The Alabama State Council on the Arts awarded two grants totaling $9,600 to the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
The state arts agency gave grants for “The Essentials: Bebop,” an ASC original series honoring the history of jazz, which will feature Branford Marsalis in its third installment Feb. 3, and for LOCAL, a free community music and family-friendly event set for June 20.
The Essentials is devoted to honoring the rich history of jazz music and bringing the best artists in contemporary jazz to the city of Birmingham. Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Marcus Roberts kicked off the series this past March, followed by Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum in September. Now three-time Grammy winner Marsalis will join host Eric Essix for a journey showcasing the music, artists and history of bebop. The Essentials series is especially innovative because it combines equal parts education and entertainment in one stage show, and spotlights internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, who often perform alongside local jazz musicians. In addition to the public performance, Marsalis will perform and lead master classes for students.
This will mark the second year for LOCAL. The free event at the Alys Stephens Center will celebrate everything Alabama. Activities will include a songwriting competition for adults and students, Make Music Alabama, with a performance by the winners the day of the event. Alabama’s rich cultural heritage will be showcased through cuisine, visual arts and performing arts.
The council makes grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, cities and a wide range of community groups. ASCA funds are matched by contributions from businesses, individuals, local government and income earned by the grantee. Arts programs, assisted by council grants, enhance community development, education, cultural tourism and overall quality of life in virtually all regions of the state.
ASCA grants are awarded through a multifaceted competitive review process. This grant signifies that the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center provides programs of artistic quality, serves the needs of the community and demonstrates high-level administrative standards, as well as enhancing the education of students at all levels.
This grant awarded by the Alabama State Council on the Arts is made possible through funding from an annual appropriation from the Alabama State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. This public support enables the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center to reach new audiences, foster community development, provide the highest-quality programming and demonstrate the importance of the arts as a component for quality of life in Alabama.