March 18, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alys Stephens Center presents Art Garfunkel at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S. This show is part of the Protective Life Corp. Eclectic Palate Series. Tickets are $62, $52 and $28; student tickets are $10. Discounted tickets are available for UAB National Alumni Society members. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.alysstephens.org.

Blessed with what the New York Times described as a "beautiful countertenor," Art Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as a solo artist and as half of the unrivaled duo Simon and Garfunkel. Their greatest hits, including "Mrs. Robinson" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," made them a touchstone of popular music. Garfunkel, who recently released his 12th solo album, continues to influence fans and fellow musicians worldwide.      

Garfunkel was originally revered for his Grammy-winning, chart-topping songs with fellow Queens native Simon. Their greatest hits collection, which includes "Scarborough Fair," "The Sound of Silence" and "The Boxer," is the biggest selling album ever by a duo. Their work earned them the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. After parting in 1970, Garfunkel landed film roles and made several solo albums, one of which spawned the hit "All I Know."

His latest, "Some Enchanted Evening," is a musical celebration of material from great 20th century songwriters Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Antonio Carlos Jobim and George Gershwin, artists Garfunkel has loved all his life.

"In this nervous world I want to soothe," Garfunkel said. "It's a great time for moderation, for thoughtfulness, for dialogue, for the great Exhale, for humor ... A great time for a sweet sound, a visceral, charming, prayerful sound."

This show is sponsored by Protective Life Corporation, The Birmingham News and Charter Media.