BY GWEN DERU
TODAY
2017 NONPROFIT AWARDS by the Birmingham Business Journal is at Regions Field, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
It honors charitable organizations and corporations that influence and impact the Birmingham community.
COMEDIAN RODNEY CARRINGTON 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.
SHERRY REEVES 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.
DOC HOLIDAY, NEW MANTRA, ASH OF EDEN and SKYTOWN RIOT at the Nick.
FRIDAY
HOME AGAIN Opening Reception, 5- 8 p.m. at the Stephen Smith Fine Art Galley, 5104 Gary Avenue, in Downtown Fairfield.
BUILD A BETTER WORLD THROUGH YOGA, 10 a.m., “Yoga for Seniors” at Springville Road Regional Library,
UNWIND FRIDAY, 8 p.m. at Jazzy’s on 3rd with great jazz.
COMEDIAN RODNEY CARRINGTON 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.
FUTURE PRIMITIVES, FORBIDDEN WAVES and UNDERLAND EXPRESS, 9 p.m. at the Nick.
SAXOPHONIST TIM CUNNINGHAM, 7:30 and – 9 p.m., at the Perfect Note.
RUMBA LATINA BIRMINGHAM: LATIN NIGHT, at Saturn.
SATURDAY
RAILROAD PARK is where the fun is Saturday.
SOULFUL SATURDAY at Steel 1st and 23rd Club.
ROZ’S HOUSE PARTY, 9 p.m. at Saturn.
COMEDIAN RODNEY CARRINGTON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
EMPTY ATLAS, THE GREEN SEED, LITTLE STRANGER and GLORIES, 8 p.m. at the Nick.
SAXOPHONIST BRANDON WILLIS, 8 p.m. at Perfect Note
SUNDAY
BRUNCH at 1st and 23rd.
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
YELLOW CUSS, HAM BAGBY and COUNT VASELINE, 9 p.m. at The Nick.
Rodney Carrington 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
BBQ AND VIEW, 5 -10 p.m. at 197 Vulcan Road, Homewood AL. at 1918 Catering, Homewood with games, and kids activities with a great view of
Thunder on the Mountain.
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.
BECOMING HUMAN, LOLAS and SKEPTIC? at The Nick.
BIRMINGHAM BOARD GAME EXTRAVAGANZA at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY
J BLISS, 7:30 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.
JONAH TOLCHIN, HELEN ROSE and CHRIS SIMMONS BAND, 9 p.m. at the Nick.
WINE AND JAZZ at the Perfect Note.
OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Oak Hill Bar & Grill.
ENJOY THE FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!
TODAY
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWN THE WAILERS, 7 p.m. at Saturn, today. The remarkable Wailers band is bringing its revolutionary sound and message to fans around the world. With bassist and founder ASTON “FAMILYMAN” BARRETT are the original Wailers’ lead guitarists JUNIOR MARVIN and DONALD KINSEY. Roots members welcome the new-generation rebel talents of drummer ASTON BARRETT, JR., Familyman’s multi-talented son, who has perfected the distinctive style of his uncle – Wailers co-founder and drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett; the solid roots Rasta vocals and performance style of U.S.-born lead singer JOSHA DAVID BARRETT; polished backup vocalists SHEMA MCGREGOR, daughter of famed I-Three singer Judy Mowatt and HASSANAH, a multi-cultural powerhouse; veterans NOEL DAVEY on keyboards, who’s performed with Julian Marley & Uprising; and OWEN “DREADIE” REID, a former musical student of Familyman, who plays bass, guitar, and has toured with Julian Marley. Then there is sound engineer DENNIS THOMPSON, the iconic live engineer who has traveled the world with The Wailers, and the man responsible for many BMW-song and Island dub mixes. Bob Marley & The Wailers have recorded 11 albums, and performed before millions of fans in countless countries including 1977’s Exodus, declared Best Album of the Century in 1999 by Time Magazine, and “One Love,” named Song of the Millennium by BBC the same year. The New York Times named Bob Marley the most significant musician of the 20th century, Spin Magazine rated The Wailers at #4 on its list of the 50 Greatest Bands of All Time, and Rolling Stone named Bob Marley & The Wailers Band of the Year in 1976. Their timeless music, intricate arrangements, and soul-stirring lyrics continue to touch and move fans around the globe. Since Bob Marley’s premature passing in 1981, Familyman vowed to keep a promise he made to his leader, Legend, and friend – that he would hold the band together and maintain the quality of music. The message is still Burnin’, the Exodus of Jah people continues, and Uprising and Survival remain the call to fans. The incomparable Wailers are coming to Babylon by Bus, bringing the mystical music and message of Roots Rock Rasta Reggae. This is the Rastaman Vibration, a slice of music history you must not miss.
Saturday
SOUTHERN SOUL AND BLUES LOVERS FESTIVAL, 5 p.m. Saturday with CALVIN RICHARDSON, THEODIS EALEY, STEVE PERRY, OMAR CUNNINGHAM, MS. JODY, BISHOP BULLWINKLE, BIG RO WILLIAMS and MOSE STOVALL at the HS H Farms on Hwy 11 South in Tuscaloosa, AL. Call (205) 632-4994 for more.
Tuesday
FLAGS, FOOD AND FUN – Birmingham’s oldest Independence Day festival is here for patriotic fun in the community. The 68th Annual Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Independence Day Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 4th behind the church at 1728 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking. OLS Knights of Columbus Council 4304 is coordinating the festival. A popular feature of the charitable fundraiser is the Trash and Treasure rummage sale.
FOR SPORTS LOVERS
NIGHTS OUT AT THE BALL GAMES – Join the Barons Baseball team for some nights of fun…
Today, 7:05 p.m. –Thirsty Thursday presented by Miller Lite, Woodbridge and Buffalo Wild Wings, where you can enjoy two dollar drink specials on domestic beers, wines and soft drinks. The executive entrance will be opening at 5:30 p.m. and all gates opening at 6 p.m.. Enjoy food, drinks and fun at The SwitchYard On 14th which will be open beginning at 4 p.m. and staying open all day, closing at midnight following the game.
Friday, 7:05 p.m. – Add to your 3-D Stadium Collectible Series with the second of the three 3-D Stadium giveaways. The first 1,000 adults 13 and over will receive the Hoover Met collectible model presented by Coca-Cola. Friday night is also Used Car Night, presented by Jim Burke Automotive, where all fans 21 and older will be eligible to win one of four car giveaways. Cap off the night with another Friday Night Fireworks, presented by Hibbett Sports, Alabama Power and Coca-Cola. The executive entrance opens at 5:30 p.m., with all gates opening at 6 p.m. The SwitchYard On 14th will open at 4 p.m. and remain open leading up to and following the game until midnight.
Saturday, July 1, 6:30 p.m. – Break Dancing bat boy Breakin’ B-Boy McCoy will join us for another installment of the Saturday Entertainer Series presented by CBS 42, Red Diamond and Levy’s Fine Jewelry. The first 1,000 fans 13 and over will also receive a 1948 Barons Replica Jersey presented by Birmingham Association of Realtors. The executive entrance opens at 5 p.m., with all gates opening at 5:30. The SwitchYard on 14th will also be open from 4 p.m. until midnight.
Sunday, July 2, 3 p.m. – All active or retired military members can receive two dollars off a regular priced ticket by showing a valid military ID at the box office on Salute to Armed Forces Sunday presented by NAPA and Marion Military Institute. The first 1,000 fans 21 and over will also receive a 2018 Southern League All-Star Game T-Shirt presented by Wind Creek Casino and Hotel. The executive entrance will be opening at 1:30 p.m. and all gates opening at 2 p.m. Enjoy a meal at The SwitchYard On 14th which will be open beginning at 2 p.m. and staying open all day, closing at 9 p.m. following the game.
Monday, July 3, 6:30 p.m. – We wrap up the six game homestand against Biloxi with our Independence Day celebration, which includes Patriotic Fireworks after the game presented by HealthSouth. Jake the Diamond Dog will also make his second and final appearance at Regions Field this season. The executive entrance will be opening at 5 p.m. and all gates opening at 5:30. Enjoy a meal at The SwitchYard On 14th which will be open beginning at 4 p.m. and staying open all day, closing at midnight following the game.
THOMAS PAINE’S TO BEGIN THE WORLD OVER AGAIN – Thomas Paine’s To Begin the World Over Again is airing on PBS channel WBIQ World over the July 4th Holiday. America’s one truly radical Founding Father gets to speak his mind over the holiday that celebrates the birth of this nation, and it is a very different story to Hamilton’s! The schedule is Monday at 7p.m., Tuesday at 12 a.m. 2nd run, Tuesday at 8 a.m. 3rd run, Tuesday at 2 p.m. 4th run and Sunday at 4 a.m. 5th run. (Please confirm all dates and times at http://worldchannel.org). This is the last film shot by legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler, with his exemplary crew including Joan Churchill, Bill Megalos, Battiste Fenwick, and Alan Barker. It was filmed before a live audience in real time at the Lillian Theatre in Hollywood. Paine literally changed the world with his pen and remains the most misunderstood man in American history, revered and quoted by all political factions. He was one of the world’s greatest political writers and worst politicians, a very nearly deadly combination. His creed was “always speak the truth as one sees it, no matter the consequences, no matter the consequences”. Five of America’s most distinguished Paine scholars oversaw Ruskin’s writing of this historically accurate script. Ian Ruskin is Thomas Paine and Elliott Gould voices the narration. Original music was composed by Joe Romano and Graham Moore’s “Tom Paine’s Bones” closes out the film. The American Library Association is promoting screenings to libraries nationwide as part of a grassroots movement, and Ruskin recently received the Daughters of the American Revolution History Award Medal. This film of Ian Ruskin’s tour de force one-
man play has gathered praise from all who have seen it.
FOR WOMEN
A GATHERING OF ESTHERS – Women in positions to effect positive change, Friday, 6:30 – 8:30 at 4108 Ashington Drive, Birmingham 35242. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! Call (205) 296-9462 to reserve.
FOR ART AND PERFORMING ART LOVERS
HOME AGAIN Opening Reception, 5- 8 p.m. at the Stephen Smith Fine Art Galley, 5104 Gary Avenue, in Downtown Fairfield. HOME AGAIN features photography by Sheila Pree Bright from her series, SUBURBIA; photography by Celestia Morgan (shown) from her series, REDLINE; and recent mixed-media sculptures by Justin Rabideau. We are also proud to present the premiere of an ongoing collaboration between Justin Rabideau and choreographer Mary Grace Phillips entitled, WEATHER, which will be performed at the reception. Stephen Smith Fine Art specializes in cutting edge modern and contemporary fine art with a primary focus on artists whose work engages social issues. Our mission is to share what we believe to be some of the most important and inspiring artists today. Located in a silent-film era theater in historic downtown Fairfield – 10 minutes from the Birmingham Museum of Art – Stephen Smith Fine Art strives to cultivate a culture of exploration and art appreciation, and supports public art initiatives throughout the Greater Birmingham area. Go to StephenSmithFineArt@gmail.com or call (205) 417-1098 for more information or to
schedule a visit.
LEARNING TO PAINT
ENJOY A PAINTING SESSION WITH YOGI DADA, July 15, 2-4 p.m. at the B.& G Event Center, an artist who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Alabama and everyone’s favorite hand painted earring lady! “Mathematics of Color” is a class designed to allow you to express
yourself freely through color! YOGI DADA will share how to use color, canvas space, and brushes! A class where there are no wrong answers! The B & G Event Center is located at 2341 Carson Rd, Center Point, AL 35215 (In the shopping plaza). Supplies are provided, just wear comfortable clothes you wouldn’t mind getting paint on, or bring a smock. COST: $40 (early registration $25 through July 1st). AGES: 12 and up. For more, go to yogidadallc.com.
IN MONTGOMERY AT THE ALABAMA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
MARY POPPINS is extended from July 5- 30 at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Geoffrey Sherman’s final production at ASF and the announcement of the new artistic director in July! The Tony award-winning Broadway production of Mary Poppins ran for over six years and played for 2,619 performances. The acclaimed 1964 film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won five, including “Best Actress” for Julie Andrews, who performed in the title role. Alice Sherman and Bret Shuford (recently seen as lead in Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour on Broadway) return as Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep. This $1M production features Broadway quality sets and costumes built on site in Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s production shops, designed just for the production – you won’t see this anywhere but at ASF!
INTERESTED IN ART
AFFIRM FOUNDATION is a nonprofit 501(3-)C) Arts Education Organization designed to educate, entertain, empower, inspire and affirm young people of color by showing them the greatest example of successful Alabama natives of the African Diaspora who achieved national and international fame. The exclusive modern exhibition entitled the Roots & Wings Collection ® will be presented by The Affirm Foundation under the trust of Designer Perry Varner as Creative Director and showcased at museums and universities throughout Alabama beginning in 2018. Submissions are needed by October 1, 2017. Types of Artwork Needed: Paintings, Sketches, Sculptures, Photography, Glass Work, Wood Work, Fashion Illustrations, Graphic Design Images, Fashion Design or any medium you choose. Be creative.
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START is presented by the University Gallery from July 7– August 18 at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center in
Tuscaloosa. Opening Reception is July 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. It is an art exhibit by students of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART
SLOW ART SUNDAY, among the weeds, plants and peacock feathers, 2-3 p.m. FREE!
FOR THE COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS – Join the COLLECTIVE MEMORY Community Conversations at the Birmingham Public Libraries to share memories on today from
3-5 p.m. at Springville Road; Friday from 3-6 p.m. at Central Library and Saturday, from 2-5 p.m. at Avondale. Call (205) 731-2000 for more.
JOURNEY OF HOPE – The Lyric Theatre will be home to the United Ability’s inaugural Journey of Hope and will honor RONNIE HESS on August 5.
Guests will be entertained by a one-night-only performance by a world touring group and support the advancement of medicine, technology and
therapies for children and adults living with disabilities.
VINO & VAN GOGH – Save the Date – August 24 for United Ability’s and the summer’s coolest event – Vino & Van Gogh. A new gallery – Bridgestreet
Gallery – will be home to a fun evening with wine tastings, art, delicious food, silent and live auctions with live music.
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
SATURDAY, 9 a.m. Kayak and Canoe Trip, Locust Fork River – DETAILS: A fun Southeastern Outings kayak and canoe trip on Section 1 of the Locust
Fork River in Blount County. This stretch is fairly easy and without classified rapids. Along the river see wildflowers and stop to investigate
islands and beaches. Novice canoeists are welcome and may come, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their canoe.
Please note that for this trip you may rent one person sit-upon plastic kayaks and paddles for $30 each from Eric Nolen. If you wish to rent a
boat, call the outfitter BEFORE July 1 at (205) 429-5455 to reserve your boat and tell him that you are boating with Southeastern Outings.
TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Southeastern Outings Picnic at the Bartow Arena Park – DETAILS: Bring your own blanket or chairs and all your picnic
supplies: food, drinks (no alcohol, please), cups, ice, utensils, etc. Look for the SEO signs. SEO people will assemble to the right of the
dragon statue (as you face the band) right where the grass ends and the concrete floor leading to the entrance to the arena begins. Well-behaved
children are welcome. Call Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205) 631-4680 for more.
TUESDAY, 7 p.m. Southeastern Outings – Attends FREE 4th of July Band Concert Followed by City of Birmingham Fireworks at the Bartow Arena Park.
DETAILS: Band concert by the UAB Summer Band. This large group of carefully auditioned and selected student and professional musicians is an
outstanding concert band. Bring your own blanket or chairs. SEO people will assemble to the right of the dragon statue (as you face the band)
right where the grass ends and the concrete floor leading to the entrance to the arena begins. Look for the Southeastern Outings sign. When the
concert ends, conveniently enjoy clear viewing of the Birmingham City Fireworks from the picnic area. Well-behaved, properly supervised children
are welcome. Reservations: Not required. For more info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205) 631-4680.
TUESDAY, AFTER THE CONCERT AND FIREWORKS – Southeastern Outings Potluck Dessert Get-Together at the Bartow Arena Park. DETAILS: Southeastern Outings people will stay at the Bartow Arena Park for a while, avoiding all the exiting traffic congestion. Enjoy good company and food. You are encouraged to invite one or several for introducing yourself (if you are not already a member) and your friends to the group. Bring a small
dessert with you to share with the group. SEO will provide a table to set out desserts plus plates, napkins, forks and spoons. Bring your own drink (no alcohol, please) with you. No Charge. Reservations: Not required. For more info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205) 631-4680.
FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY
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 2017 Summer Movie Series. This week’s special screening of CARS 3 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. 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).
FOR MUSIC LOVERS AND SPOKEN WORD
LIVE BAND and KARAOKE, 8-11 p.m., tonight, at the Perfect Note.
TIM CUNNINGHAM at Perfect Note.
BRANDON WILLIS, at Perfect Note, Saturday.
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 ENSLEY PARK, 6-9 p.m., Sunday with SOUL COLLABORATION and KENYA
JAZZ IN THE PARK BIRMINGHAM at KELLY INGRAM PARK, 6-9 p.m. with JAZMIN GHENT and DANIEL D.
SECRET STAGES is AUGUST 4 and 5. The 7th annual festival will take place in downtown Birmingham, Alabama’s Historic Loft District in and on 6
different venues or stages. This year all venues have been consolidated to 2nd Avenue North. There will be lots and lots of artists from around
the country including Della Ray (Tuscaloosa, AL), Dumb Waiter (Richmond, VA), James and the Ultrasounds (Richmond, VA), Jonny P (Nashville,
TN) Lauren Michel (Birmingham, AL), Mad Squablz (Philadelphia, PA), Omni (Atlanta, GA), Sarah Shook and the Disarmers (Chapel Hill, NC), Small Batch (Lexington, KY), Snakes (Baltimore, MD). (Look for more, right here, next week.)
FOR COMEDY LOVERS
AT THE STARDOME:
THIS WEEKEND: Rodney Carrington is a multitalented comedian, actor, and writer who has recorded eight major record label comedy albums selling over two million copies. Two of these albums have been certified gold by the RIAA. Rodney starred in his own TV sitcom Rodney, which ran for two seasons on ABC. He also co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film Beer for My Horses. According to Pollstar, Rodney was the 4th highest grossing touring comedian in 2009. He regularly performs to sold out crowds across the U.S. and Canada.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUILD A BETTER WORLD THROUGH YOGA – BPL is hosting free yoga classes for adults and teens as part of Summer Reading that will include Tai Chi, gentle yoga postures, poetry and humor. Classes will be taught by former librarian Marie Blair and will include upcoming yoga workshops:
Friday, 10 a.m., “Yoga for Seniors” at Springville Road Regional Library; Thursday, July 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Southside Library; Friday, July 7,
10 a.m. at Ensley Librar; Monday, July 10, 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Library and Friday, July 21, 10 a.m. at Powderly Library. Visit www.bplonline.org
for more.
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.
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)
COMING SOON
JULY 15-16 – SLOSS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL.
AUGUST 4-5 – SECRET STAGES
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.
