By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
SICKLE CELL AWARENESS AND CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**FINANCE TOWN HALL MEETING – Irondale 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.
**VOLUNTEER AT THE FOOD BANK, 1-3 p.m. at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama Warehouse on 4336 Turin Drive , Bessemer, AL 35020. Food Pantry Volunteers Needed. Sign up at www.tinyurl.com/FoodBankofCentralAL
**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.
**COUNTRY DISCO DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**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, SEPTEMBER 11
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**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.
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**DON’T MISS! – CUSTOMER APPRECIATION & CELEBRATION – SMALL BUSINESS EXPO at Lil Mama’s on Hall in Bessemer, 4 – 10 p.m. with FREE food, games, music and more. For more info, call 205-728-4063. (Vendors get a FREE 10 x10 spot.)
**IRONDALE 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.
**JERVIS CAMPBELL with NATHAN COLBERG at Saturn.
**HAYDEN HUNTER & THE YEARLY TRIALS w/FIRE CAMINO & THE PAINFUL REMINDERS at The Nick.
**GREENSKY BLUEGRASS at Avondale Brewing Co.
**COMEDIAN DC CURRY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**STRANGELOVE: THE DEPECHE MODE EXPERIENCE at Iron City.
**GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER12
**A Morning at the Dog Park – COFFEE & CANINES, 9 – 11 a.m. at Tails by the Rails at Ellard Park in Irondale.
**AUNTEE’S ATTIRE IS FIRE – Pop-Up Sale & Share, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. at The Vault, 1920 3rd Avenue N. Shop new and lightly loved collections and more.
**GUITARS & GOOD TIMES, 8 p.m. at East Village Arts on First Avenue North with poetry, song, art, lyrics and music
**DINER EN BLANC is set and ready with Grammy Award-winning singer CHRISETTE MICHELE performing and CHEF LAMAR LOCKETT showcasing Birmingham’s culinary excellence with so much more. The location of this annual event is not known until the day of the event. This is where Paris Meets Magic! This will be an international experience.
**SATURDAYS AFTER DARK at Majestic Ultra Lounge.
**EMO NIGHT BROOKLYN at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN DC CURRY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**LADY LUCK at The Nick.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
**AUNTEE’S ATTIRE IS FIRE – Pop-Up Sale & Share, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. at The Vault, 1920 3rd Avenue N. Shop new and lightly loved collections and more.
**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.
**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 DC CURRY at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**AMY MILLER/BILLIE LEE COMEDY at the Upstairs at Avondale Brewing Co.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
**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 CAREe 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 15
**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.
**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.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**MADISON RYANN WARD – THE STANDING TALL TOUR with MR. TALKBOX at Saturn.
**JAY BUCHANAN at The Upstairs at Avondale.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
**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.
**MDOU OCTAR (SOLO) at Saturn.
**MR. PHYLZZZ with HIRAETH & OR ELSE at The Nick.
NEXT THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
**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.
**PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS with STRANGE LOT at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN FLOSS THE MACK at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FAI LACI at The Upstairs at Avondale.
NEXT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**CAN’T FEEL MY FACE.2010s DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN RYAN DAVIS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COREY SMITH at Iron City.
WHAT IS GOING ON IN SEPTEMBER … and more…
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
**CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA RAISES AWARENESS FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER AND SICKLE CELL – During September, Children’s of Alabama recognizes patients and their families for their courage and raise awareness of treatment advancements to help those with these conditions. The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders partners with several other organizations to provide services ensuring that each child receives state-of-the-art specialized care and is treated as an individual while providing support for the whole family. Sickle cell is the most common inherited blood disorder. There is a team that works with the patient and the family including psychologists, social workers, teachers and child life specialists. This month Children’s will shine a light to raise awareness about childhood cancer. The hospital will be lit in gold for the entire month.
**SEPTEMBER 16 – 19 – BALM IN GILEAD HEALING CONFERENCE 2026 is a four-days of Healing, Hope, Reconciliation and Community at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham & The Wynfrey Hotel. The conference is hosted by Bethel Baptist Church with conference speakers: Dr. Douglas Blackmon, Katy Boswell, David Hudson, Dr. Hassan J. Jeffries, Rose McGee, Mary Annette Pember, Dr. Rotasha Madden, Dr. Timothy Tyson. The closing concert features YOLANDA ADAMS, Alabama A&M University Choir, Birmingham Youth and Young Adult choir and The Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Choir, 7 p.m. at Samford University.
**REP. SEWELL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT COLLEGE ATHLETES –
The introduction of Protecting Student-Athletes from Unexpected Tax Liability Act legislation would help college athletes avoid unexpected federal tax bills and penalties on income they earn through name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements. It would require a portion of NIL compensation to be automatically withheld for federal tax purposes, similar to the withholding that occurs with a traditional paycheck. By withholding the taxes when NIL income is paid, the legislation would help student-athletes meet their tax obligations throughout the year and reduce the risk of significant, unexpected tax bills and penalties during tax season. Automatic withholding would also simplify tax compliance for student-athletes, many of whom are simultaneously balancing academics, athletics and the financial responsibilities that come with NIL compensation.
**SEPTEMBER 14 – MOUNTAIN BROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is hosting the AL ADVANTAGE: Operations, with Practical Ways to Improve Efficiency, Productivity & Everyday Processes featuring THOMAS STUBBLEFIELD SYSTEMS, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Mountain Brook Chamber Conference and Training Room, 101 Hoyt Lane. Lunch is provided. Attend the event ready to learn, ask questions and leave with ideas you can actually put to work. (Register with the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.)
**SEPTEMBER 18 – BROTHERS LET’S TALK – A CALL TO MEN, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Arlington Historic House and Gardens. Lunch will be served. Register at brotherletstalk@gmail.com by September 14. It promotes healthy manhood and decrease domestic violence and sexual assault. Learn how you can be a part of the movement.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
**SEPTEMBER 18-19 – FALL PLANT SALE, Noon – 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday.
THE BALLARD HOUSE PROJECTS:
**TODAY – DISCOVERING DIANA: 5 Generations of Separation, 5:30 p.m. presented by Bettina Byrd-Giles at The Ballard House. FREE.
**SUNDAY – OUR COLLECTIVE AGENCY: A Gift & Responsibility, 2 p.m. presented by Edna Greene Medford, Ph.D. at the Birmingham Museum of Art Aud. with music by Shaun Pezant and local artists. FREE.
FOR LOVERS OF MUSIC, ART, GARDENING, FOOD AND MORE
IN DOWNTOWN
**JAZZI’S ON 3rd CONCERT SERIES – Jazzi’s on 3rd Music Gallery is celebrating its 10th Anniversary for three nights, including: FRIDAY- BYRON THOMAS with MASTERS KEYS III featuring DEIRDRE GADDIS & ABRAHAM THE VOICE, -SATURDAY -CLIVE DAVIS TRIBUTE SHOW featuring BT COLLECTIVE & ECLECTIC SOUL and BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE BAND – SUNDAY – BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE BAND featuring BO BERRY & Guest Vocalists,
**SEPTEMBER 26 – WE ARE ONE BHAM – AN ALL WHITE CELEBRATION – This Third Annual Fundraiser by the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter is an evening of elegance, culture and community celebrating the legacy of Frankie Beverly’s music with live performances by talented musicians and performers including Comedian and Actor HENRY WELCH, Guitarist ERIC DUBOSE, Singer YUNG VOKALZ, and DJ Artist DJ CHOCOLATE at the Boutwell Auditorium, 7 p.m. This will be an unforgettable night.
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.
**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.
**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.
