What is Pat Metheny's Orchestrion?

Pat Metheny has already worked with most of the world’s most talented musicians, so his newest collaboration project had to branch out a little – he’s making sweet music with robots. The famous jazz guitarist has assembled a remarkable robotic orchestra composed of a room full of solenoid and pneumatically driven instruments. Dubbed The Orchestrion Project, the robot ensemble represents a unique attempt to expand musicality into both automated and directed machines. Each instrument follows input from Metheny, allowing him to improvise with his own unique musical style. Metheny has already produced a record using his robot orchestra and is launching a world tour this month. Check out the delightful press video for The Orchestrion Project by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsYEOUKS4Yk

The Orchestrion Project gets its name, and its creative origins, from the mechanically automated orchestras created since the late 1700s. Those early orchestrions expanded on the concept of a player piano allowing for the automated playing of music across multiple instruments. Metheny was inspired by these mechanical ensembles and by the advancing promise of technology. This is a musician who regularly refers to the concepts of Ray Kurzweil to help explain his own work. The creation of mechanical acoustic devices has continued right into the present, but Metheny has taken the idea into a different direction. Rather than simply arrange a musical composition to be played across multiple instruments, he organically builds the voice of each instrument using his improvisational riffs on the guitar. In a sense he’s created a live version of an elaborate over-dubbing studio session wherein he is playing and responding to his improvisation as it is expressed in other instruments. Looks complicated, sounds amazing:
As Metheny describes in related videos on his website, it took a large team of inventors to provide all of the automated instruments in his Orchestrion Project. There’s a Yamaha Disklavier, a bottle ensemble created by the Peterson Company, an electric bass by Ken Caulkins, and many more. Each instrument is acoustic or acoustic-electric, providing for a rich and full sound that synthesizers would be unable to fully mimic in a concert environment.

See it in action at the ASC Friday, October 1 at 8 PM. Tickets are available at the box office. http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=100

Orchestrion is HERE at the ASC!

World renowned guitarist/composer Pat Metheny has won an extraordinary 17 Grammy Awards and has been nominated 33 times in 12 different categories, more than any other performer in Grammy history. On his new tour, which begins in Birmingham, Pat moves from brilliant solo guitar improvisations to the introduction of a totally new technology for the presentation of an acoustically driven "solo ensemble" music he is dubbing Orchestrionics.

Pat's crew has been here at the ASC since the early morning hours today putting this monstrous instrument together and the finished product is indeed impressive. This is truly a show you don't want to miss as Pat singlehandedly controls the Orchestrion without a band. It is a project that is far and away more innovative than anything he has tackled onstage in previous tours, but the results are awe inspiring!

Tickets are still available at the ASC box office. The show starts at 8 PM Friday, October 1. Don't forget the FREE Q&A session with Pat on Thursday, September 30 at noon in the Jemison Theater here at the ASC! http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=100

Not Your Typical Dumpster Diving

Are you familiar with dumpster diving? You hear about people sifting through dumpsters for valuables and unfound treasures, but what about dumpster diving for your next meal?

The award-winning film DIVE! looks further into this rising trend. This movie, part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, seeks to explain the phenomenon of grocery stores throwing away perfectly edible food. The apparent contradiction asks the question of why good food is being thrown away when countless people are hungry.

Filmmaker Jeremy Seifert goes on a dumpster diving adventure to discover why food is being trashed versus being given away. This film is sure to involve politics, humorous moments, and a revolutionary approach to an age old problem.

Come out and learn how food waste impacts communities. You may even get motivated enough to make your own film and question common wasteful tactics. And, the filmmaker will be at the film for a Q&A session.

When? Tonight at 7 PM in Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall. Tickets are $12.

By SHERMIKA DUNNER

Pat Metheny brings his Orchestrion to the ASC Oct. 1.

After a week of non-stop events here at the ASC, you would think we would be ready for a break. But the music continues as we go from one of the biggest icons in the entertainment industry to one of the biggest names in jazz music today!

Pat Metheny brings his latest project, Orchestrion, to the Jemison Hall this Friday, October 1 at 8 PM. Everyone is asking, "What is Orchestrion?". Well if you know Pat, you can rest assured it is innovative, exciting and musically stunning. He always delivers on these points. However, with Orchestrion, he is experimenting with something totally different and the results are amazing! Check out this video link to see him in action with the Orchestrion and hear him explain how it all works! http://www.patmetheny.com/orchestrioninfo/

To quote one reveiwer of the show: "If you’re reading this and Metheny is coming your way, just go. Gasp when the curtain rises and the Orchestrion is revealed in all its wacky glory. Step into the rollercoaster car, lower the bar, hold on and enjoy."

The ASC welcomes MASS ENSEMBLE and LIZA MINNELLI!

We have had an incredible week here at the ASC with exciting performances everyday by MASS ENSEMBLE with a grand finale on Friday night inside the building, by the entire group, for a huge theatrical rock opera you won't soon forget!

On Saturday LIZA COMES TO BIRMINGHAM!! We couldn't be more excited about having this entertainment legend grace our stage here in the Jemison Hall for, what we hope will be, a sellout show. At this writing, there are still a few seats left but they will go quickly so get yours today.

LIZA has been on a media blitz this week with the release of a brand new recording, 'Confessions', and an appearance on the OPRAH WINFREY SHOW leading up to her performance here at 7 PM. The Alys Stephens Center is the perfect intimate venue for this upcoming show which will feature some of the greatest songs of all time performed by Liza and accompanied by Billy Stritch and her quartet. It is a rare opportunity to see an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner up close and personal right here in Birmingham!

A full week of events at the ASC!

We have a very busy week ahead here at the ASC! Here's a condensed rundown of everything going on. For a complete calendar, click on the event link: http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/


Things actually got started on Sunday with a great show by CHOO CHOO SOUL and another one today for young students at 10 pm. Coming up later today, MASS ENSEMBLE begins its week long residency with a 5:30 PM Yoga Class outdoors at the site of the Giant Earth Harp. Bring your own mat and plenty of WATER for this one!


Then on Tuesday through Thursday, get ready for daily performances on the Earth Harp at noon, 2 PM and 6 PM culminating with a MASS Happy Hour (complete with Cash Bar) on Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Have a cocktail and experience the final outdoor performance!


On Friday, Sept. 24, experience the MASS ENSEMBLE onstage in the Jemison Concert Hall. This MASSIVE show combines the creative forces of artists, musicians, composers, and choreographers to produce an unforgettable theatrical experience that's unique to where it's being performed. Listen, watch, and feel as live music, sculpture, dance, video projection, narration, lighting, and rigging come together to create a multi-sensory experience you won't soon forget. http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=69


The grand finale for our opening week is a rare Birmingham appearance by one of the true icons of the entertainment world; Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner, LIZA MINNELLI!
http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=68


This intimate show will feature some of the greatest songs of all time performed by Liza with the accompaniment of Billy Stritch and her quartet. Without question, a powerful ending to an exciting week!

Pat Metheny and Rickey Smiley are on deck for October...stay tuned!

Rickey Smiley comes home to the Alys Stephens Center!

The Crown Jewel Event for Magic City Classic Weekend! RICKEY SMILEY brings the down home southern humor that has made him a favorite in the nation's top comedy venues to the beautiful Alys Stephens Center! Aside from releasing five comedy CDs and hosting BET's "ComicView" and "The Way We Do It", Smiley has also made his mark appearing in films such as "Friday After Next" and hosting "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" on radio stations across the country and locally on WENN 101.9. http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=80

With so many exciting things going on at the ASC in the next few weeks (Liza Minnelli, MASS ENSEMBLE, and Choo Choo Soul) we are pleased to add yet another great FREE event to the schedule. Seventeen time Grammy winner, PAT METHENY will be holding a 45 minute “Lunch Time” Q&A session September 30 at noon, for interested music students, artists, music lovers and ticket holders. It's sure to be an incredibly informative conversation with one of the most innovative and important instrumentalists of our time. For more information on Pat’s latest project and tour go to: http://www.tedkurland.com/materials/ecards/OrchestrionEcardBirmingham.html

MASS ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE CLIPS

Ever seen a concert hall transform into a giant musical instrument? Ever heard a Drum Orb? Seen a Wing Harp in action? How about a Drum Cloud or a Sun Sitar? These are just a few of the original instrument creations that come to life during a MASS Ensemble show. This MASSIVE show combines the creative forces of artists, musicians, composers, and choreographers to produce an unforgettable theatrical experience that's unique to where it's being performed. Listen, watch, and feel as live music, sculpture, dance, video projection, narration, lighting, and rigging come together to create a multi-sensory experience you won't soon forget. From the Coliseum in Rome to the Temples across Vietnam, MASS has performed their beautifully scripted musical experience/rock opera around the world. Don't miss FREE daily performances on the Giant Outdoor Earth Harp leading up to this one-of-a-kind performance! Click here for performance times.

Come see the Giant Earth Harp outside the ASC!

Thanks to everyone who came out to interARTive yesterday! We had a blast! Don’t forget about our next exciting series of FREE events featuring MASS ENSEMBLE.

MASS is a performing troupe that fuses music, architecture, sculpture, and sound. They will be in residence all week at UAB's Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center with daily performances on their trademark Giant Outdoor Earth Harp which will be constructed right outside the Alys Stephens Center!

Get your tickets for the amazing Theatrical Rock Opera on Friday night! Listen, watch, and feel as live music, sculpture, dance, video projection, narration, lighting, and rigging come together to create a multi-sensory experience you won't soon forget. From the Coliseum in Rome to the Temples across Vietnam, MASS has performed their beautifully scripted musical experience/rock opera around the world. Not to be missed! http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=70

Inter-ART-ive is only minutes away!

Come and kick off the new season at ASC with Inter-ART-ive! The weather forecast looks perfect for this Thursday night's live music event! Grab your friends and join us for this year's free outdoor party celebrates Birmingham's percussive pulse as our plaza transforms into a performance space, laboratory, and rhythm machine. LIVE PERFORMANCES BY WILLIE ZIAVINO Y SU GRUPO AND JOHN SCALICI'S GET RHYTHM.

Willie Ziavino embodies the essence of Latin American music through his poetic lyrics, contagious rhythms and spirited stage style. Joined by some of the finest world music performers in the southeast, Ziavino's music celebrates the rhythms of Cuba, Spain, Brasil, The Dominican Republic and his homeland of Ecuador!

To keep everything thumping, Free the Hops and Birmingham Budweiser will have the brews flowing. Sample Back 40 Truck Stop Honey Brown, Back 40 Naked Pig Pale Ale, Wild Blue, Avery White Rascal, Moylan's Kilt Lifter, and Gordon Biersch Sommerbrau. Plus, you can try your hand at some great prizes. Free and Open to Everyone.

The Alys Stephens Center Kicks Off A New Season!

ASC Donor Relations Manager, Joel Cheatwood previews the new season on WIAT! Click here to check out the video and get the details!

The Alys Stephens Center Kicks Off A New Season!

Great weather for InterARTive today!

Today's Forecast: HiGH 92°, LOW 68° Partly Sunny...

Perfect weather for some great live music outdoors! Inter-art-ive kicks off today at 6pm outside the Alys Stephens Center with the UAB Drumline, John Scalici’s Drum Circle, The UAB Steel Drum Band and headliner Willie Ziavino y su Grupo! Free food and beverages, beer tasting and great music! You don’t want to miss it!

http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=72

The inter-ART-ive party starts tomorrow, September 16!

Grab some friends and join the party from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010 when UAB's Alys Stephens Center presents the third annual inter-ART-ive party, a free, outdoor festival celebrating music.

The inter-ART-ive party will kick off the Alys Stephens Center's 11 Day Opening Festival of events and performances celebrating the new season.
ASC Junior Patrons (JPs) will have access to the VIP lounge, with complimentary drinks and appetizers. Junior Patron membership begins at $40 per year and includes discount tickets throughout the season, free admission to the JP Lounge, invitations to special events and more. To join, contact Joel Cheatwood at 205-975-9540 or e-mail jcheatwo@uab.edu.

InterARTive's Headline Artist, Willie Ziavino Y Su Grupa!

Don’t miss a FREE live performance at the ASC this Thursday, September 16, 6 pm – 9 pm featuring the Latin sounds of Willie Ziavino Y Su Grupa!

Willie Ziavino was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador and he began writing songs when he was 14 years old. His songs are based on personal experiences and his stories are ripped from the street.In 1999 his career really took off when he was invited to participate in a nationwide contest organized by a radio station in the capital, and won first place with his song "Confessions".

Ziavino, based in Atlanta, embodies the essence of Latin American music through his poetic lyrics, contagious rhythms and spirited stage style. Joined by some of the finest world music performers in the Southeast, Ziavino makes music that celebrates the rhythms of Cuba, Spain, Brazil, The Dominican Republic and his homeland of Ecuador.Willie will perform two sets in the outdoor plaza at the center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Call 205-975-2787 or go to http://www.alysstephens.org/.

Choo Choo Soul featuring Genevieve Goings!

As the star of Playhouse Disney’s Choo Choo Soul, Genevieve Goings portrays the Conductor, transporting kids to a magical musical world. Kind of like what she’s doing in real life too.

Celebrity Parents Magazine spoke exclusively with Genevieve about Choo Choo Soul, (good) music for kids, and why she would love to play Willy Wonka on Broadway.

Choo Choo Soul rolls into the Alys Stephens Center this Sunday for one show only at 3 PM. Buy one adult ticket and one child ticket to this event and get one FREE child ticket!

You can check out the in-depth interview with Genevieve at: http://www.celebrityparentsmag.com/2009/10/on-the-cover-choo-choo-souls-genevieve-goings.html

Make A Play Date with Choo Choo Soul!

Make a play date this Sunday with the winner of the 2007 Parents Choice Award for children's television, Choo-Choo Soul, with Genevieve, the super-hip train conductor, and DC, the beat-boxing, break-dancing engineer. Get ready for soulful renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s and jammin’ songs about being polite by this diverse and incredibly hip duo!

Tickets are available at http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=71. Purchase one adult ticket and one child ticket to Choo-Choo Soul and receive one child ticket free. To redeem this special offer, call the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at (205) 975-2787 and reference the CODE: “Play Date.”

interARTive Just One Week Away!

Plan to join us next Thursday for this FREE outdoor music event featuring great live performances. You can find your own rhythm with John Scalici’s Get Rhythm community drum circle and groove to some island music with UAB’s Steel Drum Band.
Then, get ready for headliner Willie Ziavino y su Grupo. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Willie’s songs are based on personal experiences and stories ripped from the street.

Willie began writing songs at 14 years old and honed his musical chops while living in Havana, then back to Ecuador. Today, he is based in Atlanta and produces music that embodies the essence of Latin American music through poetic lyrics, contagious rhythms and spirited stage style. Joined by some of the finest world music performers in the southeast, Ziavino's music celebrates the rhythms of Cuba, Spain, Brasil, The Dominican Republic and his homeland of Ecuador!

To read more about interARTive go to: http://alysstephens.uab.edu/events/?id=72

ALYS STEPHENS CENTER TEACHING ARTIST PROFILE:

Carlos Pino

Local jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Carlos Pino is the ASC Teaching Artist leading our Robert Redus School of Guitar Project. The project was born out of a vision from friends and family of the late Robert Clark Redus IV to spread his gift of music. During this year-long program, six students will have the opportunity to study guitar and through a commitment to lessons, practice, responsibility, and volunteerism the students can actually earn a guitar of their own at the end of the school year.

Carlos Pino is a graduate of the University of Alabama (B.A.) and Rutgers University (M.M. in Jazz Studies). While in college, Carlos studied guitar under Brian Lutterbie, Tom Wolfe and then Vic Juris. He also studied briefly with Jack Wilkins, Paul Bollenbach, and Ralph Bowen. Carlos Pino has shared the stage with artists such as Ellis Marsalis, Claudio Roditi, Oteil Burbridge, Col. Bruce Hampton, and Bill Kruetzmann. He has performed all over the United States, Japan, and Colombia. Carlos presently performs solo guitar in many Birmingham venues and is a sideman in several groups, ranging from big band jazz, spoken word improv, to rock and bluegrass. Currently, Carlos performs regularly with The Exhibit(s) , the Sharrif Simmons Ensemble and The Nite Flight Big Band.

Carlos also spends a lot of time in musical theatre. He has worked with Red Mountain Musical Theater, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theater (West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Godspell and Honky Tonk Angels). Carlos has also performed with the Rubicon Theater Company in Ventura, California (Man of La Mancha). Some of his other performance credits include Cats, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Batboy, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Beehive, Always Patsy Cline, Almost Heaven, and Doo-Wop. Carlos is in demand as a guitarist because of his versatility in various musical styles.

In addition to performing, Carlos has been teaching guitar lessons privately for over a decade working with students from a wide range of ages and experience. He is presently adjunct faculty (jazz guitar) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has been involved in teaching jazz guitar at music camps over the years and recently conducted a week long jazz guitar camp at the University of Caldas, in Manizales, Colombia.
Enhancing lives through creative and artistic experiences is the primary goal of our arts education program. Fulfilling this goal wouldn’t be possible without our amazing Teaching Artists!

Thank you, Carlos!

MASS ENSEMBLE, Video Clip of the Week!

We've spent all week putting together our site plan for Mass Ensemble (Sept. 20 - 24) and just can't contain our excitement about this event/celebration/performance! So we are naming this MASS' clip our video of the week. Check it out to see why we are so enthusiastic!

Choo Choo Soul rolls into to the ASC!

Looking for some great family oriented entertainment? The incredibly popular children's phenomenon, Choo-Choo Soul rolls into the ASC on Sunday, September 19 at 3pm. The show is also a big hit with parents and its television show on Disney Playhouse is the winner of the 2007 Parents Choice Award! It's an afternoon of fun and learning from a diverse, and incredibly hip singing and dancing duo!

MINNELLI A DOWN-TO-EARTH DIVA AT HEART

San Diego’s North County Times just interviewed Liza in anticipation of her performance there. Here’s one of our favorite Q&A’s from the interview.

County Times: You poked fun at yourself on a recent "Snickers" bar television commercial, acting the diva with Aretha Franklin. Do you often find worshipful fans treating you like a queen?

LIZA: I thought the "Snickers" commercial was so funny. People do treat me as if I'm royalty until they meet me, then they see I'm just Liza. It's funny, I know a lot of real royalty and they're very down to earth because they were born into it. I was born into Hollywood royalty (her parents were Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli), and there's nothing to be snobby about. You just do your job and live your life.

Read more of the interview.

Watch commercial.