By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
“CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY!!!”
TODAY, FEB. 19…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**Irondale Senior Activity Center Field Trip to the Negro Southern League Museum & Yo Mama’s Restaurant.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**DAIKAIJU with SKEPTIC 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.
**LIVEST TAKE OVER 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.
**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.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20…
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**FIRST ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH YOUTH FILM CONTEST for grades 4-12. Film must be no longer that 5 minutes and is due by February 20, tomorrow. Film Screening and Awards is on February 28, 4:30 p.m. at Birmingham Ephesus SDA Church. Send all submissions to Admin@cinematiccreations.agency.
**CALVIN SEXTON & FRIENDS presents WINDS OF CHANGE – Celebrating the Music of JOTHAN CALLINS at the Carver Theatre of Performing Arts Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, 7 p.m. with CALVIN SEXTON (Trombone), ANTON KOT (Drums), IAN JESSIE (Bass), NIGEL INNIS (Tenor Sax), IVORY WANING MOON (Vocalist), and a Special Guest Artists. This powerful New York City ensemble with special guests will share a night rooted in creativity, connection and the spirit of Birmingham jazz. For more, call 205-880-7381.
**BIRMINGHAM HOME SHOW starting TODAY through Sunday at the BJCC.
**QDOT + JAXXXON & FRIENDS at The Nick.
**GIMME GIMME DISCO at Saturn.
**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 p.m. Call 205-213-9097 for more.
**GOOD PEOPLE & GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21…
**SHARED LIGHT AN INTERFAITH GATHERING, 10:30 a.m. at the Irondale Public Library with Mayor James D. Stewart for a special roundtable bringing together diverse faith traditions in a shared commitment to justice, unity and community.
**3rd ANNUAL MAGIC CITY DESSERT COMPETITION, 7-10 p.m. at The City Club Birmingham benefits the Cahaba Valley Health Care.
**THE MIDNIGHT EFFECT: DARK HEARTS at Saturn.
**BEARHEAD, SPEAKIN WHISPER, DEAD ALLIES at The Nick.
**BILLY ALLEN + THE POLITICS w/C.A. JONES at the Upstairs at Avondale.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22…
**HOWARD’S UNLIMITED LOUNGE & COCKTAIL BAR, 4010 Avenue I, in Belview Heights opened recently by radio personality and 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.
**MOVIE SUNDAY BEST Screening at the Irondale Senior Activity Center.
**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.
**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.
**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.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: ERIC EATON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MONDAY, FEB. 23…
**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.
**THE MOTH OPEN MIC STORYSLAM: LOVE HURTS at Saturn.
**AIMEE MANN, 22 ½ LOST IN SPACE ANNIVERSARY TOUR with JONATHAN COULTON at Iron City.
TUESDAY, FEB. 24…
**THE ALABAMA SOLUTION, 6 p.m. at the Irondale Public Library.
**Music Program with DJ DOUG at the Irondale Senior Activity Center
**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.
**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT EVERY 2ND TUESDAY at The Nick.
**COVER SONGS: THE ART & CRAFT OF ALBUM DESIGN at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25…
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE II at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: DARREN FLEET at the StarDome Comedy Club.
THURSDAY, FEB. 26 …
**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.
**FREE – WORLD RECORD BARBER POLE SUND & HOCKY 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.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: GIGI LEFLAIR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN LEARNMORE JONASI at the StarDome Comedy Club.
FRIDAY, FEB. 27….
**MOVIE: SUNDAY BEST Screening at the Irondale Senior Activity Center.
**THE RUNAROUNDS at Iron City.
**CAN’T FEEL MY FACE: 2010 DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN LEARNMORE JONASI at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: GINGER BILLY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**TRIPP at the Upstairs at Avondale.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH…
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY AND MORE…
**MJ THE MUSICAL – A SMASH-HIT MUSICAL AND A FOUR-TIME TONY AWARDS WINNING MUSICAL IN BIRMINGHAM – MJ is taking the BJCC Concert Hall stage for a few more nights, TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY, with JORDAN MARKUS playing the title role of MJ on the First National Tour. Jordan made his Broadway debut playing the roles of both MJ and ‘Michael’ in MJ. He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Birmingham in MJ and is centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour Created by Tony Award Winning Director/ Choreographer CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON and two-time Pulitzer Winner LYNN NOTTAGE. This is its premiere at the BJCC Concert Hall. Jordan is joined by MELVIN GRAY, JR. (MJ alternate), BRANDON LEE HARRIS (Michael), QUENTIN BLANTON, JR. (Little Michael), ERIC WILTZ (Little Michael), ERICK HAMILTON (Standby MJ, Michael) EVIN BOWLES (Joseph Jackson/Rob), J. DAUGHTRY (Berry Gordy/Nick), MICHAEL NERO (Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones), KEVIN CRUZ Alejandro), JACKSON VANN ((Little Marlon), KRISTIN STOKES (Rachel), JED RESNICK (Dave) and RAJANE KATURAH (Katherine Jackson/Kate).
FOR HISTORY BOOK LOVERS…
**BOOK: TRAVEL NORTH BLACK GIRL by Author OLIVIA HILL, is a 3,000-mile journey in search of love, peace and home. This book is a creative nonfiction. It is a memoir set in the ‘60s up to the early ‘80s and the references to indigenous groups or reflections on Black culture is attempted to stay true to the time period and may not reflect the author’s current viewpoint or what is politically correct today. Olivia North was raised by her grandmother and is referenced as mom, saying that in Black communities’ having a grandparent raise a child was common and normal. The author rarely refers to siblings by name as a way to protect them and protect her psychologically as well as to keep some distance when writing of the darkest moments of her past. The language is in the dialect of her people in the journey, which is a mixture of African language, Southern accent and Gullah influence that was interwoven into the voices of the grandmother and relatives. She notes emphatically that it is not broken English, but the legacy of the Black experience in their tongue. The author states that for her people, there was a basic desire that drove them north – FREEDOM. So, the magnetic forces of the North pulled her just as it had for her ancestors. The book addresses the complexity of race, gender, generational trauma and the powerful healing that the wilds of Alaska provided after she wed her Jewish husband. When growing up, she had rarely been past the invisible racial line of the Troost corridor in Kansas City.
FOR GARDEN LOVERS at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens…
**IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH – DR. BOOKER T. WHATLEY, a Tuskegee professor created the concept of community supported agriculture (CSA) in Alabama. An agricultural educator and horticulturist Dr. Whatley, an Alabama native, transformed how farmers and communities connect by introducing foundational principles for food systems based on cooperation and sustainability. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is involved in CSAs and serve as a pickup location for Snow’s Bend Farm just outside Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
**FEB. 27 – THE FOUNDATION OF JAPANESE GARDEN DESIGN, 1-2:30 p.m. with JULIA ADAMS, horticulturist.
**FEB. 28 – BIRMINGHAM CAMELLIA SHOW, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. FREE.
**MARCH 17 – ST. PATRICK’S DAY DISH GARDENS, 10-11:30 a.m. with ALLISON CREEL of Blue Rooster Farms.
FOR OUR YOUTH …
**SATURDAY – 2026 PROM GIVEAWAY – High School seniors will be preparing for Prom season when ‘Hope with Grace’, Boutwell Auditorium and the City of Birmingham Youth Services host the Prom Giveaway on Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Historic Boutwell Auditorium. The Prom Giveaway will provide free prom dresses and suits to high school students, ensuing that every student regardless of budget has the opportunity to attend prom feeling confident and celebrated. There will be a fashion showcasing prom trends and inspiration, an etiquette sessions to help students prepare for pro night and beyond, a live DJ, local vendors offering resources and services, on-site dress and suit fittings for the perfect look and additional resources offered that appeal to families attending with younger children. For more information, volunteer opportunities or partnership inquiries contact Hope with Grace at 205-401-7493 or email chill@hopewithgrace.org.
**SPRING TRADE EXPO – The UAB TRIO Educational Opportunity Center will have mini-workshops on March 12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Birmingham Downtown Library, 2100 Park Place North. Sign up for a trade or apply for a job in plumbing, electrical, cosmetology, HVAC, CNA, apprenticeships, GED, CDL, welding and more. For info contact Rico Drakes at 205-224-7571 or trioeoc@uab.edu.
**5TH ANNUAL DUNDRILL HEIGHTS SPRING BREAK FILM CAMP, MARCH 23-27, 2026, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the YMCA Youth Center (Downtown), 2400 Seventh Avenue North. For more info, CALL 205-370-7805 or go to CinematicCreations.agency.
**UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA KIDS FEELINGS SURVEY – KIDS NEEDED ages 6-11 to test out a computerized activity designed to help kids learn about other peoples’ feelings. Families receive up to $600 for participating. IT will be 11 sessions at the Clinic at UAB. Engaging activities for kids, Parent Surveys, Cash payment for parents and kids and Kids earn prizes. Does your child show little concern for others feelings, School performance or Rules an consequences, then, For more on this research study, call 205-737-4610 or fastclinicaltrials@ua.edu. Study is by the Center for Youth Development and Intervention.
**BRAIN READ YOUTH STUDY – UAB is looking for children diagnosed with autism ages 7 – 13 to participate in an MRI study at UAB that includes a complimentary 10-week intervention for improving reading comprehension. The child gets to participant in an intensive intervention program at no cost, which may improve their comprehension. You will also help to learn more about how children understand what they read. Children will be paid up to $250 for their participation.
For more contact The Cognition, Brain and Autism Lab at 205-202-0616.
**SMALL MAGIC – BIRMINGHAM TALKS – This program is committed to making Birmingham the best place to raise a child under age 5. It is designed to support early literacy, helping children become three times more likely to be ready for kindergarten. The program provides families with a wearable word counter – technology typically only available to high-income households – along with books, educational toys and the support of a personal coach to help track progress and set developmental goals.
**RENEW BIRMINGHAM – Services that are provided include: housing, adult education/work force development, transportation. jobs, youth services/education, community health and wellness. Call 205-201-4275 or visit www renewbhm.org. Email admin@renewbham.org. Address is 1801 Avenue H, Birmingham 1801 Avenue H.
**MAGIC CITY YOUTHBUILD is accepting applications from 16-24 year s old. It is a 6 to 9 month program. Youth can earn their GED. They get paid a biweekly stipend and get training in construction and healthcare careers. Contact youthbuild@habd.net or call 205-983-7550 to learn more.
AROUND BIRMINGHAM…
**FEB. 28 – MAUSIKI SCALES & COMMON GROUND 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.
**MARCH 11 – REVOLUTIONARY ALABAMIANS: PEOPLE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE Panel Discussion, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Electra Room at Vulcan Park and Museum. Check out this engaging and inspiring panel and discussion celebrating Alabamians who have shaped their communities through courage, creativity and conviction. Explore how meaningful change happens – not only through protest or politics, but also through art, education public service and community leadership.
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.
