Tickets for many local events are sold through Ticketmaster (tel. 205/715-6000; www.ticketmaster.com).
The Performing Arts
The Alabama Ballet (tel. 205/322-4300; www.alabamaballet.org) performs a handful of programs each season, including a traditional holiday Nutcracker as well as performances featuring the classics and a more contemporary repertoire. Now in its 10th season, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (tel. 205/251-7727; http://alabamasymphony.org) offers a variety of classical, pops, and family programs at concert halls and outdoor venues such as the Birmingham Zoo. Opera Birmingham (tel. 205/975-2787; www.operabirmingham.org) stages fall and spring productions, offering classics such as Puccini's Madame Butterfly and Verdi's Rigoletto. In addition, the company promotes up-and-coming vocal talents through competitions and recitals. One of the primary performing arts venues is the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 10th Ave. S. (tel. 877/ART-TIKS [278-8457] or 205/975-ARTS [975-2787]; www.alysstephens.org), a multiple-theater complex on the campus of the University of Alabama Birmingham. In addition to performances by local performing-arts organizations, the venue attracts top-name entertainers and touring productions.
The Bar & Club Scene
To find out what's on, pick up a copy of the Birmingham News, or check its website at www.al.com. There's always a big-name act coming to the Verizon Wireless Music Center (tel. 800/277-1700 or 205/985-4900; www.livenation.com) in the town of Pelham, a short drive south on I-65. Recent headliners have included John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, Bela Fleck, and Rascal Flatts.
Jazz lovers are on a first-name basis with Ona's Music Room, 423 20th St. S. (tel. 205/322-4662; www.onasmusicroom.com), where swing, rhythm and blues, and contemporary jazz performances are held Thursday through Saturday nights. Another favored hangout is the 22nd Street Jazz and Blues Café, 710 22nd St. S. (tel. 205/252-0407). In the Five Points South area, the Nick, 2510 10th Ave. S. (tel. 205/252-3831; www.thenickrocks.com), is the preeminent alternative rock venue, drawing heavily from the college crowd at nearby University of Alabama Birmingham.
