HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEBOISE DERU!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMIA BRYANT-DERU!!

HERE’S WISHING EVERYONE A GREAT SUMMERTIME!!!!
………. FROM ALL OF US …..TO ALL OF YOU!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!

HOLIDAYS AND MUSIC ALL OVER THE PLACE!!  The Essence Festival and the Fourth of July are right around the corner!!

Enjoy the Weather!  Remember…. BE SAFE!!

There are always plenty of things to do around the southeast.  Here are a few things going on….. in town and around the country….

Bringing out the fun everyone is looking for starts with Memorial Day weekend with music of all kinds, BBQ, picnics, outdoor events and more.

Let’s get started with……JAZZ IN THE PARK – Each summer Magic City Smooth presents JAZZ IN THE PARK, a series of FREE performances in various parks. Local Alabama jazz musicians open for headlining acts providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and artistry. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz in the great outdoors.
This Memorial Day weekend, ….SUNDAY – IN JASPER at the Bankhead House and Center performing are VANN BURCHFIELD AND THE ROBBER BAND EFFECT will perform.  MONDAY – IN BIRMINGHAM at Huffman High School are JASMIN GHENT and GENERATION NEXT.  Then, in JUNE – June 7 at Legion Field – Mariea Antionette and Keith “Cashmere” Williams, June 14 at Avondale Park – Paula Atherton and Magic City Jazz Orchestra, June 21 at Ensley Park – Gabbie McGee and T.A.D. of Jazz, June 28 at East Lake Park – Daniel “Jose” Carr, On Purpose and F. Dwight Houston.  Each show is 6 – 9 p.m. Look for more through the entire summer.

BIRMINGHAM MUSIC CLUB SPRING CONCERT – The Birmingham Music Club and Patty McDonald present the DESERT SONG, a light opera with a  thrilling musical score and English lyrics on Saturday at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre, 800 19th Street North in Birmingham, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Monday, 2:30 p.m., The Desert Song features JOE HOPKINS and JENNIFER BRYANT. It is directed by KRISTIN KENNING, Samford’s own National Award Winner in the field of directing Light Operas. The performance includes a Special Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bauman who met at a production of The Desert Song over 50 years ago. The Birmingham Music Club is the oldest “arts presenter” in the Southeast, dating from 1905. Join others as the Red Shadow and his fearless men sweep across the desert sands. Call (205) 726-2853 or visit BirminghamMusicClub.org for more.

ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL – The Atlanta Jazz Festival is this weekend.  Check it out.

6th ANNUAL BOB SYKES BBQ AND BLUES FESTIVAL – Enjoy blues and BBQ, May 30, Noon- 8 p.m. at the DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer.

Then, there is always more….
IN NEW ORLEANS…
ESSENCE JAZZ FESTIVAL – The Essence Festival is June 2-5 in New Orlenas Louisiana. There will be great food, fashion, freebies and fun with all the music you could ask for. There are the Vendors of the Month – MaMOMMA’s House with soulful eating, Wilbourn Sisters Designs, Inc. with sisters Janice and Carolyn showing their talents and Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency a nonprofit organ and tissue recovery agency, all at Community Corner. Check out the shops at Essence for all kinds of things. From art, jewelry, food and fashion on the main floor. The Essence Empower U is on the second floor of the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center where the festival will be held. There will be workshops about money and power, love and relationships and health happy hosted by editors, experts and transformative life coaches to help transform your life. Some of the talent include India.Arie, Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, Dr. Steve Perry, Kim Burrell, Bishop Lester Love & The City of Love, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Charlie Wilson, Nephew Tommy, REM, Nico & Vino, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Kelly Price, Usher, Missy Eliott, Common, Erykah Badud, Kool Moe Dee, Mystikal, Bilal, Tank and the Bangas, Mary J. Blige, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Floretry, plus many more. There is the Kevin Hart What Now tour on Thursday and so much more during this fun packed four days. There is the Essence Day Party daily with Spinderella, Biz Markie, DJ Drama, Funkmaster Flex and more.

POWERMOVES.NOLA – The Second Annual PowerMoves.NOLA is a national initiative to create power through opportunity, through pitch competitions, boot camps, networking events and fellowships. It showcases and supports talented entrepreneurs of color by connecting them to capital, advisors and operational support. For more visit www.powermovesnola.org.

FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES…..
HIKES FOR TYKES – Join Fresh Air Family at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens 10 a.m. for a Big Nature! and “I Spy” hike with learning for preschool children and families FREE.
FREE FRIDAY FLICKS – Starting May 29th Free Friday Flicks give families a time to share movies, fun and family at the Veterans Park in Hoover. Take your blanket and enjoy a family friendly movie with family and friends. FREE!
BABY BIRD SHOWER – The Alabama Wildlife Center is having a baby bird shower, May 30, 11 a.m.  – 2 p.m. at Oak Mountain Park. Tour the bird nursery and aviaries, enjoy refreshments and children’s activities FREE.  (Call (205) 663-7930 X 8 for more.
CELEBRATE VULCAN’S BIRTHDAY – Every June Vulcan Park and Museum commemorates the creation of the world’s largest cast iron statue and one of the most memorable pieces of civic art in the United States at Vulcan’s annual Birthday Bash. This year Vulcan turns 111. Join the celebrations on June 7,  Noon – 4 p.m. Join Mayor William Bell and others at the fun-filled, family celebration with birthday  refreshments and exciting activities for all ages.

Don’t Miss…
ZOO, BREWS and FULL MOON BAR-B-Q., June 20, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Birmingham Zoo.
SERENITY ON THE LAKE – Gather your friends or associates and enjoy a private excursion on the lake with your personal cruise. You are provided with everything you will need for a memorable time. Call (205) 572-1295.  Tell them Gwen sent you.

COMING…
FOR WOMEN….
MAY 30 – Power In Heels, a Women’s Leadership development
JUNE 5 – WNBA Basketall Summer SEASON BEGINS.
JUNE 12-13 – Menopause the Musical, the international hit show is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change”.  It comes to the BJCC Theatre Friday 8 p.m .and Saturday 2 and 8 p.m. It is a grassroots movement of women who deal with life adjustments after 40 by embracing each other and the road ahead.
JUNE 27 – Single Women Empowerment Conference at the McWane Science Center’s Drayton Nabors Event Center
OCTOBER 13-18 – 36th Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, …Thursday GLADYS KNIGHT & THE O’JAYS, Friday – BUDDY GUY, Saturday – SHERYL CROW and Sunday – THE AVETT BROTHERS

NOW…on to the rest of the happenings….
FOR LOVERS OF ART, MUSIC, FOOD AND MORE…
It’s Springtime….  Get out and enjoy what you can!
AT THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE…
**20th ANNUAL BCRI JUNETEENTH – The Birmingham Civil  Rights Institute will host its annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Kelly Ingram Park. FREE.  It is a family festival with food vendors, children’s activities, music and contests. For more, call (205) 328-9696 x234. This is a Celebration of 150 Years of Freedom 1865-2015.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS…
CHECK OUT….the TIDE AND TIGER every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Graymont Avenue.

HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…THIS WEEKEND…
TODAYKELLEY…
**TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE, 8 p.m. on Graymont Avenue across the street from Legion Field.  Open Tuesday through Sunday.
**MID WEEK MUSICAL EXPERIENCE with JOSE’CARR at Ona’s Music Room.
FRIDAY…
** ONEAL and the KAYOBAND at Ona’s Music Room.
**VIP FRIDAYS every Friday at Merienda Lounge.
SATURDAY…
**ON PURPOSE with DWIGHT HOUSTON 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.
SUNDAY…
FOR COMEDY LOVERS…

(Photo Credit: ticketmaster.com)
**AT THE STARDOME…, this weekend…
ARIES SPEARS… Actor and comedian Aries Spears was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 3, 1975. A child comedic prodigy, Spears started doing his own routine when he was 14. His television debut was in Def Comedy Jam. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1992 and snagged a role on A Different World, which starred Tim Werner and Debbie Allen. His movie credits include Malcolm X, The Pest and Jerry Maguire. Spears became famous for his impersonation of Black celebrities in the show MADtv.

COMING SOON…, STEVE BROWN – June 2-7, JON REEP – June 12-13.  (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.

NOW…. BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…. LEBOISE DERU, TAMIA BRYANT DERU….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.