TODAY…..
**ALL HELL, THE NEW MASTERS OF EVIL and THE CASKET KIDS at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN BO DACIOUS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**LIVE BAND KARAOKE, 7:30 p.m. at Perfect Note.
**OLIVIA’S HAPPY HOUR, every Thursday at Olivia’s Bar and Lounge with $.50 wings and drink specials, 4 p.m. For more call (205) 326-2881.
**JOSÉ CARR WITH JAZZ ON FIRST, 7-10 p.m. at Jazzy’s on First Avenue North.
**LIVE AT STEEL, 8 p.m. with SHARRON performing and DJ DUBB in the Mix at Steel on First at 23rd Street, downtown Birmingham. Get your live music and dance on every Thursday night.
**TURKUAZ and ORGAN FREEMAN at Saturn.
FRIDAY…
**UNWIND FRIDAY at Jazzy’s on 3rd with great jazz.
**FRIDAY UNWIND, every Friday, 6 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**DJ CED AT THE TIDE AND TIGER on Graymont Avenue.
**COMEDIAN BILL BELLAMY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FANCY FRIDAYS, 5 p.m. featuring JILLIAN GRAY with YARBROUGH & COMPANY every Friday at Legends on 18th Street North, Downtown. Birmingham. This is an After Work Experience hosted by Keely and Tiger and catered by Chef Jones. Call (205) 212-4406 for more.
**PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
**RAELYN NELSON BAND, ERATH OLD BAND and THE YELLOW DANDIES, 9 p.m. at the Nick.
**JAZZ IMPROV, 8 – 11 p.m., at the Perfect Note.
**MYQ KAPLAN at Saturn.
SATURDAY…
**SAXOPHONIST PAUL TAYLOR, 8 – 11 p.m. at the Perfect Note.
**RAILROAD PARK is where the fun is Saturday.
**DJ CED AT THE TIDE AND TIGER on Graymont.
**SOULFUL SATURDAY at Steel 1st and 23rd Club.
**WHITE ANIMALS and THREE HOUR TOUR, 9 p.m. at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN BILL BELLAMY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH and LAURA GIBSON, 8 p.m. at Saturn.
SUNDAY…
**BRUNCH at 1st and 23rd.
**SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
**THE COOPER CHILDREN and HAM BAGBY & FRIENDS, 9 p.m. at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN BILL BELLAMY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MONDAY…
**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND, 9 p.m. at The Nick.
**CARD PLAYERS SPOT at the TIDE AND TIGER, 6 – 12 p.m.
TUESDAY…
**TIDE AND TIGER HOT TUESDAY, 3 p.m. until … on Graymont across from Legion Field with $.50 wings and drink specials until 9 p.m. For more call (205) 503-3880.
**OLIVIA’S HAPPY HOUR, 4 p.m., every Tuesday, at Olivia’s Bar and Lounge with $.50 wings and drink specials. For more call (205) 326-2881.
**COMEDIAN FRANK DEL PIZZO, 7:30 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
**JOSÉ CARR at the Boss Lounge, 8:30 – 11 p.m.
**THE DIP and TRAGIC CITY at The Nick.
**MANDOLIN ORANGE and THE DEAD TONGUES at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY…
**COMEDIAN FRANK DEL PIZZO, 7:30 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**CRATER, 9 p.m. at the Nick.
**WINE AND JAZZ at the Perfect Note.
**OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Oak Hill Bar & Grill.
**NOTING MORE, BLACK MAN, AS LIONS and HELL OR HIGHWAWTER at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY…
**ANGELA PERLEY & THE HOWLIN’ MOONS, RENSHAW DAVIES, and DIAMONDS AND WHISKEY at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN FRANK DEL PIZZO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF, RON GALLO, and BECCA MANCARI
FOR TEENS…
**PARTY ON THE ROTARY TRAIL, Saturday, 6-9 p.m. at 20th Street and First Avenue South. This is the end of the school year celebration to the Birmingham Rotary Trail. The event invites teens from across the metro area to enjoy some of downtown Birmingham’s most unique spaces. FREE. Music, dancing, performance artists, and pop-up food vendors will light the night. Join and learn more about how you and your teen can become involved in the many leadership and service opportunities through YouthServe. For more and to register, go to youthservebham.org.
FOR MOTORSPORTS LOVERS…
**NASCAR’s ELLIOTT SADLER VISITS BIRMINGHAM – Elliott Sadler, the current points leader in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, came to Birmingham recently to visit with kids at Oak Mountain Elementary school to discuss leadership, racing, and NASCAR’s Green Initiative. He read the book ‘The Little Engine that Could.’ The children received plant saplings as a part of NASCAR’s growing Green Initiative. The kindergarten through third grade students at Oak Mountain received ticket vouchers to the upcoming Sparks Energy 300 at Talladega, where Sadler will defend his title. Ashley Gann, Mrs. Alabama International 2017 (WIAT TV meteorologist) also shared inspiration to the children to study STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math). Before meeting with the kids, Sadler got a taste of Alabama tradition at the new Dreamland Bar-B-Que location in Birmingham, where he took questions from the media. Sadler, 41, is from Emporia, Virginia and has made 31 starts at Talladega Superspeedway. He is only one of 27 drivers who have at least one win each of NASCAR’s top three series.
FOR MOTHER’S DAY IN MAY…
**CHEF MOM COOKING COMPETITION – Think that your mom is the best cook you know? Drop off her best sweet or savory dish to Michael’s, and let them be the judge. The deadline is May 8. The winner will receive Mother’s Day Brunch on them and a feature in their seasonal menu. For more, go to michaelssteakand seafood.com or call (205) 871-9525.
**3rd ANNUAL MOTHER’s DAY CELEBRATION, May 14, 12 – 3 p.m. featuring the CONNECTION BAND at the Watermark Place. Savor delicious food prepared by our in-house chef and listen to the sounds of live music entertainment! Honor your Mom with a memorable Mother’s Day Celebration with a Dinner Buffet and Live Music, heartfelt sentiments, and time well spent together!
FOR MUSIC LOVERS AND SPOKEN WORD…
**2017 JAZZ IN THE PARK is back with performers all around the state. If you love jazz, you will enjoy the events lined up this year. THIS FRIDAY… check out ROMAN STREET and VINCENT INGALA at the Government Plaza in Downtown Tuscaloosa in partnership with the 11th Annual Tuscaloosa Mayor’s Cup on Saturday, April 29th. Brothers NOAH and JOSH THOMPSON put their guitars together to form ROMAN STREET and dubbed ‘the next generation’ of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street, named for an old Roman street in the Alps, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. The group keeps it simple — the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres. One of the fastest emerging contemporary jazz recording artists in recent history, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, VINCENT INGALA has blasted into an exciting stratosphere of his own making since his 2010 critically acclaimed debut album, North End Soul. Still in his early twenties, the charismatic saxophonist has been named Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year in 2012, Sirius XM Watercolors Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2013, and his music is consistently found atop the most noteworthy music charts in the world, including three number one hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart, and six singles in the Billboard Smooth Jazz Top 10.
**JOSÉ CARR QUARTET, Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight at Jazzi’s on 3rd. (Friday Unwind every Friday.)
**LIVE BAND and KARAOKE, 8-11 p.m., tonight, at the Perfect Note.
**JAZZ IMPROV, Friday at the Perfect Note.
**SAXOPHONIST PAUL TAYLOR, 8 – 11 p.m. at the Perfect Note, Saturday.
**SUNDAY JAZZ at the Perfect Note..
**JAZZ JAM SESSIONS, every Fourth Sunday, 6 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (Carver Theatre), except for Christmas.
**SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC NIGHT, every Third Sunday, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.
**STUDENT JAZZ BAND FESTIVAL, April 20-22 at the Jazz Hall of Fame, Carver Theatre. New Student Roll Call for 2017 Saturday Jazz classes for new
students coming soon.
FOR FOOD LOVERS…
**WINE DINNER FROM CHILE at Michael’s Steak and Seafood (Homewood), May 1st at 7 p.m.
**JONES VALLEY TEACHING FARM – The Jones Valley Teaching Farm’s Student’s Run Markets Spring 2017 dates and locations are below. Stop by and support the students. NOW through May 18 – WEDNESDAY at GLENN IRIS ELEMENTARY is 2:15 – 3:15 p.m., PHILLIPS ACADEMY is 3 – 4 p.m., AVONDALE ELEMENTARY is 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. and HAYES K-8 is 3 – 4 p.m. THURSDAY at OLIVER ELEMENTARY is 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
FOR ART AND PERFORMING ART LOVERS…
AT HISTORIC CARVER THEATRE…
**ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR – The play ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR is tomorrow at the Carver Theatre, 7 p.m. DAVID BANNER joins the cast of All is Fair in Love and War! Feuding opposites Banner, and YOHANCE MYLES (Shots Fired on FOX) brings to this new stage play, all the feels!
Penned by TYESHA BROWN, All is Fair in Love and War chronicles the pandemonium transpiring in the love life of Kali and Rob Miller. You simply have to see it! The play also stars AIJA PENIX of the TV show “Nashville”, EBONY SMITH, SAKOVIA FINKLEA, XAVIER SMITH, ROBIN KING, T’DARIUS MURPHY, and TRE JOYNER, more affectionately known as “Chef Tre”. Writer|Director Tyesha Brown is a Birmingham native, currently residing in Los Angeles. Ms. Brown’s credits include the Voice, the Amazing Race, 106 and Park, Bravo’s Single Project, and much more. She is passionate about returning to Birmingham and providing opportunities for artists. Executive Producer Markeith Persons, also a Birmingham native is excited to team up with Tyesha in bringing great entertainment to the city, once again! DeShanna Hampton of “FACE Photography” will serve as Stage Manager.
**THE ART OF THE DREAM ART SHOW – Enjoy good food, desserts, wine tasting and original art for sale, May 5, 6-8 p.m. at the historic Carver Theatre with a Student Art Competition and live entertainment by Indie Hip Hop singer and guitarist JOELL REGAL, legendary poet VOICE POERTER, country, jazz and rock star TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH. Call (205) 616-9164 or 254-9623 for more.
AT DINAH WASHINGTON CULTURAL ARTS CENTER…
**COLLABORATE – An Exhibit Featuring Kentucky Artists, April 21 – May 25 at the University of Alabama Gallery, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, 629 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART…
**SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2-3 p.m. Free. Docent Katia Kiss-Miller will lead a discussion on SOUTHSUIT by Nick Cave.
**BUTTERFLIES DON’T DIE – A Stage Play at the Bessemer Civic Center (located 1130 9th Avenue S.W.), Saturday, 7 p.m. Butterflies Don’t Die, is a riveting story centered around a family that runs an illegal drug business, referred to as the “Franchise.” The business is unique in that their primary suppliers are pharmaceuticals companies. The mother is adamant that her children carries on the family business at any cost. The story unfolds with the mysterious death of the mother; who dies holding the key to the family legacy. The family fortune begins to deteriorate, at the hands of her children; who begin to turn against one another. The story ends with an explosive transition when the family secret is revealed. For more, www.chainsproduction.tix.com.
AT MAUS COMTEMPORARY –
**BIENNALE ARTE 2017, VIVA ARTE VIVA will open to the public Saturday, May 13 to Sunday November 26 at the Biennale di Venezia, titled Viva Arte Viva, curated by Christine Macel. Preview 10 – 12 and Official Opening and Awards Ceremony, Saturday May 13. JELILI ATIKU is a Nigerian visual artist, whose body of works strictly focuses on commitment to social, humanism and the crimes being committed against human life. Through series of performances, Installation Sculpture, drawings, photography and video art he has been relating to life and freedom; and ultimately direct attention to the importance of human values of life, freedom and human rights. Through his art forms he has taken viewers into a realization of the consequences of crises, human rights abuse, conflicts and wars, direct and involve them in “active participation in the improvement of our collective existence.” He holds a belief that viewers will upon viewing his works “participate through visual education and persuasion in the development of popular attitudes which can lead eventually to a better society.” He feels his performance will have influenced the mind, feelings, nerves and soul of the viewers for positive thinking and actions.
AT SPACE ONE ELEVEN…
**ART IN THE MAKING with classes for adults ages 55 up. CHARCOAL: EXPRESSIVE MARK MAKING, A PAINTER’S APPROACH TO DRAWING is May 3 – June 22 on Wednesdays, 4 -6 p.m. INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING is May 4 – June 22 on Thursdays, 4 – 6 p.m. Call (205) 328-0553 for more information.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…
**ART GALLERY, open all month long.
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS…
**SATURDAY CANOE AND KAYAK OUTING, 10 a.m. – Southeastern Outings Canoe and Kayak Outing, Big Wills Creek near Gadsden, Alabama.
DETAILS: This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area, fairly easy and without classified rapids. See wildflowers and stop to investigate islands and beaches. Novice canoeists are welcome to come on this trip, but each novice canoeist must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their canoe. Note that for this trip you may rent canoes or one person sit-upon plastic kayaks and paddles from Big Wills Outfitters including life jackets and shuttle service. Outfitter will shuttle for a fee all private boats used on this outing. To rent a boat from Big Wills Outfitters, call the outfitter BEFORE April 29 at (256) 438-7172 to reserve your boat with Southeastern Outings. Call to reserve early. For more information about the outfitter and photos of the creek, visit www.facebook.com/bigwillsoutfitters. Upon arrival at the outfitter’s, sign a waiver, pay your shuttle or boat rental fee, use the restroom, and then eat lunch in the picnic pavilion at the outfitter’s. After you finish lunch the outfitter will transport ALL the boaters and their boats, both rented and owned, to the put in, then paddle down the creek to the take out, stopping as often as we want. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 10 and over welcome. Plan to go to a restaurant in Gadsden for dinner afterwards, so bring a change of clothes. Reservations Required: Contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205)631-4680 if you plan to come on this kayak and canoe trip. Depart 10 a.m. from the Applebee’s in Trussville. DO NOT show up at the meeting place without making an advance reservation with Dan Frederick!! Please call for more.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE….
**APRIL WALKING TOURS, this Saturday is the last tour, 10 a.m. The hour long tour is FREE and begins at the main entrance to BCRI, allowing visitors to experience the culture and history of Birmingham’s Historic Civil Rights and Fourth Avenue Business Districts. Barry McNealy, a veteran BCRI consultant and Master Tour Guide will lead the excursions. McNealy is a social studies teacher at A.H. Parker High School. The tour is part of the Alabama Tourism Department April Walking Tours program and is free to the public. For more information, call 328-9696 x 234 or go to www.bcri.org or www.alabama.travel.
FOR COMEDY LOVERS…
DON’T MISS Comedy…AT THE STARDOME…
**TODAY… BO DACIOUS… Bo Dacious has been doing stand up comedy for over 13 years now, and has worked with the likes of Dave Chappelle, Damon Wayans, Mitch Hedberg, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Paul Mooney, Tommy Davidson, Charlie Murphy, Lewis Black, Sommore, Monique, Eddie Griffin, Mike Epps, and the list goes on and on. Known for his extreme humbleness with a slight touch of arrogance, he’s a very versatile comic and is suited to do both mainstream and urban comedy clubs. He is currently the host of the VA Beach Funnybone’s “Apollo Nite” every Wednesday and also hosts the bigger events throughout the Hampton Roads area of Virginia..
**THIS WEEKEND, …BILL BELLAMY… You hear him regularly on The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Bill can be seen in the comedy hit “The Brothers,” starring opposite D.L. Hughley, Shemar Moore and Morris Chestnut. Bill’s other film credits include his role in Oliver Stone’s highly lauded film “Any Given Sunday,” in which Bill plays “Jimmy Sanderson,” opposite such talents as Al Pacino, James Woods, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx and Dennis Quaid. Also, in 1999, Bill starred in the independent feature”Love Stinks,” opposite French Stewart, Bridgette Wilson and Tyra Banks. He successfully followed that with his leading man debut in the hit comedy, Def Jam’s “How to Be a Player.” Staying busy is not a problem for Bill Bellamy, whose flourishing career encompasses the worlds of feature film, television, comedy and more. His career is on the rise, yet his feet remain firmly planted on the ground.
**NEXT TUESDAY through THURSDAY…FRANK DEL PIZZO… Frank Del Pizzo lives his dream every time he steps on the stage. From Las Vegas to ABC to A&E, Frank has traveled the country and the world delivering laugh after laugh wherever he goes. His unique ability to turn ordinary conversations into hilarious comedy routines has made him a highly sought after act by the nation’s top comedy clubs, colleges and corporations. Frank loves what he does and it shows.
FOR BOOK LOVERS…
**FOUR BOOKS BY CHARLES M. GARRIOTT… Garriott was born in Baltimore, Maryland, educated at the University of Baltimore and Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, pastored over twenty years in Oklahoma City, OK, has traveled and preached extensively throughout South Africa, Central Europe, Asia and Haiti. He presently develops ministry to those in government domestically and internationally. Here are four books by Charles Garriott. First book is: RULERS: GOSPEL AND GOVERNMENT is a compilation of authors bringing a wealth of theological and practical experience seasoned and marinated over the last half century. It looks at the intersection of faith and governance from various perspectives informed by a biblical worldview and compiled by Garriott. The viewpoints presented will stimulate reflection and a sense of hope for both the believer and the skeptic. While their styles and personalities provide a rich tapestry of thought that could never be achieved by a single writer, the dominant reason Garriott invited their world and life views are saturated with a practical faith and commitment to the Scriptures. Two more books are: OBAMA PRAYER: PRAYERS FOR THE 44th PRESIDENT and PRAYERS FOR TRUMP: PETITIONS FOR THE 45th PRESIDENT are said to be reminders that little has changed when it comes to our nation’s prayer posture. It has been said that within a given week over 80 percent of our nation will humble themselves before God. These books provide timely encouragement and insights in how to effectually pray for our presidents, their family, work and soul. The last book is: WORK EXCELLENCE: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF WORK.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY….
**BIRMINGHAM AFRICAN-AMERICAN GENEALOGY – The Birmingham Public Library is hosting the Birmingham African American Genealogy Group’s remaining 2017. Here is the class schedule. The group meets monthly on Sundays, 3-5 p.m. at the Central Library.
MAY 21 – Introduction to Case Studies 1 & 2, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.
JUNE 11 – Virtual trip to Alabama Department of Archives and History, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.
JULY 9 – Youth in Genealogy, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.
AUGUST 13 – Introduction to Railroad Retirement Records, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.
SEPTEMBER 10 – BAAGG visit to LDS Center in Vestavia Hills at the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church.
OCTOBER 8 – Convict Leasing and Parke Papers, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.
NOVEMBER 12 – Introduction to the digital library and digital scanning services at Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.
DECEMBER 10 – BAAGG Holiday Social and Awards (time and place to be determined).
**MONEY MATTERS – The workshops will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Linn-Henley Research Library’s Regional Library Computer Center on the 4th Floor, 2100 Park Place. The workshop series, called Money Matters is Wednesday, May 3 – Five Keys to Investing Success. For additional information, call (205) 226-3691.
COMING SOON…
MAY 6 – ERYKAH BADU, KENNY BABYFACE EDMONDS, GOODIE MOB, JOE, JUVENILE and more at FUNKFEST at Legion Field.
MAY 6-7 – TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY RACES at Talladega, Alabama.
MAY 10 – 11 – MAYOR’S CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC at Highland Park Charley Boswell Golf Course.
MAY 12 – JAZZNET at the Harbert Center.
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, gwenderu@yahoo.com.)
