February 3, 2011

David Grisman. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Acoustic string instrumentalist David Grisman will bring his quintet plus a special guest to UAB's Alys Stephens Center for a performance at 8 p.m. Feb. 19, 2011, in the center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $53, $43, $33; $20 for student tickets. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org.

Legendary mandolinist Grisman will make his first visit to UAB's Alys Stephens Center in more than 10 years, with his quintet; the "+" refers to a surprise special guest for each show. For the Alys Stephens Center performance it will be Mike Barnett on fiddle.

Grisman is best known as a musician and composer whose style is a blend of influences, from bluegrass, swing and jazz to Latin and gypsy. Grisman has been a star in the evolving world of acoustic music for more than 50 years. An acoustic pioneer and innovator, Grisman forged a unique personal artistic path. By combining elements of jazz and bluegrass with many international flavors and sensibilities, he created his own distinctive idiom, named "Dawg" music based on the nickname given to him by longtime friend and musical collaborator the late Jerry Garcia, according to Grisman's biography. Grisman's music has inspired new generations of acoustic string musicians, while creating his own niche. His discography includes recordings with Béla Fleck, The Grateful Dead, Stephane Grappelli, Emmylou Harris, Chris Isaak, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Earl Scruggs, Dan Fogelberg, Maria Muldaur, John Sebastian and James Taylor.

David Grisman Quintet alumni include Tony Rice, Mark O'Connor, Mike Marshall and Darol Anger and others; many have gone on to establish successful careers as leaders of acoustic music. Current DGQ members include bassist Jim Kerwin, flutist Matt Eakle, percussionist George Marsh and the newest member, guitarist Grant Gordy.

About UAB's Alys Stephens Center

The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is one of the Southeast's premier performing arts centers, presenting the world's best artists in music, dance, theatre, comedy, film, and family entertainment. The ASC's mission is to be a place where the entire community experiences and engages in the arts. The ASC is home to ArtPlay, a new arts education center, as well as UAB departments of Theatre and Music and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.