UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (ASC) has a new season of shows for summer 2013, offering something for everyone.
Click here for the complete schedule. |
The ASC’s new Renasant Bank Summer Series includes Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Susan Werner and her “Hayseed Project” album, Lyle Lovett, The Black Jacket Symphony and cellist Cicely Parnas. Tickets are on sale now. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.alysstephens.org.
![Josh Ritter](/news/images/JoshRitter2013_s.jpg)
On Saturday, July 20, the ASC will continue its mission of curating and creating diverse arts events for the community with the ASC Nite Market beginning at 4 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. performance of Susan Werner’s “Hayseed Project.” The ASC Nite Market will feature produce from local farmers’ markets including Pepper Place Saturday Market, Jones Valley Teaching Farm and the UAB Wellness Veggie Cart. Enjoy live music from Jason Bailey Trio, food from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and craft brews from Good People Brewing Co.; attend talks by local craft brewers, coffee roasters and innovative growers; and play bocce ball or croquet with Green Central Station. Kids can create garden collages and edible sculptures, as well as learn about animals and plant species in the ArtPlay Kids’ Courtyard. Earlier in the day at 1 p.m., families can enjoy a free Garden Art workshop at ArtPlay, 1006 19th St. South. At 3:30, Werner will discuss the Hayseed Project and her songwriting style in a free ArtPlay Clinic at the ASC.
![Susan Werner](/news/images/SW-hayseed_s.jpg)
Legendary singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett will perform Wednesday, July 24, at 8 p.m. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues. A four-time Grammy Award winner and winner of the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, he was recently named the Texas State Musician. Dubbed by Garden & Gun as “one of America’s most beloved singer/songwriters,” Lovett will perform songs from his newest CD “Release Me,” which spent several weeks at No. 1 on the Americana charts. Tickets are $68.50, $59.50, and $49.50.
![Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group](/news/images/images/LL_Acoustic_Group_s.jpg)
Natalie Merchant As previously announced, Vince Gill and Amy Grant will close the 2012-2013 season and kick off summer with a performance Thursday, June 6, for the Viva Health Starlight Gala, the ASC’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Looking forward, the ASC, in partnership with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, will present Natalie Merchant in concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Merchant is known for her work as lead vocalist and lyricist for alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs, her passionate solo career and her collaborations with a wide range of artists, including Wynton Marsalis, The Chieftains and Mavis Staples; all have performed at the ASC. For this show, Merchant will explore a new artistic path and perform songs composed for expanded musical ensembles and orchestras, as well as perform her familiar hits and new works with full symphony accompaniment. Tickets are $76.50, $67.50 and $58.50, and will go on sale July 1.