By Gwen DeRu
LET’S CELEBRATE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S BIRTHDAY
….AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY…TO YOU… LEBOISE DERU, LEKAMEREN DERU, JACARYS BRAXTON, LEKOTA DERU and DR. CAROLYN BOLIVAR HAMEEN,!! …MANY MANY MORE!!
“WISHING YOU THE BEST OF EVERYTHING!”
MEET THE AUTHOR – CAROLYN MARZETTE-BOLIVAR – Dr. Marzette-Bolivar will be at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Friday, at 7 p.m. with her book about the Lowe family and music. Dr. Carolyn Marzette-Bolivar, Ph.D., a native of Birmingham, earned a degree in English from Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, before becoming one of the first Blacks hired as personnel director by General Motors Corporation. After moving to California, she earned a doctorate in Health and Human Service from Columbia Pacific University. In Swing Lowe: A Family’s Dedication To Preserving Music in the Magic City, Bolivar has created a loving tribute to the remarkable trio James Leroy (J.L.), Sammy, and Leatha Lowe.
HELP SUPPORT SIGHT 4 KEN – There is a WALK-A-THON ‘Sight 4 Ken’ to raise funds to help David Kenyatta Barnes see clearly again, Saturday, 8:30 a.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium. He is the son of the late Judge Barnes. Ken is an associate pastor and electrical engineer that lost his sight. He relies on his sight for his jobs. Hoping that he can see again he and his family have faith in the community to help. Ken heard about eSight and tried the eSight glasses. For the first time in years he was able to see again with the glasses. BUT, the cost of the glasses is $15,000 and Ken isn’t able to afford them. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. For more contact Patrice Holman Barnes at (205) 746-2362 or email phbarnes@live.com. Also you can go to www.gofundmecom/sight4ken or www.sighteyewear.com.
NOMINATE UNSUNG COMMUNITY HERO – There is economic empowerment through enterprise development, so nominate any Unsung Community Hero that is active in their church, philanthropic community activities or impactful in business community by Sunday at www.aggastonconference.com/information/community-service-award.com. The A.G. Gaston Community Service Award will be presented at the 11th Annual Conference at the BJCC on February 17 and 18.
FOR BUSINESS OWNERS…AND FINANCE…
DREAM BIG SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2015 AWARD – Tell your story. Showcase your talents. Apply today for the 2015 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards sponsored by Sam’s Club. It is open season for the 2015 Dream Big Awards. The hunt is on for the best of the best in American small business. You can participate in two ways: You can nominate a small business by completing the nomination form or eligible small businesses can apply directly by completing the online application form. Nomination is not required but all eligible small businesses must complete the application form. Nominations and Applications are due by February 2. 100 Blue Ribbon Award Winners are announced by February 16. Seven regional finalists are announced by March 18. The Small Business of the Year award winner is announced during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 8-10. Winners will be announced on June 9. The winner will receive national recognition and a $10,000 cash prize. Learn more at www.uschamber.com/dreambig.
2015 ALABAMA’S MONEY EXPO – The Money Expo is March 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at George W. Carver High School, in Birmingham with Honorary Co-Chairs Melvin Carrington Smith and Stewart H. Welch. This financial educational expo will feature everything about money, including how to make it, grow it, keep it and share it with families and communities.
FOR WOMEN….and MEN…
I AM WOMAN NETWORK – I am Woman Network’s Grand Launch is January 31, 1 – 3 p.m. at the BJCC East Meeting Room N with networking from noon to 1 p.m. Register Free at www.IAmWOmanNetwork.com.
FOR SPORTS’ LOVERS….BASEBALL…
BIRMINGHAM BARONS’ GAMES START APRIL 9 – Birmingham opens the season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile Bay Bears for a five-game series. First pitch on Opening Night is set for 7:05 p.m., and marks the return of one of the Barons’ most popular promotions – Thirsty Thursdays. All beverages – including soft drinks, beer and wine – are available for $2. The Joe Drake Ticket Office is open weekdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and is located at the front gates of Regions Field on the corner of 1st Avenue South and 14th Street South. Tickets can be purchased in-person, by phone at (205) 988-3200 or online at Barons.com. The Barons also announced Tuesday the introduction of a new ticketing system to make purchasing tickets and attending baseball games at Regions Field easier and faster. For information about the Barons, Regions Field and the complete 2015 schedule, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.
“TAKE ME (and someone else) OUT TO THE GAME.”
FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS…GARDENING….
SATURDAY, 11:30 a.m. – Dayhike at Limestone Rail Trail in Elkmont, Alabama. This trail is located in extreme North Alabama west of I-65 and a few miles south of the Tennessee-Alabama border. The hike is rated easy – 5.3 miles with lovely scenery along the path that was once a part of the Tennessee and Alabama Central Railroad. The trail winds through wetlands with wildlife and a great variety of birds where you will pass the site of the Civil War Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle. Richard Martin, the local resident who was the prime mover behind the creation of this fabulous trail, has agreed to meet with us at the start of our walk and tell us about how the trail came to be. Bring your picnic lunch and drink. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 8 are welcome. Optional dinner afterwards. Depart 11:30 a.m. from the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride
Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205) 631-4680
SUNDAY, 2 p.m. – Dayhike at Moss Rock Preserve. Explore the wilder side of Hoover on a moderate 2-4 mile hike by climbing up and walking down fairly steep hills on Shades Mountain. Experience the preserve’s diverse natural features which include longleaf pine forests, huge boulders, streams, grassy areas, outstanding views and, when it rains, some beautiful waterfalls. Bring water to drink. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 are welcome. The group will depart promptly at 2 p.m. from dirt parking lot just off Preserve Parkway near The Village Green in The Preserve subdivision. Call for directions.
(To get to this place from Hoover, drive to the Crest Cadillac dealership on U.S. 31 in Hoover about ½ mile north of the U.S. 31 interchange with I-459 near the Riverchase Galleria. At stop light directly across U.S. 31 from the Cadillac dealer turn onto Patton Chapel Road. Go 1.5 miles. See fire station on left at Preserve Parkway and turn left onto Preserve Parkway at the traffic light for Preserve Parkway. Drive to top of the mountain. See Village Green on the left. Drive just past the paved parking spaces on the right of Preserve Parkway, drive past the separate paved parking lot on the right across the Parkway from the restaurant and finally please drive into the traffic circle or roundabout just beyond the row of offices and businesses which you’ll see on your left. Go ¼ of the way around the roundabout and then turn right off the roundabout into the dirt parking lot on the right. See sign for Moss Rock Preserve Parking at start of this drive. Park in that dirt parking lot and meet the hike leader there. Total distance on Preserve Parkway is 7/10 miles.
There will be a prior to hike optional luncheon at 12:30 p.m. sharp at Vecchia Restaurant, 610 Preserve Parkway, Suite 100, Hoover, AL 35224, almost, but not quite across Preserve Parkway from the entrance to the dirt parking lot where we will start and complete the hike. Restaurant number (205) 637-3036. (Call Dan Frederick before 9:30 a.m. on Sunday if you wish to attend the luncheon at (205) 631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net.) Reservations are NOT required to participate in the hike but for more contact David Shepherd, email davidshep2@yahoo.com or (205)240-4681.
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS JUNIOR MASTER GARDENING – Junior Master Gardener program formally kicks off on Saturday at 9 a.m. until Noon. Julie Danley will lead “Soil and Water,” and she has eight other sessions scheduled in 2015. The program is designed for 6 – 12 year olds. The first session in the series will focus on “Soils and Water.” It is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. It engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develops an appreciation for the environment and cultivates the mind. The program also inspires youths to be of service to others through service learning and leadership development projects and rewards them with certification and recognition. Children can get involved in exploring their world through meaningful activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride and responsibility and community involvement. Youth involved in the program develop critical thinking skills and the ability to identify community concerns and take action to address them through individual group projects.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS…AND DANCE…
GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV CONFIRMS 2015 NATIONWIDE HEADLINE TOUR – All the way from South Africa, Gregory Alan Isakov is in Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday at WorkPlay Theatre, 8 p.m. and at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony and at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre. The official music video for Isakov’s song “Amsterdam” recently premiered at NPR. The tour celebrates Isakov’s highly acclaimed album, The Weatherman (Suitcase Town Music), which debuted at #1 on iTunes’ Singer/Songwriter chart, #5 on Billboard’s Folk chart, and #1 on Billboard’s Mountain and Pacific Heatseekers charts. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, Isakov is a lifelong traveler. For more, (615) 320-7752 or (212) 741-1000.
INTERNATIONAL-RENOWNED DANCE GROUP COMES TO BIRMINGHAM – THE STEP CREW will perform Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. at the University of North Alabama’s Norton Auditorium as part of the annual On Stage Concert Series. Call (256) 760-6379. The Step Crew combines Ottawa Valley Stepdance, Irish Stepdance, and tap styles and is comprised of the most talented and respected dancers and musicians in the Celtic music scene. They have performed in Europe, the U.S. Canada, and Asia with a powerful five-piece ensemble backing three world-class fiddlers.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND… TODAY…
**ASHLEY AND THE KEEPERS at Ona’s Music Room.
**STATIC FRONT at The Nick
FRIDAY…
**URBAN MYSTIC & VICK ALLEN featuring MIZ BARBIE DOLLE, 8 p.m. at Archibald and Woodrows in Tuscaloosa.
**TY SOUL AND LIMITLESS at Ona’s Music Room.
**CHAD KNIGHT and GREEN LIGHTS at The Nick on southside.
SATURDAY…
**ASHLEY AND THE KEEPERS at Ona’s Music Room.
**TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE, 8 p.m. on Graymont Avenue across the street from Legion Field. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
**DAVID LAREAU & THE COPPERPOTS and KIP BRADLEY
at The Nick.
THERE IS THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER….IN THE ‘HAM… AT THE STARDOME AND IN DA HOOD… …LAUGHTER FOR THE NEW YEAR…
**AT THE STARDOME…SMOOTH JAZZ, TODAY… Meet and Greet and Gold Circle Seating – Josh Vietti is a Hip-Hop/Pop violinist from southern California. Although generally billed as a Hip-Hop Violinist, he also incorporates classical, gospel, country, pop and jazz into his performances and is highly interactive with the audience. With appearances on Ellen, and ESPN NFL countdown every week – he will soon be a household name. Marcus Anderson’s performance is akin to no other live experience. The tremendous musicianship Anderson displays in-person is matched only by his energetic, charismatic and passionate showmanship. Heavily influenced by artists such as Michael Jackson, James Brown and PRINCE, Anderson’s magnetic stage persona and tremendous enjoyment of performing is undeniable. Anderson makes the stage his musical playground and the stage becomes the setting for where “style meets substance.”
DON’T MISS… STEVE MCGREW, this weekend… TBS “Pit Stop Comedy” You’ve seen this high-energy, not-right comic on A and E’s Evening at the Improv, Showtime, Comic Strip Live and much more. Known as the King of Yallternative Comedy, The Atomic Comic, The King of White Trash. ( Steve has a thing for names) From duct tape to yard-work McGrew’s keen wit and wisdom is sure to hit home. COMING SOON…, TONY ROBERTS – January 30 – February 1, DL HUGHLEY – February 6-8, FINIS HENDERSON – February 13-15, SHERYL UNDERWOOD – February 20-21, MIRANDA SINGS – February 7-8 (Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you.) Enjoy some good laughter and fun times while you eat some great food with your friends. For more, call (205) 444-0008.
**MORE LAUGHTER…COMEDY IN DA HOOD at the New Tide and Tiger on Graymont Avenue. Comedians are invited! Call (205) 503-3880 for more.
Look for more on…
**February 17-18 – A. G. GASTON CONFERENCE – Economic Empowerment through Enterprise Development AT THE BJCC.
**MARCH 5-9 – BRIDGE CROSSING JUBLIEE in Selma, Alabama.
NOW…. BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU… LEBOISE DERU, LEKAMEREN DERU, KACARYS BRAXTON, LEKOTA DERU, JANICE BELL, DEIDRA PERRY, CHARLES MCCAULEY, RENEE KEMP-ROTAN, KYLE WHITMIRE, PHYLLIS CONNELL, BETTINA BYRD GILES, MICHAEL GOULD, EVERETT SPRUILL, DR. CAROLYN BOLIVAR HAMEEN AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!! Celebrate ‘your’ month…I do…all 30 days ‘and’ some!
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.)
