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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Ellen Johnson
Music Column: Bruno Mars is a timeless entertainer

Music Column: Bruno Mars is a timeless entertainer

Katie Huff October 25, 2016

It’s the 2016 Super Bowl halftime show. Coldplay has just performed their fan favorites including “Paradise” and “Viva La Vida.” Then, a recognizable beat begins to play and the all too familiar...

Stop Light Observations makes music with meaning

Stop Light Observations makes music with meaning

Ellen Johnson October 21, 2016

Upstairs in a 200-year-old plantation home outside Charleston, South Carolina, Will Blackburn recorded vocals for his band’s newest album. In a Victorian-style bathroom complete with a little couch and...

Music Column: Frank Ocean and Chance The Rapper are reinventing rap

Music Column: Frank Ocean and Chance The Rapper are reinventing rap

Katie Huff October 18, 2016

The year 2016 has been a great year for rap. It’s only October, and we have new albums from Chance The Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Drake and Schoolboy Q. We've seen the rap industry...

The Dirty Lungs bring modern sounds to a southern scene

The Dirty Lungs bring modern sounds to a southern scene

Ellen Johnson October 13, 2016

Not every great southern band sounds southern all the time. That’s the theory behind Birmingham-based group The Dirty Lungs. While the band thrives in the southern landscape and does sparingly utilize...

Huxford Symphony Orchestra to perform tonight at Moody Music Building

Huxford Symphony Orchestra to perform tonight at Moody Music Building

Ellen Johnson October 13, 2016

The Huxford Symphony Orchestra, one of 14 ensembles in the School of Music's program, will perform a concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Concert Hall in Moody Music Building. Tickets are $3 for students...

Music Column: Seven songs for your road trip playlist

Music Column: Seven songs for your road trip playlist

Katie Huff October 12, 2016

Driving to and from Tuscaloosa is one of my favorite things to do, despite how long it takes. The drive to Atlanta should only take three hours, but since I do not drive on the interstate, it takes me...

Hidden Gems of Tuscaloosa: Edgar's a staple for cakes and cafe foods

Hidden Gems of Tuscaloosa: Edgar's a staple for cakes and cafe foods

Ellen Johnson October 11, 2016

Lunchtime is busy at Edgar’s Bakery in Tuscaloosa. Customers stream in as the order-up bell is dinging, employees freshen the coffee and friends chat amongst themselves in the cheery cafe chairs. Cupcakes,...

Music Column: J. Cole's live album tells his story

Music Column: J. Cole's live album tells his story

Katie Huff October 4, 2016

One of the best attributes that an artist or band can have is the ability to perform better live. It's different for each band. Some incorporate more instrumental parts to show off their ridiculous skill;...

Music Column: Four new singles you need to hear

Music Column: Four new singles you need to hear

Katie Huff September 27, 2016

September has been a month of exciting music releases. New singles have increased enthusiasm for upcoming albums, and it’s interesting to see how artists are releasing music. This year, we have seen...

Judah & the Lion take Druid City tonight

Ellen Johnson September 23, 2016

For Nashville-based band Judah & the Lion, each performance is all about giving the audience what they want to hear.“We love when people jump around and dance and are surprised,” said drummer Spencer...

Fashion week is more than expensive brands

Fashion week is more than expensive brands

Ellen Johnson September 22, 2016

It’s September, and in the fashion world that means a few very important weeks of new trends, designs and designer collections. Designers are determined to put their best foot forward this month at...

Music Column: An Ode to John Mayer's Continuum

Music Column: An Ode to John Mayer's Continuum

Katie Huff September 20, 2016

One week ago, John Mayer’s album, “Continuum,” turned 10 years old. While this may seem like a trivial tidbit of information, I would like to make the argument that this album has not aged. Ten years...

Q&A: Lead guitarist of Gravy talks upcoming performance, new album

Q&A: Lead guitarist of Gravy talks upcoming performance, new album

Ellen Johnson September 14, 2016

"It’s all good and it’s all gravy." That’s the motto behind the music of New Orleans-based funk and soul band Gravy. The quartet will take on Druid City Music Hall tomorrow night, Sept. 15, and...

Music Column: 5 under appreciated Kings of Leon songs

Music Column: 5 under appreciated Kings of Leon songs

Katie Huff September 13, 2016

Kings of Leon’s newest album, “Walls,” will be released on Oct. 10. Last Friday, Sept. 8, they released the first single off the album, “Waste A Moment.” Being the fan that I am, I patiently...

New juice bars come to Tuscaloosa

New juice bars come to Tuscaloosa

Ellen Johnson April 18, 2016

In the wake of a growing juice trend, Tuscaloosa is now freshly pressed, prepped and squeezed, ready to welcome juice bars to its growing restaurant market. Much like smoothie shops, juice bars primarily...

The Revivalists come to Druid City Music Hall

The Revivalists come to Druid City Music Hall

Ellen Johnson April 15, 2016

Nine years ago Zack Feinberg was riding his bicycle around a New Orleans neighborhood when he came across David Shaw sitting on his front porch playing guitar. This chance encounter was the beginning of...

UA Theatre and Dance performs Boeing Boeing

UA Theatre and Dance performs Boeing Boeing

Ellen Johnson April 15, 2016

While some theatrical productions seek to share a thought-provoking story or some rousing musical anthems, others simply serve to make the audience laugh and enjoy themselves.“Farces are to entertain,”...

People of Tuscaloosa: Kayleb Rae Candrilli and MK Foster

People of Tuscaloosa: Kayleb Rae Candrilli and MK Foster

Ellen Johnson April 6, 2016

Kayleb Rae: "I really, really love poetry. I probably wouldn’t be able to live without it. I suppose I’m drawn most to poems that have an emotional core. So if a poem gives me goosebumps, which often...

UA students practice Zen Buddhism

UA students practice Zen Buddhism

Ellen Johnson April 4, 2016

A small group of students, faculty, staff and local residents are using a centuries-old practice and applying it to their daily lives.The group calls themselves the Quiet Tide Sangha, and they meet each...

Nursing Students

Nursing Students

Ellen Johnson March 31, 2016

When senior Joy Prinsell came to The University of Alabama, she knew she wanted to work in the medical field, but she wasn’t sure where she would fit in.After choosing a major in biology as a freshman...

People of Tuscaloosa: Max Mortellaro

People of Tuscaloosa: Max Mortellaro

Ellen Johnson March 8, 2016

"I was inspired by my history teacher in high school, and I thought I should be doing [secondary education]. He was crazy, and he had different ways of teaching and had different stories to tell other...

The Great Peacock visits Druid City Brewing

Ellen Johnson February 25, 2016

Tuscaloosa is known for its football traditions, college-town atmosphere and massive student population. But one aspect of Tuscaloosa, the thriving music scene, is sometimes overlooked by all but the barhopping...

Roxy's offers live music and craft cocktails

Roxy's offers live music and craft cocktails

Ellen Johnson February 25, 2016

Dim lighting, leather couches and a bar adorned with drinking glasses are all in sight upon entry to one of Tuscaloosa’s most up-and-coming bars, Roxy’s.Nestled in the middle of downtown Tuscaloosa’s...

People of Tuscaloosa: Courtney Rentas

People of Tuscaloosa: Courtney Rentas

Ellen Johnson February 23, 2016

“My greatest accomplishment, the personal success that I value the most from my time at UA, is that I never gave up. I have walked across the Quad crying more times than I can count. I have dropped down...

UA Alum Glynn Wilson talks about his memoir, blogging, and the future of the media

Ellen Johnson February 11, 2016

Glynn Wilson is a publisher, a website creator, a writer, and a journalist who has worked for publications such as The New York Times and The Christian Science Monitor. But before all of that, he was a...

Heat Pizza to be served in Tuscaloosa

Heat Pizza to be served in Tuscaloosa

Ellen Johnson February 11, 2016

In two minutes and 55 seconds, a personalized artisan pizza, prepared with fresh ingredients, is ready to eat at Heat Pizza Bar in downtown Tuscaloosa.“The whole idea is to serve artisan pizza and salad...

UA student reflects on time as classically trained violinist

UA student reflects on time as classically trained violinist

Ellen Johnson February 4, 2016

Music brings people together, and for one UA student, it has defined some of the most important moments in her life. “Music always has a way of staying with a person,” said Morgan Hendon, a senior...

UA students showcase their art in new exhibit

Ellen Johnson January 30, 2016

Sydney Ewerth is an artist, but she doesn't like to call herself that. “I still don’t like to [refer to myself as an artist],” said Ewerth, a graduate student pursuing her masters in fine arts in...

SportsTown: Tuscaloosa to be featured on new series

SportsTown: Tuscaloosa to be featured on new series

Ellen Johnson January 21, 2016

While the obsession with football and its influence on Southern culture might seem normal to students who dwell in Tuscaloosa, others around the country might find people’s worship of the sport a little...

The Arts Council launches 13th Annual Double Exposure Juried Photography Exhibit

Ellen Johnson January 18, 2016

There are few places in Alabama where you can find a compilation of unique photographs exhibited by both children and adults, but Tuscaloosa will offer just that this February. The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa...

Nuncrackers provides humor and cheer

Nuncrackers provides humor and cheer

Ellen Johnson December 3, 2015

By Ellen Johnson | Staff ReporterDancing nuns, puppets, musical comedy and Christmas spirit may not seem like a likely combination, but one show will bring them all together this holiday season.Theatre...

Alabama family continues Iron Bowl streak

Alabama family continues Iron Bowl streak

Ellen Johnson November 23, 2015

If you live in Alabama, you know that college football is a season-long – sometimes year-long – celebration and rivalry that brings friends and families together for fellowship and traditions, and...

Specialty grocery store satisfies food cravings

Specialty grocery store satisfies food cravings

Ellen Johnson November 19, 2015

There is one place in downtown Tuscaloosa where students can be found enjoying a soda after class, customers can purchase meals to bring home for dinner and hundreds of unique foods and beverages line...

UATD to perform Mel Brooks musical classic Young Frankenstein

UATD to perform Mel Brooks musical classic Young Frankenstein

Ellen Johnson November 16, 2015

The story of “Frankenstein” is one that is familiar to many, but next week at the Marian Gallaway Theatre, the dark and twisted tale will be told in a new, and more entertaining, light.The University...

Bicycle Advocacy Coalition hosts Halloween bike ride

Ellen Johnson October 30, 2015

It isn’t too often that a troop of witches, skeletons and characters of all kinds can be seen biking around the streets of Tuscaloosa, but this Friday, that might change. The Bicycle Advocacy Coalition,...

Sorority Row hosts trick or treat for Tuscaloosa children

Sorority Row hosts trick or treat for Tuscaloosa children

Ellen Johnson October 23, 2015

While girls clad in t-shirts and shorts are the usual inhabitants of Sorority Row, for one night, witches, Disney characters, fairies and wizards will walk the streets of Magnolia and Colonial. The...

Explore the outdoors at Red Mountain Park

Explore the outdoors at Red Mountain Park

Ellen Johnson October 20, 2015

Fall is finally here and the cooler temps are beckoning students to get outside and enjoy the season. One place to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air is Red Mountain Park in Birmingham. After...

The Bama Theatre hosts Foreign Film series

The Bama Theatre hosts Foreign Film series

Ellen Johnson October 16, 2015

The Bama Theatre is offering the perfect chance to experience a wide array of foreign films over the course of the next two months.  The “5 Foreign Films for $5” series, sponsored by Five restaurant,...

Dance off calories with DAZE

Dance off calories with DAZE

Ellen Johnson October 12, 2015

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous, boring or pain-inducing. The Student Recreational Center and the Student Activity Center at Presidential Village offer a number of stress-free group exercise classes.The...

Twiddle and The Werks stop at WorkPlay as part of their Twerk Tour

Twiddle and The Werks stop at WorkPlay as part of their Twerk Tour

Ellen Johnson October 7, 2015

Fresh off of music festival season, the bands Twiddle and The Werks will be playing at the WorkPlay in Birmingham on Thursday, October 15. The performance is at 8 p.m. and tickets range from $12 to $15. ...

From Wes Walker to Elton John here's what students are listening to

Ellen Johnson October 6, 2015

Students all across University of Alabama's campus are exploring all different kinds of music, from mainstream popular jams to under the radar tunes. Looking for something new to jam out to? Check out...

What's going on this weekend in Birmingham

What's going on this weekend in Birmingham

Ellen Johnson October 2, 2015

While away-game weekends send many students racing home or to a rival SEC team’s town, there are still options for a fun weekend when students choose to stick around.  While Athens may boast a lively...

Award-winning author Ann Twinam to hold guest lecture

Award-winning author Ann Twinam to hold guest lecture

Ellen Johnson October 1, 2015

Dr. Ann Twinam, an award-winning author and historian, will speak at the first lecture of The University of Alabama’s new Latin American, Caribbean and Latino studies major, according to a press release....

Tommye Wright talks new novel "You Are Cordially Invited to War"

Tommye Wright talks new novel “You Are Cordially Invited to War”

Ellen Johnson September 25, 2015

Tommye Wright, an author based in Birmingham, has released a new book this year called “You are Cordially Invited to War.” The book follows a storyline on the home front during World War II. The plot...

On-campus libraries are hubs for student activity

On-campus libraries are hubs for student activity

Ellen Johnson September 25, 2015

Whether you prefer the quaint quietness of Gorgas or the sleek style of Rodgers, every student has their own library style. While some libraries are devoted to specific colleges, such as Bruno Business...

The Association of Chinese Students and Scholars celebrate Moon Festival at the University

The Association of Chinese Students and Scholars celebrate Moon Festival at the University

Ellen Johnson September 23, 2015

The month of September brings not only a whirlwind of homework, tests and football weekends, but also the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Also known as the Moon Festival, it’s a holiday similar...

No handlebars: Student gains recognition as campus Unicycle Guy

No handlebars: Student gains recognition as campus Unicycle Guy

Ellen Johnson September 21, 2015

Heads turn as a one-wheeled vehicle zips by students making their way to their 8 a.m. classes. They wonder if it’s a bike or maybe a skateboard. It’s neither. It’s actually just your friendly 
neighborhood...

Huxford Symphony Orchestra to play first concert  at Moody Music Building

Huxford Symphony Orchestra to play first concert at Moody Music Building

Ellen Johnson September 17, 2015

Sometimes it’s easy to forget what music sounded like before the age of electronic beats and artificial sounds. This Thursday, Sept. 17, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra will help people remember as...

Southern discomfort: International students make the transition from home to Alabama

Southern discomfort: International students make the transition from home to Alabama

Ellen Johnson September 14, 2015

Fried chicken. Fried okra. Fried broccoli. Fried macaroni and cheese. These staple southern dishes were in sight of Aiden Mould, a junior from Cambridge, England, majoring in American Studies, as he attended...

Hotel Indigo breaks ground in downtown Tuscaloosa

Hotel Indigo breaks ground in downtown Tuscaloosa

Ellen Johnson September 11, 2015

A new hotel, Hotel Indigo, has officially broken ground in downtown Tuscaloosa, officials from Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Chance Partners announced today.The hotel will join the Riverfront...

5th Street Vintage Market offers variety of local goods

5th Street Vintage Market offers variety of local goods

Ellen Johnson September 4, 2015

If you’re looking for a place to find antiques, handmade jewelry, vinyl records and local food vendors, the 5th Street Vintage Market, taking place Sunday Sept. 13, might be just be what you’re...

Bike Culture at the University

Bike Culture at the University

Ellen Johnson September 3, 2015

As you walk around campus each day, you might notice several things: the splashing fountain in front of the Ferguson Center, the way Denny Chimes looks in the afternoon light, people studying on the quad....

Student Review: Gone Girl (with spoilers)

Student Review: Gone Girl (with spoilers)

Ellen Johnson September 1, 2015

“Gone Girl,” by Gillian Flynn is the gripping novel that has enticed book aficionados and non-readers alike to read its pages from cover-to-cover, for some in a matter of days. After being published...

Jam band to play Greekfest

Jam band to play Greekfest

Ellen Johnson August 20, 2015

The most-anticipated music event to kick off the school year will showcase three different acts and give students a chance to see bands perform live right here on The University of Alabama campus. Costa...

Week of Welcome events to begin

Week of Welcome events to begin

Ellen Johnson August 20, 2015

University of Alabama students are once again ringing in the new school year with a free week-long event extravaganza. The Division of Student Affairs is hosting Week of Welcome (WOW), a series of events...

Temple to host festival featuring Jewish food

Temple to host festival featuring Jewish food

Ellen Johnson April 15, 2015

Matzah, challah, kugel, blintzes and falafel aren’t exactly what the typical college student eats for lunch, but this weekend UA students and the Tuscaloosa community will have the chance to try these...

Huxford to play final concert of 2014-15 season

Huxford to play final concert of 2014-15 season

Ellen Johnson April 14, 2015

Music fans and novices alike will be entertained Thursday evening when both familiar and lesser-known classical tunes echo throughout the Moody 
Music Building.The concert will close the Huxford Symphony...

UA Opera Theatre to take on jazz, pop songs

UA Opera Theatre to take on jazz, pop songs

Ellen Johnson April 6, 2015

While opera students at The University of Alabama spend most of their time performing traditional music, for one night a year they get to let loose and display their talents through modern tunes.The UA...

Glow run returns to Tuscaloosa

Glow run returns to Tuscaloosa

Ellen Johnson February 19, 2015

Neon tutus, glow-in-the-dark accessories and funky knee socks are just a few examples of the gear that will adorn runners this Saturday night as they whiz past Tuscaloosa hotspots in an electric display...

Play based on Greek mythology premieres

Play based on Greek mythology premieres

Ellen Johnson February 16, 2015

Dry ice and blue lighting will dominate the stage of the Allen Bales Theatre as part of the set of American playwright Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice.”The play, part of the University’s department of theatre...

Huxford Symphony to begin second half of season

Huxford Symphony to begin second half of season

Ellen Johnson February 11, 2015

Music written by well-known composers from across the globe will sound through the Moody Music Concert Hall on Thursday evening as students of the Huxford Symphony Orchestra perform in their first concert...

WiSE hosts "Navigating the Future" symposium

WiSE hosts “Navigating the Future” symposium

Ellen Johnson January 28, 2015

WiSE seeks to broaden support for women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields with a free symposium event, entitled "Navigating the Future," this Saturday. WiSE, which stands for...