Eric EssixThursday, Sept. 19, 2013
Eric Essix premiering “Evolution,” with 5 Men on a Stool and vocalist Tracy Hamlin, 7 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. “Evolution” is the landmark 20th CD by Essix. It musically charts the growth and healing of his hometown, Birmingham, after the events that energized the Civil Rights Movement in 1963. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame member will debut “Evolution” as part of the ASC’s September 2013 commemoration of those historic events, including the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, which forever changed the nation. Featured are six new compositions by Essix and covers by popular artists. Tickets are $38.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Yotam HaberSaturday, Sept. 21, 2013
“A More Convenient Season,” 8 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. The ASC’s world premiere of “A More Convenient Season,” written by composer Yotam Haber and commissioned by philanthropist Tom Blount, commemorates seminal events of the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 Birmingham. Haber drew from oral histories in the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s Collection, foot soldiers, historians and the Birmingham Public Library Archives to create this work — its title inspired by a line from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The performance will feature the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, four of Birmingham’s most talented youth soloists, a chorus, a film and archival recordings. In early 2014, the Alys Stephens Center will premiere this work on the West Coast in a performance featuring the CalArts Orchestra at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theatre), near Los Angeles. Tickets are $62.50, $51.50 and $39.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787. ArtPlay, the ASC’s home for education and outreach, will present a Composers Workshop with Haber at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 in the ASC Jemison Concert Hall. Those interested in observing the class should call 205-975-4769 for more information.
Natalie MerchantFriday, Oct. 18, 2013
Natalie Merchant and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. During Merchant’s 30-year career, the prolific songwriter, whose unique voice captivated a generation, has earned a place among the nation’s most respected performing artists. Best known as lead vocalist for alt-rock band 10,000 Maniacs, Merchant’s solo career has been no less compelling. Her latest album, “Leave Your Sleep,” debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. With it, she has embarked on a new artistic path, creating songs from literary inspiration that are composed for expanded musical ensembles and orchestras. For this show she will sing her familiar hits, plus new works, with full symphonic accompaniment by the ASO. With James Bagwell conducting. Tickets are $76.50, $67.50 and $58.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Rickey SmileyFriday, Oct. 25, 2013
An Evening with Rickey Smiley, featuring Joe Willie and The Deuteronomaires, 8 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Birmingham native and local favorite Smiley returns to the ASC with an evening of hilarious stand-up comedy as himself and sketch comedy as his most outrageously funny character Minister Joe Willie, joined by the Deuteronomaires. The comedian, TV host and nationally syndicated radio personality has the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold. A standout in the entertainment world, he is one of the few “clean” comics among the upper echelon of contemporary stand-up acts. Tickets are $63.50, $53.50 and $41.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013
Global Fest: The Jig Is Up! The Masterful Artistry of Irish Dance, noon, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Explore Irish dance with the members of Birmingham’s Drake School of Irish Dance in an afternoon of movement and discussion. Topics include the history and costuming of Irish dance, use of Gaelic language and more. Free. Visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013
Global Fest: The Art of Indian Dances, noon, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Featuring Pia Sen, Ph.D., founder and director of Notinee Indian Dance, and Sheila Rubin, founder and director of Natyananda Dance of India, both in Birmingham. Learn about the beauty and intricacy of Indian dance with a combination lecture/demonstration. From each hand gesture to the vivid color of a costume, each element plays an integral role in this art form that tells stories through dance. Free. Visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Anoushka ShankarThursday, Nov. 7, 2013
Anoushka Shankar, 7 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Sitar player and composer Shankar is deeply rooted in Indian classical music, having studied exclusively with her legendary father Ravi Shankar since age 9. Thriving as a composer, she has been exploring fertile ground in the crossover between Indian music and other genres. A two-time nominee, Shankar became the first Indian musician to perform at the Grammy Awards when she was nominated for “Rise” in 2006, and she was the youngest person and first woman nominated in the World Music category for her album “Live at Carnegie Hall” in 2002. Her 2011 CD “Traveller” is an exploration of two musical traditions — Spanish flamenco and Indian classical music. Tickets are $55.50, $44.50 and $31.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787. ArtPlay, the ASC’s home for education and outreach, will present a clinic earlier at 1 p.m. featuring demonstrations of Indian instruments, scales and rhythms by members of Shankar’s band. For more information on the clinic, call 205-975-4769.
Friday, Nov. 8, 2013
GlobalFest: Un Voyage Aux Frances, noon, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Featuring Associate Professor Catherine Danielou, Ph.D., and Instructor Margaret Bond of the UAB Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Take a trip to France for a mini French language lesson and discussion on French food, wine and culture. Guests may sample French cheeses and pastries from local shops and restaurants. Free. Visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
David SedarisFriday, Nov. 8, 2013
David Sedaris, 8 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Join Grammy-nominated humorist, playwright and author Sedaris for an entertaining and intellectually provocative evening as he celebrates the release of his ninth book, “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.” This new collection of essays from the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author takes readers on a bizarre and stimulating world tour. From the perils of French dentistry to eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, squat-style toilets of Beijing and particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we share the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler’s experiences. Whether railing against the habits of litterers in the English countryside or marveling over a disembodied human arm in a taxidermist’s shop, Sedaris’ sidesplitting adventures are not to be forgotten. Tickets are $61.50, $52.50 and $41.50. A book-signing with Sedaris will follow the performance. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Yo-Yo MaFriday, Dec. 6, 2013
An Intimate Evening with Yo-Yo Ma, 8 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Whether performing new or familiar works from the cello repertoire, coming together with colleagues for chamber music or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the Western classical tradition, acclaimed virtuoso Ma strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination. His discography of more than 75 albums (including more than 15 Grammy Award-winners) reflects his wide-ranging interests. Ma, who plays two instruments, a 1733 Montagnana cello from Venice and the 1712 Davidoff Stradivarius, has made several successful recordings that defy categorization. Across this full range of releases, he remains one of the best-selling recording artists in the classical field. A VIP package is available; for more information call 205-934-6196. Tickets are $85.50, $65.50 and $45.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Take 6Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013
Take 6, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” 7 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. A cappella sensation Take 6 has earned the distinct honor of “the most Grammy-nominated vocal group in history.” Its unique sound features six refined voices united in crystal-clear harmony, against syncopated rhythms, ornate arrangements and funky grooves that meld into a brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop flavor. The Take 6 story began in 1980 at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., when Claude McKnight formed a quartet known as the Gentleman’s Estate Club. In 1987, the group signed with Warner Bros. and changed its name to Take 6. Its self-titled debut album, released the following year, scored two Grammy Awards and landed in the top 10 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz and Contemporary Christian charts. Take 6 has garnered 10 Grammys, 10 Doves, a Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations. Tickets are $54.50, $45.50 and $35.50. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787. Earlier at 3 p.m., ArtPlay, the ASC’s home for education and outreach, will present the Take 6 Community Sing, a free event in the ASC Jemison Concert Hall featuring a call-and-response sing-along and an exploration of jazz, gospel and a cappella music. For more information, call 205-975-4769
Yuletide in DogtownFriday, Dec. 20, 2013
ArtPlay presents “Yuletide in Dogtown,” 7 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. The dogs are back in town for this holiday favorite. Join Spike, Fifi, Scotty and Beauregard on an interactive musical adventure created by local playwright — and the ASC’s very own — Jerry Sims, as his pups learn what the holidays really mean. Sims has a talent for making interesting characters come to life. He has written a number of “ArtPlay Presents” originals, with original takes on classics such as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and “A Christmas Carol.” His shows have offered families not only a delightful time at the theater, but also a fun and fulfilling educational experience. Stay after the show and meet the costumed canine characters. Tickets are $8 for children, $10 for adults. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013
ArtPlay presents “Yuletide in Dogtown,” with shows at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. The dogs are back in town for this holiday favorite. Join Spike, Fifi, Scotty and Beauregard on an interactive musical adventure created by local playwright — and the ASC’s very own — Jerry Sims, as his pups learn what the holidays really mean. Sims has a talent for making interesting characters come to life. He has written a number of “ArtPlay Presents” originals, with original takes on classics such as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and “A Christmas Carol.” His shows have offered families not only a delightful time at the theater, but also a fun and fulfilling educational experience. Stay after the show and meet the costumed canine characters. Tickets are $8 for children, $10 for adults. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.uab.edu or call 205-975-2787.