HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL FATHERS!!!!
TODAY
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.
SAXOPHONIST JOSE CARR at Tutwiler Bar and Grill.
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
JAZZNET at the Boutwell Auditorium.
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.
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
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).
JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL at the Birmingham Civil Rights District.
NATIONAL JUNETEENTH OBSERVANCE at Kelly Ingram Park through Wednesday.
RUMBA LATINA BIRMINGHAM LATIN NIGHT at Saturn.
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.
CORAL, SHAHEED AND DJ SUPREME, BRIANA MARELA and BLACK PLASTIQUE 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 Kountry Wayne at the StarDome Comedy Club.
RUMBA LATINA BIRMINGHAM: LATIN NIGHT at Saturn.
TRUMPETER CINDY BRADLEY at Perfect Note.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
SUNDAY
FATHER’S DAY BLUES & BASH at the Boutwell Auditorium.
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
FATHER’S DAY BUFFET with GOOD FELLAS at Perfect Note.
ALEX DI LEO and CODY LOVAAS at the Nick Rocks.
BIRMINGHAM’S COMEDIAN SIR WALT at the StarDome Comedy Club.
THE ROCK AND ROLL PLAYHOUSE: THE MUSIC OF GRATEFUL DEAD FOR KIDS 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.
PRIMITIVE MAN, BIG BRAVE with HEXXUS at the Nick Rocks.
COMEDIAN GERALD KELLY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
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.
BONNIE MONTGOMERY, SUMMER DEAN and WILL STEWART at The Nick Rocks.
THE BIRMINGHAM MOTH STORYSLAM at Saturn.
COMEDIAN GERALD KELLY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
CITIZENS COPE at Iron City.
NEXT THURSDAY
Showtime Apollo Winner TL DAVIS JR AND THE HEADLINERS at Perfect Note.
SPENCER THOMAS, KYLE KIMBRELL (solo) and JOHN THURSDAY at The Nick.
COMEDIAN GERALD KELLY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
NEXT FRIDAY
JAZZ FLUTIST KIM SCOTT CD RELEASE at Perfect Note.
THE MONOLITHIC, HAPPY LEMMY and SISTER SNIFFLE at The Nick Rocks.
COMEDIAN BRAD WILLIAMS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
LOS COAST and VENTURE BOI at Saturn.
JO DEE MESSINA at Iron City.
FOR GOLF LOVERS
TODAY…RESPECT GOLF TOURNAMENT, 8 a.m. at Highland Golf Course.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS, SPOKEN WORD AND DANCE
AZZNET is Friday, 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.
PEARL LOUNGE, 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.
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 YOUTH
FREE 8TH ANNUAL NICK BELL FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL & CHEER CAMP FEATURING TEEN DRAMATIC PRODUCTION OF CHOICES – The Nick Bell Mentoring Memorial Foundation (NBMMF) will sponsor its free annual football, basketball and cheer camp for children ages 5-18 on Saturday, June 22, at Bessemer City High School. The camp offers youth an opportunity to train with professionals in their respective fields while receiving invaluable mentorship that focuses on character development. The Nick Bell Camp will also feature a performance of the original stage production entitled CHOICES… from the Center Point High School (CPHS) Theatre Arts Department. Written and directed by CPHS Theatre Arts Director, LaShanna Tripp, the play premiered in May 2018 in response to the school shootings at Stoneman-Douglas and Huffman High Schools. The production aims to engage the community to reflect on its stance in seeing, and addressing, the needs of its children. The Nick Bell Camp will take place on Saturday, June 22 at Bessemer City High School, 4950 Premiere Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35020. For more information, or to register for the camp, visit www.nickbellfoundation.org.
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.
1918 CATERING OPENS FOR LUNCH – The 1918 Catering has now opened for lunch in Homewood at 197 Vulcan Road, Birmingham, 35209. 1918 Catering will host their ANNUAL BBQ AND VIEW on the Fourth of July with live music, games and kids’ activities and a great view of Thunder on the Mountain. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. For more, call (205) 518-5711.
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, 4 p.m., 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 Juneteenth Sankofa African Cultural Festival. For more, contact (205) 862-4059.
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: Friday, 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 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. Visit bbgardens.org/summercamps or call 205.414.3950 for more information and to register.
**SATURDAY DAY TRIP … Meet 9:45 a.m. – Southeastern Outings Kayak and Canoe Trip, Locust Fork River – DETAILS: A fun 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 lots of wildflowers and investigate islands and beaches. Novice canoeists are welcome, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their canoe. Note that for this trip you may rent one person sit-upon plastic kayaks and paddles for $30 each at the put-in from River Beach Outfitters. Rental fees include shuttle service. Also the outfitter will charge a $15 fee for all private boats -canoes or kayaks- used on this outing. Meet 9:45 a.m. at the Cleveland Chevron Service Station. Depart at 10 a.m. Reservations Required and if you need more info: You are required to contact Dan Frederick by email seoutings@bellsouth.net or call (205) 631-4680 if you plan to come on this kayak and canoe trip. Please advise your name, telephone number, skill level, whether you are bringing a canoe or kayak and whether you need a paddling partner.
FOR CULTURAL LOVERS
Spiritual pilgrimages take place annually in Nigeria to educate the community through a
wide range of lecture topics relevant to cultural upliftment, advancement and progressive awareness with diverse and dynamic speakers who are experts in their areas of focus. The Ifa Yoruba Ancestor-Orisa Pilgrimage in Birmingham encourages one to educate, celebrate, honor, meditate and elevate towards continuing to give LIFE to our Ancestors by improving ourselves collectively for our shared past, present and future. The event is FREE and open to the public.
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 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.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY…COMEDIAN KOUNTRY WAYNE…Early on King Kountry Wayne had visions of being a huge success in the music industry. Following that dream he placed his life savings behind a music venture. However, that did not yield him the success he had hoped for. During a time of soul searching he realized he was blessed with the gift to make people laugh and it blossomed from there. You have probably heard the stories of “starting from the bottom – now we here” before, but Wayne’s story is a little different! Yes, there have been a few mistakes along the way, yet those same mistakes that could have defeated him have instead created a man who is resilient and even more focused on making sure the people he is graced enough to impact find laughter through the pain.SUNDAY… COMEDIAN SIR WALT…Birmingham’s Funniest Comedian is coming to his hometown stage. You’ve seen Sir Walt tear up the stage on BET’s Comic View, Starz’s
First Amendment and P Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy as well as clubs and colleges all over the Southeast. His high energy style and dynamic stage presence keeps audience cheering night after night. He is one of the StarDome’s Favorites, so make your plans today.
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…COMEDIAN GERALD KELLY…Gerald Kelly was born in the Bronx, New York; the eldest of four and raised by a single mom. As a youngster, his point of view about life made him a class favorite. Gerald would often captivate the students and teachers by telling stories, spontaneously poking fun at anyone who dared to challenge his comic ability. He even impersonated teachers’ voices on the P.A. “This is a fire drill!!” All hell would break loose and he’d disappear into the school crowd without getting caught. Actually, he would be the first to stand near his teacher outside the school, “Are they going to send us home? Are we going to be safe?” One of his teachers looked down at him one day and said, “Young man, you should be a comedian.”
NEXT FRIDAY … COMEDIAN BRAD WILLIAMS…Brad Williams has become one of the funniest, most in-demand comedians working today. A California native, Brad started doing stand-up at age 19 and has been touring ever since. He has appeared on numerous TV shows including Legit, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground, Sam and Cat, Live at Gotham, the Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mind Of Mencia, and Pitboss. His one hour comedy special “Fun Size” was the highest rated comedy special on Showtime in the year 2015. A year later, he followed it up with a 2nd special called “Daddy Issues,” its airing prompted the New York Times to write “no one is doing it more hilariously than Brad Williams.”
BLACK MUSIC MONTH – 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 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.
JULY 6 – 70’S THROWBACK DANCE PARTY at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
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.
