By Gwen DeRu
APRIL SHOWERS AND MAY FLOWERS!!
TODAY
THE WOMEN GATHER, 6-8 p.m. at the BCRI.
THE WOOKS and STEEL CITY JUG SLAMMERS at The Nick.
COMEDIAN STEVE O at the StarDome Comedy Club.
LIVE BAND OPEN at Perfect Note.
MUSIC, COMEDY AND MORE at VIP Lounge in Ensley.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
THE WAR AND TREATY and PHILIPPE BRONCHTEIN at Saturn.
FRIDAY
THE RAGCOATS, KAYDEE MULVEHILL and TIN WHISKEY SISTERS at The Nick Rocks.
LOW CUT CONNIE, SHAHEED & DJ SUPREME at Saturn.
COMEDIAN STEVE O at the StarDome Comedy Club.
UGLY BABY BITES BIT, 9:30 p.m., at the Birmingham Improv Theatre.
GROOVE CENTRIC BAND, 9 p.m. 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.
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
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE, every Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on V94.9 FM with Curtis Bell. Request Line (205) 994-8949 (V949).
EVERY SATURDAY AFTER HOURS AT ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL BAR AND GRILL, 9 p.m., 2024 Green Springs Highway with Caribbean, African, Latino music, Signature Dish Suya and Drink Specials.
IDENTIKIT, THE YELLOW DANDIES and CALLIOPE PETTIS at The Nick Rocks.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, every Saturday, at Luxe Ultra Lounge, 300 24th Street S with DJ CHOCOLATE.
EAT DRINK AND RIDE NIGHT FOOD TOUR WITH COMEDIENNE JOY, at 6 – 10 p.m., meet in Brookwood Mall, at Grille 29. For more, www.diningoutwithcomediennejoy.com.
SNV – SATURDAY NIGHT VIBES, 10 p.m. at Platinum.
COMEDIAN STEVE O at the StarDome Comedy Club.
JAZZ FLUTIST DARRYL EVAN JONES at the Perfect Note.
AARON LEE TASJAN, THE MINKS and RYAN SOBB at Saturn.
GOGOL BORDELLO and NU FOLK REBEL ALLIANCE at Iron City.
SUNDAY
JAZZ AND FOOD, at Perfect Note.
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
SOULFUL SUNDAYS at Perfect Note.
CREATIO, RYAN MEEKER, RUNNING ON WALLS, DANIEL HARBISON, and RYAN BITER at the Nick Rocks.
COMEDIAN TENNESSEE TRAMP at the StarDome Comedy Club.
SALES and VARSITY at Saturn.
THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY presents QUEEN’S ‘A NIGHT AT THE OPERA” featuring MARC MARTEL at Iron City.
MONDAY
MO MONEY MONDAYS at the Eastside Lounge.
BRENT COWLES, THE MAGIC MATH and MATTHEW CARROLL at The Nick Rocks.
KARAOKE NIGHTS WITH RICKEY SMILEY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
TUESDAY
TASTY TUESDAY, 5 p.m. doors open, (30+ before 9 p.m.) (21+ after 9 p.m.) at Platinum of Birmingham, every Tuesday. Free Dinner buffet for Birmingham’s Best Happy Hour.
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.
THE HOLLOW ROOTS, FAR FROM FINAL and AMACIO FAVOR at the Nick Rocks.
FREE! SUBSTRATE BINGO at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY
LIVE JAZZ, at The Marble Ring, every Wednesday, 430 41st Street South, Suite B.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY, every Wednesday at 30/40 Hookah Lounge.
WINE AND JAZZ at the Perfect Note.
CORTEZ GARZA, REBECCA EGELAND and CHEYLOE at The Nick Rocks.
COMEDIAN DEGARIO “DOUBLE D” TURNER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MAGGIE ROGERS and MELANIE FAYE at Iron City.
NEXT THURSDAY
THE COATHANGERS, CHICO and THE BOUQUETS at Saturn.
BEITTHEMEANS, BOHANNONS (Album Release) and SWEET DOG & ELLIOTT at The Nick.
COMEDIAN DEGARIO “DOUBLE D” TURNER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
NEXT FRIDAY
VOICES UNITED featuring CAPTAIN KUDZU, TIMBER, ME AND MY KNIFE and BITTER
CALM at The Nick Rocks.
MANDOLIN ORANGE and CHARLIE PARR at Saturn.
COMEDIAN COREY HOLCOMB at the StarDome Comedy Club.
FOR FOOD LOVERS
ZANZIBAR BAR AND GRILL – If you love good ethnic food, then Zanzibar Bar and Grill is the place to go every Saturday night. Get your groove on with all kinds of favorite foods from Africa, Caribbean, and more. Enjoy music of all kinds including Caribbean, Soca, African, and Reggae.
FOR COMMUNITY
THE WOMEN GATHER – Join others at the BCRI, TODAY, 6-8 p.m. for this inspiring showcase of local women’s talent including spoken word, music, art, fashion, dance, and more. Admission is free and donations will benefit BCRI’s Heritage Alive Early Literacy Program.
REVIVAL – FAITH AND RELIGION THAT RAISED THE ROOF – Living Fellowship Christian Church and Pastor Stanley B. Hall is hosting a Revival, TODAY and FRIDAY, 6:30 p.m. at 430 Saint Clair Street, Birmingham, AL 35214. Evangelist Pastor Dennis Brock is the guest speaker.
SINGLE MOTHERS INSPIRATIONAL LIFE EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE – “Brother Let’s Talk” will host Single Mothers Inspirational Life Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E.) a one-day free conference at Wenonah High School, April 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for single mothers raising sons. FRANK HALLUM, Director of the Steve Harvey’s Mentoring Program is the guest speaker. Brother Let’s Talk, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a group of black male mental health professionals whose mission is to stop the stigma and address the stress of mental and emotional issues of black men and boys. The mental health professionals host male only and all inclusive community events throughout the State of Alabama and beyond. This one-day conference is a platform of empowerment for single mothers. It will bring mothers from all walks of life together to learn about ways to empower themselves and their sons. The agenda will include exercise, beauty and fashion tips, short and long term money goals, testimonials from various mothers as well as testimonials from adult men that were raised by single mothers. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. FREE! For more information and to register, call (205) 903-3171.
OUT SPOKEN WITH JOE LOCKETT TV SHOW, New on Cable TV. Check it out!!!
FOR MUSIC LOVERS, SPOKEN WORD AND DANCE
SUNDAY JAZZ, 5 p.m. at the Perfect Note.
SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC NIGHT, every Third Sunday, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.
FOR ART AND PERFORMING ART LOVERS
AT THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART…
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2-3 p.m.
EMBODYING FAITH: IMAGINING JESUS THROUGH THE AGES through April 22.
THE CONGO SERIES: PORTRAITS OF MWANA – The Congo Series: Portraits of Mwana is just around the corner! Seven portraits by Wellon Bridgers will be featured at Gallery 1930 in a solo show to benefit Mwana Villages.
FOR SPORTS LOVERS
HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA – Don’t miss the HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX RACES at Barber Motorsports Park April 5-7. The Grand Marshall is Mario Andretti. The Defending Champion is Josef Newgarden. The National Anthem Performers are Sweet Tea Trio. There will be nine races and five series including NTT IndyCar Series, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, F3 Americas Championship powered by Honda, Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge. OTHER EVENTS include: INAUGURAL INDY 5K – Friday after the on-track racing allowing spectators to run and experience the track. Proceeds will benefit Children’s of Alabama. WINE DOWN AT INDY WINE TASTINGS – Saturday and Sunday stop by the Hagerty Car Coral and enjoy wine and beer as well as the surrounding Art Festival & Sports Car Corral. ART FESTIVAL – Saturday and Sunday visit the Grand Art Festival and check out the artists that will be showcasing and selling handmade art, ceramics, paintings, jewelry and more. AND, of course the BARBER VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM – Check out THE CHASE, the 1600 motorcycles and 115 cars in the collection, including the 59 Lotus cars expansion that extends out from the 2nd floor as they look like they are floating over the first floor. Don’t miss Mr. Barber’s dream car – 1956 Lotus Eleven that was pictured on the cover of Road & Track magazine. This is the10th Anniversary and the only Indy Car race in the Deep South. Kids 15 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Free Garage Pass on Friday. There is a Ferris Wheel with proceeds benefiting United Ability. And, of course, there is always the World-Famous Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. For more: www.barberracingevents.com.
TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY RACE WEEKEND – Mark your calendar for the RACES at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26-28 with the Big One on the Blvd Friday night, the Saturday Night Infield Concert, and the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES RACE at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Jeffrey Earnhardt, son of 10-time Talladega Superspeedway winner Dale Earnhardt, was in town recently. Jeffrey made the ceremonial “first-drive” through the new oversized tunnel – getting a first look at what will be the new “finished” oversized vehicle tunnel. He will be driving a limited schedule for Joe Gibbs Racing this season in the No. 18 iK9 Xtreme Concepts Toyota. He led a personal best 29 laps in the season-opener at Daytona and was a contender all day, and then backed it up with a sixth-place result in Atlanta a few weeks ago. He will compete in the JGR machine in Talladega’s MoneyLion 300, as well as make his 2019 debut in the No. 81 for Xtreme Concepts Racing in the GEICO 500. Don’t Miss the TRANSFORMATION – THE TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY INFIELD PROJECT …Coming soon! For more, go to www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call (855) 518-7223. This is an experience of a lifetime.
FOR YOUTH
2019 FOX6 KIDS & JOBS PROGRAM- The City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) and WBRC FOX6 launch the 2019 Kids & Jobs Program. DYS is celebrating 25 years of “Putting Our Youth to Work!” Kids & Jobs is designed to help cultivate the professional development necessary for youth and young adults to become an integral part of the workforce. EXPOSURE (14 & 15 Year-Old) PROGRAM: Participating students will receive first-time exposure to the workplace. The EXPOSURE COMPONENT of the Kids & Jobs Program gives deserving Birmingham youth, who might otherwise not be given the chance, an opportunity to experience the workplace for the first time. SUMMER EXPLORER INTERNSHIP: The EXPLORER PROGRAM provides students from 16 to 21 years of age with an introduction to the workforce and a chance to explore one of the various professions offered. SUMMER EXECUTIVE INTERNSHIP: The EXECUTIVE PROGRAM provides students from 16 to 21 years of age with a unique opportunity to establish a foundation for their career path. Applications also available: https://www.bhamyouthfirst.org/andwww.wbrc.com. Applicants must live in the city of Birmingham to participate. For more, contact DYS at (205) 320-0879.
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 STEVE O…Stephen Gilchrist Glover, better known by his stage name Steve-O, is an actor, stunt performer, producer, stand-up comedian, author, musician and clown. He holds British, American and Canadian citizenship.
SUNDAY… COMEDIAN TENNESSEE TRAMP…The Tennessee Tramp is a local favorite here in Chattanooga. Janet doesn’t hold anything back about her views on Janet Williams, marriage, divorce, men, and women. She takes her comedy to the edge and over the top. She’s not just the Tennessee Tramp; 
she’s a favorite of the Troops. She has traveled to Japan, Korea, Germany and several other countries that will never be the same. Janet has performed all over the world, but she will always be our hometown favorite. You don’t want to miss her, she’s been watching the news, and trash TV and has lots to say about it. If you are squeamish she’s not your gal, but if you like it over the top you’ll love her as we all do.
MONDAY…KARAOKE NIGHTS WITH RICKEY SMILEY… Birmingham’s own, Rickey Smiley is taking over the StarDome on Monday nights. Come join Rickey, his band and whatever else he has up his sleeve as he brings Karaoke to a whole new level.
NEXT WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY… DEGARIO ”DOUBLE D” TURNER…You can call him the postman of comedy because he always delivers a great performance. Degario “Double D” Turner does not have to use profanity and gross sexual gestures to shock his audience for cheap laughs. A well rounded comedian (corporate, clean, and hosting gigs) that loves meeting his audience after each performance to thank them personally for coming out. Whether you need something to laugh at or someone to laugh with, Degario “Double D” Turner is a comedian who always delivers.
COMING SOON
APRIL 5-7 – HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX at Barber Motorsports Park
APRIL 10 – DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE at BJCC Concert Hall.
APRIL 12 – ROB BELL “AN INTRODUCTION TO JOY TOUR” at the Lyric Theatre.
APRIL 13 – KISS “END OF THE ROAD TOUR 2019” at the Legacy Arena.
APRIL 26 – 28 – TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY RACES– Celebrating the 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
APRIL 26 – SHOVELS & ROPE + FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS with special guest INDIANOLA at Avondale Brewing Company.
MAY 7 – DAVE MATTHEWS BAND at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre.
MAY 14 – INDIA ARIE at the Alys Stephens Center.
MAY 22 – TYLER PERRY’S “MADEA’S FAREWELL PLAY TOUR” at the Legacy Arena.
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 and gwenderu@yahoo.com.
