Hear the blues through fresh ears May 7 in an interactive, family-friendly music experience, where each song from famous blues legends is a history lesson.
“Roots Music: An Introduction to Blues” asks, what tunes inspired your favorite musicians? Where did the beat in that popular rock song originate? What is the blues? The “Roots Music” show shines a light on how the blues and Americana came to be such beloved musical genres, featuring the music of Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Chuck Berry and Blind Willie Johnson. Explore the blues with Bruce Andrews on harmonica and vocals, George Dudley on guitar, Matt Wiley on piano, Dave Gowens on percussion, Jack Dudley on guitar, Steve Ramos on drums and special guest Jerry Robbins on saxophone.
The show is presented by ArtPlay, the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center’s home for arts education, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. An ArtPlay Meet the Artist free schools show for elementary and middle school students will be presented Friday, May 6.
The performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in the Sirote Theatre of UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South.
Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for children. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.
A free, sensory-friendly performance is set earlier in the day at 10 a.m. Presented by ArtPlay in partnership with KultureCity, the sensory-friendly performance will provide a supportive environment for children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues, plus their families and friends.
In sensory-friendly productions at the Alys Stephens Center, slight adjustments to the production have been made, including the reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience. The ASC’s outer lobby will include designated quiet spaces and an activity area staffed with autism specialists for those who need to leave their seats during the performance. All are welcome to come to the performance, with the understanding that the theater is a judgment-free zone with a performance geared toward individuals with sensory issues. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.