November 19, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alys Stephens Center presents a new series, "On Stage With the Band at the ASC," and kicks it off with Cowboy Junkies at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009.  

In the new "On Stage" series, the Alys Stephens Center turns the traditional concert hall on its ear so that patrons can experience the music up close and personal with the band. "On Stage" series shows will feature 110 seats with the band on the ASC's Jemison Concert Hall stage and 220 seats right above the stage in the choral balcony. 

Tickets for Cowboy Junkies at the ASC are $38 on stage and $28 for balcony, general admission for each area. Ticket pre-sale for ASC family, including ASC Social Club members, subscribers and patrons, opens Monday, Dec. 8. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, Dec. 15. A complimentary wine tasting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Singer Margo Timmons will meet fans after the show. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org. Sponsors are The Birmingham News, UAB and Viva Health.

Canadian band Cowboy Junkies was formed in Toronto in 1985 by Michael, Margo and Peter Timmins and Alan Anton. They made their debut in 1986 with the blues-inspired, hypnotic and languorous "Whites Off Earth Now!!" using a microphone in the family's garage. Their 1988 recording, "The Trinity Session," launched the band into mega stardom with a cover of the Velvet Underground classic "Sweet Jane." Since then the band has released a dozen albums and toured extensively. 

Their latest project, "Trinity Revisited," is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of "The Trinity Session," recorded at Church of the Holy Trinity. With special guests Ryan Adams, Vic Chesnutt and Natalie Merchant, the Cowboy Junkies returned to Trinity Church and to the songs they recorded 20 years ago. The "Trinity Revisited" DVD and CD follow on the heels of a studio album, "At the End of Paths Taken" (2007).