“A tremendous honor” to support visual and performing arts, says Starlight Gala Chair Mark Tarr

Mark TarrEach year, the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, on the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, presents the Starlight Gala, its biggest fundraiser of the year.

Sponsored by Viva Health, the Starlight Gala supports visual and performing arts programming, including arts education, free shows for schools, free exhibitions, community outreach, classes and workshops for UAB’s Institute for Arts in Medicine, and stellar season performances that bring artists here from around the world.

Mark Tarr, president and CEO of Encompass Health, is the chair of the 2019 gala, which will star Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra for an evening of jazz Sunday, June 2. Tarr, who serves on the center’s corporate board, says the Alys Stephens Center won him over after he attended his first few shows, and he became a supporter. Serving as the chair and supporting UAB’s visual and performing arts is a tremendous honor, he says.

“This annual event benefits the many programs the Alys Stephens Center and Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts offer to the UAB campus and our community that impact people of all ages,” Tarr said. “Through its educational programs, learning in K-12 schools is enhanced, and it truly levels the playing field for students. With its arts programs in assisted living facilities and local hospitals, the healing environment is transformed. All of the programs align with Encompass Health’s mission to help change lives for the better.”

Tarr says he was introduced to the arts at an early age, with piano lessons in grade school. His appreciation for talented musicians has only grown with time, he says.

“I’m from the era that is very familiar with Jeff Goldblum as a wonderful actor, so I’m excited to see him at the piano with his band,” Tarr said. “From what I hear, Goldblum not only has a huge fan base from my generation, but is also well-known to millennials and the younger generation.”

The Alys Stephens Center and AEIVA anchor UAB’s Cultural Corridor on 10th Avenue South, and have recently joined forces to grow and promote visual and performing arts on campus. This is good news for the community, Tarr says.

“Without a doubt, the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts and Alys Stephens Center are among the major influences in supporting Birmingham’s cultural renaissance,” Tarr said. “Between its location and proximity to the bustling UAB campus, the diverse and talented artists, and the venue itself, ASC plays a critical role as a cornerstone to the many cultural alternatives from which to choose.”

All performance tickets include a pre-show cocktail reception at 5 p.m. and seating for the 6 p.m. performance. Tickets are $150 for current Alys Stephens Center members. Non-member tickets are $175. A new $75 Junior Patron ticket package is now available for individuals ages 21-39. For tickets, call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org. 

A VIP dinner is also available. Tickets to the VIP dinner are $1,500 per seat. For more information, contact Kassie Ortiz, development coordinator, at klortiz@uab.edu.