After a four year hiatus from Alabama, for no reason in particular, Bayside finally returned to grace Birmingham's music scene with their undeniable presence.  The New York natives have been making their way toward the east coast alongside punk rock band Alkaline Trio. 

While Zydeco was one of the smaller venues they've played, Bayside founding member Anthony Raneri says he doesn't discriminate; he appreciates all shows, whether it be festivals, amphitheaters or a hole in the wall venue. 

Back in October, Bayside released a covers EP titled, Covers, Vo. 1.  Raneri says they had the fans in mind when they decided to go forth with a cover album.

"We knew it had been a little while since we released our last record and we knew it was going to be a little while before we released the next one, so it was something to get to the fans," he said.

MONTGOMERY, AL - Community leaders in four Alabama cities will sample local barbecue sauces and send regional winners to the "BBQ Sauce-Off" championship on May 18 in Birmingham.

The regional competitions will begin May 4 in downtown Montgomery at the Southern Makers Festival and in Mobile at the Market on the Square.  The following Saturday competitions will be held in Decatur at the Decatur/Morgan County Farmers Market and in Tuscaloosa at the Tuscaloosa River Market.

Alabama Tourism Department's Brian Jones said the Sauce-Off is a follow up to the popular BBQ Bracket contest on Facebook that state tourism did last month. "We had more than 81,000 votes cast on our Alabama Food Facebook page with Jim ‘N Nick's ending up as our state winner. The BBQ Bracket was like a hit movie and the Sauce-Off is our sequel," Jones said.

This Saturday, hundreds of people will be lining up to walk or run in support of autism awareness in several locations around the state.

The Autism Society of Alabama's annual walk is set for April 6 at Veteran's Park in Hoover. The run begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m.

The ASA says one in 88 people, and as many as 45,000 Alabamians, are affected by the autism spectrum disorder. Events like the Walk for Autism are designed to give resources to families with autistic children.

"Great strides are being made in Alabama; however,  there is much more work to be done.  Following the Walk for Autism, you’ll be able to speak with parents, board members and staff regarding the needs for improved services in the state," a press release from the ASA states.