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Orange Beach Festival of Art Comes to Town March 10 and 11

By jmay on February 2, 2012

In colder climates Spring announces itself when the first delicate purple crocuses poke through the snow. In the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area we like to welcome Spring with an amazing display of visual, culinary, literary,  and performance art. The Orange Beach Festival of Art grows in popularity each year with more than 25,000 guests expected to attend in 2012.

The festival takes place at The Orange Beach Art Center’s campus and the adjoining Waterfront Park. Festival admission is only $1 for ages 12 and up. The Visual Arts includes 90 Artists from across the nation with live demonstrations of glass blowing, molten iron casting and raku pottery firing. The Culinary Arts brings the unique flavors of the Gulf Coast as local restaurateurs prepare specialties for festival guest. The Performing Arts includes two stages of non-stop music and entertainment with individual performers scattered about the Festival site. Even kids enjoy the festival with the wonderful Kids’ Art Alley offering amazing children’s art activities.

Rick Bragg

Native Alabaman Rick Bragg leads the slate of authors scheduled to speak during the festival. The Pulitzer-prize winning journalist is best known for his works of non-fiction that chronicle his life in Alabama. Mr. Bragg is the domestic correspondent to the New York Times Atlanta office and provides a monthly column for Southern Living Magazine.

Anansema Cultural Group – Ghana

We are particularly pleased this year to welcome the Anansema Cultural Group from Accra, Ghana who is visiting as part of a cultural grant provided by their country. They will perform original tribal dance as well as teach drum making and carving. They will remain here for a week to provide cultural exchange to groups and students in the area. We are fortunate to have them visit from such a great distance and are honored to be included in their tour which includes London and Adelaide, Australia.

Carlyn Ray

Another must-see at this year’s festival is our guest glass artist, Carlyn Ray. She and resident glass artist, Sam Cornman will be continuously creating glass art at The Hot Shop throughout the festival. If you are visiting and would like to leave with a unique souvenir or gift for a friend, the glass-making facility at the Orange Beach Art Center is sure to please.

Parking

The festival is located at 26389 Canal Road in Orange Beach, but shuttles are available for $1 at the Orange Beach Publix, Orange Beach City Hall, The Wharf and the State Park Pavilion.

For more information about the festival and for a complete list of artists, visit the Orange Beach Festival of Art website or call (251) 981-2787.

 

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Entertainment Series 2012

By jmay on January 25, 2012

Each year the City of Gulf Shores presents a winter line-up of top entertainers in a series of shows that run from January through March. Already this season we’ve seen Jukebox Junction – the combination of two great big band attractions – the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and The Diamonds. We have also seen the Dukes of Dixieland offer a fascinating fusion of Dixieland jazz, country and modern music. If you missed either of those shows, don’t despair. It’s not too late to take in great national entertainment at our own outstanding local venue, the Erie Meyer Civic Center.

For the first show in February, we go back in time for a full big band experience with In The Mood. This 1940s musical revue includes singers, dancer and a full orchestra to make the illusion complete. The show runs February 6th and 7th.

Toward the end of the month, we get a rare double-bill called Raindrops and Boondocks. B. J. Thomas who wrote and sang “Raindrops Keeps Falling On My Head,” joins the stage with Billy Joe Royal, who sang “Down in the Boondocks.” They each have remained true to their singer/songwriter roots and together sing their greatest hits and duets like “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” Their show runs February 27th and 28th.

On March 3rd and 4th, Cloris Leachman kicks things off with her one-woman show. With more than 70 years entertaining audiences, Miss Leachman brings a stunning repertoire of characters and life experience to share on stage.

Laughing With Legends follows next with a playful look back at the 1950s. Married couple, Brian and Joey Gurl keep audiences enthralled as they take a tour through the era showcasing their many talents. The show plays on March 6th.

The season ends March 10th and 11th with Celebration Winds, an orchestral performance of favorite classical, pop and broadway tunes. The performers – from Birmingham and Atlanta – have brought their show to venues across the country and to London, England. The show is a musical extravaganza not to be missed.

Tickets for the shows vary between $21 and $39 and, if available, can be purchased here.

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2012 Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash

By jmay on January 6, 2012

If you have been thinking about a visit to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area, have we got good news for you! For two weeks you have the opportunity to enter the 2012 Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash, sponsored by BP for the chance to win a 4-day, 3-night vacation package for four in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana or Mississippi.

The contest started January 2, and is a two-week celebration of Gulf Coast seafood, culture and tourism in conjunction with the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 3rd. It will include Gulf Coast seafood at official Allstate Sugar Bowl and Allstate BCS National Championship galas and pre-game parties; promotional announcements during the games; vacation giveaways to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana; seafood samplings for fans and media in New Orleans, and more. Locally, the Hangout will host a Beachside watch party for the big Alabama/LSU game on January 9th.

For your chance to win, text GULFCST to 76060. Four prizes will be given away including a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach valued at $7500. The contest concludes on January 13th, so don’t delay. Each registrant may enter one time to win.  For more rules and information, click here.

 

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Ring in the New Year Gulf Coast-Style!

By jmay on December 23, 2011

Whether you are looking for family-friendly entertainment or classic all-night bash, you can celebrate in style in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. We have events going on during the day, on New Year’s eve itself and even on New Year’s day so that you start the new year off properly. Listed below are some of the scheduled events.

We would love for you to join us at these events and have a great time. We want you to come back and see us many times, so we ask that you indulge responsibly and take advantage of our area taxis if needed.

NOTE: For those of you new to the area, it is customary in the South to eat black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread on New Year’s day to ensure health, prosperity and good luck in the coming year. So don’t be surprised if you are offered these delicacies. It would be considered most ungracious to refuse this hospitality.

New Year’s Eve

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Family Celebration Day at the Wharf

Discount Ferris wheel rides, corn hole tournament, largest sand pile contest, special movie presentations, face painting, kids games, jump houses, fishing pond. For more information contact Rob Lynch 941-780-0538, roblynch@revexpo.net.

The Wharf – 4985 Wharf Pkwy. Orange Beach, AL 36561

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM LuLu’s Noon New Years Eve Celebration

LuLu’s opens early every New Year’s Eve Day for a very special and family friendly way to bring in the New Year. Bring out the whole family and join Lucy Buffett for the big countdown to NOON! There will be lots of fun events including clowns, face painters, sand castle contests, bubble wrap and much, much more. Patti Hall with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will be on hand with some of her amazing animals. Musical entertainment provided by Amanda Shaw immediately after the countdown. Too much family fun to miss!

200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Early Bird New Year’s Bash featuring Brent Burns

Join us on December 31st for the Early Bird New Year’s Eve Bash featuring 2010 Trop Rock Songwriter of the Year, Brent Burns. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Payments are being accepted via Paypal (www.brentburns.com) or call 251.948.8863. Cash ticket sales are available at the CSC Office, 317 Dolphin Ave, Gulf Shores, 9am – noon, Monday – Friday. BYO Eats, Drinks and Table Decor. Spirits are permitted. Confetti, glitter and open flame are not. Prizes will be awarded for the most outrageous table decoration. Buy a table of 8 and get reserved seating!

Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 @. 2nd St., Gulf Shores, AL

7:00 PM – 2:00 AM The Wharf Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Bash

Main street party, two stages with live bands all night, giant Marlin drop at midnight. Spectacular firewarks display at midnight, $100 giveaway every hour until 2:00 am.

The Wharf – 4985 Wharf Pkwy. Orange Beach, AL 36561

8:00 PM – 2:00 AM New Years Eve Fire & Ice Unleashed with Kristy Lee at the Hangout

Tickets are $20. Champagne Toast at midnight along with Kristy Lee. Burlesque dancers, DJ and the Kristy Lee band to ring in the new year. 21 and up, doors at 8pm and the party goes until 2am. Don’t miss out on this Unleashed Event at the Hangout. For more information give us a call 251-948-3030 or send an email jimmy@thehangoutal.com

The Hangout – 101 East Beach Blvd – Gulf Shores, AL 36542

9:00 PM Papa’s New Year’s Eve Party

Party favors, free champagne at midnight and music by Smokey Otis & Mark Laborde.

Papa Rocco’s – 101 West 6th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542

New Year’s Day

11:00 AM Flora-Bama New Years Day Polar Bear Dip

On Friday, New Year’s Day, at high noon, ‘Polar Bears’ will dip in the Gulf of Mexico at the Florida/Alabama line.
Deckstage Entertainment:
11:00 LeaAnne & Rick
3:30 Jezebel’s Chill’n
8:00 Adam Holt
Tentstage Entertainment:
10am Worship on the Water
11:30 Hung Jury

12:00 Noon 1st Annual Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores Slip & Slide Polar Bear Dip

Slip and slide your way into the Gulf of Mexico for a non-traditional Polar Bear Dip with the Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at high noon at Gulf Shores Public Beach in front of The Hangout. The local Kiwanians, with the cooperation of the City of Gulf Shores, will set up a 33 ft. two lane slip & slide that will deposit sliders directly into the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, some participants may choose to take a more traditional route into the Gulf. But, regardless of how you get there, all participants will be treated to a free buffet at The Hangout afterwards.

Gulf Shores Public Beach – 101 East Beach Blvd – Gulf Shores, AL 36542

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Restaurants Open Christmas Day

By jmay on December 15, 2011

Happy holidays to those who are visiting us for Christmas! We are delighted to have you and want you to have an enjoyable visit. You may think your dining options are limited to a quiet meal in your hotel or condo.  We are happy to announce that if you would prefer to celebrate the season with a meal out, some restaurants will be open to accommodate you.

The restaurants below have confirmed that they will be open Christmas day. Because the list is somewhat limited, reservations are highly recommended.

Bubba’s Seafood

24621 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach
251-974-1800
10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. serving a prime rib dinner and regular menu items.

Doc’s Seafood Restaurant

1121 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores
251-967-4800
10:30 am – 6:00 pm with a Christmas and regular menu.

Fish Camp Orange Beach

27121 Canal Rd., Orange Beach
251-980-2267
Serving a Christmas buffet.

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar at The Wharf

4725 Main St., Orange Beach
251-224-6900
Open at 3:00 pm with regular menu.

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2012 Pepsi Concert Series

By jmay on December 8, 2011

The first concert for the 2012 Pepsi Concert series was announced last week. Eric Church – Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour will kick off the season on March 10, 2012. Eric’s chart-topping album, Chief, has earned him his first ever Grammy nomination for Best Country Album at the 54th annual Grammy Awards.  Church’s 2006 debut album, Sinners Like Me, established him as one of the most acclaimed new songwriters in country music. Brantley Gilbert & Drake White will join the marquee as special guests.

The show starts at 7:30 pm and tickets range from $36.75 to $44.50.

For those new to the area, the Pepsi Concert series brings headlining talent each Spring and Summer to the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach.  Last year the series brought close to 20 amazing acts ranging from Jason Aldean to Steely Dan to Kid Rock. This year promises to be equally exciting as acts are constantly added to the roster of shows.  Keep looking here regularly for current information and special deals.

To purchase tickets and for more information regarding shows, click here.

 

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Find What You’re Looking for at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

By jmay on November 3, 2011

Hundreds of singer/songwriters will soon head down to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area to showcase their talent around town at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. The festival runs November 10 – November 20 with most local venues participating. America has a rich history of storytelling through song and this festival presents an opportunity to appreciate it all.

Humor

If you are looking for an evening to tickle your funny bone, be sure to check out the musical stylings of Bill Whyte  who has performed with Jeff Dunham and Larry the Cable Guy among others. Representing funny ladies we have Kacey Jones of Ethel and the Shameless Hussies. Jones has been a guest on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion and is a bright star on the comic songwriting horizon.

Kicking It Old School

If you are a fan of classic country music, you will find plenty to keep your toes tapping. Check the website for complete listings of artists who will perform, because we can only highlight a few of the many talented and experienced songwriters here. Bobby Keel has received 14 gold and 12 platinum albums for songs recorded by such artists as Hank Williams Jr. , Travis Trill, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynett and Tom Jones. C.W. Colt started playing guitar when Chet Atkins taught him his first chord. He’s worked with Jimmy Buffett, Bo Diddley and Rita Coolidge.  Rick Carnes wrote songs for 40 platinum albums for such artists as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alabama and even Dean Martin.

Long Distance

While the majority of artists participating make their home in Nashville for practical reasons, some writers travel great distances to be in the company of others like themselves. For a twist on traditional country music, be sure to check out Ottar “Big Hand” Johanson who records country music in his native Norway.  You might also enjoy Kamuela Kahoano a fresh voice from Hawaii, who has already recorded over 200 songs at the age of 29.

Ladies

If you want to see what the girls bring to the party, take a look at the roster for a complete list, but here are a few who have no trouble keeping up with the boys. Shawna Pierce, Alabama native, has shared the stage with Kid Rock, Charlie Daniels and Donnie Van Zant. She was awarded “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the Muscle Shoals Music Awards in 2008. Suzi Ragsdale started her career singing in the chorus of her father Ray Steven’s hit “Everything is Beautiful.” Since then her songs have been recorded by Anne Murray, Pam Tillis and Nelson. Janis Carnes wrote her first top ten hit in 1978. Since then she’s been writing songs with her husband Rick for Reba MacEntire, Eddy Raven, Lacy J. Dalton and others.

This is just a small sample of the entertainment that will be on hand, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate our rich American songwriting heritage.

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Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival To Return in November

By jmay on October 20, 2011

The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area hosts great live music all the time at local restaurants and venues, but if you happen to be visiting in November, check out the 27th Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, November 10-20, 2011.

Many well-established local musicians as well as hundreds of visiting songwriters will be on hand to celebrate their craft. It is an amazing opportunity to take in live music and almost every venue in the area participates.

During this 11 day festival, concerts featuring Grammy Award winning songwriters and the up and coming stars of tomorrow will be held where the Heart of The South meets the white sands and green waters of the Gulf of Mexico in beautiful Pensacola and Perdido Key, Florida and Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The Southeast Tourism Society has named Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival one of the top 20 events in the Southeast.  Check back here soon for more information about venues and artists!

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Make the Most of the Weather

By jmay on October 6, 2011

This is a great weekend to be in Alabama’s coastal area. The weather is glorious,  the beaches are still warm enough to swim and we have numerous outdoor events. Put on your shades and join us outside for some great weekend festivals.

Thunder on the Gulf – October 6-9

Open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. This family-friendly event will allow race fans to observe monster race boats and their teams, let the kids play at the Kids Pavilion, purchase official race merchandise and check out the vendors.

Price: Free to Public. VIP Passes available for purchase- $100 each, plus tax.

Gulf State Park Pavilion, Orange Beach, AL

22nd Annual Lost Bay Regatta – October 8

Race begins at 1:00 pm. All pre-race registration and celebration will be held at the Point Yacht Club facilities. Friday night music from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Call 251-981-4632 for details.

Point Yacht Club, County Road 95, Elberta, AL

Baldwin Pops Founder’s Day Concert – October 8

Outdoor orchestra concert at 6 pm.  Call (251) 928-3754 for details.

Price: Admission is free.

Henry George Park, Fairhope – 1 Beach Road, Fairhope, AL 36532

The 8th Annual Bird & Conservation Expo – October 8

Open 9am – 4pm. Bring the whole family for hands-on kids’ activities and fun for all ages!Birdhouse build with Boy Scouts Pack 47, Raptor Trek! – Alabama 4-H Center, Alabama’s premier live raptor show, Alabama Snakes w/ Dr. David Nelson & crew from 5 Rivers, birding and nature films, exhibits, vendors and artists, sea creature touch tanks from Marine Resources, Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, kids’ hands-on bird & nature workshops throughout the day, Learn about Alabama state parks, Alabama’s birding trails, and Alabama’s Forever Wild tracts.

 Price: Admission is free.

Faulkner State Community College in downtown Fairhope – 440 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL

Grand Festival of Art & Grand Festival of Books – October 8 & 9

Open 10am – 5pm. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Art Center. This premier fall event is an exciting opportunity to view and acquire the works of over 100 participating artists from throughout the country. Admission is free. Visit the website for the Eastern Shore Art Center for more information.

New this year, the Grand Festival of Books, features readings, signings, and discussions, with local, regional, and national authors—for booklovers of all ages. Visit PageandPalette.com for details.

Price:  Admission is free.

Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope – 401 Oak Street, Fairhope, AL 36532

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Cook Up Something Fun to Do in Gulf Shores

By jmay on October 4, 2011

Planning a visit to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area soon? Consider stepping outside your comfort zone to learn something new during your stay. Faulkner State’s Gulf Coast Culinary Institute offers a series of individual cooking classes to whet your appetite and sharpen your skills. You don’t need previous experience, just an open mind and a willing spirit. For more information and to register, call 251-990-0445 or 800-231-3752.

October Classes

October 8, 3:00 – 6:00 PM $30

Healthy Cooking – This class will look at ways to create healthy and delicious meals at home. The instructor will discuss foods, tools and techniques that are used in creating a better for you diet. The class will then move to the kitchen to create a variety of dishes, including soups, appetizers, entrees and desserts the are lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber and vitamins that can become part of your every day diet.

October 14, 6 – 8:30 PM $40

Taste of Italy – Turn your home into a warm and inviting Italian village kitchen for you and your guests. Chef Marsha will teach you all the fundamentals of classic Italian cuisine, from making fresh pasta to cooking the perfect risotto and polenta. This hands-on class will give you skills that you’ll use over and over again in new ways. Your menu will include:

Roasted Garlic & Mascarpone Fettuccine Alfredo
Butternut Squash Risotto with Shaved Pecorino and Granny Smith Apple “Caviar”
Creamy Polenta with Italian Sausage, Peppers, Onions, and Homemade Marinara
Tiramisu Parfaits
October 21, 6:00 – 8:30 PM $45

Tapas and Paella – Learn how to create your own Spanish bodega as one of our expert private chefs introduces you to Spain’s small-plate tapas in this memorably themed class. Along with classic Spanish dishes and Chef Marsha’s recommendations for Spanish wines, port, and sherry, this evening will leave you buzzing with excitement. This menu will include:

Classic Chilled Tomato Gazpacho
Tortilla Española with Potatoes, Onions, and Lemon-Herb Crème Fraiche
“Queso Frito”-Baked Manchego Cheese with Spicy Spanish Marinara
Traditional Paella Valenciana with Saffron Rice, Chicken, and Chorizo
October 22, 3:00 – 6:00 PM $45

BBQ Sauces – This class will explore the creation of BBQ sauces. After a discussion of the history of BBQ in America and regional differences in cooking and sauce techniques the class will move to the kitchen to prepare a variety of sauces to enjoy with a selection of meats prepared by the class.

October 29, 3:00 – 6:00 PM $40

Poultry – Roasting, Baking, Frying, stewing, join our chef as we explore ways to prepare this most versatile of foods. We will look at the different types of poultry, how to select them for best quality, how to prepare for cooking and the best cooking techniques. After a brief lecture the class will join the Chef in the kitchen to practice what they just learned.

November Classes

November 4, 6:00 – 9:00 PM $45

Barefoot in Provence – This menu encompasses the simple, rustic cuisine of the French countryside for you and your guests. Chef Marsha will teach you all the fundamentals of French country cooking, from the perfect rustic appetizer and entrée to a simple but elegant dessert. This hands-on class will give you skills that you’ll use over and over again in new ways. Your menu will include:

Spinach & Gruyère in Puff Pastry
Chicken Breast with Forty Cloves of Garlic in White Wine Sauce
Moroccan Couscous with Butternut Squash, Zucchini, & Saffron
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
Endive, Pear, Toasted Walnuts and Roquefort Salade
Peaches in Sauternes – Summer peaches soaked in sauternes and Grand Marnier served with madeleine cookies
November 5, 3:00 – 7:00 PM $45

Taste of Greece – We will be “visiting” Greece in this class. Known for its healthy and delicious cuisine and becoming known for its wines, Greece provides a wonderful alternative to the foods that we normally have. After a short lecture and demonstration you will help our staff prepare a four-course dinner that we will enjoy together.

November 12, 3:00 -7:00 PM $45

Holiday Cajun Style – Add a little spice to the holidays. This class will explore the use of Cajun foods and cooking techniques in preparing a Holiday meal for Thanksgiving, Christmas or anytime. The instructor will discuss that history, foods and cooking techniques of the Cajun cuisine and then the class will move to the kitchen to prepare a meal for the class to share.

November 19, 3:00 – 5:30 PM $45

Sushi – Roll your own for less. Learn how to create your own sushi at home. After a discussion of the history, foods, and techniques of making sushi the class will move to the kitchen to prepare a variety of different rolls for the class to enjoy together. You will learn how to select ingredients, cook sushi rice, haw to make large and small rolls, inside out rolls and hand rolls.

December Classes

December 3, 3:00 – 7:00 PM $30

Cheesecake – Learn how to make a variety of cheesecakes, from sweet to savory. This class will look at ingredients, tools and techniques of making great cheesecakes. After a brief lecture we will prepare a variety of cheesecakes, looking at different crusts, different styles (New York, French, California) and different garnishes and sauces.

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