🌱 Local Musician Keeping Jazz Alive + HBCU SpringComing Is Returning

Good morning, friends. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Birmingham Patch newsletter, full of all the community news you need to know right now.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Birmingham Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Birmingham long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warm. High: 76 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. February ending doesn't mean black history is over, as a local musician is working his hardest to keep the history of jazz alive. Birmingham native Daniel Jose Carr is hoping that, with his soulful performances, he can inspire the next generation of artists to embody the musical expression that was so crucial during the civil rights movement and African American History. Tonight, you can catch Jose playing jazz at "True Story Brewing" on Crestwood Boulevard and feel the spirit of the music he is so passionate about. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
2. For the second year in a row, the HBCU SpringComing festival will be coming back to Birmingham from Mar. 17-19 — the same time as the March Madness tournament. Last Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved $165,000 to help sponsor the event and bring the event to life. The festival will include both free and paid events, scholarship opportunities, panels, and service activities for all to enjoy. (WBRC)
3. Michael Sean Giera has been formally charged with first-degree assault, attempting to elude, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia Saturday after allegedly striking a Bessemer police officer. The officer responded to the call around 3:55 a.m. at the 3000 block of Ninth Avenue North where the suspect was still behind the wheel and responsive enough to drive off; during the situation, the officer was struck and sustained a broken foot. The suspect was found again in his Hoover home and eventually taken in by Bessemer and Hoover police. He was transferred from the Bessemer City Jail to the Jefferson County jail at 7:35 p.m. Sunday and remains on bonds totaling $101,000. (AL.com)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Business Career Fair - University of Alabama at Birmingham (9:00 AM)
• Library Love Tiny Art Show - Avondale Regional Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• Black History Storywalk - Birmingham Public Library (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Birmingham Police hopes everyone had a wonderful weekend and is going into this week with a positive attitude! Remember, the BPD is here for you and will be around to protect the community. (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)
• Stop hiding and come visit Abbey the sand cat anytime Wednesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Birmingham Zoo. Abbey and other sand cats use their enhanced hearing to stalk pray and track their potential meals nearby. (The Birmingham Zoo via Facebook)
• Attention, all foodies: Alabama food experts have officially named the seven best breakfast restaurants in the state. Take a look at these spots and get a breakfast you won't regret! (SoulGrown • Birmingham via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Rustik Bucket Vintage Market (March 17)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.