By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
THURSDAY, MAY 28
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR JAMES STEWART at Starbucks at Cahaba crossing, 1290 Grants Mill Road. Catch up on the latest news in the City of Irondale with Mayor Stewart and get your questions answered. Enjoy a FREE Beverage.
**BLACK CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION-ALABAMA CHAPTER Monthly meeting, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS, 2173 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205. For more, call 205-873-4572 OR visit blackcontractorsassociationincac.org.
**COMEDIAN CLAYTON ENGLISH at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**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.
**FREE – CLUELESS: A NEW TEAM WORD GAME at Saturn.
**KENTHEMA: ONE NIGHT STAN at Iron City.
**THE FOX HOUNDS with ANDREW VINSON + RAMBLIN RICKEY TATE 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
**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, MAY 29
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**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.
**BOOTS & BRIMS – Barbecue & Southern Soul, 7 – 10 p.m. at Encore Theatre & Gallery. 1604 2nd Avenue North.
**COMEDIAN CLAYTON ENGLISH at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – HEARTCHILD + CONSUMER at Saturn.
**DJ CLOAK 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 MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
**SATURDAYS through AUGUST 1 – FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, Every Saturday, 8 – 11 a.m., at the Irondale City Hall, 101 20th Street South. Seeking Vendors NOW. Any Questions: Contact etolbert@cityofirondaleal.gov or madelynjayne02@gmail.com
**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.
**COMEDIAN ROD MAN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**QDOT + JAXXXXON ++ FRIENDS at The Nick
**AFTER HOURS with GARRETT FIELDS at The Nick.
**CISO’S MAKE SOME NOISE TOUR at Saturn.
SUNDAY, MAY 31
**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.
**SHREK DRAG BRUNCH at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN NAVY GREEN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**GROCERY BAG with DOMESTICATRIX & THE REPLICANTS, SLACK TIMERS AND DISINCENTIVE at Saturn.
**JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING at Avondale Brewing CO.
MONDAY, JUNE 1
**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 – ENVISION RADIO, 1 p.m. ‘Where Praise Meets Talk’ with a Special Guest each Monday. For more: www.envision-radio.com.
**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.
**FATTMACK – THE MCKENZIE TOUR at Saturn.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
**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.
**FATTMACK – THE MCKENZIE TOUR at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, June 3
**HOT DOG HAPPY HOUR presented by Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. 5-7 p.m. at Tails by the Rails at Ellard Park, 2420 Ruffner Court, in Irondale.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**OPEN MIC NIGHT at StarDome Comedy Club.
**EVERYTHING IS GREAT! A TOWN HALL FOR THE PEOPLE at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY, JUNE 4
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**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.
**FREE – SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.
**FIRE CAMINO, MILKY WHITE & LIMITED SIGHT DISTANCE at The Nick.
**S’MORES & POURS – Benefitting Bridgeways at Avondale Brewing Co.
NEXT FRIDAY, JUNE 5
**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 DERAY DAVIS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MILE AND HONEY: PRIDE at Saturn.
**KRIS DEWBERRY & THE LOWER END with THE BEND at The Nick.
**DANCE, GAVIN DANCE w/The FALL OF TROY, WOLF&BEAR and NOVELISTS at Avondale BREWING CO.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE
FOR ART LOVERS
**LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS on JUNE 5-7 at the Historic Carver Theatre is a delightful dark and wildly entertaining production about Seymour, a shy florist assistant, whose strange new plant brings fame, fortune and unexpected chaos. There are catchy songs, outrageous comedy and a little bit of horror. This cult-favorite musical is perfect for a fun night out with laughs and thrills. Encore Theatre & Gallery, Birmingham Festival Theatre and Live Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame are presenting this and have been doing great things that theatre and art lovers just can’t get enough. Marc Raby and his team are doing great things to keep theatre alive in Birmingham. They are keeping Birmingham on the map and on the minds of art lovers. It is ideal for music lovers, fans of all genres and anyone that want to celebrate the power of music – from intimate gigs and sessions to festivals and cultural performances.
FOR CARIBBEAN LOVERS
**JUNE 6 – 13th ANNUAL MARVEL CITY CARIBBEAN FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL, Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Debardeleben Park in Bessemer by the Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization.
FOR BUSINESS LOVERS
**JUNE 11-12 – ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS CONFERENCE by the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce, at the Marriott Birmingham, 2590 Grandview Parkway. This conference is for businesses owners looking forward to growing, learning, networking and getting more information to survive in the world today. Knowledge is power when you want your business to grow. You will get lots on knowledge at this conference. For more information, email: info@ALBlackCC.org.
**JULY 10 – UNBOUND: FREEDOM TO READ, 4- 8 p.m. at Innovation Depot, 1500 1st Avenue North by the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter- Educating and Uplifting with Freedom of Speech and Expression, Legacy and History. There will be authors, poets and writers. Come and experience a moment of expression in unity. Network and meet other business owners to experience the importance of Black Voices in the community. There will be spoken word, live music, light hors d’oeuvres, and drink ticket. It is hosted by LADY WOO, with beats by CHOCOLATE and performances by DEIDRE GADDIS and Saxophonist PEDRO MOORE. For vending, and more information, call Donnie at 205-873-4572.
FOR THE YOUTH
…YOUTH PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES…
**FIRST TEE BIRMINGHAM will offer FREE participation for Birmingham City Schools at Roebuck Golf Course and Highland Park Golf Course. Register at www.firstteebirmingham.org. use code:bcs26.
**SPACE ONE ELEVEN CITY CENTER ART After School studio art program. Artists learn the elements of art and principles of design, strengthen foundation skills and further their understanding of art criticism, art theory and history for Grades 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12. For more, visit SpaceOneEleven.org
**JUNIOR NATURALIST ACADEMY – Each week in June, Tuesday through Fridays at Ruffner Mountain, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The academy includes animal programs, camp songs, eco-arts, hiking, mature journaling and plant identification. Register at jeffcogreenways.org/programs/youth/junior-naturalist-academy. There is a fee.
**BIRMINGHAM PARK AND RECREATION KIDS SUMMER CAMP – Session 1: June 8 – 26, Session 2: July 6-24, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. where campers can enjoy engaging activities, make new friends and stay active all summer long. For more call 205-254-2391. There is a fee.
**BECOME A LIFEGUARD – Pools are gearing up for the fun in the water. If you are ready, can lead, protect then apply. Perks include competitive pay, certification opportunities, flexible schedules and fun on the summer job. Call 205-254-2189 for more.
**SUMMER FILM CAMP – This is a five-day summer program forhigh school students to learn filmmaking, get the fundamentals of storytelling, lighting camera work and editing with professional filmmakers. Camp is June 8-13. Scholarships are available for those that qualify. Go to: bhamfilmcamp.com.
**CAMP BRILLIANCE – Registration is open for enrollment in the summer camp June 8 – July 23, 7:15 a.m. -5:15 p.m. for ages 3 – 13 at Zion AME Church in downtown Birmingham. It will offer math, reading, tutoring, arts, crafts, character development, science experiments and weekly field trips. Contact Ms. Bolden at 205-587-5183, 205 305-1719 or email brilliant.kids@aol.com.
**JUNE 1 – JULY 31 – WHACK KIDZ SUMMER ADVENTURE 2026 students will experience one of the most engaging and popular summer, faith based enrichment programs in the Birmingham Area. Register at pci.jotform.com/form/
**BIRMINGHAM SUMMER INSTITUTE – Enrollment for this year’s camp is open. Camp will run from June 18 – July 24 and serve students in grades 3 – 8. Activities will feature arts and crafts, outdoor activities, field trips and science experiments. Cost include meals, activities, field trips and a t-shirt. For more, call 205-329-9008.
**HIRING – HABD SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM is accepting applications for the SUEP that offers young individuals the opportunity to develop leadership and mentorship skills by serving as ummer interns or Camp Counselors. Participants will have the opportunity to gain professional experience working with HABD departments and partner organizations while developing leadership and workforce. If hired, they can work flexible work schedule while earning $12 per hour. Apply at: habd.org/jobs.
**HIRING – SUMMER AT THE SIXTH – Sixth Avenue Community Development Corporation is hiring for 6 weeks of action and a lifetime impact working in childcare or with children as an assistant counselor, lead counselor or driver. Interested individuals ages 16+, college students, teachers and retirees. For more, sixthavenuecdc.org
**GIRLS INC EUREKA SUMMER ENRICHMENT Program will provide middle and high schools girls hands-on STEM experience to explore career pathways, build confidence and develop new skills. Camp Dates are June 15-26 and July 6-17, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Questions, contact Deidre Brown at 205-599-5551 or email dbrown@girlsinccentral-al.org. Limited spots for 8th graders to attend at a discounted rate.
**CAMP BETHEL COLLEGEVILLE SUMMER LEARNING CAMP is accepting applications at 3200 28th Avenue North. Camp is June 8 – July 24, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday -Friday. Important Dates: Field Trips every Friday beginning June 19. Closed June 19 and July 3. Early dismissal July at 3 p.m. Registration and weekly tuition. For more, contact Mr. Norman Dixon at 205-322—5360 or email campbethel18@gmail.com.
**UAB SUMMER ENGINEERING PROGRAMS – This is a great opportunity for students to get hands-on learning and exploring difference fields in engineering and technology. Options Drone Academy: June 8-12 and July 6-10; Punkin Chunkin: June 15-18 and July 29-July 2; Robotics, AI and Coding: July 13-16 and July 20-23; and the Civil Engineering Summer Camp: June 22-25. For more, go to uab.edu/engineering/home/summer-camps.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
**STRIVE FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM for justice-impacted residents ages 18-24 to take the step toward a career in industries including construction, logistics and manufacturing. The 8 week NO-COST program provides coaching, job training, internship opportunities, support services, counseling and support groups, development workshops, job placement assistance and lifetime alumni support. For more, strive/org/Birmingham.
**MAGIC CITY YOUTHBUILD – Housing Authority of the Birmingham District is accepting applications to a six to nine-month initiative providing training and educational opportunities in healthcare and construction to young people ages 16-24 Who are looking to earn their GED. Biweekly stipend provided. Applications will be accepted until July 15. Apply at: youthbuild@habd.org or call 205-937-7550.
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.
