Photo by Destiny EllisThe University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and Birmingham Mountain Radio will present An Evening with Robert Ellis on Thursday, Dec. 18.
The 7 p.m. show, in the ASC’s Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall, will feature a special intimate, solo acoustic performance by Ellis as well as an onstage chat with Scott Register of BMR. Tickets are $20. All ticketholders will enjoy a free drink with their ticket purchase. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.AlysStephens.org or call the ASC Box Office at 205-975-2787.
This special performance will create an intimate “in-studio” feel, similar to an on-air interview and performance format, but live and with an audience. Audience members will enjoy a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with one of today’s best songwriters and most engaging live performers. Artistry and song craft through performance and discussion will be the focus.
With R&B, bossa nova, fusion, free jazz and bluegrass sounds, Ellis’ new record, “The Lights from the Chemical Plant,” was produced with great care and precision by Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon, Norah Jones) and recorded at Eric Masse’s Casino studio in East Nashville for New West Records, according to Ellis’ website bio. Alive with memories and innovation, the world Ellis paints invites listeners in with his smoky lyrics, hypnotic voice and masterful guitar. Ellis recently told Rolling Stone magazine: “I want this record to be more about the Paul Simons and the Randy Newmans and the other half of my upbringing, which is very much rooted in pop.”