Posted on July 19, 2004 at 1:55 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Single tickets for the Alys Stephens Center’s new season of performances go on sale August 16. Ticket packages are now on sale. To purchase tickets, call (205) 975-2787, toll-free at 1-877-ART-TIKS or log on to www.AlysStephens.org. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as demand has been high throughout the summer and single tickets are expected to sell quickly.

The new season begins with a dynamic double bill. On September 25, beloved Americans musicians vocalist Nancy Wilson and pianist Ramsey Lewis team up for a tasty jazz treat. Opening weekend continues September 26 when Birmingham restaurateur Frank Stitt takes to the stage to speak about his new cookbook, “Frank Stitt’s Southern Table: Recipes and Gracious Traditions from Highlands Bar and Grill,” with special guest Pat Conroy. This show has moved to the Jemison Concert Hall due to demand.

An appetizing sampling of the performances to come this season are Al Franken, Branford Marsalis, Blind Boys of Alabama, Saanmarga: A Festival of Indian Jazz, Peter Cincotti, California Guitar Trio, The Chieftains, The Temptations, soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian and many more.

“Indulge in the Arts,” sponsored by NBC 13 and The Birmingham News/Birmingham Post-Herald, is an invitation to enjoy the delicious performances celebrating the center’s eighth year. Over the past seven years, the Alys Stephens Center, Birmingham’s own world-class performing arts center, has welcomed more than 250,000 people each year for more than 300 events, bringing audiences a diverse mix of classical, pop, jazz, dance, comedy and family entertainment.