Come help us kick off the 20th season of Burritt's City Lights and Stars Summer Concert Series Friday, May 25th with Eric Essix. In 2000, while signed to Zebra Records, Eric Essix decided to explore the soul, R&B, gospel and country music that he grew up listening to in his home state of Alabama. It was the start of a musical journey that began with "Southbound" followed by "Somewhere In Alabama" and now has brought him full circle with his latest offering, "Birmingham".

Eric recorded his debut album as a solo artist in 1988. 15 albums later he is still making music that moves; that captures the imagination...that touches the emotions. Eric's last three recordings have been particularly revealing and personal, giving the listener an up close look at the man behind the music and the place he calls home.

Home is Birmingham. Eric grew up there in the midst of the turbulent 1960's and, after an initial introduction to the guitar by the Beatles, got his start as a performer in the church. Today gospel music still informs and influences everything he does, however, early exposure to Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix greatly contributed to Eric's sound and style as a guitarist.

Bring your lawn chair or blanket and a picnic for the whole family and enjoy an evening of great music under the stars. Call 256.536-2882 or visit burrittonthemountain.com to purchase your tickets now. The season series is sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union and this concert is sponsored by Jerry Damson Honda Acura. Tickets are also available at Burritt Welcome Center, A.B. Stephens Music and The Fret Shop. No outside alcohol or dogs please.

Dairy Day at Burritt on the Mountain Always a favorite event, Dairy Day (June 2 from 10-4 pm) promises to be fun for the whole family. Come churn butter, enjoy a cool glass of milk with some yummy cookies, crank the ice cream churn, learn about blacksmithing, and try your hand at milking Boxy, our faux cow. You will also enjoy visiting our goats and cow in the barnyard, playing old-fashioned games, and relaxing while you stroll through the historic park. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it. Regular admission charged.

On the weather map...High pressure will dominate for much of the upcoming weekend. Friday & Saturday look great with plenty of sunshine. Most of Sunday looks great too...but we might see enough heat & humidity by afternoon to see a few isolated thunderstorms develop. Most neighborhoods will stay dry with highs in the 80s.

My official Tennessee Valley weekend forecast...
Friday...Partly cloudy. High 86.
Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Low 61.
Saturday...Partly cloudy. High 82.
Saturday Night...Fair skies. Low 60.
Sunday...Partly cloudy with a 30% chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. High 86.

Have a great weekend everyone!
James Payton, Huntsville about.com Forecaster
http://uahweather.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/weatherjames

The 2012 Paul Stroud Concerts by the River series, sponsored by the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department, invites you to swing and sing on the river on Monday, May 21, 2012 during musical performances by the Sophisticated Swingers and Taylor McLain. All concerts are open to the public and are held at Rhodes Ferry Park. Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and usually conclude by 8:00 PM. For updated schedule information, please call 256-341-4818 or visit www.decaturparks.com. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be made after 4:00 PM and will be posted on the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department's website and the Facebook pages for Decatur Parks and Recreation and Decatur, Alabama.