The last weekend of October, typically known for the national holiday observance of Halloween, will be filled with loads of activities for the Magic City as Birmingham prepares for the 68th annual Magic City Classic. While the city once again plays host to one of the largest black college football matches in the country, the city will be bustling with events and after-parties to spruce up the occasion.
Not to single out specific engagements, Urbanham Faith has spotted a number of events that will certainly lift your spirits and increase your faith spiritually.
After Classic Halloween Alternative Concert with Deitrick and Damita Haddon
For those desiring to celebrate Halloween with a praise, you may want to check out the praise party at Faith Chapel on Saturday. Verity Gospel recording artist Deitrick Haddon, known for radio hits including “Sinner’s Prayer” and the successful collaboration with Mary Mary and Ruben Studdard on “Love Him Like I Do,” will bring the house down. Joining him will be his wife, Damita, who also has recorded a number of albums including her 2009 Tyscot album Not Looking Back. Expect to see Deitrick rock his Jesus swagger and to hear Damita pull out her Aretha-homed vocal chops. Also slated to perform are Birmingham Holy hip-hop sensation LP, jazz group Overfloe, Church Boy and others.
WHERE:
Faith Chapel Christian Church, Birmingham, AL
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 31
TIME: 8 p.m.
COST: FREE
Praz N Da Houz
In its thirteen-year run and what has become a part of the annual Classic festivities, Prince Yelder hosts Praiz N Da Houz. The event will feature local and regional gospel groups and music ministries including E. Tony Gaines & Victory in Praise, Alabama A&M Gospel Choir, Andrew Reynolds & Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship, Jacksonville State University Gospel Choir and many others. Darrel Petties & Strength in Praise, formerly signed to EMI Gospel, is also expected to be in the “houz.”
Faith Chapel Christian Center will celebrate their Halloween alternative with a gospel concert featuring Deitrick & Damita Haddon.
WHERE:
Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30
TIME: 8 p.m.
COST: FREE
The Color Purple - Broadway Across America Series
Sure it won’t be around during Classic weekend (sob) but this Off Broadway production, currently making a stop in Birmingham, is worth checking out. The hit Broadway event, focusing on the Putlizer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, is an inspiring recreation of the story about a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to amazing, uplifting music with gorgeous layouts of jazz, ragtime, the blues and gospel, The Color Purple is two hours of spiritual theatrics that will leave your spirits revived.
WHERE:
BJCC Concert Hall, Birmingham, AL
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 25
TIME: Various times
COST: $20-$55
St. John AME Church’s Classic Revival
A revival with a twist. We have to call it that since St. John AME Church, located just a block away from the Civil Rights district, will also host a prep tailgating party at 5 p.m. for the game lovers. But the main focus of attention will surely be on the revivalist Rev. William D. Watley of Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, MD.
WHERE:
St. John AME Church, Birmingham, AL
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 29
TIME: Tailgating party starts at 5 p.m., revival begins at 6:30 p.m.
COST: FREE
Michael Jackson’s This Is It – Movie
The highly-talked about biopic surrounding the Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour hits theaters nationwide during Classic Weekend. Due to its super-savvy marketing blitz, the movie was pronounced by the Chicago Tribune to “likely have the most lucrative opening of any movie in history.” The movie is expected to remain in theaters for a two-week limited run. Like most pop phenomenons like Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers, MJ’s last episode is a pre-sale winner. But it’s totally unfair to put Hannah and the Jonases in the same sentence as the King of Pop.
WHERE:
Carmike Summit 16, Rave Vestavia Hills 10, Regal 16 Trussville, Rave Lee Branch 15, Rave Patton Creek 15, AmStar 14 Alabaster
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27 through early Nov.
TIME: Varied times
COST: $7.25 and up
For information concerning pre-game festivities, parade info and the Legion Field game, go to www.themagiccityclassic.com.
For additional events and details, we strongly encourage you to go to Urbanham’s Magic City Classic guide at http://urbanham.com/site/?p=2066
J Matthew Cobb is the editor-at-large of the Birmingham-based online publication PRAYZEHYMN Online.com. He is also a contributor writer and music critic for SoulTracks.com and UrbanhamFaith.
