"If they aren't playing at the Alys Stephens Center, I probably won't go see them." Those are the words of UAB R.N. Becky Langner, just one of thousands of people who have discovered that UAB's Alys Stephens Center is the premier place in the Southeast to see performances. Feb. 8-13 is "UAB Loves ASC" week, and UAB is celebrating the Alys Stephens Center with ticket giveaways, discounts and more. Employees are encouraged to share their ASC experiences on the center's blog for chances to win.
"UAB Loves ASC" week will be a chance for UAB employees to become better acquainted their very own world-class arts center. UAB's Alys Stephens Center welcomes more than 250,000 people to more than 300 events annually. The center presents its own spectacular season of exciting performances each year, and also is home to the UAB departments of music and theatre and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
Many employees already have discovered UAB's crown jewel, which offers convenience, top-notch service and elegant, acoustically advanced venues in addition to the best in world-renowned entertainment. UAB staff and employees are encouraged to share their ASC stories on the center's blog. Each respondent will be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to the Three Dog Night performance Friday, Feb. 12. The drawing will close at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11.
"The performers and performances are diverse, exciting and top quality. I mean once you've heard the Marsalis Brothers, Willie Nelson and the Alabama Symphony in that wonderful, acoustically perfect hall, you are absolutely spoiled. Every performer I have seen has commented on the quality of the facilities. I couldn't agree more," Langner says. "I have a hard time each year deciding which performers to see. But if I change my mind, the staff in the ticket office are extremely accommodating about ticket exchanges. As an employee, I can pay for my tickets and my donation for support by payroll deduction. The ASC and its varied programs are a treasure for Birmingham, and a shining star for the UAB community. It's a wonderful benefit. We are lucky to have it!
UAB Health System CEO Will Ferniany, Ph.D., became a big fan of the Alys Stephens Center when he returned to Birmingham in 2008 and saw firsthand the exceptional quality and variety of the featured artists and of the venues. "The calendar of events ranges from traditional performances to innovative offerings that would otherwise be unavailable in Birmingham - the center truly provides something for everyone," he said. "The center truly provides something for everyone. It is part of UAB's mission to promote the cultural enrichment of the community, and the Alys Stephens is an integral and very special part of that effort. I encourage our faculty and staff to learn more about the center's current season - its 13th - and to get a live, up-close view by attending a performance."