UAB’s Alys Stephens Center 15th season kick-off events

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center kicks off their 15th season with an indie film, free party featuring Big Sam’s Funk Nation and Project Bandaloop.

asc_southartsfilm_concretehiresThursday, Sept. 8, 2011

Southern Circuit Film Screening & Director Q&A: “Concrete, Steel, and Paint,” 7 p.m., in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Featuring Southern Circuit Independent Film Screenings and Meet the Director events. This season, the ASC and Sidewalk Film Festival celebrate the art of film with these special events designed to get you up close and personal with the country’s hottest new directors. See the film, then meet the filmmakers and discuss the artwork. When Pennsylvania state prisoners join with crime victims to create a mural about healing, their views on punishment, remorse and forgiveness collide. At times the divide seems too wide to bridge. Their struggle to find creative common ground raises challenging questions about punishment, justice and reconciliation. The film, produced/directed by Cindy Burstein and Tony Heriza and featuring Philadelphia’s internationally recognized Mural Arts Program, dramatically illustrates how art can facilitate dialogue about difficult issues. Tickets are $10, $8 students. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

 

 


asc_interartive_bigsam_storyThursday, Sept. 15

Inter-ART-ive, with Big Sam’s Funky Nation, 6 p.m., free party in the outdoor plaza at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Led by trombone powerhouse and former Dirty Dozen Brass Band member Big Sam Williams, the Nation won’t let an audience sit still. With two European tours, a recurring role in the hit HBO series “Treme” and festival gigs including Jazz Fest, Bonnaroo and SXSW, the Nation will make this an inter-ART-ive to remember. Featuring UAB’s Drumline, an open mic courtyard stage, craft beer tasting from Free the Hops and Birmingham Budweiser, food for sale from The Cantina on Wheels and a community art project. ASC Junior Patrons receive VIP Lounge access with complimentary drinks and food. Rain or shine. FREE admission. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

 

 



asc_bandaloop_8Monday, Sept. 19-Friday, Sept. 23

Project Bandaloop, in residence at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Project Bandaloop blends dance, sport, ritual and environmental awareness into breathtaking aerial performances, inspired by the possibilities of climbing and rappelling, to craft site-specific dances. Project Bandaloop will be in residence at the Alys Stephens Center all week and will culminate with a Friday night show, first half outside and second half inside the center.

Monday: Join Project Bandaloop members for a one-of-a-kind yoga class at 6 p.m. outside at the Alys Stephens Center. A $5 donation per person is requested.

Thursday: At noon, check out a free 20-minute rehearsal, open to the public. Come get a lunchtime glimpse of the artistry of Project Bandaloop and enjoy food for sale from The Cantina on Wheels. After work from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., unwind with a drink and experience a Project Bandaloop dress rehearsal, beginning at 6 p.m. Participate in a wine tasting highlighting California wines or sample a sumptuous taco from The Cantina on Wheels, which will have food for sale. ASC Junior Patrons receive VIP Lounge access.

Friday: At 7:30 p.m. experience the Project Bandaloop performance “Outside/In”— they’ll perform outdoors for the first half, then inside the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall the second half. Tickets are $75 VIP, $45, $25; with $15 kid-friendly tickets. VIP tickets include a cocktail party with members of Project Bandaloop. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.