By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
ENJOY THE FUN, FAMILY AND FOOD OF THE SEASON!
THURSDAY, JULY 9
**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.
**COMEDIENNE AMBER WALLIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**J. KILLEN with JANET SIMPSON & ASHLEY WINGO 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.
**KYLE KIMBRELL 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, JULY 10
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts
**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.
**COMEDIENNE TISHA CAMPBELL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COUNTRY DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**THE STOLEN FACES – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD at Avondale Brewing Co.
**COMEDIAN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FRIDAY NIGHTS 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, JULY 11
**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.
**COMEDIENNE TISHA CAMPBELL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SCOTT IVEY & THE FILTHY FRETS with RARE BIRDS at The Nick.
**ETHER 9 at The Night Late with NOIZE VOIDZ & HOLDING GHOSTS at The Nick.
**THE STOLEN FACES – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD at Avondale Brewing Co.
**EMO NIGHT BROOKLYN at Saturn.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
**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.
**TRES BANKS at The Nick.
**2ND SUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.
**4th SUNDAY FREE SHOW with our favorite TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.
**COMEDIENNE TISHA CAMPBELL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**DOLLY PARTON DRAG BRUNCH 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.
**REBECCA EGELAND – The Upstairs at Avondale.
MONDAY, JULY 13
**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, JULY 14
**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 15
**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.
**COMEDIAN SAMMY OBEID at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**PLEASANT with ABUSEMENTS, DOMESTICATRIX & THE REPLICANTS, MOTARK at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY, JULY 16
**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.
**THE CHRISTI SHOW at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN NA’IM LYNN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**NPR TINY DESK: THE BEST OF ALABAMA at Saturn.
**Early Show with STONEYARD (Seattle) + SILVER FERN (Huntsville) + BARBER POLE SOUND at The Nick.
**WOORMS (LA) with FALSE GODS (NYC), HESSUS, SACREUS at the Nick.
SAFE WORD GABRAXAS COMPRENDIUM (on tour from Texas) with support from SUBHYMNAL, TENGEN, THE SLIPPERY DISH at the Nick.
NEXT FRIDAY, JULY 17….
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**FRIDAY NIGHT SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES showing TOP GUN: MAVERICK 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 NA’IM LYNN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**TOMMY WRIGHT II with SNAKE CHURCH, THE LIE WITHIN CALLIE, FORCED NEGLECT, CHANCHO, SWAMP MEET at Saturn.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
**JARVIS ESCOTT TECH INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2026 – The 2026 Minority Business Award was given to JARVIS ESCOTT of ‘What’s Happening Birmingham’ for Tech Innovator of the Year. Jarvis is President of First Impressions Marketing Group and provides marketing services to events and businesses locally, regionally and nationally.
FOR GARDENING LOVERS
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
**JULY 13 – 24 – CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps. Register.
**JULY 22 – DRAGONS AND DAMSELS IN THE GARDENS, 10 a.m. – Noon. Walk through the gardens with nature photographer ROBBY HOOD to observe and learn about the ancient order of Odonata who begin life as aquatic nymphs before transforming into skilled fliers, driven by two instincts: to eat and to reproduce. Register.
**JULY 23 – NATURE TRIVIA NIGHT, 7-9 p.m. with Naturalist HENRY HERSHEY for an evening in Rushton Garden to play trivia, enjoy complimentary drinks and learn something new. Register.
**AUGUST 24 – LANSCAPE FOUNDATIONS: SELECTING AND SITTING TREES AND SHRUBS, 11 a.m. – Noon with BOB KOONS in the Kaul Wildflower Garden and during the plant sales as he discusses the selection, environmental needs, sitting, planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs. Get guidance and a sneak peek of what is at the Fall Plant Sale. Register.
**BIRMINGHAM FERN SOCIETY, every third Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. in the conference Room of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Email Louise Billings to reserve a spot.
FOR ART LOVERS
**UAB ArtPlay’s “WHIMISICAL WEDNESDAYS…Whimsical Wednesdays continues this Wednesday
**JULY 15 – A SUMMER PROMENADE IN WATERCOLOR: POSTCARDS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, 6-8 p.m. This class is for beginners led by arts educator and artist HEATHER HYATT. Participants will explore foundational watercolor techniques including washes, blending, layering and simple detail work while creating atmospheric mini landscapes. Artists can craft a postcard or keepsake painting that evokes pastoral trails, sunlit fields and graceful skies. You must register.
**AUGUST 29 – ARTPLAY NEXT GEN: VISUAL ARTS PORTFOLIO AND THEATRE AUDITION SYMPOSIUM is designed to empower emerging artists with expert feedback and resources to help them thrive in college auditions and portfolio reviews. High school seniors preparing for college courses in the visual arts or theater performance can join this hand-on symposium.at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. ArtPlay NextGen will take place 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the historic ArtPlay House, 1006 19th St. South. There is a limited capacity. You must register through August 15.
FOR ENTERTAINMENT LOVERS…
**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 more information, call Donnie at 205-873-4572.
FOR YOUTH …PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
**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. Enjoy 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.)
**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. Applications are accepted through next Wednesday, July 15. Email youthbuild@habd.net or call (205) 983-7550.
**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 21-31 for 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.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
SAVE THE DATES:
**JULY 18 – AMERICAN CLASSIC CRUISE – IN AT THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, 8 a.m. by the Tracks at Irondale City Hall. Enjoy classic cars, shop local and build community.
**JULY 18 – “AI” I LOVE IRONDALE DAY & DRONE SHOW, 4- 9 p.m. at Irondale City Hall – This is the 6th Annual Signature festival themed “AI” LOVE IRONDALE featuring all things tech plus a spectacular “DRONE SHOW,” with food trucks, games, music and more. PLUS 300 Drones Light up the Night Sky!
**IN JULY ALL MONTH – STORY BOOK WALK “GOD BLESS AMERICA” at 16th St. S. across from Irondale Community School.
**SUMMER READY AT THE IRONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY goes through July.
COMING SOON!
**AUGUST 24-30 – 28th ANNUAL SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL. Look for more, right here!
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.
