New free arts and music events from UAB announced for 2021

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will present free concerts by Eric Essix and Tracy Hamlin, DeQn Sue, Red Baraat, Stefon Harris + Blackout and Rollin’ In The Hay. Blues legend Keb’ Mo’ will perform a live-stream concert May 13; tickets are $20 per device.

21.ASC.2Keb’ Mo’New free performances and arts events, for audiences in Birmingham and around the globe, have just been announced by UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, ArtPlay and Institute for Arts in Medicine.

The ASC’s upcoming free live, virtual concerts include a Black History Month tribute starring Eric Essix Group with Tracy Hamlin on Feb. 25; DeQn Sue live from the ASC on March 18; Red Baraat live from the ASC on April 1; Stefon Harris + Blackout on April 9; and Rollin' In The Hay on April 15. Blues legend Keb’ Mo’ will perform a live-stream concert on May 13; tickets are $20 per device. Viewers can register and tune in to the shows from home.

From DIY calming kits, floral arranging and yoga to coloring with friends, conversation with artists and mental health Mondays, this season’s intention is to soothe, restore, engage and spark creativity.

Arts organizations at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are pioneering new ways to provide enriching arts experiences while taking measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, AEIVA, ArtPlay and AIM are designing their programming for a virtual world until audiences can gather safely again. Their goal is to give audiences new ways to enjoy the arts, from physically distanced and streamed live performances to community classes, meet-the-artist gallery talks and more.

Along with free community programming is a series designed exclusively for Virtual Arts Pass subscribers and Arts Circle members. Subscribers receive a monthly art bag with supplies for workshops; upgrade your subscription for a monthly box with locally sourced items from artisans across Alabama.

ArtPlay Workshop, “A Day of Play with Feng Shui”

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Katie Rogers, a certified Feng Shui consultant who specializes in decluttering, design and ritual, and apply the principles of Feng Shui to your home and office. Making simple changes can have a profound effect. Come with your intentions for the New Year. $20. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2-4 p.m. CST. Register or read more.

Mental Health Monday: Creating Your Self-Care Calming Kit

Presented by UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine. In this special 90-minute workshop led by Cristal Brister, participants will use applied theater techniques, including sound, movement and creative play. Free. Monday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. CST. Register or read more.

Inside the Arts LIVE featuring Shona McAndrew

A discussion of “Wednesday Night,” Shona McAndrew’s current exhibition at AEIVA, and an overview of her artistic practice. Presented by Alabama State Council on the Arts. Free. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m. CST. Register or read more.

“Vocabby’s World: Measurement”

Join Vocabby’s World® and ArtPlay friends to learn new vocabulary words through song, movement and creativity. For children newborn to 5 years. Presented by PNC Foundation and Hugh Kaul Foundation. Free. Saturday, Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m. CST. Register or read more.

21.ASC.3Red BaraatArtPlay Family Day: ArtPlay’s 10th Birthday

ArtPlay is turning 10; join in a virtual celebration with singing, dancing, visual art activities and fun. Sign up now for a limited number of “Birthday Bags” — full of supplies to participate in the birthday activities — that will be available for pickup from the ArtPlay porch. Free. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2-3:30 p.m. CST. Register or read more.

Lunch and Learn: Women’s Heart Health

Join ArtPlay and Arts in Medicine as Joy O’Neal, executive director of The Red Barn, shares her personal story about navigating heart disease and treatment — focusing on the struggle women face when dealing with heart disease. Presented by the Hugh Kaul Foundation, EBSCO Industries and the Jefferson County Community Service Fund. Free. Wednesday, Feb. 24, noon CST. Register or read more.

Virtual Arts Pass Art Workshop: “The HeArt of the Matter

Arts members and subscribers can join local artist Bo Hughins as he leads the group in an hour of calligraphy to create a beautiful handwritten card. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m. CST. Subscribe.

45th Annual Student Juried Exhibition Opening Reception

Explore and celebrate selected artworks created by UAB students in the College of Arts and SciencesDepartment of Art and Art History for the 45th Annual Juried Student Exhibition. Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m. CST. Register or read more.

ASC Presents “Dedication” starring Eric Essix Group with Tracy Hamlin

Celebrate Black History Month with a live-streamed concert, “Dedication” — a tribute to Black history icons who have made their mark in the cause of civil rights, music, sports and American culture in general. Free. Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. CST. Register or read more.

Arts Circle LIVE: AEIVA Salon Series

For members and subscribers, featuring the private collection of Mary and Richard Powers. Tuesday, March 2, 6 p.m. CST. Subscribe.

Outside the Lines LIVE Coloring Night with AEIVA + Derek Cracco

Join AEIVA for a night to decompress and color, while enjoying a great conversation and Q-and-A with guest artist and UAB DAAH Associate Professor of Printmaking Derek Cracco. Work on your own favorite coloring page, or use one created by the artist. Free. Thursday, March 4, 7 p.m. CST. Register or read more.

Lunch and Learn: The Art of Flower Arrangement

Learn how to process flowers and the basics of arranging flowers in this free floral design demonstration led by Carolyn Chen from Wild Things. Presented by the Hugh Kaul Foundation, EBSCO Industries and the Jefferson County Community Service Fund. Free. Wednesday, March 10, noon CST. Register or read more.

Mental Health Monday: “Queer and Black in the South: Two Young Artists Creatively Communicating Truth”

Presented by UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine. With Devin Ty Franklin and David H. Parker, co-creators of “The Queer Code” podcast and students in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre. Free. Monday, March 15, 6 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

Chamber Music @ AEIVA

A free streamed program of chamber music thoughtfully curated in response to artworks on display at AEIVA and performed by some of Alabama’s top musicians. Presented by AEIVA and the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music. Free. Thursday, March 18, 6 p.m. CDT. Secure your spot or learn more.

21.ASC.4DeQn SueASC Presents: DeQn Sue, LIVE from the ASC

A free streamed concert starring DeQn Sue performing live from the ASC. This Alabama native is a deft song-maker whose quick lyrical and sonic turns create surprise. Time Magazine dubbed her the “Queen of Quirk” and her music, with hints of funk, R&B, pop and even vaudeville, has been featured with T-Mobile and in the TV series “Orange is the New Black,” to name a few. Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

“Vocabby’s World: Play It Again, Sam!”

Join Vocabby’s World® and ArtPlay friends to learn new vocabulary words through song, movement and creativity. For children newborn to 5 years. Presented by PNC Foundation and Hugh Kaul Foundation. Tune in using any electronic device. Saturday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. CDT. Register or read more.

Virtual Arts Pass Art Workshop, Spinning a Yarn: Storytelling with Elizabeth Vander Kamp

Arts members and subscribers will spend an hour with Elizabeth Vander Kamp, artist-in-residence with UAB Arts in Medicine, to learn all about great storytelling. Wednesday, March 24, 6 p.m. CDT. Subscribe.

Inside the Arts LIVE: Spoken Word

A free special performance of poetry and spoken word created by UAB Department of English students inspired by artworks on display at AEIVA. Tuesday, March 30, 6 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

ASC Presents: Red Baraat, LIVE from the ASC

A free streamed concert starring Red Baraat, live from the ASC for one night only. Red Baraat is a pioneering band from Brooklyn, New York, that has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound, a merging of hard-driving, North Indian bhangra with elements of hip-hop, jazz and raw punk energy. Thursday, April 1, 7 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

Lunch and Learn: Yoga, Movement and You

Presented by UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine. Yoga instructor Marie Blair will teach participants yoga and breathing techniques that can be done at your desk for an hour of relaxation and self-care. Wednesday, April 7, noon CDT. Register or read more.

ASC Presents: Stefon Harris + Blackout

Join iconic jazz vibraphonist Stefon Harris, heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” by The Los Angeles Times, and his band Blackout as they perform a free, live-streamed concert. Friday, April 9, 7 p.m. CDT. Register and read more

Mental Health Monday: “Addressing Health Disparities: Empowering Communities Through Storytelling”

Presented by UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine. With David Fakunle, Ph.D., a public health scholar-practitioner and professional storyteller, and Brandi Shah, M.D., MPH, UAB physician, creative writer and digital storyteller. Free. Monday, April 12, 6 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

21.ASC.5 Rollin’ In The HayASC Presents: Rollin’ In The Hay, LIVE from the ASC

Mark your calendar and get on the (virtual) dance floor for foot-stompin’ music by Rollin’ In The Hay, the epitome of high-octane groove grass. These veterans are long considered a forerunner of the “Newgrass” revolution in America. Free. Thursday, April 15, 7 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

“Vocabby’s World: Down by the Pond”

Join Vocabby’s World® and ArtPlay friends to learn new vocabulary words. Each week the program, for children newborn to 5 years, will explore new words through song, movement and creativity. Presented by PNC Foundation and Hugh Kaul Foundation. Free. Saturday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. CDT. Register or read more.

Virtual Arts Pass Art Workshop: Earth Day, “Earth Without Art is Just ‘Eh’”

ArtPlay teaching artist Tonya Wise will lead members and subscribers on a project created from recycled and natural objects to celebrate Earth Day 2021. Wednesday, April 28, 6 p.m. CDT. Subscribe.

Outside the Lines LIVE Coloring Night with AEIVA + BFA Students

Explore and celebrate works by graduating seniors in the annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition at AEIVA. Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m. CDT. More details will be announced.

Virtual Arts Pass Art Workshop: Cinco de Mayo Art Project

The Alabama Multicultural Organization will lead subscribers and members in a celebration of the art of Mexico on Cinco De Mayo with a one-of-a-kind art project. Wednesday, May 5, 6 p.m. CDT. Subscribe.

Outside the Lines LIVE Coloring Night with AEIVA featuring artist Melissa Yes

Join us for a night to decompress and color, while enjoying a great conversation and Q-and-A with UAB Department of Art and Art History program coordinator and instructor Melissa Yes. Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

Lunch and Learn, “Finding Your Creative Wings: Exploring Enneagram Types”

Join ArtPlay for a free Enneagram workshop and learn how to grow your creativity, led by Gladys B. Schaefer, M.Ed. Wednesday, May 12, noon CDT. Register or read more.

LIVE virtual concert with blues legend Keb’ Mo’, presented by ASC

A live-streamed event with an intimate solo performance by blues artist Keb’ Mo’, complete with personal stories and an audience Q-and-A. Tickets are $20 per device. Thursday, May 13, 7 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.

“Vocabby’s World: The Five Senses”

Join Vocabby’s World® and ArtPlay friends to learn new vocabulary words. Each week the program, for children newborn to 5 years, will explore new words through song, movement and creativity. Presented by PNC Foundation and Hugh Kaul Foundation. Saturday, May 15, 10:30 a.m. CDT. Register or read more.

Mental Health Monday: Maternal Mental Health: Education and Advocacy Through Comedy

Presented by UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine. With maternal mental health advocates Angelina Spicer, Los Angeles-based mother, comedian and documentarian, and Eynav E. Accortt, Ph.D., clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal mental health, researcher and director of the Reproductive Psychology Program at Cedars-Sinai. Monday, May 17, 6 p.m. CDT. Register or read more.