Friday, May 28, 2010

The Swell Season Reviewed

Review by: Mary Colurso of the Birmingham News

Link to original review: HERE

The Swell Season, Wed. night at the Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham, AL.

Review rating: Four out of five stars.

Who: The Swell Season, a folk-rock band that features Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the indie film "Once." The two singer-songwriters -- he’s a scruffy and charismatic Irishman; she’s an elfin and reserved Czech -- were backed by four skillful musicians playing guitar, bass, fiddle and drums. (They’re all members of Hansard’s other band, The Frames.)

When and where: 8:20 p.m. Wednesday at the Jemison Concert Hall of the Alys Stephens Center.Justin Townes Earle opened the show at 7 p.m.

Audience: Not a full house, but an enthusiastic bunch of fans assembled to watch Hansard and Irglova make their Alabama debut. Tunes from "Once," a romantic musical released in 2007, received the loudest cheers and applause from the crowd -- especially "Falling Slowly," an Oscar winner for best original song.

Dynamics: Hansard and Irglova had very different stage personalities, but they fit together like puzzle pieces. He seemed hearty, humorous and passionately driven; she came off as elegant, whimsical and calmly introspective. The two shared the spotlight throughout the show, trading positions on acoustic guitar and piano.

Side note: The principals became a love match during the filming of "Once," but split afterward and remain professional partners.

The set: Ninety minutes of music (plus encores), mostly focusing on tunes from the film soundtrack and its follow-up, 2009’s "Strict Joy." Highlights included "Feeling the Pull," "Fantasy Man," "Back Broke," "In These Arms," "Paper Cup," "Leave," "Say it to Me Now," "When Your Mind’s Made Up."

Words and music: Many of the songs were multi-layered, with unexpected shifts of mood and tempo that evoked a wide range of emotions. The primary subject, a love relationship both sweet and sour, received a thorough exploration through the lyrics. In a way, the words seemed like dialogue in a play -- no real surprise, given the movie connection.

The hit: The Swell Season saved "Falling Slowly" until about three-quarters into the concert. Although the ballad featured tender harmonies from the principals, the overall impact was rather low-key and limp. In the end, it was eclipsed by the more dynamic songs on the set list.

Extras: Well-chosen covers of "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," a signature song for Willie Nelson. Also, fiddler Colm Mac Con Iomaire offered a precise and lively instrumental on "The Court of New Town."

Verdict: High-level musicianship, intriguing songs, pop-culture value. That’s win-win-win.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Once Revisted

In anticipation of The Swell Season’s show this week at the ASC, I’d like to revisit the film that introduced the songwriting duo to the world.

In 2006 a small unassuming movie created a lot of buzz on the indie circuit. It didn’t have a big name director. It was shot almost entirely on location with no sets. The stars of the picture weren’t even actors, but a couple of musicians who few (in the U.S.) had even heard of. But Once, the tiny movie with a big heart began to resonate with viewers and critics. By the time Once was nominated and won an Oscar for Best Original Song, I decided to check it out for myself. Like so many others, I knew nothing about it beyond the simple plot synopsis: A street performer and a Czech immigrant meet on the streets of Dublin, and begin to write, rehearse, and record songs that tell their story.


The two characters are never given names. We only know them as the “guy” played by Glenn Hansard and the “girl” portrayed by Marketa Irglova. I assumed that both were just small time actors from Europe or Ireland, so it was a revelation to hear Hansard’s earnest voice wailing on the opening track “Say it to me Now.” As the story unfolds, the two strangers discover a mutually shared love of music. The guy wants to record a demo and the girl is a classically-trained pianist who wants to be a songwriter.


When his clunky sexual advances fail, the guy instead focuses on the girl's musical talent, and asks that she take a listen to a new song he’s been working on for his demo. They find a music shop where she can play piano, and he gives her the sheet music and asks her to give it a try. What follows is one of the most stirring, heartfelt duets ever put on film. The moving “Falling Slowly” is the song that won the Oscar, and it’s also the song that made me fall in love with this film. The power of that scene can only come from a genuine, authentic love of music. Physical attraction may have brought them together, but inspiration is the bond that cements their friendship in a way that sex never can. Rarely has the creative spark been captured so eloquently in a movie. Pure magic.


The girl – a young mother who is estranged from her significant other – has come to Ireland seeking work and lives in a tiny apartment with her mother. The guy is invited to dinner and gets to know the family. Recognizing her talents as a musician, he gives her a cassette tape of music featuring another of his songs. He asks her to lend her lyric-writing skills to the piece. She eagerly accepts the challenge.


She listens to the song time and again, trying to come up with the right words until the batteries in her cassette player die. She walks a short distance to a convenience store to buy replacements and plays the song in her earphones on the return walk while singing the new lyrics. “If You Want Me” is the name of the track and it was also the moment I realized I was watching a musical. The film’s ability to play with the conventions of a musical while celebrating it as an art form is one of its delightful strengths.


Knowing absolutely nothing about Once allowed me to get swept up in a way that films rarely do. I was won over by the likability of the characters. I was invested in their relationship, and wanted to see them succeed as a partnership. There is obvious sexual tension, but romance takes a back seat to the creative process. These two people captured lightning in a bottle, and where it would take them – together or apart – wasn’t important. The only thing that mattered was the present.


Sometimes the right person only comes along once… and recognizing and cherishing that moment can be the greatest of life’s gifts.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Fun, funky outdoor party @ the ASC tonight

I often hear the question, "What are you doing now that the season is over?" Well, I'm excited to say we are now presenting shows year-round. We just kicked off our Spring outdoor concert series - Live on the Plaza. Not to worry. If it rains we'll just move the party inside. Hope to see you there.

What can you expect tonight night?

There's a lot of buzz about the ASC's new Live on the Plaza Series. As with anything new, there are also a few questions. Here's the scoop:

  • Each show features a great national or regional band playing two live music sets.

  • Just for fun, there's a free dance lesson prior to the band's start. For the band, show off your moves or just hang back and enjoy the music.

  • The party is in the ASC's very cool Plaza & Courtyard. If the weather is inclement, the show will be moved inside the Center.

  • Each week there's a different food vendor and menu item for sale. This week's swing show features Kathy G. & Co's Swingin' Succotash with Corn Muffins...YUM! Only $3 a plate.

  • There is a cash bar with weekly drink specials.

  • ASC Junior Patrons (and those who become an ASC-JP at the event) get access to the VIP Lounge with complimentary food, drinks, and air conditioning!

  • You save $5 by buying your tickets in advance. Paying at the door wouldn't break the bank either at just $20

Buy Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=2706&pid=6748071

Check out more about the event on our website: http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=59

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

New Documentary About ASC Education Program

An exciting new documentary about one of the Alys Stephens Center's pilot education programs has just been released. The doc by UAB students Sarah Johnson and Alyssa Mitchell as part of an ethnographic filmmaking class offered through UAB Digital Community Studies spotlights the Make It Happen Performing Ensemble.

The program, which is offered free to participants, gives high school students an incredible educational and enriching experience. It is made possible through a generous contribution by Jane Stephens Comer.

To check out the doc, follow the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2z7ILNHcJY

Here's a little more info on the program:

Through a partnership with "Make it Happen" Performing Ensemble and the Birmingham City Schools, the ASC invites high school students to audition for this performance based program in which students will attend weekly theatre classes and rehearsals that will culminate in the performance entitled, "Extraordinary Americans Who Happen to be…" This performance will be researched, written, and performed by the student participants as part of the ASC Kids' Club series. Additionally, students selected for the ensemble will also participate in the Martin Hames Arts Mentoring Program. Students invited into the program will be required to make a year-long commitment to all practices, performances, and activities associated with the program. Auditions will take place in the early fall. For more details call (205) 934-0862.

New Show Just Announced!

Our friends at Red Mountain Entertainment are bringing piano sensation Jamie Cullum to the ASC in July! Tickets on sale this Friday.



http://http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2010/05/jamie_cullum_announced_july_da.html

Friday, May 7, 2010

Live in the Plaza- Terrance Simien

Check out this fun video from last night's Live on the Plaza event!

The next one is Thursday, May 20 with Johnny Angel & the Swingin Demons. Be there or be lame.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

THE NEW SEASON IS ANNOUNCED – AND BOY, DOES IT FEEL GOOD!



Hopefully by now you’ve heard about the new ASC season and you’ve checked out either the Season Announcement E-Card, the downloadable new season brochure file, or glanced over the season calendar.

As Programming Director it’s my job to work with UAB Administration, ASC boards, and our staff to pinpoint the best artists to fill our season and to design a diverse and exciting lineup of not just performers but also innovative, educational, and entertaining events. We receive hundreds of artist suggestions each year (thank you for your suggestions!) and an array of artists spanning many genres are considered. The whole process of putting a season together takes about 10 months.

It’s hard to believe but the ASC turns 14 this year. Do you remember life in Birmingham before the ASC? As a life-long live music lover, I’ve always attended shows at Birmingham’s great venues: Alabama Theatre, 5 Pts Music Hall, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre … I love all of these places. But when the ASC opened it filled a niche that Birmingham desperately needed to serve. It’s not just a place to see performances (in an incredible acoustical setting), it’s also a place to really learn about the arts and engage in the creative process.

As we’re entering our teenage years, we’ve been asking ourselves the big questions.
What is the mission of the ASC? What purpose should performing arts center serve in the community and in relation to fellow arts organizations? How can we better foster arts education? What do the arts say about our community?

Asking these questions has allowed us to introduce many innovative
new programs and initiatives for this new season. Here are some things you’ll notice:

· We’re presenting fun, new festivals three times this season. Beginning with an 11 Day Opening Festival that includes a rare performance by music legend Liza Minnelli. Next, we explore global arts & culture with the World on Stage Festival. In the Spring, we celebrate women in the arts with the Women Rock Festival.

· We’re exploring new artistic genres including Living Art. You’ll experience three presentations of Living Art - Mass Ensemble, the Mystical Arts of Tibet, and the School Sculpture Residency Project. Each company will be in residence for seven days creating and demonstrating large-scale, dynamic works of art for the entire community to share and enjoy.

· In early 2011, we will embark on the largest arts education endeavor in our history. The ASC’s “Arts in Action” Education & Outreach Program will blossom with the opening of a brand new arts education institute allowing us to serve the Southeast as a leader in arts education. You’ll also notice a greater emphasis on arts education for all ages in partnership with our presented programming. These range from master classes and mentoring programs to workshops for students and educators. Over the course of the season, thousands of area students and adults will engage in artistic programs offered by the ASC, many free of charge.

· To further support our partner organizations in the arts community, we have shifted our programming focus from presenting a full classical series to presenting artists who blur the lines between high art and pop culture. We hope you will find that the season offers artistic endeavors that bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to explore and celebrate the arts. You will also notice many more free community events and interactive programs and performances as well as the introduction of year-round programming with an exciting new Summer Series.

· We’ve heard you! We know that having the nine+ different series in the past made it confusing to figure out the best way to purchase a season package. So, we’ve SIMPLIFIED! Instead of choosing between several different series, this season you simply choose the performances you would like to attend with the It’s Your Choice package and you automatically are a subscriber with all the same great discounts and benefits. Easy, peasy.

To see the full season lineup,
click here and please feel free to send me your suggestions for artists and events, jesssimpson@uab.edu.

We hope to see you this Thursday night at our very first LIVE ON THE PLAZA event featuring Grammy winning zydeco artist Terrance Simien!

Jessica Simpson
Director of Programming & Marketing
Alys Stephens Center