By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH!!
“CELEBRATE THE SHEROS IN YOUR LIFE!!!”
TODAY, MARCH 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.
**SANDERS BOLHKE at Saturn.
**MILLENIUM GREY at The Nick.
**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: SARPER GUVEN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN PEYTON RUDDY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**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, MARCH 6…
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**BILLY IDOL SHOULD BE DEAD BIRMINGHAM PREMIERE at Iron City.
**THE GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING REBIRTH BRASS BAND at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN JUSTIN WHITEHEAD at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FRIDAY NIGHT PARTY WITH SUNDROP at The Nick.
**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, MARCH 7…
**SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS with IT’S SNAKES at Saturn.
**BLOOD AND BRUTALITY, SEVERED FAITH, AATXW at The Nick.
**THE FIRESIDE COLLECTIVE – The Upstairs at Avondale.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8…
**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. (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.
**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: JOHN CAPARULO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MONDAY, MARCH 9…
**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 with Special Guest HANS CONDOR at The Nick.
**FREE- WASTED LIFE at Saturn.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10…
**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.
**SING & STRIP: SONGS OF THE SIRENS at The Nick.
**FREE – SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11…
**REVOLUTIONARY ALABAMIANS ”PEOPLE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE”, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Electra Room at Vulcan Park and Museum.
PANEL DISCUSSION.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**HOWLING GIANT, INSOMNIAC with HIRAETH at Saturn.
**SPARROW BLUE, ALSO THE BAND, THE PAINFUL REMINDERS, KNIGHT at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: TRAVIS HOLP at the StarDome Comedy Club.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12 …
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**SPRING TRADE EXPO – The UAB TRIO Educational Opportunity Center will have mini-workshops, 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.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**FREE – COSMIC CARE-AOKE NIGHT benefitting ACIJ 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: SAPPHIRA RISTAL: ONE SLUE OVER THE CICKOO’S NEST at the StarDome Comedy Club.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13….
**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.
**SOS: THE RECESSION POP PARTY at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: DONNELL RAWLINGS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SOUTHSIDE MAB at The Nick.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH…
HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH –
CELEBRATE THE SHEROES IN YOUR LIFE – Across the Americas, the Caribbean and beyond, women have fought for freedom, championed culture and redefined leadership. During Women’s History Month, we honor the freedom fighters who stood against colonial rule, the heads of state who navigated their nations through global shifts and the visionary diplomats advocating for climate justice on the world stage. From entertainers to pioneering educators and scientists shaping the next generation, their influence is woven into the fabric of our history. This month, we honor their legacy and celebrate the women continuing to break new ground.
Book of the Month
Girl Gurl Grrrl: Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic
By Kenya Hunt
Available on Amazon
Book of the Month
In Girl Gurl Grrrl: Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic, Kenya Hunt delivers a powerful and deeply personal exploration of what it means to belong as a Black woman in today’s world. Blending cultural criticism, memoir, and sharp social insight, Hunt reflects on identity, ambition, vulnerability, and the evolving language of Black womanhood across generations and geographies. With honesty and nuance, she examines the promise and pressure of the “Black Girl Magic” era, inviting readers into a broader conversation about community, self-definition, and the beauty of becoming.
Show of the Month
Lifetime’s “Be Happy” stands out as a perfect Women’s History Month movie pick, blending heartfelt storytelling with themes of self-rediscovery and resilience. The original film Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy follows Val (played by Tisha Campbell) a devoted wife and stay-at-home mom who begins to feel unmoored when her child leaves for college, prompting a transformative journey that reignites her sense of purpose and joy. Directed by Academy Award-nominated Gabourey Sidibe and starring Tisha Campbell, Mekhi Phifer and Russell Hornsby, the movie explores what it means to choose happiness and fulfillment on your own terms — a message that resonates deeply during a month celebrating women’s strength and evolution. Be Happy is available to watch for free online on Lifetime’s official site here: https://www.mylifetime.com
FOR FILM LOVERS…
**THE ALABAMA SOLUTION A HBO OSCAR AWARD NOMINATED DOCUMENTARY is a Must See when you can. Look for more on HBO.
AT SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL…
**TODAY – MARCH 5 – WUTHERING HEIGHTS.
**TODAY – MARCH 5 – NATCHEZ.
**FRIDAY – MARCH 5 – DREAMS starring CHASTAIN + ISAAC HERNANDEZ is about a powerful American socialite and an undocumented Mexican ballet dancer that begin a dangerous affair in this tense, erotica drama.
AROUND BIRMINGHAM…
**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.
**MARCH 17 – ST. PATRICK’S DAY DISH GARDENS, 10-11:30 a.m. with ALLISON CREEL of Blue Rooster Farms at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
**MARCH 19, 20 and 21 – THE VOICES OF DONNY HATHAWAY at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a 2:30 p.m. show on Sunday.
**MARCH 28 – THE NEW EDITION WAY TOUR 2026 with NEW EDITION, BOYZ II MEN, TONI BRAXTON is coming to Birmingham.
FOR OUR YOUTH …
**SATURDAY – ETIQUETTE, PROM DRESS & TUX GIVEAWAY. This is a prom dress and tuxedo giveaway at Martin Luther King Park and high school students will have the opportunity to join for an etiquette lesson to ensure students are prepared for their magical prom night.
**ROTARY CLUB 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BIRMINGHAM CITY SCHOOLS SENIORS. Due March 15 for a $2,000 per year Renewable for 4 years upon satisfactory performance. Bit.ly/42vjaF1.
**MARH 23-27 – 5TH ANNUAL DUNDRILL HEIGHTS SPRING BREAK FILM CAMP, 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.
**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.
**KIDS SUMMER CAMP, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., starts June 8 – 20 and July 6 -24. Centers for Summer Camp are Central Park Ensley, East Pinson Valley, Fountain Heights, Don Hawkins, Inglenook, M.L. King, McAlpine, Memorial, North Birmingham and Roosevelt. Call 205-254-2391 for more.
**RAISING ROYALTY BHM is Accepting New Members at Southside Police Precinct, 1320 19th Street South EVERY 3rd Saturday of each month, 3-5 p.m. Contact Regina at 205-396-7010
**AFTER SCHOOL ART STUDIO CLASSES – CITY CENTER ART is Space One Eleven’s after school program designed to help your artists in grades 2 – 12 build visual communication skills, foster creative thinking and have fun making art. For more or to register, visit at SpaceOneEleven.org
**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.
COMING SOON…
**MARCH 29 – SPRING FESTIVAL at Railroad Park, 1 – 4 p.m. for families with food and laughter. There will food trucks, Easter eggs, photos with the Easter bunny, music and more. Take your basket.
**APRIL 29 – MAY 3 – BLUES TRAVELER BAND TO PERFORM AT THE REGIONS TRADITIONS – Get Ready to Rock on May 2 with the Blues Traveler on Hole 10 at the White Claw Watering Hole. The Regions Tradition Golf Tournament is April 29 – May 3 at the Greystone Golf & Country Club.
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.
