By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH!!
“CELEBRATE THE SHEROES IN YOUR LIFE!!!”
TODAY, MARCH 26
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**WOMEN’S BUSINESS OWNERS FORUM AND LUNCHEON, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, with the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce. Speakers include: Dr. Ona Brown, Dr. Lashunda Scales, Latisha Scott and Moderator Muriel Smith-Varner. For more email: info@AlBlackCC.org.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**CHOKO AIKEN PIANO TRIO at High Dive, 7 p.m.
**FREE – SATURN’S COUNTRY KARAOKE with TRISTEN KLAVENGA at Saturn.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**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.
**TAND with MEDICINE BUS at The Nick.
**SPECIAL EVENT” COMEDIAN PHIL HANLEY 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
**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.
**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**FISH FRY FRIDAY at Lil Mama’s, 1200 Hall Avenue EVERY FRIDAY, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: TONY BAKER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN MASON JONES at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**WATCH HOUSE at Iron City.
**THE NOWHERE SQUARES + MARA MAGRA + ABUSEMENT + BOLEE at The Nick.
**THE BROOK & THE BLUFF: WEREWOLF TOUR w/CASSANDRA COLEMAN at Avondale Brewing Co.
**ROBERT LESTER FOLSOM with RAMBLER KANE 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, MARCH 28
**FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH PRAYER WALK, 9 – 10 a.m. at Irondale City Hall with Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. and Irondale City Chaplain Mike McClure, Sr.
**KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY: Estate Planning, Heirs’ Property and Homeownership in Birmingham, 10 a.m. at The Grove BHM, 200 6th Avenue SW.
**THE NEW EDITION WAY TOUR 2026 with NEW EDITION, BOYZ II MEN, TONI BRAXTON is coming to Birmingham.
**CANDLELIGHT: NEO-SOUL FAVORITES featuring songs by Prince, Childish Gambino and more, 8:45 p.m. at the Carver Theatre under the glow of candlelight.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN TONY BAKER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN MASON JONES at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**DIE SPOTZ with BIRTHDAY GIRL at Saturn.
**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick
SUNDAY, 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.
**EASTER EGGS-PERIENCE 2026, 2 p.m. at the Ruffner Park Sports Complex with FREE ice cream, crafts and Easter Bunny Photos. SCHEDULE including Ages, Times and Locations: AGES 0-3, 2 p.m. at Field 3B; AGES 4-6, 2:30 p.m. at Field 3A; AGES 7-10, 2:30 p.m. at Field 2; AGES 11+, 2:45 p.m. at Field 1 and Seniors (55+), 3 p.m. at Field 3.
**HOWARD’S UNLIMITED LOUNGE & COCKTAIL BAR, 4010 Avenue I, in Belview Heights with our own favorite son radio personality 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.
**FREE – NULL X DUG with REFUSE TO THRIVE, HOCKY at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN TIM SHROPSHIRE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN MASON JONES at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**THE STIFFTONES with FIRE CAMINO at The Nick.
MONDAY, MARCH 30
**WEEKDAYS – 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 Open Mic at The Nick.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
**TOWN HALL MEETING – State of the City Recap, 6 p.m. at Irondale City Hall, 101 20th Street South presented by Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr.
**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.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**MODEL/ACTRIZ at Saturn at 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**SPECIAL EVENT: GRITS & EGGS PODCAST: THE FIRST COUSINS TOUR at The StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – OLD CITY CHAMPS with GUTHRIE ECHOES, ALSOTHE BAND, and MARK ROBINSON at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY, APRIL 2
**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.
**JUVENILE’S BOILING POINT ALBUM RELEASE TOUR WITH THE 400 DEGREEZ BANDS at Iron City.
**FREE INTERCEPTOR at Saturn.
**WARREN ZEIDERS w/LAKEVIEW at Avondale Brewing Co.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**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.
**SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN CHARLESTON WHITE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 3
**FISH FRY FRIDAY at Lil Mama’s, 1200 Hall Avenue EVERY FRIDAY, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN ATTELL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FLESHWATER at Saturn.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
CELEBRATE THE SHEROES IN YOUR LIFE – Across the Americas, Caribbean and beyond, women have fought for freedom, championed culture and redefined leadership. During Women’s History Month, we honor the women on the world stage. From entertainers to pioneering educators and scientists shaping the next generation, women and their influence is woven into the fabric of our history. This month, we’ve honored their legacy and celebrate the women continuing to break new ground.
FOR SPORTS LOVERS
Celebrating and Honoring Alabama native JEWELL YVETTE COBBS PITTS who was the ‘Adult Female Athlete of the Year -Pickleball and Tennis’. She was the 2025 Honoree for the Alabama State Games, a part of the National Congress of State Games. It is the state’s largest multi-sport event that brings athletes together for Olympic-style competitions with a belief that sports should be accessible to everyone. It was started in 1982 at the request of the United States Olympic Committee (now named the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee). The Alabama State Games organizers honored Jewell Pitts, a Montgomery native last year, with the creation of the JEWELLFEST for her accomplishments. Jewell Pitts’ commitment to her decades long career in the Alabama Department of Mental Health and her love of tennis made a great impact on the lives of children and adults alike that had physical, intellectual and development disabilities. Her heart was in DREAM COURT, a non-profit organization that reflects her love and its mission providing an adaptive tennis program that strives for inclusion and acceptance where Jewell touched lives and hearts throughout the Montgomery-River Region Community. Dream Court is hosting THE JEWELL JOY CUP 2026, on May 2, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Lagoon Tennis Park in Montgomery. Pitts also known as a professional photographer was an advocate for the Special Olympics, an active member of numerous civic and church organizations including the Red Tails Aviation Flight Academy Foundation. She competed in the National Senior Games in pickleball and badminton. Jewell Pitts will be honored June 12-14, 2026, during the Alabama State Games in Birmingham. Jewell would have carried that legacy forward, this year, as a torchbearer during the Alabama State Games opening ceremony. Pitts died February 2026.
AROUND BIRMINGHAM
IN IRONDALE
**KEEP IRONDALE BEAUTIFUL – SPRING TRASH Amnesty Weeks: District 1 -March 30-April 2; District 2 – April 6-9; District 3 – April 13-16;
District 4 – April 20-23; District 5 – April 27-20.
**APRIL 4 – RUFFNER PARK SPORTS COMPLEX OPENING DAY, 9 a.m. -2 p.m.
IN MOUNTAIN BROOK
**MARCH 31 – YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MORNING MIXER, 7:30 – 9 a.m. at The Welch Group, 3940 Montclair Road for ages 25 – 40 on the fourth floor with a Coffee and Light Breakfast. You must register.
**APRIL 4 – MOUNTAIN BROOK EASTER EGG ROLL, 10 a.m. on the Grassy Field by the O’Neal Library. INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING? Donate Eggs to the chamber to be included as a sponsor for this year’s event and have your logo on the banner. Email chamber@mtnbrookchamber.org to confirm and Drop off eggs at the chamber office by Thursday, April 2.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
**APRIL 2 – GOT SUN? GROW FOOD!, 11 a.m. – Noon with Advance Master Gardner KAREN MITCHELL. You must register.
**APRIL 16 – 18 – SPRING PLANT SALE. Members ONLY at 1-5:30 p.m. on Friday; Open to the PUBLIC on Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 pm. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring your cart or wagon to get plants including: Natives, Perennials, Tropicals, Herbs, Camellias, Ferns, Trees & Shrubs, Roses, Heirloom Vegetables, Azaleas and Japanese Maples. Check and Credit Card ONLY. Rain or shine.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS
AT JAZZI’S ON 3RD…
**APRIL 17 – A TRIBUTE TO BABYFACE, 7-10 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd featuring BT Collective, Eclectic Soul and ABRAHAM THE VOICE.
AT THE HISTORIC CARVER THEATRE
**APRIL 20 – JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY LIVE, 5 – p.m. at the Carver Theatre for the Sunday Series, Jazz on 4th.
**JUNE 13 – JAZZ GIRLS DAY, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Carver Theatre. This groundbreaking event will celebrate young women in jazz through workshops, mentorship, and music-making.
**JUNE 20 – TYREEK MCDOLE LIVE at the Carver Theatre. This will be an unforgettable evening with a multi-award-winning Haitian American vocalist whose rich baritone and soulful artistry will capture audiences across the country. McDole transforms each performance into a powerful space for reflection, connection and collective experience.
**JUNE 28 – EXCELSIOR BAND, 5 p.m., at the Carver Theatre for the Sunday Series – Jazz on 4th.
**MAY 3 – THE MICHAEL J. AND MARY ANNE FREEMAN PARLOR CONCERT 2026, 2:#o p.m. at the Hoover/Randle Jome, 2255 Tyler Road, Bluff Park featuring CARLOS IZCARAY with Birmingham Music Club. Get your tickets early.
COMING SOON
**APRIL 11 – YARD SALE, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, 1615 4th Court W, supporting the youth ministry.
**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.
**MAY 30 – MAGIC CITY CLARINET FESTIVAL – The 3rd Magic City Clarinet Festival is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art. There will be concerts, master classes and competition with registration at 10:30 a.m. and classes at 11 a.m. Contact: director@bhammusicclub.org or 205-253-1313, for more.
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.
