By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
HOT DAYS AND THE LAST OF THE SUMMER! ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!
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.
**MAJESTIC, 5 – 8 p.m. at 230 18th Street North – Step into an evening of Connection, Collaboration and Community.
**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.
**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 14
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**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.
**GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
**Y’ALL THINGS CONSIDERED: LIVE at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN MIKE GOODWIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE Early Show w/ BOLEE & CENTERFIRE, KINM’S BROS BDAY BASH – SHAUN CICERO! LET’S GO! at The Nick.
**SIERRA FERRELL: HEAVY PETAL TOUR at Avondale Brewing Co.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
**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.)
**BIG WIGS. Starring Drag Legends AGGY DUNE & DARIENNE LAKE, 3 p.m. at Saturn.
**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.
**Early Show – SISTER PAUL with THE RAMONE at The Nick.
**THE HOLLOW SOULS TOUR: SPIRITLESS & HEROES FOR GHOST 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 MIKE GOODWIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MONDAY, AUGUST 17
**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, 12 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 18
**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.
**THOU at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, 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 in Irondale.
**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.
**FREE SPIKE HELLIS & AURAGRAPH with DJ BLESSED DREGS at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**BONES AND CONES ICE CREAM SOCIAL presented by Irondale Mayor James. D. Stewart, Jr., 5-7 p.m. at the Tails by the Rails at Ellard Park, 2420 Ruffner Court.
**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 LA’TREZ ANDERSON at StarDome Comedy Club.
**MAJOR at Saturn.
NEXT FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**COMEDIAN CHICO BEAN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**ANDREA REALLY 360 REAVE with RELLY, LEHTUR:O at Saturn.
**CLAY CLEAR BAND with KID SLY at The Nick.
**STRAIGHT TEQUILA NIGHT – THE PREMIER TRIBUTE TO ‘90s COUNTRY at Iron City.
AUGUST IS HERE… School has started …BUT there are still things to do… CHECK THEM OUT!
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
**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, 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!
**WORLD PREMIERE STAGED READING – BURIED VOICES-The Most Inspiring Voting Rights Story Never Told – A new play by MELANIE VAN BETTEN JEFFCOAT on SATURDAY and SUNDAY, 6:30 p.m., at the Terrific New Theatre, 2112 Fifth Avenue North. Panel discussions on voting rights in America include JOHN ARCHIBALD (Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist), SENATOR MERIKA COLEMAN (District 19, Alabama), JOHN PAUL TAYLOR (Advancement Project, Washington D.C.), FAYA ROSE TOURE’ (Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma) and MELANIE VAN BETTEN JEFFCOAT (Award-Winning Producer, Director, Writer, Actress, Playwright). All proceeds benefit the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium.
**SUNDAY – UAB LEGACY FAMILY DAY – Soak up summer fun while making memories at Legacy Day 3-5 p.m. at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Legacy Family Day will include water slides, games, shaved ice, snacks and plenty of Blazer fun on the Campus Green. Guests can snap a photo with Blaze, splash and slide down giant water slides, enjoy free access to the UAB Rec Center pool, challenge friends and family to yard games or cool off with shaved ice, tasty snacks and more. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an afternoon of family fun. Pop-up tents are welcome.
**TUESDAY – DISTRICT 8 TOWN HALL MEETING at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Fairview Neighborhood at 1615 4th Court West, 6 p.m. hosted by SONJA Q. SMITH, COUNCILOR DISTRICT 8 and co-hosted by Travis Hendrix, State Representative District 55. Councilor Smith is Chair of the Arts and Parks committee, serves on the Community Development committee and a member of the Economic Development/Tourism committee as well as Transportation & Infrastructure committees.
**TUESDAY- AARP CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR – The AARP Central Birmingham Chapter 4668 is inviting you to the Community Health Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham CrossPlex. There will be healthcare providers, community organizations, local businesses that offer health information, wellness resources, screenings, giveaways and educational opportunities to help improve the health and well-being of residents throughout the Birmingham area. If you are interested for more, call 205-601-4130.
FOR FILM LOVERS
AT SIDEWALK CINEMA
**TODAY – SOUNDTRACK KARAOKE in the Lobby with the all-stars of motion picture soundtracks including songs from Purple, Rain, Grease, The Bodyguard, Dirty Dancing, Flash Dance, Saturday Night Fever and more.
**TODAY – GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS, 2 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
**TODAY – THE ODYSSEY 2:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., and 9:15 p.m.
**TODAY – CATVIDEOFEST 2026, 4:15 p.m., 6 p.m., and7:45 p.m.
**SATURDAY through AUGUST 23 – THE RIVALS AMZIAH KING a Birmingham Short film is about Amziah King the unofficial mayor of his rural Oklahoma community. Southern charm personified, he works as a apiarist but spends his spare time jamming out bluegrass tunes with his ragtag group of buddies and hosting potluck lunches. When his former foster daughter, Kateri, suddenly reappears I his life, Amziah seizes the opportunity to reconnect: but his plans to teach her his trade hit a roadblock when his beekeeping rivals put the family businesses at risk.
**SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – FINDING DORY, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the PJ Party weekend.
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
**SATURDAY KAYAK AND CANOE OUTING at Bill Wills Creek near Gadsden, Alabama with Southeastern Outings – Meet 9:45 a.m. – DETAILS: This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area fairly easy and without classified rapids. See wildflowers and stop to investigate islands and beaches. Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each novice canoeist must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their canoe. Arrive at the outfitter’s, sign a waiver, pay your shuttle or boat rental fee, use the restroom, and then eat lunch beside the creek at the outfitter’s take out. After lunch, paddle down the creek to the take out at the outfitter’s. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 10 and over are welcome. Going to a restaurant in Gadsden for dinner depends on what time we finish boating. Bring a change of clothes. Reservations Required: You must contact Dan Frederick, email southeasternoutings@gmail.com or call 205/631-4680 if you plan to come on this kayak and canoe trip. Meet 9:45 a.m. at the Applebee’s in Trussville. Depart at 10 a.m.
FOR DANCE LOVERS
**ALABAMA BALLET FAMILY DAY – Family Day is Open House SATURDAY, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for Alabama Ballet Center for Dance, 2726 First Avenue South, one block from Pepper Place. It is a FREE morning where anyone can walk in, look around and try a class. No tickets needed. No ballet experience and nothing to sign up for. Anyone can attend, parent, college kid, dad and just something to do. Fifteen-minute classes: Creative Movement for ages 3-5, Teen & Contemporary for ages 10-15 and beginner Adult Ballet for teens and grown-ups. There will be Live Performances, Behind the Curtain with costume shop, crafts, face painting, costume photo op, a bubble machine, food trucks, coffee and breakfast, popsicles, sine sampling, garden shop. Wear something that you can move in such as leggings, shorts, a t-shirt. Socks or bare feet are perfect. AND, there is a Raffle Table that you can enter to win tickets to the 26-27 Season Performance or Alabama Ballet merchandise. For more: information@alabamaballet.org
IN THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK
**The Mountain Brook Chamber Summer Luncheon STATE OF THE CITY is WEDNESDAY, August 19, 11:30 a.m. featuring MAYOR GRAHAM SMITH and the MOUNTAIN BROOK CITY COUNCIL. Get the key updates, upcoming projects and what is ahead for Mountain Brook. The program is at Noon.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
Just a little news…
**Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. announced the arrival of 10 brand-new vehicles to the Irondale Police Department fleet. This $675,000 investments includes 10 fully outfitted 2026 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptors, providing officers with the reliable, modern equipment they need to continue serving and protecting the community. Irondale is blessing the cities of Camp Hill and Georgiana by donating some of the retiring police vehicles to help support their public safety efforts.
**81,800 ALABAMIANS CAME OFF SNAP – Mayor Stewart joined a bipartisan group of 219 mayors asking the U.S. Senate to protect food assistance for families in our cities. Mayor Stewart was one of only three mayors from Alabama to sign alongside Mayor Walt Maddox of Tuscaloosa, and Mayor Steven L. Reed of Montgomery. Mayor Stewart serves on the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger.
SAVE THE DATES:
**APPLICATIONS FOR CITY OF IRONDALE – BOARD OF EDUCATION – Applications are now open. DEADLINE: AUGUST 27, 5 p.m. You can apply: If you are an Irondale resident, have a high school diploma (of equivalent) and meet Alabama eligibility requirements, you can apply. What you can expect: Five-year staggered term, unpaid public service and state-required board training. Any questions, contact: ETolbert@CityOfIrondaleAl.gov.
**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.
**CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT INSTITUTE – The City of Irondale Fall 2026 Citizen Engagement Institute, DEADLINE: September 25. Class Dates are October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 with Graduation on November 6, 6-8 p.m. at the Irondale Public Library. Apply at www.tinyurl.com/FallCEI26.
**NEED HELP WITH MAX? – MAX Customer Care Team is available (launched recently). Free Ride Promo Code: IRONDALE. Call 205-521-0101 for more.
FOR COMMUNITY EFFORTS, HELP, ASSISTANCE AND MORE GREAT THINGS
**URBAN MINISTRY connects neighbors with neighbors to serve Birmingham with compassion and wholeness as well as provides assistance for those that need it with qualification. WE CAFÉ is the cafe at Urban Ministry. It is a weekly café open during lunch hours with great food at 1229 Cotton Avenue S.W. Get a great lunch every week-day, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
**OCTOBER 22 – TABLE OF HOPE – A Dinner to Benefit Urban Ministry, 6 – 8 p.m. This year’s theme is opening doors of hope through compassion, wholeness and community. Support the great things that Urban Ministry do year round. Urban-ministry.org. SAVE THE DATE! LOOK FOR MORE!!
COMING SOON… Look for more, right here!
**SEPTEMBER 12 – DINER EN BLANC 2026 is in Birmingham.
**SEPTEMBER 26 – WE ARE ONE – AN ALL-WHITE CELEBRATION HONORING FRANKIE BEVERLY at the Boutwell. Auditorium.
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.
