Upcoming: The Viva Health Starlight Gala, featuring the Legendary Smokey Robinson

For the past 11 seasons, the Viva Health Starlight Gala has been our city's premier black-tie event and most elegant celebration benefiting the arts. The evening typically involves a live performance from one of the world's most talented artists, and this year's Gala is no exception. Coming to the ASC on Saturday, April 24, is the legendary Smokey Robinson.
"As well as being at the birth of Motown 50 years ago with the Miracles, Robinson was a producer and, from 1961, vice-president of the label. And his work as songwriter provides an immense catalogue of magisterial pop and soul songs. Yet this show was all about Smokey the singer: a man with a voice age seems unable to wither.
It's hard to think of a singer of comparable stature who's anywhere near as compelling a performer today. On his most recent British dates, Stevie Wonder seemed unable to differentiate between moments of inspiration and bouts of cringe-worthy self-indulgence; Andy Williams's voice is increasingly frail; for all his manifold gifts, no one actually goes to a Bob Dylan gig to hear him sing. Robinson is arguably the last of the great song men left standing. If anything, his slightly increased huskiness – the only audible difference between the Robinson of today and the one who first had a hit with Shop Around 48 years ago – adds to his range, allowing for greater shading of those songs' rich details."
"Even at 68, that legacy burns brighter than it ever has before, allowing the living legend to still pack houses to capacity and captivate with a blend of ultra-smooth soul and heart on sleeve sincerity."
In essence, Smokey Robinson is the quintessential example of an artist who has found his way, and who has used it to inspire other artists, as well as everyday individuals. Much of the R&B industry today can say that it has it's roots from Smokey's time, and some of them could even say they get it from Smokey, himself. The word "legendary" is subjective, but Smokey Robinson needs no debate. He is legendary, through and through. We at the ASC are proud to welcome Smokey Robinson as our guest. Join us for the Viva Starlight Gala, Saturday, April 3 at the Alys Stephens Center. Call (205) 975-ARTS for ticket information.