By Gwen DeRu
TODAY
SAXOPHONIST JOSE CARR at Tutwiler Bar and Grill.
THE HARMED BROTHERS, PEOPLE YEARS at The Nick.
COMEDIAN HENRY CHO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
CONFESSIONS OF A TRUE CRIME ADDICT with JAMES RENNER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
JOHN MORELAND and EARLY JAMES & THE LATEST at Saturn.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW at Iron City.
LIVE JAZZ EVERY THURSDAY, 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
MUSIC, COMEDY AND MORE at VIP Lounge in Ensley.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE OPEN MIC at Perfect Note.
FRIDAY
BIRMINGHAM’S OWN ALVIN GARRETT, 8 p.m. at WorkPlay Theater.
SENIOR JEFFERSON COUNTY PAGEANT at the Cahaba Ridge Resort Lifestyle Communities.
HORN DOGS – DISCO FUNK R&B at Perfect Note.
AFTM and THE ICEMAN SPECIAL at The Nick Rocks.
COMEDIAN HENRY CHO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
GNASH and ANNA CLENDENING at Saturn.
STRUTTER – A TRIBUTE TO KISS at Iron City.
UGLY BABY LIVE, 9:30 – 11:30 p.m. at Birmingham Improv Theatre, 2208 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, 35233.
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.
EVERY FIRST FRIDAY AT ZANZIBAR Bar and Grill, 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
REGGAE BLOCK PARTY at Chasers Sports Bar and Grill.
PEPPER PLACE MARKET, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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).
SLICEFEST 2019, 2 p.m.
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.
THE LATIN ROCK XPERIENCE w/ ETER4 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.
PEARL LOUNGE in West End.
SNV – SATURDAY NIGHT VIBES, 10 p.m. at Platinum.
COMEDIAN HENRY CHO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
VOICES FOR CHOICE at Saturn.
FOUR 80 EAST at Perfect Note.
SUNDAY
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
SOULFUL SUNDAYS with SAXOPHONIST DELON CHARLEY at Perfect Note.
DRIVE DRIVE! HEADCASE and BABY KILLERS at the Nick Rocks.
COMEDIAN DAPHNIQUE SPRINGS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
BLUE WATER HIGHWAY and BRANDON NORRIS at Saturn.
MONDAY
MO MONEY MONDAYS at the Eastside Lounge.
BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND 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.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
JOSE’ CARR at the Boss Lounge, 8:30 – 11 p.m.
KALU AND THE ELECTRIC JOINT and TRIO NOIR at the Nick Rocks.
FRANK IERO AND THE FUTURE VIOLENTS and REGGIE & THE FULL EFFECT (solo) 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.
BLVCK HIPPIE BAND, BIGGER FISH, MATCHI and BOSS RUSH at The Nick Rocks.
FREE VINTAGE VIDEO GAME NIGHT at Saturn.
COMEDIAN LANCE MONTALTO at StarDome Comedy Club.
NEXT THURSDAY
SAXOPHONIST TREY DANIELS at Perfect Note.
DANIEL DONATO and TAYLOR HUNNICUTT at The Nick.
COMEDIAN LANCE MONTALTO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
FREE VINTAGE VIDEO GAME NIGHT at Saturn.
NEXT FRIDAY
MARLON SPEARS AND FRIENDS OLD SCHOOL R&B NIGHT at Perfect Note.
THE MOONSHINE, ELECTRIC BLUE YONDER and OAKLEY at The Nick Rocks.
COMEDIAN KOUNTRY WAYNE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
SLEEP and BIG BUSINESS at Saturn.
FOR WOMEN
KAMALA HARRIS IN ALABAMA – PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE KAMALA HARRIS will campaign in Alabama, this Friday and Saturday. This will be her first campaign trip to Alabama and will focus on outreach to women and African-American women. Look for more soon!
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.
PEPPER PLACE MARKET, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS, SPOKEN WORD AND DANCE
ALVIN GARRETT AT WORKPLAY – CELEBRATING BLACK MUSIC MONTH WITH ALABAMA’S IDOL ALVIN GARRETT – Garrett may not be an ‘American’ Idol, but …he should be. Grammy nominated singer and songwriter ALVIN GARRETT has written chart-topping songs for R&B artists such as JOE, KELLY ROWLAND (formerly of Destiny Child), and American Idol RUBEN STUDDARD. GARRETT is a founding member of the popular band JUST A FEW CATS. With the release of his album, “This HILL”, there is a CD Release Concert at WorkPlay Theater, 8 p.m. Friday, June 7, on Birmingham’s Southside. Recent Grammy-Award Winner, PJ MORGAN joined Garrett on the groove “Wait”. Check out ALVIN GARRETT, Alabama’s own new vintage soul singer, this Friday, at WorkPlay! (For more about Alvin: www.AlvinGarrett.com.)
PEARL LOUNGE GRAND REOPENING, Saturday, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. at 3132 Boise Avenue S.W. Everyone free before midnight, Summer Time Fly attire and soundtrack provided by DJ CHOCOLATE and DJ PAKK. Pearl’s Famous Kitchen will be open. RSVP at www.urbanham.com.
JAZZNET is June 14, 5:30 – 9 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium hosted by Jeh Jeh Pruitt. It is a great networking event whether you are a musician, doctor, insurance agent, online merchant, caterer, manufacturer, candlestick maker, salesperson, personal trainer, attorney, financial advisor, etc., this is the perfect event to grow your business. Network with positive business people and promote your business to a variety of audiences.
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
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2-3 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
ART ON THE ROCKS – Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of Art kicks off in June with visual and performing arts from live music and DJ dance parties to artist demos and interactive mural making. The dates are: June 14, July 12 and August 9, 7-11 p.m.
AFRICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL – The African Heritage Festival is June 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Celebrate vibrant traditions and cultures of regions throughout the African diaspora at the BMA’s free-of-charge African Heritage Festival. This family-oriented festival honors African heritage through art, crafts, music, dance, and more. Featuring a powerful performance by Atlanta-based African drumming and dance group Giwayen Mata.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
SPECIAL ELECTION IN BIRMINGHAM – The Birmingham Election Commission has set October 8 as the date of a citywide referendum to renew ad valorem taxes for Birmingham City Schools. For more, call Birmingham City Council, (205) 254-7726.
FOR MEN
I AM MAN – Calling All Men! (And, of course, the ladies, too!)
SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 22! THE RETURN TO BLACK MANHOOD!
It’s Juneteenth Time with plenty to do! Check this out if you are a man, love a man or if you have a man in your life – young or young at heart!! The place to be – Crescent Cultural Center, 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue, 35211! Check it out! Look for Irritated Genie of Soufeese “ The War Against Black Manhood and Baba Mwalimu Baruti ‘Character of a Man” at the Junteenth Sankofa African Cultural Festival. Look for more, soon. For more, contact (205) 862-4059.
FOR LOVERS OF THE OUTDOORS
BOTANICAL GARDENS SUMMER CAMP- Children’s Summer Camps will return to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, June 3 – August 2, and will feature half- and full-day camps that explore gardening, cooking, art, and more for age 4 through rising 9th graders. The camps, an educational initiative of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, are designed to promote creativity and the joy of discovery in the unmatched natural setting of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Registration is opened to the public. Visitbbgardens.org/summercampsor call 205.414.3950 for more information and to register.
SATURDAY … Picnic and Concert at 7:30 p.m. Concert begins at 8 p.m.
FREE. Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Concert will be at Railroad Park situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets South in downtown Birmingham – DETAILS:The ASO is excited to play a free series of concerts in Birmingham’s Railroad Park! Enjoy music under the stars with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Come for a great evening of fun. Relax on the lawn with your blanket or lawn chair. Bring your picnic (no glass or alcohol allowed) to enjoy at 7:30 p.m. Concert begins at 8 p.m. Look for the Southeastern Outings people near the walkway on the railroad side (far side of park away from 1st Avenue South) of the park. Bring as many friends and family members as you wish. FREE. More Info: Please call theASO office, (205)251-6929 or Dan Frederick, (205)631-4680.
FOR COMEDY LOVERS
AT BIRMINGHAM IMPROV EVERY FRIDAY…
UGLY BABY LIVE, 9:30 p.m. at Birmingham Improv Theatre, 2208 7th Avenue South, 35233.
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
TODAY… COMEDIAN
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY…COMEDIAN HENRY CHO…Henry’s TV 
credits include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co-producer and co-writer of “The Henry Cho Show” on GAC. Henry’s one hour Comedy Central Special, “What’s That Clickin Noise?” is currently running and on Netflix. Henry can also be heard daily on Sirrus, XM, Blue Collar Radio and Pandora. He’s also a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry. Some of Henry’s film credits include Universal’s McHale’s Navy with Tom Arnold and David Allen Greer; Say It Isn’t So with Heather Graham and Sally Field; and Material Girls with Hilary Duff and Angelica Houston produced by Madonna. Henry was the keynote entertainer for The 59th Annual Radio & Television Correspondents’ Dinner and has worked extensively with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Reba and many others. Henry’s clean comedy is so versatile that he can headline Vegas and then tour with Michael W. Smith in the same month. Henry recently filmed the Faith-based Indy film “Saving Faith” in which he co-starred and also co-produced. The movie is in selected theatres now and Henry has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film by the International Christian Film Festival.
SUNDAY… COMEDIAN DAPHNIQUE…Multi-talented actress, writer and comedienne Daphnique Springs is a Florida native, who in a short period of time has made her mark in the Los Angeles comedy scene. Sassy, smart and sophisticated, this accomplished young woman has taken over the City of Angels with her comedic wit. With the striking looks of a leading lady, but the versatility of a character actress, Daphnique is infinitely talented and plays a wide range of intriguing characters on stage and screen. She has starred in an eclectic variety of roles on such shows as, How I Met Your Mother (CBS), Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC), and The Comedy Get Down (BET).
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 THURSDAY AND FRIDAY … COMEDIAN LANCE MONTALTO…Lance has written for Steve Harvey’s Television Show, worked with Stars such as Ray Charles, James Brown, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Willie Nelson, Billy Idol, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno, Drew Carey, Brad Garrett, George Wallace, Jeff Foxworthy, Larry The Cable Guy, and many more. As a writer, his expertise is adding Punch-Up and Continuity for Television and Hollywood Scripts, such as Dancer and The Dame (Billy Gardell’s latest movie), Freebird (Pre-Production – 2015) and Godspeed.
HOT NEW MUSIC
NEW ALBUM! NEW ALVIN! – Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter, Alvin Garrett, is celebrating the release of his latest album, “This HILL”. After several years of climbing and grinding with his breakout hit single, “By Myself,” the Grammy-Nominated songwriter, Alvin Garrett, is inviting everyone to join him on “This HILL.” Garrett’s sophomore album truly captures this Alabama boy’s old soul and takes you on a neo-vintage journey through his musical mind and life. The title song and lead-off single, “This HILL,” pays tribute to the lessons he was taught growing up, which helped shape his relentless spirit and pursuit of his goals. “Because of HOPE, I have the INSPIRATION to pursue what I LOVE at the risk of LOSS,” says Garrett. This singer-songwriter truly believes that attitude determines altitude; which he gleefully delivers with “Have A Good Time,” and the classic William DeVaughn hit, “Be Thankful For What You Got.” Alvin’s celebration of women and their unique and individual beauty is captured in the Prince-styled funk jam, “It’s You”; and he beautifully channels his inner Al Green with the gentleman-esque ballad, “What I’ll Do.” Garrett is joined by his good friend and recent Grammy-Award winner, PJ Morton, on the soul-stirring groove, “Wait.” The songs “Love Is Still The Answer” and “By Myself” prove that Garrett has no interest in escaping his Gospel roots. Get on “This HILL” with Alvin Garrett, and you’re sure to be inspired to keep climbing.
COMING SOON
JUNE 14 – JAZZNET at the Boutwell Auditorium.
JUNE 15 – JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL at the Birmingham Civil Rights District.
JUNE 15 – 19 – NATIONAL JUNETEENTH OBSERVANCE at Kelly Ingram Park.
JUNE 16 – FATHER’S DAY BLUES & BASH at the Boutwell Auditorium.
JUNE 21 – AN EVENING WITH ICONIC KENNY G with ERIC ESSIX at BJCC Concert Hall.
JUNE 22 – AFRICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
JUNE 22 – JUNETEENTH SANKOFA AFRICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION at 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue S.W.
JUNE 22 – 5TH ANNUAL ZOO, BREWS & FULL MOON BAR-B-QUE at the Birmingham Zoo.
JUNE 23 – JAZZ IN THE PARK in Bessemer.
AUGUST 18 – L’CHAIM at the Alys Stephens Center.
NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 5 – 3rd ANNUAL ALUMNI GETAWAY CRUISE.
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.
