The Alys Stephens Center will present Queen Latifah as the starring performer in this season's Viva Health Starlight Gala, Saturday, April 4, 2009. Queen Latifah will perform a beautiful program of jazz and soul standards and original music highlighting her new recording, "Trav'lin Light."

The Viva Health Starlight Gala, benefiting the Alys Stephens Center, is the season's most elegant celebration of the arts. Call 975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday. Dec. 9. Three ticket packages are available for this black tie evening. The Royalty Package includes an elegant pre-show cocktail reception, premium performance seating and post-performance dinner and dancing, $600 per ticket.  The Superstar Package includes an elegant pre-show cocktail reception, premium performance seating and a post-performance party featuring live music from Goodfellas, champagne and dessert, $250 per ticket. The Hollywood Package includes an elegant pre-show cocktail reception and performance seating, $125 per ticket. A Queen's Table for eight also will be available for purchase.

Throughout a career that started in the early days of hip-hop, Queen Latifah has consistently proven herself a woman of kaleidoscopic talents and tremendous range. The ultimate evidence of her versatility came in 2002, when she took on the role of "Mama" Morton in the film version of the musical "Chicago," displaying polished acting chops and an exquisite, powerful singing voice. Queen Latifah's work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award and six additional nominations, an Emmy Award nomination, an Academy Award nomination, over-the-top critical acclaim and legions of fans. Sponsors are Viva Health, Alabama Power Company, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and The Birmingham News.