“Sessions” from UAB’s Alys Stephens Center features Rachel Baiman Band and Brother Brothers, May 17-18

Discover and get to know the artists in this original concert series, with cocktails, small bites and inspiring performances.

ASCsessionsJoomla2Rachel BaimanRachel Baiman Band and Brother Brothers will perform in the upcoming “Sessions” series, which showcases some of the best up-and-coming singer-songwriters in Alabama.

The second annual “Sessions” weekend will be May 17-18, presented by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Discover and get to know the artists in this original concert series. Join the Alys Stephens Center for cocktails, small bites and inspiring performances in the intimate setting of the center’s “black box” Odess Theatre. Seating will be limited. The music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, $10 for students. Call 205-975-2787 or visit AlysStephens.org.

Friday, May 17: Rachel Baiman Band

Nashville Americana songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Baiman’s “Shame” (June 2017) was featured on NPR’s “Songs We Love,” called a “rootsy wake-up call” by Folk Alley and described by Vice’s “Noisey” as “flipping off authority one song at a time.” Now Baiman, 27, has released “Thanksgiving,” a self-produced four-song EP featuring her live trio as well as special guests including Molly Tuttle and Josh Oliver. Baiman’s “Thanksgiving” is an intriguing follow-up, allowing her a chance to stretch out stylistically and moving effortlessly between bluegrass, folk, old-time and country.

Saturday, May 18: Brother Brothers

Identical twins Adam and David Moss are a musical duo unlike most others. The Brother Brothers’ sound is striking and undeniably captivating. Often leaning toward the darker, moody elements of Appalachian folk, klezmer and bluegrass traditions, their songs are laden with near perfect sibling harmonies, compelling writing, and imaginative arrangements on cello, guitar and five-string fiddle. With individual storied careers in the Americana scene under their belts, the brothers are finally teaming up to bring their experiences together. Their debut EP “Tugboats”

has garnered noteworthy praise, with Saving Country Music dubbing the duo “the closest thing you can find to Simon and Garfunkel in this century.”