UAB’s Alys Stephens Center announces new star-studded 2016 season

Brian McKnight, Lizz Wright, Melissa Etheridge, Marc Broussard, Joan Baez, Red Baraat, Babyface, Ira Glass and Kristin Chenoweth star in the ASC’s new 2016 season.



joan baezJoan BaezTickets are on sale now for new performances just announced by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

In 2016, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will present Brian McKnight, Lizz Wright, Melissa Etheridge, Marc Broussard, Joan Baez, Red Baraat, Babyface and Ira Glass.

Emmy and Tony award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth will star in the 2016 VIVA Health Starlight Gala, which will kick off the Alys Stephens Center’s 20th anniversary season.

The ArtPlay Parlor Series offers fans of classical music two intimate shows in the historic ArtPlay house: the Paris-based Hermès Quartet and Brazilian instrumental group Choro de Lá pra Cá. ArtPlay will also present family-friendly shows like “Roots Music: An Intro to the Blues” and its annual teen performance group “Make It Happen” play for Black History Month.

The ASC, ArtPlay and UAB’s Institute for Arts in Medicine will host Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theatre for a weeklong residency that will present workshops to ArtCare facilities and UAB Hospital, and a free public performance at week’s end.

For tickets, a copy of The Center Magazine or more information, call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org. The Center Magazine is also available online.

hermes quartet 2Hermès QuartetAll ticket purchases of Alys Stephens Center-presented shows support arts education and outreach in Birmingham and surrounding communities. ArtPlay, the ASC’s home for arts education, reached a new milestone this year, serving more than 17,000 individuals in the Birmingham area through the arts. In addition to classes, workshops, residencies, presented shows and mentor programs, ArtPlay also presents free Meet the Artist school shows to busloads of children every season.

Become an ASC season subscriber and choose three or more shows to create the “It’s Your Choice” package and save 15 percent on the total price; UAB family can save 25 percent. UAB students and faculty may purchase $25 tickets for all shows excluding the Starlight Gala; a limited number of $25 tickets are available for each show. All members of the UAB family may receive a 20 percent discount on single tickets for all shows, excluding the gala. Tickets purchased online can be printed at home or delivered to a mobile device.

In 2016, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center presents:

Make it happenMake It Happen Performing Ensemble honors the life of A.G. Gaston

Thursday, Jan. 21

Hermès Quartet, part of the ArtPlay Parlor Series, 7 p.m. in the ArtPlay House, 1006 19th St. South. Tickets are $37.50 and include hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Thursday, Feb. 11

Brian McKnight, 7 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $56.50, $71.50, and $86.50. A limited number of special VIP packages, which include a pre-performance reception, premium seats for the concert and an opportunity to meet the artist, are available for McKnight’s show. For the VIP package, or for more information, call 205-996-6113. For tickets call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Saturday, Feb. 13

ArtPlay presents Make It Happen Performing Ensemble honors the life of A.G. Gaston, shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in 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.

Friday, Feb. 26

Lizz Wright, 8 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $49. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

liz wrightLizz WrightSaturday, Feb. 27

Melissa Etheridge, 8 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $53, $63 and $73. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Saturday, March 5

ArtPlay presents Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theatre, “Theatre for the Heart and Mind,” 2 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. This show is free and open to the public. SPDT joins the ASC, ArtPlay and UAB’s Institute for Arts in Medicine for a weeklong residency that will present workshops to ArtCare facilities and UAB Hospital. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Thursday, March 17

Marc Broussard, 7 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $35.50. A pre-performance party for ASC members and Junior Patrons is set for 6 p.m. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

melissa ethridgeMelissa EtheridgeSaturday, March 19

Joan Baez, 8 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $43, $53 and $63. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Thursday, April 21

Red Baraat, 7 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. This free performance outdoors on the Engel Plaza is part of IndiaFest, a cultural monthlong celebration of India on the UAB campus. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Saturday, May 7

ArtPlay presents “Roots Music: An Intro to the Blues,” 2 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for children. A free sensory-friendly performance is set for 10 a.m. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Friday, May 13

Choro de Lá pra Cá, part of the ArtPlay Parlor Series featuring Young Concert Artists, 7 p.m. in the ArtPlay House, 1006 19th St. South. This Brazilian group’s name means “choro from here to there” and represents a mixture of all the musicians’ backgrounds. Tickets are $37.50 and include hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

baby faceBabyfaceSaturday, May 21

Babyface, “The Story Behind the Songs,” 8 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. His program will bring together reminiscences from throughout his career with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, along with some hit music. Tickets are $35, $47 and $59. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Saturday, June 11

Ira Glass in “Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host: Ira Glass, Monica Barnes & Anna Bass,” 8 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. The show includes radio interviews restaged as dance pieces, plus stories from the lives of each of the three performers. Tickets are $39.50, $49.50 and $59.50. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

Sunday, June 12

ASC VIVA Health Starlight Gala starring Kristin Chenoweth, 6 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. For the ASC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Chenoweth will perform alongside a 12-piece ensemble and could include her best-known songs and Broadway tunes, along with music from her latest album, “Coming Home.” Betty McMahon is the 2016 honorary gala chair. Tickets are $150 and include a pre-performance cocktail reception. For gala tickets, call the ASC Box Office at 205-975-2787. A VIP dinner and meet-and-greet package is also available; call the ASC Development Office at 205-975-4012 to purchase. Visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

kristen chenowethKristin ChenowethSaturday, June 18

ASC presents LOCAL, 5 p.m. outdoors on the Engel Plaza at UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. This is the third annual ASC outdoor festival celebrating all things Alabama, with local music, artists, merchants, vendors and food trucks. Free and open to the public. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more details.

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting, developing and advancing the best in the performing arts and arts education in Alabama. Support the future of the Alys Stephens Center and volunteer or become a member. An array of membership-level choices is available, from Circle Club membership to Junior Patrons. Enjoy priority ticket purchases and class/camp reservations, seat upgrade opportunities and discounts, and even travel opportunities. For more information on becoming a member, call 205-996-6113.

This season’s show sponsors include Jane Stephens Comer, Good People Brewing Co., HealthSouth, Jemison Investment Co. Inc., Merrill Lynch, PNC, Protective, Dora and Sanjay Singh, UAB, VIVA Health, WBHM and Welch Hornsby.