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Downtown Mobile news and info - June 2015
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Campo Santo Kicks off this Thursday

Enjoy summer in the city and usher in the weekend with the Campo Santo Summer Concert Series. Live music from local and regional bands will fill Cathedral Square each Thursday evening from 5:00 - 7:30 from June 11th - July 16th. The series is one of many celebrations commemorating the 25th anniversary of Main Street Mobile and is made possible through a partnership with Gulf Distributing Company and the City of Mobile's Special Events team. To add to the family fun, Gulf Distributing is even bringing in an artist to paint faces or create balloon art each evening.

Plan on having dinner or drinks at one of downtown's many fine establishments before or after the concert. Head to the square after work, or bring the family down for an evening of music, food and fun! 

Click here for the Campo Santo lineup.
Historic Tax Credits Set to Expire in October
 
In May of 2013, Governor Bentley signed into law a bill authorizing the use of state tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic buildings. Since then, more than $350 million has been invested in Alabama through 45 projects in all areas of the state. Given the cost of renovating historic buildings, most if not all of these projects would not have happened without the incentive. The Buick Building (shown left), Edwards Furniture and the Russell School are all projects underway in Mobile because of the program.

Funding for the state historic tax credits is set to expire in May 2016, however since all the available credits have been committed and there is a long waiting list, the program has essentially ended. If the credits are not renewed by the Alabama legislature in the upcoming special session or the regular legislative session next year, the result will be the suspension of a program that has created jobs, brought long vacant buildings back on the tax rolls and spurred additional development. We are hopeful the legislature will consider reinstating the tax credits after reviewing economic data from the initial two and a half years of eligible projects. 

RETAIL & RESTAURANT NEWS

Pizzeria Delfina

When asked what kind of restaurant our stakeholders would like to see downtown, the overwhelming response is always "Italian!" That wish is finally becoming a reality with Pizzeria Delfina. Rick Gambino of Fairhope plans to open the Italian eatery at the end of the month at 107 Dauphin Street, formerly Downtowners. He'll be serving up New York style pizza, pasta specialties and great Italian desserts!

 

DEVELOPMENT BUZZ

Mardi Gras Market Park Update

Thursday, June 11th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
History Museum of Mobile


This meeting serves as follow up to the November 2014 forum where participants were given the opportunity to weigh in on plans for the proposed park. Based on this feedback, consultants for this project will present a more detailed plan for park design and construction. Everyone who cares about continuing our efforts to further enhance our downtown should join in shaping this exciting project. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Shemika Brown, Director of Community Engagement. Shemika can be reached at (251) 208-7825 or by e-mail at shemika.brown@cityofmobile.org.
What's Blooming this Summer
 
We're often asked what plants are currently blooming in the 200+ flower beds maintained by the BID Services team of the Downtown Mobile Alliance. Our horticulturist, Hap Kern, has put together a list of all the plants and the conditions they prefer. The list is available by clicking here

As you can imagine, urban environments present challenging conditions for even the hardiest of flowers, so if these plants are successful here, they're sure to thrive in your yard or patio! 

BID Services Update

The BID Services teams were busy planting and watering all those flowers in April...in addition to hundreds of other duties they handle to make Downtown Mobile such a lovely and inviting place. Below are some statistics for the month of April:
Flower bed planting & maintenance - 125 hours
Bags of leaves & trash collected - 656
Storm drains cleaned - 506 times
Human waste clean-up - 29 incidents
Pedestrians assisted - 577
Meet and greets - 9954
Motorists assisted - 56

For the full BID Services report for April, click here.

DOWNTOWN DOINGS

Friday, June 12th, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
LoDa Arts District

The streets of Downtown Mobile will be filled with people strolling from gallery to gallery, enjoying a perfect June evening. Stop in to shop, have a glass of wine or simply visit with freinds you're sure to encounter. Sidewalk vendors and live music add to the fun. 
Learn more.

Menopause the Musical

June 11, 2015

This hilarious musical parody staged to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles. See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for 14 years!Tickets and more info here.
 

Kids Day in Bienville


Every Thursday in June from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, and visitors from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue departments, and much more! If you have any questions, please call 251-208-1550 or click here.

Business in Bienville


Thursday, June 11th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Bienville Square


Join the Downtown Parks Conservancy for its kick-off event that includes an evening of networking, live music and fun while supporting the Conservancy. The newly formed non-profit is dedicated to maintaining and maximizing the beauty and utility of our downtown parks. Learn more.

USS Alabama Living History Crew

 
June 13th & 14th
USS ALABAMA Battleship Park

Now hear this!  The USS ALABAMA Living History Crew will be aboard ship for their Drill.  The Living History Crew is made up of historical reenactors who demonstrate life aboard the USS ALABAMA during World War II. 
               Among the activities scheduled for the weekend will be a weapons briefing to explain the types of weapons used aboard the Battleship.  Weather permitting, guests will witness a general quarters rush to battle stations as “enemy” aircraft simulate an air attack.   Sailors will man the guns and repel the assault. Damage control teams will perform a fire suppression drill as Corpsmen evacuate “wounded” sailors. Learn more

 

Indigo Girls


Thursday, June 25 

AEG & HUKA Entertainment present Indigo Girls plus The Good Graces and Kristy Lee & Dirt Road Revival. Prepare yourself for some authentic Southern American folk rock. Tickets and more info.
 

Black Jacket Presents AC/DC’s “Back in Black”

 
Thursday, June 18

The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting.  AC/DC’s “Back in Black” album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked–the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. Tickets and more info.

The Molly Ringwalds


Saturday, June 13 

They are The World's Greatest 80's Experience. Hailing from Sheffield, England, this legendary quintet has been able to combine their individual and very formidable talents to create the true essence of the most radical decade to ever be called "The 80's." Get your tickets for the Soul Kitchen show now.

CLEAR PLASTIC MASKS

 
Saturday, June 20
Alchemy Tavern

It might be cliché to say that the mark of a true rock n' roll band is that they play from the heart, but in the case of the Clear Plastic Masks it is exceptionally true. As the band's moniker indicates, there's not much to hide with one of the most talked about groups in Nashville's burgeoning rock scene. This is the sound of heart-on-your-sleeve blue-collar soul. For this and more listings at Alchemy Tavern, click here.

Delbert McClinton


Friday, June 26 

One of the great American blues rock artists is coming to the Saenger Theatre. Delbert McClinton has charted singles on Billboard Hot 100, Mainstream Rock Tracks, and Hot Country Songs charts, and now you can experience him live in concert. Tickets and more info.


 

Distinguished Young Women


June 16-28, Mobile Civic Center

Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. It has provided life-changing experiences for more than 730,000 young women across the country and more than $100 million in cash scholarships at the local, state and national levels.

GALLERIES AND EXHIBITS

History Museum of Mobile

Through September 2015


Ark of India is an account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist, Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures, and most importantly, photographs and writings. 
In March, the History Museum will mark the 5th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with an exhibit that serves as a poignant reminder of those horrific months when the waters of the Gulf teemed not with life, but with deadly, thick, black tar. More than 20 local artists will lend their works to this exhibit entitled What's at Stake?, designed to remind visitors of the beauty and the uniqueness of the Gulf region, and the necessity of its protection. Learn more about both exhibits

 





The Gulf Coast Exploreum's newest exhibit, Journey to Mars, has lift-off. Developed by The Exploreum and NASA, this exhibit will educate youngsters about a future they will in all likelihood have a chance to participate in: mankind visiting the red planet. 

Exploreum Summer Camp kicked off May 25th and registration is still open so hurry up and give those aged 4-14 a memorable summer that inspires learning for a lifetime.

The Exploreum will be hosting a summer film series, replaying some of the all-time favorite IMAX movies. So if you loved "Flight of the Butterflies" or can't believe you missed "Hubble," now's your chance to get a front row seat for round 2 of the maximum film experience. Film series schedule here.

'Your Connection to Southern Coastal Art and Artists'

COLORS OF THE COAST ANNUAL JURIED SHOW

Drop by and vote for 'Peoples Choice Award'
June 9 through 12 - 11 am - 5 pm
AWARDS PRESENTATION AND RECEPTION DURING
ARTWALK - JUNE 12 - 5:30 - 8:30
1st Place Award $1,000.00 sponsored by Wintzell's
Wine Tasting - Music by Bayou Rhythm
612 Dauphin St. - T-S 11-5, Sunday 11 - 3, 251-694-0278
Like us -Facebook and cathedralsquaregallery.org
Info
lhall699@aol.comCathedral Square Gallery

 

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

Through December 2015

Featuring over 75 works by 15 Alabama self-taught artists from the collection of William S. Arnett and Souls Grown Deep Foundation, History Refused to Die examines the textured African American experience in Alabama. Special video installation by Tom Leeser. Often dismissively referred to as "outsider" or "folk" art, works from this genre of truly astonishing American art are sure to engage and surprise visitors of all ages and walks of life.
 Learn more

The Lost Garden

May-July 2015
 

“The Lost Garden,” located in the 250 block of Dauphin Street, next to Heroes', is part installation art work, part sustainability laboratory and seeks to recapture that sense of adventure and self-reliance. The project is constructed of found materials and available hardware and consists of three small house-like structures surrounded by a temporary garden of beds and planters. The title “The Lost Garden” describes a place that is mysterious but attainable. That which is lost can indeed be found and visitors to the garden can rediscover possibility.
 

 











Join Bellingrath Horticulture Managers for a Summer Garden Walk to see the combinations of plants used in this year's summer displays and new additions to the Gardens. It's all part of the Wonderful Wednesdays series in June and July at Bellingrath Gardens and Home! These popular lectures and workshops help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of the extended growing season. Start/End Time: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Live Music Listing


Looking for some great live local and regional music in downtown? Check out these sources:

Soul Kitchen
Alchemy Tavern

Moe's Original BBQ
O'Daly's Irish Pub

Lagniappe has a listing of live music in the Mobile area.

 

What's on the Screen

The Crescent Theater features current releases and popular documentaries. Plus, you can relax in one of 10 recliners and enjoy a glass of wine or beer.
Current films, showtimes and tickets
 

The Gulf Coast Exploreum with its I-MAX dome will educate and entertain at the same timeCurrent films, showtimes and tickets

About Us

The Downtown Mobile Alliance exists to support the redevelopment of Downtown Mobile through marketing, advocacy and the management of Business Improvement District services.
Carol Hunter
Downtown Mobile Alliance
downtownmobile.org • 251.434.8498 office
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