By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY!!!
TODAY, FEB. 5…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**JAZZ IN THE MAGIC CITY HAPPY HOUR featuring Alabama’s own Jose Carr and his band, 4:30-7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre. FREE. EVERY THURSDAY!
**GIMME HENDRIX at Saturn.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd, with Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. FREE. There is a weekly Cash Prize hosted by Loretta Hill.
**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.
**HAM BAGDY AND JACOB KYNARD at The Nick.
**GEOFF TATE’S OPERATION: MINDCRIME – THE FINAL CHAPTER 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
**EVERY THURSDAY- 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.
**FILM at Sidewalk Film.
**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
FRIDAY, FEB. 6…
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**BASICS OF BACKYARD COMPOSTING at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 11 a.m. – Noon with BRONSON LUBRESKY.
**THE YOUNG MAN at The Nick.
**ANIME RAVE at Saturn.
**FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 5 p.m. at Howard’s Unlimited Lounge & Cocktail Bar at 4010 Avenue I with food by 1918 Catering Food Truck. Happy Hour at 5, Call 205-213-9097 for more.
**GOOD PEOPLE & GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7…
**THE DONN OF TIKI followed by Q&A with Director MAX WELL at Saturn.
**FREE – POP PLANET: GRANDPRIX with DJ UPDOG at Saturn.
**OR ELSE, HEXXUS, JNO ASYLUM, HIRAETH, THE GODDAMN RIGHTS AND MERC at The Nick.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8…
**HOWARD’S UNLIMITED LOUNGE & COCKTAIL BAR, 4010 Avenue I, in Belview Heights opened recently by 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.
**MOJOHAND, FIRECAMINO AND HAYSOP 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. There will be Drink Specials.
**MR. HO’S ORCHESTROTICA at Saturn.
MONDAY, FEB. 9…
**WEEK DAYS – 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 – 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, FEB. 10…
**PLANTING FOR OUR FUTURE: A Homeowner’s Guide to Ecological Gardening with Sarah Wolak at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 11 a.m. – Noon..
**TACO TUESDAY R & B NIGHT, EVERY THURSDAY 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.
**SING & STRIP EVERY 2ND TUESDAY at The Nick.
**COSMIC CARE-AOKE NIGHT benefitting ACIJ at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11…
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**DUMB SHARK TANK at Saturn.
**GHOSTWRITER at the Nick.
THURSDAY, FEB. 12 …
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**CITY OF IRONDALE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS “IMPACT 2026” by MAYOR JAMES D. STEWART, 11:30 a.m. at Pine Tree Country Club.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m . at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**CLAY STREET UNIT at Saturn.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd, with Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. FREE. There is a weekly Cash Prize hosted by Loretta Hill.
**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.
**DALLAS MOORE with JARRETT FORRESTER at The Nick.
**GALENTINES – CANDLE MAKING at Avondale Brewing Co. in the Sour Room.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13….
**PURPIE, YEAR OF OCTOBER & MINDSHAFT at The Nick.
**BAYKER BLANKENSHIP at Saturn.
**ALL THEM WITCHES – HOUSE OF MIRRORS TOUR at Iron City.
Show of the Month:
Terry McMillan Presents: Forever and Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love
Streaming on Netflix:
To mark Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, The Birmingham Times recommends two Black romantic comedies that celebrate love, culture, and connection. Netflix’s newest romance features, Terry McMillan Presents: Forever and Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love, are this month’s picks, offering love stories rooted in emotional honesty and good old “grown-folk reality”.
Forever centers on the unexpected beauty of second chances, as two people navigate past heartbreak and the risk of loving again. Tempted by Love leans into passion and choice, exploring what happens when desire challenges commitment and personal values. Both films reflect Terry McMillan’s signature storytelling—romantic, layered, and unapologetically real.
For viewers looking for romance with depth and cultural resonance, these films are solid reminders that love stories don’t have an expiration date.
Book of the Month: All About Love by bell hooks
For February, The Birmingham Times selects All About Love by bell hooks as its Book of the Month, a timely and thoughtful exploration of love as a transformative force. Blending cultural criticism, personal reflection, and social insight, hooks challenges readers to rethink love beyond romance—framing it as an action rooted in care, commitment, and community.
Especially fitting for Black History Month and the season of love, All About Love invites readers to examine how love shows up in families, friendships, and self-work, offering wisdom that feels both intimate and revolutionary. It’s a powerful reminder that love, when practiced intentionally, has the power to heal and reshape our lives.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH…
LOOKING AHEAD…
AT THE CITY OF IRONDALE….
**FEB. 12 – CITY OF IRONDALE STATE OF THE CITY “IMPACT 2026” LUNCHEON, 11:30 a.m. at the Pine Tree Country Club presented by Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. on Education, Economic Development and Eco-tourism.
**FEB. 18 – THE MAYOR’S DESK PODCAST with EMMA TOLBERT of Irondale Public Relations, 12:30 p.m. Live on Facebook and YouTube at City of Irondale.
FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT THE IRONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY-
**FEB. 12 – STUDENT ART & ESSAY CHALLENGE submissions due. Winners announced on February 17 at the City Council Meeting.
**FEB. 21 – SHARED LIGHT AN INTERFAITH GATHERING, 10:30 a.m. at the Irondale Public Library.
**FEB. 24 – THE ALABAMA SOLUTION, 6 p.m. at the Irondale Public Library.
LOOKING AHEAD…FOR THINGS TO DO NOW IN FEBRUARY plus…MUSIC, VALENTINE’S AND MORE…
**FEB. 11 – JAZZ & PILATES WITH KENYELE – Join the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at the historic Carver Theatre, 6 – 7 p.m. for Jazz and Pilates with instructor Kenyele Harrison. Get strength, stretch and center your body as you move through Pilates exercises set to smooth, soulful sounds of jazz. It is the perfect blend of wellness and rhythm.
**FEB. 13 – JAZZ IN A GLASS – LOVE NOTES EDITION of A Valentine’s Day Treat, 7-9 p.m. at the AJHOF. This partnership with Pour Crazy invites you to an cocktail-making experience where mixology meets the magic of jazz at the Carver Theatre.
**FEB. 13-15 – LOVE THY NEIGHBOR WEEKEND – Rev. Dr. Kurt and First Lady Ruby Clark are hosting their FIRST ANNUAL THREE-DAY “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR Event, FRIDAY – Love thy Neighbor Soiree at the Avondale West at 7 p.m., SATURDAY – Love Thy Neighbor 5K at Railroad Park at 7 a.m. and SUNDAY – Love Thy Neighbor Worship Service at Sardis Church at 10 a.m. LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF – Matthew 22:39 – Register at eventbrite.
**FEB. 14 – KISSING YOU – VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL, 7 p.m. featuring ABRAHAM THE VOICE at Jazzi’s on 3rd Music Gallery with an unforgettable experience filled with love and music. CHEF KRISTOPHER HICKS of Infinit Eats will have exquisite cuisine.
**FEB. 14 – VALENTINE’S DAY WITH LEGEND DARLENE LOVE, 7:30 p.m. at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. Grammy Award Winner DARLENE LOVE was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 by Bette Midler. She was proclaimed by Rolling Stone as “one of the greatest singers of all time.” She captivates audiences worldwide with her warm, gracious stage presence and superb performances with soul and so much more.
**FEB. 14 – VALENTINE WITH VULCAN, 6-8 p.m. in the Electra Room at Vulcan Park and Museum. Treat your sweetheart to a romantic indoor celebration featuring dinner, drinks, dancing and live music.
**FEB. 15 – RAILROAD EARTH at Iron City.
**FEB. 15 – MAESTRO LOVES HOLLYWOOD, 2:30 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre. Join MAESTRO RON BOURDAGES for LOVE AT THE LYRIC with a thrilling celebration of music from movies and TV, past and present. For more, call 205-253-1313.
**FEB. 20 – 68th ANNUAL BIRMINGHAM AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS, is Friday, 5:45-10 p.m. at The Club in Homewood. Cocktail Hour is 6-7 p.m. Awards Show is 7-10 p.m. AAF Birmingham is hosting its annual evening honoring the creativity, strategy and bold ideas that shape Birmingham’s marketing, advertising and communications community. This is THE night to connect, celebrate and be inspired as it brings together agency leaders, in-house marketers, designers, strategists, students and rising professionals for a night that celebrates excellence and community. So, whether you submitted a work for judging or love the craft, this is the night to connect. For more: addys@aafbirmingham.com. Get your Early Bird tickets now at www.aafbham.org.
**FEB. 21 – 3rd ANNUAL MAGIC CITY DESSERT COMPETITION, 7-10 p.m. at The City Club Birmingham benefits the Cahaba Valley Health Care.
**FEB. 22 – JAZZ NIGHT WITH BIRMINGHAM YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE ALUMNI CONCERT, 5 – 6 p.m. p.m. at the Carver Theatre with the Birmingham Youth Jazz Ensemble. This will be a captivating live jazz performance with New York-based trombonist and educator Calvin Sexton for an Alumni Concert like no other.
**FEB. 27 – THE RUNAROUNDS at Iron City.
**FEB. 28 – MAUSIKI SCALES & COMMON GROUND COLLECTIVE – MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre. This concert will be a powerful fusion of Afrobeats, Jazz, Funk and Soul. Music.
**MARCH 11 – REVOLUTIONARY ALABAMIANS: PEOPLE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE Panel Discussion, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Electra Room at Vulcan Park and Museum. Check out this engaging and inspiring panel and discussion celebrating Alabamians who have shaped their communities through courage, creativity and conviction. Explore how meaningful change happens – not only through protest or politics, but also through art, education public service and community leadership.
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.
