All Performances are Full!!!
Alys Stephens Center
2009/2010
Directions to ASC
FREE!!!

This series allows the ASC to share the arts with area students and aspiring young artists. These one-hour performances by internationally acclaimed artists enable students to experience the thrill of a live performance in a world-class performing arts venue. During these interactive presentations, performers engage students with anecdotes about their professional training as well as their experiences as touring artists. They also provide insight into the pieces they perform.

Please Note:  Due to really high signups and really low attendance in the past years, Alys Stephens Center has restricted the number of seats  available for homeschooling groups.  They have also implemented a check-in procedure at every event.  Please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the performance so that you can check in with Kimberly Kirklin of Alys Stephens Center.   You must give at least 24 hours notice to any performance you cannot attend to give others on a waiting list an opportunity to attend.  If you miss two performances without giving a minimum of 24 hours notice, your name will be removed from any future performances for the season.   Please also make sure to take a potty break before the performance in order to not interrupt the performance.  If you sign up, please show up.  These performances are offered to us free, and we should exercise responsibility and consideration.

FULL!!  Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio - Wednesday, October 8, 2009; 10 a.m.  Since making their debut at the White House for President Carter’s inauguration in 1977, this renowned ensemble has set the standard for performance of the piano trio. Over the past two seasons, KLR has delighted fans with their presentations of complete cycles of the Beethoven piano trios. They recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a performance at the 92nd Street Y premiering Richard Danielpour’s Book of Hours commissioned for the trio.

FULL!!  Hubbard Street 2 Dance Company - Friday, November 6, 2009; 10:30 a.m.  What sets Hubbard Street 2 apart from other young companies? “Power, Grace, and Intimacy Onstage” says The Julliard Journal. Fans site their fresh, high energy performances that exude vitality, boldness, and talent. The company of seven dancers between the ages of 17 - 25 performs works by some of the nation's most promising young choreographers. It’s a new day in dance and HS2 is leading the way with distinctive repertoire reflecting influences from ballet to hip-hop to improvisation.

FULL!!  "Yuletide in Dogtown" - Monday, December 7, 2009; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  The popular ASC production returns! The residents of Dogtown eagerly await the holiday season with tail wagging glee. Mayor Scottie MacTavish is busy coordinating Yuletide activities with the other canine residents. All seems to be going well until; “Ye bones and Chew Toys,” a cat is spotted in Dogtown! Can the Mayor keep peace during the holiday season or will fur fly? It will be a howling, growling, and meowing good time! All dog lovers, and yes, even cat lovers are welcome!

FULL!!  Battleworks Dance Company - Friday, January 15, 2010; 10 a.m.  The show is a part of the 2010 Alabama Dance Festival. Julliard-grad and Parsons Dance Company alum Robert Battle's seven-year-old dance company shows off his strong repertoire with vigor and technical virtuosity. Battleworks premiered at the World Dance Alliance's Global Assembly in Germany, where they were selected as the American representatives to the festival for their unique outlook on the future of modern dance. Since then the company has performed extensively including at American Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow, Dance Theater Workshop, and the Joyce Theater.

FULL!!  Los Lobos - Friday, January 22, 2010; Time TBD Seeing Los Lobos perform in a special acoustic format will be one of the ASC’s most memorable evenings. During their twenty-five years together, LL has combined rock, folk, blues, R& B, country, and Tex-Mex with traditional Mexican music to form a totally original sound. The band has notched a number one single, won three Grammys, and sold millions of records, and shared the stage with acts as varied as Dylan, The Clash, and U2. They have received tremendous critical acclaim—from their major label debut, How Will the Wolf Survive?(which made Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time) to their most recent effort, The Town and The City.

FULL!!  Boston Brass - Monday, March 22, 2010; 10 a.m.  From exciting classical arrangements, to breathtaking vocal harmony, to burning jazz standards, Boston Brass achieves new levels in brass performance while treating audiences to a unique musical experience that captivates all ages. The ensemble performs over 100 shows annually, has several acclaimed recordings to their credit, and can often be heard on NPR’s Performance Today. Their latest release Latin Nights showcases the immense talent and range of capabilities of all five players.

FULL!!  Peking Acrobats - Monday, March 29, 2010; 10 a.m.  A spectacular feat of talent, costumes, and imagination! Hailing from the People’s Republic of China, The Peking Acrobats are diplomats of their spirited culture. Since 1958, this elite group has toured the world over – including a sold-out stop at the ASC four seasons ago - leaving audiences spellbound by their grace and athleticism. Carefully selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, these gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers transform 2000-year-old athletic disciplines into an all-ages kaleidoscope of entertainment and wonder.

FULL!!  "Down the Yellow Brick Road" - Friday, April 26, 2010; 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.  Back by popular demand! Will Dorothy find her way through the Land of Oz and back home again? Our audience is invited to help Dorothy and other familiar characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz find their way down the yellow brick road. In this fun and interactive performance the Narrator will invite members of the audience to become active participants in the story as Dorothy and her friends make their way to the Great Oz. This production is sure to enchant children from 3 to 103.