By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
TODAY, JANUARY 29…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**TODAY’s CHAIR AEROBICS, 10 a.m. at the West End Library.
**TODAY’s CHESS FOR KIDS, 3 p.m. at the West End Library.
**JASON POWELL is Special Guest Speaker for the Annual John A. Floyd, Jr., Lecture, with the 5:30 p.m. reception and presentation from 6-7 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**FREE CRANKED to 11: A SPINAL TAP EVENT at Saturn.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd, with Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. FREE. There is a weekly Cash Prize hosted by Loretta Hill.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.
**HAPPY HOUR FREE SHOW with CODY BOLDEN at The Nick.
**Q DOT, JAXXXON AND FRIENDS at The Nick.
**RnB POETICALLY LIT, 5-7 p.m. at Lit on 8th, 518 Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. with HUNCHO ZAVY, KD MCQWEEN, CAROL HOOD, DKMODE, BRIANNE SHARDAW and hosted by HEMP THE ARTIST. Every Thursday.
**JAZZ IN THE MAGIC CITY HAPPY HOUR featuring Alabama’s own Jose Carr and his band, 4:30-7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre. FREE. EVERY THURSDAY!
**3rd THURSDAY at the Nick with RAMBLIN’ RICKY TATE at The Nick.
**FILMMAKER NETWORKING NIGHTS, 5 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North
**EVERY THURSDAY- THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. at Platinum of Birmingham with DJ Slugga.
**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.
**FILM at Sidewalk Film.
**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**ASC presents YCA ON TOUR/YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS ON TOUR, 7 p.m. at Sirote Theater, Alys Stephens Center
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30…
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**FRIDAY MOVIE MATINEE, 3:30 p.m. at the West End Library.
**GUTHRIE ECHOES with PORTICO at The Nick Early Show.
**BITTER ROUTE at The Nick.
**”HOT IN HERRE” 2000s DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**BINGO LOCO at Iron City.
**BEDHEAD, BEARFACE & I DECLARE! The Upstairs at Avondale
**FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 5 p.m. at Howard’s Unlimited Lounge & Cocktail Bar at 4010 Avenue I with food by 1918 Catering Food Truck. Happy Hour at 5, Call 205-213-9097 for more.
**GOOD PEOPLE & GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
**BIRMINGHAM BULLS vs. EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS, 7 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex.
**THE FREEDOM GATHERING LIVE RECORDING, 7 – 10 p.m. at the Rebirth Christian Fellowship is a Live Worship recording. FREE. For more: eventbrite.com
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31…
**IGNITE YOUNG ADULTS CONFERENCE 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Zion City. For more: eventbrite.com
**SATURDAY JAZZ GREATS SPRING OPEN HOUSE, 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**COMMUNITY SEED SWAP, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on National Seed Swap Day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**PREMIER OF THE VANISHED, 10 a.m. – Noon at the Gardendale Civic Center. This is a documentary premiere with the cast and crew. For more eventbrite.com
**DEADLINE FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION FEE EXEMPTION OPPORTUNITY based on your income and other ways to qualify. Application at www.tinyurl.com/IrondaleGarbageExempt. Submit at Irondale City Hall.
**THE PREMIERE NIGHT AFFAIR – A RED CARPET MOVIE PREMIERE, 6 – 10 p.m. at the Bridge, Red-carpet short film premiere event. For more: eventbrite.com
**JAZZ CAT BALL 2026 – The Greater Birmingham Human Society (GBHS) Auxiliary is hosting the Ball of the Year at the Finley Center, Stadium Trace Parkway in Hoover. The theme is LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and Live Auction at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment and Bons Temps Casino at 9 p.m. AND, the evening concludes at 12 a.m. This is a black tie event.
**ANDREA REALLY at Saturn.
**CADDLE, THE LADIES OF, WILLIAMSON BROTHERS & OLD CITY CHAMPS at The Nick.
**BIRMINGHAM BULLS vs. EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS, 7 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1…
**HOWARD’S UNLIMITED LOUNGE & COCKTAIL BAR, 4010 Avenue I, in Belview Heights opened recently by D.J. CHRIS COLEMAN. Check it out for Sunday Brunch with food by 1918 Catering, music and more!! For more, call 205-213-9097. 1918 Catering is the best food for lunch, dinner or your special event. (Take my word.)
**JOSE CARR performing at JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAYS, Every 1st and 3rd Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Denim on 7th, 2808 7th Avenue Suite105.
**EASE BACK 4th SUNDAYS, 5 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**2ND SUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.
**TOO HOT FOR LEATHER WITH KID SLY + THE PAINFUL REMINDERS at The Nick.
**4th SUNDAY FREE SHOW with our favorite TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes. There will be Drink Specials.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2…
**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.
**MONDAYS – THURSDAYS – CFJS CARES RESPITE PROGRAM, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.
**MONDAYS – GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP, 10-11:30 a.m. at CJFS Conference Room. Open to survivors who have experienced loss within the past 2 years. Call 205-278-7101 to sign up.
**MONDAYS – DEMENTIA CAREGIVER VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP, 3 p.m. and/or Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.
**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at The Nick.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3…
**TACO TUESDAY R & B NIGHT, EVERY THURSDAY at Hemings on 2ND Avenue.
**PODCASTING 101 at CREED63, EVERY TUESDAY at 5:45 p.m. Learn how to launch and create your own podcast at 1601 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203.
**JOSE CARR EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT at True Story Brewing.
**SNOW STRIPPERS at Iron City.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4…
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**FREE SATURN’S QUADRAPHONIC TRIBUTE TO GRATEFUL DEAD at Saturn.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 …
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m . at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**GIMME HENDRIX at Saturn.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd, with Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. FREE. There is a weekly Cash Prize hosted by Loretta Hill.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.
**HAM BAGDY AND JACOB KYNARD at The Nick.
**GEOFF TATE’S OPERATION: MINDCRIME – THE FINAL CHAPTER at Iron City.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6….
**THE YOUNG MAN at The Nick.
**ANIME RAVE at Saturn.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH…
**TODAY – A CELEBRATION – THE WILLIE MAYS HBCU INVITATIONAL is a three-day HBCU BASEBALL CELEBRATION at Rickwood Field. For more: eventbrite.com.
**FEBRUARY 13-15 – LOVE THY NEIGHBOR WEEKEND – Rev. Dr. Kurt and First Lady Ruby Clark are hosting their FIRST ANNUAL THREE-DAY “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR Event, FRIDAY – Love thy Neighbor Soiree at the Avondale West at 7 p.m., SATURDAY – Love Thy Neighbor 5K at Railroad Park at 7 a.m. and SUNDAY – Love Thy Neighbor Worship Service at Sardis Church at 10 a.m. LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF – Matthew 22:39 – Register at eventbrite.
LOOKING AHEAD…
FOR THINGS TO DO NOW AND IN FEBRUARY…MUSIC, SPORTS, VALENTINE’S DAY AND MORE…
COMING SOON…DON’T MISS….FOR BLUES LOVERS…
**FEBRUARY 6 – THE GRATEFUL DEAD’S “BLUES FOR ALLAH” performed by DON WAS AND THE PAN-DETROIT ENSEMBLE, 7:30 p.m. at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at UAB’s Center for the Arts. Curated and led by six-time Grammy Award-winning musician, producer and composer DON WAS, this tribute brings together world-class musicians from across Detroit’s music scene to celebrate the album’s 50th Anniversary. The Pan-Ensemble include DAVE MCMURRAY on saxophone, keyboardist LUIS RESTO, trombonist VINCENT CHANDLER, trumpeter JOHN DOUGLAS, drummer JEFF CANADAY, percussionist MAHINDI MASAI, guitarist WAYNE GERARD and vocalist STEFFANIE CHRISTI’AN.
FOR SUPER BOWL LOVERS, FUTURE EVENTS, SPORTS, FOOTBALL AND VALENTINE’S DAY …
**FEBRUARY 8 – Watch the Super Bowl Game at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham.
**FEBRUARY 14 – KISSING YOU VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL, 6 p.m. featuring ABRAHAM THE VOICE at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**FEBRUARY 14 – VALENTINE’S DAY WITH DARLENE LOVE, 7:30 p.m. at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center.
**FEBRUARY 15 – RAILROAD EARTH at Iron City.
**FEBRUARY 21 – 3rd ANNUAL MAGIC CITY DESSERT COMPETITION, 7-10 p.m. at The City Club Birmingham benefits the Cahaba Valley Health Care.
**FEBRUARY 27 – THE RUNAROUNDS at Iron City.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS…
AT THE ALYS STEPHENS CENTER…
FOR SYMPHONY LOVERS…
THIS FRIDAY…
**COFFEE CONCERT? EPIC MELODIES: TCHAIKOVSKY & BRAHMS, 11 a.m. at the Jemison Concert Hall, Alys Stephens Center. This is an ASO Concert.
**MASTERWORKS/LUMINOUS LEGENDS: TCHAIKOVSKY & BRAHMS, 7 p.m. at the Jemison Concert Hall, Alys Stephens Center An ASO performance.
**ORCHESTRA NOIR presents: THE CULTURE 2000 TOUR, 8 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre.
AT THE BJCC…
THIS FRIDAY…
**THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY presents PICK FLOYD’S THE WALL, 8 p.m. at the BJCC Concert Hall.
AT THE CARVER THEATRE…
FOR JAZZ LOVERS…
**FEBRUARY 11 – JAZZ & PILATES WITH KENYELE – Join the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at the historic Carver Theatre, 6 – 7 p.m. for Jazz and Pilates with instructor Kenyele Harrison. Get strength, stretch and center your body as you move through Pilates exercises set to smooth, soulful sounds of jazz. It is the perfect blend of wellness and rhythm.
**FEBRUARY 13 – JAZZ IN A GLASS – LOVE NOTES EDITION of A Valentine’s Day Treat, 7-9 p.m. at the AJHOF. This partnership with Pour Crazy invites yo to an cocktail-making experience where mixology meets the magic of jazz.
**FEBRUARY 22 – JAZZ NIGHT WITH BIRMINGHAM YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE ALUMNI CONCERT, 5 – 6 p.m. p.m. at the Carver Theatre with the Birmingham Youth Jazz Ensemble. This will be a captivating live jazz performance with New York-based trombonist and educator Calvin Sexton for an Alumni Concert like no other.
**FEBRUARY 28 – MAUSIKI SCALES & COMMON GROUNG COLLECTIVE – MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre. This concert will be a powerful fusion of Afrobeats, Jazz, Funk and Soul. Music.
FOR COMMUNITY LOVERS…
**FEBRUARY 1 – COMMEMORATING THE 17th PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY of PASTOR DR. PATRICK L. SELLERS at 10 a.m. with Guest Speaker – DR. E.O. JACKSON, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Riley, 3428 Maple Avenue SW.
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time. People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send your questions, contact info with your events, your things of interest and more to: gwenderu@yahoo.com AND thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com.
