Birmingham Revealed! 2012 Series
February 16, March 15 and April 19
Join us after-hours on the third Thursday of February, March and April and unwind with Vulcan as we reveal the people, places and events that have helped shape our dynamic city! Admission is charged and includes light refreshments, a one-hour program and entrance to Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Balcony. Purchase your tickets in advance online to receive a discount.
Event Details:
5:30 p.m. Cash Bar Opens
6 – 7 p.m. A Story is Revealed…
Tickets:
General: $10 in advance online; $15 at the door
Vulcan Members: $7.50 online/door
February 16
Birmingham Breakdown
A musical performance and discussion by The Birmingham Seven
Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, Birmingham, Ala. Public Library Archives, Cat. # 842.1.89
The name Birmingham has been featured in dozens of popular songs. Ethel Waters and Lead Belly evoked the image of the southern city of steel while singing the blues. Big band leaders Tommy Dorsey, Erskine Hawkins and Duke Ellington made the Magic City swing.
Birmingham Breakdown reminds us that, over the years, a wealth of jazz, blues and pop musicians have looked to Birmingham and its many colorful enclaves for inspiration. Join The Birmingham Seven as they break down the music of Ellington, Hawkins and other legends of popular song by asking the musical question “What did so many performers see in Birmingham?” As an added treat, the jazz group will continue to perform following the program.
March 15
Love in the Ruins: The Mind of Walker Percy
A play written and performed by Lee Eric Shackleford
According to biographer Patrick Samway, novelist Walker Percy’s family rose to prominence as Birmingham began to capitalize on its valuable mineral resources. His grandfather’s marriage to the daughter of iron magnate Henry DeBardeleben connected him to one of the city’s most important industrialists. The association helped ensure that Percy’s time in Birmingham was comfortable. But Percy’s young life was shaken by the loss of his parents, tragedies that would influence his novels.
Join Vulcan Park and Museum and Lee Eric Shackleford for the premiere performance of Love in the Ruins: The Mind of Walker Percy, a one-act, one-man play inspired by the author’s writings. Love in the Ruins recounts Percy’s ideas about relationships, science, technology, religion and especially how Birmingham shaped Percy into one of the 20th century’s most original authors.
Performance made possible, in part, by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. 
April 19
Birmingham’s Greek Food Traditions
A panel discussion and cooking demonstration featuring George Sarris, Jimmy and Nicky Koikos, and Niki Sepsas, moderated by Greg Bass.
Bright Star Restaurant, photo courtesy of Niki Sepsas
The impact of Greek immigrants on how Birmingham eats out has been immeasurable. From hot dog stands, to that distinctly Southern phenomenon known as the meat-and-three, local Greek families have been serving up some of the city’s most distinctive fare since its early days.
During Birmingham Greek Food Traditions, legendary restaurateurs George Sarris of the Fish Market and Jimmy and Nicky Koikos of The Bright Star will offer lively commentary on the story of Greek immigrants and their impact on the city’s cuisine. Writer Niki Sepsas will offer insights from his recent book on Birmingham’s Greek community. Join them as they chat about the food for which their community has become famous. Following the program, guests can sample fare from local Greek-owned eateries and view the exhibition that inspired this program, Beyond Barbecue and Baklava: The Impact of Greek Immigrants on Birmingham’s Culture and Cuisine.
Special Thanks to:
