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ANGELIQUE KIDJO PERFORMS AT ASC
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What you see is a growing business.
But what you don’t see is the owner’s ability to hire and keep the best employees, thanks in part to offering Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the most preferred health insurance in the state. Or that his employees can choose their own doctors, thanks to the largest network of doctors in Alabama. Or the confidence in knowing Blue Cross is always there with one-to-one assistance for him and his employees.
Blue Cross works hard behind the scenes.
AlabamaBlue.com/BehindTheScenes
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Alys Stephens Center
A diverse new season filled with some of the most moving and talented artists and performances anywhere is set to kick off in September, presented by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Explore the new season online and purchase tickets at AlysStephens.org, or call the center’s Box Office at 205-975-2787. When you become an ASC season subscriber, choose three or more shows to create your own package and save 15 percent on the total price; UAB students, faculty and staff can save 25 percent. UAB student tickets are $10 for most shows. UAB staff and faculty can get discounted tickets and ticket packages. THE ALYS STEPHENS CENTER’S 2017-2018 SEASON OF PERFORMANCES INCLUDES: Friday, Sept. 15 Sheila E, world-class drummer and percussionist, 8 p.m. Tickets are $59, $49 and $39. Friday, Sept. 22 Ballet Hispánico, with an all-Latina choreographed engagement, 8 p.m. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25. Thursday, Sept. 28 Jazz pianist prodigy Joey Alexander and his trio in “The Essentials Vol. 6: The Future of Jazz,” hosted by Eric Essix, 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. Thursday, Oct. 12 Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Grammy-winning salsa and Latin jazz band, a ¡Celebración! free out-
SHEILA E AT ASC
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door event, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 Robert Cray, Blues Hall of Fame singer/guitarist/ songwriter, 8 p.m. Tickets are $59, $49 and $39. Thursday, Oct. 19 The Triplets of Belleville, a live cinema-concert recreation of the classic animated French film, 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Sunday, Oct. 29 David Holt, Grammy-winning Southern folk musician/storyteller, 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults; $10 students/children. Friday, Nov. 3 An Evening with Bruce Hornsby, solo, 8 p.m. Tickets are $68, $58 and $48. Sunday, Nov. 5 Emmylou Harris, 7 p.m., with pre-show dinner, special Alys Stephens Center member pricing. Meet-and-greet package or VIP package available. Call 205-975-2787 for package purchases. Performance tickets are $76, $66 and $56. Friday, Nov. 10 Dionne Warwick, 8 p.m. Tickets are $76, $66 and $56. Sunday, Nov. 12 Modigliani Quartet, part of the Salon Series, performing Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Dvorák, 2 p.m. Tickets are $55 with on-stage seating and VIP reception; $35 choral balcony seating. Friday, Nov. 17 Illusionist Kevin Spencer, 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults; $10 students/children. A sensory-friendly
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Sheila E.
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Triplets of Belleville
Joey Alexander Trio
Animated French Film with Live Music
The Essentials Vol.6: The Future of Jazz
15% Off When you buy tickets to THREE OR MORE Center* presented performances.
AlysStephens.org *Offer does not apply to Gala or Special Events
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performance is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 18. Sunday, Dec. 10 Holiday Soul with Eric Essix and friends, 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 Ballet Memphis, Alabama Dance Festival, presenting “I Am” with four commissioned pieces, 8 p.m. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 “Sing to Freedom: Music and Stories of the Underground Railroad” featuring Reggie Harris, 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults; $10 students/children. Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018 David Finckel, cello, and Wu Han, piano, part of the Salon Series, performing “The Passionate Cello,” a program of works by Beethoven, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Grieg, 2 p.m. Tickets are $55 with on-stage seating and VIP reception; $35 choral balcony seating. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Due to the size of this production, this Center performance will be at the BJCC Concert Hall, 7 p.m. Tickets are $76, $56, $36 and $28. Friday, Feb. 16-Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 Kid Koala’s “Nufonia Must Fall – Live!” based on the graphic novel. A live animation film with live music, 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 Grammy award winner Michael McDonald, 7 p.m. Tickets are $85, $72 and $59. Saturday, March 3, 2018 Third Coast Percussion, with drummer Glenn Kotche of Wilco and UAB Percussion, in residence, featuring the world premiere of an Alys Stephens Center commissioned piece, 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Saturday, March 17, 2018 Singer/songwriter Marc Broussard in a St. Patrick’s Day Show, 8 p.m. Tickets are $40.
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Friday, March 23, 2018 Angelique Kidjo, Grammy Award-winning Beninese singer-songwriter and activist, 8 p.m. Tickets are $40. (A free lecture will be presented by UAB’s Institute for Human Rights at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 22). Sunday, March 25, 2018 Jerusalem Quartet, part of the Salon Series, performing a program of Mozart, Janacek and Beethoven, 5 p.m. Tickets are $55 with on-stage seating and VIP reception; $35 choral balcony seating. Thursday, March 29, 2018 The Victor Wooten Trio, featuring legendary bass player Wooten, Dennis Chambers, drums, and Bob Franceschini, saxophone, 7 p.m. Tickets are $40. April 19-21, 2018 Ronald K. Brown’s EVIDENCE in residence, with performances 7:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25; all tickets $25 on opening night. Thursday, April 26, 2018 Brooklyn Bhangra band Red Baraat, free IndiaFest outdoor concert, 7 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2018 Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, star of the Alys Stephens Center’s Viva Health Starlight Gala. Alys Stephens Center member tickets to Ma’s concert are $150. General public tickets are $175 now; tickets will increase to $200 from Oct. 1, and to $250 from Jan. 1. All tickets to the 2018 Viva Health Starlight Gala starring Yo-Yo Ma include an elegant pre-performance cocktail reception and seating for the performance. Friday, May 11, 2018 Funk, soul and jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker, 8 p.m. Tickets are $40. Saturday, May 12-Sunday, May 13, 2018 “Down the Yellow Brick Road,” a family-fun adaptation of the timeless classic, performances at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 12 and at 3 p.m. May 13. Tickets are $15 adults; $10 students/children. Saturday, June 16, 2018 LOCAL 2018, outdoor festival celebrating all things Alabama, 5 p.m. Free. Friday, June 22-Saturday, June 23, 2018 SESSIONS Singer/Songwriter series, a showcase of local singer-songwriters, 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Antiques at The Gardens returns to Birmingham October 5-8. The show begins Thursday, October 5 with Tastebuds presented by Flower magazine featuring Rebecca Vizard and Kinsey
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Marable at 10 a.m. Admission to Tastebuds is $30. That evening, Gala in The Gardens, the black-tie kickoff event, will allow patrons an opportunity to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and dancing while shopping the show before it opens to the public. Tickets to Gala in The Gardens are $175. Public show hours begin Friday, October 6 from 10-5 p.m. The show is also open to the public on Saturday, October 7 from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday, October 8 from 11-4 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 and include admission to Saturday’s Taste in Spades presented by Bradley events and Sunday’s Southern Sunday events. Taste in Spades begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the ladies of Vine Garden Market. At 1 p.m., Charlotte Lucas and Liz Carroll present ‘Southern Sophistication.’ At 2 p.m., Paloma Contreras presents “A Modern Take on Traditional Style” and at 3 p.m., Barbara Westbrook presents “The Art of Gracious Living.” A panel luncheon takes place at 11:30 a.m. and costs $30, which includes lunch. This year’s Red Diamond Lecture features Amanda Nisbet on Friday, October 6 at 10:30 a.m. Admission is $40. It will be followed with Lunch with the Tastemakers at 12:30 p.m., which is $30 and includes lunch. Southern Sunday features Beth Webb, Jeffrey Dungan, Bobby McAlpine and Chris Tippett. Talks are at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Birmingham Opera From famous grand operas, to intimate musical experiences, to community “pop-up” concerts, Opera Birmingham has it all! Opera Birmingham’s 2017-18 Season promises the best in passion, jealousy, revenge and ultimate tragedy, featuring glorious music and incomparable voices. This season opens with Catch a Rising Star on October 29, featuring mezzo-soprano Alyssa Martin, winner of the 2017 Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition, in a recital of opera and musical theatre favorites. Sounds of the Season on December 8 will start off your holidays on a good note! Drawing on the talent of the Opera Birmingham Chorus, the concert will feature a variety of solo and ensemble performances by native Birmingham artists, setting the perfect mood for the holiday season. Headlining the 2017-18 season are: The Tragedy of Carmen: Opera Birmingham continues its successful chamber opera series with this intimate performance at the Red Mountain Theatre Cabaret on January 19 and 21. The gypsy Carmen is a sexy temptress, drawing the eye of the naïve 102
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SAMFORD ARTS WELCOMES THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
Don José. When she leaves him for the bullfighter Escamillo, jealousy ignites and threatens to burn them all. Peter Brook’s gripping adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen distills the drama into an intense one-act chamber opera. Romeo and Juliet: Shakespeare’s tragic romance returns to Opera Birmingham’s stage after an absence of over 40 years, on March 23 and 25, combining the powerful drama with Gounod’s lush music. Family rivalries cannot fight the young love of Romeo and Juliet, with tragic consequences as the couple is determined to be together forever. Metropolitan Opera conductor Steven White will lead the musicians of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Opera Birmingham Chorus. The nationally recognized 40th Annual Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition will conclude this incredible lineup on May 19 and 20, offering a chance to hear 20 of our nation’s most talented young opera singers. Opera Birmingham’s season and single tickets can be purchased online at operabirmingham.org or by calling the Opera Office at (205)322-6737. Samford Arts Samford Arts serves the Birmingham community by offering world-class performances, students productions and non-credit classes for cultural enrichment. It comprises Samford’s School of the Arts, the Wright Center and the Academy of the Arts. Samford Arts hosts over 200 events annually and is home to performances by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Ballet and Opera Birmingham. The 2017-18 Tonight at the Wright Series will showcase the talents of the Gaither Vocal Band, Ashley Campbell, Act of Congress, Sozo Children and share the magic of Harry Potter in concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Our
EXPERIENCE THE ARTS
Hosting over 200 events annually to thousands of visitors, Samford Arts brings world-renowned artists and performances to Birmingham. Join us for our 2017-18 season which includes a wide variety of shows as well as productions by our community partners the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Ballet and Opera Birmingham.
Sampling of Fall 2017 Schedule: Tonight at the Wright presents Gaither Vocal Band Sept. 8
Tonight at the Wright presents Ashley Campbell Nov. 3
Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth presents How I Became a Pirate Sept. 29–Oct. 1
Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series presents True West and Crimes of the Heart Nov. 2-12
Davis Architects Guest Artist Series presents Vadym Kholodenko Oct. 5
Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series presents Hansel and Gretel Nov. 30–Dec. 3
Tonight at the Wright presents Harry Potter in Concert presented in partnership with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra as part of their Red Diamond® SuperPops Series Oct. 20 and Oct. 22
Tonight at the Wright presents Christmas with Act of Congress presented in partnership with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra as part of their Red Diamond® SuperPops Series Dec. 1
For a full calendar of events, times and additional information go to samford.edu/arts/events or tickets.samford.edu.
205-726-2853 | Events are subject to change
BIRMINGHAM OPERA
Davis Architects Guest Artist Series hosts pianist Vadym Klolodenkho, opera star Jamie Barton, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and So Percussion. The School of the Arts theatre, dance and opera performances take place throughout the year and will culminate in the spring with Children of Eden starring David Phelps and a cast of students and area children. Students of all ages can learn something new at the Academy of the Arts. It is continuing the traditions of Samford after Sundown and Preparatory Music. There are classes in music, photography, antiques, languages, creative writing and a variety of art programs. It recently introduced ESL classes taught by certified instructors. For more information visit their website at Samford.edu/go/aota. Make plans today to visit Samford University and experience Samford Arts. Samford.edu/arts Tickets.samford.edu. 205-7262853. Virginia Samford Theatre In 1927, a group of dedicated arts lovers opened The Little Theatre in the residential neighborhood of Birmingham’s Southside and the landmark playhouse began a new era as one of the city’s major cultural assets. Restored in 2002 as the Virginia Samford Theatre, the historic ven104
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ue is celebrating 90 years as a performing arts center and continues its tradition of serving the metro Birmingham area with outstanding professional Broadway-style stage performances and innovative youth theatre services. Since 2008, the STARS arts education programs have educated and inspired more than 10,000 young people with the transformative power of the arts. Classes are professionally taught year-round and are in partnership with the Jefferson County Board of Education and the Samford University Department of Theatre and Dance. In addition to its contribution as a vibrant member of the cultural fabric of the greater Birmingham community, the Virginia Samford Theatre employs a full-time staff along with part-time professional performing and teaching artists who collaborate as an artistic team for the Virginia Samford Theatre Productions. The annual performances consistently result in accolades from theatre critics as well as arts patrons, and demonstrate the importance of preserving the tradition and diversity of the arts. For performance and program information visit www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org
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