eric Rhodes
Letter from the Publisher
It is already September! So many clichés I could run off right now, but, alas, I shall not
bore you with those. If you are looking for something to do, this issue is Jam packed,
so make sure to look through it all.
203 Grove Ave., Huntsville Al, 35801, phone 256.533-4613
Publisher
Jill Wood
Calendar
Leslie Parks
Distribution
Charlotte Griffin
Graphics & Layout
Want a free Valley Planet T-shirt? Be one of the first three to register on the
Valley Planet forums with a new topic and you are a winner! Simply go to
www.valleyplanet.com., click on forums, register, make up a topic and you can WIN!
Want to be a Robert LaSalle groupie? They are going on tour, so join the many on the
several school buses taking a trip to 12th and Porter in Nashville on September 14th.
Road Trip. Why not?
Frances Damian
Big Spring Jam? Yea, I’ll be there. Thanks for your support.
Contributors
Sybil
Aka: Jill
Tony Ferrari
Jeanie Kezo
Jennifer Roberts
Alfred C. Dodson III
Linda Haynes
Jim Zielinski
Roy Thomas
James Spagnola
Ricky Thomason
Allison Gregg
Fifi Bordeaux
Steve Moulton
Steve Sparkman
Billy Joe Cooley
Delorde Booker
Liv Lanier
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in beautiful & sunny Pulaski, Tennessee.
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Reproduction or use without our permission
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Planet or its staff. The Valley Planet is not
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in the archives section. You may reach
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256-533-4613
2
The Big “Valley Planet/HYP Nightmare on Clinton” City-Wide Halloween event is once
again getting near. So start picking out your costumes for a for sure fun time. This
year’s Nightmare on Clinton will actually be at the Round House on Church Street
and will be on Saturday, October 28th. It is a rain or shine event so there will be no
weather issues. ( All you skimpily clad trick or treaters will be “covered”.) Even bigger
this year, the event will have Hashbrown and other bands playing, food, wine, beer,
scary movies and of course, Huntsville’s biggest costume contest.
In The Planet
THE VALLEY PLANET
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
September 7 - September 27
NEXT ISSUE September 28, 2006
Page 3
Page 4
Gossip, On the Cover, Big Spring Jam
Line Up
Unchained Maladies
Page 5
Page 8
Word on the Street, Big Spring Jam,
Clear Blue Water
Nothing To Do??, Madison County
Women Power of Heart
The Terrifying Enchantment of Eric
Rhodes
Yellowcard
Page 10
Baadassss!, American Spirit II
Page 11
Page 19
Blood Drive, Bright Lights, Big City, The
Belle of Amherst
How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Red
Hot Revenge!!!
Dr. Anarcho’s
Page 20
Where were you in 1991?
Page 21
Single & Fabulous
Page 22
Party of One
Page 23
Events
Page 24
Listings
Page 26
News of the Weird
Page 6
Page 7
Page 18
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
THE VALLEY PLANET
Gossip
By Billy Joe Cooley
T
he Rison-Dallas Reunion sure
sparkled this year. We sat next
to Jerry (and Ina) Crabtree.
Jerry is a bigshot lawman in Coffee
County, Tenn. We recalled many stories
of his sheriffing days here. TV legend
Dick Curtis, was there, as was Mayor
Loretta Spencer and ex-Sen. Bill
King, now of B‚ham. Our speaker was
Maj. Gen. James Pillsbury (bossman
at Redstone Arsenal). And of course
Sherry Robison Bibby was there, as
was her mom Geneva Robison. And
the Burkett sisters Brenda Elder
and Betty. Dr. Parker Griffith, now
a politician, showed up, as did John
D. Honey, who has been transplanted
to Tennessee. Then as we were going
for desserts, there stood the legendary
Hazel Turney Ward and our favorite
neighbor, Marguerite Lockmiller
Parker.
  
Oops! Type lice got into our keyboard
in the last column and Kyle Turner‚s
name got misspelled. He did a fine job
of acting in Captain Fantastic‚ anyway.
THE VALLEY PLANET
Gary Bridge writes from Martinsburg,
W.Va., asking about our former
councilwoman Jane Mabry. Haven’t
seen her lately.
We crossed paths the other day with the
impressive Joanna Broad, who once
worked for David Milly’s Theatrical
Lighting Systems.
  
It’s good to see so many dog lovers
at Concerts in the Park‚ Marty
Steadman was there last week with
her beautiful rescue dog, Simba, And
Paul Little was there with his Casey.
 
Then came the season’s final Sidewalk
Art Stroll which brought thousands of
people to the courthouse square. The
first person we saw was Michael Lee
Davis, who bragged on the beauty of
our Jenny the Wolfdog. Actor John
Howard was there with James Desta,
Jenny Strickin and others helping to
ballyhoo “You’re a Good Man Charlie
Brown,” an independent play being
staged the weekend of Sept. 29 at Lee
High School. Other strollers included
the amazing Gary and Becky Adams,
with their engineering sons Matt (wife
Tonya) and Preston (with galpal
Vicky Pinson). Among the impressive
local artists was Phil Dotts‚ pal
Huntsville High grad Harold Turner,
now an A&M student “inspired by God
and community.”  
  
Our longtime TV engineering pal Gary
Wright drove up from Hattiesburg
last weekend to attend a grandkid’s
wedding.
#090706092806
On the Cover
The artist on the cover is Stephen Sparkman, a 26 yr old local
artist. He graduated from Butler High in 1998 and attended art
classes at Calhoun College in Decatur. His art style is professionally known as ‘sequential art’ better known as comic style, being
trained by professional comic artists. He has worked in everything
from pencils/charcoal to oil paints.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
3
Unchained
Maladies
Ricky Thomason
I have proof. A couple of miracles
happened.
Darkside stared in disbelief two years
ago when he first saw my wedding
ring. “You got married? No way. Not
you. Anybody but you. You’re like me
- way too crazy for anyone to love or
live with. You’ve already proven that at
least once.”
Writes
Dark Side
“Not if you find the right one.”
T
here’s someone for everyone. I
believe that - especially now.
And he answered, “The right one for
you would have to be nuts, too.”
We called him “Darkside.” He had
a morbid fascination with all things
unholy.
“Yeah, Darkside, that’s true, but my
man Delbert McClinton sang it this
way. ‘I know my baby’s crazy, but she’s
the same kind of crazy as me.’ Believe
me. There really is someone out there
for everyone.”
Serial killers were a favorite: Dahmer,
Ramierez, Bundy and Ed Gein and all
in between.
Like Bonnie for Clyde? Like Courtney
for Kurt? Rock Hudson for Gomer?
Shazaam!
He read everything he could find about
them. The top of his big-screen TV was
a shrine to his favorite horror movie
serial killers. Busts of Leatherface,
Jason, Freddy Kruger, and more
surrounded a plastic tombstone. Black
Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne’s mascaracaked eyes watched over all from the
wall.
Darkside was raised in a strict -- a
very strict -- Christian home. His mom
and dad obeyed some fundy fire and
brimstone preacher / nut combo who
decried the evils of God-cursed rock
and roll. They made a front yard pyre
of the fifteen year old’s fantasy comic
books, and rock records and put them
to the torch.
There’s a funny thing about kids raised
in oppressive religious environments;
sometimes parents create what they fear
most and try hardest to prevent.
Darkside swore his allegiance to the
fallen angel. If it was self-destructive,
he wanted it. Too much wasn’t enough.
His stated ambition was to turn sixteen,
quit school, move to Las Vegas and
become a heroin addict.
By any measure, he succeeded beyond
his wildest dreams. He plunged
countless needles into his tattooed arms,
and rode a black-tar dragon for ten lost
years - the last two of them homeless on
Sin City’s mean streets, a place where
life is cheap, and often worthless.
He paid for the high cost of low living
in various ways, among them selling
speed, weed, whatever you need to
high school kids. He was the one
mama warned them about, and they
were glad to find him at last.   He told
me that you’d be surprised at what
sweet-looking sixteen year old girls
are willing, eager to do for a chance to
buy a quarter from a bad boy dealer ten
years their senior.
He slumbered on the edge as the Grim
Reaper slid in like a dark shadow and
harvested the lost souls of his friends
4
He didn’t believe it. “Not for me,” he
declared, sadly.
artwork by Debbie West
- such friends as a junkie may have.
He awakened lying next to Saviourless
dead men and women with the spikes
that crucified them still stuck in their
arms. Captain Jack will take you back
tonight. Just a little push and you’ll be
dying.
He could not shake the feeling that
death whispered in his ear “Don’t
change a thing.” The real Terminator
told him “I’ll be back.”
Ten years is three lifetimes for a junkie.
Darkside discovered that he didn’t
really want to die after all, that he really
did care. He knew he had to lose the
monkey. He moved back to Alabama
and was welcomed back home like
the prodigal son that he was. He went
to a doctor and answered all questions
truthfully.
Ever share needles?
“If one time -- two-hundred.”
Ever have
prostitutes?
unprotected
sex
with
“If with one, two hundred.”
Unsafe tattoos?
Darkside held out his arms, both
covered solid from shoulder to wrist
with tats. One of his fellow addicts
and roommates was a tattoo artist
who traded work for rent and food and
poison for body, mind, and soul.
He sweated and shivered on his dad’s
couch for a cold-turkey month.
Against all odds, regular tests find
him HIV and Hepatitis free. He has
remained so for the past eight years.
There’s something a hard living punk
doesn’t think or care about when
he’s getting his arms tattooed into
permanent long sleeves; it’s hard to
find a decent job when you look like
that. No matter how good a worker
you are - and he is a very good worker
- prospective employers take one look
and say, “Not no, but hell no.”
As he tells it, the ones hardest on him
were the Sunday Morning Christians,
the God Squad of politics: the Jesus
loves me but can’t stand you bunch.
There’s certain smug moral superiority
about them that excludes forgiveness
and second chances for the fallen. That
crap may have been all right for Jesus,
but it don’t get it now, Scooter. They’ve
kidnapped Christ and reeducated
Him. In a holy version of Stockholm
Syndrome, the Lord has finally seen the
light as they shine it through the stained
glass of their million dollar churches.
As he pointed out, “If I’m going to have
to spend eternity with them, I’d rather
go to hell.”
“Say what?”
“I ‘ve found the woman for me. I want
to bring her by to meet you and Lisa
before we leave for California.”
“Someone tell you ‘Californy is the
place you ought to be’?”
They stopped by. Nicole is the perfect
match for him. She, too is a wounded
duck, but recovered, pretty, intelligent,
and articulate. One the first things she
did was ask Darkside what satan had
done for him lately.
She’s also very spiritual. She told
Darkside, “Dammit, man, Jesus loves
your ass.” She quotes scripture fluently
and curses eloquently at the same time.
She talks a little loud when she’s
excited, too. Like I said, the perfect
match. They called us from San Diego
last week. Life is good. They’ve settled
in, both found good jobs, are getting
the golden nuggets, and are the second
happiest couple I know.
Godspeed, Nicole and Jay. Y’all take
care of each other.
Amen.
Before you get your choir robe in a knot,
let me point out that not all Christians
feel that way, just the ones making most
of the racket. Some practice what they
preach, if you will.
Quiet lives bear louder witness than
shouted words.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
A few months ago, Darkside called me.
He sounded so happy and upbeat that
I almost didn’t catch who it was. He
yelled, “I got someone I want you and
Lisa to meet.” He always did talk a little
loud when he was excited. “I found her
- or she found me -- just like you said
would happen.”
#090706092806
Ricky Thomason is a freelance writer from
Huntsville. Email Rick at
ricky.thomason@valleyplanet.com.
Let Ricky know what you think at our forums at
www.valleyplanet.com.
THE VALLEY PLANET
WORD ON THE STREET
By James Spagnola of SWOOP/Life Cycles
W
hen we think of crime, we
tend to base crime rates on
what we see on television and
sometimes outside on our own streets.
Some claim that the state of the world
is chaotic and imbalanced. There is
plenty of evidence of chaos and I would
naturally agree that watching the news
and living in some communities would
render one as a pessimist over time, but
it hasn’t quite gotten to me yet.
We have media that influences society
by keeping them “current”, and like
most people, if you can’t keep up with
the Jones’ you’re ostracized form what
is considered “normal”. The problem
is a catch22. If we believe media to be
an accurate representation of life as a
whole then ultimately we would become
ingrained in a world of negativity and
commercial control.
We shouldn’t live in a world of such
discontent. Outside the windows and
doors of our homes we have a beautiful
world full of good opportunities.
Options for a better life exist outside the
walls, either physical or psychological
and best of all they are free and easily
obtainable.
By Roy Thomas
Redstone Federal Credit Union
This month, I’m advocating for
something a little off the wall. It has
to do with youth, bicycles, and art....
you know, all the things I usually write
about. I’m calling out to the community
to help support the construction of a
BMX bicycle dirt track. Here youth
and adults can come to safely practice
their BMX and mountain biking skills.
Anyone else interested, drop me a line!
The second thing is help crating a good
old fashioned “zine”. The Valley Planet
is a wonderful source for entertainment
news, perspectives and editorials, but
in addition to these resources we need
a mini-mag in which to accommodate
youth art and culture. I’m not talking
about sports news, and school events;
I’m talking about a good old raw minimag featuring art, poetry, rants and
political perspectives. Please tell your
kids, or if you are under 21 send in some
materials to the SWOOP space at Lowe
Mill, we need art, poetry perspective
and rants for the first edition! Kids need
outlets, heck I’m still a kid and I’m still
looking for outlets in which to develop
my talents. So if anyone is in support
of this and has a little extra time to help
develop some ideas on the bike track
and the mini-mag, please do not hesitate
to call or email me at 256-348-5189, or
jungle378@yahoo.com
B
ig Spring Jam 2006 is now upon
us and it looks like there will be
a lot of great talent performing in
downtown Huntsville.
Big Spring Jam has been a part of the
Huntsville cultural and entertainment
scene for many years, and it seems to
get better and better each year with “big
name” artists coming to perform and
thousands of people arriving in town
for a weekend of good music that is
pleasing to a large audience.
I’ll age myself a little by remembering
when Joan Jett and the Blackhearts came
to The University of North Alabama in
Florence for a concert during the early
90’s when I was going to school there.
So, when I saw her name on the list of
performers, it brought back some fond
memories….along with Kool and the
Gang.
The first one to call and
leave a message with
the correct identity of
the new Valley Planet
writer pictured with Jill
receives a Valley Planet
T-Shirt! 533-4613
If you’re planning to attend the Big
Spring Jam this year, Redstone Federal
Credit Union will have our Mobile ATM
on site. You never know when you’ll
need some extra cash to spend, and
it’s a great way for us here at Redstone
to show our continued support to our
members, the community, and to Big
Spring Jam.
It looks like there will be a variety
of musical interests at the Jam this
year and hopefully, the weather will
cooperate.
Speaking of ATM’s, just down the road
from where Big Spring Jam is being
held, construction of our new ATM on
Andrew Jackson Way is finished. The
technology in this new ATM is the first
of its kind for us at Redstone Federal
Credit Union and the first of its kind
in North Alabama. Please drop by and
use the new ATM. We’re very happy
to be a part of the vibrant Five Points
area in Huntsville. We have many loyal
members in Five Points and we are
excited about the opportunity to better
serve them.
Have a good time at Big Spring Jam.
I’m planning to go to hear a few
performances and remember some fond
music from my generation.
CLEAR BLUE WATER
This brings me to the reality that is
outside in our communities. Visions
of hope, glimpses of joy and actual
displays of full order are just around
the corner in almost every community.
But in areas where one looks and sees
no place to turn, that vacancy indicates
a need for a service. Huntsville has a
vast variety of these resources. Some
of them are obvious and some of them
are not. I know that I’m learning about
new ones every day....Why, just the
other day I discovered that we have the
national center for “caving” right here
in Huntsville! I’m not big on caving, or
spelunking, but this is a great example
of the tiny subcultures we have in
Huntsville.
Big Spring Jam
THE VALLEY PLANET
#090706092806
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
5
Nothing to Do??
By Leslie Parks
I
t’s official! September is the best
month of 2006. Well, at least until
October gets here and I change my
mind. (I’m a woman… I’m entitled to
change my mind repeatedly. That’s what
we do.) There’s so much happening in
September and most of the good stuff
is outside – bonus! I don’t know about
you but I’m sick of hiding behind an
air conditioner promising myself “I’ll
get back out there when things cool
down again.” The time has come! I
have a couple of really good weekends
planned and since I’m feeling social I
think I’ll share.
On Friday night, September 15th, I’m
headed down to Redstone Arsenal for
their 11th Annual Oktoberfest. (It
actually runs four days, from September
14th-17th.) Admission on Friday and
Saturday is $10; Thursday and Sunday
are only $8. Admission includes free
parking, free carnival rides, and free
entertainment. (Don’t you just love free
stuff? How can you resist?) I’ve never
quite understood why it’s not called
Septemberfest or why they don’t just
have it in Oktober, though. Probably
some top-secret military thing that has
to do with rocket science or Werner
Von Braun. No matter. All I know is I
went last year and had a blast riding the
rides in the rain under the influence of
German beer. It’s a good time waiting
to happen and I’m sure there’s a sausage
with your name on it somewhere on
the midway. Go find it! (If you need
more info or want a coupon for $1
off admission try this website: http:
//www.redstonemwr.com/)
You’re
welcome.
Of course you want to have a good time
at Oktoberfest on Friday night (and
you should, I’m definitely suggesting
you have a German beer or two at the
least.) but don’t blow it out so hard
that you can’t get up at a decent time
on Saturday morning (the 16th) to head
out to Madison. Don’t know how to
get to Madison? It’ll be easy enough;
just follow all the motorcycles from
the Trail of Tears Commemorative
Ride. They’ll be gathering in Madison
at two Halfway/Lunch stops in the
Publix and old K-Mart parking lots
beginning at about 10am. The Trail of
Tears Motorcycle ride grew from one
mans desire to bring public awareness
to the history of Native Americans in
our area. From 8 riders in 1994 to over
150,000 today I would say Jerry Davis
of Scottsboro definitely achieved his
goal.
Once all the motorcycles are on their
way to Waterloo you should head on
back to Huntsville and check out the
Monte Sano Art Show up at the State
Park. Admission to the show is free and
there’ll be all kinds of art for sale in
addition to music and food. It’s a great
excuse to go up on the mountain. If
you’re looking for another excuse you
could put on some boots and check out
Huntsville’s newest hiking trail while
you’re up there. Trough Springs Trail
has been in the works since several
Eagle Scouts began working on it back
in 2002. Completed in August as a joint
project of the Huntsville Land Trust,
Monte Sano State Park and Burritt on
the Mountain; Trough Springs Trail is
a mile long hike that ends at the exact
spot on Monte Sano where about 150
Confederate soldiers surrendered to
Union forces in 1885. Not to worry…
I’ve spent hours running all the different
Land Trust Trails on Monte Sano and
I’ve never been bothered by Union
forces. You’ll probably be fine.
OK, so you’ve seen some motorcycles,
you’ve bought some art and you’ve
narrowly escaped being captured by
Union Forces. You should probably go
home and take a nap to rest up for one
of the most fun nights of the year. At 7:
30pm you’ll wanna pull out those same
hiking boots from earlier in the day and
put them back on before you head out
to historic Three Caves Quarry for the
Huntsville Land Trust’s 7th Annual
Moon Over Three Caves Dance. (A
$50 donation will get you a ticket to
this party. Don’t wait, it always sells
out and you can’t buy tickets at the
door!) Theatrical Lighting will once
again be illuminating the caves and
it’s an awesome sight to see them in all
their glory. Come hungry because at the
mouth of the caves you’ll find plenty of
Smokey’s Barbeque with all the fixins’
so you can pig out. (There are also
plenty of adult beverages to wash all
that BBQ down!) A little deeper in the
caves you’ll find the silent auction (only
it’s not so silent as you might think with
all the people saying “Look at this!” or
“Dammit… outbid again!”) Kozmic
Mama completes the night with great
music for dancing under the stars. I
mean, really, who doesn’t love Kozmic
Mama? Only those who haven’t heard
them yet. What’s the best part of this
6
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
party? I don’t know… can’t narrow
it down to just one thing. Go! See for
yourself. It’s a blast and a half that I’ve
been looking forward to for months…
I would be remiss if I didn’t at least
mention that hum drum little music
festival that’ll be going on downtown
from September 22nd through the 24th.
So, just in case you live under a rock
and haven’t heard, Huntsville will be
having a hum drum little music festival
that weekend for the 14th year in a
row. You know, the one with 5 stages
and 92 bands that lasts for 3 days.
Big Spring something or other. (http://
www.bigspringjam.org/) Yeah… that’s
the one. Small, tiny little hum drum
music festival. Blink and you’ll miss it.
By the way… if you need me on Friday
night, August 22nd, at 8:00pm you’ll
have to find me at the WZYP Stage. I’ll
be listening to Juice! You should come
hear them, too, especially if you’ve got
nothing to do.
Madison County
Women
Show Power of
Heart
While women may think of their
hearts everyday in the romantic
sense, many women neglect their
hearts when it comes to health. Less
than half of all women can name
heart disease as the leading killer of
women. Because of this, the Go Red
for Women campaign will let Madison
county women know the importance
of living a heart-healthy lifestyle.
The Go Red for Women event,
“Black, White & Red All Over”, on
Tuesday, September 26 from 6:
00 pm to 9:00 PM at the Von Braun
Center will include live and silent
auctions, special entertainment and
a local celebrity fashion show that
features heart and stroke survivors.
The fashion show will combine style
with substance by incorporating
messages about empowering women
against heart disease.
Chairman, Sandra Steele, president
of Enfinger Steele Development,
recognizes the importance of
making women aware of their hearts
and their risks for cardiovascular
disease—her mother, Olga Marie
Kent Pike, died much too soon of a
massive stroke.
Go Red for Women is a national
movement by the American Heart
Association to raise awareness
for the affects of heart disease on
women. Every year about 500,000
women die from cardiovascular
disease, but less than 13 percent of
American women view heart disease
as a serious problem. Funds raised
from Go Red for Women events will
go toward research for women’s
cardiovascular issues.
THE VALLEY PLANET
The Terrifying
Enchantment of Eric
Rhodes
By Alfred III
“I
remember the first band I
played in. We were more than
just musicians, we were friends.
We knew how to push each others’
buttons, knew how to be brothers, you
know?” Eric became more comfortable.
His eyes began trolling the room. “We
knew how to help one another. We
would hang out. It wasn’t just another
episode of ‘call me when you get a gig,’
it was more like ‘Hey! Let’s be cool. Be
friends. Enjoy one another’s company.
Enjoy life.” Eric placed his large hand
on the side of his head and pushed his
callused fingertips through his jet-black
hair. His countenance took a brief,
downward turn, and he contemplated the
floor just beneath him. He continued; “I
had the opportunity to play with some
cats in New York and then flew back
to Huntsville for another gig. I had a
cool time, but it was an exhausting
experience for me.” Exhaustion and
frustration are brothers-in-arms within
the realm of professional artists. Eric
explains further; “You see, when I’m
on stage, I change. It’s hard for me to
settle into who I am. Sometimes I feel
THE VALLEY PLANET
like I’m on a leash and can’t get away.
I can’t just play and express myself
without the ever-present expectation
of being ‘entertaining’. True, I get
comfortable, but its like I find myself
too far out or something, and I have to
hustle back to where I was, like I have
to sort through ghosts just to get back
home. It’s like a metaphysical pathos.
I’m free, but then again, I’m not.” Eric
Rhodes’ disposition has the immediacy
of an old friend and the calibration of his
artful technique he continually hones.
Surprisingly enough, however, Eric has
just recently arrived at the digital stage
of home recording. “I had been using
a little four-track cassette recorder
for years, and then I upgraded to an
eight-track, but not too long ago I got a
digital multi-track recorder that I build
songs with now.” Besides performing,
Eric prefers being at home as much as
possible. “I’m a homebody, and maybe
I’m still a little naïve, like I was when
I first started playing guitar, but that’s
the beauty of dreaming. Man,” he
began laughing, “I thought I was really
jammin’ back then, and I still feel that
vibe today. It still keeps me going.”
For now, Eric Rhodes leaves us for
places we will never go, and faces we
will never see. An apt phrase from his
original composition “Been So Long”
portrays a gleam of light from the true
prism of everyday life; “It’s done and
there’s no faking/ What’s left of pride
is gone/ But still your heart is aching/
It’s just the same old song/ It feels just
like a fire/ Burning through your soul/
Caught up in desire/ Running blind, out
of control”
#090706092806
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
7
Yellowcard
Sean Mackin gets personal on the Lights and Sounds
of Yellowcard’s new album and tour.
By Tony Ferrari
I caught up with band founder and
electric violin player, Sean Mackin
recently to let me into his thoughts on
the new album and new tour.
I remember when you guys were just
starting out on Lobster Records back
in 2001. I knew you guys were going
to go on to do some big things. It’s
kind of cool to see it happen.
Thank you very much.
O
ne of the things that will always
elude the grasp of my perceptive
consciousness is how certain
bands become huge and almost a
phenomenon in stature. I will not deny
the appeal of certain bands within the
pop-punk-rock-post-Nirvana-posthyphenated genre as Green Day and
Saves The Day both of whom offer
very solid songwriting and/or catchy
infectious hooks. Yet I still stand in
bewilderment at the overwhelming
success of other bands within these
genres.
Back in 2001, I was reviewing a handful
of new bands on independent labels.
There was Coldplay on Astralworks,
among a few others who had just started
to become mainstream. When I started
looking at some of the other smaller
independent labels, I came across one
called Lobster Records. There was a
band called Yellowcard signed to the
label. I’d listened to a CD that was sent
to me. There were some good songs, I
can’t remember the names of them but
I think the CD was called One for the
Kids. I had a very strong intuition that
this band would go onto some measure
of formulated pop success. I was not
prepared for what happened.
Yellowcard’s self-titled major label
debut established the band as a force
to be reckoned with in any genre. They
went on to sell almost three million
copies of the CD. They won several
awards. The CD spawned one of the
catchiest hook laden singles to hit radio
in years with “Ocean Avenue”. They
are credited for having killed punk,
whatever that means.
The band’s second major label album,
Lights and Sounds, establishes the
band as more mature songwriters. It’s
a bigger and more expansive album
that finds the band moving beyond
time worn songs about breakups and
into more mature themes of adulthood,
artifice and war. The album debuted
at number five making the band the
second highest charting band with a
violin in history.
8
Ocean Avenue sold like three million
CD’s worldwide, spawned several
singles, sold out a bunch of tours and
got you on the MTV Music Awards.
What was that like?
When you say it like that it’s pretty
phenomenal. When you’ve been touring
so long it’s just like a daily grind; we
didn’t really notice what was going on
around us. We just kind of kept playing
shows and kept hanging out with
fans, it’s pretty incredible you know,
especially where we came from. But,
I think that kind of all took it in stride,
we’re fortunate to have the opportunity
to get where we’re at, but we’re just
excited to play music every day.
What was it like to get that award,
that MTV music award? You know
how many bands strive for something
like that. That’s when you know that
you’ve really arrived.
but we’re back out on the road and we’re
playing shows and we’re hanging out
with people every day. I think it’s also
different, we’ve grown up together,
it’s someone you’ve known since you
were twelve starts getting a little ego or
dressing funny, you just kind of make fun
of them, “Who are you”. It’s really easy
for us to keep each other in line. I guess
that’s how it happened.
Is there at any point in time that the
huge success of Ocean Avenue stressed
you out? Really got under your skin?
Yeah, especially Ryan, being the lead
singer of the band, he was more marketed;
you can’t really market all five people
so the label really took on him. It was
really hard for him to go out, it’s really
frustrating you know, I would never
imagine to bother someone while their
eating dinner or while their doing their
own personal thing. It’s just amazing
what kind of manners go out the window
when people see, Ryan, LP or me. That’s
really funny and I think it gets frustrating
at times. I’ve seen Ryan go through some
really rough times. I guess we just roll
with the punches and play it day by day.
I feel like you guys have come in to your
own very well but I’ve heard and read
comparisons to Green Day and Blink
182. How do you feel about that?
That’s got to be really cool. You guys
are young and you’re in the middle
of the entertainment business and
everything’s kind of happening for
you in a really big way. How do you
keep from getting wrapped up in the
whole big scene of it all and kind of
losing yourselves?
We’re honored. I think that they are some
of the finest bands that have stood the test
of time. Especially in this day and age,
they’ve always just done what they’ve do,
whether it was good or bad, or whether
people hated them or loved them, they’re
out there. They’re playing shows every
day, they’re trying to push the envelope
and bring the best they can. I just saw
the Green Day show, in
January in Vancouver, we
hung out with them. All
the pyrotechnics, I guess
it was the Bullet and a
Bible tour. To watch that
show and to watch what
they’ve created, I mean
that’s what you get when
you tour for twelve years,
you’re like, let’s do this,
let’s pull this together. To
be able to put on a show
like that, to have fifteen
thousand people eating
out of the palm of your
hand for two hours…it’s
phenomenal. They’re both
great showmen, I think
that Green Day maybe
does it a little bit better
than Blink 182. But we’re
very fortunate.
You just kind of ignore it. I think
that we’ve established ourselves as a
touring band and when we do Totally
Request Live or the TV stuff, its there,
You’re a violin player in
a rock band. What’s up
with that? You’re new
CD is one of the highest
I think we really arrived a while before
that. I actually thought it was a joke,
I didn’t hear them say our name. I
just heard our song and I saw LP’s
(drummer) face light up and I think
why? What’s going on? And then I
heard the song and everyone’s clapping
and we just sort of freaked out in our
chairs and we were hugging each
other and we were thinking, “Oh, wait,
we got to run down there and do the
whole thing.” So it was a pretty funny
moment. I guess it was very surreal. It
was one of those things where I don’t
have any sort of recollection of any
moment; it was just all kind of a blur.
It happened so fast it was like, “Wait,
was that real? Did that just happen? The
moon man on my bookshelf?” I guess
that’s all that I really knew, it was real,
I wasn’t dreaming.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
charting debut for a band with a
violin player. That is so cool. What
made you guys decide to have a
violin player in a rock band?
It wasn’t really a decision. I don’t
think I knew I was a violin player. I
was hanging out with my friends and
they were guitar players. Yellowcard,
even before we were a band, we were
a group of friends who would drink
and play music together and go to
shows and cause trouble. They started
a band. I was always hanging out with
them and they asked me if I wanted
to play a song. I just started writing
parts for other songs and it just kind of
evolved into the band.
How did you guys come up with
the name Midget Tossing for one of
your albums?
(Laughing) We were like sixteen or
seventeen, real young and we were
kind of researching stuff on the
internet and doing it as a joke. And we
found out that it’s a real game, kind
of a sport, I guess, a real primitive
sport and we just thought it was funny
and we slapped it on there. We had a
younger sense of humor and we were
thinking, “Wow, midget tossing that’s
kind of funny”.
You had a really good friend in
another band who was a drummer,
he passed away in a car accident,
and you dedicated a tour to him.
Can you tell me a little about that?
We actually dedicated a lot of stuff
to him. His name was Scott Shad, he
played for Inspection 12 which was
Pete’s band. He had a diabetic seizure
while he was driving and passed away.
He had juvenile diabetes. It was a very
sad and scary thing for us. He was one
of those guys that everyone knew and
loved and was always happy. You
could never say a bad thing about him.
We’ve always felt like he’s been there
for us and he’s brought us together.
We always feel like Scott’s looking
over us, Ocean Avenue was dedicated
to him, the whole record. And we
THE VALLEY PLANET
contribute to the Juvenile Diabetes
Association with this album. It’s very sad
when you think about it, but we miss him
and we pray for him daily and I know he’s
looking out for us and we’ll see him one
day.
through this character on three or
four of the songs. I guess that that’s
definitely a new place for him. We’re
very proud of him to be able to stand
up there and sing his songs. He’s
definitely out there on a pedestal.
You are quoted as saying that you wanted
the new record to be introspective and a
lot less safe with fewer layers obscuring
what you wanted to say. How close do
you feel you’ve come to accomplishing
that?
What’s it like working with a
twenty five piece orchestra? I’m
sure you had a very big slant on
that.
We’re very proud, we feel like we wrote
and did everything that we wanted to
do. Being twenty five, twenty six, and
maturing from an album that you wrote
when you were much younger you feel
like a lot of the material is dated. We were
slammed by having this whole pop-punk
thing going on and being associated with
bands that we really have little or nothing
in common with. We really wanted to be
our own band and show everyone that we
were a little older and we have a little
bit deeper and more diverse influences.
We don’t have any gimmicks, we’re just
artists. Now that we’re a little bit older,
I feel like we see that that’s the natural
progression. We wanted this record to be
more us, more Yellowcard, more naked
and less produced and less layered. We
wanted to challenge our listeners, we
wanted to challenge a wider audience and
be able to reach out to them. At the end of
the recording sessions we were very proud
of one another and the trip that we had just
been on.
Lights and Sounds ushered in a new
period of change and embattlement.
Did you feel pressure in your follow up
to Ocean Avenue with this album.
Before we got in the studio, I don’t know if
we felt the pressure. Ryan probably did, he
always stresses out and feels like he’s all
alone. I feel like the pressure was put on
us by the label and by people talking about
us “They were just a one hit wonder...blah,
blah, blah.” Once we got in the studio and
started getting lost in the music all of that
kind of faded away. We wrote the songs
we wanted to write. When the record was
finished everyone just dropped their jaws
and said, “Wow, you guys have a lot to
say, you guys are real musicians”. That’s
where it’s at. We didn’t hire anyone, we
didn’t use any auto tuners, we didn’t hire a
composer or a songwriter, and we did our
thing like we do it. I think that’s kind of
rare in this day and age. That’s what we
got lost in. We forgot about all the other
stuff. We didn’t worry about writing songs
for radio or TV like other people do, we
just wanted to do our thing.
Do you believe that your songwriting
has matured in the time between each
of your albums?
I think so, especially lyrically. I guess
that’s the basis of the question. Ryan is
very determined not to write the same
song twice. This lady, Holly Wood, where
he sort of navigates through the record of,
not only our tale, but I guess, expressing
emotions about the music industry
and himself and Holly Wood and Los
Angeles itself. Sometimes he loves her
and sometimes he hates her. He’s mad or
he’s happy. I think everything comes out
THE VALLEY PLANET
(Laughing) It was terrifying. I did it all
myself. We independently contracted
everyone. I was terrified of Ocean
Avenue. I remember Neil helping me
out with some arrangements, having
not really done that before and being
more nervous about arranging than
actually doing it. I think, I was lost in
translation, writing for bass and alto
class for different instruments. But
with the orchestra, I had some help.
I was able to keep brainstorming
and they were kind of dictating
and writing everything down. We
arranged everything and everyone
showed up and I was so terrified
that it wouldn’t work. After a couple
passes we started nailing the songs
down and it was probably the most
amazing day of my professional
career.
So you’re the mad scientist then?
(Laughing) I was the mad scientist
then. I think very much for like six
weeks out of the recording process,
I guess everyone can kind of vouch
for me that I did lose a little piece of
my mind.
But you got it back?
I was able to hold it together enough
to finish the record.
The song “How I Go”, that whole
arrangement there, that’s an
amazing song. Just my personal
opinion, and I’m just one person
but I think that’s going to be your
huge hit on the CD.
Sean...Well, thank you very much.
Tell me about Lights and Sound
because that seems to have a very
interesting premise to it.
Lights and Sound was inspired by
some people that we feel may have
gotten into the industry for one
reason and ended up coming out the
other side totally different people.
We took that idea, I guess that one
was of the last songs created for the
record. Being in the industry and
seeing what distractions are out there
and what can go on I think that we
just kind of ran with that idea and we
put something together, some guitar,
something really driving that was
just in your face and like “Hey, this
s**t is out there but you just got to
rise above it”. It kind of re-focused
us on why we’re here and we’re able
to play music. Basically just don’t
get distracted. Keep your eye on the
prize.
#090706092806
Which you seem to have
done. What are the coolest
things that you can say
success has afforded you
the opportunity to do?
Success has offered me the
opportunity to hang out with
my friends and play music
every day. It has offered us
the opportunity to play for
thousands of people that I
might never know, that I will
never know, and they come
and they share their lives
with us. To see people crying
and see people screaming
and laughing and crowd
surfing and freaking out,
there’s so many different
emotions that go on during
a show and this is all the stuff that I get
to see on a daily level. I think that that’s
the part of success that we got before
anything else, you know cars or dogs
or anything else that other people might
get I think the thing that we appreciate
most is the amount of love and support
that our listeners and our fans give back
to us.
What does the future hold? Do you
believe that you’re taking it as far as
you can?
I’d like to think that we are. I’d like to
think that longevity has always been a
goal of ours but right now we’re just
going to take it a day at a time. We’ve
got to make sure that we can support
ourselves and not forget where we’re
at in our lives and what we’re here to
do. We’re playing music and hopefully
making some people happy. We’re
having a good time at it too.
Do you guys like each other?
We’re still friends, we hang out all
the time. One of the best tours that
we just had was our international tour.
We weren’t able to afford having two
buses like we do in the States so there
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
were fifteen of us in one bus. I haven’t
had that much fun on a tour. It was just
hanging out with the crew. We were all
going out to pubs and getting drunk in
Australia. We’re in our late twenties
now but we’re still the teenage friends
that loved singing to Guns and Roses
and Journey when they come on the
jukebox at the bar. We are all about
slamming beers and having a good
time. We’re still really close friends.
We have our moments, of course, we’re
like brothers, but we’re still really good
friends.
Yellowcard is a very energetic band
live. They played all of their songs
with a passion and conviction almost
unrivaled today. The really cool thing…
they looked like they really love what
they do. They were having fun with it.
They weren’t even nervous about going
on before Snoop Dogg. I know why.
Yellowcard’s new CD, Lights And
Sounds is out now. Turn to any pop
or rock radio station and you will
definitely hear the title track or the
most recent smash, “Rough Landing
Holly”. For more information go
to
www.yellowcardrock.com
or
www.capitolrecords.com/artists.
9
“Baadasssss!”
Documents a Landmark
Film in the Birth of African
American Cinema  
 By Linda Haynes
This film won the 2005 Black Reel Award
for Best Director; 2004 Philadelphia
Film Festival’s Audience Award for
Best Feature; and was nominated for
Best Director, Best Feature, and Best
Screenplay in the 2005 Independent
Spirit Award competition.
“Baadasssss!” is Mario Van Peebles’s
half documentary/half homage to his
father Melvin’s 1971 film, “Sweet
Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.”
The movie details Melvin’s struggles
to make a film using a mixed race crew
(Blacks, Whites and Latinos).  This
was groundbreaking for 1971 and is
noted as a landmark in the birth of
African American cinema. The movie
also broke box office records for an
independent film and ultimately paved
the way for other films made by and for
African Americans -- like “Shaft” and
“Superfly”and more current offerings
by today’s filmmakers like Spike Lee.
Ron Slaughter, Ph.D., an Alabama
A&M University professor and founder
of the AAMU African Cinema Series,
will lead a discussion about the film
after the screening.
The Alabama Filmmakers Co-op
is presenting this film on Friday,
September 15 at 7:00 pm at the Flying
Monkey Arts Center, 2211 Seminole Dr.
in Huntsville. There is one screening
only. Admission is $5; $3 for Film Coop members.  For more information,
call 256-489-3884 or see our website at
www.filmcoop.org
FILM’S WEBSITE:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/badass/
 Roger Ebert calls this film “One of
the best movies I’ve seen about the
making of a movie.” The New York
Times describes it as “a funny, plausible
account of the daily disasters, financial
shortfalls and hastily improvised
solutions that shape most independent
films. But the production also functions
as a veiled yet moving account of a
complicated father-and-son relationship
fueled as much by anger and resentment
as by love and respect.”
music calendar
September 7 - Septmber 28, 2006
The Huntsville Community Chorus will present
its first concert of the 2006-07 season
“American Spirit II,”
on Saturday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the
VBC Concert Hall 
U
nder the gifted direction of Billy
Orton, the Chorus’s first concert
of the season promises to be a
joyous and moving event for young and
old, completing the musical arc begun
last year in celebration of Huntsville’s
bicentennial.
Through times of war, peace, hardship,
and plenty, a rich tapestry of music has
both shaped and reflected the American
experience.   With an emphasis on the
last hundred years, the Chorus will
present a dazzling spectrum of songs.  In
addition to classic choral works by such
masters as Copland, Bernstein, and
Thompson, there will also be ragtime,
big-band swing, a rousing
spiritual, songs by the
Beatles and Billy Joel, and
more, representing various
eras of our history and
social issues of yesterday
and today, as we approach
the 5th anniversary of 9/11.
Ticket prices:  Adults $17; senior
citizens & college students $15;
military (including firefighters, police
and HEMSI) and family $12.75 (special
discounted price for this concert);  12th
grade & under free; age 12 and under
free when accompanied by paying
adult.
To buy tickets, and for further
information (including our complete
season schedule), please phone 5336606, email info@thechorus.org, or
visit our website: www.thechorus.org
The concert is sponsored
by Janet Bentley and
family, in memory of her
father, Captain Garrold
Nungester, M.D., who was a
prisoner of war in Germany
during World War II.  
It is also in honor of one of
his friends from the Stalag
VII Camp, Private Don Ellis
of Bloomington, Indiana,
who will be present, and
will be recognized by city
officials.
Narrators Sara McDaris and
David Person will provide
insightful
commentary,
MUSIC
Thursday
September 7
3rd Base Grill, Edgar
Benchwarmer, Too, All New College Night! Karaoke
Black Water Hattie’s, Karaoke
Bobby G’s, Karaoke
Coppertop, Southern Rock 3
Crossroads, The Loft
Freddy’s, Ladies Night Karaoke
Home Port Int’l Bar & Deli,
Artillery South Entertainment Hosts
Rap/Hip Hop DJ
Hopper’s, Rudy Mockabee and the
Music Factory
House of Brews, Robert LaSalle
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Absolym
Rising
Jazz Factory, Jim Cavender
10
background history, and a chronological
framework.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
Judge Crater’s, Amazing Sounds
DJ Scott
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Dave
Anderson
Philby’s Pourhouse, Toy Shop
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Ladies
Night w/Year and a Day
Sammy’s Sports Bar &
Steakhouse, Bike Night w/Push
Sports Page, 5 O’Clock Charlie
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Marge
Loveday
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Lacey
Atchison
Decatur
The Brick, Mitch Mann
If you have a venue with Live Music or
Karaoke that you would like for us to
list please email to
calendar@valleyplanet.com
Continued on Page 12
THE VALLEY PLANET
Blood
Drive
Sept.9th
Central United Methodist Church
will once again be hosting the
Mary Shaw Ozier Blood Drive.
The blood drive is on September 9,
from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The youth of
Central United Methodist Church
are sponsoring the drive to benefit
the American Red Cross.
Approximately 22,000 people are
needed to donate blood each day,
according to the Red Cross. One
donation can help from one to four
people in need. Blood is needed
for emergencies, for people with
cancer, leukemia, blood disorders,
and those who need blood
transfusions on a regular basis to
live.
Last year we received 95 usable
units of blood. This year’s goal is
100 usable units. The only way
we can reach this goal is through
your support. Come and show you
care, by being a donor! If you have
any questions call Central United
Methodist Church at 353-6941.
Bright Lights,
Big City
An Art Party at the
Huntsville Museum of Art
Huntsville, AL – The bright lights will
shine September 7 with Bright Lights,
Big City, an Art Party at the Huntsville
Museum of Art.
A cash bar will begin the evening at
6:30 pm followed by a concert with
London singing sensation Emma
Sinclair at 7:30 pm. The evening
will conclude with a complimentary
champagne and dessert reception at 8:
30 pm.
Emma Sinclair is the understudy of
the former voice coach for worldfamous performer Sarah Brightman.
Emma’s talents range from classics
such as Phantom of the Opera to
other Broadway hits. She will be
in Huntsville for a one-of-a-kind
performance.
The event is FREE to Museum
members and $15 for non-members.
Guests will also have the opportunity
to join the Museum that night and get
free admittance.
         
History comes alive!
Alpha Stage Productions
A Division of Renaissance Theatre
And Burritt On The Mountain Present
The Belle of Amherst
by William Luce
Thursdays and Fridays – 7:30 p.m.
September 21, 22, 28 & 29
Saturdays and Sundays – 2:30 p.m.
September 23, 24, 30 & October 1
Performances in the Historic Burritt
Mansion
at Burritt On The Mountain.
Seating is limited and early
reservations are recommended.
Tickets and More Information at
256-536-2882.
Tickets $15
T
he Belle of Amherst brings to
life America’s most celebrated
poet —
Emily Dickinson. The warm feeling
of the play is that of an intensely
personal visit to a great, eccentric,
slyly humorous lady.
Press Contacts:
Criss Ashwell (cashwell@kordc3i.com)
256-489-2346 (day)
Caroline Kelly (caroline.kelly@hsvcit
y.com)
256-536-2882 (day)
Alpha Stage Productions, a division of
Renaissance Theatre, Inc.
1214 Meridian Street
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
256-536-3117 (Tues – Sat 11-6)
www.renaissancetheatre.net
Burritt On The Mountain
3101 Burritt Drive (atop Monte Sano
Mountain)
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
256-536-2882 (closed Mon)
www.burrittmuseum.com
Miss Dickinson reflects on her life and
her work, her family and her loves, as
she drifts in and out of the Dickinson
poetry that will live forever.  
William Luce, author of the play,
wrote, “It was my hope to depict
the humanity and reasonableness
of Emily Dickinson’s life.  I say
reasonableness, because I believe that
she consciously elected to be what
she was—a voluntary exile from
village provincialism, an original New
England romantic, concisely witty,
alone but not lonely, ‘with will to
choose or to reject,’ she said, ‘and I
choose.’” 
“Magnificent.... Full of passion and
poetry and heart.... An arresting,
riveting experience.” N.Y. Daily News
. “One of the most singularly beautiful
evenings I’ve ever spent in the theater.
. . . A beautiful play.” Boston Globe.
Guntersville
Sandy’s Roadhouse, Karaoke
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Karaoke
The Docks, Trey, Kenny & Coach
Friday
September 8
11th Frame Bar, Karaoke, Madison
801 Franklin, Jimmy Reeves
American Legion Post 176,
Square One
Benchwarmer, Karaoke w/Tiffany
Benchwarmer, Too, Karaoke
Black Water Hattie’s, Electric
Voodoo
Bobby G’s, Blue Flames
Buffalo’s Café, Microwave Dave,
Madison
Chandler’s Steak & Seafood,
Country Gold Express, Hazel Green
Coffeetree Books & Brew, The
THE VALLEY PLANET
Harmony Lane Twins
Crossroads, Dubconscious
(Reggae)
Esquire Lounge, Chaos
Flying Monkey Arts Center,
Cattle Decapitation, Accuser, The
Crashing Falcon, Stentoria, Lisiya
Gori
Freddy’s, Blood River
Furniture Factory, The Scratch
Band
Reggae DJ
Music Factory
House of Brews, Eric Rhodes
Band (10p-1a)
House of Brews, Jerry McAlister
(5p-9p)
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Harper
Jazz Factory, ShameTown and
also The Swing Shift
Judge Crater’s, Leaving Madison
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Live Music
#090706092806
Moody Mondays, HDK Karaoke
Nikko’s, Edgar
Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe, Live
Music
Philby’s Pourhouse, Full Circle
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Blame
Johnny
Steakhouse, Mike Roberts
Sports Page, Live Music
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Dave
Anderson
The Corner (Hampton Cove),
Donnie Cox and Lisa Malone
The Warehouse, Scott Morgan
Decatur
Hard Dock Café, Juice
The Brick, Tucos Pistol
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Live Music
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Southern Flite
The Docks, Live Music
Saturday
September 9
801 Franklin, Live Music
Square One
Benchwarmer, Live Music
Benchwarmer, Too, Government
Warning
Coffeetree Books & Brew, Open
Mic Night
Coppertop, Live Music
Crossroads, 40oz Midget
Finnegan’s Pub, Live Music
Flying Monkey Arts Center, Phil
Weaver
11
MUSIC
Freddy’s, Black Label
Furniture Factory, Full Circle
Home Port Int’l Bar & Deli, DJ
Gold, DJ Weazy
Music Factory
House of Brews, Pat Nickels (59pm
House of Brews, Sandia (10p-1a)
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Harper
Jazz Factory, Jim Cavender and
also Charlie Lyle Quintet
Judge Crater’s, Hot Soup
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Majestika
(Gypsy Punk)
Nikko’s, Edgar
Paddy’s Irish Pub, Latin Party w/
DJ Ed,
Philby’s Pourhouse, Four Door
Ramblers
Sammy T’s Music Hall, U.S.
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Ben
Trussell Band
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Dave
Anderson
The Warehouse, Days of Oz
Decatur
Hard Dock Café, Hot Mix
The Brick, Anderain
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Live Music
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Southern Flite
Sunday
September 10
Coppertop, The Crawlers
Crossroads, Live Music
Sunday Jazz Jam w/Devere Pride &
Old Skool w/DJ Gold & DJ Weazy
Hopper’s, Brunch w/Edgar and
Evening with Janice’s Karaoke
House of Brews, Maple Hill Celtic
Band (11a-2p)
Judge Crater’s, Jerry Beason/
Restaurant Appreciation Night
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Blues Jam
hosted by Freddy Earl
Sports Page, Tunes Karaoke
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Open
Mic Night hosted by Scott Morgan
Monday
September 11
Crossroads, Open Mic Night
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Williams,
Rikard & Mahan
Judge Crater’s, Kathy’s Dungeon
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Acoustic
Showcase hosted by Greg Rowell
Contest
Anderson
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Jerry
Pearson
Guntersville
12
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
THE VALLEY PLANET
Tuesday
September 12
3rd Base Grill, DJ w/Live Trivia
($50 contest)
Coppertop, HDK “Jackpot” Karaoke
Crossroads, Toy Shop
Hopper’s, Janice’s Karaoke
House of Brews, Glen (as in Glen
and Libba)
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Lacey
Atchison
Judge Crater’s, P.B. Army w/The
Group Hug
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Marge
Loveday
Philby’s Pourhouse, Mike Roberts
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Scott
Morgan
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Ben
Trussell
Guntersville
Contest
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Bike Night w/Trey and
KB
Wednesday
September 13
American Legion Post 176, HDK
“Jackpot” Karaoke
Benchwarmer, Too, Free Comedy
Show
Coffeetree Books & Brew,
Songwriter’s Open Mic Night
Crossroads, Dave Anderson
Furniture Factory, Rockin’
Acoustic Duo
Home Port Int’l Bar & Deli, Old
Skool w/DJ Gold & DJ Weazy
Music Factory
House of Brews, Majestika
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Robert
LaSalle
Jazz Factory, Microwave Dave
Judge Crater’s, Tom Cremeens
Nikko’s, Edgar
Philby’s Pourhouse, Donnie Cox
Steakhouse, Patio Party w/Live
Music
Sports Page, Pla’ Station
Trussell
Marge Loveday
The Warehouse, DJ Rob Jizzy
Decatur
The Brick, Wes Woodard
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Ladies Night w/John
and Patrick (Acoustic)
Contest
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Trey, Gary & KB
Thursday
September 14
Crossroads, Chicago Charlie
Rap/Hip Hop
Music Factory
House of Brews, Songs Alive
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, The
Dempsey’s
THE VALLEY PLANET
Judge Crater’s, Dan Hardin
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Reese
Rushton of Hash Brown
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Special
Ladies Night w/17th Floor
Steakhouse, Bike Night w/Crawlers
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Jim
Cavender
Atchison
Decatur
The Brick, Whitey Herzogs
(Acoustic)
Guntersville
Scottsboro
Friday
September 15
801 Franklin, Ben Trussel
Square One
Black Water Hattie’s, Live Music
Bobby G’s, VooDoo Dogz
Buffalo’s Café, Live Music, Madison
Coffeetree Books & Brew, Pete’s
Corner
Crossroads, Carnaby Loafers
Freddy’s, Red Clay
Furniture Factory, Room 240
Versitile
Music Factory
and Libba)
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Full Circle
Jazz Factory, Trio El Camino and
Judge Crater’s, Space Wagon
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Lance
Almon Smith Band
Nikko’s, Edgar
Music
Philby’s Pourhouse, Live Music
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Pla’
Station
Anderson
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Live
Music
The Warehouse, Local Orbit
Decatur
Hard Dock Café, MoJo Mixers
The Brick, Runaway Coal Train
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Trial By Jury
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Government Warning
Saturday
September 16
801 Franklin, Devere Pride
Square One
Benchwarmer, Bone Dry
Benchwarmer, Too, The Jason
Albert Band
Bobby G’s, VooDoo Dogz
#090706092806
Mic Night
Crossroads, Caddle
Freddy’s, Reddletters,
Furniture Factory, Slightly
Damaged
Gold, DJ Weazy
Music Factory
House of Brews, Karen Grouber
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Five
O’Clock Charlie
Jazz Factory, Open Delta and also
Charlie Lyle Quintet
Judge Crater’s, “Everyone Gets
Leid” end of Summer bash w/ DJ
Scott
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Rick Carter
of Rollin in the Hay
Nikko’s, Edgar
Philby’s Pourhouse, The Lance
Smith Band
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Bishop
Black
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Donnie
Cox and Lisa Malone
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Live
Music
The Warehouse, Vibro Deluxe
Decatur
Hard Dock Café, Hot Rod Otis
The Brick, Black Label
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Big Nose Roy
Scottsboro
Sunday
September 17
Crossroads, Elemental Harmonics
House of Brews, A Night of
Spoken Word, hosted by Ruth &
Catherine
Jazz Factory, The Swing Shift
Judge Crater’s, Bialetti (from
Chattanooga)
Monday
September 18
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Jim
Cavender
Contest
Anderson
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Jerry
Pearson
Guntersville
Tuesday
September 19
($50 contest)
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
Coppertop, HDK “Jackpot” Karaoke
House of Brews, Side Project (acid
infusion jazz)
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill,
Microwave Dave, solo
Judge Crater’s, Open Mic Night
hosted by Tom Niemann
Loveday
Morgan
Trussell
Guntersville
Contest
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Bike Night w/Tom
Cremeens
13
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Trey, Gary & KB
Thursday
September 21
MUSIC
Continued From Page 13
Wednesday
September 20
American Legion Post 176, HDK
“Jackpot” Karaoke
Benchwarmer, Too, Free Comedy
Show
Furniture Factory, Anita Palmer
Skool w/DJ Gold & DJ Weazy,
Music Factory
House of Brews, Barn Stormer
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Mike
Roberts
Jazz Factory, Jimmy Ganzberg
Judge Crater’s, Jonathan Giles
Nikko’s, Edgar
Philby’s Pourhouse, Tim Carr
Music
Sports Page, Pla’ Station,Huntsville
,Wednesday,Live Music
Trussell
Reese Rushton
Decatur
The Brick, Tim Tucker
Guntersville
Contest
3rd Base Grill, Edgar,Huntsville,
,Live Music
Crossroads, Live Music
Rap/Hip Hop
Music Factory
House of Brews, Crash Boom Bang
and The Posey Peep Show
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Pla’
Station
Jazz Factory, Jim Cavender
Judge Crater’s, The Cracker Jacks
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, All Streets
Between
Night
Steakhouse, Bike Night w/Hot Rod
Otis
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Marge
Loveday
Atchison
Decatur
The Brick, Live Music
Guntersville
Scottsboro
The Docks, Trey, Kenny & Coach”
Friday
September 22
801 Franklin, Ben Trussel
Square One
Buffalo’s Café, MP5, Madison
Country Gold Express, Hazel Green,
Coffeetree Books & Brew, Fred
Roberts
Crossroads, Black Root Ensemble
Sandia
Freddy’s, Live Music
Furniture Factory, PUSH
Home Port Int’l Bar & Deli, Latin
Dance Party w/Saborlatino
Music Factory
House of Brews, All Streets
Between
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Juice
Jazz Factory, Marge Loveday and
Judge Crater’s, Local Orbit
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Hash
Brown
Nikko’s, Edgar
Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe,
Majestika (Gypsy Punk)
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Big Spring
Jam After Party w/Blackeyed Susan
Anderson
14
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
THE VALLEY PLANET
House of Brews, The Walker St.
Opry
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Toy Shop
Jazz Factory, Devere Pride Trio
and also Charlie Lyle Quintet
Judge Crater’s, Full Circle
Kaffeeklatsch, @Night,Cracker
Jacks (Rockabilly),
Nikko’s, Edgar
Philby’s Pourhouse, Booga Funk
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Big Spring
Jam After Party w/17th Floor
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Live
Music
Dave Anderson
The Warehouse, Scott Morgan
Decatur
Hard Dock Café, Blue Flames,
The Brick, Ahead of the Wake
The Corner (Hampton Cove), Jim
Cavender
The Warehouse, Days of Oz,
Decatur
Hard Dock Café, Lipstick
The Brick, Cobra Jet
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Big Nose Roy
Scottsboro
The Docks, Stranded
Saturday
September 23
11th Frame Bar, Karaoke,
Madison
801 Franklin, Live Music
Square One
Benchwarmer, Live Music
Benchwarmer “Too”, Judas Coat
Mic Night
Crossroads, Something Kick Ass
Axios, Dues Invictus, The Crashing
Falcon
Freddy’s, Live Music,Huntsville,Sat
urday,Live Music
Furniture Factory, Lance Almon
Smith Band
Gold, DJ Weazy
Music Factory
Judge Crater’s, Open Mic Night
hosted by Tom Niemann
Loveday
Morgan
Trussell
Guntersville
Contest
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Bike Night w/Crawlers
Wednesday
September 27
American Legion Post 176, “HDK
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Big Nose Roy,
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Government Warning,
The Docks, Stranded,Scottsboro
Sunday
September 24
Benchwarmer “Too”, Karaoke
Crossroads, Big Leg Emma
Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2nd
Annual Rocket City Tattoo Bash &
BBQ
House of Brews, Jazza Nova (11a2p)
House of Brews, Open Mic Night
(9p-12a)
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, “Yes, No,
Maybe”
Judge Crater’s, Jerry Beason/
Restaurant Appreciation Night
Monday
September 25
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Chad
Reeves
Contest
Anderson
Jerry Pearson
Guntersville
Contest
Tuesday
September 26
($50 contest)
Coppertop, “HDK “”Jackpot””
Karaoke”
and Libba)
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, “Russell
Mefford, Rob Malone & Clint Bailey”
THE VALLEY PLANET
#090706092806
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
15
MUSIC
“”Jackpot”” Karaoke”
Benchwarmer “Too”, Free
Comedy Show
Furniture Factory, The Scratch
Band
Skool w/DJ Gold & DJ Weazy
Music Factory
House of Brews, Jim Cavender
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Project
Treo
Judge Crater’s, Tom Cremeens
Nikko’s, Edgar
Philby’s Pourhouse, Live Music
Music
Sports Page, Pla’ Station
Trussell
Marge Loveday
Decatur
Guntersville
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, “Trey, Gary & KB”
Thursday
September 28
Benchwarmer “Too”, All New College Night!
Rap/Hip Hop
Music Factory
House of Brews, Robert LaSalle
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Free
World
Judge Crater’s, Ben Trussel
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Dave
Anderson
Night w/Note 4 Note
Steakhouse, Bike Night w/Push
The Corner (Bailey Cove), Jim
Cavender
Lacey Atchison
Bobby G’s, Live Music
Chandler’s Steak &
Seafood,Country Gold Express,
Hazel Green
Coffeetree Books & Brew, Larry
Wollhart
Nathan Granner & Beau Bledsoe
Freddy’s, Blood River
Furniture Factory, Sons of the
Mailman
Home Port Int’l Bar & Deli, Live
Music
Music Factory
House of Brews, Ms. Johnie Blues
Band
Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Bookem
Dano
Jazz Factory, Jerry McAllister and
Judge Crater’s, Comedy Night
Kaffeeklatsch @Night, Glen and
Libba
Nikko’s, Edgar
Music
Philby’s Pourhouse, Ben Trussell
and Company
Sammy T’s Music Hall, Note 4
Note,
Anderson
Live Music
The Warehouse, Live Music
Decatur
Hard Dock Café, Big Daddy
Kingfish
The Brick, Fiddleworms
Guntersville
Blue Parrot, Trial By Jury
Scottsboro
Scooter’s, Rumor Has It
Jamin’ with Edgar at
Nikkos, where all drinks
are half price in the Bar
at Happy Hour!
Decatur
Guntersville
Sandy’s Roadhouse, Karaoke,
Scottsboro
The Docks, “Trey, Kenny & Coach”
Friday
September 29
11th Frame Bar, Karaoke,
Madison
801 Franklin, Jimmy Reeves
Square One
16
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
THE VALLEY PLANET
Great art and great fun at
Monte Sano Art Show
T
September 16th
at Monte Sano State Park
he annual outdoor Monte Sano
Art Show will be held at Monte
Sano State Park on September
16, the third Saturday of September.
The Art Show is free to the public
and will feature over 100 artists and
craftspeople.
and teaches classes. Ms. Simpson has
been distinguished as an internationally
recognized artist at the French-USA
portraiture competition.
Guests will enjoy the original works
of art as well as live music, food and
the wonderful grounds of Monte Sano
State Park. The show will be open from
10am to 5pm and the artists will be on
hand to meet the public. Mr. Timothy
Weber will jury this invitational show.
Several awards will be given on the day
of the show. Mr. Weber uses clay as his
medium. His works are in private and
corporate collections around the world.
He currently serves as the Director
of the Appalachian Center for Crafts,
and as a Visual Arts Director for the
Tennessee Arts Commission.
Arch Pike, a distinguished local potter
whose work in featured in galleries
across the southeast. Arch started his
career as a graphic artist for Boeing
working on the Saturn V moon launch.
He became a full-time potter over 30
years ago and is known for his very
functional pieces that are decorated
with multiple textures. His work in
influenced by Robert Motherwell’s
paintings and August Rodin’s sculpture.
Arch’s studio is here in Huntsville.
Local artist, Debra Simpson conceived
this art show several years ago as a way
to bring original art to the residents of
north Alabama in a beautiful outdoor
setting. Ms. Simpson is a local artist
who works from her Monte Sano studio
This year there are two featured artists
participating at the show:
The Whole Backstage Theatre in Guntersville will present
“To Kill A Monckingbird”
Directed by Will Smith
September 22, 23 & 24, and 28, 29, 30 & October 1, 2006
All Evening Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Matinee’s at 2:00 p.m.
Don Stewart creates detailed drawings
full of smaller images. His work
is complex, elegant and very often
humorous. Dr. Stewart, formerly a
practicing physician has found that he
can make people smile with his deep
imagination and use of symbols and
items in our everyday world. His work
is now sought after partly because of
his style and partly because he caused a
‘stir’ with an automobile company with
some of his popular drawings. Come
by his booth to hear the story!
Many different media will be on exhibit
at the Art Show, including painting,
photography, metal work, pottery,
sculpture, and printmaking. A variety of
craftspeople will also exhibit carpentry,
jewelry, custom lamps and other handmade items.
As always, there will be some exciting
art projects for children. A Children’s
Art Corner will be set up where student
art work can be viewed and creations in
paint and other objects can be made.
Acoustic musicians will perform
throughout the day. An annual tradition
is the performance in the afternoon by
the large percussive group “Rhythms of
the Savage Masses”. A variety of food
and drink will be available all day.
The art show will be staged at the picnic
area of the Monte Sano State Park. The
State Park offers $4 parking at the site.
Come and spend the day!
For updates, visit
www.montesanoartshow.org
THE VALLEY PLANET
#090706092806
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
17
How I Spent
My Summer
Vacation
by Olivia Lanier
I
definitely think we should bring this
essay back. Remember? First day
of school, second grade or so, we
got to tell the other kids of adventures
at Opryland and sharing a bedroom with
Aunt Mauveline. I could fill up to pages
alone writing of the dirt pile we had in
our back yard. Why do you suppose
it is that we stop wanting to show and
tell? Is it simply because Mrs. Gulick is
not there to ask us? We are not getting a
grade? In spirit of the fourth grade I bring
to you, kind reader, “How I Spent My
Summer Vacation.” Enjoy. Hell, write
one yourself.
I reluctantly mended walls with Robert
Frost, tried to coax Emily Dickinson
out of the house and had sex in a flea.
I comforted Walt Whitman on the
battlefield, unabashedly touched his body
afterwards. I bitched about kings and
presidents with Thomas Paine. I spoke of
religion and fools with Mark Twain, then
had a glass of wine with Ernest Dowson.
The maypole that was erected in the
village? Thomas Morton and I did
that. This summer I slew a dragon
with Beowulf, sighed with Shakespeare,
and loved looks of Agony with Emily
Dickinson. I counted the different ways
that I loved thee while watching the
dead dance with the dead and the dust
whirl with the dust. I skipped across the
quad singing “I’m the happiest girl in the
whole USA.”
I set politics aside. I snuck in at night and
hid the chalk. In July alone, why I bet I
rose to the employment of the angels a
My summer was filled with stories. Tales
hundred times. I raced for the beautiful
of heroes, revolutions, kings and queens,
flowers and left those that were dull. I
paradises lost, death, life, love, longing.
laughed at The Miller’s tale and cried
A summer of words. Brazilian beaches,
when the twig caught me in the eye. I
peaches uneaten, birches bending. I
wished the sparrow farewell. I disturbed
floated on a raft, damned my soul, and
the universe. This summer I compared
choked Tom Sawyer.
I watched
thee to a summer’s day and did not alter
a father plow a field, quoting
when I found alteration.
Longfellow. I went to Rome,
Portugal, Eden, Illyria,
This summer I wept for the soldiers of the American
Oxford.
Revolution, The Civil War, World Wars I and II, and
all of the soldiers that went instead of the ram of
pride. I listened to Hiawatha’s song. I still hear
it. I transcended with Emerson, built a house with
Thoreau, watched two martins unify in the air. I
stood upon a bridge with William Wordsworth and
afterwards we admired a rainbow. I am working my
way towards Faulkner.
I spent my summer with Dr. Cross (just like the old
rugged), who shared just as many (if not more…
.many, many more) of his stories. I sat through my
summer in a desk in rooms 142 and 103 following
knowledge like a sinking star beyond the utmost
bound of human thought and St. Joseph, Tennessee.
I read works written about me, about my truth, and
yes, folks, your truths as well. I understand you
more now than I did in the spring. I listen to you,
watch you more, and hesitate to question you less.
My summer was grand and eternal. Read a book.
Miss Olivia
Liv Lanier is a student and writer for the VP and
would like to know how you spent your summer.
You can write to her at liv@knology.net
Calendar of Events
September 7 - September 28, 2006
W
hat do you get when you
cross fish net panty hose with
extremely athletic women on
skates? You got it!! The Huntsville Dixie
Derby Girls!!!!
If you haven’t heard, the long lost sport of
Roller Derby is making a huge comeback!
Teams are forming quickly nationwide.
The south has had a particularly heighten
interest in the sport, surely due to the love
of beautiful southern women, and fierce
competition!
A few months back, two local all girl
roller derby teams, the Thrill Killers and
the Red Hot Riots, battled it out in an
awesome match held at the Roller Time
Skate Rink in Huntsville, Alabama. The
Thrill Killers came away with a slim
victory over the Red Hot Riots.  A great
time was had by all, and hats went off to
all the women of this league that skated
tough and fell hard for all their fans!
Literally!
Now comes the time for some serious
payback and terrific entertainment!   The
Red Hot Riots have challenged the Thrill
Killers in a “Red Hot Revenge”  Bout”!  
If you are looking for something different
and exciting to do, this is a MUST see
event! Another sell out is expected, so
get there early. The two teams will skate
against each other on Sunday, Sept. 10th.
The doors open at 6:30 with the Bout
starting at 7:30. A live band will play
Through September 24
The Clay House Museum presents the
work of audiologist Dr. Robert Rane. His
photographic interests are mainly centered in
landscapes and the wildlife of Africa. Clay
House Museum is located at 16 Main Street
in the Madison historic district.  Viewing
the art exhibit is always free. For more
information contact Robin Hall Brewer 256125-1018 or visit www.clay-house.com
September 7
The Huntsville Public Library will be
presenting their last Thursday Evening
Concert of the musical season at the Main
Library on Monroe Street. Oakwood
College’s world-renowned choral group,
The Aeolians, will perform at 6:00pm http:
//hpl.lib.al.us/
during intermissions . The Bout will be
held at Roller Time Skate Rink on Arcadia
Drive in Huntsville AL. with a free after
party at the Flying Monkey. Tickets are
$10. Children 6 and under are admitted
free! Bring a chair if you don’t want to sit
ring side! These girls are known for flying
into the audience!
Pick a team or cheer for them all!!!!!
Thrill Killers team members are; Delourdes
Booker/ Bama Breeze, Kay Moore/
Blind Assassin, Sasha Riffle/ Cha Chee,  
Rachel Guiterrez/ Chica Diabla, Claire
Larson/ Dame
Delamorte, Kate Semour/ Decapikate,
Amanda Robinson/ Di n. Pain, Jessica
Gibbs/ Nadia Nyce, Nancy Davidson/
Necro Nanct, Janet Syltie/ Punk Tart,
Summer Johnson/ Sweet Lucy, Reecca
Little/ Talullah Breakhead, Monique
Given/ Tura Terror.
Red Hot Riots team members; Grace
Billiter/Bonanza
Jellybean,
Leslie
Johnson/C
U
Afterclass,
Nancy
Wolfe/ DC Dixie, Cori Smith/ Ebbin
Flow, Kristine Combs/ Hell Razor,  
Braeli Osburn/ Honey Bone, CC Green/
Lola Piranha, Carla Naves/ Pistols
McGee, Kathy Steelman/ Wicked One,
Shannon Jones/Janis Choplinb, Maria
Young/Mistress of Mayheim.
Story by DeLo Booker  Please call for
more info at 683-2353  
September 7
ToY ShoP will be in concert on the Gazebo
at Burritt on the Mountain at 7:30pm. An
exhibit featuring the artwork of founding
band member Andrew Sharpe will also be
on display in the Trillium room during this
event. Wine and beer will be sold in the
Museum Welcome Center; tickets are $15 at
the gate. Call 536-2882 for more information.
September 8-10
Theatre Huntsville kicks off their 10th
season with “Noises Off” at the Von Braun
Center Playhouse. Directed by Jim Zielinski,
Noises Off is actually a comedy-within-acomedy about an English touring company
where everything that can go wrong, does!
Appropriate for teen and adult audiences,
tickets are $15 or $13 for seniors and
students. http://www.theatrehsv.org/ or
Continued Page 20
18
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
THE VALLEY PLANET
S P OT LIGHT O N MUS I C
’s
O
H
C
R
A
DR AN
Rx for Old Stuff That Don’t Suck
I
t’s a fact that blues is America’s
most original contribution to
the world of music. Blues is the
illegitimate son of spiritual and
country music, father of rock and
roll, and close cousin of jazz.
Blues is a versatile music form,
always ready and willing to
expand
and
accommodate
everyone’s original contribution
and musical style.
Hank Williams was one of the
innovators of the country-blues
genre. The Amazing Rhythm Aces
added a spicy dash of rock to the
country blues and pushed the
boundaries further.
Blues legend Robert Johnson was
among the first to carry traditional
blues in new directions and his
influence resonates loudly today
through Eric Clapton, Jimmy
Page, Jeff Beck and many, many
other modern day guitarists.
Clapton even paid direct tribute
to Johnson in his “Me and Mr.
Johnson” CD.
From the Mississippi Delta, blues
road the rails northward, to
Memphis, St. Louis and Chicago.
The blues left each city changed
from the way it entered as
musicians added twists of their
own.
Chicago blues grew into its own
and was one of the first of several
distinctive styles and sounds to
rise.
Memphis’s B.B. King did as much
as anyone to bring the blues
into the modern era. King was
probably more influential than
any other living bluesman in
spreading the blues to the masses
- read white people. Even nodancing flat-asses feel stirrings
when B.B’s “The Thrill Is Gone”
comes over the airwaves.
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band,
Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones,
Johnny Winter, Jimi Hendrix, and
The Allman Brothers Band started
exploring the blues-rock avenue.
Warren Haynes’ and Gov’t Mule
turned that blues-rock avenue
into a superhighway.
It was ironic that the blues had
to go through England before it
could return to a new generation
of music lovers in its birthplace,
the south.
Additionally, blues is the only
musical form to pay anywhere
near proper homage and respect
to the contributions of women.
Big Mama Thornton, Etta James,
Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi
(incidentally, blues guitarist
Derrick Trucks wife) are but a few.
Robert Cray, Keb Mo and
Huntsville’s own Microwave
Dave and the Nukes continue to
explore the traditional as they
expand the sound of the blues.
Dr. A’s Rx for Old Stuff That Don’t
Suck is: Blues Gold - Various
Artists -- While it’s impossible
to make a definitive CD of the
history of the blues -- someone is
always left out -- this compilation
comes about as close as any I’ve
heard. Newcomers to the genre
will find a representative glimpse
of the rise of blues. Seasoned
Blues-ophiles will want this for
their collections as well
#090706092806
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THE VALLEY PLANET
The tracks are:
Disc: 1
1. (I’m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man Muddy Waters
2. Hound Dog - Big Mama Thornton
3. Call It Stormy Monday -  T-Bone
Walker
4. Reconsider Baby -Lowell Fulson
5. The Things That I Used To Do Guitar Slim
6. My Babe - Little Walter
7. I’m A Man -  Bo Diddley
8. Hard Times (No One Knows Better
Than I) - Ray Charles
9. I’m A King Bee -  Slim Harpo
10. So Many Roads, So Many Trains  
Otis Rush
11. Big Boss Man   Jimmy Reed
12. Spoonful   Howlin  Wolf
13. Have You Ever Loved A Woman  
Freddie King
14. Drivin  Wheel   Junior Parker
15. Turn On Your Love Light   Bobby 
Blue  Bland
16. Frosty   Albert Collins
17. Bring It On Home   Sonny Boy
Williamson
18. My Time After Awhile   Buddy Guy
19. Hoodoo Man Blues   Junior Wells
20. Wang Dang Doodle   Koko Taylor
21. One Bourbon, One Scotch,
One Beer   John Lee Hooker
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
Disc: 2
1. Mean Old World   Eric Clapton &
Duane Allman
2. All Your Love   John Mayall s
Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton
3. Shake Your Moneymaker   Paul
Butterfield Blues Band
4. Born Under A Bad Sign   Albert
King
5. I d Rather Go Blind   Etta James
6. She Caught The Katy (And Left Me
A Mule To Ride)   Taj Mahal
7. The Thrill Is Gone   B.B. King
8. If Walls Could Talk   Little Milton
9. Trouble No More [Live]   The Allman
Brothers Band
10. Luther s Blues   Luther Allison
11. Down Home Blues   Z.Z. Hill
12. Flood Down In Texas [Live]   Stevie
Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
13. Bad To The Bone   George
Thorogood & The Destroyers
14. Smoking Gun   The Robert Cray
Band
15. Am I Wrong?   Keb  Mo
16. Good Morning Little School
Girl   Jonny Lang
17. Just Won t Burn   Susan
Tedeschi
19
By Steve Moulton
W
Where were you in 1991?
here were in 1991? I was
in high school in Tucker,
Georgia. That was magical
season in the world of the Atlanta
Braves. Ron Gant, David Justice, Tom
Glavine, and some guy named Smoltz.
That was the Braves first divisional title
since 1982 when Joe Torre managed
the Braves. In 1990 the Braves finished
in last place, 26 games behind first
place. Other wise know as the same old
Braves. It was also the last season of
Russ Nixon as manager. In 1991 under
Bobby Cox the Braves went 94-68.
And after a very memorable National
League Championship Series against
the Pirates the Braves had their sights
on the Minnesota Twins. Jack Morris
led Tom Kelly’s team on the mound
and Kirby Puckett in Centerfield. This
would be the greatest World Series I’ve
ever seen. Minnesota won the first two
games at home, 5-2, 3-2. Then back
home for the Braves at Fulton-County
Stadium. A classic extra inning game
three went the Braves way 5-4. Game
four was another one run game. The
Braves won 3-2 to tie the series at
2 games apiece. The final game at
Fulton County was memorable for all
the Braves faithful. They busted out
the whopping sticks and pounded the
Twins 14-5, and the Braves were one
game away from a World Series Title.
Lonnie Smith became the first player
in NL series history to homer in three
straight games. Unfortunately, he would
be remembered for something else. Up
three games to two, Braves fans could
taste it. This was going to be it.
Then Kirby jumped against the wall to
safe extra bases. Jack Morris pitched the
game of his live, and still Lonnie stood
at third base. Run, Lonnie, Run. Please
Run Lonnie, but he didn’t run and the
Braves lost game seven 1-0. I would
talk about Kent Hrbeck giving Ron
Gant a leg up, but it’s just too painful.
Moving on, 1992 may have been more
painful for Braves fans. After proving
to all nesayers that the Braves were for
real by going 98-64. The Braves were
back in the Fall Classic. Sports teach
us many things and one is pain. Now
the Red Sox may have Bucky F. Dent
or Aaron F. Boone. Well the Braves
met Jack F. Morris again this time in a
Blue Jay uniform. Braves fans also met
Joe F. Carter, whose walk off homerun
ended the Braves chase for a title in
game six. The knife twisted deeper for
Braves Fans. If felt like Lucy yanking
the football just before Charlie Brown
was going to kick it.
sweet, even if he did call out Braves
fans earlier in the series.
Then 1996. Where do I begin? Braves
against Yankees. The Braves pounded
New York in game one, 12-1. Game
two was more of the same. Mad dog
pitched a gem as the Braves won 4-0. I
was apart of the Braves Radio Network
at the time. I remember playing the
song, “New York, New York” by ole
Blue eyes. And just as soon as Frank
sang, “Start spreading the news,” Dave
Douglass the host said, “Braves up two
games to none, coming home! Start
spreading that news New York!”
I Winsted. I felt confident, but after
these are the Yankees. Who knew that
the last World Series Game win for the
Braves was on that October 21st day of
1996 in New York. The Yanks won in
six games and then the sweep in 1999.
Now we fast forward to today, the
Braves are not in first place in the NL
EVENTS
call 536-0807 for show times and more
information.
September 9
Monte Sano Homes & Gardens Tour
sponsored by the Burritt Museum Guild to
benefit Burritt on the Mountain. From 10am
- 4pm you can enjoy the many wonders and
charms of the interiors and gardens of some
of North Alabama’s most famous homes.
Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 day of tour.
For details visit: http://burrittmuseum.com or
call 536-2882.
September 9
Old-Fashioned Trade Day on the Square
takes place downtown from 8am-5pm. Join
your friends and neighbors for a day filled
with crafts, food, music and fun around
the Courthouse Square. Call the Historic
Huntsville Foundation at 539-0097 for more
information.
September 9
Flying Monkey Arts Center presents their free
Artist Market beginning at noon. Local artists
20
September 9
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra will present
the first performance in their Classical Series:
“Not Just Movie Music” at 7:30pm in the Von
Braun Center Concert Hall. Conducted by
Carlos Miguel Prieto, the performance will
feature violinist Robert McDuffie. Admission
charged, visit http://www.hso.org or call 5394818
September 10
Theatre Huntsville will be holding auditions
for ”Proof” at 6:30pm in the VBC Playhouse
on Monroe Street. The play is directed
by Carol Puckett and will be performed
in November. Call 353-9121 or email
carolpuckett@hotmail.com for more
information.
September 10 - 17
The Huntsville Art League’s second annual
“Unique Views of Huntsville” sponsored by
Dynetics opens at the Huntsville Museum of
Art.  This exhibit features over 100 works
of art inspired by scenes of Huntsville and
All good things must come to an end,
and for the Braves the run was nothing
short of remarkable. From 1991 to
2006 the Braves were in post-season
play. That’s a span of three presidents.
With only one title many consider the
run just ok. I don’t think we will ever
see anything like it again, that is unless
the Braves rally and win the wild card.
That’s extremely unlikely but then
again that’s what the Braves have done
in the past; they just don’t give up.
So, where were you in 1991? Look at
the world today and how much it has
changed. In 1991 we were at war in the
Middle East, and we had a President
named George Bush. Boy a lot as
changed, ok maybe gas prices by just a
few pennies.
Steve Moulton hosts The Pressbox every
weekday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. on
ESPN 1400 in Decatur, Ala. You can email
him at steve.moulton@valleyplanet.com.
But then finally pay dirt, 1995. The
Braves Winners over the Indians! They
did it. David Justice’s home run was so
and others sell their wares to the public.
There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing,
and more interesting things for sale inside the
facility – rain or shine.
East. I can’t help but think, Wow, What
a ride! Thank you Bobby Cox, John
Schuerholz, Ted Turner, Greg Olson,
Sid Bream, Fred McGriff, Ryan Klesko,
Franco, Jeff Treadway, the Lemer, Terry
Pendleton, Chipper Jones, Jeff Blauser,
Andrew Jones, and of course all the
arms on the starting rotation (And I
won’t comment on the bullpen). Now if
we only had Mario Rivera?
produced by the local artists of the Huntsville
Art League. The art work will go on sale
beginning September 14th.
September 11
Concerts in the Park season finale in Big
Spring International Park. Bring a chair or a
blanket and enjoy music by “Fiddleworms”
and “The Charlie Lyle Orchestra.” Begins at
6pm… ends with Fireworks!
September 11
Museum of Art Free Day featuring
“Aftermath: Images from Ground Zero”. The
public is encouraged to leave a message on
the Message Wall as we reflect on a day that
forever changed our nation. Hours from 9am5pm. www.hsvmuseum.org
September 11
for ”Proof” at 6:30pm in the VBC Playhouse
on Monroe Street. The play is directed
by Carol Puckett and will be performed
in November. Call 353-9121 or email
carolpuckett@hotmail.com for more
information.
September 14
DirectBuy Golf Classic to benefit the
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
Homicide Survivors Program of Family
Services. Cost is $100 per player and includes
breakfast, lunch and great door prizes. 8am
“shotgun start” at Hampton Cove River
Course. Contact Jill Garvin at 551-1610 for
more details.
September 14-16
11th Annual Oktoberfest at Redstone Arsenal
on the Activity Field. $10 admission includes
free carnival rides, free parking and free
entertainment. Enjoy authentic German
food and beverages along with all-American
hamburgers and hot dogs. Enter the arsenal at
Gate 10 traveling south on Jordan Lane. Call
876-5232 for more info.
September 14
The Huntsville Art League’s “Unique Views
of Huntsville” pre-sale reception will mark
the beginning of the sale of the artwork on
display. Cost is $25 per person and includes
wine and hors d’oeuvres from Clementines
from 6-8pm. Call 534-3860 for more details.
September 14-16
Theatre Huntsville presents “Noises Off”at
the Von Braun Center Playhouse. Directed
by Jim Zielinski, Noises Off is actually a
comedy-within-a-comedy about an English
THE VALLEY PLANET
SINGLE & FABULOUS
In the Rocket City
By Fifi Boudeaux
“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”
Rotating Relapses
Relapses: they’re not limited to drugs,
diets, illness, and alcohol anymore;
they occur in dating as well. Like a
1960’s episode of Batman, you know
you could resist this person if you could
only reach your utility belt. But alas,
overpowered, you return to a former
P.O.I, an old spark, and the regression
occurs.
Fifi discourages returning to failed
relationships, for if it didn’t work the
first time, chances are it won’t work
again. Simply put, don’t let the same
dog bite you twice. Regressions to the
casual relationships are the focus here.
From Fifi’s file cabinet of relationship
experience comes the ‘relapse folder’,
a case file that unfortunately activates
itself from time to time without
warning. The perpetrators: those you
have dated before that once held the
coveted engine position in your dating
train. Somewhere along a series of
dates, things derailed for whatever
reason; you meet someone else, they
stop calling, you see them out with
a version of “The Corpse Bride”, or
most of all, you discover valid reasons;
incompatibilities why you shouldn’t go
out with them.
Reasons like: Kid Rock and Mayor
Spencer have more in common than the
two of you, but the physical connection
is unbelievable. Or, the physical
attraction is not there, even though your
personalities hold more entertainment
than the VMA’s. Mutually decided upon
or not, the relationship file is stamped
“next” and you vow no encore dates.
Ideally, this should work; both entities
EVENTS
touring company where everything that can
go wrong, does! Appropriate for teen and
adult audiences, tickets are $15 or $13 for
seniors and students. Call 536-0807 or visit
http://www.theatrehsv.org/
September 15-17
NEACA Fall Craft Show at the Von Braun
Center South Hall. Something for everyone
with various types ceramics, pottery,
woodwork, stained glass, needlework, flower
arrangements, jewelry, clothes and toys. Free
to the public on Friday and Saturday from
9am-7pm and Sunday from 12n-5pm.
September 15
The Alabama Filmmakers Co-op is presenting
the movie “Baadasssss” at 7:00pm at the
Flying Monkey Arts Center. “Baadasssss!” is
Mario Van Peebles’s half documentary/half
homage to his father Melvin’s 1971 film,
If you have an event that you would
like for us to list, send information to
info@valleyplanet.com
THE VALLEY PLANET
IMP presents
have moved on to potentially connect
with more suitable persons of interest.
However, too many times Fifi has
witnessed “The Solar System Effect”.
Fifi, like the sun, whose job is to give off
light and heat, remains centered while
the planets, once all renamed “Next”,
keep rotating through. Scientific? No,
more like social relapse. A buzzed
encounter with a discarded P.O.I. at
Humphrey’s
may contribute to a
relapse. A ‘just touching base’ phone
call on an evening when all one had
previously planned to do was laundry,
can inspire a retreat. Just a few of many
examples.
Not to worry in the event of a relapse.
No need to go to D.A. (Daters
Anonymous) or for self-condemnation.
After all, there was a reason for initial
interest. It stands to reason that given
opportunity (be it alcohol, boredom,
or other), the interest could recur.
Mantras of why you initially ceased
dating should aid in the prevention of
further regression. Self-preservation is
essential, for even smallest relationship
dogs can chew one’s ankle even if not
strong enough to break the skin of the
single and fabulousness.
One never knows, the future of singles
in the Rocket City could have access
to a team of dating astronomers for
back-up in order to prevent relapses,
voting to eliminate the little planets
that threaten the fabulous. P.S. former
P.O.I.’s: you’ll have no power of veto.
Look for Fifi’s column exclusively in
The Valley Planet.
O
n Sept. 28th, 29th, 30th,and Oct.
1, 2006. Independent Musical
Productions will be presenting
the third annual Fall production for the
young and young at heart featuring a
combination of exciting events. This
year features the production of “You’re
a Good Man Charlie Brown.” Based on
the Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles
M. Schulz Book, Music and Lyrics
by Clark Gesner Originally Produced
in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and
Gene Persson Originally Directed in
New York by Joseph Hardy
“The time of the action is “an average
day in the life of Charlie Brown.” It
really is just that, a day made up of
little moments picked from all the days
of Charlie Brown, from Valentine’s
Day to the baseball season, from wild
optimism to utter despair, all mixed in
with the lives of his friends (both human
and non-human) and strung together on
the string of a single day, from bright
uncertain morning to hopeful starlit
evening.”(Tams-Witmark webpage)
Thursday and Friday - Field Trips for
elementary and middle school students
at 9:00 a.m. Call 256/859-2563 for
information and tickets.
Friday evening - Public performance
beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
events.
-
a combination of three
1) Musical Theater Workshop Workshop begins at 12:00 p.m. for
ages 8-12. These students are taught
fundamental musical theater skills, do
a craft project, and learn a song with
choreography that is performed at the
Saturday matinee.
2) Family Services Center Arts Sampler
- Sponsored and organized by Family
Services Center, a non-profit agency
helping those in need. The sampler is as
its name implies. There will be pottery,
visual arts and art projects, puppets and
puppet making plus more.
3) Matinee of “You’re a Good Man
Charlie Brown”
4) Directors Workshop - This workshop
is targeted to start up drama groups
or people interested in directing.
Instruction will include aspects of
play selection, blocking, costumes,
properties, and technical. Question and
answer time will be provided as will
as printed material. Cost per person is
$50.00 and includes ticket to “You’re
a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as well
as light snacks immediately following
the production. Vivienne Atkins,
Artistic Director of Independent
Musical Productions and director of
Huntsville City Schools Performing
Arts Magnet Program will conduct the
Workshop. P. J. Slighting, director of
IMP’s Charlie Brown as well as many
other area productions, particularly for
Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater,
will assist her. Workshop should begin
by 5:00 and will continue to 7:00 or
for approx. two hours. Limited space
available. FOR RESERVATIONS
CALL 256/337-9071
Sunday - Matinee at 2:30.
Tickets - 859-2563
Or purchase on our webpage through
PayPal - www.imphuntsville.org
Info - 337-9071 or
www.imphuntsville.org
The play is directed by Jeff White and will be
performed in January of 2007. Call 651-8079
for more information.
September 16
Monte Sano Art Show at Monte Sano State
Park. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this
outdoor show filled with good music, good
food, and of course, great art from regional
artists. Free to the public from 10am-5pm.
September 16
Huntsville Land Trust’s 7th annual Moon
Over Three Caves Dance from 7:30-11:
00pm. Participate in the Silent Auction; enjoy
Smokey’s BBQ and then dance by the light
of the moon to the sounds of Kozmic Mama
at historic Three Caves Quarry. Tickets are
$50 and must be purchased in advance for
this popular sell-out fundraiser. Call 534-6263
or visit http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/moon_
dance.htm for more info.
September 18
Children’s Educational Theatre is
beginning a new Creative Drama Class
for children ages 7-15. This 8-week
class is designed to challenge students to
exercise their imaginations using story
enactments, theater games, music, creative
movement and improvisation. Email
alachildtheatre@aol.com or call 256-3539855.
September 16
The Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride features
over 150,000 motorcycles retracing the route
the Cherokee Indians followed during their
forced relocation by the US Government. See
the spectacle of cycles at the Halfway/Lunch
Stops in Madison at both the Publix parking
lot and the old K-Mart parking lot from appx.
10:00-11:30am.
September 17
Burritt Museum is presenting the Mountain
Dulcimer Festival which will be held in and
around the gazebo from 12-4pm. Dulcimer
makers and players from several states
provide a blend of informal jam sessions,
performances, demonstrations and displays.
Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic lunch
to this FREE event.
September 16
September 17
for “Romeo and Juliet” at 6:30pm in the Arts
Council Meeting Room at Von Braun Center.
“Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” The
movie details Melvin’s struggles to make a
film using a mixed race crew (Blacks, Whites
and Latinos).  This was groundbreaking for
1971 and is noted as a landmark in the birth
of African American cinema. Admission is
$5. For more information, call 256-489-3884
or visit www.filmcoop.org
#090706092806
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
September 18
for “Romeo and Juliet” at 7:00pm in the Arts
Council Meeting Room at Von Braun Center.
The play is directed by Jeff White and will be
performed in January of 2007. Call 651-8079
for more information
September 20
Huntsville Snow Ski Club will meet at the
Holiday Inn on Williams Avenue at 7pm with
Bennie’s cash bar open at 6:30pm for social
time. Come to the meeting for information on
upcoming ski trips and other activities. http:
//ourworld.cs.com/hsvskiclub/
21
Finding Jake
Ryan
W
hen Julia Roberts hit the big
screen in Pretty Woman, I was
hitting high school. I went
on my very first date to see that movie.
Days after watching Richard Gere play
Edward Lewis sweep the down-onher-luck prostitute off her feet, I had
conversation with my mom about the
film. She didn’t think it was appropriate
for young girls to see because it would
teach them that it’s okay to be a hooker
– some rich guy will eventually save
you. I never made that connection. By
the time I hit high school, I’d figured out
that Hollywood wasn’t real. However,
what I learned before that time stuck
with me as true, true, true!
Enter Sixteen Candles. What geeky girl
didn’t have a crush on their school’s
version of Jake Ryan: the hunky
senior with a fast, red car? I swore
Jake Ryan existed. This incredibly
handsome guy who was genuinely
smart and considerate was alive and
looking for me. I spent my 20s in
search of Jake Ryan. Surely he was out
there somewhere, waxing his Porsche,
getting ready to take me for a ride.
There truly was never a concern about
me leading my life as a hooker. I
learned at a very young age that I look
good in neither pleather nor animal
prints. Mix the two and you’ve got a
fashion faux pas worthy of Clinton and
Stacey’s rescue. However, I did hold
out hope for a long time that Jake Ryan
would appear. To this day, I can’t tell
you which is worse: to make choices
that go against the grain of society or
believing the fairy tale that goes against
the laws of nature.
us. After several bad decisions in the
love department, I lost hope. I accept
Jake Ryan doesn’t live in the 35801
area and if he does, the likelihood of
him showing up on my street is nonexistent. Rather than wasting anymore
hope thinking a great guy to show up, I
did the next best thing. I went online,
found him, and bought him. We’re a
month into our relationship and things
are going well. He listens. He’s
excited when I come home. All my
friends think he is great – even some of
my guy friends really like him. Until
Jake Ryan came into my life, I never
realized I was missing something. For
the first time in a long time, I have a
sincere hope that this relationship will
work. Sure he’s got a wet nose and has
made a few potty training mistakes, but
he’s getting better. My Jake Ryan is a
dog. While I’m not an animal person at
all, we fell in love immediately. I had
given up hope that I’d find someone (or
something) to love, but now I know I am
fully capable of loving another creature.
As he sits at my feet while I type away,
I look down and think that if I can love
this little guy who poos and pees in my
perfect house, perhaps someday I’ll
love someone who isn’t exactly Jake
Ryan but would defend my honor to a
geek who abducted my undies.
As I make my way through life, I come
to see that you must have hope. Hope
drives us to work harder, to aim higher,
and to believe in our ambitions. You
must have enough hope for yourself
to pull you out of bed in the morning.
If you don’t, get a dog. They’ll gladly
pull you out of bed at all hours; and
when you come home to their excited
little face, you’ll understand that if hope
lives strong in their hearts, it can easily
live in yours.
Why is it that we’re always warned
about making bad decisions but
we’re never warned about being too
ambitious? What is worse: to be too
hopeful or to have no hope at all?
During our upbringing, my mother
taught my brothers and me to play
it safe, to carefully think out the
consequences, and to examine all
possible alternatives before making a
decision. She never once warned us
about the pain of failure. We learned
that on our own. And it hurts: failure
is extremely painful. The shame and
embarrassment of not succeeding lives
in your heart for a long time. I guess
that’s something that can’t be taught.
It’s merely something you must learn
on your own.
When it comes to being too hopeful or
having no hope, our life experiences
dictate the level of hope living inside
22
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
Allison Gregg is an eternal optimist who has never
had it so good. Email Allison at
allison.gregg@valleyplanet.com.
THE VALLEY PLANET
EVENTS
September 21
Huntsville Young Professionals “Alive
After Five” from 6-8pm at the Huntsville
International Airport. $10 admission
includes hors d’oeuvres, beverage tickets
and entertainment. HYP provides a wide
range of social entertainment, professional
development, and networking opportunities
for all young professionals. www.gethyp.net
September 21-24
Alpha Stage Productions and Burritt on the
Mountain present The Belle of Amherst, a
play by William Luce. The Belle of Amherst
brings to life America’s most celebrated
poet, Emily Dickinson. Tickets are $15 and
reservations are recommended, as seating is
limited inside the historic Burritt Mansion.
Visit www.renaissancetheatre.net or call 5362882 for show times.
September 22-24
14th Annual Big Spring Jam, one of the
largest music festivals in the Southeast
featuring rock, country, rhythm & blues, jazz,
and Christian artists on five stages in Big
Spring International Park. Plenty of food and
drink vendors with a free Children’s Craft
area and a Fun Zone for all ages. Single Day
Passes are $25 at the gate. 3-Day Passes
are $40 in advance or $50 at the gate. Visit
www.bigspringjam.org for complete info.
September 22
Wine Tasting presented by Great Spirits and
Key Selections from 5-7pm at the Huntsville
Botanical Gardens. Wines have personalities
just like people, come and find which wines
match yours. Tickets are $30 and include
8-10 wines to sample along with light
refreshments. Call 430-3572 for reservations
or visit www.hsvbg.org
September 23
Big Spring Jam 5K and Fun Run in
downtown Huntsville. Both races begin
at Church and Monroe Streets, 5K at 8am
followed by the 1-Mile Fun Run at 9am. Visit
http://www.huntsvilletrackclub.org or contact
Lou Hovatter at 256-427-5226 for more
information.
September 23
September 23
Bonsai Open House at Huntsville Botanical
Gardens. Come enjoy the display of trees
from the Garden Bonsai collection and
take part in hourly demonstrations from
11am-2pm. Admission charged, contact the
Botanical Gardens at 830-4447 for details.
September 24
Dr. Robert Rane and his daughter Kelli will
be at the Clay House Museum for a
“meet the artist” reception. Their
photographic interests are mainly centered
in portraits and wildlife of Africa. Clay
House Museum is located at 16 Main St. in
the Madison historic district. Viewing the art
exhibit is always free. For more information
contact Robin Hall Brewer 256-125-1018 or
www.clay-house.com.
September 25
Nashville Songwriters Association
International (NSAI) regional workshop. The
workshops (4th Monday each month) are
designed to further the knowledge and craft
of songwriting; to provide songwriters who
live outside Nashville with a
network of other songwriters, lyricists and
composers; to keep songwriters
informed about issues and changes in the
music industry; and to establish
unity among songwriters everywhere. For
more info, email
info@northalabamasongwriter.com or call
Donny Grace at 256-682-2564.
September 28 – October 1
Alpha Stage Productions and Burritt on the
Mountain present The Belle of Amherst, a
play by William Luce. The Belle of Amherst
brings to life America’s most celebrated
poet, Emily Dickinson. Tickets are $15 and
reservations are recommended, as seating is
limited inside the historic Burritt Mansion.
Visit www.renaissancetheatre.net or call 5362882 for show times.
September 29 – October 1
Independent Musical Productions presents
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the
Lee High Theatre. Directed by Peter-John
Sligting, the musical is based on Charles
Schulz’s comic strip “Peanuts” and presents
what is described as “an average day in the
life of Charlie Brown.” Tickets are $12,
show times can be found by visiting http:
//www.imphuntsville.org or calling 337-9071.
September 14
A tenor and a flamenco guitar? Absolutely!
THE VALLEY PLANET
#090706092806
Nathan Granner is bringing an unusual mix
of classical music to the Flying Monkey Arts
Center with his “Mozart was a Punk”.. How
to make classical music not suck! program.
Nathan and Beau Bledsoe will perform
new commissioned works, innovative
transcriptions of classical and popular song as
well as genre-bending renditions of American
Spirituals and traditional Flamenco. They
are earning standing ovations everywhere
they go. Show starts at 8:00pm, tickets
are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Visit
www.flyingmonkeyarts.org or call 489-7000
for more details.
September 30
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
September 30
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra will present
the first performance in their Pops Series:
“Stay Tuned” at 7:30pm in the Von Braun
Center Concert Hall. Five By Design will
take you on a musical journey through the
early days of television featuring memorable
songs, commercials, classic skits and comedy
bits from the fifties and sixties. Admission
charged, visit http://www.hso.org or call 5394818 for more information.
23
LISTINGS
listings@valleyplanet.com
801 FRANKLIN
801 Franklin Street, Huntsville (Downtown by
Medical Center), 256-519-8019. Lunch: M-F 11-2,
Dinner: M-W 5-10 pm & Th-Sa 5 pm-1 am. Lounge
opens 4 pm M-F. Full Bar & Extensive Wine List.
www.801franklin.com
BEAUREGARD’S (3 Huntsville locations)
1851 University Dr. , 256-512-0074
511 Jordan Lane, 256-837-2433
975 Airport Rd. SW, 256-880-2131
BENNIGAN’S
1009 Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-534-6141
www.bennigans.com
BISTRO LA LUNA
Covenant Cove Lodge & Marina, 7001 ValMonte Drive, Guntersville, 256-582-0930.
www.covenantcove.com
BONEFISH GRILL
4800 Whitesburg Dr. , 256-883-0643
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
2750 Carl T. Jones Dr.
256-650-4115
CHEF GREEN’S ON THE FOUNTAIN
Fountain Row
Huntsville, Al 35801
CHILI’S (2 Huntsville locations)
4925 University Drive, 256-722-9620
2740 Carl T. Jones, 256-882-1230
CRAWMAMMA’S
5000 Webb Villa, Guntersville, 256-582-0484
D&L BISTRO
7500 SW Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville,
256-881-7244, located in Main St. South
THE DOCKS
Goosepond Colony, 417 Ed Hembree, Scottsboro,
256-574-3071.
EDEN’S EAST
2413-B Jordan Lane, Huntsville, 256-721-9491
Vegetarian fare, M-Thu: 11am-6 pm; Fri: 11am-3pm
FURNITURE FACTORY BAR & GRILL
619 Meridian Street N, Huntsville (just north of
Downtown), 256-539-8001.
GREEN HILLS GRILLE
5100 Sanderson Street NW, Huntsville (corner of
Wynn and University), 256-837-8282.
HUMPHREY’S BAR & GRILL
109 Washington Street, Huntsville (Downtown,
corner of Washington and Clinton), 256-704-5555.
11 am – 2 am everyday.
www.downtownhuntsville.com
Live music almost every night – SEE CALENDAR
2315 Beltline SW, Decatur, 256-432-2746
MAIN STREET CAFE
101Main Street, Madison, 461-8096
MAMA ANNIE’S
4550 Meridian Street N, 489-3275
THE PALATTE’ CAFÉ
Huntsville Museum of Art
300 Church St.
PAULI’S BAR & GRILL
7143-C Hwy 72 W, Huntsville (corner of Slaughter
Road & Hwy 72), 256-722-2080.
PAULI’S CHOPHOUSE
109 Washington Street, Huntsville (Downtown,
corner of Clinton and Washington), 256-704-5555.
M-Th 5 – 10 pm, F-Sat 5 – 11 pm, Sun 11 am – 2
pm. www.downtownhuntsville.com
PRINCETON’S CEDAR MILL GRILLE
1208 Beltline SW, Decatur, 256-351-6247
SILVER POINT RESTAURANT
7840 Hwy 72 Madison, 856-895-3343
STARFISH
Corner of Pratt & Russell, Huntsville, 256-327-5555
T-BIRDS CAFE
1792 Hwy. 72 East, Huntsville, 256-852-9191.
Tina’s Cantina @ Lowe Mill
2211 Seminole Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
(around back)
256.457.0977
TGI FRIDAY’S
4935 University Drive NW, Huntsville
256-830-2793, www.tgifridays.com
TOP O’ THE RIVER
7004 Val-Monte, Guntersville, 256-582-4567
WILD FLOUR BISTRO
600 Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville (shopping center,
corner of Holmes and Jordan). 256-536-0939.
WINGS SPORTS GRILLE
4250 Balmoral Dr. SW, Huntsville, 256-881-8878.
www.wingssportsgrille.com
ALABAMA BREAD COMPANY
975 Airport Rd., Huntsville, 256-882-2010.
CAFE BABA
5000 Whitesburg, Huntsville, 256-882-6747.
CAFE DOMAIN
6585 Hwy 431 S, Ste. C, Huntsville, 256-519-2323
COFFEE CREATIONS
616 HWY 31, S ATHENS, AL 35611
JAZZ FACTORY
109 North Side Square, Huntsville (Downtown on
the Square), 256-539-1919.
COFFEE AND TEA COMPANY
Madison Square Mall University Dr.
Huntsville 256-837-7085
K C’s COYOTE CAFE
410 Old Town St., Guntersville, 256-582-1676
COFFEE TREE BOOKS & BREW, THE
7900 Bailey Cove Rd., Huntsville, 256-880-6464
LE BISTRO DU SOLEIL
300 Franklin Street, Huntsville (Downtown on the
Square), 256-539-7777
HIGHLANDER COFFEE SHOPPE
Bob Wallace Ave
LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE (2 Huntsville locations)
4249 Balmoral Drive, Huntsville, 256-881-0584
University Drive NW, Huntsvile
JAMO’S CAFÉ
413 Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville, 256-837-7880.
24
JAVA JAAY CAFE
1713 6th Ave. SE, Decatur, 256-351-8555.
KAFFEEKLATSCH
103 Jefferson Street, Huntsville, 256-536-7993.
KENNY MANGO’S COFFEE SHOP & GALLERY
119 N Side Square, Huntsville, 256-755-6559.
LAGNIAPPES COFFEE CAFE
119 East Moulton, Decatur
Coffee, Espresso, Bakery & Deli.
OLDE TOWNE COFFEE SHOPPE
511 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, 256-539-5399
SEATTLE SOUTH
2113 Whitesburg Drive S, Huntsville,(Whitesburg
Medical District), 256-534-0513
WEST SIDE COFFEE PLACE & CAFE
2699B Sandlin Rd., SW, Decatur, 256-353-2025
WILD ROSE CAFE
121 North Side Square, Huntsville, 256-539-3658
CAJUN CAFE
704 Hwy 231 Lacey’s Spring 256-650-5586
PO BOY FACTORY
815 Andrew Jackson Way, Huntsville (in Five
Points) 256-539-3616.
TIM’S CAJUN KITCHEN
114 Jordan Lane, Huntsville, 256-533-7589.
PAPOU’S
110 South Side Square, Huntsville, 256-534-5553
Greek Restaurant, Lunch & Dinner, Full Bar.
SAZIO
Corner of Pratt & Russell, Huntsville, 256-327-5555
Mediterranean Cuisine, Full Bar, Patio Dining
BELLACINO’S PIZZA & GRINDERS (3 locations)
4851 Whitesburg Dr, 256-880-8656
8572 Madison Blvd, Madison, 256-774-1918
11700 N So Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-6504648
BIG ED’S PIZZERIA
721 Clinton Avenue, Huntsville, 256-536-2872
CHEEBURGER, CHEEBURGER (3 locations)
5000 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, 256-885-3700
300 Hughes Rd, Madison, 256-464-9990
Providence Main, Huntsville
DUFFY’S DELI
2324 Whitesburg, Huntsville, 256-533-4179
McALLISTER’S DELI (2 Huntsville locations)
4800 Whitesburg Drive S, 256-880-1557 and
1480 Perimeter Pkwy, 256-425-0034. Appetizers,
Salads, Sandwiches, Spuds & Desserts. Kid’s Menu.
TONY’S ITALIAN DELI
119 James Madison Drive SW
Huntsville, 256-772-4448
SCHLOTZSKY’S DELI (2 Huntsville locations)
4319 University Drive NW, 256-830-6400
11120 Memorial Pkwy SW, 256-650-6300
8969 Hwy. 20, Madison, 256-464-5300
SOUL BURGER
2900 Triana Blvd. SW, Huntsville, 256-534-8585
STANLIEO’S SUB VILLA (2 Huntsville locations)
605 Jordan Lane, 256-837-7220
602 Governors Drive, 256-536-6585
TERRY’S PIZZA (3 Huntsville locations)
9034 Memorial Pkwy S, 256-881-5987
3612 Governors Dr, 256-536-3389 and
2514 Memorial Pkwy N, 256-539-3467
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
BB PERRINS
608 Holly St, NE, Decatur, 256-355-0980
CLEM’S BBQ & FISHERY
3700 Blue Spring Road NW
DREAMLAND
3855 University Dr., Huntsville 256-539-7427
GIBSON BARBECUE (3 Huntsville locations)
3319 Memorial Pkwy., Huntsville, 256-881-4851
8412 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, 256-882-0841
735 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, 256-852-9882
1715 6th Ave., SE, Decatur, 256-350-6969
MERIDIANVILLE BAR-B-QUE
11537 Hwy. 231N., Meridianville, 256-828-3725
OLE HICKORY PIT BBQ
5061 Maysville Road
New Market, 256-859-2824
Smokey’s Barbeque
8073 Hwy 72, W, Madison
256-721-0300
Thomas Pit BBQ
Hwy 72 ,W, Madison
256-837-4900
BLUE PLATE CAFE
3210 Governors Drive, Huntsville, 256-533-8808
ERNEY’S
1605 Pulaski Pike NW
Huntsville, (256) 533-5734
G’S COUNTRY KITCHEN
2501 Oakwood Dr., Huntsville, 256-533-3034
MULLIN’S
607 Andrew Jackson, Huntsville, 256-539-2826
ROLO’S CAFE
505 Airport Rd., Huntsville, 256-883-7656
BANDITO BURRITO (2 locations)
3017 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, 256-534-0866
208 Main St., Madison, 256-461-8999
CASA BLANCA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
(4 locations)
7830 Hwy 72 W, Ste 230, Madison 256-864-0360
140 Browns Ferry Rd, Madison 256-464-6044
7900 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville 256-883-4447
1802 Hwy 72 E, Ste D, Athens 256-771-0130
EL MARIACHI (3 locations)
14450 Hwy 231/431 N Hazel Green, 256-828-1466
1836 Winchester Road, Huntsville 256-851-7255
7193 Hwy 72 W, Madison, 256-890-0900
EL PALACIO
2008 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville 256-539-6075
GARIBALDI’S
2107 Old Blue Spring Rd. Hsv 256-851-7394
GUADALAJARA MEXICAN RESTAURANTS
11208 Memorial Pkwy S, Huntsville
256-882-7311 &
8572 Madison Blvd, 256-774-1401
LA ALAMEDA
3807 University Drive NW
LITTLE ROSIE’S TAQUERIA
4781 Whitesburg Dr S, Huntsville, 256-882-0014
PEPITO’S
3508 Mem. Pkwy. S, Hsv
256-858-0059
Continued On Page 25
THE VALLEY PLANET
LISTINGS
QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL
4800 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville 256-489-1367
ROSIE’S MEXICAN CANTINA
(2 Huntsville locations)
6125 University Drive, 256-922-1001
7540 S. Memorial Pkwy, 256-382-3232
CARRABAS
Parkway Place Mall
ITALIAN PIE
5000 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, 256-883-9112
LA STRADA
12824 Hwy 431, Guntersville. European cuisine.
256-582-2250. www.lastradabama.com
LUCIANO
964 Airport Road SW, Huntsville, 256-885-0505
RICATONI’S ITALIAN GRILL
107 N. Court St., Florence, 256-718-1002
ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL
5901 University Drive, Huntsville, 256-722-4770
TELLINI’S CAFE & GRILL
4855 Whitesburg Dr. Hsv
256-881-9155
EDO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
104 N. Intercom Drive, Madison, 256-772-0360
MIKATO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE & LOUNGE
4061 Independence Dr. NW, Huntsville, (one block
N. of University on Jordan Ln.), 256-830-1700.
MIKAWA RESTAURANT
1010 Heathland Dr, Huntsville, 256-837-7440.
MIWON JAPANESE RESTAURANT
404 Jordan Lane NW
MIYAKO
10013 South Parkway
256-880-9879
NIKKO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
6565 Hwy. 431, Hampton Cove, 256-536-3690
SHO GUN JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI BAR
3991 University Drive, Huntsville, 256-534-3000.
TOKYO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI BAR
1105 Wayne Road, Huntsville, 256-217-1719
MAMA FU’S ASIAN HOUSE
6920 University Dr. Huntsville, 256-830-4433
SURIN OF THAILAND
975 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, 256-213-9866
THAI GARDEN RESTAURANT
800 Wellman Ave. NE, Huntsville, 256-534-0122
CHINA MOON
11700 S Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-880-2626
DING HOW II
4800 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, 256-880-8883
JADE PALACE
4925 University Drive NW, Huntsville,
256-830-2458
TAI PAN PALACE
2012 Mem. Pkwy, S, Hsv
256-539-5797
DEUTSCHE KUCHE
418 Jordan Lane, Huntsville, 256-534-4807.
Authentic
HILDEGARD’S
2357 Whitesburg Dr., Hsv
256-512-9776
OL HEIDELBERG CAFÉ
6125 University Drive NW E14, Huntsville,
(shopping center next to Rosie’s), 256-992-0556.
3RD BASE GRILL
7904 Memorial Pkwy S, Huntsville, 256-882-9500.
ADRIAN’S
1405 Sunset Drive, Guntersville, 256-582-3106
ALLEN’S GRILLE & GROG
9076 Madison Blvd, Madison, 256-772-8514.
THE BARN
2510 Ready Section Road, corner of Pulaski Pike,
Toney
BENCHWARMER FOOD & SPIRITS
2998 University Drive, Huntsville 256-539-6268.
www.benchwarmersportsbar.com.
BENCHWARMER, TOO!
BILLIARD STREET CAFE
BLACK WATER HATTIE’S
10000 S. Memorial Pkwy. 256-489-3333.
BLUE PARROT MARTINI & CIGAR LOUNGE
7001 Val-Monte Drive, Covenant Cove Resort,
Guntersville, 256-582-0930.
www.covenantcove.com/parrot.htm
BOBBY G’S PLACE
1009 Henderson Road, 256-837-4728
BRICK DELI & TAVERN, THE
209-A 2nd Ave. SE, Decatur
256-355-8318.
CHARLOTTE’S PLACE
1117 Jordan Ln.
CHIPS & SALSA CANTINA
10300 Bailey Cove Rd SE Huntsville, 256-880-1202.
CLUB MIRAGE
4701 Meridian Street, Huntsville, 256-851-2920.
COPPER TOP BAR & GRILL
200 Q Oakwood Ave., Huntsville, 256-536-1150
Formerly Zesto’s in Five Points. Appetizers,
sandwiches & more. Karaoke & Live Music
CORNER GRILL & PUB, THE
(2 Huntsville locations)
10300 Bailey Cove Road SE, 256-880-2103.
129-A Old Highway 431,Hampton Cove
CROSSROADS, THE
721 Clinton Ave, Huntsville, 256-533-3393. Live
Music 7 nights. www.crossroadsmusic.biz
END ZONE, THE
FINNEGAN’S PUB
3310 Memorial Pkwy S, Huntsville, 256-881-9732
FREDDY’S
4070 Mem. Pkwy South Huntsville 35802
256-880-2590
Corner of Golf Rd. & The Paekway
New Restaurant with a New Attitude!
FURNITURE FACTORY BAR & GRILL
619 Meridian Street N, Huntsville (just north of
Downtown), 256-539-8001.
HARD DOCK CAFE
3755 U.S. Hwy. 31, Decatur, 256-340-9234
HALF TIME BAR AND GRILL
8873 Highway 72 W, Madison, 256-430-0266
HOG WILD SALOON
2407 Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-533-7446
HOOTERS
HOPPER’S
Holiday Inn-Research Park, 5903 University Drive,
256-830-0600
HUMPHREY’S BAR & GRILL
109 Washington Square, Huntsville, 256-704-5555.
Beef, seafood, sandwiches. Come for the food
– Stay for the Fun. Best Patio in Huntsville. Happy
Hour every day 11 am – 6 pm. Live music every
night, no cover. Open 11 am – 2 am everyday.
INSOMNIA
6402 Hwy 72, W
JEMISON’S EATERY & PUB
350-A Market St. NE, Decatur, 256-351-0300.
TASTE OF D’ISLANDS
2105 Mastin Lake Road, Huntsville, 256-851-9262.
CASA MONTEGO INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
2117 Jonathan Drive, Huntsville, 256-858-9187.
2ND STREET MUSIC HALL
208 2nd Street, Gadsden 256-547-0010
THE VALLEY PLANET
JUDGE CRATER’S PUB & GRILL
110 Southside Square, Huntsville 256-534-6116
KAFFEEKLATSCH @NIGHT
Live Music nightly.
THE MAIN OFFICE
Hwy 231/431, Hazel Green, 256-829-9100
#090706092806
MARTINI’S OF MADISON
Ramada Inn, 8716 Madison Blvd, Madison,
256-772-0701.
MOODY MONDAYS
718 Church St, Huntsville, 256-533-4005
NIKKO JAPANESE RESTAURANT
6565 Hwy. 431, Hampton Cove, 256-536-3690
OTTER’S
Marriott Hotel, 5 Tranquility Base, Huntsville
256-830-2222.
PADDY’S
3305 Bob Wallace Ave.
256-489-0911
PHILBY’S POURHOUSE
PINHOOK CREEK YACHT CLUB
2704 Johnson Road, Huntsville, 256-880-3714.
ROSEBERRY PUB & GRILL
Hwy 67 Scottsboro
256-574-4231
RUGGBY’S
SAMMY’S LIVE
2322 Memorial Parkway, S
SAMMY T’S MUSIC HALL
116 Washington Street, 256-539-9974.
www.sammytsplace.com
SANDY’S ROADHOUSE
12740 Hwy. 431 S, Guntersville, 256-571-0450.
THE SHACK
105 Swancott Road, Triana 256-461-0227. The bar
that never closes!
SPORTS PAGE LOUNGE & DELI
9009 Memorial Pkwy S, Huntsville, 256-880-9471.
THE STATION
8694 Madison Blvd., Madison, 256-325-1333.
STEVE’S BILLIARDS & LOUNGE
2322 Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-539-8919.
TABU & THE VIP ROOM
7200 Governors West, Huntsville, 256-830-1233.
www.theentertainmentcomplexhsv.com
TWILIGHT ZONE
2140 Gunter Ave. in the Holiday Inn,Guntersville,
256-582-2220
UPSCALE
2021 Golf Rd, Huntsville, 256-881-8820
www.clubupscale.com
VISIONS
6404 University Dr. NW, Huntsville, 256-722-8247
WINGS SPORTS GRILLE
4250 Balmoral Dr. SW, Huntsville, 256-881-8878.
www.wingssportsgrille.com
5 POINTS GALLERY
401 Pratt Ave. NE, 256-539-9658
801 FRANKLIN
801 Franklin Street, Huntsville, (Downtown by
Medical Center), 256-519-8019. Dine with fine art.
www.801franklin.com.
ATHENS ST. STUDENT UNION ART GALLERY
300 N. Beaty St., Athens, Athens State University,
800-522-0272
ARTISTIC IMAGES
2115 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, 256-534-3968.
www.artisticimagesgallery.com
CAROLE FORET FINE ART
206 West Market St., Downtown Square, Athens
256-232-2521. www.caroleforet.com
Free Stuff
Voice your
opinion on the
forum.
Register, post
and win.
C’mon
CLAY HOUSE MUSEUM ART GALLERY
16 Main Street
Madison, AL 256-325-1018
DRAGONFLY GALLERY & DESIGN
125 Main Ave. S., Fayetteville, TN, 931-433-3024
HUNTSVILLE ART LEAGUE GALLERY
3005 L&N Drive, Suite 2, Huntsville, 256-534-3860.
Monday-Saturday 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday 1-4 pm.
www.huntsvilleartleague.org.
HUNTSVILLE MUSEUM OF ART
300 Church Street So. in Big Spring International
Park, Huntsville. Gen. admission fee is $7 for nonmembers. Discounts for seniors over 60, military,
students with a valid ID, and groups of 10 or more.
Admission is half-price for non-members on Thurs
nights. Members & children <6 free. Hours 1-5pm.
Sunday; 10am-5pm. Mon-Sat; extended hours on
Th 5-8 pm. Call 256-535-4350 or
1-800-786-9095, or visit www.hsvmuseum.org.
LADAGE ARTISTRY
321 S. Jefferson, Athens,256-216-0039.
http://ladage.dews.net.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
25
Chuck Shepherd, photo Bob
Baggett Photography
Seriously Bi-Cultural: Tariq Khan, 12, of
New York City, bubbled with enthusiasm
(to a New York Times reporter in August)
about his love of the Grand Theft Auto
video game and the hip-hop music of
Fat Joe, T.I. and 50 Cent -- a month after
becoming a prestigious hafiz by having
memorized the entire Koran in Arabic
(which he doesn’t understand all that
well). He finished the regimen in less
than two years of 40-hour workweeks,
and if he retains his knowledge, he and
10 people of his choosing eventually get
express passage to paradise.
Compelling Explanations
(1) University of Central Florida student
Matthew Damsky was arrested in July
and charged with starting a fire in his
dormitory, just so that, he said, he could
meet women during the evacuation. (2)
During the Santa Ana, Calif., murderconspiracy trial of Aryan Brotherhood
prison leaders in July, the lawyer for
defendant Barry “The Baron” Mills (who
was convicted along with colleague
Tyler “The Hulk” Bingham) made the
point that the Aryan Brotherhood is more
of a social club than a criminal gang
and mostly enjoys just “playing cards,
reading and crocheting,” according to a
New York Times report.
The Litigious Society
Longshots: (1) Los Angeles psychologist
Michael Cohn filed a lawsuit in May
against the Los Angeles Angels baseball
team because he didn’t get a red nylon
bag that the team was giving to women
for “Family Sunday” on Mothers’ Day
last year. (2) “Carlos the Jackal,” who
is perhaps the world’s most notorious
terrorist and who is serving life in prison
in France, filed a lawsuit earlier this year
against the head of French intelligence
for illegally capturing him while he
was sedated in a liposuction clinic in
Khartoum, Sudan, in 1994.
Garrett Sapp filed a lawsuit in July
seeking compensation for injuries from a
2004 auto accident in West Des Moines,
Iowa, in which Christopher Garton’s
car, turning, hit Sapp’s because Garton’s
attention was diverted by (according
to a police report) the oral sex he was
receiving from his wife.
Bill of Rights
James Filson was fired as a Big Ten
conference football referee in 2005,
following a reporter’s disclosure that,
after a bad accident and the installment
of a prosthetic, Filson had been
officiating games with one eye. Filson
filed a lawsuit in July, pointing out that
he had been refereeing well enough
for the previous four years that no one
noticed his condition, but the conference
said that, now that the word is out, he
would be a magnet for criticism on close
calls.
26
Pedophiles Fight Back: (1) Phillip
Distasio, 34, told a judge in Cleveland in
August (in preparation for his September
trial on 74 charges) that he’s been a
pedophile for 20 years, that what he does
can be therapeutic for the child, and that
it’s part of his Arcadian Fields Ministries
religion, of which he is a friar. (2) Three
men in the Netherlands announced in
May that they have formed the Charity,
Freedom and Diversity party and will
field candidates for office, advocating
freedom to be naked in public and a
reduction in the age of consent for sex
to 12. The new party, said one, will give
them “a voice.” “(P)oliticians only talk
about us in a negative sense.”
Ironies
(1) Amarillo, Texas, officials, welcomed
home eighth-place national spelling bee
finisher Caitlin Campbell in June with
a billboard, but misspelled her name
as “Cambell.” (2) ExxonMobil, the
company that announced jaw-dropping
profits of $18.7 billion for the first half of
2006, said in June that it would fight the
U.S. Justice Department over $92 million
that the government said the company
owes in the still-uncompleted 1989
Exxon Valdez oil-spill cleanup.
I See Dead People: (1) A campaign
worker for unsuccessful Rhode Island
gubernatorial candidate Dennis Michaud
was charged in July with falsifying
election records, in that he allegedly
made a sworn statement that 57 voters
had signed Michaud’s nominating
petition “in (his) presence,” including
two people who had long been dead. Said
the worker, “I did nothing wrong.” (2)
The signers this summer of a nominating
petition for James T. Finnell for an office
in Smithtown, N.Y., were all living,
but the problem there was that Finnell
himself had died in 2004, and according
to a July report in Newsday, no one
knows who circulated the petition.
News Stephen King Can Use
About 1,000 animals were scheduled to
be dug up from Pet’s Rest cemetery in
Colma, Calif., after owners realized that
their lease had run out (June). And the
Green River Cemetery in Greenfield,
Mass., began hurriedly moving and reburying bodies, which had begun sliding
down a muddy slope into the river
(July). And about 100 skeletons were
recently unearthed from an old graveyard
beneath the St. Joseph’s Church, which
the Archdiocese of Boston demolished
in 2004 and sold (July). And the city of
London, England, began selling used
burial sites (for the equivalent of about
$5,600), offering to inter bodies on
top of previous burials and to re-mark
gravestones with new names (July).
Least Competent Criminals
The robber of a Bank of America branch
in Tampa, Fla., in August is actually still
at large, but according to witnesses, the
bag of cash he took and stuffed down
his pants as he fled had exploded, from
the chemical dye pack inside, creating a
temperature of about 425 degrees. Said
a police spokesperson, “There’s no way
that he was not injured.” (In his spirited
post-ignition dash, the man jettisoned
almost all the money.)
York Times report. Because of Johnson’s
isolation, his only “brush” is made from
strands of his own hair; his “canvases”
consist of blank postcards; and his
medium is colors from decomposed
M&M candies. Nonetheless, at least
six of the paintings, which the Times
reporter called “powerful,” have sold for
$500 each.
Update
In 2001, News of the Weird mentioned
William Lyttle, then age 71, of North
London, England, who was notorious for
obsessively digging tunnels underneath
his 20-room home. That year, he had dug
past the property line for the first time
and created a 15-foot hole in the street.
Earlier in 2006, Lyttle was temporarily
evicted when his tunneling threatened the
integrity of the entire street, and building
inspectors feared that his accumulation
of junk would cause the house itself to
sink into the ground already weakened
by 40 years’ worth of burrowing.
Engineers are considering cementing in
all the tunnels.
Martin Creed, a one-time winner of
Britain’s prestigious Turner Prize, told
the Guardian in July that his latest
work, titled “Sick Film,” would open in
London in October and that it includes
19 scenes of people vomiting on camera.
Creed spoke to the Guardian from Los
Angeles, where he is working on the
next, similar project, entitled “Shit Film,”
and has already been able to line up 15
“performers,” perhaps, he said, “because
LA represents the extreme edge of the
world.”
Clumsy People With Guns (all-new)
The following people accidentally shot
themselves recently: A 21-year-old man
in Hoquiam, Wash., and a 20-year-old
man in Chicago (fatally), both while
trying “to holster” the weapon in their
waistbands. And criminal suspects
Fabian Patillo, 21, in a Chicago suburb
(June), and a 23-year-old man in East
Germantown, Pa. (July), shot themselves
in the head when they too-hastily fired
their guns behind them trying to shoot
pursuers. (Mr. Patillo did not survive.)
By the Way, What Stories Have Been
No-Longer-Weirded? (Part V)
Eighty such themes have occurred so
frequently that they have been “retired
from circulation” since News of the
Weird began publishing in 1988, and
here are more of them:
Sometimes, firefighters are the ones
who start fires, often because of a need
to prove how important they are when
they put it out. And it’s the law in some
places that if a local election ends in a
tie, it’s decided by a coin flip or a cutting
of cards. And most of us have heard of
postal workers who fall behind in their
work and stash mounds of undelivered
mail. And remember when you were
shocked that a high school teacher would
actually have sex with a student? All
those stories used to be weird, but no
longer.
Boutique wigmaker Ruth Regina of
Miami is readying a line of hairpieces for
“teacup” dogs and other over-pampered
canines, at prices that range into the
hundreds of dollars. Most promising
include the “Yappy Hour” (a fluff of
curls) and the “Peek a Bow Wow,” which
(according to the South Florida SunSentinel in August) “fall(s) down over
part of a dog’s face, giving a glamorous
look reminiscent of 1940s movie star
Veronica Lake.” (It’s for dogs that feel
sexy, said Regina. “There (are) some
dogs that have the come-hither look.”)
Great Art!
Inmate Donny Johnson, serving three
life terms in solitary confinement at the
Pelican Bay State Prison in California,
was the beneficiary of a showing of his
acclaimed paintings at a gallery in the
Mexican tourist village of San Miguel
de Allende, according to a July New
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
#090706092806
Government in Action
Budget-Busting: (1) While New York
state grapples with a serious budget
shortfall, the speaker of the state
assembly works at a law firm that trolls
for “victims” of injuries at state parks,
with a suggestive Internet-page list of
accidents that might lead to lawsuits
against the state. (In August, after the
New York Post exposed the page, the law
firm withdrew it.) (2) In July, just after
New Jersey’s governor and legislature
resolved a government-closing stalemate
over spending in that heavily taxed state,
the government announced it would
reinstate its discontinued policy of
paying for “erectile dysfunction” drugs
for Medicaid recipients.
Beijing News reported in July that the
city intends to assign tracking numbers to
every single cabbage, carrot and pea pod
in preparation for the 2008 Olympics,
to identify their origins to improve food
safety. Five thousand tons of vegetables
may be eaten during the Olympics, and
Chinese farming has been criticized by
Greenpeace for using banned pesticides
and other soil pollutants.
Police Blotter
From an Atlanta police report,
summarized in a July issue of the weekly
Creative Loafing: A man working on
a house on Smith Street was taken to
Grady Memorial Hospital with serious
injuries to his posterior. He happened
to be bending over next to a wall that,
unknown to him, a worker on the other
side was drilling into, and the drill bit
entered his “anal cavity.”
Least Competent Cops: Four New York
City police were called to an apartment
house in July in the Bronx concerning
a landlord-tenant dispute, but were
distracted by a teenager in the hallway
smoking marijuana and started to chase
him, when a pit bull attacked the officers.
The toll, 26 bullets later: one dead dog,
one bitten officer, three other officers
wounded by each other’s gunshots.
Send your Weird News to Chuck Shepherd
P.O. Box 18737, Tampa FL 33679
or WeirdNews@earthlink.net
or go to www.NewsoftheWeird.com.)
COPYRIGHT 2004 CHUCK SHEPHERD
DISTRIBUTED BY
UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE
4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111;
(816) 932-6600
THE VALLEY PLANET
The Valley Planet Music Exchange is FREE to any individual looking to buy, sell, trade or find bandmates. You get a headline and 3 lines of text for the low, low price of
nothing. If you wish to embellish your ad further, say, with a small photo (add $5) or more words (add $1 per line), it’s up to you. Now, if you are a business, you gotta
pay a little something, $12 per column inch. Please call Jill Wood at (256) 533-4613 if you would like to put your business in the Exchange. Email your ads to classifieds
@valleyplanet.com or send them by snail mail to Music Exchange,203 Grove Ave. Huntsville AL, 35801. NO AD WILL RUN UNTIL PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED!
Bassist & drummer for
MUSIC EXCHANGE
band
Wanted, exp. lead guitarist accoustic/electric
Rod @ 759-1919
Call George @ 337-9856
Wanted, free ads to put
Professional Drummer
here, send to
Versatile Styles
classifieds@valleyplanet
Chris @ 227-6490
.com
Torin Asunder
Guitarist
Death Metal Band
Looking For A Band
Jay @ 783-3176
Classic Rock From A-Z
New Music Too
Wanted, members for a
call Mike@603-7937 or
Christian Band
Leave Message@776-9749
Contact 256-716-3731 or
hidmuzac1@yahoo.com
For sale
Audio-Technica Headset
CLASSICAL GUITAR
Mic, Model ATM 75AND LUTE New to
$125, 881-0755
Huntsville; exp teacher/
performer
Tama Imperialstar
Michael Poulos, BM, MM 1983
drumkit Contact Adam
539.6838
Jackson @ 256-233-2118/
431-5130
DRUMMER
adam_
Looking to start or
jackson80@yahoo.com
join open minded
musicians to play prog.
WANTED: Upright bass
Alt-rock 232-7505 &
Voyage2Infinity@aol.com player for Rockabilly Trio.
LISTINGS
I have the bass if you can
play it. Slapping a must.
We already have gigs
waiting. Call Matt @ 256566-6330.
PIANO TUNER:
Woman, 30
years exp. $80.00 cash to
tune any Piano
256-783-7267
PIANO TUNER: Women, 30 years exp. $80.00
cash to tune any Piano
256-783-7267
Keyboardist Needed. For
jamming and occasional
gigging. Influence: Almond Brothers to ZZ Top.
Bob 655- 7705
Group seeks host families
for students
The Center for Cultural
Interchange is seeking
families in ALabama who
ALABAMA CONSTITUTION VILLAGE
109 Gates Ave., Huntsville, 256-564-8100. Open
daily, 9 am - 5 pm, except Sundays.
AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM
2003 Poole Drive NW, Huntsville, 256-852-4524.
www.american-indian-museum.com
Muscle Shoals Sound Studios
3614 Jackson Highway Sheffield Al.
Open for public tours tues-sat 12:00 - 6:00
MERIDIAN ARTS (2 locations)
305-A Jefferson Street, Huntsville, 256-534-7475.
M-F: 10 am – 6 pm, Sat: 10 am – 4pm; and
370 Little Cove Road, Gurley, AL, 256-7764300. Tu-F: 10 am – 6 pm, Sat: 10 am – 4 pm.
www.Meridianarts.net.
MONDO DE TATUAGE GALLERY
Corner of 6th Ave. and 7th St., Decatur
256-306-9099.
MVAC FINE ARTS GALLERY
300 Gunter Ave.,Guntersville, 256-582-1454.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-4, Sat 10-3.
http://mountainvalleyartscouncil.org
SIGNATURE GALLERY
2364 Whitesburg Drive S, Huntsville,
256-536-1960.
TWO FEATHERS NATIVE AMERICAN GALLERY
7529-A S. Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, 256-8820078.
UNIVERSITY CENTER ART GALLERY
University of Alabama in Huntsville, 256-824-1000
UPTOWN GALLERY
1220 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville 256880-2044. www.uptowngallery.com
WHITNEY DAVIDSON GALLERY
501 Church Street NW, Huntsville, 256-539-0063
WILLIS GRAY GALLERY
211 B Second Ave. SE, Decatur, 256-355-7616
THE VALLEY PLANET
BURRITT ON THE MOUNTAIN:
A LIVING MUSEUM
3101 Burritt Drive SE, Huntsville, 256-536-2882.
Summer Hours (April - Oct): Tues- Sat 9am to 5pm
Sun noon to 5 pm. Regular Adm. fee is $5 adult,
$4 senior, military & students, $3 child (children
under 2, free). www.burrittmuseum.com
CATHEDRAL CAVERNS STATE PARK
637 Cave Road, Woodville. 256-728-8193 Open
daily at 10 am.
CLAY HOUSE MUSEUM
16 Main Street, Madison 256-325-1018. Tour this
antebellum home with “A Walk Through Time”, 100
years of decorative style from 1850 - 1950 featuring Noritake Porcelain.
are willing to host high
school exchange students
who will be Arriving in
August to attend school
in the United States. Host
parents provide a bed,
family meals, a caring
environment and parental
guidance. Students have
their own spending money
and medical insurance.
Hosts may also receive
a small tax deduction
for hosting, according
to Barbara Creel of
Birmingham, a CCI
volunteer. The students will
arrive in time for school
to start in August and stay
for five or 10 months.
The CCI has profiles on
several students who will be
participating
in the program. For more
information about the
program, call Barbara Creel
at 205-647-3552 or visit the
CCI Web site at
www.ccisouth.org.
Free Ads for
Musicians /
Bands Looking
to
Buy, Sell,
Trade or Find
Bandmates
256-830-4447. The 110-acre garden is open yearround. Summer Hours, Memorial Day through
Labor Day: M-Sat, 9am-8pm; Sun, 1–8pm. $8
Adults, $6 Senior or Military, $3 Children ages 318.www.hsvbg.org.
HUNTSVILLE STARS
Joe W. Davis Stadium, 3125 Leeman Ferry Rd,
Huntsville, 256-882-2562.
HUNTSVILLE HAVOC
Professional Hockey, Eastern Hockey League. 700
Monroe Street. Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 5186160.
THE LAND TRUST TRAILS
Bankhead Pkwy., Huntsville, 256-534-LAND
Year-round hiking on 547 acres of Monte Sano
preserve. www.landtrust-hsv.org
MONTE SANO STATE PARK
5015 Nolen Ave., Huntsville, 256-534-3757
SCI-QUEST
102-D Wynn Drive, Huntsville, 256-837-0606.
An exciting hands-on science center.
www.sci-quest.org
COVENANT COVE RESORT & MARINA
7001 Val-Monte Drive, Guntersville
256-582-1000 or 888-288-COVE.
www.covenantcove.com
TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS
Arena Football, American Conference Southern
Division. 700 Monroe St, Huntsville, VBC, 256-5513240. www.vipersaf2.com
EARLYWORKS MUSEUM COMPLEX
404 Madison Street SE, Huntsville, 256-564-8100.
THREE CAVES
Directions: Off California St., turn onto Hermitage,
left onto Kennemer Dr. Call The Land Trust at (256)
534-5263 to reserve your spot on a public cave
tour or to arrange a private tour for your group.
GORHAM’S BLUFF
Pisgah, 256-451-ARTS. The Gorham’s Bluff
Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to
providing arts and cultural activities to Jackson
County and Northeast Alabama.
HARMONY PARK SAFARI
431 Clouds Cove Road, New Hope. 1-8777ANIMAL. Drive through animal exhibits. Open
March through November.
US SPACE & ROCKET CENTER
1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, 256-837-3400. Open
9am-5pm year round except for Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and
Day. Admissions: Museum only – Adults $12 &
Child 3-12 $8, www.spacecamp.com
HARRISON BROTHERS HARDWARE
124 Southside Square, Huntsville, 256-536-3631.
Alabama’s oldest hardware store.
HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN
4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville,
#090706092806
VON BRAUN CENTER
700 Monroe St. Huntsville, 256-533-1953. Check
calendar for events. www.vonbrauncenter.com
THE WEEDEN HOUSE
300 Gates Avenue SE, Huntsville, 256-536-7718
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 13
ARS NOVA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
7908C Charlotte Drive, Huntsville, 256-883-1105.
www.arsnovahsv.com
BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE
700 Monroe St. Suite 410, Huntsville
(all performances held at Von Braun Center)
256-518-6155. www.btleague.org
FANTASY PLAYHOUSE CHILDREN’S THEATRE
3312 Long Avenue SW, Huntsville, 256-539-6829
FLYING MONKEY ARTS CENTER
2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville, 256-489-7000
Flying Monkey Arts Center is a not for profit
community arts collective that encourages,
supports and promotes the arts. www.flyingmon
keyarts.org
FOOTLIGHTS COMMUNITY THEATER
302 Hoffman St. Athens, 256-216-0903
www.footlightstheater.org
Footlights@footlightstheater.org
HUNTSVILLE BALLET COMPANY
800 Regal Drive SW, Huntsville, 256-539-0961
HUNTSVILLE COMMUNITY CHORUS
3312 Long Avenue, Fantasy Arts Center, Huntsville,
256-533-6606
HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
North Side Von Braun Center, Huntsville 256-5394818.
LOWE MILL
2211 Seminole Dr., Huntsville, Art, Music, Film and
Poetry. See Calendar for Event Dates
RENAISSANCE THEATRE AT LINCOLN CENTER
1214 Meridian Street N, Huntsville, 256-536-3434.
www.renaissancetheatre.net
THEATRE HUNTSVILLE
Business Office. 1701 University Dr, Suite 1,
Huntsville, 256-536-0807. www.theatrehsv.org.
CARMIKE CINEMAS
1359 Old Monrovia Road, Huntsville,
256-430-0770.
607 Fourteenth Street, Decatur, 256-350-0935
www.carmike.com.
FUNTASIA FAMILY FUN CTR.
2016 N. Mem. Pkwy Huntsville
256-536-0676
27

57 - Valley Planet

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