A new style of classical pianist

What happens if you make your concerto debut at age eight and you are mentored by one of the greatest modern-day pianists? With luck you might become, like Gabriela Montero, a classical pianist who dares to improvise.

Quote:

SAN FRANCISCO — When Gabriela Montero comes to Davies Hall this week, she’ll do something classical pianists are taught never to do: improvise.

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Buddy Guy: a living legend going strong

Sept. 26...I can hardly wait!

The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival got off to a bluesy start on Friday thanks to an old friend. No, actually, an ageless friend -- Buddy Guy.

 

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ASC Goes Nashville

When I took on the programming job here at the ASC, I knew one of my missions would be to create a high-speed musical corridor between Nashville and Birmingham.  Goodness knows I burn up the actual roadway enough making trips to Nashville to see artists.

We have just announced two great shows and I hope they will both draw enthusiastic audiences.

First up is singer/songwriter and "it-girl" of the moment HOLLY WILLIAMS.  This gifted poet and singer is everywhere...from this week's People Magazine to NPR's spotlight performer. 



Yes, she's the daughter of Hank Jr, granddaughter of Hank, and half sister of Hank III, and that carries some mighty big expectations, but she's creating her own path with deeply personal tunes. 

Next is one of my all time favorite performers...Jim Lauderdale (performing as the JIM LAUDERDALE BLUEGRASS TRIO.)  I recently made the trip up to Nashville to see Elvis Costello at the Ryman.  Don't know if you've heard his (great) new recording Sulphur to Sugarcane - Jim plays on the album and performed on the tour.  Elvis was at his best and really awed the audience, but I have to tell you, it came very close to being the "Jim Lauderdale Show."  The Nashville audience went nuts everytime he took front stage to sing or play guitar. 

Lauderdale is playing in our super intimate ON STAGE W/THE BAND format which if you haven't experienced, it's quite an event!  People who came to the last one raved that it was like seeing a performer in your living room.

If you feel like I do and want to see more of these type of shows in the 'Ham, please come out and support these two events.  Great music, you'll be supporting the arts, and you'll save the environment (no more drives up I65 for music_ - what could be better?

Holly Williams is performing Thursday, August 20.  Tickets on sale July 28.  Only 150 seats to sell!

Jim Lauderdale is performing Wednesday, October 14.  Tickets on sale August 10.  Only 100 seats on the stage with the band and another 250 in the balcony.

The great folks at Good People Brewing Company are hosting a BEER HOUR prior to each event - so be sure to come early!

How many country legends have a motocross track at their house?

Only one, and it's Loretta Lynn!

The Loretta Lynn Motocross Amateur National Championships are hosted annually since 1982 at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., the event is the premier amateur motocross race in the world. In 2007, more than 25,000 entries attempted to qualify in 33 classes for the 1,386 available gates at the National. In 2009, the National event, christened "The World's Greatest Motocross Vacation", will be held August 4-8.

http://www.amsoil.com/supercross/lorettalynns/lorettalynns.aspx

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ASC Survey Results

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Earlier this month, we asked for your comments on the ASC. Here is what you said:

45% find out about ASC events from our enewsletter, website or Facebook page; others find out through our printed brochure, mailers or advertisements.

72% purchase their tickets two weeks or more before a show; 8% purchase on the day of the show.

34% purchase their tickets in person; 29% online; 28% by phone.

23% said It’s Your Choice is their favorite series, followed by the Eclectic Palate Series (15%), Classically Inclined (14%) and Red, Hot & Jazz (11%).

If you want to participate in the next survey, sign up as an E-club member and receive early notification of events, performance updates, exclusive sweepstakes, invitations, and news from ASC Presents!

Bruce Hornsby and Nanci Griffith have someone in common

Jazz News: Bruce Hornsby Busy with Music, Film, Broadway Musical

So Bruce Hornsby is very busy these days with a new recording, a Broadway show and a Robin Williams film cameo. The show is called “SCKBSTD” and on the producer’s blog I discovered that Hornsby and Nanci Griffith have someone in common. It’s producer and Hornsby manager John Scher, who won the 2009 Tony Award Best Special Theatrical Event for Liza's at the Palace.... and produced Nanci Griffith on Broadway, two of my favorites.

A question for Darrell Hammond

In light of recent events, do you plan to add Saturday Night Live alum Sen. Al Franken to your roster of political impersonations?
Curious in Alabama

Béla Fleck's new documentary

This is way cool, check it out:

From denverpost.com:

"The gentle, upbeat documentary "Throw Down Your Heart" chronicles the African pilgrimage of the American banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck in search of the origins of his chosen instrument, which he sheepishly admits is "associated with a white Southern stereotype."

http://www.throwdownyourheart.com/

It doesn't get much better for jazz singer fans

Check out this short video from Kurt Elling's new Concord Jazz CD, "Dedicated to You."

The MercuryNews.com said, "Kurt Elling channels Johnny Hartman." Now we real jazz singer fans know this is a huge statement. Although Johnny Hartman waxed and waned in the mid 1960's and Kurt Elling (born in 1967) is well into the second decade of his jazz career, with nine recordings to his credit, it is quite a comparison, and well deserved. Enjoy.

Rockin' the School House!

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiing... school's in session, kids! For 36 kids ranging from ages 7 to 14, school has been in session for the past two weeks as they toiled from 9:00-4:00 each day to prepare the show "School House Rock Jr. LIVE!" All of this hard work is a part of the Alys Stephens Center's first session of summer drama camp.



The kids started off the two-week camp with auditions. From monologues to songs, the kids showed off their talent to Quinton Cockrell, the show's director. The cast list was announced on day two and the kids immediatley began rehearsals. Since that day, the schedule has included warm-ups, theater games, blocking (or giving stage direction), and REHEARSING. The kids have been living, breathing, and singing "School House Rock" day and night. At carpool, we often hear "Conjunction Junction" blasting from the parent's car as they drive away.

The kids have done a terrifc job but the two weeks have not been without stress. Memorizing lines, songs, stage direction, and remembering the daily corrections can be very tiring. Regardless, the kids have done so with joy and enthusiasm day in and day out.

And all their hard work will definitely pay off in the end. The camp culminates with an evening performance of "School House Rock" for friends and relatives. For many of the kids, this will be their first time on stage. I know the parents will be very proud of the strides their kids have made in terms of speaking ability, acting, and confidence. As the Alys Stephens Center intern, I couldn't be prouder of these students' accomplishments. They have certainly rocked the school house... all while learning, making friends, and having fun!

Check out pictures from dress rehearsal!

ASC summer intern Fernanda Lima is a sophomore majoring in Business and Dance at The University of Alabama. Fernanda is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School.