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Looking to fill 2023 with live music? There’s no better place to go than the Alys Stephens Center (ASC). This January through June, you’ll discover a standout list of inspiring artists performing in the ASC’s elegant, comfortable setting that features swoon-worthy symphonic sound. INSIDE TIP: Hit up the cash bar for a special show-time drink and purchase a fun cup, too—you can reuse it at each ASC concert you attend. Now, onto the shows ahead.

January 2023

1. An Evening with Fred Hersch & Esperanza Spalding 

A soul-pleasing, intimate evening awaits you as the dynamic duo of pianist and composer Fred Hersch and jazz vocalist Esperanza Spalding join together onstage at the Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall on January 18.

Both artists are multiple Grammy Award winners and will wow you as they perform:

• Songs from the Great American Songbook
• Music from Brazil
• Jazz compositions including several penned by Hersch

Event Details

What: Esperanza Spalding & Fred Hersch
When: Wednesday, January 18 | 7-9PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $35-$55
Tickets

2. Tommy Emmanuel

When guitarist Tommy Emmanuel performs, two things are guaranteed: extraordinary guitar playing and joy.

Considered one of the planet’s greatest guitarists, Emmanuel’s genuine instrumental melodies are sure to get your heart strumming. Some you’ll hear at the Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall this January include the beautiful ode to his daughter titled Angelina and his great “story without words”, Lewis & Clark.

Event Details

What: Tommy Emmanuel
When: Sunday, January 22 | 6-8PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $49
Tickets

3. Disney’s Winnie The Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation

Get ready for the sweetest of sweet events—the lovable, honey-craving Winnie the Pooh visits the Alys Stephens Center on January 29. Delighting children and adults for nearly 100 years, this is a must-attend show for Birmingham’s many families.

In this new musical stage adaptation, you and the kids can expect incredible life-sized puppetry of all your favorite characters, Grammy Award-winning music by the Sherman Brothers and more.

Event Details

What: Disney’s Winnie The Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation
When: Sunday, January 29 | 5-7PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $29
Tickets

February 2023

4. Will Downing’s Sophisticated Soul Explosion featuring special guests Maysa & Poet Hank Steward

Looking to be swept off your feet this Valentine’s Day? Grab your special person for a concert starring Will Downing on February 14.

Known as “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul”, Downing’s repertoire includes signature interpretations of R&B classics, fresh melodies and more.

Double Bonus: During this show-stopping concert, Downing is joined on stage by a double dose of talent with these two special guests:

• Hank Stewart: Emmy Award-winner, best-selling author and Poet Laureate
• Maysa: American jazz singer known for her solo work and collaborations with Stevie Wonder and the British band Incognito

Event Details

What: Will Downing’s Sophisticated Soul Explosion featuring special guests Maysa & poet Hank Steward
When: Tuesday, February 14 | 7-9PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $39-$59
Tickets

For more Alys Stephens Center events—visit their  events page.

5. Ranky Tanky

Get down and get funky this February with South Carolina-based music ensemble Ranky Tanky. This band of five lifelong friends specializes in jazz-influenced arrangements of traditional Gullah music, a culture that originated among descendants of enslaved Africans in the Lowcounty regions of the US Southeast. 

The show also features Lisa Fischer, a former backup singer of icons like Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones and Tina Turner. Fischer takes center stage during the show to perform her very own song, and you’ll want to be there to hear it.

Psst! You can also see Lisa perform on February 20 at 5PM during ASC’s FREE showing of ’20 Feet from Stardom.

Event Details

What: Ranky Tanky featuring Lisa Fischer
When: Thursday, February 23 | 7-9PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $39
Tickets

March 2023

6. Meshelle Ndegecello

From R&B to pop, jazz and hip-hop, Meshell Ndegeocello’s music navigates through a variety of genres. A 10-time Grammy nominee and electric bass guitar virtuoso, don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic as she performs at the ASC in March.

Event Details

What: Meshell Ndegeocello
When: Thursday, March 9 | 7-9PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $39
Tickets

7. Victor Wooten featuring Steve Bailey & Derico Watson BASS EXTREMES

It’s all about that bass in this phenomenal concert on March 10. You’ll be wowed by:

• Victor Wooten—one of the most influential bassists of the last two decades
• Steve Bailey—a pioneer of the six-string fretless bass
• Derico Watson—professional drummer of 20+ years

Event Details

What: Victor Wooten featuring Steve Bailey & Derico Watson of BASS EXTREMES
When: Friday,March 10 | 8-10PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $39
Tickets

8. Patti LaBelle

Prepare to bow to the queen of rock—Patti LaBelle lights up The Magic City on March 19. From soulful songs to upbeat classics that’ll make you dance in your seat, this show is a must-attend. Low ticket alert—act fast!

Event Details

What: Patti LaBelle
When: Sunday, March 19 | 6-8PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $79-$99
Tickets

April 2023

9. John Paul White & The Alabama Symphony Orchestra

You’ll want to experience this unique crossover performance on April 6. Four-time award-winning artist John Paul White of The Civil Wars joins the beloved Alabama Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night. 

BONUS: Need a babysitter? Children ages 5-12 can attend ArtPlay’s Kids’ Night Out while you enjoy the show. Learn more. 

Event Details

What: John Paul White with Alabama Symphony Orchestra
When: Thursday, April 6 | 7-9PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $25-$45
Tickets

10. Smokey Robinson

Love the music of Smokey Robinson? Then you’re in luck, my friend, because the acclaimed singer-songwriter is live in Birmingham on April 21. With over four decades of hits, former Vice President of Motown Records and numerous awards including the Grammy Living Legend Award, there’s no wonder this concert is one of the city’s hottest events this year. Low ticket alert—get yours while you can!

Event Details

What: Smokey Robinson
When: Friday, April 21 | 8-10PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $125-$175
Tickets

June 2023

11. Sheila E

There’s no end to the amazing talents of Shiela E. A famous drummer, singer, songwriter, author, humanitarian and icon, she’s a force to be reckoned with. The coolest part is you can see her perform live at ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall on June 1. Trust me, when the concert ends, you’ll leave inspired.

Event Details

What: Sheila E
When: Thursday, June 1 | 7-9PM
Where: Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $45-$65
Tickets

For more Alys Stephens Center events—visit their website, events page and follow them on Facebook + Instagram.

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