SMOKEY ROBINSON - Alys Stephens Center Viva Health Starlight Gala April 24, 2010

Legendary King of Motown Smokey Robinson will be the spotlight performer at the Alys Stephens Center Viva Health Starlight Gala, Saturday, April 24. Tickets go on sale Jan. 11. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for tickets or for more information. The Viva Health Starlight Gala is an annual fundraiser benefiting UABs Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center and the centers educational initiatives and programs. The black-tie event is the seasons most elegant celebration of the arts. With his eternally smooth and instantly recognizable falsetto, legendary R&B singer, songwriter and producer Robinsons honey-coated voice could be called the audio equivalent of food for the soul, with soul. The Motown legend earned a hefty 37 Top 40 hits for Motown Records between 1960 and 1987. In fact, from Shop Around (first Motown No. 1 R&B hit and first Motown million-seller) to Just to See Her and One Heartbeat (both 1987 Top 10 smash hits), Robinson began collecting accolades which never seemed to stop. Robinsons latest CD, Time Flies When Youre Having Fun, has that traditional style, and his familiar croon has an indisputable sentimental appeal. Whether its his signature languid numbers or a groove-driven mid-tempo tune, every song delivers what can best be described as classic Smokey. Robinson brought on board the talents of friends Carlos Santana, India.Arie and Joss Stone for the intoxicatingly smooth R&B/pop repertoire. Completely written by Robinson, except for his sumptuous remake of Norah Jones Dont Know Why, this enticing set veers from grooving to old-school reminiscent and rhythmic, with some red-hot slow grind.