By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
KEEP CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH AND CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**COMEDIAN MARK PAUL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round 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.
**BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME” BLUE NOWHERE US TOUR 26 with IMPERIAL TRUMPHANT, FALLUJAH at Saturn.
**POUR MINDS – STILL SIPPIN’ TOUR at Iron City.
**THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT: KEEP SPINNING TOUR at Avondale Brewing Co.
**THE FIRESIDE COLLECTIVE – STRING CHEESE AFTER PARTY at the Upstairs at Avondale.
**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, JUNE 19
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.
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**FRIDAY NIGHT SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES showing ‘PRINCESS AND THE FROG,’ at Friday Nights at Beacon Park, 5309 Beacon Drive in Irondale. There will be popcorn, hotdogs, train rides, snow cones, lemonade and more.
**COMEDIAN NATE JACKSON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN CALEB ELLIOTT at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**DRIVIN’ N’ CRYIN’ with LAID BACK COUNTRY PICKER at Saturn.
**POUR MINDS – STILL SIPPIN’ TOUR at Iron City.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**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, JUNE 20
**EVERY SATURDAY 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.
**BIRMINGHAM FERN SOCIETY’S ANNUAL FERN SALE, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**COMEDIAN NATE JACKSON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN CALEB ELLIOTT at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**HOT IN HERRE at Saturn.
**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.
**BURLESQUE NIGHT at The Nick.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
**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.
**COMEDIAN NATE JACKSON at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN CALEB ELLIOTT at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE -TRES BANKS \Sunday Happy Hour at the Nick
MONDAY, JUNE 22
**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.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**THE MOTH OPEN MIC STORY SLAM: AMERICAN DREAMS at Saturn.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
**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 at Saturn.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE at Saturn.
**SAM MORROW at the Nick.
NEXT THURSDAY, JUNE 25
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**THE MANY MEDICINAL WONDERS OF THE MINT FAMILY, 9-10:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round 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.
**YEAR OF OCTOBER with MINDSHAFT + KNIGHT at The Nick.
**NOWHERE SQUARES, STRANGE WAVES & SUPERFUND at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN THAT ONE MAILMAN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
NEXT FRIDAY, JUNE 26
**A.G. GASTON BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB COMMUNITY PARTNER PROJECT: MAGIC CITY HARVEST, 10 a.m. at the Walter Howlett Clubhouse is packing food boxes to send home with children. Volunteers are needed. For call info, call 205-923-3377.
**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.
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**FRIDAY NIGHT SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES showing ‘PRINCESS AND THE FROG,’ at Friday Nights at Beacon Park, 5309 Beacon Drive in Irondale. There will be popcorn, hotdogs, train rides, snow cones, lemonade and more.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN MATT MCCUSKER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**ALL YOUR FRIENDS: THE INDIE PARTY at Saturn.
**LATINO CON ONDA presents: LATINOS CON BOTAS at Iron City.
**THE PAINT SHOP BAND at the Upstairs at Avondale.
**MINKUS, HANDLE WITH CARE, PATCHES AND STITCHES, UPSTATE GAGE at The Nick.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE
**HONORING PATRICIA WEAVER BYRD GOSPEL COLLECTION LAUNCH AND COMMUNITY ARCHIVING DAY – The North Birmingham Musical and Cultural Heritage Community is honoring ‘Patricia Weaver Byrd’, Saturday, 12 – 4 p.m. at the North Birmingham Public Library. They are also celebrating and preserving North Birmingham’s Musical and Cultural Heritage and History with presentations, performances and exhibits on the industrial, musical and cultural heritage of North Birmingham. Pianist, Vocalist and Choir director “PAT” BYRD was a longtime presence in Birmingham’s gospel music community. As a member of the Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir, she was also active in the music and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. As a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church and a musical fixture at New Pilgrim Baptist Church, she offered her services as accompanist, singer and leader for numerous local groups. Many of her original music items including recordings, programs and choir-related materials are preserved in the Southern Music Research Center (SRMC) based in Birmingham. Attendees are invited to help preserve local music history by bringing items that reflect the area’s musical culture – from gospel to blues, country to jazz hip hop to rock R&B to music made in the home. Bring old photos of beloved musicians, family recordings, printed tributes or clippings of anything that document North Birmingham’s Musical heritage. (You can keep your original items and receive digitals copies for their own use, while helping to preserve local music history for future generations.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND TOWN
**TODAY – THIRD ANNUAL “WHAT MAKES YOU FREE” – The Ballard House Project is hosting it’s ‘Third Annual WHAT MAKES YOU FREE: Art Day at the Historic Ballard House, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is an interactive program, designed for children and families commemorating Juneteenth and Emancipations for thousands of people of African descent in 1865 America and highlights their continued positive impact on Birmingham and America Decades later. It is FREE and open to elementary-aged children and families. The Ballard House is located in the Birmingham Civil Rights District at 1420 Seventh Avenue North. For more, go to the website www.ballardhouseproject.org.
FOR FILM LOVERS
At Sidewalk Cinema
**FRIDAY – FREE – SELMA at 2 and 7 p.m.
**FRIDAY – FREE – JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE at 4:45 and 9:45 p.m.
**FRIDAY – FREE – WATCH PARTY – EARTH, WIND & FIRE (To Be Celestial vs That’s the Weight of the World, 8 p.m.
**SATURDAY + SUNDAY – PJ PARTIES return with the Disney classic ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE at 10:30 a.m. Come cozy in your PJs and form 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. enjoy light breakfast options for the whole family plus a Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar for the grown-ups. Get tickets.
YOUTH PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
**TODAY – MLB PITCH, HIT AND RUN COMPETITION, 11 a.m. registration at the Willie Mays Park for ages 7-14 led by Papa Jack Baseball & RCX Sports. Event is 12 – 2 p.m. For more, go to the City of Birmingham Department of Youth Services, 205-320-0879. Or visit website: DYS@birminghamal.gov.
**FRIDAY – MLB PLAYBALL! SKILLS CAMP (Pt. 1), 9 a.m. registration at Rickwood Field for ages 8- 12 led by Major League Baseball. Event is 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. For more, go to the City of Birmingham Department of Youth Services, 205-320-0879. Or visit website: DYS@birminghamal.gov.
**FRIDAY – (Pt. 2) JUNETEENTH PRE-GAME HOME RUN DERBY and MLB EAST-WEST CLASSIC at the Rickwood Field, Home Run Derby is at 12 p.m. Game start is 1 p.m. Registration is needed. For more, go to the City of Birmingham Department of Youth Services, 205-320-0879. Or visit website: DYS@birminghamal.gov.
**SATURDAY – ARTHUR AND EVA BROWN YOUTH DEVELPOPMENT FOOTBALL CAMP, 8:30 a.m. registration and Camp running from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Wenonah High School for ages 9-17 led by Coach Grady Brown.
**SATURDAY – BOUTWELL BLOOMING BEATS & BITES, 1-4 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium. You are invited to attend this event for an afternoon of music, creativity, culture and community. Guests will enjoy a live performance by the Voices of Birmingham, interactive line dancing class, community fashion show featuring local talent and style, Sip and Paint experience for creative expression, Boutwell Trivia Contest with prizes and giveaways and plenty of food, music and community engagement throughout the afternoon. This event will highlight the rich history of the Boutwell Auditorium while creating new memories for residents and visitors. FREE. Go early to participate in activities. Register at www.eventbrite/e/boutwell-blooming-beatrs-bites-tickets.
AT THE CITY OF IRONDALE
**JUNE 19 – SUMMER SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES, with The Princess and the Frog, Friday Nights at Beacon Park, 7 p.m. with FREE popcorn, hot dogs and more.
**JUNE 20 – POOL PAW-TY – TAILS BY THE RAILS AT ELLARD PARK, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bring your pup out to beat the summer heat by enjoying a splash in the pools, plus a cool slice of refreshing watermelon at 2420 Ruffner Court in Irondale.
**JUNE 25 – LEARN AND LEARN – MAXIMIZE TO MONETIZE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Irondale Public Library, 1032 Grants Mill Road, in Irondale. RSVP at: etolbert@cityofirondaleal.gov.
**SUMMER READY AT THE IRONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY started and goes through July.
SAVE THE DATES:
**JULY 4 – RED, WHITE, BLUE & YOU! This is Irondale’s Celebration of America’s 250 featuring fireworks, live music and festivities.
**JULY 17 – SUMMER SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES with TOP GUN, Friday Nights at Beacon Park, 7 p.m. with FREE popcorn, hotdogs and mores.
**JULY 18 – I LOVE IRONDALE DAY – This is the 6th Annual Signature festival themed “AI” LOVE IRONDALE featuring all things tech plus a spectacular “DRONE SHOW.”
AT THE HISTORIC CARVER THEATRE
**JUNE 20 – TYREEK MCDOLE LIVE at the Carver Theatre, 7-9 p.m. 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. Said to be somewhere between Nat King Cole and Gregory Porter, 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.
COMING SOON – DON’T MISS!
**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.
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.
