FRIDAY Check out the opening reception at What’s on 2nd? for the exhibit “Lyrics of Color” by Java Lewis. Before the birth of my wonderful kid, I could frequent bars more often. At one of my favorite bars in town, Metro Bistro, I bought a few beers for Java. I like his stuff. I can’t wait to see what’s in the exhibit. The reception is from 5:30-9 p.m. You can find the store at 2306 2nd Ave. North. Tim Hollis, author of “Vintage Birmingham Signs” will also be present, ready to dedicate a book to you. Book and art will cost you, but it’s FREE to look.

More info about a new event in Avondale Park on Saturday after the jump…

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Back on the horse and better than ever, that’s me. How’s your dead end? At least music can lift you up from the gutter for an instant or two and give you a glimpse of the golden. Here’s your fix for the short term:

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Bob Farley/f8photo

Whitney Duncan, a country singer and former contestant on television show Nashville Star produced music videos for three songs - “Right Road Now,” “Open Road” and “When I Said I Would” - in Birmingham this past week. Wednesday night the Bessemer-based production company Erwin Brothers, shot scenes at Sloss Furnaces. About 200 extras were on hand to play adoring fans and concert goers for the video accompanying her song “When I Said I Would.”

Click on the image above to view images from the video shoot last night. In one scene Duncan signs autographs for a crush of her fans. In the other she and her band perform on the Sloss stage. The single and video for “When I Said I Would” is due out this summer. Duncan records on the Warner Bros. label.

Friday night is the first Spoken Word Night at the new Greencup Books. I don’t think they care what you say as long as you’re willing to get up and say what you got to say. And I love the rules — “No judges, no grudges, just love and rockets.” Sign up starts at 7. FREE to listen and FREE to speak though they would appreciate donations for the drinks. The bookstore is located at 105 Richard Arrington Blvd. South.

Editor’s Note: Don‘t forget to check out Trav’s piece on the bookstore’s opening weekend from February…

You can also Come Out and Play Game Shows Friday night at 7. Release your inner Trebek, hone your rock, paper, scissors strategy and in general, have a good time and maybe win prizes. This FREE fun has a new location — Magic City Motor Scooters, 1305 2nd Ave. North, downtown Birmingham.

More after the jump!

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The last school bells are ringing, but the pursuit of knowledge doesn’t take the summer off. Businesses and organizations throughout the metro area are offering some very cool, very fascinating classes during the vacation months — and each one is a great opportunity to try a new skill and perhaps get hooked on an entire new hobby.

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Yes, Josh Ritter was in town last night and he performed. No, we actually thought that he was kidding (at least a little)…

But according to Josh’s post today on his Huffington Post blog, it sounds like it was just that (though it sounds like he definitely enjoyed his time at The Bottletree last night - great pics too). And he did live to write about it…

We also figured we’d use this space to announce that there will be a concert benefiting The Terminal on Saturday, July 26 @ said Bottletree. More information will be following soon…