The ASC is thrilled to welcome legendary bassist Jerry Jemmott to the ASC for a half-day workshop on February 21 at 1 p.m. Workshop is open to all musicians! For more information contact Kimberly Kirklin at kkirklin@uab.edu.

I can’t say enough about Jerry Jemmott…both on a personal and professional level….Jerry Jemmot is one of the most influential session bassists of all time…not only because of the landmark recordings he was a part of (B.B. King’s The Thrill is Gone, Aretha Franklin’s Think….to name a couple) but because of the way he raised the bar for every rhythm section that came after him. The best of the best refer to him as “The Groove Master”….for good reason. Listen to King Curtis Live at the Fillmore for a small sample of what Jerry is capable of….truly amazing. Jerry is just as relevant today as he was 40 years ago. He is currently touring with the Gregg Allman Band.

Jerry has a heart for his students. His depth of musical knowledge and his real world practical experience is unmatched…..best of all….he loves to share it. He has a very generous sprit and a teachers heart. I have the privilege of calling Jerry a good friend….every time we hang up the phone, I feel the need to write down some pearl of wisdom he accidentally dropped on me….He has had a huge impact on the way I listen and play music.

Ted Pewitt

We’re thrilled to showcase local mandolinist Jason Bailey and his band as the headliner for the Punch Brothers after-party this weekend. A word from Jason…

I am very excited to be playing the official after-party for the Punch Brothers concert. Being a full time mandolinist, this opportunity to share in the same evening with perhaps the best mandolin player alive is exhilarating, inspiring, and even a little bit frightening. I can’t wait!! Thanks for having me, Jason Bailey

Here are the links for purchase of the new release “September in the South.” Just copy and paste one into your web browser for access.

For Digital Download of “September in the South” via Apple itunes:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=267439310

For purchase of a physical copy of “September in the South”
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jasonbailey2

If you would like the first CD “Southwood” as an itunes download:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=44100507

Or, purchase of a physical copy of “Southwood.” http://cdbaby.com/cd/jasonbailey

Check out my website www.baileyjason.com

Come be my friend on myspace http://www.myspace.com/jasonbaileymandolin

Need Music for your wedding, Office party, any party, or whatever, contact me.

Jason Bailey
Joots Music LLC
205-612-2723
jootsmusic@netzero.net
www.baileyjason.com

There is just something about live music. There is a spiritual aspect that is inherent in really good music that connects to the careful listener on a deep, almost primal level. Musicians speak the language of the heart, and they can touch your soul- bringing you to tears, or filling you with pure bliss. Music can take you on journeys, showing you worlds you never knew existed, often without ever uttering a word. Witnessing this magic being created right before your ears is an experience that can leave you mesmerized and stirred to the depths of your being, and often has the potential of changing you forever, if only in some small, internal way. Okay, enough hyperbole…. 

Here at the Alys Stephens Center, we’re not only constantly trying to bring you the most powerful performances by the most unique and important artists alive today, but we strive to present the art in such a way that it has the most profound impact on you, our audience. We know what it’s like to sit in rapt wonderment at a show – our staff is comprised of people who live to see live shows.  Ask any of our friends and they’ll tell you that we’re out and about almost every night of the week. For our education director, it’s theatre.  For our executive director, it’s dance. For me, it’s singer/songwriters.  For our marketing and programming director, it’s pretty much anything else. And as “professional show-goers”, we all crave the unique concert experience that will present great art in a fresh dynamic light. And what better way to witness the creation of musical magic than to be sitting “On Stage with the Band”?

And while we’re re-inventing the wheel, we thought, why not reconfigure the same old grand concert hall that we all know and love so well? So, we’ve turned the Jemison Concert Hall onto its proverbial ear. The band will be onstage, facing the Choral Balcony (yes, backwards) with a curtain drawn behind them, closing off the larger part of the hall. A limited number of onstage seats will be available, along with incredible birds-eye seating in the Choral Balcony. Sounds cool, huh?

So now, without further adieu, we are thrilled to announce our first ‘On Stage with the Band” performance, featuring the legendary COWBOY JUNKIES!  We would have been hard-pressed to find a better band to kick off the “On Stage” series. Their music encompasses everything that inspires us – it is at once dynamic and mournful, haunting, heartfelt, and blisteringly poignant. You can’t help but be drawn into the webs they spin, both lyrically and musically.

The concert will be Tuesday, February 10^th at 7pm. Tickets go onsale to the general public Monday December 15, 2008. Because we are expecting such a high demand for this show, we are offering an internet presale to loyal friends of the ASC. The presale will be available via www.alysstephens.org only, and will begin Monday December 8, 2008.  Check today’s ASC E-Updates for details.

One of the things about my job I like best is working side-by-side with so many talented people. One of our greatest talents is actor, playwright, and resident oddball Jerry Sims. Jerry not only serves as our House Events Manager, he also writes and directs many of our ASC Kids’ Club productions. His shows have included “Alice’s Tea Party,” “Christmas Comes to Mugwumpville,” and this season’s upcoming masterpiece, “A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol.”

In this blog, Jerry weighs in on the legendary Smothers Brothers comedy duo and the influence they’ve had on generations…

—

As a teenager I eagerly awaited The Smothers Brothers show each week. I come from a family of disparate political views and outlooks towards life. The Smothers Brothers provided common ground for all of us. They were funny. Yes, they taught me that it was all right to question the norm and look at politics and life in general from something more than a singular, polarized point of view. But in doing so, they were funny. Their rooted influence includes such great American humorists as Mark Twain and Will Rogers. Their legacy of influence may be found in contemporary entertainers such as John Stewart and Lewis Black. Everyone may not have agreed on every message their rants and rages contained, but if you had a sense of humor at all, you had to agree that they were funny.They gave us the likes of musicians such as Richie Havens, Buffalo Springfield and Mason Williams (who wrote CLASSICAL GAS as well as Tommy’s signature song, THE YO-YO MAN).

Any contemporary comedian of note graced their show, and a few lesser known comedians provided a somewhat obscure format for laughter. Who can forget “Pat What’s His Name” and his perennial candidacy for president, or the “Share a Little Tea with Goldie Lady?”

Comedy is complex. A simple breakdown is that one either laughs at or with performers.

With the Smothers Brothers, you did both.

Mom was right.

Jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzerelli performs first, then the Smothers Brothers take the stage on Sunday, November 23rd. 

You can experience the next original production written by Jerry Sims: “A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol” on December 7th. Kids will love this show! Tickets are just $7.

As the Artist Coordinator at the Alys Stephens Center I have the distinct pleasure of providing hospitality service for all our visiting artists.  I spend time with them more than any other person in Birmingham so you can imagine how many stories and experiences I have collected.  Here’s what happened to me during the opening weekend of our 2008-09 Alys Stephens Center Season with BeauSoleil and Wanda Sykes.

It was a pleasure hanging out with BeauSoleil on Friday night before and after the show.  Their Cajun fraternity had been established by many years of being on the road together.  Inside jokes, casual banter and a love for pecan pie was proof their history together ran deep. So deep, in fact, that they were able to play this joke on me.

Fiddle player, Mitchell Reed made me believe that he was Michael Doucet’s son from another marriage and that he and Michael had just reunited 10 years ago after a DNA test had proved he was his son.  He told me music reunited them and all but revealed without a shadow of a doubt they were blood related.  Mitchell’s Mother then confessed to the story and the rest is BeauSoleil history.  When I asked about his Mother, he told me he didn’t want to get into it, so I kindly backed off.

Now, maybe growing up in a Jerry Springer World it had made me very accepting of this story, maybe I’m just naïve, I really don’t know why I believed it.  When I came back in the green room, David, Michael’s real and actual blood brother said, “So Michael, Liz got it out of us.  She finally found out the real story behind you and Mitchell.”  It was at this time I realized I had been seriously duped.  I blushed and said, “F***.  Maaaan.  I can’t believe I fell for it.”  The rest of the band was breaking up, collapsing in their chairs with laughter.  Then I said, “I better go find the people I told your story to that you’re full of S***.”  More laughter.

Even though I told Mitchell I wasn’t talking to him for the rest of the night, it wasn’t to punish him, but to save whatever dignity I had left.  I didn’t really mind so much, I had so much fun, even if it was at my own expense.  I also have a wonderful memory of them singing Steve Martin’s “King Tut” and The Rascals “Good Lovin.’”

Right before they left I got a picture with them.  I gave them two thumbs up.

If you saw the Wanda Sykes show you know that the first 15 minutes of her act were spent speaking about the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.  She had flown in that afternoon and frequented The Wynfrey and Galleria Food Court before going on her tour at the Museum.  She visited Birmingham briefly but I had time with her in the elevator for a few seconds.  When I asked her if she enjoyed her stay in Birmingham she was very polite and said “Oh, yeah, I had a lot of fun.”

She (and Keith Robinson) even took a picture with the crew after the show.  While waiting for the spot op’s to come down from the grid for the picture, we spoke about UAB.  When realizing what the ‘B’ stood for she said “Birmingham.   Oh yeah, that makes sense.  I’m a genius.”  Then we wished her well and she was gone.

BeauSoleil and Wanda Sykes were a great way to start my weekend and a great start to a  wonderful 2008-2009 Alys Stephens Center Season.  Until next time….

Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote about them and the song is quite infectious.  From the first licks of the fiddle, you are automatically tapping your feet and at least for me, I want to get up and do a jig.  It’s easier for me when I’m alone, but soon and very soon, I might not be able to control myself from getting on the dance floor.  They are coming to the Stephens Center and I’m sorta pumped.

Perhaps you’ve heard this song. My first introduction to BeauSoleil was in a song called “Down at the Twist and Shout.”  Having been a long time fan of Mary Chapin, she turned me into a long time fan of BeauSoleil.  I can’t wait for the Cajun beat, the dance lessons by ACME Dance, and the party atmosphere that only the Stephens Center can provide.  If you’ve never been to a season opening party, this will be the one to make it an annual tradition for you.

As Carpenter writes:
“And there ain’t no cure for my blues today
Except when the paper says: Beausoleil is coming into town
Baby let’s go down.”

To see video, click here.

Come on down to the ASC and cut a rug with me. Call me (or Mike or Randi or Bryan) at 975-2787.

My name’s Heath, I sell tickets and I approve this message.

I spoke with singer/songwriter Charles Tortorici yesterday to find out what he has in store for kids at the “Rhythms of the Earth” Festival this Sunday at the ASC.

ASC: What can parents and kids expect from your performance at “Rhythms of the Earth?”

Charles: I will perform a variety of original songs and poems that deal with the environment, creativity, and the arts in general. It will be interactive in that I will get the audience to make various percussive rhythms with their voice, along with echoing various words or phrases from the songs/poems. I will also have an interactive piece that celebrates the many rhythms of voice, through words, syllables, and nonsensical syllables.

ASC: What can kids learn from experiencing live performances?

Charles: Children (and adults too) can learn how a writer (be it poet, songwriter, storyteller) uses the rhythm found in words and phrases to create moving, dynamic works of literary art. They will experience the importance of breath to the feel of rhythm in words, as well as see how a songwriter pulls from a variety of topics for creative expression. Encouragement and empowerment to find their own creative voice run throughout the live performance.

ASC: What project are you working on now?

Charles: I’ve been working with a 12-year-old ASFA student Walker Yancey on songs, both his and mine, and sharing writing ideas. It is a mutual creative learning experience. I’m also preparing new material (songs and poems) to perform at schools, festivals, and libraries this coming school year.

Come see Charles perform, along with performances from Nathifa Dance Company, John Scalici and the Get Rhythm performing ensemble, and Celtic band Hooley. Children can engage in hands-on projects, play musical instruments, and learn to make yummy culinary dishes using organic foods. Children also can learn about native Alabama wildlife and flora through brief kid-friendly lectures, demonstrations and other fun activities. Festival participants include Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, Alabama Wildlife Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Theatre, Vulcan Park and Museum, Stevan Grebel Center for Dance and Jones Valley Urban Farm.

Festival sponsors are the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Jane Stephens Comer, National Endowment for the Arts, Southern Arts Federation, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation, The Birmingham News, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Viva Health.

Ever wonder why there are no microbreweries around here anymore? Most craft beers, micro brewed and otherwise, will carry an ABV rating of over 6%, simply due to the brewing process, and these beers are therefore prohibited in Alabama. When faced with this restriction, and the daunting task of hunting out only those craft beers that have a low-end ABV, and are therefore legal for sale, many potential purveyors figure ‘what’s the point?,’ which is why Alabama’s beer selection is mostly pretty slim.

But thank Dionysus for Free the Hops and Birmingham Budweiser! Since 2006, Free the Hops has been presenting Alabama Legislature with the Gourmet Beer Bill, which proposes to increase the allowable ABV to 13 9/10, which would effectively clear the way for craft beers of all makes and models to be enjoyed (responsibly) here in Alabama. Please visit their site and show your support.

In the meantime, my second beer hero of the day, Birmingham Budweiser, is making a concerted effort to bring as many finely crafted beers to our watering palates as they can. Working within the ABV limits of the law, Birmingham Budweiser is proving that a craft beer does not necessarily have to have a high ABV to be finely crafted and delicious. In fact, they’d like to prove that to you this Thursday at the Alys Stephens Center.  The ASC is joining forces with Free the Hops and Birmingham Budweiser to offer a FREE craft beer tasting at the upcoming Inter-ART-ive event this Thursday, September 11 from 6pm until 8:30pm. Admission to the event is free, and will also include live music featuring The White Oaks, open mic performances featuring a great selection of local talent, great food courtesy of Cosmos and Bottletree, and lots more.    Featured at the craft beer tasting will be Fordham Brewing Company’s Copperhead Ale, Helles Lager, Tavern Ale, and Fordham Light, as well as Dominion Lager, Dominion Ale, Dominion Pale Ale, and Dominion Oak Barrel Stout from Old Dominion Brewing Company. 

Please come out Thursday to inter-ART-ive for a great evening of fun, food and great beer. Note that the beer tasting is limited to guests age 21 and older (duh!) and you will need to present valid ID upon entry. Visit the ASC Social Club table as you arrive to get your “Hey, I’m old enough to drink!” armband. Hope to see you there!

For our first entry we want to focus on Birmingham’s great local talent!  You’re used to us talking about the international artists visiting Birmingham, now our upcoming inter-ART-ive event on Sept. 11 is giving us a chance to showcase homegrown artists.

Local favorite THE WHITE OAKS are performing on the ASC’s Outdoor Plaza stage.  Click here to hear their music.And, check out WBHM’s interview with the band earlier this year on their site. On the Courtyard Stage, several local performers have signed on to perform in the Open Mic competition.  Follow the links below to learn more about each performer…

Chapman James             Singer/Songwriter, Guitar, Spoons
Hear the music of Chapman James, click here.

Jason Bailey                      Mandolin
Learn more about Jason Bailey, click here.   Watch Jason’s Video

Stuart McNair                   Singer/Songwriter, Guitar
Hear the music of Stuart McNair, click here.

Ron Bourdages                 Singer/Songwriter

Mark Stith                          Singer/Songwriter, electric acoustic guitar
Hear the music of Mark Stith, click here.

Justin Davis                       Singer/Songwriter, Guitar
Hear the music of Justin Davis, click here.

Kelli Johnson                          Singer/Songwriter
Hear the music of Kelli Johnson, click here.

Lauren Krothe                                  
Hear the music of Lauren Krothe, click here.

John Wyatt
Hear the music of John Wyatt, click here.

Rick Sutton
Hear more from Rick Sutton, click here.

Kendra Sutton                       Singer/Songwriter, keyboard

Welcome to the ASC Blog!  We hope this will be an entertaining and engaging forum for sharing information about artists and events presented by the Alys Stephens Center.  This is your spot for seeing artist videos, getting behind-the-curtain info, reading reviews, hearing audio clips, and learning more about these super cool, talented people scheduled to perform.  As we all know, talking to yourself – while sometimes necessary – isn’t very much fun.  So, PLEASE, make comments and send us your feedback! Want to submit your own artist review or preview? Send us a comment!  Want to talk about the last time you saw a performer live or what you think of their new recording? Send us a comment!

Enjoy!