Enjoy and explore the world of sustainable food and farming in Alabama when the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (ASC) presents the first-ever free ASC Nite Market, followed by a ticketed performance by singer-songwriter Susan Werner.
The ASC continues its mission of curating and creating diverse arts events for the community with the Nite Market and Werner’s “Hayseed Project” on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at the ASC, 1200 10th Ave. South.
Werner grew up on a family farm in eastern Iowa where her parents still farm. Commissioned by the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Werner’s concept album is all about farming and food sustainability. For this unique concert experience at 7:30 p.m., Werner will present her collection of original, meaningful songs that celebrate American farmers. Edwin Marty, E.A.T. (Educate. Act. Transform.) South executive director and Alabama Sustainable Agricultural Network board president, will open the evening event with comments about Alabama farms and sustainability today. Tickets for all seats are $32.50. For tickets to Werner’s performance, or for questions, call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.
Prior to Werner’s concert, the ASC Nite Market will be held from 4-7 p.m. on the outdoor Engel Plaza. Browse and buy produce from local farmers markets including Pepper Place Saturday Market, Jones Valley Teaching Farm and the UAB Wellness Veggie Cart. Admission to the market is free. Enjoy live music from the Jason Bailey Trio, food from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and craft brews from Good People Brewing Co.; hear “seed planting” talks by local craft brewers, coffee roasters and innovative growers; and play bocce ball or croquet with Green Central Station. Bottega Restaurant and Café will give a canning demonstration. Kids can create garden collages and edible sculptures, as well as learn about animals and plant species in the ArtPlay Kids’ Courtyard. Guests attending the ticketed performance can purchase Nite Market veggies without worry, as the ASC will offer a “veggie check” for market purchases at the door before the show.
Earlier in the day, from 10:30-11:45 a.m., Birmingham Yoga and the ASC will present a community yoga class onstage in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall. The class is free with donations welcome, but reservations are required. Participants should bring a mat and reserve a spot at birminghamyoga.com/community-yoga-class-at-alys-stephens-center-july-20th.
At 1 p.m., families can enjoy a free Garden Art workshop at ArtPlay, 1006 19th St. South. At 3:30 p.m., Werner will discuss the Hayseed Project and her songwriting style in a free ArtPlay Clinic at the ASC.