By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
ENJOY THE SEASON!
THURSDAY, JULY 23
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**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 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**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 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register
**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.
**COMEDIAN MYRON JEWELL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – CAPTAIN KUDZU, KNELT & SLOPING at Saturn.
**42 DUGG + BABYFACE RAY – 4 THE TRENCHES TOUR at Iron City.
**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, JULY 24
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**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 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**R&B ONLY LIVE at Iron City.
**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.
**COMEDIAN LAVELL CRAWFORD at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**CONAN with ESOTERIOR, and COWARD GOD at Saturn.
**CODY BOLDEN & THE ROADHANDS & BIKE + CLASSIC CAR SHOW at The Nick.
**JESSE WELLES – RED TOUR 2026 w/STEPH STRINGS at Avondale Brewing Co.
**GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
**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.
**AMERICAN CLASSIC CRUISE – AT THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, 8 a.m. by the Tracks at Irondale City Hall. Enjoy classic cars, shop local and build community.
**GIRLS ROCK CAMP SHOWCASE, 3 p.m. at Saturn.
**AN EVENING WITH PAT BYRNE, 7 p.m. at 625 – 39th Street South.
**I WANT MY MTV: 80’S DANCE PARTY featuring NEON ELECTRIC, at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN LAVELL CRAWFORD at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.
**LATE NIGHT with QDOT, JAXXXON & FRIENDS at The Nick.
**VINTAGE MARKET – AFTER DARK at Avondale Brewing Co.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
**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.
**SPLASH AND HOT SURFACE 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.
**COMEDIAN LAVELL CRAWFORD at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN CALIMAR WHITE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes.
**COHEED & CAMBRIA – THIS IS OUR WAR TOUR W/NARROW HEAD at Avondale Brewing.
MONDAY, JULY 27
**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.
**THE MOTH OPEN MIC STORYSLAM: REVENGE at Saturn.
TUESDAY, JULY 28
**CUT FLOWER ARRANGING, 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens with ALLISON CREEL of Blue Rooster Farms bringing her best seasonal blooms. Learn how to harvest, condition and arrange flowers straight from the field. Register.
**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 – MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT at Saturn.
**THE R&B TOUR, 7 p.m. at the Protective Stadium starring USHER and CHRIS BROWN.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**COMEDIAN LAVELLE DONTAE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**OPEN DECK with SUNDROP at the Nick.
NEXT THURSDAY, JULY 30
**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.
**COMEDIAN LAVELLE DONTAE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**DORIO with CHAYSE PORTER and HIS PALACE DOORS, SUPERFUND, DJ Updog at Saturn.
NEXT FRIDAY, JULY 31
**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.
**COMEDIENNE ADELE GIVENS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN RON TAYLOR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**CAN’T FEEL MY FACE: 2010s DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**HUFFER, KAMIKAZE ZOMBIE, FORMULAS and MECHANYZED at The Nick.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
**CASHMERE WILLIAMS PERFORMS LIVE at the 12TH ANNUAL ALABAMA MUSIC AWARDS – CASHMERE WILLIAMS, musician, author and speaker will perform live at the red carpet event on Sunday, 6 p.m. held at the Carver Theatre. Cashmere’s musical journey began at seven years old, when he first captivated audiences in church – laying the foundation for a soulful expressive style that continues to define his sound today. As a graduate of BERKLEE, he studied composition and arranging. Cashmere blends technical excellence with heartfelt performance, creating music that resonates across generations. His career highlights include touring nationally with American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and performing at the 2025 Inauguration of Governor Kay Ivey with moments that showcase his versatility and professionalism on some of the biggest stages. Whether setting the mood for an elegant weeding, elevating a corporate event, or delivering a dynamic live performance, Cashmere brings a signature smooth jazz experience that is both sophisticated and unforgettable.
FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS
**SATURDAY EASY RIVER FLOAT, Meet 9:15 a.m. for Southeastern Outings Easy River Float at the Locust Fork River from near River Road to the Mount Olive Road Bridge – DETAILS: Easy river float on the Locust Fork River for about 3.8 miles downstream to the new Mount Olive Road Bridge possibly stopping at river beaches along the way. Bring something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float. Bring a picnic lunch or pick your lunch up BEFORE you arrive at the meeting place. Bring your drink, towel and sunscreen in 2 plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other, put the bags in your daypack and tie your pack to your swimsuit and sturdy foot protection. Old sneakers work well. Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable! Lunch will be at a convenient stopping place along the river. Have fun swimming in the pools in the river along the way. Walk for about 15-20 minutes through the woods to get from River Road to the start point of our float. There is a shuttle for drivers from the end point back to the start point before we start paddling. You must be able to swim to participate in this outing! Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up, able to swim welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. Meet at the Wal-Mart Gardendale parking lot no later than 9:15 a.m. ready to depart promptly at 9:30 a.m. Arriving 15 minutes before departure time will allow time to use the restrooms in the Wal-Mart, purchase a float from Southeastern Outings if need hear announcements concerning the day’s event, and form carpools from the Wal-Mart. Reservations are NOT requested or required for this event!
Info: Dan Frederick, email southeasternoutings@gmail.com or phone 205/631-4680.
FOR GARDENING LOVERS
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
**AUGUST 24 – LANDSCAPE 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.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
SAVE THE DATES:
**FALL SPORTS at the City of Irondale for Ball teams registration deadline is August 31, Practice is September 21 with games beginning in October. Flag Football Teams Registration deadline is August 24 with Practice beginning on August 31 and Games beginning on September 31. For more contact, Will Harrington, Parks & Recreation Director at wharrington@CityOfIrondaleAL.gov.
COMING SOON!
**AUGUST 24-30 – 28th ANNUAL SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL. Look for more, right here!
FOR ART LOVERS
**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. You must register through August 15.
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.
