GWEN DERU
TODAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!
**ANDII STYRON, DOMINIC DELANEY, THE KILLBILLIES, and MIDNIGHT SHEPHERDS at The Nick.
**COMPUTER CLASSES AT THE FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY every Tuesday and Thursday.
**MOVIES EVERY THURSDAY at Sidewalk Fest.
**KARAOKE, 5-9 p.m. at Courtyard Alabaster Bar and Grill.
**THIRD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**TASTEMAKER THURSDAY – Every Thursday at Blaze Ultra Lounge, 228 Roebuck Plaza Drive, 8 p.m.- 12 a.m. with DJ Ace Twon (95.7 JAMZ) in the mix hosted by Audio Life and GMC Promo.
**THIRSTY THURSDAY at Hookah 114 17th Street No.
**TEQUILA THURSDAY at the Vibe Bar & Lounge.
**THROW BACK THURSDAY at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge, 3801 Richard Arrington, Jr., Blvd.
**FILMMAKER HAPPY HOUR-Every 3rd Thursday, at Sidewalk Film Fest. Meet with other filmmakers and discuss your newest projects.
FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.
**FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with D SMOOTH at Perfect Note.
**VERA BLOOM with POSEIDON & HERLY BERLY at The Nick.
**THE LACS at Iron City.
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY at City Hall, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the short 20th Street North.
**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8-11 p.m. EVERY FIRST FRIDAY, at 7611 First Avenue North, hosted by TMBUK DA POET.
**RIPCORD, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. at 4501 Gary Avenue in Fairfield.
**QUE’S BAR & GRILL GROOVIN’ on 19th Street in Ensley.
**LIT FRIDAYS WITH RIPCORD, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. at 4501 Gary Avenue in Fairfield.
**AFRO CARIBBEAN NIGHTS (Every Friday Night) at Ash’s on 2nd, 7 p.m. until with Reggae, Afro Beats, Dancehall and Top 40 Hits.
**FIREBALL FRIDAY at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge.
**FRIDAY NIGHT RAP, Every 1st and 3rd Friday at Crescent Cultural Center, 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue, W.
SATURDAY…
**FAMILY YOGA IN THE GARDENS, 9 – 10 a.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**WINE DOWN HAPPY HOUR, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Safe room Lounge Bar.
**D SMOOTH at Perfect Note.
**DAWN OF OUROBOROS, THE GODDAMN RIGHTS, AS A NATION DIES & EMBR at The Nick.
SUNDAY…
**WORSHIP AT THE SIXTH, 9:30 a.m. at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.
**SUNDAY FUNDAY for the grown Folks Kickback at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge.
**SUNDAY/HAPPY HOUR, 2-5 p.m. at Sidewalk Film Fest.
**CITY WIDE PRAYER MEETING, Every 4th Sunday, 4 p.m. for one hour at Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College. The Lord’s Supper will be served and hosted by the Knights of Pythias & Court of Calanthe.
**VIVIAN, TREES ON THE MOON, THE SLIPPERY DISH & MEMORY CARD at The Nick.
**SOULFUL SUNDAY with SAXOPHONIST VES MARABLE at Perfect Note.
MONDAY…
**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND with Special Guest at the Nick.
TUESDAY…
**COMPUTER CLASSES AT THE FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY every Tuesday and Thursday.
**DIAPER GIVEAWAY every Tuesday, 10 a.m. at the Titusville Library.
**EVERY TUESDAY is SOUL CAFÉ Happy Hours introducing the Soul Café Happy Hour, 5:30-9:30 p.m. with Soul Goodies, Soul Spirits and Soul Music including $5 Titos and Redmont, at The Vault.
**TITO’S TUESDAY at Dirty Ash’s 8 p.m. with DAVID TALLEY IV.
**BABY FACED BUSKERS at The Nick.
**CARIBBEAN NIGHTS with Reggae, Caribbean and Island Vibes, 9 p.m. – until… with DJ Serious Mixing and hosted by KJ and MANNY at The Vault, downtown.
**EVERY TUESDAY – TRUE STORY BREWING JAZZ SESSIONS, 7- 10 p.m., 5510 Crestwood Blvd.
**TASTY TUESDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.
**SOUTHERN SOUL NIGHT WITH LJ ECHOLS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
WEDNESDAY…
**INTERFAITH NOONDAY PRAYER SERVICES every Wednesday, Noon at Linn Park in Downtown Birmingham.
**WORKOUT WEDNESDAY at Five Points West Library at 10:30 a.m. for chair yoga and other chair exercises.
**WEDNESDAYS WEEKLY JAZZ JAM, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing Company, 5510 Crestwood Blvd. Food until 9 p.m., Music until 10 p.m. and Drink until 11 p.m.
**EVERY 4th WEDNESDAY at FACE’S LOUNGE KARAOKE hosted by ARETTA, 6:30 p.m. at 7070 Aaron Aronov Dr. in Fairfield.
**FASTPLANTS & THE USETAS with DISINCENTIVE at The Nick.
**T.J. MILLER- THE GENTLE GIANT TOUR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
NEXT THURSDAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!
**MORTALUS, MECHANYZED, OVER SEASONS & MOTHER OF DEMONS at The Nick.
NEXT FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.
**FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with R&B DIVA DEIRDRE GADDIS at Perfect Note.
**SHELBY LORE with CARLOS TRULY & JACK THE ELBOW at The Nick.
IT’S 2023! NEWS TO USE…IN ALABAMA…PLUS…
NEWS TO USE…
SPOTLIGHT-
**NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE MOST LOVED WORKPLACE – SOUTHERN VETERINARY PARTNERS (SVP) in Homewood has been recognized as the U.S.’s most loved company in healthcare in NEWSWEEK’S annual Most Loved Workplace list. The list recognizes companies that have created a workplace where employees feel respected, inspired and appreciated. SVP is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment for its teammates across 400 veterinary hospitals and pet resorts. w workplace SVP is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment for its teammates across 400 veterinary hospitals and pet resorts. SVP provides integrated support, from HR, finance, and inventory management to marketing, recruiting, operations and more to their teams on the ground. By leveraging their Home Office resources, the teammates in their network are able to focus on comprehensive care and exceptional client experiences.
**GET COVID-19 TESTS FREE – The U.S. government is providing new (free) COVID-19 tests with deliveries starting October 2. FREE! Order the tests at COVIDTests.gov. Each household can order up to (4) FREE TESTS. The tests should last until the end of the year. This is an effort to prevent future shortages as the winter months come and the rise of coronavirus cases – as well as Flu and RSV- are expected. They will be effective in testing for new variants, including the BA.2.86 variant.
FOR FOOD LOVERS…
**FRIDAY – 5th ANNUAL ST. SYMEON FOOD and CULTURE FAIR, 9 a.m. at St. Symeon Orthodox Church.
**FRIDAY – FOOD + FARMERS, 7 a.m. – Noon at Pepper Place.
**FRIDAY – HARVEST FESTIVAL, 9 a.m. at Oak Mountain State Park.
**FRIDAY – ALABAMA FARMERS MARKET FALL FESTIVAL, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Finley Avenue Farmer’s Market, 344 Finley Avenue West, Birmingham.
**WE CAFÉ at URBAN MINISTRY, 1229 Cotton Avenue, SW., every Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday – Sausage, Green Beans & Potatoes and Rolls, Thursday – Chef’s Anniversary Cookout, Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Salad and Rolls, Thursday – Apprentice’s Choice and Friday – Turkey Sandwiches and Chips.
FOR MOTORSPORTS LOVERS…around the southeast…
**A LITTLE HISTORY IN THE MAKING… MICHAEL JORDAN’S (MJ’s) TIME IN ALABAMA…from the sport of baseball to motorsports. Michael Jordan’s days in baseball with the Barons was years ago in Birmingham, Alabama. He has been here for training and playing with one of the best leagues in the country, to his days with NASCAR Racer Bubba Wallace who drives for one of MJ’s cars. He has been one of America’s finest basketball players, played baseball in Birmingham, Alabama and now is the owner of a team of the best drivers in the motorsports industry. He will be coming to Alabama and racing his cars at Talladega Superspeedway more in the future. Mobile native Bubba Wallace won his first NASCAR Series race at Talladega Superspeedway a couple of years ago. We are glad to have MJ back in Alabama and racing while ‘making history in the motorsports industry.’
FOR THE YOUTH…
**CREATING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES-TO ILLUMINATE OUR WORLD, October 21, Noon – 5 p.m. at the Sherman Heights Park, The Pupil of the Eye Cultural, Learning & Visitors Center. Join for a fun filled day of creating, listening, learning & fun for all ages with music, storytelling, arts & crafts, vendors, cultural dance, games, food & fellowship. Call 205-580-5922 for more.
**TEEN SUMMIT & CHARITY BASKETBALL GAME, FREE on October 21 at 1500 Daniel Payne Drive with vendors, celebrity basketball games, live performances and more. Contact us
@celebritycharitygames.com for more.
**YWCA GIRLS MENTORING, October through April 2024 in partnership wit Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama will provide girls mentoring to equip participants with practical tools for positive personal development. Accepting young ladies in grades 8th- 12th. These in-person sessions will be held on the 2nd Saturday each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration is required. For more, 205-594-4475.
FOR MOVIE LOVERS…
At Sidewalk Cinema…
THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED HALLOWEEN SERIES through October 29 with CASPER, THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, POLTERGEIST, THE OTHERS HOUSE AKA HAUSU and SUSPIRIA. Other movies/events include: Today – STOP MAKING SENSE; Today and Sunday – TALES FROM THE HOOD; Friday – FRIDAY THE 13TH; Friday through Sunday – TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR; and also Today – Soundtrack Karaoke-Horror Edition FREE and Sunday – SOUND MECHANIC w/DIRECTO SKIZZ CYSYK IN ATTENDANCE. (For more info go to Sidewalkfest.com)
FOR MUSIC AND EVENTS’ LOVERS…
**OPERA BIRMINGHAM 2023-24 SEASON – Looking ahead, check out: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON, TOUCH, PAGLIACCI, OPERA SHOTS, and OPERA BIRMINGHAM VOCAL COMPETITION.
IN OCTOBER…
IN BIRMINGHAM…
**FRIDAY – RHYTHMS OF COLOR ART FEST AND STUDENT ART COMPETITION, 5- 9 p.m. at the Harbert Center with art by STEVE LOWERY, LONNIE HOLLEY, BODILE BALAMS, wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment by JOELLE REGAL and ROBERT HUFFMAN.
**SATURDAY – THE BLACK VIOLIN EXPERIENCE at the Lyric Fine Arts Theatre.
AT ALYS STEPHENS CENTER, JEMISON CONCERT HALL…
**SUNDAY -ERIC BENET, 6 p.m., R & B.
**OCTOBER 29 – TRUMBONE SHORTY, 6 p.m.
AROUND THE SOUTHEAST…
**BORN IN THE USA – Local businesswoman Valerie L. Jones has gone all out to assist veterans (and others) with her LEGACY GROUP 2000 organization. BORN IN THE USA is an event that recognizes and honors 100 veterans. It is, also, a fundraiser for your favorite grassroots nonprofit/group. The goal is to raise monies through ticket sales, sponsorships and ads from your organizations efforts to help undergird annual community events. There will be vendor tables and onsite donations going directly to the organization. Look for them in your city soon. For more information, contact: llegacygroup2000@aol.com.
IN NASHVILLE…
**EXPERIENCE AFRICA, October 15-21 in Nashville. This event series historic match-up is celebrating GHANA VS USA Soccer. The Ghana BLACK STARS play at the Geodis Park.
IN NOVEMBER…
**6th ANNUAL MAGIC CITY MAC + CHEESE FESTIVAL, 1 p.m. at Back Forty Beer Company.
**NOVEMBER 4-5 – 2023 MT. LAUREL FALL FESTIVAL.
**NOVEMBER 12 – A GOSPEL SYMPHONY CELEBRATION – GOSPEL LEGEND DONALD LAWRENCE is performing at the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center on November 12 at 7 p.m. Other special guests preforming are VOX FORTURA, the ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and CONDUCTOR DR. HENRY PANION, III with MILES COLLEGE CHOIR and UAB GOSPEL CHOIR. There will be a Live Recording for PBS National Broadcast.
FOR LOVERS OF OUTDOORS…IN ALABAMA…
**TODAY WEEKDAY HIKE, Meet 9:45 a.m. Southeastern Outings Leisurely Weekday Hike at Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL 35242. Enjoy an easy three-mile hike on trails in North Shelby County just off Valleydale Road. Veterans Park is an 82-acre park with numerous walking trails, a four-acre lake and a one-acre pond. The hike is about three miles. The walking pace for this hike will be moderately easy with views, trees, bird songs, the trail and woods around us. Bring water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Dress for the weather. Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Veterans Park parking lot right beside the building with restrooms in it at the park. Depart from there at 10 a.m. Optional lunch at Metro Diner Restaurant in Inverness. Admission to Park: Free. Information and hike leader: Randall Adkins, 205/317-6969 cell.
FOR COMMUNITY LOVERS…
**COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP & CAREER EXPO, November 2nd (Boutwell Aud., Birmingham) and November 3rd (Embassy Suites, Montgomery), 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be 60 plus colleges and universities, college admission and scholarships on the spot, waiving of college application fees, free admission, learn of short certificate programs in trades, funding for education information available. Students: (Bring 5 Copies of each) your official transcripts, ACT Scores, recommendation letters, and resumes. For more www.horusscholars.org/register-here/student-registration/
FOR ART LOVERS…
AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART…
**NAPPY ROOTS: A TRANSATLANTIC STORY OF HAIR, STRUGGLE, AND LIBERATION through December 30, 2023.
AT BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE…
**MEN OF CHANGE EXHIBIT: POWER, TRIUMPH, TRUTH through December 2, at the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum. The exhibition from the Smithsonian presents the narrative of a nation through the profiles of significant African- American men who are icons in the country’s historical and cultural landscape.
HAPPENINGS AT SIXTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
…SEE YOU AT THE SIXTH …EVERY SUNDAY!
**EVERY MONDAY MORNING MEDITATION WITH PASTOR CANTELOW, 7:15 a.m. Contact the church at (205) 321-1136 or (205) 321-1137.
**CHILDREN’S CHURCH & COLLISION CHURCH, each First Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for K-5th (Children’s Church), 6-12th (Collision).
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time. People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send events, your things of interest and more to my emails: gwenderu@yahoo.com and thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com.
