Photo by Palma KolanskyThree-time Grammy Award winner Branford Marsalis will perform Tuesday, Feb. 3, in “The Essentials: Bebop,” presented by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
Hosted by UAB Artist-in-Residence Eric Essix, “The Essentials” is the ASC’s original, innovative series devoted to honoring the rich history of jazz. Join the ASC for the third installment, which will survey the unique history of bebop’s history, music and artists.
Led by Essix, the first half of the performance is dedicated to a jazz lecture. Saxophonist, composer and bandleader Marsalis and his jazz quartet will perform during the second half. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m. in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $39.50. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.
This ASC-curated performance is made possible by the support of PNC Bank.
“The Alys Stephens Center continues to offer significant performing arts programming here in Birmingham, and it’s an honor for PNC to be the presenting sponsor of this special evening with Branford Marsalis,” said its regional president, Brian Bucher. “The opportunity to host this renowned and multiple award-winning artist in the Magic City helps to sustain Birmingham as a great place to live, work and play.”
| Led by Essix, the first half of the performance is dedicated to a jazz lecture. Saxophonist, composer and bandleader Marsalis and his jazz quartet will perform during the second half. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m. in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall. Tickets are $39.50. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org. |
Growing up in the rich environment of New Orleans as the oldest son of pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis, Branford was drawn to music along with siblings Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason. His first instrument, the clarinet, gave way to the alto and then the tenor and soprano saxophones when, as a teenager, he began working in local bands.
Marsalis gained initial acclaim through his work with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and his brother Wynton’s quintet in the early 1980s. Marsalis has performed and recorded with an all-star list of jazz giants, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins.
Marsalis also will present an ArtPlay master class for students at 3 p.m. Dedicated to music education, Marsalis has shared his knowledge at universities across the country. He is an artist-in-residence at North Carolina Central University.