Alys Stephens Center Offers Special Discounts & Perks to Students | ||
Shannon Thomason (205) 975-8858 thomason@uab.edu |
Monday, August 31, 2009
Has your UAB Freshman redeemed their Arts Card?
What Happens Between Events at the ASC?
Another view of life at the ASC. Thanks Dana!
It has been an exciting couple of weeks here at the Alys Stephens Center. After all of our Drama Camps wrapped up, the staff was informed that there was a movie production that wanted to rent our venues, dressing rooms, lobbies, and even the Haskell Courtyard to film their project.
The movie is called Lifted. It is about a small town guy who wins an American Idol- like contest at the Alys Stephens Center.
Work here is never the same every day. In the course of preparing for the movie, I had to research the artwork that is found in the Abrams Patron’s Lounge and the lobby. This included hunting down Frank Fleming to sign a release for his statue, The Performers, to be in the film. I also had to Google and use the online Yellow Pages to chase down Jin G. Kam, whose painting Consolation features Vladimir Horowitz at the piano.
The script and schedule is subject to change on a daily basis to make the best use of time. Performances are unpredictable in general, but we usually know they start at a specific time!
It has been an exciting couple of weeks here at the Alys Stephens Center. After all of our Drama Camps wrapped up, the staff was informed that there was a movie production that wanted to rent our venues, dressing rooms, lobbies, and even the Haskell Courtyard to film their project.
The movie is called Lifted. It is about a small town guy who wins an American Idol- like contest at the Alys Stephens Center.
Work here is never the same every day. In the course of preparing for the movie, I had to research the artwork that is found in the Abrams Patron’s Lounge and the lobby. This included hunting down Frank Fleming to sign a release for his statue, The Performers, to be in the film. I also had to Google and use the online Yellow Pages to chase down Jin G. Kam, whose painting Consolation features Vladimir Horowitz at the piano.
The script and schedule is subject to change on a daily basis to make the best use of time. Performances are unpredictable in general, but we usually know they start at a specific time!
I am coming back from a break to enter my office, and there is a guy standing near my door, who I have never seen before in my life. “Could you please not go that way right now? We’re worried that it might affect the sound.” My office was near the room they using for a scene, and I couldn’t go to my desk. Mind you, there have been other times that I had to stay in my office. (Namely President Bush was doing a Press Conference a few years back, and the Secret Service was in every nook and cranny of the ASC). So I waited until they yelled cut, and was released to go inside. Life is a little less ordinary when even your trip to the water cooler has to be rerouted to avoid causing a scene that wasn’t intended.
by Dana Pharo, ASC Performing Arts Asst.
#Jazzlives: A Twitter Campaign by Listeners of Live Jazz
Quote: #Jazzlives: A Twitter Campaign by Listeners of Live Jazz
So an informal circle of jazz activists is trying this experiment to generate new numbers: Get people at live jazz events in the next weeks--including but not only the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (NYC, Aug. 29 -30) and Labor Day weekend fests in Tanglewood, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Aspen, Vail, Philadelphia, Chapel Hill, etc.--to add #jazzlives to tweets about who has been heard, and where.
So far principals of AllAboutJazz.com, JazzCorner.com, Jazz Promo Services, the Jazz Journalists Association, the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, the Angels City Jazz Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Detroit International Jazz Festival and WBGO have signed on to promote the #jazzlives campaign. So have bloggers Larry Blumenfeld, Nate Chinen, the Jazz Police, Willard Jenkins, James Hale, Don Heckman, Peter Hum, Howard Mandel, Plastic Sax, Doug Ramsey, Hank Shteamer and A Blog Supreme (NPR), among others.
Including the “hashtag" #jazzlives will allow tweets to be searched and collated on Twitter, TweetDecks and other digital devices. A campaign widget which can be embedded in blogs and websites will exhibit the tweets as they roll out in real time.
For the widget or more information on this campaign, write tweetjazzlives@gmail.com.
For this campaign, “jazz" is defined loosely--as each listener who tweets chooses to define it. To participate, tweet about who you hear perform and where the performance was, adding the hashtag #jazzlives and whatever else fits in Twitters 140 character limit. Tell jazz- listening friends to do likewise to prove jazz lives.
Place the Jazz Lives widget on your website or blog. Click here to grab the code.
A grass roots group of jazz journalists and broadcasters, websites, bloggers, and presenters have launched a #jazzlives campaign on Twitter, using the social networking platform to demonstrate that recent reports of jazz's demise are, in the words of Mark Twain, greatly exaggerated.According to data from a 2008 survey of audience participation in the arts released by the National Endowment for the Arts and featured in recent articles in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, fewer people are hearing jazz live, and fewer of them are young, that at any time since World War II. Yet on the basis of "anecdotal evidence" and observation at jazz events, the survey may have overlooked significant segments of the jazz-enjoying populace.
So an informal circle of jazz activists is trying this experiment to generate new numbers: Get people at live jazz events in the next weeks--including but not only the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (NYC, Aug. 29 -30) and Labor Day weekend fests in Tanglewood, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Aspen, Vail, Philadelphia, Chapel Hill, etc.--to add #jazzlives to tweets about who has been heard, and where.
So far principals of AllAboutJazz.com, JazzCorner.com, Jazz Promo Services, the Jazz Journalists Association, the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, the Angels City Jazz Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Detroit International Jazz Festival and WBGO have signed on to promote the #jazzlives campaign. So have bloggers Larry Blumenfeld, Nate Chinen, the Jazz Police, Willard Jenkins, James Hale, Don Heckman, Peter Hum, Howard Mandel, Plastic Sax, Doug Ramsey, Hank Shteamer and A Blog Supreme (NPR), among others.
Including the “hashtag" #jazzlives will allow tweets to be searched and collated on Twitter, TweetDecks and other digital devices. A campaign widget which can be embedded in blogs and websites will exhibit the tweets as they roll out in real time.
For the widget or more information on this campaign, write tweetjazzlives@gmail.com.
For this campaign, “jazz" is defined loosely--as each listener who tweets chooses to define it. To participate, tweet about who you hear perform and where the performance was, adding the hashtag #jazzlives and whatever else fits in Twitters 140 character limit. Tell jazz- listening friends to do likewise to prove jazz lives.
Place the Jazz Lives widget on your website or blog. Click here to grab the code.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Medjet’s new free iPhone app, iMedjet
Quote: Stung by a Bee? There is an App for That
Whether exploring deep in the wilderness or traveling abroad, having comprehensive first aid information at your fingertips is always a good thing. It’s especially good when all of the content is stored on the phone and you aren’t dependent on a data connection! This is where iMedjet, Medjet’s new free iPhone app, comes in handy.
Whether exploring deep in the wilderness or traveling abroad, having comprehensive first aid information at your fingertips is always a good thing. It’s especially good when all of the content is stored on the phone and you aren’t dependent on a data connection! This is where iMedjet, Medjet’s new free iPhone app, comes in handy.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Alan Hunter gives exclusive interview on film production
Quote: Exclusive interview with Alan Hunter about ongoing production
August 26, 1:48 PM
Birmingham Indie Movie Examiner
Angela Burchett
This independent film is about a young boy seeking a musical career. Encouraged by his father, who leaves for a war zone, the young singer faces difficulties in his absence.
August 26, 1:48 PM
Birmingham Indie Movie Examiner
Angela Burchett
This independent film is about a young boy seeking a musical career. Encouraged by his father, who leaves for a war zone, the young singer faces difficulties in his absence.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tickets are on sale TODAY for JEWEL, Oct. 30. Win VIP Tickets to Buddy Guy, Sept. 26.
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An update on filmmaking in Birmingham
Quote: Birmingham-area film puts spotlight on state incentives
Alabama's new film industry incentives are getting screen-tested with the production of a movie in and around Birmingham.
Mark Stricklin, director of the Birmingham-Jefferson Film Office, said he worked with state officials to help line up the incentives for the independent movie "Lifted."
"We decided to make this a test case and go with it," he said. "We're excited to be the first area in the state to do this."
http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/news.ssf?/base/business/125075611628450.xml&coll=2
Thursday, August 20, 2009
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer
Alabama's new film industry incentives are getting screen-tested with the production of a movie in and around Birmingham.
Mark Stricklin, director of the Birmingham-Jefferson Film Office, said he worked with state officials to help line up the incentives for the independent movie "Lifted."
"We decided to make this a test case and go with it," he said. "We're excited to be the first area in the state to do this."
http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/news.ssf?/base/business/125075611628450.xml&coll=2
Monday, August 24, 2009
We're Off to See the Wizard (in HD!)
In my humble opinion The Wizard of Oz is the best movie ever. I grew up in an age before DVD and this movie was only broadcast once a year on CBS. When I was 6 years old it was like a second Christmas for me.
The classic starring Judy Garland is celebrating its 70th anniversary. It has been remastered in high definition for a one-time showing in select movie theaters on Wednesday, September 23.
Click here to go to the movie site and enter your zip code to find the theater closest to you.
For many kids -- and even most adults -- this will be the first time the movie has been seen on a big screen!
While you're in an Oz frame of mind, be sure to buy your tickets to the ASC kids' club performance of "Down the Yellow Brick Road" on Saturday, March 27.
The classic starring Judy Garland is celebrating its 70th anniversary. It has been remastered in high definition for a one-time showing in select movie theaters on Wednesday, September 23.
Click here to go to the movie site and enter your zip code to find the theater closest to you.
For many kids -- and even most adults -- this will be the first time the movie has been seen on a big screen!
While you're in an Oz frame of mind, be sure to buy your tickets to the ASC kids' club performance of "Down the Yellow Brick Road" on Saturday, March 27.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Why I Joined the ASC-JPs
I have been enjoying the performances offered by the Alys Stephens Center ever since it opened in 1996.
I think it is a yet to be discovered jewel of Birmingham for a lot of young professionals. An ASC-JP membership allows young professionals to join a group of people with an interest in the arts who share an enthusiasm for live performances of all types at a very affordable price! I encourage anyone who has been curious about the ASC to buy tickets and see what the buzz is all about. I have never left the center disappointed. There is something in the upcoming season for everyone.
Tarika Bhuta is one of the first ASC JP members and is active on the executive committee. To join the ASC JPs, email kkirklin@uab.edu.
I think it is a yet to be discovered jewel of Birmingham for a lot of young professionals. An ASC-JP membership allows young professionals to join a group of people with an interest in the arts who share an enthusiasm for live performances of all types at a very affordable price! I encourage anyone who has been curious about the ASC to buy tickets and see what the buzz is all about. I have never left the center disappointed. There is something in the upcoming season for everyone.
Tarika Bhuta is one of the first ASC JP members and is active on the executive committee. To join the ASC JPs, email kkirklin@uab.edu.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
David Sedaris does Australia in The New Yorker
In this essay, David Sedaris talks about really seeing Australia, the bush and learning the meaning of "shouting".
More: LAUGH, KOOKABURRA - A day in the bush, a night at home by David Sedaris
More: LAUGH, KOOKABURRA - A day in the bush, a night at home by David Sedaris
A Jewel of Many Colors
[caption id="attachment_505" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Jewel to perform at the ASC Oct. 30"]
[/caption]Jewel Kilcher — simply “Jewel” to her fans — is as close to living the American dream as anyone can. When I look at this beautiful woman, it’s easy to forget that she was once homeless and performing on the streets for spare change. Boy, what a difference success makes! Although best known for her music, Jewel has also done some acting, appearing in Ang Lee’s Ride With the Devil, and TV’s 7th Heaven, and has even published a book of poetry called A Night Without Armor. She’s a real renaissance woman for sure.
Even within her music she has explored many different and surprising styles, from her early albums of folk and country, to more mainstream experimentation with pop, dance, and urban. As a dj, I have even “spun” a few of Jewel’s remixed hits for a dance floor. I think what I admire about her as an artist is that she’s not afraid to take chances, and even when she raised eyebrows with the racy video for her song “Intuition” (from the 0304 album) she proved she has a sense of humor.
Jewel’s show at the ASC on October 30 will be an entirely solo acoustic set (her first in 12 years!), so she will be returning to her roots and connecting with the audience as only she can.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Borealis String Quartet play interactive concert
Quote:
Music with a holistic approach
Fiona Morrow
From Tuesday's Globe and MailLast updated on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 03:06AM EDT
Canadian composer John Burke is not interested in creating music simply to be listened to any more. He wants to move people – emotionally, spiritually and physically – and more than that, he wants to empower his audience.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Buddy Guy performs for the President
Buddy Guy is certainly getting around. Did you see that he performed last week for President Obama?
Quote:
Quote:
Obama sends message to AFTRA delegates
Hollywood Reporter - - Aug 7, 2009
... at the Adler Planetarium, with dinner, dancing, a planetarium sky show and live music from Chicago Cats and bllues legend (and AFTRA member) Buddy Guy. ...
A Brain Teaser
Ok, so I can't resist giving you a little tease to a BIG upcoming ASC promotion developed by the ASC-Junior Patrons. In two weeks, we'll be announcing one of the coolest, greenest, most fun campaigns in ASC history and we hope you'll tune in.
The whole office, along with the ASC JPs, are abuzz with the planning.
Here are some hints:
1. The campaign name is GET SmART: Support the Arts!
2. Good things come in small packages.
3. Supporting the arts, while helping the planet - now that's smart.
4. Many will participate, one will leave the ASC a BIG winner.
Any thoughts on what it might be?
Visit www.AlysStephens.org often for updates and sign up for the ASC E-Club which is the first place to hear breaking news.
The whole office, along with the ASC JPs, are abuzz with the planning.
Here are some hints:
1. The campaign name is GET SmART: Support the Arts!
2. Good things come in small packages.
3. Supporting the arts, while helping the planet - now that's smart.
4. Many will participate, one will leave the ASC a BIG winner.
Any thoughts on what it might be?
Visit www.AlysStephens.org often for updates and sign up for the ASC E-Club which is the first place to hear breaking news.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Glad to know I'm not the only one
When I ran across the post below from Miss Leslie, it was gratifying to know I am not the only one who hates websites that play music as soon as the page loads.
Quote:
"You should know that I hate artist websites that automatically play their music. I know it seems logical for an artist website to do that, but when you forget to mute your sound and you’re at work, it’s frustrating to have to click the sound off really fast before you get caught. But when I visited Williams’ site, instead of music I heard her voice talking about the songs on Here With Me. She gives a brief description of the story behind the song, and then the song starts."
Quote:
"You should know that I hate artist websites that automatically play their music. I know it seems logical for an artist website to do that, but when you forget to mute your sound and you’re at work, it’s frustrating to have to click the sound off really fast before you get caught. But when I visited Williams’ site, instead of music I heard her voice talking about the songs on Here With Me. She gives a brief description of the story behind the song, and then the song starts."
Monday, August 3, 2009
How I plan to see twenty shows this season for $17 each
Ok, it's season ticket time again; time to show our support for local arts presenters; time to vote with our wallets for the performances they have scheduled for our enjoyment. There are so many great companies presenting great shows here that it is hard to choose, but here are the selections that I want to see and consider to be good values for my money (all prices include fees, where applicable):
Alys Stephens Center Red Hot & Jazz Series, three performances, $75 (with a 10% UAB discount)
Alabama Symphony 7 Series, four performances, $55 (includes pre-concert cocktails and after-party)
Alabama Ballet Your Way Series, four performances, $62
Opera Birmingham series, four performances, $65
Aldridge Repertory Theatre Inaugural Series (BRAND NEW!), five performances, $80
This gives me a good mix of music, dance and theatre for $340, averaging $17 for each of the twenty shows. I will ask to have my tickets kept at Will Call, so I don't misplace them or forget to take them to the show.
Here are their website links, so you can get your tickets, too. Do it now, before the best seats are gone!
www.alysstephens.org
www.alabamasymphony.org
www.alabamaballet.org
www.operabirmingham.org
www.aldridgerep.org
See you there,
T
Alys Stephens Center Red Hot & Jazz Series, three performances, $75 (with a 10% UAB discount)
Alabama Symphony 7 Series, four performances, $55 (includes pre-concert cocktails and after-party)
Alabama Ballet Your Way Series, four performances, $62
Opera Birmingham series, four performances, $65
Aldridge Repertory Theatre Inaugural Series (BRAND NEW!), five performances, $80
This gives me a good mix of music, dance and theatre for $340, averaging $17 for each of the twenty shows. I will ask to have my tickets kept at Will Call, so I don't misplace them or forget to take them to the show.
Here are their website links, so you can get your tickets, too. Do it now, before the best seats are gone!
www.alysstephens.org
www.alabamasymphony.org
www.alabamaballet.org
www.operabirmingham.org
www.aldridgerep.org
See you there,
T
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