December 9, 2008
Sponsored by UAB, The Birmingham News and Viva Health. Call 205-975-2787, toll-free 1-877-278-8457 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.
Jan. 11 - Peabody Trio, 4 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Appearing on NPR's "Performance Today" and "Saint Paul Sunday" and performing at Tanglewood and Alice Tully Hall, the Peabody Trio is resident ensemble of Peabody Conservatory. For this performance, composer Harold Meltzer, recipient of the 2004 Samuel Barber Rome Prize Fellowship from the American Academy in Rome, will narrate his chamber work, "Sindbad." Also on the program is Trio "The Kreutzer Sonata" by Janácek and Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, "Archduke" by Beethoven. Tickets are $35; students $20. Part of the Birmingham Chamber Music Society Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Jan. 16-18 - Complexions Contemporary Ballet, 7:30 p.m. nightly Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S. This show is part of the 2009 Alabama Dance Festival. Tony-nominated Desmond Richardson, one of today's greatest modern dancers, and Dwight Rhoden, one of dance's most sought after choreographers (both of Alvin Ailey fame) combined to form Complexions, recipient of the coveted New York Times "Critics Choice" Award in 1995. Tickets are $55, $45 and $35; students $20. Part of the Jemison Investment Co. Movement & Magic Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Jan. 18 - Reflect & Rejoice: A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 3 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. The Alys Stephens Center proudly continues the tradition of honoring Dr. King through music and spoken word. The ASC partners with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Alabama Symphony Orchestra in a joyous program of music to remember the past and imagine the future. Conducted by Leslie Dunner with Bronwyn Forbay, soprano, and Elias Hendricks, tenor, with orator Dennis Pope and the Alabama A&M Concert Choir. Tickets are $15; students $7. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Jan. 23 - Drew Mays, piano, 8 p.m. presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. In 2007 Birmingham physician Mays won the Van Cliburn Foundation's International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs, the oldest competition for amateur pianists in the country. Continue the experience and enjoy a free Prelude musical discussion at 7 p.m. and post-show reception hosted by the Birmingham Music Club Guild. Part of the Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt R. Haskell Birmingham Music Club Classically Inclined Series. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25; students $20. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Jan. 31 - Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile, 8 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Young and blazingly talented musicians Chris Thile (mandolin), Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Chris Eldridge (guitar), Noam Pikelny (banjo) and Greg Garrison (bass) have been critically acclaimed since the 1996 release of their first album, "How to Grow a Woman from the Ground," which garnered the new band a Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance for the song "The Eleventh Reel." Continue the experience with an after-show party with live music and drink specials. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25; students $20. Part of the Davis Architects American Voices Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Feb. 1 - Neil Sedaka, 7 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. It's hard to imagine the history of rock 'n' roll without the many contributions of Neil Sedaka. For more than four decades, Sedaka's timeless standards have helped change the face of popular music with countless hit singles and platinum and gold records. His latest recording, "The Definitive Collection," debuted at No. 22 on Billboard's Album Chart. Continue the experience with a 6 p.m. pre-show wine and cheese tasting. Tickets are $75, $65 and $55; students $20. Part of the Protective Life Corp. Eclectic Palate Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Feb. 5 - Harlem String Quartet, A Sphinx Ensemble, 7 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Advancing diversity in classical music and engaging young and new audiences through varied repertoire, with a focus on minority composers, is the mission of this talented ensemble. The Quartet serves as principal faculty at the Sphinx Performance Academy in Massachusetts. Tickets are $35; students $20. Part of the Birmingham Chamber Music Society Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
[New event!]
Feb. 10 - Cowboy Junkies, 7 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Canadian band Cowboy Junkies was formed in 1985 by Michael, Margo and Peter Timmins and Alan Anton. A dozen albums later, their latest project, "Trinity Revisited" is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of their recording "The Trinity Session," 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. Tickets are $38 and $28. This show launches the center's new series, "On Stage w/ the Band at the ASC." A complimentary wine tasting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Singer Margo Timmins will meet fans after the show. Call 205-975-2787 or www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Feb. 14 - ASC Kids' Club presents "A Celebration of Black History Month," 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Local performers and teachers Alicia Johnson-Reed and Quinton Cockrell will create and direct this exciting program along with talented children from the Alys Stephens Center's own theatrical camps and drama programs. The celebration will include live music, spoken word and many fun surprises. Tickets are $7. Part of the ASC Kids' Club Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Feb. 14 - Mavis Staples, 8 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. A Lifetime Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and one of VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll, Staples has blazed an R&B trail without leaving her gospel roots and in the process influenced artists from Bob Dylan to Prince. Continue the experience with a 7 p.m. pre-show party with Valentine chocolates. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25; students $20. Part of the Protective Life Corp. Eclectic Palate Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org
Feb. 21 - "Make Your Groove Happen," a one-day interactive workshop for musicians, taught by legendary bassist Jerry Jemmott, 1 p.m., at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Recipient of the 2001 Bass Player Magazine's "Lifetime Achievement Award," Jemmott has performed/recorded with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Lionel Hampton, Bette Midler, George Benson, Wilson Pickett, The Rascals and others. Cost is $250 and includes Jemmott's e-book "There's Music in Everyone!" Space is limited. Musicians are encouraged to bring their own instrument. Make reservations by calling 205-934-0862 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Feb. 27 - Paddy Moloney and The Chieftains with special guests, 8 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Six-time Grammy winners The Chieftains never fail to deliver incredible live performances. More celebration than concert, their shows are known for rousing dance lines down the aisles and jam sessions with local musicians. Continue the experience an hour before the show and enjoy dancing by a local Celtic children's ensemble in the upper lobby. Tickets are $75, $65 and $55; students $20. Part of the Global Rhythm Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
Feb. 28 - Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary On Tour, featuring Blue Note 7, at 8 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. With Bill Charlap, musical director and piano; Ravi Coltrane, tenor saxophone; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Lewis Nash, drums; Nicholas Payton, trumpet; Peter Washington, bass; and Steve Wilson, alto saxophone. Continue the experience with a pre-show party at 7 p.m. with live music and drink specials in the "ASC Jazz Café." Tickets are $55, $45 and $35; students $20. Part of the AT&T Red Hot and Jazz Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
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March 7 - Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival, at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. The Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival features recent short films by filmmakers living and working in the Southeastern United States juried for their artistic merit by a panel of media arts professionals. It is the nation's only tour of Southern films. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.
March 21 - Spanish Harlem Orchestra, 8 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. New York City's Spanish Harlem is the birthplace of Salsa, Latin Soul and Boogaloo and this Grammy-winning ensemble is the premier ambassador. They've received the Latin Billboard Award for Salsa Album of the Year and Grammy nod for Best Salsa Album. Continue the experience with free, pre-show salsa dance lessons at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25; students $20. Part of the Global Rhythm Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
March 29 - Leon Fleisher and Katherine Jacobson Fleisher present "Shall We Dance," 3 p.m., co-presented by the Alys Stephens Center and the Birmingham Chamber Music Society with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Pianist/conductor Leon Fleisher is joined by his wife, acclaimed pianist Katherine Jacobson Fleisher, for a special program featuring the works of Schubert, Brahms, Ravel and Dvorak. Enjoy a free Prelude musical discussion an hour before the show and a post-performance reception sponsored by Roederer Estate and International Wines. Tickets are $65, $55 and $45; students $20. A Birmingham Chamber Music Society Special Event. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
[Just announced!]
April 4 - Viva Health Starlight Gala starring Queen Latifah, benefiting the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S. This black tie evening includes a live performance from Queen Latifah. Throughout a career that started in the early days of hip-hop, Queen Latifah has consistently proven herself a woman of kaleidoscopic talents. The ultimate evidence of her versatility came in 2002, when she took on the role of "Mama" Morton in the film version of the musical "Chicago," displaying acting chops polished enough to earn her an Academy Award nomination. She also revealed an exquisite and powerful singing voice. The Viva Health Starlight Gala, benefiting the Alys Stephens Center, is the season's most elegant celebration of the arts. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
April 18 - ASC Kids' Club presents Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre's "Czech & Slovak Tales" with storyteller and puppeteer Vít Horejš, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Using a troupe of antique marionette puppets, director Vít Horejš will tell Czech fairy tales replete with kings, clever village maidens, witches and spirits. Tickets are $7. Part of the ASC Kids' Club Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
April 25 - I Musici de Montreal, 8 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. The music of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is combined with projection of the award-winning film based on paintings choreographed to the composition. The film won the "Excellence in Cinema" Award at the New York Independent Film & Video Festival and serves as a visual translation of the music. The powerful program continues with Tchaikovsky's "Souvenir de Florence" and Borodin's "Nocturne." Enjoy a free Prelude musical discussion at 6 p.m. and an art gallery showing in the lobby prior to the performance. Alabama Youth Symphony will perform in the lobby before the show. Tickets are $55, $45 and $35; kids $10 and students $20. Part of the Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Rushton Haskell Birmingham Music Club Classically Inclined Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.
May 2 - ASC Kids' Club presents "Alice's Even Bigger Tea Party," an ASC original production, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., presented by the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Join the ASC for an even better, bigger, grander "Alice's Tea Party." Presented on stage in the ASC Sirote Theatre, the original tea party guests from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" will be joined by more of Lewis Carroll's laughable and lovable characters. Written and directed by the ASC's own Jerry Sims. Tickets are $7. Part of the ASC Kids' Club Series. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.