Aisha Smith

The Kentuck Festival of the Arts is being welcomed back to Tuscaloosa's Snow Hinton Park for the second year. With all of the festivities, a front man who's found a profound new meaning and unexpected power in the historic hymns and hollers stands ready to share music with the Druid City. Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly remake the songs and connect them directly to the roots of rock and roll.

There’s a creative movement growing in Tuscaloosa—and it’s led by women. Janet Vieira, founder of Sawdust & Splinters Makerspace, and Tiffany Amirkhanian of Druid City Makerspace are building spaces where everyone—from beginners to pros—can explore their creativity, learn hands-on skills and feel empowered.

APR Digital Content Reporter Aisha Smith interviews the founder and executive director of The Firehouse Community Arts Center, Eric Wallace, about his unconventional teaching space. Wallace also explains how the Firehouse is fostering a subversive movement in the local music scene.

Ashley M. Jones is a Birmingham native and the current Poet Laureate for the State of Alabama. She talks with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about how Alabama's revolutionary past shapes her experience as a resident of the Yellowhammer State. Plus, her takes on sweet vs salty grits, Alabama BBQ and how one of her childhood dreams may soon become reality!

Dan Drinkard is the owner of Seasick Records, an independent record store in Birmingham. Ever wonder what aliens would think of Earth's music? He tells Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about his extraterrestrial recommendations. Plus, the annual phenomenon that has customers camping outside of his store— and the legend of Alabama Shakes.