By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
THE SUMMER IS GETTING AWAY! ENJOY EVERY MINUTE! DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!
**LYRICS & LINES at Jazzi’s on 3rd with TIM TENNINGS AND FRIENDS serving up the funny. Happy Hour is 5-6 p.m. and more at 7-9 p.m. There is no cover, ditch the traffic, grab a bite and unwind with a cocktail.
**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.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST – SEMI FINAL ROUND at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SPRITZ & POUR CANDLE MAKING EVENT at Avondale Brewing Co.
**ZOSO THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPLEIN EXPERIENCE 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, AUGUST 7
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**COMEDIAN KERWIN CLAIBORNE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN ELIJAH NEVELS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**LUMBERJVCK at Saturn.
**PENELOPE ROAD + WINYAH & THE BAND HONEY at Avondale Brewing Co.
**DJ CLOAK at The Nick.
**GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
**AUGUST 8 – COUGAR FEST, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Lawson State Community College – Birmingham Campus. FREE.
** VOCABBY’S WORLD is hosting a FREE community vocabulary program for kids ages birth to 5 providing FREE books, curriculum and art materials to reinforce the new vocabulary learned. Each session features hands-on activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Each lesson is themed and features words describing topics like weather, activities, animals and more. Meetings are at two locations: Sixth Avenue Baptist Church on the first Saturday. Woodlawn United Methodist Church hosts its meetings on the third Saturday of each month.
**OF MONTREAL with SLOPPY JANE at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN KERWIN CLAIBORNE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN ELIJAH NEVELS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SUNDROP & FRIENDS at The Nick.
**TUB – ANNUAL JERRY CELEBRATION at Avondale Brewing Co.
**BINGO LOCO at Iron City.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
**SUNDAY AND MONDAY – ENCORE THEATRE AND GALLERY IS HOSTING GENERAL AUDITIONS FOR 2026 AND 2027 – Encore Theatre and Gallery (ETG) is looking for the next company of actors, singers, dancers and storytellers to help bring stories to life. AUDITION DATES: August 9 (Sunday) and August 10 (Monday), by APPOINTMENT ONLY, at 1604 2nd Avenue North. Reserve your audition at https://koalendar.com/e/encore-2025-2026-auditions-2627?month=2026-08&duration=3.
**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.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes.
**COMEDIAN KERWIN CLAIBORNE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN ELIJAH NEVELS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**AVONDALE ADULT SWIM at Avondale Brewing Co.
**FREE – BLANK HELLSCAPE and FLESH CIRCUIT at Saturn.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
**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.
**WEEKDAYS – LIBRARY AT THE GARDENS, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Weekdays. Present your Jefferson County Card to check out books, audiobooks, DVDs and more for adults and children at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**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.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
**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 – SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.
**MASEGO: MOVED TO IRON CITY at Avondale Brewing Co.
**MASEGO: FIX YOUR FACE TOUR at Iron City.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
**BIRMINGHAM FERN SOCIETY, Every Third Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. in the conference Room of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Go to the website and email Louise Billings to reserve a spot.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST – SEMI FINAL ROUND at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**ARACHNOPHONIA (FREE SCREENING) at Saturn.
**LUKE BORCHELT w/IAN CUTHBERTSON at the Upstairs at Avondale.
**COMEDIAN KRISTIN KEY at the Stardome Comedy Club.
NEXT THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!
**IRONDALE COMMUNTY GUIDE LAUNCH CELEBRATION, 11:30 – 1 p.m. at the AGC Conference Center. Get there for lunch, community and celebration of the 2026-2027 Irondale Community Guide.
**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.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST – SEMI FINAL ROUND at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**GREYWATER with YES DEAR, and NO CULTURE at Saturn.
NEXT FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**COMEDIAN BUBBA DUB at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**KPOP CLUB NIGHT with DJ CHEN at Saturn.
**ROCK & RALLY w/THE VELCRO PYGMIES at Avondale Brewing Co.
**LUNAR PARQUE – The Upstairs at Avondale.
**TAYLS, KELSEY BLACKSTONE AND BLOOD MOON RIOT at The Nick.
AUGUST IS HERE…
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
**AUGUST 11 DEMOCRATIC SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION – MAURICE MERCER RUNS FOR DEMOCRATIC SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION IN DISTRICT 6 – The August 11th Special Primary is a result of the Republican redistricting efforts to flip District 2 from an opportunity district to one less competitive for Democrats as result changes were made to Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7. Former Pelham City Councilor Maurice Mercer is asking voters across Alabama’s 6th Congressional District for their support in the Democratic Special Primary Election on August 11. If elected Mercer would be the first Black Congressman from District 6 and the 8th Black Congressman from Alabama. District 6 consists of some of Jefferson County including East Hoover, East Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Irondale, Center Point, part of Roebuck, Pinson, Gardendale, part of Forestdale, Kimberly, Morris, Warrior, Clay, Trussville, Leeds, all of the following counties Shelby County, Coosa, Chilton, Autauga, Bibb, Elmore and some of Talladega. Mercer served the Pelham City Council from November 2012 to November 2025 and was City Council President from 2020 to November 2025. Notably, he is the first African-American elected to office in the City of Pelham. His contributions to Pelham have garnered recognition, including consecutive Public Servant of the Year nominations in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Outside of his civic duties, Mercer works as a business account executive for a fortune 100 telecommunications firm. He is involved in various organizations, boards, and committees, including the Community of Hope Health Clinic, Alabaster-Pelham Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., the Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge, the Pelham Library Guild, the Pelham Pastor’s Roundtable, and he’s a member of Rock City Church Birmingham. For more information regarding the election, visit MauriceMercer.com.
**’MAJESTIC’ GRAND RE-OPENING, TODAY, 5 – 8 p.m. at 230 18th Street North – Step into an evening of Connection, Collaboration and Community with COMMISSIONER SHEILA TYSON, District 2 for a ‘MAJESTIC THURSDAY CONNECTIONS’ that will bring together dynamic professionals, community leaders and entrepreneurs for an engaging night of networking, idea sharing and meaningful relationships. Build opportunities. Be inspired! Be empowered! Leave Majestic!! For the grown and mature!
**JEFFERSON COUNTY‘S ONLY WINERY CHATEAU BEVVY WINERY OPENS IN HISTORIC BESSEMER – YOU ARE INVITED! Chateau Bevvy Winery is hosting its soft opening on Saturday, August 15, Noon to 7 p.m. at 19-31st Avenue North in Bessemer. This new destination is promising to be a vibrant addition to the local community and a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Guests can tour the winery, taste a selection of wines and enjoy a charming atmosphere that celebrates both the rich history of Bessemer and the historic building. Everyone in the Greater Bessemer Area is invited to celebrate this exciting new chapter in the town’s vibrant history. Join in by raising a glass to new beginnings at Chateau Bevvy Winery. It is Jefferson County’s only winery!
**JEFFERSON COUNTY MICRO BUSINESS ACCELERATOR connects established entrepreneurs with resources to help them expand. Applications close on August 14, 5:30 p.m. If you are a micro business owner in Jefferson, operating with 9 or fewer employees, in business for 3+ years, have filed previous business taxes and are passionate about making a positive impact in your community, then this is for you. Create your CARA account. Log in and click the application button for the Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator, complete and submit your application. Go to: caranow.org for more.
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
**SATURDAY DAY RIVER FLOAT at Locust Fork River from the Church Street Bridge in Warrior to the U.S. Highway 31 Bridge in Kimberly. – DETAILS: Float in 2.5 miles downstream, stopping to get in the water along the way. Bring float, a picnic lunch, your drink, towel and sunscreen. Wear swimsuit and sturdy foot protection. Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable! Lunch will be at a stopping place along the river. You must be able to swim to participate in this outing! Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 9 and up able to swim welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. Meet in the parking lot at the McDonald’s Restaurant/Exxon Service Station, 300 Cane Creek Road in Warrior at the I-65 Exit 282 no later than 9:45 a.m. Depart at 10 a.m. Arriving 15 minutes before departure time will allow time to use the restrooms, hear announcements concerning the day’s event, and form carpools from the McDonald’s. Contact Dan Frederick at southeasternoutings@gmail.com or 205/631-4680.
**WEDNESDAY WEEKDAY RIVER, BEACH, WALK SWIM AND PICNIC at Barton’s Beach in Perry County, August 12- Meet 9:45 a.m. – DETAILS: Barton’s Beach, the largest sand and gravel beach on the entire Cahaba River, is a beautiful property owned by the Alabama Nature Conservancy! Enjoy a beach gathering on this scenic, fine-grained sand beach in Marion, Alabama. The floodplain broadens and creates areas of bottomland hardwood forests, oxbow lakes and extensive sand and gravel bars. Float on the river from the upper end of the beach to the lower end of the beach. Bring flotation device, your swimsuit, towel, picnic lunch, water, soft drink or fruit juice to drink, wading shoes with substantial soles are recommended and a change of clothes to be left in the car. A restroom is available at Perry Lakes County Park. The 1/2-mile walk from the Perry Lakes Park parking lot to Barton’s Beach is easy and level. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and older able to swim are welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. All must be able to swim to come on this outing! Optional dinner after the outing is concluded. Meet 9:45 a.m. at the McDonald’s Galleria. Depart at 10 a.m. For more, southeasternoutings@gmail.com or 205-631-4680.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
AUGUST IN IRONDALE -SAVE THE DATES:
**AUGUST 19 – THE MAYOR’S DESK, 12:30 p.m. with Special Guest DR. WALTER GONSOULIN, Superintendent of Jefferson County School System. This is a Podcast with Mayor James D. Stewart.
**AUGUST 20 – BONES AND CONES ICE CREAM SOCIAL presented by Mayor James. D. Stewart, Jr., 5-7 p.m. at the Tails by the Rails at Ellard Park, 2420 Ruffner Court.
**AUGUST 21 – GOLDEN RHYTHMS JAZZ BRUNCH, 11 a.m., at Alabama AGC Building, Irondale with delicious Chef prepared Brunch by Infiniti Eats and musical performance by SHERRY REEVES. This event celebrates National Seniors Day. For more, call 205-951-1413.
**AUGUST 29 – 6th ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDER CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT, 9 a.m. Registration and Play begins at 10 a.m. benefitting Spina Bifida Camp and supporting essential resources for children and families at Children’s of Alabama. For more, go to www.AlabamaCornhole.com/FirstResponder.
**NEED HELP WITH MAX? – MAX Customer Care Team is available (launched recently). Free Ride Promo Code: IRONDALE. Call 205-521-0101 for more.
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.
