By Gwen DeRu

HAPPY HOLIDAYS…..TO ALL OF YOU….
….FROM ALL OF US!!!

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn grateful to those who have made our progress possible.  And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely…. Thank You and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.

  ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!! Share the Joy of the Season!

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LeKAMEREN DeRU!

BEST SHOW IN TOWN – AT THE NEW TIDE AND TIGER – In the neighborhood… Around the corner… Down the street…and across from the Legion Field Stadium on Graymont is the ‘new’ TIDE AND TIGER….  After you have eaten all the good food, talked with all the great friends and enjoyed all the family, take them with you to the ‘Best Show in Town’ this weekend.  Don’t Miss… BOBBYE ‘DOLL’ JOHNSON at the Tide and Tiger, Saturday, 9 p.m. Showtime. Doors open at 8 p.m. Coming from a family of 12, Bobbye ‘DOLL” Johnson grew up playing clarinet in the marching band and singing in college in the chorus as well as performing with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. Doll, as she is called, has a sassy, sexy and sensual style of soulful singing.  Her first break came with a friendship with Frank McKinney going on to release her maxisingle “Been There and Done That” in 1966 on Dream City Records.  She soon released three CDs and one more maxisingle.  Growing up when blues and Motown was popular her idols were Betty Wright, Millie Jackson, Lynn White, Bonnie Rait, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Dorothy Moore, Peggy ‘Scott’ Adams, Mahal Jackson who all contributed to her own unique style.  Her first full CD ‘Let the Doorknob Hit Ya’ was released in 1999 on Isha Record.  Bobby ‘Doll’ Johnson has worked with Mel Watters, Latimore, Willie Clayton, Stan Mosley, Carl Sims, T.K. Soul, Clarence Carter, Raven Simone, S.O. S. Band, Confunksion, Theodis Ealey, William Bell, Michael Henderson and others.  In 2010 she signed a record deal with CDs Records, Carlsbad, Calif. releasing ‘All the Woman You’ll Ever Need.’  She continues to mesmerize many with her sensual vocals and her graceful demeanor, a well as write.  Her words are about reality and the things we all go through everyday.  Check out Bobbye ‘Doll’ Johnson, this Saturday night at Tide and Tiger across from Legion Field on Graymont.  Tell ‘Gwen and Eli’ that Gwen sent you.  Don’t miss this one time performance in Birmingham.   I will see you there.

KWANZAA… something to do… for this time of the year!  Kwanzaa is not a substitute for Christmas, nor is it religious. Kwanzaa is for and about AFRICAN HERITAGE and CULTURE, to enrich, confirm and reaffirm as A PEOPLE.  THURSDAY, 6 p.m., Zumba Fitness, 7623 1st. Ave. No. UMOJA (UNITY) To strive for and to maintain unity in Family, Community, Nation and Race.  (205) 281-9404.  FRIDAY, 6 p.m. Z’s Takeout Restaurant, 104 17th Street No. KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination) To define ourselves, name ourselves, and speak for ourselves.  (205) 250-6288. SATURDAY, 6 p.m., New Community Baptist Church, 6853 6th Ct. So. UJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibilty) To build and maintain our community together, make our Brother’s and Sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.  (205) 253-7133 or  (205) 602-4277.  SUNDAY, 6 p.m., Boujee’s Lounge, 204 Ave U, Pratt City, (205) 593-2627 UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. (205) 910-2290.  MONDAY, 6 p.m., Powderly Public Library, 3301 Jefferson Ave S.W. NIA (Purpose) To make our collective vocation the building and developing our community in order to restore our People to our “traditional greatness”(205) 925-6178. TUESDAY, 6 p.m., JCCEO, 300 8th Ave W/(205) 356-6417.  KUUMBA (Creativity) To do always as much as We can, in the way We can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than We inherited. Performance by “CULTURE DRED” Feast night, please bring a non-pork dish. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 1, 6 p.m., Milk ‘n Cookies/ 3200 27th Street No. IMANI (Faith) To believe with all our heart in our People, our Parents, our Leaders and the Righteousness and Victory of our struggle. Bring your favorite cookies.  (205) 529-1182.  AFRICAN DRUMMERS WELCOMED!!!

FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS… SATURDAY, 2 p.m., Southeastern Outings Easy Walk
at the Vulcan Trail inside the City Limits of Birmingham. Details: Enjoy an easy walk in the woodlands overlooking Birmingham on the Saturday after Christmas.  The trail is level, as it is on an old mining railroad right of way just below the crest of Red Mountain.  This walk is an ideal activity for those Christmas guests who have been in your house for several days and with whom you are looking for something to do to get them out of the house.  Depart promptly at 2 p.m. from the very small parking lot on the west side of 20th Street South right where 20th Street South crosses the crest of Red Mountain.  This lot is immediately below the Vulcan Statue.  If that lot is full, which it probably will be, park in the lots beside and behind the office building on 20th Street South on the Homewood side of the crest of Red Mountain (left side of 20th Street South as you cross the mountain and head down towards Homewood) about one block from the crest of the mountain.  You can then easily walk the short distance from that lot back to the meeting place in about three minutes.  Please do NOT drive into Vulcan Park where you would normally park to visit the statue and Vulcan Park.  We will walk from the small parking lot on 20th Street South to Green Springs Highway and back.  Total distance is about four miles.  Rated easy.  Well-behaved, supervised children age 7 and older able to walk four miles welcome.  Share an adventure.  Bring a friend. After the walk is completed, there will be an optional dinner at Jim ‘N Nick’s 11th Avenue Grill at Five Points South.  Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680.

Make Smart Money Moves  – The Birmingham Public Library will offer free classes on money in 2014 by kicking off three money management classes in January.  First class on Jan. 8 – Learn about saving and investing at Wylam Library, 4300 Seventh Ave., Wylam, at 10 a.m. with Andreas Rauterkus, associate professor of accounting and finance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Attendees will learn how to understand various financial markets, evaluate different saving and investment options, develop ways to make better investment decisions and more.  Second class on Jan. 8 – Take control of your finances in a 3:30 p.m. workshop led by UAB professor Dale Callahan at Five Points West Library, 4812 Avenue West. Ways to increase income, save more and how to eliminate personal debt will be addressed. (Check out Callahan’s website: www.dalecallahan.com)
Then there is the last class on Jan. 23 – Bring the little ones to see Phillip “Mr. Mac’’ McEntee as he leads “A Penny Saved’’ in this 3:30 p.m. children’s program at Avondale Library, 509 – 40th St. South. Using Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “A penny saved is a penny earned,’’ McEntee will teach children about the importance of saving money.  The classes are part of a national grant program known as “Making Cents: Resources to Help Your Money Grow” and “Smart investing@your library®,” a partnership between the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The Birmingham Public Library and 14 other libraries in Jefferson and Shelby counties offer the series. The programs will end in May 2014. Other BPL locations include Avondale, Five Points West, North Birmingham and Springville Road.  All classes are free and open to the public. For more information, call Jim Murray at 205-226-3690 visit www.making-cents.org.

HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND….
**LAVELL CRAWFORD at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB. Fresh off his one-hour special LAVELL CRAWFORD: CAN A BROTHER GET SOME LOVE for Comedy Central, his second for the network, we are looking to fill a few open dates in his schedule. In addition to his recent televised stand up specials, LAVELL is a regular guest on CHELSEA LATELY and TOSH.O, got to guest host for THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW, and currently recurring for his third season on the award winning series BREAKING BAD. Lavell first gained huge national exposure on NBC’s hit reality series LAST COMIC STANDING. For fans everywhere and buyers in the know, he is undeniably one of the hottest and best selling artists eminating out of this area in years.AND MORE AT THE STARDOME…DON’T MISS……, next weekend, JAY PHAROAH, TWO KINGS AND A QUEEN on January 3-5, CARLOS MENCIA, January 10-11, COREY HOLCOMB, January 17-19 and HENRY CHO on January 30-February 2.  Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you.  Enjoy some good laughter and fun times while you eat some great food with your great friends.  See you there!  For more, call (205) 444-0008.

TODAY… THE BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC, 8 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY AFTER WORK, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. at 25 West Oxmoor Road, Suite 26 in Homewood.  Call (205) 572-1295 for more.
**ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR, 5 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
**THE BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SATURDAY….
**THE BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC,, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SUNDAY….
**PHASE II BAND AND SHOW, 9 p.m. at Tide & Tiger Lounge, 409 Graymont Avenue (across from Legion Field.)  For more, call (205) 229-4829 or 502-3880.
**SALSA SUNDAYS, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
MONDAY….
**NAPPY NIGHT – Music at Boujee Lounge, every Monday at 204 Avenue U in Pratt City, 8 p.m. with good jerk food, vendors and music.  See you there on Mondays!
TUESDAY…
**NEW YEAR’S PARTY, 8 p.m. until the cows come home, meaning it is ‘all night long.’
WEDNESDAY…   HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

COMING SOON…..
AT THE NEW TIDE AND TIGER – In the neighborhood… Around the corner… Down the street…and across from the Legion Field Stadium on Graymont is the ‘new’ TIDE AND TIGER…. Here is something to bring in the New Year that you will enjoy at the ‘new’ Tide and Tiger Lounge….
For more call (205) 503-3880. Don’t say that I did not tell you when you hear about this ’best kept secret’ around.  You can even play cards on some nights or get Dance Classes by PASQUALES on Saturdays at 4 p.m.  Check out the ‘new’ Tide and Tiger Lounge.  Tell them Gwen sent you.
IN 2014 –
INTERESTED IN MAKING A FILM – ABFF “American Black Film Festival” is Accepting Feature And Documentary Submissions for 2014 – Film Life is seeking exceptional narrative feature and documentary films made by or about people of African descent for consideration for the 18th annual ABFF (American Black Film Festival). The 2014 ABFF is scheduled to take place in NYC, next June 19-22.
“2013 has certainly been a tremendous year in Black cinema, providing great inspiration for Black artists. They are looking for more original and dynamic work in 2014. Films must be completed post January 1, 2013. Documentaries should have a minimum running time of 45 minutes, and narrative features a minimum of 72 minutes. Submission deadlines are February 7, and March 10, 2014, respectively. For full eligibility criteria, please visit www.abff.com or www.Withoutabox.com where submissions are being accepted online only.

NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU LeKAMEREN DeRU…AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!  ENJOY!!
Well, that’s it.  Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)

NEW YORK—Sundance Channel has announced that actress Lisa Bonet will guest star in a multi-episode arc in the network’s new scripted drama “The Red Road,” slated to premiere in early 2014. Bonet plays the role of Sky Van Der Veen, a Lenape Native American lawyer who has come back to her hometown of Walpole, N.J. to rally for justice after a terrible crime has been committed against a member of her tribe.
Bonet, best known for her previous role as Denise Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” and “A Different World,” as well as parts in the films High Fidelity and Enemy of the State, joins previously announced cast members of “The Red Road” including Jason Momoa (Wolves, “Game of Thrones”), Martin Henderson (Devil’s Knot, The Ring, Smokin’ Aces), Julianne Nicholson (August: Osage County, “Boardwalk Empire”), Tamara Tunie (“Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit,” “The Good Wife”), Annalise Basso (Oculus, Standing Up) Allie Gonino (“The Lying Game,” Hidden Away), Kiowa Gordon (The Twilight Saga, Wind Walkers) and Golden Globe® nominee Tom Sizemore (Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbor, Heat). The series recently wrapped filming near Atlanta, Ga.
“The producers had seen a little film that Jason [Momoa] had directed and we played opposite each other and they appreciated our chemistry together,” says Bonet of working with her husband. “In this business smart work and keeping the family together are both hard to come by, so this was a no brainer. I love working with him. I couldn’t feel any safer.”
“The Red Road” is a hard-hitting drama that revolves around a local cop (Henderson) struggling to keep his family together while simultaneously policing two clashing communities: the small town where he grew up and the neighboring mountains, home of a Native American tribe. After a terrible tragedy and cover-up occurs involving the cop’s wife (Nicholson), an unholy alliance is forged between the cop and Phillip Kopus (Momoa), a dangerous member of the tribe that will come back to haunt all involved.
As was previously announced, “The Red Road” has been picked up for six one-hour episodes and hails from acclaimed writer Aaron Guzikowski (Contraband, Prisoners) and veteran producer Sarah Condon (“Bored to Death”). The series will be executive produced by Guzikowski, Condon, and Bridget Carpenter (“Friday Night Lights,”“Parenthood”). Award winning director James Gray (The Immigrant, Two Lovers, We Own The Night) directed the first episode.  “The Red Road” is Sundance Channel’s second wholly owned original scripted series; its first was the acclaimed “Rectify,” which returns for a second season in 2014.

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Upset that Hope called the wedding off, Liam arrived too late at Brooke’s house to speak with his intended bride. He was stunned when he realized that Brooke did not know where her daughter was and even more shocked when she told him that she agreed with Hope’s decision. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, Wyatt coaxed Hope into telling him what she saw in the cabin between Steffy and Liam.  He was surprised when Hope revealed that she only went to see Liam before the wedding because of the note that he sent her. Quinn taunted Donna with the information of Wyatt and Hope’s trip and that she’s now back where she belongs, at Forrester Creations. It’s a beautiful and heartfelt Christmas as the Forrester family was reunited. Eric remembered past Christmases with Stephanie as he prepared the Forrester Mansion for his family’s Christmas celebration. He happily observed his children as Ridge, Thorne, Felicia and Kristen all arrived home for the holidays. Ridge, Brooke and their son R.J. shared a special moment together. Caroline and Rick were excited to celebrate their first Christmas as husband and wife and were both surprised by the presents that they received from each other. Eric began a new family tradition to honor Stephanie’s memory.  Forrester Creations held a meeting to welcome Ridge back to the Los Angeles office. Bill learned Ridge had returned when Ridge interrupted Bill’s visit to Brooke with a phone call. Ridge and Rick’s rivalry reignited when Ridge walked into Forrester Creations as if he never left. Alone in a Hawaiian paradise, Wyatt made his move on Hope with the intention of starting a life together.  Liam told Brooke that Quinn had set him up again. Ridge became curious about Brooke and Bill when he arrived at Brooke’s for a romantic lunch and discovered them together. Liam found Hope and revealed to her Quinn’s plot against them. He attempted to convince her that Steffy’s visit was the final piece of closure for him about their relationship.
THIS WEEK: Wyatt returns just as Liam asks Hope a pivotal question. Brooke finds the strength to tell Ridge the truth about her affair with Bill.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Sami finally came clean with EJ. Kate, Sonny and Gabi tried to cover their nerves in front of “Santa.” Stefano returned to town and called Kate with a request. Hope broke difficult news to Ciara about Bo. Jordan sent a mysterious email. Victor tried to make amends with Maggie. Daniel received a surprise for Christmas. Brady celebrated the holiday by getting high just as Nicole arrived to bring him good cheer. Eric tried to figure out the meaning behind his dream about Nicole. EJ offered his support to Sami. The Hortons celebrated Christmas by hanging their family ornaments. Anne tried to thwart another Horton tradition. Gabi realized Julie may pose a threat to her future. Victor paid Eric an unexpected visit. Brady tried to deter Maggie from moving back into the mansion. Later, someone caught him with a drug dealer. Theresa conspired with Anne so she could “rescue” Daniel. Abigail was thrown by JJ’s sudden change in attitude. Jordan was conflicted when Rafe sent her a surprise Christmas gift. Nicole and Eric were thrown into a situation that reminded them of when they first fell in love. Brady threw JJ under the bus in order to save face with Daniel. Theresa asked JJ for a favor regarding Daniel. EJ took Sami to the woods, where she had a terrifying experience. Will began to suspect Sonny and Gabi were keeping something from him.
THIS WEEK: Sami comes clean with EJ. Eric gets an unexpected visit.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Patrick’s decision left someone devastated and someone elated!  The unchosen one found comfort for her broken heart in a man from her past. An unexpected houseguest arrived at Sabrina’s door.  Dante headed down to PCPD seeking the truth about what really went down at the warehouse.  Diane and Milo held vigil at Max’s bedside. Sonny stuck with his story that his gun went off by accident. Nikolas and a guilt-ridden Britt visited Lulu for the holidays. Ava toyed with AJ’s emotions. Patrick and his chosen were enjoying their new life together, and he made a bold suggestion to her. Sam wondered if Patrick took her advice as to what to do about Sabrina and Robin. Felix returned home early and found an unexpected visitor in Sabrina’s bedroom. Sabrina felt nauseous, chalking it up to stress. A military veteran who thought he might have cancer came to see Silas. Silas asked Sam out for New Year’s Eve despite the fact that their dates tend to end in disaster or with shattering revelations. Silas revealed to Sam he had something important he needed to tell her. Port Charles prepared to ring in the New Year with a promise of new beginnings.  Sabrina reacted to Felix’s hypothesis that her nausea could be something other than stress. Maxie told Lulu she’s leaving town to find herself. Maxie received a visit from a mysterious – and very handsome – stranger. Britt, with baby Ben in tow, informed an appreciative Dante that Lulu was meeting her at the hospital to start the in vitro process and to determine the viability of her eggs.  Monica confronted an unaware doctor after learning disturbing news about her position as Chief of Staff. Sam asked Silas what he wanted to tell her. He waffled and told her he’s happy to be spending New Year’s Eve with her.
THIS WEEK: Sam and Silas share a romantic date. A revelation leaves someone in despair.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Friends and family gathered at The Underground to celebrate Summer’s birthday. Victor was troubled by Sharon’s presence as he watched Nicholas and her work together. Victor warned Nick to prevent Sharon from finding a way back into his life. Paul obtained the suit that Fen was wearing the night that Carmine died. Paul told Christine that if there were traces of Carmine’s blood on it and gun powder, then it puts Fen at the murder scene. Leslie struggled with the idea of the big family Christmas as she and Neil had dinner with his family. Jack left a message for Kyle asking him what he had found out about Bonaventure. Billy was surprised that Jack’s using Kyle in his fight against Victor. Jack explained that it was Kyle’s idea and he needed someone he could trust. Victor and Nikki had a heated discussion about the changes she’s made to her will. Nikki insisted that Dylan will be a part of her will. Before Victor could respond, Dylan arrived to ask Nikki if she knew anything about his father, Ian Ward. Abby and Tyler headed off to Los Angeles for a romantic Christmas vacation. When they head back to their hotel room, Tyler asks Abby to join him in the shower. Once she left, someone snuck into their hotel room! Michael and Lauren enlisted Summer to help them out with Fen. Adam and Chelsea celebrated Connor’s first Christmas. They were interrupted by Chloe who was there with presents for Connor and fabric samples for Chelsea. Meanwhile, Victor gave Victoria shares of Newman-Chancellor for her to give to Johnny. She was touched by his gesture and pointed out that he loves Johnny as family even though he is not biologically his grandson. Victor told her that he saw what she was trying to do, and he didn’t plan on ever accepting Dylan as a part of their family. Leslie worked on Christmas to help get the charges against Devon dropped. Alex told her to go home and enjoy the day.
THIS WEEK: Neil asks why Leslie has been avoiding him. Chelsea tells Adam that she wants Chloe to be Connor’s godmother.