GWEN DERU
(Look for the BIRMINGHAM TIMES ‘MAGIC CITY CLASSIC SPECIAL’ edition with all of the ‘things to do’!!! See You!)
TODAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!
**KIKSTART at WaterMark in Bessemer with Free Food Boxes, 9 a.m.
**ELI LEV 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.
**EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT KARAOKE, 6:30 at Ruth’s Place hosted by LADY WOO and with DJ SHAY.
FRIDAY…
**AWAKEN – LIFTING VOICES-CHANGING HISTORY – A TRIBUTE TO THE CARLTON REESE MEMORIAL UNITY CHOIR, 9:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
**RICKEY SMILEY MORNING SHOW – SALUTE TO THE MAGIC CITY CLASSIC, 9:30 a.m. at the StarDome Comedy.
**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.
**CLASSIC WEEKEND JAZZ WITH SAXOPHONIST MARCUS ANDERSON at Perfect Note.
**NIGHTMARE ON 22ND STREET – Industrial Goth Dance Party at Iron City.
**LAUREN CALVE & CAT RIDGEWAY at The Nick
**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.
**FISH FRY AFTER DARK FRIDAY, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Lil Mama’s with music, spades dominoes and more. BYOB.
SATURDAY…
**MAGIC CITY CLASSIC PARADE, downtown, 8 – 11 a.m.
**FAMILY YOGA IN THE GARDENS, 9 – 10 a.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**MAGIC CITY CLASIC GAME, 2:30 p.m. at Legion Field.
**WINE DOWN HAPPY HOUR, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Safe room Lounge
**CLASSIC WEEKEEND WITH R&B SINGER JAC ROSS at Perfect Note.
**KIRKOS with JOMBI & JACK THE ELBOW 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.
**CHEYLOE AND KYLE SUNDAY at The Nick.
**SUNDAY FUNDAY with TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH, Every 4th Sunday at The Nick.
**SOULFUL SUNDAY WITH DEDEE FRAZIER at Perfect Note.
MONDAY…
**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at the Nick.
TUESDAY…
**KIKSTART at Water Mark in Bessemer, 9 a.m. with Free Food Boxes…until all gone.
**COMPUTER CLASSES AT THE FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY every Tuesday and Thursday.
**DIAPER GIVEAWAY every Tuesday, 10 a.m. at the Titusville Library.
**TERRIFIC TUESDAY – EVERY TUESDAY, 5-10 p.m. at Lil Mama’s Meeting and Event Place featuring BIG DADDY’S Taco Bowls, nachos and ultimate fries with a side of Adult Game Night including music cards, dominoes, chess, tabletop football, UNO and more.
**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.
**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.
**MICHELLE MALONE AND CANYONLAND! HALLOWEEN! at The Nick.
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.
**GYASI at The Nick.
NEXT THURSDAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!
**FAMILY BUSINEESS COMEDY TOUR with NAVY GREENE, CLAYTON ENGLISH and MONEYBAG MAFIA, 7 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SCATTERED HAMLET, SKYWAY 61 & BOLEE III at The Nick.
NEXT FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.
**FRIDAY NIGTH LIVE WITH SAXOPHONIST DALENMINNIFIELD at Perfect Note.
**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.
IT’S 2023! NEWS TO USE…IN ALABAMA…PLUS…
NEWS TO USE…
GWEN’S SPOTLIGHT –
**A-LIST NETWORK, LLC-AN ORGANIZATION DOING THINGS – A-List Networking, LLC is a networking group of ladies that host events and support organizations that include children, health issues, organizations of all kinds, scholarships for students, businesses of all kinds and you can just name it. They host sold-out events throughout the year with celebrities coming from miles away to attend and support their various efforts. The ladies of A-List NETWORKING, LLC are: Aleta Wyatt, Gabriel Henderson, Alichia Webster and Synetta Smith. The A-List Network, LLC presented a SIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS for their FIRST ANNUAL MAGIC CITY CLASSIC SIP AND SHOP at Saks Fifth Avenue. You could shop your favorite brands while sipping on champagne, cocktails with light appetizers, a cigar bar, Live DJ, swag bags and so much more. Designer vendors were brought in exclusively for this event. This was an evening of high fashion, music, cocktails, and networking while supporting scholarships for deserving HBCU college students. Look for an A-List Network event throughout the year and make sure that you attend.
MORE… IN OCTOBER…for you…
**FRIDAY – GAZZA – 2020 ARTIST OF THE DECADE IN BIRMINGHAM – ASFA FALL ENSEMBLE CONCERT featuring ASFA Music Department with NAMIBIA’s 2020 Artist of the Decade KWAITO’s LEGEND, GAZZA, 7 p.m. at DJD Theater in the Alabama School of Fine Arts!
**FRIDAY – MAGIC CITY CLASSIC SOUTHERN SOUL BLUES SHOW, 7 p.m. at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge, 3801 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. with BRUTHA, BIG MONEY and CADILLAC MAN.
**SATURDAY – MAGIC CITY CLASSIC GAME at Legion Field.
FOR LOVERS OF OUTDOORS…IN ALABAMA…
**SATURDAY DAYHIKE, Meet 8:45 a.m.with Southeastern Outings Dayhike at Chief Ladiga Trail, Piedmont, Alabama – DETAILS: Join friendly folks on an easy 3.5-mile dayhike and picnic on the Chief Ladiga Trail east of Piedmont, Alabama. Walk on Alabama’s first extended rails-to-trails conversion route on an old railroad right of way. This smooth trail is wide and level with no hills on the most scenic section of the trail through mostly wooded terrain. No motorized vehicles are allowed on your trail! Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 8 and up, able to walk seven miles without complaining, are welcome on this walk. Bring a picnic lunch and drink. You can see Dugger Mountain, one of the newest national wilderness areas in Alabama. Optional restaurant dinner after the hike. Wash up and change clothes in the Eubanks Welcome Center restrooms after the hike. Bring your soap, towel, and change of clothes with you. Meet 8:45 a.m. at the Applebee’s Restaurant in Trussville. Depart at 9 a.m. or meet 10:20 a.m. at the Eubanks Welcome Center on the Chief Ladiga Trail in Piedmont. Trip Leader and Info:Sean Boogaard, 256/365-6321.
**SATURDAY BICYCLE RIDE, Meet 8:45 a.m. with Southeastern Outings 10.6-Mile Bicycle Ride at Chief Ladiga Trail, Piedmont, Alabama. Ride on Alabama’s first extended rails-to-trails conversion route on an old railroad right of way. There are no hills on this trail. The trail is suitable for road bikes plus mountain, hybrid and urban bicycles. Ride through towns, fields and picturesque woodlands. Bicycle helmets are required and must be worn. Bring a picnic lunch and drink.There will be stops to enjoy the scenery and views from the four bridges over the creeks. There is an optional restaurant dinner after the bicycle ride. You can wash up and change clothes in the Eubanks Welcome Center restrooms. Bring your soap, towel and change of clothes with you. Meet 8:45 a.m. at the Applebee’s Restaurant in Trussville. Depart at 9 a.m. or meet 10:20 a.m. at the Eubanks Welcome Center on the Chief Ladiga Trail in Piedmont. Reservations Required: If you want to come on this bicycle ride, make a reservation with Dan Frederick, email southeasternoutings@gmail.com or phone 205-631-4680. Information and Ride Leader: Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680, email southeasternoutings@gmail.com.
FOR COMMUNITY LOVERS…
**KIKSTART, INC. – KikStart, Inc. had a Grand Opening recently. KikStart is a community store and Food Bank in the Water Mark Outlet in Bessemer that is supporting the people with food and give-a-ways every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 a.m. You can, also, get brand items at up to 70 percent off. They have meats for grilling, coolers, and lawn chairs. There are free pastries, and free bread every day. There are meat boxes for $10 and so much more! This is a company that supports people and what is going on in the community. KIKSTART helps those that are in need. It sells at a discount to so many others. There are $1 tables on $1 DOLLAR TUESDAY DAY. On Thursday there are $2 Tables, kids toys and more. Check them out at Water Mark Outlet at 4500 Katies Way, Suite 110, Bessemer, AL 35022. If going to the Classic and need chairs or coolers or anything to have for use at a tailgate, then KikStart is where you need to go for things 70 percent off what other stores charge.
**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.
**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 morewww.horusscholars.org/register-here/student-registration/.
**COMMUNITY GRIEF SUPPORT – HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS community education program workshops are scheduled November 5, 9-11:30 a.m. at Southminister Presbyterian Church, November 5, 9-11:30 a.m. Virtual Online Workshop and November 12, 9-11:30 a.m. at Guiding Light Church. If you are facing your first holiday season as a loss survivor and having to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, anger and sadness, then this is for you. Register for these FREE, helpful and encouraging community education programs at: www.communitygriefsupport,org/programs/hope-for-the-holidays, call 205-870-8667 or email: ssweatt@communitygriefsupport.org.
FOR MOVIE LOVERS…
**AT SIDEWALK FILM FEST…THURSDAY through Sunday – KILLERS OF THE FLOWERMOON, and TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR; Friday through Sunday – THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED: SUSPIRIA; Saturday – 2nd ANNUAL FILM + MEDIA COLLEGE FAIR; Sunday – VHS Time Machine.
FOR FOOD LOVERS…
**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 OUR YOUTH…
**YWCA GIRLS MENTORING, October through April 2024 in partnership with 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.
AROUND THE SOUTHEAST…
IN NOVEMBER…
**6th ANNUAL MAGIC CITY MAC + CHEESE FESTIVAL, 1 p.m. at Back Forty Beer Company.
**NOVEMBER 3-4 – The FOO FOO FESTIVAL -GREAT GULF COAST ARTS FESTIVAL, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Seville Square with a Children’s Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
**NOVEMBER 4 – AVONDALE TRUNK OR TREAT, 2 p.m. at the Avondale Gallery & Loft, 4322 3rd Avenue South with treats, games, food and give-a-ways.
**NOVEMBER 4-5 – 2023 MT. LAUREL FALL FESTIVAL.
**NOVEMBER 5 – A FALL CONCERT by THE CHOIRS OF MILES COLLEGE, 6 p.m. at Brown Hall. The choirs are headed to Carnegie Hall April 2024.
**NOVEMBER 11 – OPERA BIRMINGHAM is hosting SONIC SPIRITS: A Night of Music Revelry with Opera Birmingham, 6- 9 p.m. at Dread River Distillery on 7th Avenue South. There will be two Opera Shots-style musical sets with some of Birmingham’s favorite singers; SOUNDS OF THE SEASON “Decorate the Tree” Station including Fill Opera Birmingham’s Stocking and Song Bazaar, Song Choice Voting Booth: Help pick the final song to close out the evening: Mini-Mixology: Learn how to make the night’s signature cocktail, the Pagliacci Passion and take a recipe card; Chances to win exciting experiences and sought after items, and Fill your passport book full of all the exciting activities. There will be an Italian buffet with delectable desserts. Call 205-322-6737 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you!
**NOVEMBER 11 – VETERANS DAY 5K, 8 a.m. at UAB Mini Park, benefitting UAB Veteran Services Relief Fund.
**NOVEMBER 12 – A GOSPEL SYMPHONY CELEBRATION – GOSPEL LEGEND DONALD LAWRENCE is performing at the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Other special guests performing 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 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.
FOR BOOK LOVERS…
**BOOK RELEASE PARTY – BOOK: MAGIC CITY – HOW THE BIRMINGHAM JAZZ TRADITION SHAPED THE SOUND OF AMERICA by AUTHOR: BURGIN MATHEWS, December 2 at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame with live music by some of Birmingham’s finest …and more.
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.
