Art After Dark in the Vineyard

The Junior Patrons of the Birmingham Museum of Art are partnering with Morgan Creek Vineyards on June 6th to bring you the most exclusive access to an evening of art, music, fireworks, and wine tasting.

These Special Tickets are $20 and include: admission, chartered transportation to the event, boxed gourmet dinner, art show, access to the Junior Patron VIP area, wine tastings, tours of the Vineyard, fireworks display, and live music by Marc Harris.

Participating artists include Ruth Yarbrough, Les Yarbrough, Libby Wright, and Mary Jean Henke from Artists Incorporated; Donna Branch from Galerie Allegria; and Dori DeCamillis and Scott Bennett from The Red Dot Gallery.

They will meet at the Bruno's parking lot at the Summit at 5:00 pm for the 30 minute ride to Morgan Creek.

Please reserve your place by Thursday, June 4th by emailing Cate McCusker at cmccusker@artsbma.org.

Black Out!

American Cancer Society’s Junior Executive Board are organizing a Black-Out Cancer Party, set for June 12^th at the Wine Loft downtown, from 8pm – 11pm. Attendees are asked to wear all black.

The event will feature music from the Undergrounders and free wine, beer, and food. Tickets are on sale for $35 each at various stores across the Birmingham area, including: the three Birmingham area locations of Banana Republic, Etc. at Mountain Brook Village, Harrison Limited, Homewood Valley Cleaners, Ivory & White, Manhattan South, Mobley & Sons, Private Gallery, Shaia’s, and The Pants Store.

Anyone taking part in the Black-Out Cancer event is invited to an after party at Nana Funks in the Lakeview District. Nana Funks will be donating the cover charges to the American Cancer Society. There will also be special drink prices in support of the cause.

Proceeds from both events will go to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, education programs, advocacy efforts, and patient support.

For more information on the event, contact Kate Kelley with the American Cancer Society at 205-930-8869.

Free the Hops!

Yesterday, the Alabama State Senate passed HR 373, or the Gourmet Beer bill. Pushed by the advocacy group Free the Hops, this bill has seen an uphill battle since it's inception two years ago. Now, it's passed in both the House and the Senate--- and all it needs is Governor Riley's signature to become law.

If you support HR 373, go to http://www.freethehops.org/blog for instructions and call, email, or fax Gov Riley with your views on the bill ASAP!

Oh-- and don't forget to go to Magic City Brewfest June 5th and 6th!

These businesses are platinum.....

The opportunity to network with the region’s most successful small businesses doesn’t come around every day; don’t miss out!

On Tuesday, May 5, take away real tips from the most successful small business owners in the region about marketing, business efficiency, financial strategy, and customer retention in this challenging economy. The seminars will take place at the Federal Reserve Bank in Liberty Park from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

The 25^th Anniversary of the Small Business Awards will honor the 46 finalists as well as 10 winners for being a big part of driving our economy with their successful businesses, as well as doing great work in and around the community to help other businesses. Don’t miss this celebration and the opportunity to meet and network with the head honchos at these companies at the McWane Science Center on May 7 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

For tickets or more information go to www.birminghamchamber.com/smallbusinessweek.

Sweeny Todd promises to be a musical thriller!

Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Sweeney Todd opens Thursday, April 30 and is offering tickets to their YP Night at a discounted rate to Birmingham’s young professionals.

This Stephen Sondheim musical was brought to recent headlines when Johnny Depp portrayed the slasher-lead in the 2007 Tim Burton film, opposite Helena Bonham Carter. However, in RMTC’s Cabaret Theatre, this musical, with Abe Reybold as Sweeney Todd, promises to be a “bloody good show”

YP Night at Sweeney Todd is May 1, and will feature discounted tickets and special drink offers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tax Day!

While US taxpayers either send off more money, hope for some in return, or attempt to file an extension, there are a few offers today for beleaguered citizens:

• TGI Fridays is offering $5 and $10 gift cards for return visits

• PF CHangs is offering a 15% discount on all dine-in orders

• and Cinnabon’s slogan, "Tax Day Bites!" is fitting for the free Classic Bites they are giving away today from 5 to 8 p.m.

Happy Tax Day!

Chamber Connections

This summer, with the economy getting us down, the Chamber has decided to pump up the volume and offer networking and social events every week—from April through August. Check out April’s issue of the Birmingham Magazine for a pull out calendar, or check out www.birminghamchamber.com for upcoming events to help you build your network!