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The recent Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe show at the BJCC started half an hour late, ran about twenty-five minutes, then they took a bow and retired, ending the show over stage and backstage conditions. Apparently there were problems with the heat backstage.

These people were playing Kennedy Center a week ago and we can't even keep the heat on for them?

The following email went out late last night:

"The BJCC and The Alys Stephens Center apologize for the cancellation of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance this evening. The decision to cancel the performance was made due to specific temperature requirements mandated for the comfort and safety of the professional dancers, both on stage and in backstage areas.

While the BJCC's heating and air conditioning systems were operating normally, we found ourselves unable to meet the show's very specific temperature criteria, essential for the well-being and optimal performance of the Alvin Ailey dancers.

We understand the disappointment and inconvenience this cancellation may cause, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption to your plans. All ticket holders will receive automatic refunds processed directly to the original form of payment at the original point of purchase within 8-10 business days."

Mealymouthed weak statement, half blaming the dancers. They didn't come here *not* to dance in front of a full house.

At least they getting their refunds

Something's fishy about that. Yes we had a cold snap, but other venues in New York, Chicago, etc, can accommodate them why can't the semi-newly renovated BJCC not?!

Bad look on BJCC and unfortunately makes Birmingham look bad as well considering that is one of the main large event venues in town.

It had gone down to 29 or so on Saturday night. Look at photos of the dance troupe in action - very lightly clad, barefoot. If all the cement backstage has chilled for several days and the heating is inadequate, I can absolutely see why they'd demand better treatment. It's not like plugging in space heaters was going to help if the central heat was poor.

BJCC management is not impressing me.

I'm guessing this was in in the concert hall (or theater), and not the arena. Were those parts of the complex renovated?

(02-19-2024 01:05 PM)BatesUAB Wrote:  I'm guessing this was in in the concert hall (or theater), and not the arena. Were those parts of the complex renovated?

Concert Hall wasn't renovated, but it needs to be. I know the BJCC is building the new amphitheater, but hopefully there's a plan to renovate the Concert Hall and Exhibition Halls too.

(02-19-2024 01:19 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  

(02-19-2024 01:05 PM)BatesUAB Wrote:  I'm guessing this was in in the concert hall (or theater), and not the arena. Were those parts of the complex renovated?

Concert Hall wasn't renovated, but it needs to be. I know the BJCC is building the new amphitheater, but hopefully there's a plan to renovate the Concert Hall and Exhibition Halls too.

Yeah, it's probably been 5 years since the last time I was in the Concert Hall, and it needed some work then.