By Gwen DeRu
It’s Spring!
….What are you doing this weekend?
There has been so much going on this Spring….HONDA Indy Race, Birmingham Fashion Week and Talladega Superspeedway NEW changes! If you missed it then you missed IT! BUT, you don’t want to miss the rest of what is going on…around town. This is Mother’s Day Weekend! Mothers should enjoy it…everyday.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
FIRST… CONGRATULATIONS ROD SCOTT for being named LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR by the Alabama House Democratic Caucus. “I feel honored to have received such recognition by the amazing people I work with in the Alabama Legislature,” said Scott. “It is truly an honor to serve the people in my district, and I am grateful to my fellow House Democrats for honoring me with this award.” The House Democratic Caucus is a legislative organization made up of the
Democratic members of the Alabama House of Representatives and responsible for electing the Democratic leaders in the state House of Representatives, and develops and communicates the Party’s legislative policies.
Each year, the Caucus leadership recognizes members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the principles and values of the Caucus. The “Legislator of the Year” award is one of the highest honors a member of the Caucus can receive.
“Representative Scott has made a tremendous impact on his district and all of Alabama. He works tirelessly, and is dedicated to making life in Alabama better for everyone. From the fight to protect our public schools to job creation and economic development, Rod has done an outstanding job and we are proud to recognize him for what he has accomplished,” said House Minority Leader Craig Ford (D-Gadsden).
Representative Scott was elected in 2006. He received his B.A. Degree in Economics from Yale University, and his M.B.A. from Dartmouth College. He is a Professor at Miles College and has three children; Sara-Valena Morgan Scott, Jordan Elizabeth Scott, Bradlea-roi Shelton Scott.
THEN….
HEALTH CARE IN BIRMINGHAM – Is it true what they are saying… Jefferson County has reached a deal with four of Birmingham’s largest health care providers to serve patients of Cooper Green Mercy Health Services? Is it true? Cooper Green patients were receiving care from those facilities already. But it appears that there are some sources that say that contracts have now been agreed upon. (Look for more, right here, soon.)
NOW…
Here are some things that are family friendly and that you might want to enjoy with your mother.
THE LION KING, JR. – The Center Point High School will present the Disney Lion King Jr, May 8 at 7 p.m., May 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. The school is located at 1000 Eagle Drive, Birmingham, AL 35215. This production is only one of a dozen or so that will be presented in the United States and was hand selected by Disney as a pilot project to determine the intricate production needs that schools will require in order to launch the script for nationwide accessibility. Under the direction of Ms. LaShanna R. Tripp, students have engaged in intense performing arts workshops and rehearsals to prepare for this highly anticipated performance. Follow the story of Simba (Donovan Stewart), who must learn the true meaning of being King of Pride Rock following the murder of his beloved father, Mufasa (Shemar Smith). Through the guidance of the wise Rafiki (Ashlee Pickard) and support from his childhood friend Nala (Jordyn Jones of Pleasant Grove MS), and the heartwarming and hilarious duo Timon (Tira Davis) and Pumbaa (Ashlee Tremble), Simba returns to Pride Rock to face his scheming Uncle Scar (Byron Bradley) to reclaim his rightful place as king and enable his pride’s survival. This is a fun-filled family event. For more contact CPHSTHEATRETIX@GMAIL.COM.
YVETTE COOKE PERFORMS AT THE SEVEN LOUNGE – Got plans for Mother’s Day weekend? Former lead singer of Rose Royce will perform for Mother’s Day weekend on May 9 and May 10, 8 p.m. at the Seven Lounge, 7070 Aaron Aronov Drive, Fairfield, 35064. Come out and see the fabulous Yvette “Cookie” Cooke, former lead singer of Rose Royce as she performs hits from the group Rose Royce, most known for their soundtrack to the movie Car Wash! There will be two shows, Friday and Saturday. Bring mom or just make it a night out in the ambient, intimate atmosphere of Seven Lounge! There will be free appetizers and wine while it lasts each night! Call 205 788-5084 for ticket info! This show will sell out! Take your mother.
CELEBRATE WITH MOM – As a thank you to all the hard work moms do for their kids every year, Vulcan Park and Museum is offering $1 Off in Celebration of Mother’s Day, 1- 6 p.m.. After Mother’s Day brunch, stop by Vulcan to spend a memorable afternoon with the woman who watches over you and the Big Guy who watches over Birmingham, Museum, 1-6 p.m. and Tower 1 – 10 p.m. For more go to www.visitvulcan.com
THEN….SPECIAL PERFORMANCE OF SMITH, 7 p.m. at the Vulcan Park performed on Vulcan’s City Overlook, Smith tells the story of the Roman god of the forge from a Birmingham Point of view. The performance features an athletic, acrobatic interpretation of Vulcan and dancers representing the three elements that built Birmingham. Vulcan and his team conspire to create all sorts of interesting inventions. Eventually they form a new city in the distance. Smith features backdrops created by visual artist Paul Wilm and an original score by Philip Ratiff.
FOR LAUGHTER… At the StarDome Comedy Club…..MAY 9-10 and 16-17 JAMES GREGORY, May 10 – STEVE HOFSTETTER, May 24th – RONNIE JORDAN, May 24-25 – EDDIE GRIFFIN, May 27- June1 – JEN KOBER, June 5-8 – TOMMY DAVIDSON, June 13-15 – Russell Peters, June 20-21 – CRAIG SHOEMAKER, June 27-29 – DAMON WAYANS. Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you!!
TODAY… DAVID A. ARNOLD at the StarDome Comedy Club. David has performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival, on Comedy Central’s Laffapalooza with Jamie Foxx and Cedric the Entertainer, The Tom Joyner Show, Baisden After Dark, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, BET’s Comicview, The Monique Late Night Talk show, HBO’s Entourage and Def Comedy Jam. Based out of Los Angeles, Arnold can be seen working out his stand up at clubs like, the Laugh Factory, the Comedy Union, the Comedy Store, the Improv and the Ice House. David A. Arnold loves the stage and refuses to quit until he is recognized as one of the industry’s best!
FRIDAY…..JAMES GREGORY at the StarDome Comedy. The Funniest Man in America returns! For over twenty years, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comic James Gregory has stood grinning: his blue shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome
to a down-home, hilarious storytelling experience. The trademark caricature is the essence of James Gregory´s comedy: whimsical reflections on life from the front porch. Call (205) 444-0008 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you!
SATURDAY…
ENJOY THE DAY …with the mothers in your life!!
SUNDAY….
**MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION AT THE NEW TIDE AND TIGER, 8 p.m. (in front of the Legion Field on Graymont Avenue.) Call (205) 503-3880 for more.
**HOT MIC SUNDAYS – Each and every Sunday is Open Mic and Karaoke, 8 p.m. – midnight at Venue 35…Free before 9 p.m. at 2724 35th Avenue North. There will be rappers, comedians and poets.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!!
COMING SOON…….
MAY 16 – MATT MARSHAK, Contemporary Jazz Guitarist at the Watermark Place, 7 p.m. Call (205) 425-1137 for more.
MAY 17 – COOK-OUT FOR LADIES OF DISTINCTION, Noon at the New Tide and Tiger (in front of the Legion Field on Graymont Avenue.) There will plenty of BBQ. Call (205) 503-3880 for more.
MAY 17 – THE BLACK CADILLACS at Hangout Beach Fest, 12:30 p.m. on the RedBull Stage. Check it out.
MAY 17 – Are you interested in helping? The Ensley Merchants Association and REV Birmingham are looking for volunteers to aid in a clean-up day in Historic Downtown Ensley. The clean-up will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at noon. Call (205) 595-0562 or email bgunn@revbirmingham.org with your name, phone number, email, and availability.
MAY 30 – JAZZNET 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the Harbert Center. Join professionals as they combine great people with great music and two floors of live jazz with AMPLIFIED NOIZ on the Main stage and CADILLAC JAZZ on Stage 2. Call (205) 873-4572 for more. It is hosted by Jeh Jeh of Fox 6.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR MAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! THIS MEANS YOU….TAMIA BRYANT-DERU AND LEBOISE DERU! WE MISSED KENDRA FINLEY, KAIDEN FINLEY AND LEKENARA COOLEY ….HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)
