Gwen DeRu
The Birmingham Times
TODAY
LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS and ALABAMA ROSE at The Nick.
POSITIVELY FUNNY IMPROV at the Stardome.
COMEDIAN COLIN JOST 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.
JOSE’ 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.
FRIDAY
UNWIND FRIDAY, 8 p.m. at Jazzy’s on 3rd with great jazz.
DJ CED AT THE TIDE AND TIGER on Graymont Avenue.
COMEDIAN QUINN DAHLE 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.
ECONOMY CARTEL, THEM DAMN DOGS, THE LAST ORIGIN and AKA FACELESS 9 p.m. at the Nick.
JAM SESSIONS, 8 – 11 p.m., at the Perfect Note.
LAKE STREET DIVE and LAWRENCE at Saturn.
SATURDAY
I AM A FATHER 5K at Kelly Ingram Park, June 3 at 8:30 a.m., www.iamafather5k.org.
SUMMER CAMPS start at several Birmingham Park and Recreation sites on June 3. Call 205-254-2391 for
registration information.
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.
TWINSPAN, THE WILDERNESS and GOD BLESS RELATIVE, 9 p.m. at The Nick.
COMEDIAN QUINN DAHLE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
RUMBA LATINA BIRMINGHAM: LATIN NIGHT LGBT PRIDE NIGHT, 8 p.m. at Saturn.
DANTE HALL, 8 p.m. at Perfect Note,
SUNDAY
CELEBRATE VULCAN’S 113th BIRTHDAY BASH – You Are Invited…. to join in the Vulcan Park and Museum’s
celebration, Noon – 4 p.m.
BRUNCH at 1st and 23rd.
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
EMBER, BLESSED and NULL 9 p.m. at The Nick.
COMEDIAN QUINN DAHLE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
LADY PARTS JUSTICE LEAGUE’S VAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR plus special guests at Saturn at 7 p.m.
MONDAY
BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND, 9 p.m. at The Nick.
CARD PLAYERS SPOT at the TIDE AND TIGER, 6 – 12 p.m.
KEVIN ROSS at Saturn.
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.
OPEN MIC FINALS, 7:30 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
JOSE’ CARR at the Boss Lounge, 8:30 – 11 p.m.
ZACH + CHEYLOE, PHILOS MOORE and TOWNE at The Nick.
COMEDIAN MIKE SPEENBERG at the StarDome Comedy Club.
JAMESTOWN REVIVAL and COLTER WALL at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY
COMEDIAN MIKE SPEENBERG, 7:30 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.
BORN ANIMAL, FOXTROT & THE GET DOWN, 9 p.m. at the Nick.
WINE AND JAZZ at the Perfect Note.
OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Oak Hill Bar & Grill.
NEXT THURSDAY
LOS GHOST, COVRAWAF, BIGJUGG, EXILE7 and SKEWB at The Nick.
COLLIN JOST at the StarDome Comedy Club.
JAKE SHEARS (OF SCISSOR SISTERS) at Saturn.
FOR FUN IN JUNE
2017 Summer Movie Series – The City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services (DYS), in partnership with Phoenix Theaters The Edge 12, encourages summer enrichment with the first installment of its 2017 Summer Movie Series. This week’s special screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, will be held at The Edge 12, on Friday. Birmingham youth, who meet at least one of the criteria below, can earn a FREE ticket for
themselves and a guest. Parents/guardians and Youth Service providers may bring their submissions to DYS between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reserve tickets. Participation criteria for Individuals: Must participate in a summer enrichment program in the city of Birmingham this summer (must show proof of enrollment) *Present a book report on one book that you have read this summer (use attached Book Form).*Book reports must be in the child’s handwriting. For children six and under, parents may fill out the Book Form on the book they read to their child this summer. One book report provides FREE tickets for only one movie. (Only two submissions per household during the movie series.) Youth Service Providers: Operate or lead Birmingham youth in a structured enrichment program (youth service providers only) *Organization Leaders of (Executive Directors, School Principals, Pastors, Coaches, etc.) will be required to come to the DYS office and provide a written request for tickets on the organization’s letter head. *For Organization Leaders: Up to ten (10) tickets may be reserved per organization. In an effort to accommodate as many groups as possible, organizations may register only three times this summer. (Get form from the DYS Office).
BHM ROBOTICS CAMP – The 2nd Annual Teens Engineer BHM Robotics Camp is open to students in grades 6 through 12 across metro Birmingham. The camp will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Camp to take place June 5-9, at Central Library. The camp activities are free but participants must bring a lunch Monday through Thursday. A pizza lunch will be provided on Friday, June 9, the final day of the camp. Space is limited so students interested need to register in advance by calling Lance Simpson, department head of the BPL Learning Center, or emailing him at lmsimpson@bham.lib.al.us.
CELEBRATE VULCAN’S 113th BIRTHDAY BASH – You Are Invited…. to join in the Vulcan Park and Museum’s celebration, Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m., for Vulcan’s 113th Birthday Bash presented by America’s First Federal Credit Union. This year the event will be bigger and better than ever. Enjoy a great family afternoon with entertainment including music, a bounce house, ice cream and cookies. America’s First Federal Credit Union will host an on-site ATM and popcorn machine, Express Oil & Tire Engineers will be on-site with Transformer pop-ups for selfies, a movie about how tires are made, and giveaways, Birmingham Coca-Cola will be there with a sampling station and corn-hole games, and Brik Realty at 1:30 p.m. will help unveil a new set of commemorative bricks at Vulcan Park and Museum. Sing Happy Birthday at 2 p.m. The excitement continues with next generation games
provided by GameStop, a Home Depot kids’ workshop, activities from Red Mountain Park, McWane Science Center and Railroad Park, rock climbing and lawn games, native Alabama animals from the Birmingham Zoo, an aircraft display from the Southern Museum of Flight, face painting by the Magic Town Clowns, community drum jams by GetRhythm!, and much more. Park at Jefferson County Board of Education and catch the shuttle over to the park. For more, go to www.visitvulcan.com/events.
FOR MUSIC AND SPOKEN WORD LOVERS
UNWIND FRIDAY with FRED SPRAGGINS, 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.
KEVIN ROSS performs at Saturn, Monday. Originally from Washington D.C., the young R&B artist Kevin Ross has the next meaningful voice of this generation. Kevin’s rich tone, creative run ideas, youthful look and piano skills, humbly places him into the category of some of the greatest performers of all time. As a trained vocalist and performer, his engaging stage presence and personality gives him the edge, while industry insiders
find the freshness of his voice to be something special, comparing him to artists like Stevie Wonder and the late great Donnie Hathaway. In demand, he swiftly released an EP (Dialogue in the Grey) boasting features from Ne-Yo and T.I., produced and performed a song for a national commercial (Glade) and was tapped for a spot on Ne-Yo’s sold-out tour— all in the same year. He’s been featured on NBA spots, Grey’s Anatomy and called a “one-man quartet” by okay player. Growing up, the “hustle mentality” of D.C. was impressed upon him as his father’s side of the family was full of singers. After covering a medley of Stevie Wonder’s hits for a Motown Tribute his sophomore year of high school (Duke Ellington School of the Arts), Ross realized his destiny. Moving to Atlanta, he spent his first year after college pinging back and forth from studio to studio. Signing with Motown Records, he released his solo debut, 2014’s Dialogue in the Grey EP, and reached the pinnacle of his career—or so he thought. Ross is poised to introduce himself not as a star streaking across the sky, but as an artist making timeless music with timely appeal.
JAM SESSIONS at Perfect Note on Friday.
DANTE HALL at the Perfect Note, 8 p.m. 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.
JAZZ IN THE PARK BIRMINGHAM at Avondale Park, 6-9 p.m., Sunday with THE GREENLIGHT BAND, CHELSEY GREEN and the GREEN PROJECT.
FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS
SATURDAY, 8 a.m. – Southeastern Outings Kayak and Canoe Trip at Sipsey Fork River. DETAILS: This is a scenic trip in the Bankhead National Forest just outside the lovely Sipsey Wilderness in Winston County, Alabama. The river is relatively easy with one class II rapid that winds through high rock cliffs lined with overhanging hemlock trees. This is said to be one of the most scenic stretches of river. The scenery is inspiring. To rent a
canoe for this outing, contact UAB Outdoor Pursuits. After the canoe and kayak trip plan to go to a restaurant for an optional dinner. You can shower and change clothes at a campground for $2. Bring a change of clothes for dinner, your shower things and exact change. Depart promptly at 8 a.m. from the Kmart Green Springs or 9:30 a.m. from Jacks in Double Springs. For more essential information about this trip, please see Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips at the end of these announcements. Reservations Required: Contact Dan Frederick, 205.631.4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net for more.
FOR BOOK LOVERS
STEP RIGHT UP – Have you ever heard of a horse that can read, write and do math? It may sound unbelievable, even downright impossible, until you have met the beautiful Jim Key. Author DONNA JANELL BOWMAN wrote the book ‘STEP RIGHT UP – How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness’, a true story of William ‘Doc’ Key and his horse, Jim Key, who together showed the world what kindness and education can achieve. A formerly enslaved man and a self-taught veterinarian, Doc Key helped nurse neglected and abused animals back to health with homemade
remedies, patience, and kindness. After caring for his horse, Jim Key, Doc realized Jim had an amazing talent – the ability to learn! For seven years, Doc taught Jim how to read, write and do math. Once Jim was ready, they traveled across the country to showcase his fascinating abilities. Despite skeptics and racial barriers, news spread about the educated horse, and soon after Doc and Jim Key caught the attention of humane societies,
festivals and even President McKinley himself! With persistence and kindness, Doc and Jim Key became one of the most popular attractions in the country.
FOR FOOD LOVERS
WINE DINNER SERIES – MICHAEL’S STEAKS AND SEAFOODS is hosting a monthly Michael’s Wine Dinner Series on Mondays. JUNE 12th 7 p.m. – WINES FROM SPAIN. With over 3 thousand years of wine heritage, Spain offers a diverse food and wine vulture that is sure to leave your palate wanting more. JULY 10th at 7 p.m. – WINES FROM OREGON as you travel through the Williamette Valley discovering why the wines of this region are quickly making their mark in restaurants around the world. AUGUST 7th at 7 pm. – WINES FROM FRANCE VS CALIFORNIA. You do not
want to miss this classic heavyweight battle as you pit old world wines vs. new world wines, in a matchup where everyone wins. (You missed the wines from Chile. Don’t miss the wines and the great food.) Contact and call 205.871.9525 or marketing@michaelssteakandseafood.com for more.
FOR ART AND PERFORMING ART LOVERS
AT BIRMINGHAM ARTS CRAWL
BARDS & BREWS OPEN MIC –Join others outside the Pizitz Food Hall for the Bards and Brews, TODAY, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. BPL will also giving away two $25 gift certificates to Eli’s Jerusalem Grill during the event. This is an open mic event, which means that anyone willing to sign the list can get on the microphone to perform their work or the work of another poet. The next Bards & Brews will take place on Friday, July 7, at the Five Points West
Regional Library.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2-3 p.m. FREE!
AT MAUS COMTEMPORARY –
BIENNALE ARTE 2017, VIVA ARTE VIVA will open to the public now to Sunday November 26 at the Biennale di Venezia, titled Viva Arte Viva, curated by Christine Macel. 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 through June 22 on Wednesdays, 4 -6 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING through June 22 on Thursdays, 4 – 6 p.m. Call (205) 328-0553 for more information.
FOR COMEDY LOVERS
AT THE STARDOME
Colin Jost returns for his fourth season of “SNL” as co-anchor of “Weekend Update,” alongside fellow cast member Michael Che. Jost joined the cast as “Weekend Update” co-anchor on March 1, 2014. Jost has been a writer at SNL since 2005 and served as co-head writer for three of those years. Jost
has won three Writers Guild Awards, a Peabody Award and has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards for his writing on SNL. He also wrote and starred in the Paramount/Netflix film, “Staten Island Summer,” based on his days as a lifeguard growing up in New York. Che and co-anchor Colin Jost also hosted special editions of “Weekend Update” on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic national conventions.
QUINN DAHLE. With appearances on The Tonight Show, Showtime, Comedy Central, Lopez Tonight and Carson Daly, Quinn is a smart and witty stand-up comic with impeccable timing. He has worked with such names as Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Tim Allen, Dane Cook, Dana Carvey, Norm McDonald, Jon Lovitz, Bill Maher, Frank Caliendo, David Alan Grier, John Witherspoon, Tommy Chong, John Pinette and Harland Williams.
NEXT TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY: Mike Speenberg is the new American Comic. The product of a broken home, extremely strange stepparents, and the public school system, Mike Speenberg started doing standup out of boredom in 1998 and hasn’t looked back since. In a few short years, Speenberg has quickly moved up through the comedy ranks, working with everyone from Ron White to Mitch Hedberg in comedy clubs, theaters, and college campuses all over the country. Including Comediennes JP LAFFSUM, FELICIA ELLISON,, ERIC “BIG E” JOHNSON, BENNIE MAC, SAXAPHONIST JOE FENISON and more.
COMEDY AT THE BJCC
BENNIE MAC LIVE IN MO FO HEAD THAN FACE 2 COMEDY SHOW, Father’s Day Weekend, June 17th. 8 p.m. with the most hilarious comics in the country.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
QUILTS AND POTTERY – The exhibit, Sewn and Thrown: Traditional Quilts and Folk Pottery from Alabama’s Black Belt exhibit is now through June 25 at the First floor exhibit cases and Fourth Floor Gallery at the Central Library during library hours. This exhibition is a new exhibit featuring the internationally-known Gee’s Bend quilters and Selma-based folk pottery artists Miller’s Pottery of Brent and Ham Pottery of Selma, the Sewn and Thrown exhibit will present two living traditions of the region.
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.
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)
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.
