Your free time is precious, so how to spend it? Here are five ideas for Birmingham, Feb. 22-March 1, 2019.
Courtesy of Theater League
THEATER
Revisit the catalog of Carole King. Theatergoers will do exactly that when they attend performances of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at the BJCC Concert Hall. The show focuses on King's early career as a songwriter and her rise to stardom, and it's packed with tunes fans know and love, including "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," "You've Got a Friend" and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." "Beautiful" runs here Tuesday through March 3, courtesy of the Broadway in Birmingham series. Tickets are $35-$95 via Ticketmaster.
"Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," Feb. 26-March 3, eight shows at various times, BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, $35-$95 via Ticketmaster.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Find your bliss on at Kami-Con. If you're into anime, manga, cosplay, gaming and other aspects of geek culture, you'll find like-minded souls this weekend at the BJCC East Exhibition Halls. The convention features panels, concerts, contests, special guests and more. Three days of events are planned, today-Sunday. Tickets are $25-$55 at the door.
Kami-Con Season 11, Feb. 22-24, BJCC East Exhibition Halls, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, $25-$55. Hours noon-midnight Friday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
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CONCERTS
Prepare for the Academy Awards — and possible wins for "Bohemian Rhapsody" — by listening to one of Queen's classic albums. You won't have to do it alone, either. Hundreds of people will gather on Saturday at the BJCC Concert Hall to hear Black Jacket Symphony cover "A Night at the Opera," start to finish, and perform a second set of Queen's greatest hits. The tribute ensemble will be joined by Marc Martel, a Nashville singer who contributed vocals to the soundtrack of the Oscar-nominated movie. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $24.50-$49.50 via Ticketmaster.
Black Jacket Symphony presents Queen's "A Night at the Opera," Feb. 23 at 8 p.m., BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, $24.50-$49.50 via Ticketmaster.
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DRINKS
Get the jitters — and like it — at Alabama Coffee Fest. Caffeine will be present in abundance at this tasty event on Saturday, courtesy of the Alabama Multicultural Organization. Unlimited tastings from specialty roasters and coffee shops are on the agenda, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Co. You'll also find coffee demos, live music, latte art and more. Tickets are 10-$45 advance, $20-$60 at the door.
Alabama Coffee Fest, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Cahaba Brewing Co., 4500 Fifth Ave. South, Building C, $10-$45 advance, $20-$60 at door.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Search for treasures at the Alabama Record Collectors Association 38th Annual Record & CD Show. Vendors will display a wealth of music merchandise — records, CDs, tapes, photographs, memorabilia and more — March 1-2 at the Gardendale Civic Center. Thousands of items will be on sale, and sharp-eyed collectors will want to be there. Admission is $5, $10 for early birds on March 1, noon-3 p.m.
Alabama Record Collectors Association 38th Annual Record & CD Show, March 1-2, Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main St., Gardendale, $5 general admission, $10 early bird admission, free for kids age 12 and younger. Hours 12 p.m.-3 p.m. March 1 early birds, general admission 3 p.m.-8 p.m. March 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 2.
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More on entertainment in Alabama:
75 must-see concerts coming to Alabama in 2019
20 ways to celebrate the Alabama Bicentennial
Sidewalk Cinema & Film Center: Groundbreaking offers look at construction site
Rock the South: A look back at the first 7 years of the festival
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