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People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu

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Clutch Band

TODAY

YELLOWJACKETS at the Alys Stephens Center.

LIVE BAND KARAOKE JAM SESSIONS, 7 – 11 p.m. at the Perfect Note.

OLIVIA’S HAPPY HOUR, every Thursday at Olivia’s Bar and Lounge with $.50 wings and drink specials, 4 p.m. For more call (205) 326-2881.

JOSÉ CARR WITH JAZZ ON FIRST, 7-10 p.m. at Jazzy’s on First Avenue North.

LIVE AT STEEL, 8 p.m. with SHARRON performing and DJ DUBB in the Mix at Steel on First at 23rd Street, downtown Birmingham. Get your live music and dance on every Thursday night.

COMEDIAN COWBOY BILL MARTIN at the StarDome, 7 p.m.

ALEX PRESTON, ROOSTER and THE COME ON, 9 p.m. at The Nick.

 

FRIDAY

DJ CED AT THE TIDE AND TIGER on Graymont Avenue.

FRIDAY UNWIND, every Friday, 7 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.

COMEDIAN COWBOY BILL MARTIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.

FANCY FRIDAYS, 5 p.m. featuring JILLIAN GRAY with YARBROUGH & COMPANY every Friday at Legends on 18th Street North, Downtown. Birmingham. This is an After Work Experience hosted by Keely and Tiger and catered by Chef Jones. Call (205) 212-4406 for more.

PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.

KOFFIN KATS, GINO FANELLI, SKEPTIC? and THE INDECIDED, 9 p.m. at the Nick.

CLUTCH BAND, 8 – 11 p.m., at the Perfect Note.

 

SATURDAY

JAZZ GUITARIST CASHMERE WILLIAMS, at 8 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.

UNCF MAYOR’S MASKED BALL, 7 p.m. at the Sheraton.

Ryon Schultz
Ryon Schultz

SAXOPHONIST RYON SCHULTZ, 8 p.m. at the Perfect Note.

RAILROAD PARK is where the fun is Saturday.

DJ CED AT THE TIDE AND TIGER on Graymont.

SOULFUL SATURDAY at Steel 1st and 23rd Club.

FUTURE PRIMITIVES, NOWHERE SQUARES and UNDERLAND EXPRESS, p.m. at The Nick.

COMEDIAN COWBOY BILL MARTIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.

SATURDAY NIGHT GET DOWN at Saturn.

 

SUNDAY

JUSTIN ROBERTS & THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS at the Alys Stephens Center.

THE LAWSUITS and BURLEY STARNS, 9 p.m. at The Nick.

COMEDIAN COWBOY BILL MARTIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.

 

MONDAY

BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND, 9 p.m. at The Nick.

CARD PLAYERS SPOT at the TIDE AND TIGER, 6 – 12 p.m.

 

TUESDAY

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.

OLIVIA’S HAPPY HOUR, 4 p.m., every Tuesday, at Olivia’s Bar and Lounge with $.50 wings and drink specials. For more call (205) 326-2881.

COMEDIAN THE TENNESSEE TRAMP, 7:30 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.

PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.

JOSÉ CARR at the Boss Lounge, 8:30 – 11 p.m.

CASEY GOLDEN and BATTITO TRIO at The Nick.

THE GROWLERS: CITY CLUB SPRING TOURS 2017 at Saturn.

 

WEDNESDAY

WINE AND JAZZ at the Perfect Note.

DREW WILLIAMS, STEVEN MANN and TAYLOR JOINER, 9 p.m. at the Nick

COMEDIAN THE TENNESSEE TRAMP, 7:30 p.m. at the StarDome Comedy Club.

OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Oak Hill Bar & Grill.

 

NEXT THURSDAY

BOUDAIN, AWESOME BASTARD, and the DAZE at The Nick.

 

NEXT FRIDAY

VALERIA JUNE: THE ORDER OF TIME TOUR, 8 p.m. at Saturn.

 

FOR MUSIC LOVERS AND SPOKEN WORD

YELLOWJACKETS at the Alys Stephens Center, today. Throughout their storied 35-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 23 albums, received 17 Grammy nominations – won two – performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success. The Yellowjackets’ newest album, Coherence, was released in April 2016.

BO BERRY QUARTET, 7 p.m. to midnight every Friday at Jazzi’s on 3rd.

Clutch Band
Clutch Band

CLUTCH BAND, 8-11 p.m., Friday, at the Perfect Note.

SAXOPHONIST RYON SCHULTZ, 8 p.m. at the Perfect Note, Saturday.

JAZZ JAM SESSIONS, every Fourth Sunday, 6 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (Carver Theatre), except for Christmas.

SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC NIGHT, every Third Sunday, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.

STUDENT JAZZ BAND FESTIVAL, April 20-22 at the Jazz Hall of Fame, Carver Theatre. New Student Roll Call for 2017 Saturday Jazz classes for new students coming soon.

UNCF MAYOR’S MASKED BALL – The 2017 UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball will be held February 25, at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. This annual event, hosted by Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. will focus on providing scholarship funds for area students and operating support to UNCF-member institutions. UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax will deliver remarks. Jasmine Sanders, co-host of “The D.L. Hughley Show,” will serve as emcee at the event that will feature elegant dining, testimonials by scholarship recipients and entertainment provided by the electrifying S.O.S. Band. This year’s honorees include 2016 UNCF Birmingham Co-chairs, Drs. Robert and Jarralynne Agee, Dr. Peter Millet, former president of Stillman College, and long-term UNCF partner, American Cast Iron Pipe Company. Al Denson, Birmingham-area UNCF campaign chair and president & CEO of Birmingham Airport Authority, serves as honorary chair and Brian Bucher, PNC Financial Services regional president of Alabama serves as corporate chair for this event. For more, call (205) 322-8623.

RADIO HEROES – The PILLARS QUARTET and the Jefferson County Sound will perform at the Carver Theatre, March 9, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. FREE. This production of the Birmingham Black Radio Museum and Four Octave Productions in partnership with Urban Impact, Inc. will include contributions of radio announcer and activist Paul “Tall Paul” White.

 

FOR THE COMMUNITY

AMERICAN RAMALLAH CLUB – The American Ramallah Club of Birmingham will host the annual American Federation of Ramallah Palestine Mid-Year meeting on February 24-25. The Ramallah Club of Birmingham is one of many Ramallah clubs throughout the United States. The two day gathering will be filled with social activities as well as Federation business meetings. For further information visit AFRP.Org and www.RamallahClubBirmingham.com.

 

FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS…

SATURDAY, 10 a.m. – Southeastern Outings River Ramble – Barton’s Beach and Perry Lakes Park near Marion in Perry County, Alabama – DETAILS: Barton’s Beach is the area in an extensive sand and gravel beach on the Lower Cahaba River in Perry County near Marion, Alabama. The river floodplain broadens and creates areas of bottomland hardwood forests, oxbow lakes and extensive sand and gravel bars there. The Perry Lakes Park and Wildlife Sanctuary contains about 600 acres available to the public for outdoor recreation, education, scientific research, and other activities. Interpretive nature trails (fire lanes and primitive paths) make walking through the woods fairly easy and fun. Several trees in the park have been designated as Alabama State Champion Trees.

The park lakes support a large heron rookery along with an abundance of songbirds. A 100-foot tall canopy birding tower allows for an exciting view of the forest and oxbow swamps. Hikes at Barton’s Beach and Perry Lakes Park are easy since the terrain is level and the walks are all on trails. The two properties adjoin each other so we can walk readily back and forth between them. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and older welcome. The very special, optional dinner will begin at 5 p.m. It will be the Low Country Boil supper, an annual event in Marion that is perfect following our day of hiking. The dinner will be held at the historic Marion Female Seminary Building in Marion. The function will be very informal. The menu is boiled shrimp (which you peel & eat), potatoes, corn, slaw, bread, and your choice of a multitude of homemade desserts. Music will be provided at the dinner. Please plan to come! Price for the meal is $15 flat charge (no tax or tip) to benefit the Perry County Historical and Preservation Society. For more information concerning the dinner, please call Kay Beckett, president of the historical society, at (334) 683-8250 or (334) 292-0319. Depart 10 a.m. from McDonald’s Galleria. For more information: Dan Frederick, (205) 631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net.

 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

AT THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is hosting several events during the month of February….

FEBRUARY: BLACK HISTORY MONTH – Theme: Crisis in Black Education

TODAY, 6 p.m. – Annual Black History Month Art Contest Winners. Sponsored by McDonalds, 95.7 JAMZ and BCRI.

Community Meeting Room.

One of the art pieces from the BCRI Annual Black History Month Art Contest.
One of the art pieces from the BCRI Annual Black History Month Art Contest.

MARCH: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

March 17: 6 p.m.

Women’s History Month Program.” The Women Gather,” BCRI’s annual program that features and honors women via dance, spoken word, poetry and music. Community Meeting Room.

March 24: 6 p.m.

“Still Standing” – a discussion with singer and performer Melba Moore about her one-woman show, “STILL STANDING: The Melba Moore Story.” Community Meeting Room.

 

AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

BIRMINGHAM AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY – The Birmingham Public Library is hosting the Birmingham African American Genealogy Group’s remaining 2017. Here is the class schedule. The group meets monthly on Sundays, 3-5 p.m. at the Central Library.

MARCH 12 – Essentials of Genealogy, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

APRIL 9 – Alabama’s Bi-centennial Celebration and BAAGG’s 20th Year Anniversary in 2019

MAY 21 – Introduction to Case Studies 1 & 2, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

JUNE 11 – Virtual trip to Alabama Department of Archives and History, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

JULY 9 – Youth in Genealogy, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

AUGUST 13 – Introduction to Railroad Retirement Records, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

SEPTEMBER 10 – BAAGG visit to LDS Center in Vestavia Hills at the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church

OCTOBER 8 – Convict Leasing and Parke Papers, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

NOVEMBER 12 – Introduction to the digital library and digital scanning services at Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department, 3-5:30 p.m. at the Central Library

DECEMBER 10 – BAAGG Holiday Social and Awards (time and place to be determined)

ADULT LINE DANCE CLASSES – Free Adult Line Dance classes twice weekly during February at the Powderly Branch Library, 3301 Jefferson Avenue SW, at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of February. Enjoy the exercise and movements while learning the latest line dances.

  • Adult Line Dance Class, TODAY, 12 p.m.
  • Adult Line Dance Class Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, 12 p.m.

MONEY MATTERS – The workshops will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Linn-Henley Research Library’s Regional Library Computer Center on the 4th Floor, 2100 Park Place. The workshop series, called Money Matters, is held the first Wednesday of each month. 3/1/2017 – Your Credit Report, 4/5/2017 – Saving Through Tax Refunds and 5/3/2017 – Five Keys to Investing Success. For additional information, call 205-226-3691.

FOR HELPING YOUTH

CURSIVE WRITING – PENMANSHIP CLASSES – Cursive writing, penmanship classes for students is available at Powderly Branch Library. Tutors are now available at the Powderly Branch Library to assist students in the City of Birmingham in learning basic cursive writing and penmanship. The After School Writing Lab called “Assistance with Cursive Writing and Basic Penmanship” is taught by tutors from Birmingham’s Social Security Administration. The class focuses on teaching second- through fifth-grade students in the Birmingham City School System cursive writing and basic penmanship. The class schedule, at Powderly Library, for February is as follows: Learn Cursive Writing and General Penmanship, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m.

 

AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

THE LIBRARY AT THE GARDENS present LINDA CHAFIN on TODAY.

INTRODUCTIONS TO THE STUDY OF NATIVE PLANTS on February 25

ART GALLERY, open all month long.

 

FOR BASEBALL LOVERS AND SINGERS

BARONS HOST NATIONAL ANTHEM AUDITIONS – The Birmingham Barons, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, will be hosting National Anthem tryouts at Regions Field Wednesday, March 1st, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Performers are asked to enter through the executive entrance on 1st Ave. South. All interested performers are invited to give their best anthem rendition for the opportunity to sing prior to a Barons home game this season. The opportunity is at no cost, but candidates will need to fill out a registration form before auditioning. Please do not call or email the front office to set up an audition time. Candidates will have the opportunity to perform on a first-come, first-serve basis with registration being capped at 100 participants. Performers should arrive no later than 6:45 p.m. Limited spots remain available for the 2017 season. If selected, National Anthem singers will receive two complimentary box seats to their selected game.

 

FOR THE COMMUNITY LOVERS

FREE TAX PREPARATION – SAVEFIRST – The nonprofit’s SaveFirst initiative has started the efforts to provide free income tax preparation services to working families making up to $53,000/year with kids in the home or $20,000/year without kids in the home. Interested individuals should call 1-888-99-TAX-AL for a free appointment. The tax preparation service is aimed at assisting families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is the federal government’s largest and most successful antipoverty program for low-income, working families. Impact Alabama’s annual free tax preparation services for working families will be available at five locations in the Birmingham area – Bessemer, Roebuck,Smithfield, West End, and Woodlawn.

TAX SITE INFORMATION:

BIRMINGHAM – SMITHFIELD LOCATION

Birmingham Public Libraries, Smithfield Branch #1 – 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204

BIRMINGHAM – WEST END LOCATION

Birmingham Public Libraries, West End Branch 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211

BIRMINGHAM – WOODLAWN LOCATION

Birmingham Public Libraries, Woodlawn Branch 5709 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212

BIRMINGHAM – ROEBUCK LOCATION

Springville Road Library 1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215

BESSEMER LOCATION

Bessemer Public Library 400 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020.

FOR BUSINESS LOVERS

BIZWOMEN MENTORING MONDAY – Meet your mentor, April 3, at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa.

 

FOR ART LOVERS

FREEDOM? – An exhibition FREEDOM?, is at the University of Alabama in the Paul Jones Gallery, through April

28.

SLOSS FURNACES: THEN AND NOW – Lawson State College is presenting an exhibition entitled SLOSS FURNACES: THEN AND NOW by Adjunct History Instructor Gregory Wilson. This exhibition is covering the history of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark and the rise of the Birmingham Industrial District. The exhibition is weekdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. until February 28, at the ACATT Building, (Birmingham Campus). For more information, email: gwilson@lawsonstate.edu.

 

AT THE STARDOME

THIS WEEKEND: COMEDIAN COWBOY BILL MARTIN…Fresh off his CMT Comedy Special “Let the Laughter Roll” Cowboy Bill Martin is one of the most talented performers seen on stage today. The Texas native, who has toured with some of the biggest names in country music including George Jones, George Strait, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts and has headlined clubs and theaters across the U.S. and Canada, delivers an electrifying performance which uniquely combines real stories of do-it-yourself mishaps, plus hilarious stories of love, life and hope.

THE TENNESSEE TRAMP: audiences consist of folks 18 to 80 as her subject matter encompasses all ages, genders, and ethnic groups. She has an endearing stage presence that makes her audiences think of her as a crazy grandmother, a wacky aunt, or a nutty neighbor. All can relate to her in some way.

 

FOR HELPING YOUTH

TAKE OUT BULLYING – The Jefferson County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in conjunction with The Alabama School of Fine Arts present “Take Out Bullying.” The Alabama School of Fine Arts Theatre Arts Ensemble uses humor and personal experience to showcase skits which confront teen bullying and other social issues related to teens head on. The event will be hosted by Harmony Mendoza, Meteorologist at WVTM 13. The event is FREE and open to the public. Dates and locations: Huffman Middle School – Feb. 28, and Phillips Academy (K-6) – Feb. 28.

 

COMING SOON

MARCH 5 – AHN TRIO at the Alys Stephens Center

MARCH 11 – VILLAGE TO VILLAGE 10K in Mountain Brook. Register at www.village2village10k.com.

MARCH 11 – JOHN PIZZARELLI at the Alys Stephens Center.

MARCH 11 – NATURAL HAIR & HEALTH EXPO at the BJCC.

MARCH 24 – CHRIS ROCK at the BJCC.

MARCH 26 – U. S. ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS CHORUS at the Alys Stephens Center. FREE

MAY 6-7 – TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY SPRING RACES at Talladega, Alabama.

MAY 12 – JAZZNET at the Harbert Center.

 

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 or gwenderu@yahoo.com.)