By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
DON’T MISS – CHANCE THE RAPPER, TUESDAY, AT AVONDALE BREWING CO. VOTE!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**NATURE TRIVIA NIGHT, 7-9 pm. in the Rushton Garden with HENRY HERSHEY, complimentary drinks and learning things new.
**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.
**MONTAGE, CAVEHOLE with CAPTAIN KUDZU, SERIOUSLY, OH.LAKE at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN MARVIN HUNTER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**JACQUEES + K CAMP – US OVER “DEM TOUR at Avondale Brewing Co.
**AFTER WORK PROFESSIONAL SOIREE EVERY THURSDAY at Majestic ULTRA Lounge, 230-18th Street North. Happy Hour 5 – 9 p.m. Unwind and Connect hosted by Commissioner Sheila Tyson.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR EVERY THURSDAY at Carver Theatre.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**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 28
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**COMEDIAN GEORGE LOPEZ at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN JACKIE FABULOUS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**ANIME RAVE at Saturn.
**CINEMA STEREO, BLOOD MOON RIOT + LIVE OAK at The Nick.
**LATE NIGHT with BRYAN RAYMOND & RAMBLIN RICKY TATE at The Nick.
**DARREN KNIGHT AKA SOUTHERN MOMMA at Iron City.
**THE PRETTY RECKLESS – DEAR GOD WORLD TOUR! w/PARIS JACKSON at Avondale Brewing Co.
**GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
**SIDEWALK CINEMA’S NEW EXTERIOR SIGN LIGHTING, 9:30 p.m. to coincide with the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival Opening Night
**COMEDIAN JACKIE FABULOUS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SATURDAYS AFTER DARK at Majestic Ultra Lounge.
**HOT IN HERRE: 2000s DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN GEORGE LOPEZ at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.
**LATE NIGHT w/ QDOT, JASSSON & FRIENDS at The Nick.
**MUSTACHE THE BAND – 90’s COUNTRY PARTY at Avondale Brewing Co.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
**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.)
**LORD OF THE RINGS DRAG BRUNCH at StarDome Comedy Club.
**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.
**HAPPY HOUR FREE SHOW With HORSE BREAKFAST at The Nick.
**SQUID PISSER with DISINCENTIVE & WYNTON EXISTING at The Nick.
**LAT NIGHT METAL SHOW with OIL, HIRAETH, SAVREUS and DIVINORUM 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 GEORGE LOPEZ at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN JACKIE FABULOUS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MONDAY, AUGUST 31
**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, SEPTEMBER 1
**THIRD ANNUAL MOUNTAIN BROOK BATTLE OF THE BADGES Charity Softball Game, 5:30. It starts with the singing of the National Anthem and presentation of the Colors on MBHS Rec Field 1. This is a friendly competition between the Mountain Brook Police Department and the Mountain Brook Fire Department. Take the family and cheer on the first responder who work every day to keep our community safe. FREE.
**MAJESTIC ULTRA LOUNGE HAPPY HOUR, 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays with specials. Take your appetite, dancing shoes and your crew. Must be 30 and up to enter.
**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.
**MOJOHAND at The Nick.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**CHANCE THE RAPPER – COLORING BOOK 10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY TOUR at Avondale Brewing Co.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
**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.
**LEGENDARY SOULFUL HAPPY HOUR EVERY WEDNESDAY, 5- 9 p.m. at Majestic Ultra Lounge with Classic R&B, Songs and smooth Vibes.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**OLIVER’S BENEFIT BONANZA at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**AFTER WORK PROFESSIONAL SOIREE EVERY THURSDAY at Majestic ULTRA Lounge. Happy Hour 5 – 9 p.m. Unwind and Connect hosted by Commissioner Sheila Tyson.
**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.
**CIRCLE JERKS with NEGATIVE APPROACH and UPCHUCK at Saturn.
NEXT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**NETWORKING AT NOON hosted by Junior League of Birmingham, 2212 20th Avenue S., a free networking lunch for business professionals in the Birmingham Area by Grace Klein Community.
**OVE IN THE CLUB – 200s R&B + HIO HOP DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**BOLEE w/CENTERFIRE SMOKEJUMPER NEOTERRA at The Nick.
**THE STOLEN FACES – CELEBATING THEMUSIC OF THE GRTEFUL DEAD at Avondale Brewing Co.
WHAT IS GOING ON IN SEPTEMBER …with a little before and a little after…
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
**COMEDIAN AND ACTOR HENRY WELCH PERFORMS IN BIRMINGHAM AT ‘WE ARE ONE’ – Birmingham’s own native and favorite National comedian, actor is hosting and performing at WE ARE ONE, September 26th, 8 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium. This is the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter (BCAAC) Annual Fundraiser with music, memories and people coming together. SO, for all of the mothers and fathers, Parker High alumni, Alabama State University alumni and others that want to laugh your ‘you know what’ off get your ‘All-White outfit. AND, IF you loved BET’s Comic View, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, love good jokes and love to laugh then the professionals of Alabama (BCAAC) invite you to ‘WE ARE ONE.’ Also performing at We Are ONE are International musician JUBU SMITH who toured with Frankie Beverly and Maze, International DJ CHOCOLATE, and National musician YUNG VOKALZ. See You there!
FOR LOVERS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ART
**THIS SATURDAY – 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.
**SEPTEMBER 18 – RONALD RODRIGUEZ LIVE at the Carver Theatre, 6 p.m. This is Desda la Raiz: Caribbean Connections by the Ronald Rodriquez Sextet that celebrates the rich musical connections between Caribbean culture and jazz. This will be an evening filled with rhythms, soulful melodies and the spirit of Latin jazz while celebrating Latin Heritage Month.
FOR FILM LOVERS
AT SIDEWALK FILM CENTER & CINEMA
**DON’T MISS – MONDAY THROUGH NEXT SUNDAY – 28th ANNUAL SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL in downtown Birmingham Historic Theatre District.
FOR GARDENING LOVERS AND FOOD LOVERS
**SEPTEMBER 18-19 – FALL PLANT SALE AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, Noon – 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday.
**SEPTEMBER 26 – 14th ANNUAL COLLARD GREENS COOKOFF, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Urban Ministry & WE Gardens, 1229 Cotton Avenue SW, with collard green competition, live music, line dancing, great food, food trucks, sweet potato drop, kids zone and more. Check out who has the best greens in West End.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
…Just a little of what is going on, in September…
**SEPTEMBER 8 – EDUCATION FEASIBILITY STUDY TOWN HALL MEETING, 6 p.m. at Irondale City Hall. Mayor James D. Stewart will brief the community and share the results of the recent Education Feasibility Study exploring the possibility of creating an Irondale School System.
**SEPTEMBER 10 – FINANCE TOWN HALL MEETING – Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. will share information about the city’s projected revenues & expenditures for FY 2027 and a snapshot of the Visions Spending Plan. The meeting is at 6 p.m. in Irondale City Hall.
**SEPTEMBER 11 – CRUISE-IN CINEMA, 5 p.m. with a Car Show and Movie at dusk. Compete for best in show awards. Free Admission for car show participants and spectators with FREE popcorn, food & drink vendors. Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy the show with fun for the whole family. MOVIE – FURIOUS 7.
**SEPTEMBER 11 – MAYOR’S VETERANS TABLE, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Irondale Public Library. Keynote Speaker is U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Jason Miller (Retired), Shades Valley High School Marine J.R.O.T.C. Instructor. RSVP by September 7 at www.tinyurl.com/Veteran2026.
**SEPTEMBER 25 – DEADLINE FOR CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT INSTITUTE – The City of Irondale Fall 2026 Citizen Engagement Institute. 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.
**SEPTEMBER 26 – CELEBTRATE IRONDALE’S 139th BIRTHDAY, 3 p.m. featuring THE TONY TATUM EXPEREINCE with Dominique Hammons, Alabama A & M University Choir, Sherry Reeves and DJ Maverick at Beacon Park. Parking at “The Hill’ at Grants Mill Station with Shuttle Service.
FOR COMMUNITY EFFORTS, ASSISTANCE AND MORE GREAT THINGS TO SUPPORT…
**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.
**EVERY TUESDAY – L.I.F.T. – LEARNING AND INTERVENTIONS FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENS, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. is a FREE program for families of 7-12 graders who need help addressing mental health and behavioral needs. Dinner is included, but childcare is not provided. For more: 205-201-0060. Location provided after registration.
**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!!
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.
