Tapestry

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WBHM Interviews

February 12, 2009...

• Mavis Staples -- her voice helped inspire the Civil Rights movement
• Love with a twist -- the musical Romance, Romance
• Birmingham Festival Theatre presents Kindertransport

Before they recorded their hit songs I'll Take You There and Respect Yourself, the Staple Singers were one of the first families of Gospel music. Pops Staples and his three daughters hit the road in the 1950s playing churches and a weekly radio show, later performing at civil rights marches and eventually on big concert stages. Along the way, the powerful voice of Mavis Staples garnered millions of fans, some of whom will see her performance at the Alys Stephens Center this weekend. Mavis Staples says it was never about being a star. It was always about the music and the message.

Mavis Staples interview...

Valentine's Day. For some people it?s the final exam for Romance 101. Did he get the right present? Did she have the right reaction? But it's not all "chocolate and roses" for many couples. And that's why Birmingham actress Jan Hunter is embracing her role in the musical Romance, Romance currently on stage at the Virginia Samford Theatre. The show is comprised of two acts, linked by the common theme of love, but with a twist, as Hunter tells WBHM?s Tanya Ott.

Jan Hunter interview...

Romance, Romance runs through next weekend at the Virginia Samford Theatre.

In the months leading up to World War Two, nearly 10,000 Jewish children were sent by train - without their parents - to safety in Great Britain. They lived with foster families. Many never reunited with their birth families. Their often overlooked story is on stage this week in Birmingham. Reporter Nat Bonner has more.

Kindertransport...

Kindertransport runs through this weekend at Birmingham Festival Theatre.

Tapestry is produced by Tanya Ott and Michael Krall, with help this week from Nat Bonner. Next week on the program, the Chieftains Paddy Moloney talks about keeping the music fresh after nearly a half century of performing. I'm Greg Bass, and we'll see you next week.