By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
KEEP CELEBRATING CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!
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.
**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 26
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**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.
**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 27
**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.
**COMEDIAN MATT MCCUSKER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**GENERATION OF VIPERS with PALACES, COWARD GOD at Saturn.
**FREE – FUNERAL PARTY GOTH NIGHT at Saturn.
**QDOT + JAXXXON & FRIENDS at The Nick.
**NASHVILLE NIGHTS – The Upstairs at Avondale.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
**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.
**GUITARS & GOOD TIMES, 6 p.m. at Bar Sebastian with poetry, song , art lyrics and music hosted by Glenn A. Griggs.
**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.
**KYLE KIMBRELL at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN THE UNTEACHABLES including STEPHEN TAYLOR + LOU PHARIS + MISS REDACTED 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.
**INDIA RAMEY with ROSY NOLAN at Saturn.
**THE MAJOR DUDES – A TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN at Avondale Brewing Co.
MONDAY, JUNE 29
**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.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
**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.
**LATE NIGHT NICK TUESDAYS with RAMBIN’ RICKY TATE at The Nick.
**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.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
**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.
**DASH RIP ROCK at Saturn.
**TRISTEN GRESSETT + CAMINO at the Nick.
NEXT THURSDAY, JULY 2
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**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.
NEXT FRIDAY, JULY 3
**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 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.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
FOR JAZZ LOVERS…AT THE HISTORIC CARVER THEATRE
**SUNDAY – EXCELSIOR BAND, 5 p.m., at the Carver Theatre for the Sunday Series – Jazz on 4th. Excelsior is said to be the oldest marching jazz band in the United States.
The Band celebrated 140 years in 2023. The Excelsior Band was selected as one of the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellows in 2022. The Greater Mobile community has provided support for 139 years.
FOR YOUTH…PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
**POOLS ARE OPEN – Started in Crestwood, ML King, Maclin, Memorial, EO Jackson, McAlpine and Roosevelt City from 12 noon – 6 p.m. $1 Entry CASH ONLY..
**SPLASH INTO SUMMER – SWIM LESSONS SESSION 3 is July 7-17 and SESSION 4 is July 21-31for all ages, kids, teens and adults with certified instructors and for all skill levels. Sign up at birminghamal.gov/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/pools. Make waves. Build confidence. Have fun. Call Rod (205) 933-4191, Jackie (205) 254-6396 or Tevin (205) 725-8703.
**MAGIC CITY YOUTH BUILD is a six to nine-month initiative that provided job training and educational opportunities to ages 16-24 who are looking to earn their GED and want to pursue careers in construction and healthcare. Application are accepted through July 15. Email youthbuild@habd.net or call (205) 983-7550.
**RESTORE GAMES is a community event promoting unity, mentorship and youth violence prevention, July 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium for ages 11 – 19. www.restoregamesbham.com. FREE. Fun, food, and prizes.
**RAISING ROYALTY BHM – Girls Mentoring Program, ages 8-19 at Southside Police Precinct, 1320 19th Street South, every 3rd Saturday month, 3-5 p.m. Contact Regina at (205) 396-7010.
(FOR MORE: City of Birmingham, Department of youth Services, call (205) 320-0879.)
AT THE CITY OF IRONDALE
**JUNE 25 – LUNCH 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.”
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
**SATURDAY KAYAK AND CANOE TRIP, Meet 8:45 a.m. with Southeastern Outings Kayak and Canoe Trip, Chattooga River near Gaylesville, Alabama – DETAILS: This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area. This stretch is fairly easy and without classified rapids. Along the river, see wildflowers, stop to swim and investigate islands and beaches. You may rent plastic kayaks and paddles from Tooga Yaks. YOU MUST NOTIFY Dan Frederick, at southeasternoutings@gmail.com or phone 205/631-4680 BEFORE June 27 to request a rental canoe if that is what you want. All participants must be able to swim to come on this outing! Sign a waiver, pay your shuttle or boat rental fee, and use the restrooms. Outfitter will transport all people and all boats to the put in. Paddle down the river to the takeout, stopping often. Take out at the outfitter’s place where cars are. Plan to go for an optional dinner on the way back to Birmingham. One food location recommended is 10-15 minutes away, in Cedar Bluff – Smorgasbord at the Cove on Weiss Lake and serves a variety of food such as steak, pasta, shrimp, southern cuisine, and homemade desserts. If you would like to shower and/or wear dry clothes for the drive home or to go to dinner with us, bring your shower things and/or a change of clothes that are kept in the car while paddling. Shower in the outfitter’s clean, spacious restrooms complete with toilets, washbowls, running water, hot showers, and plenty of floor space. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED: Contact Dan Frederick, email southeasternoutings@gmail.com or call 205/631-4680 and leave a message if you wish. DO NOT SHOW UP!!! ADVISE DAN if you plan to meet the group initially at the outfitter’s instead of at the designated Birmingham Area meeting place. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Applebee’s Restaurant parking lot in Trussville. Depart at 9 a.m. ANY CONCERNS AT ALL CALL DAN FREDERICK.
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.
