"Hot Shows, Cool Season," is an invitation to experience the sizzling new season of performances celebrating the Alys Stephens Center's seventh year. Over the past six years, the Alys Stephens Center, Birmingham's own world-class performing arts center, has brought Birmingham audiences a diverse mix of classical, pop, jazz, dance, world music, comedy and family entertainment. The goal is to welcome the entire community into the exciting world of the performing arts.
The season begins Sept. 26 with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, part of the BellSouth Red Hot and Jazz Series. Other shows in the series are Brad Mehldau Trio Jan. 25 and Dianne Reeves April 24.
The best guitarists in the world are featured in the consistently sold-out shows of the Laser's Edge Strings Attached Series, which kicks off Oct. 2 with Russell Malone and Bennie Green. It continues with Peter Huttlinger on Jan. 22 and closes with Carlos Bendfeldt on March 11.
The Young Patrons Contemporary Vibes Series opens with a laugh from best-selling author and humorist David Sedaris on Oct. 12. This varied series continues Oct. 18 with Pat Metheny Trio, led by the legendary jazz guitarist. Progressive bluegrass and jazz musicians Bela Fleck and the Flecktones close the series and the season on May 1.
The energetic and exciting Movement and Magic Series opens Oct. 17 with Ballet Hispanico, followed by the powerful Shaolin Warriors Nov. 2. The awe-inspiring troupePilobolus closes the series with performances Jan. 23 and Jan. 24.
Returning this year is the ASC Kids Club, a series devoted to stirring the hearts and minds of children and designed to provide quality arts experiences in a small casual setting. Featured are performances by Southern Danceworks Oct. 25, storyteller Jim Aycock Nov. 15, guitar and harp duo Paul Hicks and Judy Sullivan Hicks Jan. 25, and the jazzy Eric Essix Group Feb. 15. Opera Birmingham closes the series April 17 with a performance of the timeless "Three Little Pigs."
The best new talent is showcased in the Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation Rising Star Series, opening Nov. 23 with The Claremont Trio. The series continues with American violinist Nicolas Kendall Feb. 8 and closes with Robert Belinic on April 18.
The diverse Protective Life Eclectic Palate Series kicks off with dazzling pianist and singer Michael Feinstein Nov. 9, followed by crowd-pleasers Three on a String Jan. 17 and the uplifting Sweet Honey in the Rock Feb. 27. The legendary Barbara Cook finishes the series with her performance of "Mostly Sondheim" April 10.
The Birmingham Music Club Classically Inclined Series begins Nov. 16 with the return of instrumental ensemble Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, followed on Jan. 16 by Katia and Marielle Labeque. Continuing the series is The New York Festival of Song, presenting "At Harlem's Height" Feb. 13, and Pilsen Philharmonic with violinist Janice Martin Feb. 22. Closing the series is Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Anne-Marie McDermott March 20. The Alys Stephens Center is proud to offer another season of Preludes, enlightening 30-minute discussions preceding each performance within the Classically Inclined Series.
Visit the Alys Stephens Center by logging on to http://www.AlysStephens.org.
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