By Gwen DeRu
FALL SEASON HAS STARTED!
What are you doing this season?
ENJOY THIS WEEKEND and the happenings around the southeast!
HAVE A GOOD TIME! LAUGH A LITTLE!!
COMING SOON!!!! THURSDAY NITE COMEDY OPEN MIC NITE – ‘It’s Time to Laugh’ at the New Open Mic Thursday Nite Comedy hosted by CHARLES WINSTON at the ‘New’ Tide and Tiger, 409 Graymont Avenue. Doors open at 4, Showtime is 7 p.m. starting October 2. This is Comedy for the Grown & Sexy with great drinks and great food. ALL COMEDIANS ARE INVITED… and anyone that can tell jokes!! Call (205) 862-4723 for more.
‘TIS THE SEASON… for Reading…for some…
Here are a few suggested books to read, authors to see in town and book signings….Tell them Gwen sent you….
DEATH OF A KING by Tavis Smiley – The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will present an author talk and book signing with media personality Tavis Smiley, author of DEATH OF A KING: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year on Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. The program will be held in BCRI’s Abraham Woods Community Meeting room. Following the presentation, Smiley will be available to sign copies of his new book about the renowned leader and visionary. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at www.bcri.org and seating is limited. The BCRI gift store is offering a special discount on the book from September 16 to September 20, 2014. DEATH OF A KING paints a powerful portrait of a leader and visionary in a narrative different from all that have come before, told in the present tense and with pace and power. Here is an exceptional glimpse into King’s life—one that adds a nuanced new view of Dr. King’s legacy as an American hero. King’s somber reaction to the Newark riots that began in July of 1967, the strain that his work put on his marriage to Coretta, the chilling last twenty-four hours of his life—all are brought to life in exquisite, haunting detail.”
P.S. Tavis made SO you Thnik You can Dance on ABC 33/40
THE STRUGGLES AND OUTCOME OF THE UNTAMED II by Roneshia Murray – The Struggles and Outcome of the Untamed II – An uplifting book that serves as a spiritual guide for readers is the most visual interpretation of Roneshia Murray’s work. It is about the inspirational and motivational path God has taken her down to overcome the struggles that she faced throughout her life. He has also shown her the outcome of His work in the midst of her struggles. For more than seven years, author Roneshia Murray depended on medication to suppress her anxiety and depression. But when she surrendered herself to God, He grabbed her hand and assured her that they could do it together. And indeed, God helped her fight her battles and she gained inspiration and motivation to pursue happiness, joy, peace and His promise.
BOOK TOUR BY NOVELIST STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE – Stephanie Moore will be in Birmingham on Sept. 22- 25 for a fall book tour and talk at several Birmingham Public Library locations. She’ll kick off her tour at 10 a.m. at the downtown location, 2100 Park Place. Moore has written more than 70 books full of heart, sass and grit. People have, also, told her she looks like Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer of “The Help’’ fame. And yes, Moore knows Spencer. The two were high school classmates at Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Ala., where they were both in drama class. While Spencer has a large following for her acting, Moore has one for her writing. Moore will target youth In her Birmingham message and will discuss the importance of following dreams, writing books and how she’s still on a journey of trying to get her books made for television and movies. Her goal is to inspire youth to live their purpose. Advice for pursuing a D.R.E.A.M. Be DEDICATED – When going after a dream, you have to work on it all the time. You can’t put it down and pick it up. You have to prepare for the test and ace it. Athletes practice nonstop. Those 3-point shots just don’t happen. They happen because a person practices. Be RESOURCEFUL – Find a mentor and ask how they excelled and how they failed. Avoid people not doing anything. ELEVATE Yourself – Always reach high. If you are making Bs in school, go for As. Keep climbing. Have an A-plus ATTITUDE – Wear a smile even when you feel like frowning. Maintain a positive attitude through disappointment. Focus on “ME’ – If you make “me’’ important, you will take care of that “me’’ just like you will take care of that dream. Learn to be your own cheerleader.
Birmingham Tour Schedule: Monday, Sept. 22-Birmingham Public Library, 10 a.m.; North Avondale Library, 1 p.m.; Springville Road Library, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23-Powderly Library, 10 a.m.; Titusville Library, 1 p.m.; West End Library, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24-Smithfield Library, 10 a.m.; Avondale Library, 1 p.m.; North Birmingham Library, 4 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 25-Five Points West Library, 10 a.m. ad Pratt City Library, 4 p.m.
CUPCAKES & CONVERSATIONS: A LADIES NIGHT OUT OF EMPOWERMENT – Ladies, this night is for YOU! Join women, Friday, 7 p.m. at the Gracie Grove venue, 1264 Oak Grove Road. Women come together for a night of FUN and empowerment to help us all grow and learn from one another. There will be good food and great drinks with plenty of encouragement and empowerment for your LIFE. You will receive valuable information on getting the most of your life and tips that will help you prepare for the future no matter your circumstance. Learn how to take your vision and make it plain. The theme for September is “Tapping Into Your Vision & Making It Real” The Pruitte Twins will bring you valuable nuggets of information. Guests speakers who will share empowering information are: Eunice Elliott, Alabama 13, Hot107.7 Radio Personality & Speaker, Comedienne Joy-The Queen of Clean Comedy, and Jheri Hunter, Founder P.I.N.K. Power. For more call (205) 677-3085.
SHELBY COUNTY NAACP HOSTS FAMILY FUN DAY – The Shelby County NAACP invites the community to a Family Fun Day at Calera’s Oliver Park on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The purpose of this event is to unite the community and educate its citizens on voting rights, college preparedness and the ACT, available credit repair services, health insurance, home ownership, and financial freedom. There will be food and refreshments, a nurse’s station with a free blood pressure check, attorneys available for free consultation, and a military recruiter. In addition to these educational services, family friendly activities such as a Zumba and fitness station, free children’s books, inflatables, a crafts table, and a creative arts station. This event is open to all members of the community.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS…. and the LOVE OF LAUGHTER…
DON’T MISS…COMEDY FOR THE GROWN AND SEXY – It’s always time to laugh so SAVE THE DATE – October 2 for Thursday Nite Comedy Open Mic hosted by CHARLES WINSTON. Doors open at 4 p.m. with 7 p.m. ShowTime at the Tide and Tiger Lounge, 409 Graymont Avenue. INVITING ALL COMEDIANS! Call (205) 862-4723 for more.
THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY – MAGIC CITY CLASSIC WEEKEND – CLASSIC COMEDY SHOW – THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY starring Comedian DENO POSEY, Comedian GORDON QUINNEY, and Birmingham’s Funniest Comedian SIR WALT, October 23 at Crescendo. Doors open at 6 p.m., ShowTime is 8 p.m. and a buffet from 7 – 8 p.m. while it lasts. The After Party is with DJ Mac Taylor.
COMEDIANS INTERESTED IN BEING DISCOVERED… AND SEEN….Email me at thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com and also gwenderu@yahoo.com.
THIS WEEKEND… Or coming soon….Don’t miss any of the LAUGHTER AT THE STARDOME COMEDY CLUB… this and every week. TODAY, Friday and Sunday, APRIL MACIE, …April Macie travels the world collecting stories and experiences, which she then translates into humorous, relatable tales in front of audiences worldwide. April has been to over 23 countries, 12 of those performing stand-up comedy (not fellatio) for the troops, was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2006, has appeared on E! Entertainment, Fuel TV, HSN, Sirius and XM Radio, Bob & Tom, Access Hollywood, and was labeled an “emerging talent to watch” by the Hollywood Reporter at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in 2005. April is a regular guest on the Howard Stern show, where in 2008 she was voted the “Funniest and Hottest” comedian in America. She is currently in the documentary, “I Am Comic” which premiered at the 2010 Slamdance Film Festival and is currently airing on Showtime and will also be appearing on Showtime in the stand-up special “Vegas Is My Oyster” premiering August 5th.
CINDY KAZA on Saturday,… Cindy Kaza is a clairvoyant (clear seeing), clairaudient (clear hearing) and clairsentient (clear feeling) who works across the country as an evidential medium. Evidential mediumship is a style of mediumship practiced around the world that puts heavy weight on the medium’s ability to bring through extremely specific evidence to the sitter. This evidence can include, but is certainly not limited to, names, personality traits, physical ailments, favorite past times, and phrases often used by loved ones in spirit. The purpose of this style of mediumship is to diminish skepticism among sitters and to prove that the medium is truly connecting with the client’s loved ones in spirit. MORE LAUGHTER… September 26-28 – SOMMORE, October 3-5 – DOMINIQUE, October 7-12 – MIDNIGHT SWINGER, October 14-19 – QUINN DAHLE, ANJELAH JOHNSON – October 21 -22, NEPHEW TOMMY – October 24-26, RONNIE JORDAN – October 28-30 and November 1-2. Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you!! Call (205) 444-0008 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you!
TODAY…
**LYDIA LOVELACE performing at The Nick, 2514 10th Avenue South.
**The STEVE ROBERTS QUARTET w/ASHLEY ROBERTS, 8:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room. Call (205) 320-7006 for more.
(Photo: Mike Epps)
FRIDAY…
**MIKE EPPS After Dark Tour – Comedy for the Grown and Sexy at the BJCC Concert Hall
**DUQUETTE JOHNSON LIVE! at the Alys Stephens Center, 7 p.m. with a 17 piece ensemble playing songs from Rabbit Runs A Destiny and ARMAND MARGJEKA opening the show.
**RECESS FRIDAYS with music by TRANQUILITY, 5 – 8 p.m., at B.O.S.S. Ultra Bar and Lounge, 312-20th Street South.
**KELLEY ONEAL and the “KAYOBAND”. 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
SATURDAY…
**SARAH GREEN & SUNDAY LOVERS w/SAM GUNDERSON, 9:30 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!! I WILL!!
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR SEPTEMBER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! THIS MEANS YOU MADIE ADAMS, ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
Get outdoors, laugh and enjoy the time with family and friends! Check out our ‘What’s Happening Travel and Tourism Guide’… whenever you can.
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)
