By Gwen DeRu
TODAY
SOUND SESSIONS IN THE GRILL with COTTON BIRD TRIO, at Iron City.
ME & PARANORMAL YOU LIVE TAPING + RYAN SINGER & FRIENDS COMEDY SHOW at Saturn.
THE ARTISANALS, ERIC BOLANDER and WILL PAYNE HARRISON at the Nick.
COMEDIAN JOHN WITHERSPOON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
JAWBONE JAM, at Iron City.
MUSIC, COMEDY AND MORE at VIP Lounge in Ensley.
TIM SPINOSI’S COLOSSAL COMEDY SIDE SHOW at the StarDome Comedy Club.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
FRIDAY
COMEDIAN JOHN WITHERSPOON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
STONED COBRA, FUNERAL HORSE and THE NEVERHAWKS at The Nick.
ELECTRIC AVENUE: THE ULTIMATE 80s MTV EXPERIENCE at Iron City.
SAM LEWIS at Saturn.
R&B VOCALIST PAULA CHAMAPION at Perfect Note.
FACEBOOK FRIDAYS, every Friday, at the Legion in Fairfield, 5 p.m. Happy Hour, 7 p.m. Line Dance, 9 p.m., DJ Vick Goes Live and Ladies are free until 10 p.m.
MUSIC, COMEDY AND MORE at VIP Lounge in Ensley.
TIM SPINOSI’S COLOSSAL COMEDY SIDE SHOW at the StarDome Comedy Club.
FUNNY FREE FRIDAYS (Comedy Show) at Good People Brewery, 9- 10:30 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT EXPERIENCE at Luxe Ultra Lounge.
JAZZ at FRIDAY UNWIND, 6 p.m. – midnight, at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
PASSPORTS FRIDAYS, 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. at Legends Sports Lounge with Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Afro-Beats and Top 40. FREE until midnight.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
SATURDAY
TROMBONIST JEFF BRADSHAW at Perfect Note.
SOUND SESSIONS in The Grill at Iron City with TIMMY GOES TO HOLLYWOOD.
BLACK PUSSY, THE DIRTY LUNGS and THE LOOKDOWN at The Nick.
COMEDIAN JOHN WITHERSPOON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
EAT DRINK AND RIDE NIGHT FOOD TOUR WITH COMEDIENNE JOY, at 6 – 10 p.m., meet in Brookwood Mall, at Grille 29.
SNV – SATURDAY NIGHT VIBES, 10 p.m. at Platinum.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, every Saturday, at Luxe Ultra Lounge, 300 24th Street S with DJ CHOCOLATE.
HOBO JOHNSON, 8 p.m. at Saturn.
SUNDAY
COMEDIAN JOHN WITHERSPOON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
JAZZ AND FOOD at Perfect Note.
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
SOULFUL SUNDAYS at Perfect Note.
WILLOW & WOOD, THE BROKEN FITS at the Nick.
MONDAY
KARAOKE NIGHTS WITH COMEDIAN RICKEY SMILEY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND, 9 p.m. at The Nick.
CARD PLAYERS SPOT at the TIDE AND TIGER, 6 – 12 p.m.
TUESDAY
TUTTLE at the Nick.
FREE! SUBSTRATE BINGO at Saturn.
FIESTA TUESDAY at 1st and 23rd, all night.
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.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
JOSE’ CARR at the Boss Lounge, 8:30 – 11 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
NO THANK YOU at Saturn.
FIVE COMICS FOR $5 at the StarDome Comedy Club.
ROBERT EARL KEEN at Iron City.
SOUND SESSIONS IN THE GRILL at Iron City.
THE PLOTT HOUNDS, LAKE AND LYNDALE, ROBERT ABERNATHY and DALTON BUSH at The Nick.
LIVE JAZZ, every Wednesday, at The Marble Ring, 430 41st Street South, Suite B.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY, every Wednesday at 30/40 Hookah Lounge.
WINE AND JAZZ at the Perfect Note.
NEXT THURSDAY
SOUND SESSIONS IN THE GRILL with COTTON BIRD TRIO, at Iron City.
KHAOSITY w/ CORTY BOOTH, WINDY SKATZ, MC SPLITSOUL, B-HOLD DA GENERAL, ASHALEY J at the Nick.
COMEDIAN CHARLES WINSTON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
NEXT FRIDAY
COMEDIAN J. ANTHONY BROWN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
HAPPY LEMMY, THE WARSAW CLINIC and GROOVE MOOSE at The Nick.
AARON LEWIS at Iron City.
AMERICAN AQUARIUM at Saturn.
FOR BUSINESS LOVERS
FUBU CO-FOUNDER J. ALEXANDER MARTIN SPEAKS AT ASBCC CONFERENCE– Well-Known for his FUBU (For Us By Us) apparel, J. ALEXANDER MARTIN, an accomplished designer is the luncheon speaker, Noon, TODAY, at the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce Conference (ASBCC). J. Alexander Martin, an accomplished designer, has successfully given the fashion industry a unique line of clothing through FUBU (For Us By Us). As Vice President and Creative Director of FUBU/FB and Crown Holder, J’s stylish market trends and industry techniques reflect his strong eye for color coordination, fabric and embellishments. Alexander’s clothing designs range from urban-contemporary styles to high-end men’s suits, dress shirts, women’s wear. He has also lent his passion for fashion to interior decorating.
J has worked with such well-known fashion brands as Kappa, Ted Baker, Coogi, Married to the Mob, Heatherette and Drunkenmonkey. J Alexander Martin is the Editor and Chief of Afashionmind.com and author of a coffee-table book called Afashionmind. He is currently working on his own brand called “J. Alexander” featuring designer men’s suits and dress shirts. Other speakers at the conference include, Alabama Secretary of Labor Fitzgerald Washington, Former U.S. Congressman Dr. Parker Griffin, Executive Director Charles Ball of the Greater Birmingham Regional Planning Commission, Florida Black Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Gene Franklin. The two-day conference ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATION CONFERENCE – TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES will be held at the Goldstein & Cohen Building/Ensley Business & Entertainment District, next door to Attorney Antonio Spurling’s Law Office in downtown Ensley.
FOR FOOD LOVERS
THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE – 7 a.m.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS AND SPOKEN WORD
SUNDAY JAZZ, 5 p.m. at the Perfect Note.
SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC NIGHT, every Third Sunday, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.
TONY JACKSON, Friday, July 6, 7 p.m.at the Iron City. Jackson is said to be one of the most gifted singers ever to grace country music. His initial videos from the album have excited over 25 Million Facebook views seemingly overnight, while Jackson tours tirelessly in support of the record. The respect Jackson has already earned within the music community is evident throughout Tony Jackson, as the new album is titled. It features songs and/or performances by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members John Sebastian, Steve Cropper and Dr. John “Mac” Rebennack, Country Music Hall of Famers Vince Gill, Bill Anderson and Conway Twitty and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame luminary Norro Wilson. From start to finish, Tony Jackson stands out as a “discovery” album, the kind you listen to with such delight that you have to recommend it to friends. And hundreds of thousands have done just that.
FOR ART AND PERFORMING ART LOVERS
AT THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART
ARTWORK – FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA’S ARTIST AMY SHERALD’S WORK – The artist, AMY SHERALD, commissioned to paint First Lady Michelle Obama’s official portrait for the National Gallery has a work on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Amy Sherald’s work, All Things Bright and Beautiful is on public debut.
SLOW ART SUNDAY: TENDING THE GROUND, 2-3 p.m.
ART ON THE ROCKS, July 27, 7-11 p.m. with musical guests SERATONES, whose sounds are a combination of Southern musicality, garage rock ferocity and general badassery.
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS: ENJOY THE WALK AND THE WEATHER!!!
SATURDAY EVENING WALK, 7 p.m. – Southeastern Outings Evening Walk at Hillsboro Trail, Helena, Shelby County, Alabama – DETAILS: This is an easy scenic four-mile evening walk. The smooth trail is wide, paved and with only a few short hills which goes through mostly wooded terrain. All road crossings are through three tunnels under the roads. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and up, able to walk four miles without complaining are welcome on this walk. After the walk, enjoy going for frozen yogurt at Yogurt Mountain in Hoover. Depart for the walk at 7 p.m. from the front parking lot at the Helena Middle School. Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680.
SUNDAY DAYHIKE, 1:30 p.m. – Southeastern Outings Dayhike on Montevallo Parks Trail – DETAILS: Enjoy an easy four-mile hike on a trail in Montevallo. The main trail is two miles one way and goes through parks, by two picturesque, flowing streams, and around a beautiful University-owned lake in a wooded park. Total hiking distance is about four miles. Bring plenty of water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Dress appropriately for the weather. Depart 1:30 p.m. from the McDonald’s Galleria or meet the group at 2 p.m. at the parking lot beside the larger bridge over Shoal Creek which is the wide creek that flows through Orr Park between the ball fields and the open recreational area in the park in Montevallo. The bridge is right beside the parking lot along the creek at the back of the ball fields. Please email Dan Frederick at the email address below if you would like driving directions from Hoover to Orr Park sent to you before the hike. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and over, able to complete the hike welcome. Optional dinner after the hike. Admission to Trail: Free Information: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205)631-4680.
JULY 4, WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Southeastern Outings 4th of July Picnic At 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, but no dogs, are welcome. Reservations: Not required. Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205)631- 4680.
JULY 4, WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m. – Southeastern Outings Attends FREE 4th of July Band Concert Followed by City of Birmingham Fireworks at Bartow Arena Park – DETAILS: Band concert by the UAB Summer 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 signs.
When the concert ends, conveniently enjoy viewing the Birmingham City Fireworks from the picnic area. Well-behaved children, but no dogs, are welcome. Reservations: Not required. Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205)631-4680.
JULY 7, SATURDAY DAYHIKE, 9 a.m. – Southeastern Outings Easy River Float, Picnic, Swim, Short, Moderate Dayhike at Locust Fork from Swann Bridge to Powell Falls near Cleveland, AL. DETAILS: Easy river float on the Locust Fork River from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls. View a genuine, old but newly refurbished wooden covered bridge.
Float under the bridge and further, about a mile and a half, downstream to the waterfall. View the sheer cliffs that rise about 60 feet above the river. Enjoy a flowing river, covered bridge, high rock bluffs and at least one waterfall—all along a one mile stretch of this river. Bring something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress. Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best. Bring a picnic lunch, drink, towel and sunscreen. Pack these items in two plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other, then put the bags in your daypack and strap the pack to your back. Wear swimsuit and sturdy foot protection such as old sneakers. Lunch will be on the huge flat rock in the middle of the river beside the waterfall. Swim in the pool at the base of the rock, jump into the pool, climb up and down or just sit in Powell Falls, hen walk back to the bridge on a trail along the river. You must be able to swim to participate in this outing! Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up able to swim welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. Be at the Cleveland Chevron Service Station no later than 8:45 a.m. ready to depart promptly at 9 a.m. Arriving 15 minutes before departure time will allow time to use the restrooms at the service station, hear announcements concerning the day’s event, and form carpools from the Chevron. Parking is extremely limited at the put in point on the river. Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205) 631-4680.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
LIFE AFTER BASKETBALL CAMP – The Basketball Camp is July 18 – 20, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon at YMCA Youth Center, 2400 7th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Boys and girls ages 8 years old – rising 7th graders will learn the importance of academic excellence, leadership and social skills. The camp will also focus on the fundamentals of basketball, which include: form shooting, ball handling, passing, defense, rebounding, screens, strength, and conditioning.
Beginning today, parents/guardians can register their child to receive a fully paid camp scholarship by submitting a completed registration form to DYS. Deadline to register is Monday, July 16, 4 p.m. Only sixty (60) camp scholarships are available. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until all available spaces have been filled. Forms can be submitted in the following manner:
1) Emailed to DYS at dysbhm@gmail.com. You will receive an emailed response confirming receipt.
2) Hand-delivered to the DYS office located at 1608 7th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. FAXED OR MAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. For more information about the LIFE AFTER BASKETBALL CAMP, call DYS at 205-320- 0879.
AT CROSSPLEX
DYS’ Youth First Summer Sports Series 2018 Kicks Off with Next Level Volleyball Camp – The City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) kicks off its 2018 Youth First Summer Sports Series with the Next Level Volleyball Camp which focuses on athletic and life skills. During the camp, girls 13 to 18 years of age will learn the fundamentals of volleyball technique, which include: serving, passing, setting, and blocking. The Next Level Volleyball Camp will be held July 20, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham Crossplex.
Registration is now open, parents/guardians can register their child to participate in the Volleyball Camp by submitting a completed registration form and waiver to DYS. Slots will be filled on a first‐come, first‐ served basis until all 80 spaces have been filled. Forms can be submitted in the following manner:
1) Emailed to DYS at dysbhm@gmail.com. You will receive an emailed response confirming receipt.
2) Hand-delivered to the DYS office located at 1608 7th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. FAXED OR MAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
FOR MOVIE LOVERS
FLICKS AMONG THE FLOWERS at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, July 18 with JAWS, 8 p.m.
THE AVENGERS is still showing at theaters around town.
AT VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM…
MOVIE NIGHT UNDER THE MOON, June 27.
FOR COMEDY LOVERS
AT GOOD PEOPLE BREWING EVERY FRIDAY
FUNNY FREE FRIDAYS (COMEDY SHOW), 9 – 10:30 p.m., at Good People with Birmingham’s finest comedy show at a brewery. It’s free and features the best comedians from around the country.
AT THE STARDOME
THIS WEEKEND: COMEDIAN JOHN WITHERSPOON. You probably remember John Witherspoon as Ice Cube’s outrageously funny, dog- catching dad in New Line Cinema’s smash urban trilogy Friday, Next Friday & Friday After Next,or as “Pops” on the long-running syndicated sitcom The Wayans Brothers…or currently as Lloyd on Adult Swim’s Black Jesus. His scene-stealing roles in Boomerang, Little Nicky, House Party, Vampire in Brooklyn, and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, made him one of the most memorable funny men in America. Not only does Witherspoon’s work span over four decades to include blockbuster movies, hit- television shows, commercials, and top- rated music videos, but he is also a top selling stand up act who regularly tours the country. The Detroit-bred comic has proven that he is a Hollywood mainstay and continues to land coveted spots in some of America’s favorite movies and television shows.
MONDAY
COMEDIAN RICKEY SMILEY ‘EVERY MONDAY NIGHT’ at the StarDome Comedy Club for Karaoke Nights.
WEDNESDAY
FIVE COMICS FOR $5….Birmingham’s best are coming together for one hilarious night of laughter, headlined by G Quinney.
COMING SOON
AUGUST 3-4 – SECRET STAGES, a musical discovery Festival.
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.)
