April 14, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Alys Stephens Center announces the season lineup for 2003-2004, filled with performances by extraordinary classical musicians, charismatic crooners, guitar virtuosos, innovative dance and movement troupes, spirit-lifting sacred music, rising stars and last but not least, lots of jazz — progressive, sultry and swinging.

“Hot Shows, Cool Season,” sponsored by NBC 13 and The Birmingham News/Birmingham Post-Herald, is an invitation to experience the sizzling new season of performances celebrating the Alys Stephens Center’s seventh year. Over the past six years, the Alys Stephens Center, Birmingham’s own world-class performing arts center, has brought Birmingham audiences a diverse mix of classical, pop, jazz, dance, world music, comedy and family entertainment. The goal is to welcome the entire community into the exciting, magical world of the performing arts.

The new season begins September 26 when the world’s hottest jazz band, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis, swings onto the stage. A sampling of the performances scheduled for this season includes Ballet Hispanico, Pat Metheny Trio, Shaolin Warriors, David Sedaris, Michael Feinstein, Pilobolus, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Pilsen Philharmonic with Janice Martin and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones.

Back by popular demand are the BellSouth Red Hot and Jazz Series and the ASC Kids Club Series, joining several established favorites: the Birmingham Music Club Classically Inclined Series, the Protective Life Eclectic Palate Series, the Young Patrons Contemporary Vibes Series, the Movement and Magic Series, the Laser’s Edge Strings Attached Series and the Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation Rising Star Series.

The series are designed as the perfect complement for the Alys Stephens Center’s four state-of-the-art venues: the Jemison Concert Hall, the Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall, the Morris K. Sirote Theatre and the Odess Theatre.

Returning for the 2003-2004 season is the Alys Stephen Center’s wildly popular It’s Your Choice subscription package offering the public the opportunity to create their own personal mix of shows. Select any five regular performances, add the total ticket cost, then subtract 10 percent for a special package created for each patron’s personal tastes. Renewal for current subscribers begins April 14. New subscription orders begin May 12. Single tickets go on sale August 4. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early because many shows are expected to sell out.

The season begins September 26 with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, part of the BellSouth Red Hot and Jazz Series. Other shows in the series are Brad Mehldau Trio January 25 and Dianne Reeves April 24.

The best guitarists in the world are featured in the consistently sold-out shows of the Laser’s Edge Strings Attached Series, which kicks off October 2 with Russell Malone and Bennie Green. It continues with Peter Huttlinger on January 22 and closes with Carlos Bendfeldt on March 11.

The Young Patrons Contemporary Vibes Series opens with a laugh from best-selling author and humorist David Sedaris on October 12. This varied series continues October 18 with Pat Metheny Trio, led by the legendary jazz guitarist. Progressive bluegrass and jazz musicians Béla Fleck and the Flecktones close the series and the season on May 1.

The energetic and exciting Movement and Magic Series opens October 17 with Ballet Hispanico, followed by the powerful Shaolin Warriors November 2. The awe-inspiring troupe Pilobolus closes the series with performances January 23 and January 24.

Returning this year is the ASC Kids Club, a series devoted to stirring the hearts and minds of children and designed to provide quality arts experiences in a small casual setting. Featured are performances by Southern Danceworks October 25, storyteller Jim Aycock November 15, guitar and harp duo Paul Hicks and Judy Sullivan Hicks January 25, and the jazzy Eric Essix Group February 15. Opera Birmingham closes the series April 17 with a performance of the timeless “Three Little Pigs.”

The best new talent is showcased in the Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation Rising Star Series, opening November 23 with The Claremont Trio. The series continues with American violinist Nicolas Kendall February 8 and closes with Robert Belinic on April 18.

The diverse Protective Life Eclectic Palate Series kicks off with dazzling pianist and singer Michael Feinstein November 9, followed by crowd-pleasers Three on a String January 17 and the uplifting Sweet Honey in the Rock February 27. The legendary Barbara Cook finishes the series with her performance of “Mostly Sondheim” April 10.

The Birmingham Music Club Classically Inclined Series begins November 16 with the return of instrumental ensemble Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, followed on January 16 by Katia and Marielle Labéque. Continuing the series is The New York Festival of Song, presenting “At Harlem’s Height” February 13, and Pilsen Philharmonic with violinist Janice Martin February 22. Closing the series is Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Anne-Marie McDermott March 20. The Alys Stephens Center is proud to offer another season of Preludes, enlightening 30-minute discussions preceding each performance within the Classically Inclined Series.

Subscription packages range from $20 to $371, and special discounts and offers are available for UAB students, faculty and staff and for groups of 10 or more. Gift certificates are always available. To purchase season tickets or for a season brochure, call (205) 975-2787 or toll-free 1-877-278-8457 (877-ART-TIKS). Single tickets go on sale August 4 and can be purchased by phone, at the Alys Stephens Center Box Office or by logging on to www.alysstephens.org.