HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!!
ENJOY THE FAMILY AND HAVE SOME FUN!!
If you missed FUNK FEST, and singing ‘Meeting in My Bedroom,’ you missed a treat, but you do not want to miss all the fun planned this spring and summer.
This is Memorial Day Weekend and June is Black Music Month.
THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK:
FRIDAY
COMEDIAN ADELE GIVENS at the StarDome Comedy Club, this weekend.
SATURDAY
GRAND OPENING OF MAGIC CITY STUDIOS DACE AND PERFORMANCE ART with a community event, 12 – 2 p.m. in Fairfield, 415 45th Street, including performances, inflatables, giveaways, free popsicles. For more call (205) 677-MC87.
MILITARY FREE ADMISSION TO THE BIRMNGHAM ZOO, Saturday and Sunday with proof of military ID from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
SUNDAY
SLOW ART SUNDAY at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
KIM SCOTT and JOSH VIETTI at Jazz in the Park Birmingham at Huffman High School.
BILL AVERY and RENITA BRAXTON PICKENS at the Tide and Tiger.
SAM FRAZIER at Henderson’s in Midfield, 8 p.m..
MONDAY
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!! ENJOY!
TUESDAY
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
TIDE AND TIGER ON THE PATIO, 4 p.m. until on Graymont across from Legion Field.
WEDNESDAY
RICKWOOD CLASSIC, 12:30 p.m. at Rickwood Field. Pitcher Don Henkel will be inducted into the Barons Hall of Fame. Call (205) 988-3200 for more.
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND, 7 p.m. at the Avondale Brewing Co.
THURSDAY
One of the Hottest Jazz Festivals in the Nation attracting people from around the world to Birmingham includes…..
STEEL CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL SOIREE, with ALVIN GARRETT and LOGAN THE ENTERTAINER and Precision Groove featuring Deirdre Gaddis, 7:30 p.m. at the Harbert Center.
NEXT FRIDAY
STEEL CITY JAZZ at Linn Park with MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME, BONEY JAMES, MINDI ABAIR AND BONESHAKERS, MARCUS ANDERSON and TRANQUILITY with DJ Cut Creator at the After Party.
NEXT SATURDAY
STEEL CITY JAZZ FEST in Linn Park with MAZE featuring FRANKIE BEVERLY, KEN FORD, DAVID SANBORN, BWB, MAYSA, JAZZ FUNK SOUL, BEN TANKARD, KYLIE TURNER, MICHAEL WARD, ALTHEA RENE and LATRESE BUSH.
CANOE AND KAYAK TRIP at Locust Fork River. Call (205) 631-4680 for more.
NEXT SUNDAY
FOR CARIBBEAN LOVERS
SPECIAL SCREENING OF QUEEN NANNY – Queen Nanny, Legendary Maroon Chieftainess will be screened at the Museum of Art on June 10, 7 p.m. The documentary explores the legendary figure – Nanny of the Maroons, a national heroine in the Jamaican struggle for freedom from the British.
FIFTH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL – The Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization is June 11, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Linn Park, downtown Birmingham. FREE. There will be food, music, dancing, costumes and vendors For more information, call (205) 383-1726.
FOR ART LOVERS
SLOW ART SUNDAY – Unlock the secrets of works, May 29 in the Museum’s collection by cultivating the art of looking slowly. Leave the Museam feeling inspired – not tired. Master Docent Marlene Wallace leads a discussion on Reclining Nude by Fernando Botero. MORE: Slow Art Sunday: Mountain Boulder, Chinese (Qing Dynasty is June 12. Oscar’s Sunday Brunch is back on December 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FIRST THURSDAY: AFTER HOURS AT THE BMA – Join others this summer in the breezy outdoor sculpture garden for “Southern Pictures,” a new film series at the BMA starting June 2, 7 p.m. with ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ FREE. Based on Homer’s The Odyssey, this award-winning Coen Brothers production became an instant classic. Set in Mississippi in the 1930s, the film tells the amusing tale of three escaped convicts (bless their hearts) on a search for hidden treasure. Ranging from vintage classics to contemporary hits, each featured film is set in the South. Come early to enjoy the open galleries, drinks, and tapas at First Thursdays: After Hours at the BMA. Bring your own blanket!
FOR MUSIC LOVERS
JAZZ IN THE PARK – Enjoy JAZZ in Park Walker County, this Saturday, 6-9 p.m. with J. Robinson Trio at 6 p.m. and First Class Jazz at 7:30 p.m. This Sunday ….IN BIRMINGHAM at Huffman High School with KIM SCOTT at 6 p.m. and JOSH VIETTI at 7:30 p.m.
TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE – This SATURDAY, at the Tide And Tiger is the LADIES OF DISTINCTION SPRING FLING PARTY. SUNDAY – MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SHOW – BILL AVERY and RENITA BRAXTON PICKENS. June 19- FATHER’S DAY SHOW with TJ HOOKER TAYLOR and RENITA BRAXTON PICKENS. CHECK OUT the TIDE AND TIGER! Every Tuesday enjoy wings for 50 cents and $5 drinks at half price. Every Sunday enjoy music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with DJ Tide and Tiger. For more information, call (205) 503-3880.
DON’T MISS:
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND – One of the most talented and iconic bands to come out of the legendary New Orleans scene is the PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND and they are kicking off a nationwide tour. Stopping in Birmingham at the Avondale Brewing Co. on June 1st, Wednesday, the band will give you some of what you have been missing – Real Music!
FOR COMEDY LOVERS
AT THE STARDOME: Every Thursday is Postively Funny Improv and this weekend check out ADELE GIVENS, Friday through Sunday. That’s right, straight off of touring with The Queens of Comedy at the StarDome
COMING SOON to the StarDome Comedy Club: June 3-5 – FELIPE ESPARZA , June 10-12 – COREY HOLCOMB, June 17-19 – FORTUNE FEIMSTER, June 21-26 – JOHN MORGAN, July 1-3 – D.L. HUGHLEY, July 8-9 – CARLOS MENCIA, July 15-17 – ARNEZ J, July 22-24 – RICKEY SMILEY, and July 28-30 – RODNEY CARRINGTON. Call (205) 444-0008 for more.
CONGRATULATIONS LARRY SCOTT!
Miles College student Larry Scott won an award at the Model North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Simulation at Howard University. Scott was chosen from a total of 300 students to receive this award. He was also chosen as a Hercules Scholar for the Tom Joyner Foundation 2016. Miles College represented the country of Denmark at the simulation of NATO proceedings. Out of 33 colleges in attendance from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, and Belgium, Miles College and Howard University were the only two HBCUs selected to participate. Scott, a native of Sebring, Florida, is a second year Political Science major with a 3.875 GPA. After graduation he plans to attend graduate school to receive a master’s in Political Science with a concentration in international relations or public administration.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES IN BIRMINGHAM CITY PARKS – Children visiting Birmingham City Parks will soon have a new feature to enjoy. This weekend Little Free Libraries will be unveiled at parks throughout Birmingham. The libraries will allow residents to pick out a free book to enjoy. The first set of libraries was unveiled at Maclin Park recently. Councilor Roberson said that the unveiling could not come at a better time as the city will have the opportunity to showcase a new park for the community as well as new features for the entire family to enjoy. “We’re really changing the core of our communities by ensuring that we provide the public with the fundamental tools to succeed,” Councilor Roberson said. “Families can now visit the park to take in fun, physical activities, and enjoy a book or two at the same time.”
WALL STREET ROTARY CLUB AND MAYOR BELL – Birmingham Mayor William Bell was the featured speaker at the Rotary Club of Wall Street New York’s monthly meeting recently. Bell was in New York for the Birmingham Business Alliance’s annual marketing trip and also met with site selectors and location consultants to market the Birmingham region. Mayor Bell spoke to the Rotary Club about Birmingham’s diverse economy and shared information about the region’s 3,500 jobs created and $1.1 billion in capital investment last year. He discussed Birmingham’s efforts to become a model for human rights, criminal justice and inclusivity by sharing information about the National Park initiative for the city’s Civil Rights District and a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Justice Department that made Birmingham one of six pilot cities to better understand underlying tensions between law enforcement and minority communities. “Mayor Bell is one of Birmingham’s best ambassadors,” said Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the BBA. “His understanding of economic development and the needs of our entire region make him well suited to represent us on this trip, where we meet with and market Birmingham to nearly 30 different companies and consultants, many of which represent some of the world’s most respected businesses.”
(Photo) Cutline: (left to right: Motoi Hotta, director of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Angela Fisher Hall, director of the Birmingham Public Library; Mary Beth Newbill, head of the Southern History Department at the Central Library (standing next to Miss Iwate); and Norikazu Mori, chief executive director of the JETRO.
JAPANESE REPRESENTATIVES VISIT MISS IWATE AT BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY – Motoi Hotta, director of the Japan External Trade Organization, and Norikazu Mori, chief executive director of the Japan External Trade Organization, got an up close and personal view of Miss Iwate (Japanese Friendship Doll) inside the Linn-Henley Building at the Central Library, downtown. Miss Iwate, who originally came to the Birmingham Public Library in July 1928 as part of a Japan-United States goodwill doll exchange, returned to Japan in September 2015 for a “makeover” carried out by the Yoshitoku Doll Company. When her restoration was completed, Miss Iwate was on display at the Iwate Prefectural Museum in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. She returned to Birmingham in mid-March 2016, ready to continue her role as ambassador of peace and friendship with renewed enthusiasm. The Birmingham Public Library is very proud of its role as the caretaker of Miss Iwate, said Angela Fisher Hall, director of the 19-branch system. “We often share the story of Miss Iwate with visitors to the library who have an interest in our special collections, and many visitors ask for her by name,” Hall said. “Before our city had its wonderful Birmingham Museum of Art, our library was the hub for culture and learning. It’s good to have Miss Iwate here at the library to serve as a goodwill ambassador.”
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM RECEIVES EPA GRANT – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected the Cities of Birmingham and Tarrant to receive its 2016 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup (ARC) Grant. The City of Birmingham will receive a $400,000 community-wide assessment grant, and the City of Tarrant will receive a $200,000 clean up grant for the Tarrant Industrial Complex. Grant funds also will be used to conduct community outreach activities. “These grants will empower communities to transform idle, languishing lands into vibrant hubs for business, jobs, and recreation,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “These funds will allow communities that have struggled with hazardous substances from industrial complexes, to address contamination of their soil and groundwater and provide needed remediation. These grants allow communities to begin to regain their environmental health,” stated Congresswoman Terri Sewell. Lawson State Community College will receive the EPA’S Brownfields Workforce Development Grant.
BIRMINGHAM COMPANY HONORED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. – Process Equipment, Inc. was honored recently for their contribution to U.S. export markets. And awarded the President’s “E” Award at the nation’s capital. The award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for significant contributions to export expansions. he award was created by President John F. Kennedy. It gives recognition to persons, firms or organizations that contribute in the effort to increase United States exports. Process Equipment, Inc. specializes in the air handling and materials handling equipment. Page & Jones, a Mobile company that handles international shipping logistics was also awarded the “E” Award. This is the first year in the awards history with all 50 states represented.
INTERN’S GUIDE TO SUMMER IN THE CITY – Register your interns for the BHM 101: Experience the Magic, June 7, 2 p.m. at Regions Field. Hundreds of interns, summer law associates and co-op students choose Birmingham as their location for experiential learning. While employers are making assessments of candidates, interns are also evaluating the company and the city to see if this will be the place they launch their careers – allow the BBA to help you make a great impression on potential talent.
COMING SOON
FOR HISTORY LOVERS:
May is National Preservation Month. Check out:
SMITHSONIAN TRAVELING EXHIBITION COMES TO ALABAMA
Hometown Teams, the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, a part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program, is on its Alabama tour, June 4 in Haleyville, Alabama. Hometown Teams looks at the social and cultural role of sports and athletics in small town America from the earliest days of our nation up to the present across all demographics. Admission: Free. Location: Downtown Mall, 920 20th Street, Haleyville. Sponsors: The Smithsonian Institute and Alabama Humanities Foundation with key support from the Alabama Power Foundation, Norfolk-Southern Railroad, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Alfa Insurance and AAA Cooper Transportation. For more information, visit: www.alabamahumanities.org.
JUNE 5 – VULCAN BIRTHDAY BASH starts at 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Go to visitvulcan.com for more.
JUNE 6 – THE REVIVAL: TIME FOR A MORAL REVOLUTION OF VALUES, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the New Pilgrim Baptist Church, 708 Goldwire Place SW, Birminhgam, AL 35211.
JULY 16-17 – SLOSS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL, in Birmingham. Look for more soon.
AUGUST 20 – EVO 2016 5Kk Fit Challenge, 8 a.m. – Noon at the Sloss Furnace
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.)
