By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
TODAY, APRIL 16
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**AUBRIE SELLERS & JADE JACKSON at the Nick.
SORAIA with THE ALABAMA HEATHENS + THE ABUSEMENTS at The Nick.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**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.
**THE CRANE WIVES – ACT ! with Special Guest LILITH MAX at Iron City.
**SORAIA with THE ALABAMA HEATHENS + THE ABUSEMENTS at The Nick.
**FREE – CORNELIUS CHAPEL SHOWCASE with TERRY OHMS, THE LADIES OF… at Saturn.
**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, APRIL 17
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**GARDENDALE MAGNOLIA FESTIVAL.
**FISH FRY FRIDAY at Lil Mama’s, 1200 Hall Avenue EVERY FRIDAY, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and music with Chef Dwayne “BIG DADDY” Thompson.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN JB SMOOVE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN DESI BANKS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN CHRIS O’CONNOR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**A TRIBUTE TO BABYFACE, 7-10 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd featuring BT Collective, Eclectic Soul and ABRAHAM THE VOICE.
**KASHUS CULPEPPER at Saturn.
**BEN FLOURNOY at The Nick.
**NO LOVES, ANALOG DAYDREAM, ATOMIC KIDS at The Nick.
**WIDESPREAD PANIC AFTER PARTY with KIRKOS at The Nick.
**HIPPIE SABOTAGE: GIVE AND TAKE TOUR at Avondale Brewing So.
**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, APRIL 18
**CIVIL RIGHTS NATIONAL MONUMENT WALKING TOUR, 10 a.m. starting in front of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute at the Shuttlesworth Statue. This is a one-day, two-hour long tour at 520 16th Street North.
**GARDENDALE MAGNOLIA FESTIVAL
**LIL MAMA’S POP UP SHOP, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Interested in being a vendor or being a part of this somehow, check this out. Get a FREE 10 x 10 space. Bring your own table and chairs. There will be music, food, fun and more. For more info, contact, Dwayne “Big Daddy” Thompson at 205-723-4063.
**FREE – WSP PRE-PARTY – MOONTIME MARKET at Avondale Brewing Co.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: DESI BANKS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – FUNERAL PARTY GOTH NIGHT at Saturn.
**ANDRES MONTANA with MOE REEN at The Nick.
**QDOT + JAXXXON + FRIENDS at The Nick.
**WIDE SPREAD PANIC AFTER PARTY at The Nick with KIRKOS Round 2
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
**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.
**BAD SUNS ACCELORATOR TOUR 2026 with LITTLE IMAGE at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN SPESCIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN DESI BANKS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**GOODWIN RAINER with CLOSE ENOUGH + FLOWING at The Nick.
MONDAY, APRIL 20
**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 at the Nick.
**LYDIA LUNCH with GENE IS DEATH and MIKE IX at Saturn.
**JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY LIVE, 5 – p.m. at the Carver Theatre for the Sunday Series, Jazz on 4th at the Historic Carver Theatre.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
**MONALEO with WHO DID THE BODY TOUR at Avondale Brewing Co, a LIVE NATION Show. Monaleo is said to be a rising Houston rapper known for her bold lyrics, fearless energy and unapologetic confidence. Blending southern grit with sharp wit and raw emotion, she is quickly becoming a powerful voice for strength, independence and realness in today’s hip-hop scene.
**TACO TUESDAY R&B NIGHT, EVERY TUESDAY 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.
**FREE – TVs OF TERROR presents… at Saturn.
**EMO ORCHESTRA with THE SPILL CANVAS – AN EVENING OF EMO at Iron City.
**COMEDIAN MARY RYAN BROWN at the StarDome Comedy Club
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**SPECIAL EVENT: at The StarDome Comedy Club.
**OPEN MIC NIGHT at StarDome Comedy Club.
**SEVENDUST ONE TOUR at Iron City.
**COREY HALL at The Nick Early Show.
**SNOZZBERRIES at The Nick
**WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY at Avondale Brewing Co.
NEXT THURSDAY, APRIL 23
**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.
**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 MISHA BROWN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN SAM SALEM at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**UNTIL SKIES FALL, EVA LAVANTE and ENCIRCLED THRON NVSN at The Nick.
**THE HEAVY HEAVY with LOU HAZEL at Saturn.
**FLATLAND CAVALRY at Avondale Brewing Co.
NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 24
**MAGIC CITY ART CONNECTION at Sloss Furnaces, 12 – 3 p.m. in Birmingham.
**FISH FRY FRIDAY at Lil Mama’s, 1200 Hall Avenue EVERY FRIDAY, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and music with Chef Dwayne “BIG DADDY” Thompson.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN EDDIE GRIFFIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MAGNOLIA PARK, SILLY GOOSE, and PINKNOISE at Saturn.
**MILLENIUM GREY + SQUEEZE THE SQUID + FIRE CAMINO at The Nick.
**EVE 6 & FASTBALL at Iron City.
**MOUNTAIN GRASS UNIT – DOGS OUT OF THE CAGE at Avondale Brewing So.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE
**VISION TO VENTURE- Aspiring Entrepreneurs Building the Future, this Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Shades Valley High School Aud. in Irondale. Dr. PATRICK MURPHY, UAB Innovation & Entrepreneurship Department Chair is the Guest Speaker. There is a Panel Discussion. After the program, check out IRONDALE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS DAY, 1 – 4 p.m. at the Shades Valley High School Gym.
Shop and Support Owners ages 5 – 20. Register at www.tinyurl.com/IronEntrepreneur. Showcase your business, sell your products and win up to $500 in scholarship funds.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
**VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at the NEW RUFFNER SPORTS COMPLEX located at 301 Ruffner Road in Irondale. Serve in the concession stand and help to make a difference in your community.
**APRIL – KEEP IRONDALE BEAUTIFUL MONTH presented by Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr.: SUNDAY – Bark and Bloom At Tails By The Rails, 2 – 4 p.m., MONDAY – Cahaba River Clean Sweep, 9a.m. – 1 p.m., NEXT SATURDAY – Jefferson County Hazardous Waste Collection, 8-11:30 a.m. SPRING TRASH Amnesty Weeks: District 4 – April 20-23; District 5 – April 27-20.
IN BIRMINGHAM AND AROUND TOWN
**LAWSON STATE RECOGNIZES STUDENTS ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY – Lawson State Community College are spotlighting students at the NC3 National Signing day, a national event recognized students who commit to workforce-focused academic programs. Students signed symbolic “ letters of intent” marking their commitment to fields ranging from business and building construction to automotive technology, robotics, cosmetology and culinary arts. NC3 National Signing Day is an initiative of the National coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), an organization established to strengthen the nation’s workforce by connecting educational institutions with industry partners. It highlights students pursuing career and technical education programs that lead directly to industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities. This technical education and skilled trades are tied to critical, in-demand jobs that represents the backbone of the American workforce.
FOR HEALTH OPPORTUNITIES
**SATURDAY – UAB 3rd ANNUAL REGIONAL WELLNESS DAY, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Birmingham CrossPlex, 2340 CrossPlex Blvd. There will be cancer screenings referrals for age-eligible individuals, screenings for common health concerns such as glucose levels and or blood pressure. There will be community resources on social and economic services, education and other essentials topics. Participants can talk with health care professionals and community organizations. Enrollment specialists from UAB Medicine, Cooper Green Mercy Health Services and Alabama Regional Medical Services will help anyone who wants to learn more or start the process of becoming a patient. Participants can learn about clinical research opportunities. Registration is encouraged but not required. To register, visit go.ual.edu/jcrwd26.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
**THIS WEEKEND – SPRING PLANT SALE – Thursday is Members ONLY Early-Bird Shopping, 1-5:30 p.m. 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.
**MONDAY – EMERGENCE OF THE 18TH CENTURY ENGLISH LANDSCAPE GARDEN, 11 a.m. – Noon with Advanced Master Gardener SUSAN HAGEN. Learn how landscape designers such as William Kent, Lancelot “Capability” Brown and Humphrey Repton and highlight iconic landscapes by Rousham, Stowe, and Chatsworth that promoted expansive natural styles. Register.
FOR BLUES LOVERS IN BESSEMER
**APRIL 25 – Artists SELWYN BIRCHWOOD and LIL’ ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS will perform at the Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival in the DeBardeleben Park on 3rd Avenue No. Birchwood performs 3:40 – 4:45 p.m. Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials perform 4:55 – 6 p.m. For more, visit: www.bobsykes.com/blues-festival/
AT THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE
**COURAGE UNDER FIRE EXHIBITION through May 16 in the Woolfolk Gallery at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. It will feature images that documented the violence perpetuated against the Freedom Riders. The black and white photographs allow visitors to reflect on the roles of violence, law, enforcement and press during the Freedom Rides. This is the 65th Anniversary of the Anniston Bus Bombing.
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN BUSINESS
**APRIL 23 – BLACK CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION – The Alabama Chapter of the Black Contractors Association is hosting their Monthly Meeting at Atmospheric Energy, 629 9th Street North, 6 – 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in networking, membership opportunities, industry updates, outlook and more this is where you should be early to get a seat. For more information, call 205-873-4572 or visit blackcontractorsassociationincac.org.
**APRIL 28 – CHAMBER CONNECT AFTER HOURS, 6-8 p.m. at Marcdion, 2217 Second Avenue North, #1B, downtown.
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.
