January 12, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alys Stephens Center presents Neil Sedaka at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Enjoy a 6 p.m. pre-show wine and cheese tasting by Grassroots Wine Wholesalers. Tickets are $75, $65 and $55; $20 for students. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.
It's hard to imagine the history of rock 'n' roll without the many contributions of Neil Sedaka. Sedaka's timeless standards have helped change the face of popular music with countless hit singles and platinum and gold records. Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, has had a street named for him in his hometown of Brooklyn and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
With a career spanning decades, a rare feat in the entertainment world, Sedaka never ceases to amaze and shows no signs of slowing down. Sedaka has appeared on FOX's hit television show "American Idol" as a guest judge. In 2007 he released "The Definitive Collection," a career-spanning retrospective in honor of his 50th anniversary in show business. It debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard Chart, marking his first chart hit since 1980. In 2004, he received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York. In 2006, Sedaka filmed a live concert at London's Royal Albert Hall for PBS, and in 2007 he was honored with a tribute at Avery Fisher Hall at New York's Lincoln Center.
Sedaka also has returned to his classical roots, composing his first symphonic piece, "Joie De Vivre." In addition to his extensive tour schedule, Sedaka just completed "Waking Up is Hard to Do," a collection of his hits reinvented as children's songs. The project was inspired by his grandchildren, who also sang backup. Sedaka is currently completing a collection of new songs, including his first ever salsa song.
This show is part of the Protective Life Corp. Eclectic Palate Series; sponsors also include The Birmingham News, UAB and Viva Health.