Downtown Details - News from the Downtown Mobile Alliance

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment News

Many of you have wondered about the changes taking place at Martini's on Dauphin Street. The popular night spot hung a banner a couple of months ago announcing a new name, and the manager now tells us that much more than the name will change.

The space will be remodeled to allow for expanded food service and more live music. They are even considering opening earlier in the day to cater to Downtown's growing lunch crowd. Renovations are scheduled to begin in several weeks.

In other retail and restaurant news:

• Quiznos will be having a grand opening celebration April 28th. The new restaurant is opening on the Royal Street side of the new Hampton Inn and is certain to bring even more activity to a block that is growing more lively by the day.

Some upcoming live music in Downtown Mobile:

• Alabama Music Box

Apr 16 - 19, Geronimo - all shows at 9:00P

Electric Boogaloo! Night 1 w/Mob Town Revival, CCUSA & the HHR, Wizzard Sleeve + more
Electric Boogaloo! Night 2 w/ Wild Sweet Orange, El Cantador, Oh Archipelago!, & more
Geronimo 2! night 3 w/ No Fun, Roosevelt Noise, Wess Floyd and the Daisy Cutters, Part Bear, Andy D
Geronimo 2! Night 4 w/ Super Nice Bros., The Goodnight Loving + a feature length film

Apr 23, 9:00 PM - The Show Is The Rainbow, Beep Beep, Kid Midi
Apr 24, 9:00 PM - El Cantador, Johnny Apple Eyes, Come On Go with us
Apr 25, 7:00 PM - AGAINST ME!, Pinehill Hiants, Off With Their Heads(ALL AGES)
Apr 26. 9:00 PM -BIG BUSINESS (members of MELVINS) / Tweakbird (ALL AGES)
Apr 30, 7:00 PM - Liferuiner, The World We Knew(ALL AGES)
May 8, 8:00 PM - MC CHRIS / Whole Wheat Bread / I am the dream (ALL AGES)
May 9, 9:00 PM - Magick City Sirens Burlesque Show
May 10, 9:00 PM - The Gills(cd release show)
May 12, 9:00 PM - FAKE PROBLEMS (ALL AGES)
May 13, 9:00 PM - ASTRONAUTALIS/ Blue Bird / (ALL AGES)
May 14, 9:00 PM - Peace of Mind Orchestra

• Veet's

Every Tuesday - Jodyoke

Every Wednesday through Sunday - Doug Previto & the Family Jewels (no cover)

• The Blind Mule

Apr 24, 8:00 PM - Brian McGee and the Hollow Speed + TBA
Apr 25, 8:00 PM - Blaine Duncan and the Lookers + TBA
May 1, 8:00 PM - Dirty Lungs + The Grenadines + TBA
May 23, 8:00 PM - Jason and the Punknecks + TBA

• Soul Kitchen Calendar

Retailing in Uncharted Waters - A Breakfast Briefing

Retailers are facing unprecedented economic conditions that will require them to rethink how their businesses are run. In order to position businesses to best handle these conditions, every part needs to be examined.  Many retailers will have to decide how to be more effective in their actions.  Other business habits will need to be changed or eliminated.

 
The growth or decline of your business will be determined by the broad plans and detailed actions you choose to implement.  For most businesses, change in response to this economy is paramount.  In this seminar, recommendations will be made on how to review your business and implement adjustments.

Join us for a Breakfast Briefing with Stephen Fingerman of Avalon Retail Consulting, whose client list includes some of the leading independent retailers in Fairhope and Mobile.

Key aspects of the presentation will include

• Sales growth
• Marketing
• Cash flow and expense management
• Inventory control

Tuesday, April 21
8:00 a.m.
261 Dauphin Street
Free for members/$5.00 for non-members

Since a light breakfast will be served, reservations are suggested. Please call 251-434-8498 or email chunter@downtownmobile.org to reserve a spot.

Show Your Support for Barton Academy

As a part of National Preservation Month, the Downtown Mobile Alliance is sponsoring a mass display of support for the preservation of Barton Academy. Built in 1835 as Alabama's first public school, Barton Academy is one of Mobile's most significant historic sites and has been placed on the Alabama Historic Commission's Places in Peril list.

This effort will be part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "This Place Matters" campaign and will result in a photograph of supporters on the balconies and steps of Barton. The photo will be submitted to the Trust for inclusion in its promotion of preservation efforts around the country.
 

We are inviting everyone to be a part of this event. Simply come to Barton Academy

Thursday, May 14th at noon.

The photograph will be taken promptly at 12:30.

Contact Carol Hunter at the Alliance at 251-434-8498 for more information.

Grand Plans for Detonti Square Park

Last month we brought you images from the newly tilled community garden in Detonti Square, but that was just the beginning of a truly grand plan for the vacant lot in the heart of one of Mobile's oldest and most charming neighborhoods. The Detonti Square Neighborhood Association is raising money to turn the conceptual plan to the left into a reality.
A capital campaign is underway, and the Association is planning a wine and cheese fundraiser, but in the meantime, tax deductible donations may be sent to DSNA at 304 N. Claiborne Street, Mobile, AL 36603.

The plans, drawn by landscape architect Terry Plauche,  include a children's play area, benches, a water feature, open green space and a water catchment system for irrigation. 

Even in its infancy, the garden is proving to be a popular gathering spot for neighbors and is helping form a stronger community. It not only is it serving as a source of organic vegetables, herbs and flowers for the residents, but is also supplying produce to homeless service providers 15 Place and the Waterfront Rescue Mission. This appears to be one project that is a win-win for everyone.

Bins Make Downtown Paper Recycling Easier

Offices in Downtown Mobile generate an enormous amount of paper. Some of it must be filed or archived, but much of it is simply tossed in the trash to wind up in the landfill. Hard core recyclers have been taking paper and cardboard to the city's recycle center on Government Street, but Keep Mobile Beautiful has partnered with Newark Recycled Fibers to make it a little more convenient for those living and working Downtown.

There are four drop-off bins in the area where you can leave all grades of mixed paper including newspapers, junk mail, magazines, cardboard and phone books. The recycling bins are located at:

• SEF Printing - 500 St. Francis Street
• GEXPRO - 554 Beauregard Street
• Catholic School Office - 308 S. Dearborn Street
• Social Security Administration - 550 Government Street

Recycling paper and cardboard is one of the easiest ways to reduce landfill waste and save tax dollars. If you think it's not really such a big deal, keep this image in your head: a 12 foot high wall of paper stretching from New York to California. That's how much paper we throw away every year!  We must do better, and now there's no excuse.
Map of paper recycling bins


Keep Mobile Beautiful is also organizing teams for the Great American Cleanup, taking place through the months of April and May. Every neighborhood in Mobile could use a little sprucing up, and if you'd like to join the effort to create a more inviting environment for our citizens and visitors, pick up a special clean up kit at the KMB office at 1451 Government Street.

Learn more about the Great American Cleanup 

Groups Push for Restoration of Amtrak's Sunset Limited Service

The Sunset Limited between New Orleans and Orlando disappeared from the tracks after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and even though the damaged tracks have long been repaired, the return of the passenger train is still no closer than a whistle in the distance. Changes in Washington, however, have breathed new life into the effort to restore the service. President Barrack Obama is a believer in the importance of an expanded national rail system and the stimulus package may be a source of funding.

Currently, the Southeast is the only part of the country that lacks an east-west Amtrak line. Passengers wishing to go from California to Jacksonville must stop in New Orleans, then take another train north to Washington, DC before heading to Florida. Additionally, expanded passenger train service could take cars off the road at a time when highway congestion is a problem with no good solution.

If you'd like to sign a petition supporting the re-establishment of Amtrak's Sunset Limited service from New Orleans to Orlando, click on the link below. The service would provide the kind of "linkage" for Mobile that many economic trend spotters believe is necessary for us to be competitive in the future.

Sunset Limited Petition

Downtown Doings
Some events around Downtown Mobile

Pirates!

Museum of Mobile
Now through July 4, 2009

 This exhibition provides an historic account of some of the more famous Pirates of Florida's East Coast. Found on display are artifacts, including coins, bullion, ingots and tools recovered from shipwrecks off of the East Coast of Florida. Grab your cutlass, don an eye-patch, hoist the Jolly Roger, and climb aboard as we set sail for a glimpse of the characters that charged local waters with their intrigue and exploits. No passports are necessary, only a desire for adventure. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for kids under 6.
 Museum of Mobile  

Art Is A Beach

Cathedral Square Gallery

Now through Thursday, April 30th

Open Tuesday - Saturday 11:00am to 5pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Works by more than 60 local artists, showcasing our beaches, waters, homes, cuisine, and joy in family and life; new artists: Carol Edmondson, Frances Habeck, Lee Holman, Terri Keller, David Ketchum, Jean-Marie Lee, Sharon Woechan, and Laura Worsham.  Cathedral Square Gallery 

Botany 101

Chesser Art Gallery

Now through Thursday, April 30th by appointment.

New works by Kate Seawell, inspired by views of Mobile Botanical Gardens. 

Chesser Art Gallery 

             Control_Shift_Option: Contemporary Drawing

  Space 301

  Now through Sunday, May 3rd.

  The following artists are featured: Ruth Bowler,  Rachel Clarke, Joel Feldman, Dawn Gavin, Mike Geno, Dana  Hargrove, Nikkole, Huss, D.I.C.K. (International Collective), Cheonea Kim, Eileen MacDonald, Lara Nguyen, Moira Scott, and Jon Swindler.
 

Drawing on Alabama 2009 

Space 301

Now through Sunday, May 3rd. 

Auburn University College of Liberal Arts Department of Art announces "Drawing on Alabama 2009", an Alabama Statewide juried drawing exhibition.

 Space 301

   Geronimo!

  Alabama Music Box

  Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19

  A four day expo featuring music, art and film.

  Alabama Music Box My Space 

USA Graphic Design Association Show,

Mobile Arts Council
Now through Friday, May 1st.

Monday - Friday, 9p.m. - 5p.m. Free.
Three exhibitions: paintings by Cindy Phillips; designs by University of South Alabama students; photographic portraits by William Bunce.

Mobile Arts Council

Workshop: Thursday Art Club

Mobile Public Library, Ben May Main Library  

April 16th at 4:00pm

For ages 7 and up. Art projects complementing Museum exhibitions. Presented by Mobile Museum of Art and Mobile Public Library. Free, but registration is required.

Mobile Public Library 

The Blind Mule Artfest

The Blind Mule

 Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19

Local art vendors, live music, exhibit opening, food and beverages, and an interactive art playground.

The Blind Mule 

The Firefighters Ball

Fort Whiting 

April 17 at 7:00pm

A Charity Ball to raise money to fund the safety and educational programs for citizens of all ages in Mobile and surrounding areas.

  Sunshine Cleaning
  Crescent Theater
  April 16 through 30, showtimes at 6:00pm and 8:30pm.

   Crescent Theater 

Arts Alive!

Cathedral Square/ the Downtown Arts District

Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19

Downtown's annual, (mostly) outdoor art festival for the whole family. This free, outdoor arts festival offers three days of varied artistic experiences and interactive and hands-on activities. The hallmark of Arts Alive! since inception has been it's multi-dimensional arts platform. Each festival showcases a wide selection of art genres - theater, film, visual, music, dance - all featuring local and regional talent.
Friday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Saturday from 2:00pm to 9:00pm, Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00. 

Arts Alive! 

Volunteer Mobile 6th Annual

 Shrimp Cook-Off,

Bienville Square

Saturday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Gather together a team to compete for bragging rights and raise money for one of Mobile's most active organizations. Or if you're not much of a cook, then be sure to come down to enjoy the fruits of someone  else's labor!

Shrimp Cook-Off 

Mobile Mystery Dinner - THE CHICAGO CAPER
Mobile Carnival Museum, 355 Government Street
Saturday, April 24th, 7:00 p.m.
The setting: It is September 1928 in Chicago. Notorious gangster Harold "Hal" Coppone has just been released from prison and his return is expected to trigger a wave of violence. Instead, Coppone has disappeared, mystifying police and the criminal underworld. To the small group gathered in a speakeasy near Coppone's headquarters, the crime lord's whereabouts become only part of the mystery when murder is discovered. There's no shortage of suspects, motives, speakeasy glamour or gorgeous flappers in this crime tale.
For $55/person, you receive a tour of the museum, wine bar, full catered meal by either the Pillars Restaurant or Naman's Catering and 2 1/2 hours of whodunit!!

Mobile Mystery Dinners

Mobile Rose Society's 54th Annual Rose Show

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19  

If you love roses or want to start growing roses, you will not want to miss the Rose Show at Bellingrath Gardens and Home.  Amateur rose gardeners are encouraged to enter their best blooms in the show.  Entries will be received in Magnolia Café from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th.  Judging will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  The show will open to the public at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

 Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Catt's Brown Bag in Bienville - Vibration Configuration

Bienville Square

Wednesday, April 22 from 11:30am to 1:30pm: Shane Philen

Wednesday, April 29 from 11:30am to 1:30pm: Lisa Mills

Sponsors: Catt's Sunday Jazz Brunch & Radio Avalon; City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services.

 Radio Avalon

Film: Bama Girl

Mobile Public Library, Ben May Main Library, Bernheim Hall

April 23 at 7:00pm

Film with Rachel Goslins (producer/director) 2008-2009 Southern Circuit of Independent Filmmakers. Sponsored by the Mobile Arts Council and Mobile Public Library.

Mobile Arts Council

11th Annual Business Expo/Jobs Fair
Mobile Civic Center
April 24th from 9:00 am to 2:00pm
Presented by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and the City of Mobile.
SARPC

Kickoff Party: Pridefest 2009

Downtown Historic Holiday Inn,
Skyview Lounge
Friday, April 24 - Cocktail reception at 6:00pm, Offensive II with Tony Nominee Sharon McNight and pianist Harry Mayronn at 7:30pm, Dancing at 9:15pm. Click link below to see entire schedule through Sunday.
Your Rights, Our Rights, Human Rights!

Mobile Alabama Pride, Inc.



What About Photography? A Discussion by Michael Mastro
Cathedral Square Gallery
Friday, April 24 at noon
A general discussion of photography, hosted by Michael Mastro, who says "we can talk about anything: photographic styles and techniques, equipment, digital manipulation, etc., and we can critique prints." Bring your lunch.


WHIL Night at the Symphony
Saenger Theatre
Saturday, April 25 at 8:00pm
91.3 celebrates its 30th Anniversary at a concert by the Mobile Symphony; music directed by Scott Speck.
$60 includes post-concert reception with food by Creative Catering by Sean and gift bags containing gift certificates from more than 20 local sponsors.

Earth & Sky: Cosmic Energy
Saenger Theatre
Sunday, April 26 at 2:30pm
The program includes Strauss:Also Sprach Zarathustra, Holst: The Planets, Elgar: Cello Concerto (soloist: Alexandre Bouzlov). 

Saenger Theatre


Open Studio
Cathedral Square Gallery
Sunday, April 26 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Artists demonstrations and complimentary mimosas.

Cathedral Square Gallery

Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Saenger Theatre
Thursday, April 30 at 8:30pm
Presented by Huka Entertainment,

 Robert Randolph was trained as a pedal steel guitarist in the House of God Church and makes prominent use of the instrument in the band's music. His concerts are known for their lively stage performances, with Randolph content to let the rest of the band play on while he dances.Saenger Theatre

Oyster Rock, a benefit for America's Junior Miss
Wintzell's Oyster House - 605 Dauphin Street
Friday, May 8, 7:00 p.m.
$50/person includes beer & wine, heavy hors d'oeuvres, silent & live auction. Featuring the Tip Tops.
Call 251-438-3621 for tickets and information

America's Junior Miss