There's a new performance theatre on the eastern side of Birmingham, AL. Located at 9094 Parkway E., -Rear Birmingham, Alabama 35206. My friend A.C. and I took in a jazz concert this past Saturday night.
Encore is located on the back of the Roebuck Plaza Shopping Center on the Parkway East side. This space was once occupied by a contemporary church and before that it was a movie theater. The shopping center itself was built in 1957. Over the years it has undergone numerous rehabs. It's good to see the space now being revitalized as an Arts venue.
Marcus Raby (above) is in the process of securing funds and opening this theatre and art gallery in the Roebuck area. This NYOP event is just one of many of their fundraising projects. He (Marcus Raby) holds many titles; Stage Director | Artistic Director of Encore Theatre | Playwright | Brand Developer | Graphic Artist
He has written and performed many plays here in the Birmingham area and elsewhere. Talking to Mr. Raby, he explained that the future of the theatre is immense with possibilities. There may be a comedian one week, a magician the next and so on. He plans to have a very diverse array of entertainment.
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| Famous musical greats painted by local artists are displayed in the lobby. I was told that three of the pieces have been sold. The owners of the paintings chose to allow them to continue to be displayed until the next art installment. |
We were given beverage tickets at the ticket booth but, weren't told what they were for . A.C. and I thought there would be a door prize drawing at the end of the concert.😊 The tickets were for our wine. No problem. I was driving anyway.
The musician would pause periodically after a few of his numbers and give us the behind the scenes facts of the music profession.He stressed that it is not as glamorous as it appears. It can be treacherous and many young people with stars in their eyes are exploited.
This is where the Up Close and Personal came in. He encouraged the education of youth toward learning a musical instrument and honing their craft. Dreams of signing a contract for a million dollars can be risky. From the million dollars, the on stage artist must pay all of his/her
behind-the-scenes people and they will be numerous. Much of the money is not for the singer but, song writers and other ancillary personnel the public doesn't see.Often this leaves the onstage artist with little or no money left from the million dollars.
He, Dwight Houston, was able to get a full ride scholarship to college because of his musical skills. Mr. Houston has been in the music industry for over 40 years. He says he hires himself out as a contract musician allowing him to access his career the way he chooses. He has traveled all over the world and enjoys his work.
Mr. Houston (click link to hear his music) also teaches. There will be a music clinic this summer for middle school students which is free. For more information on this, he can be contacted at: https://www.onpurposemusic.com/contact-us or (205) 527-4756 or (205) 527-5462 
An enjoyable evening. Staff of Encore was very gracious and congenial. I felt very welcomed.I'll be spreading the word and will return again for future events.
That's It***
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