Southern Voices 2004

A Feast for the Senses
By Amanda Bonner, Hoover Public Library

Whether it’s literature, art, music, or fine cuisine that most appeals to your taste buds, the Hoover Public Library’s Twelfth Annual Southern Voices Conference is sure to satisfy. 

The four-day conference opens on Thursday, February 19, 5:30 p.m. with a reception honoring Southern Voices Artist Toni Tully. Incorporating a mix of hand painting, dyeing, and image transfer onto silk and other fabrics, Tully’s work has been featured in collections around the country. Of her exhibit, she says, “This show represents my continuing exploration of new techniques, materials, and equipment in the making of art.” Inspired by Marcel Proust’s Remembrance of Things Past, Tully notes that many of her works loosely represent her constant thoughts and response to Proust’s writings. 

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, best known for his best-selling book Angela’s Ashes, joins the Conference on Friday, February 20, at 7 p.m. for “An Evening of Stories” in the Library Theatre. McCourt, who spent his boyhood in Limerick, Ireland, is a highly sought-after speaker who captivates audiences with his warmth, wit, and wisdom. While he refers to himself as “the beacon of hope for the whole Social Security set,” McCourt has been more accurately described as a “Dickens for our time.” An Irish-inspired reception catered by O’Carrs and book signing will follow McCourt’s presentation.

On Saturday, February 21 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the Library will host eight of the country’s finest writers who will explore the Southern perspective in today’s literature. Featured speakers include Michael Morris, who won the Christy Award for Best First Novel for A Place Called Wiregrass, Jack Riggs, who has been selected as an “Emerging New Southern Voice,” and Birmingham native Sena Jeter Nasland, author of the critically acclaimed Ahab’s Wife and Four Spirits.  First novelist and journalist Stephen Marion joins the group to discuss his debut novel Hollow Ground, as well as Scott Morris, a native Floridian and author of Waiting for April. Adding a bit of flavor to the event are Sallie Ann Robinson and Amy Rogers, who combine recipes and storytelling in their innovative new cookbooks. Rounding out the group is suspense writer and former journalist Amy Gutman, author of The Anniversary.

The Tony Award-winning Red Clay Ramblers will perform on Saturday evening, February 21, 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2:30 p.m. Rip-roaring and refreshing, the band’s repertoire ranges from old-time mountain music to Dixieland, bluegrass, gospel and “sultry, finger-popping hoochie-coo.” 

 Mark your calendar for Southern Voices 2004!  Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. and may be purchased in person or by calling 205-444-7888.   For more conference information, visit www.southernvoices.info.