Journal

Ty Herndon Press Event

Ty Herndon Brings Songs & Stories to Birmingham: One Night Only at CAT Cabaret

Key Takeaways

  • Country star Ty Herndon performs live at CAT Cabaret in Fultondale, AL, on April 24, 2026.
  • This intimate, one-night-only cabaret show blends acoustic music with powerful personal storytelling.
  • Herndon will sign copies of his book, “What Mattered Most”, following the performance.
  • Seating is extremely limited at the CAT Cabaret venue — tickets are expected to sell out fast.
  • Central Alabama Theater presents this exclusive stop on Herndon’s national Songs & Stories Tour.

A Country Legend Comes to Central Alabama Theater

Birmingham-area country music fans have a rare reason to celebrate. Award-winning recording artist Ty Herndon is bringing his national Songs & Stories Tour to Central Alabama. Central Alabama Theater presents this exclusive, one-night-only engagement on Friday, April 24, 2026. The show begins at 7:30 PM at CAT Cabaret inside the Fultondale Event Center.

Herndon is one of country music’s most celebrated voices. He is best known for his No. 1 hits What Mattered Most, Living in a Moment, and It Must Be Love. His career spans decades and includes over 20 charted hits. Now, he brings his Songs & Stories Tour to an intimate Alabama stage.

What Makes the Songs & Stories Tour Different

This is not a traditional concert. The Songs & Stories Tour is a deeply personal cabaret-style experience. Herndon blends live acoustic performances with candid storytelling drawn from his life and career. The show is built around his memoir, What Mattered Most, which reflects on his journey through fame, faith, and personal transformation.

Audiences can expect an unplugged, emotionally resonant evening unlike anything offered in larger venues. The Songs & Stories format allows Herndon to connect with fans in a way that feels authentic and unfiltered. It is an experience that goes far beyond a typical country music performance.

Ty Herndon's Book Reviews

CAT Cabaret: Birmingham’s Most Intimate Performance Venue

CAT Cabaret is Central Alabama Theater’s exclusive intimate performance space. It is located inside the Fultondale Event Center at 2980 Hawkins Lane, Fultondale, AL 35068. This cabaret-style setting is designed for up-close, personal entertainment experiences.

The limited seating capacity makes every performance feel exclusive. When a nationally recognized artist like Ty Herndon performs in this setting, the result is truly special. There is no bad seat in CAT Cabaret — every guest is close to the stage and close to the story.

TONY Award winner Carl Peoples serves as Executive Artistic Director at Central Alabama Theater. He describes this engagement as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Central Alabama Theater is committed to bringing world-class entertainment to the Birmingham area in intimate, accessible settings.

Meet Ty Herndon and Get Your Book Signed

The Songs & Stories Tour is also a national book tour for Herndon’s memoir, What Mattered Most. Following the performance, Herndon will hold a book signing for audience members. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

This is a rare opportunity to meet Ty Herndon in person. Fans of his music and readers of his memoir can connect with him directly. The combination of live performance, storytelling, and a personal meet-and-greet makes this event truly one of a kind in Central Alabama.

What Matters Most Book

Secure Your Tickets Before They Sell Out

Central Alabama Theater has reported strong early ticket demand for this event. Given the limited seating at CAT Cabaret, a sellout is widely expected. This is not the kind of show where you can wait until the last minute.

The Birmingham area has a growing appetite for intimate live entertainment experiences. Shows such as the Songs & Stories Tour align perfectly with what theater-goers in this region are seeking. Do not miss your chance to be part of this exceptional evening.

Visit Central Alabama Theater’s website or contact the box office to purchase your tickets today. The show is on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM. CAT Cabaret is located at 2980 Hawkins Lane, Fultondale, AL 35068.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ty Herndon Songs & Stories Tour?

The Songs & Stories Tour is Ty Herndon’s national touring show and book tour. It combines live acoustic performances with personal storytelling inspired by his memoir, What Mattered Most. The show is designed for intimate venue settings like CAT Cabaret.

Where is the Ty Herndon show in Birmingham, AL?

The show takes place at CAT Cabaret inside the Fultondale Event Center. The address is 2980 Hawkins Lane, Fultondale, AL 35068. Fultondale is located just north of Birmingham in Central Alabama.

When is the Ty Herndon show at CAT Cabaret?

The performance is on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM. It is a one-night-only event presented by Central Alabama Theater.

Will Ty Herndon be signing books at the show?

Yes. Ty Herndon will sign copies of his book What Mattered Most after the performance. Books will also be available for purchase at the event.

How do I buy tickets for the Ty Herndon cabaret show?

Tickets are available through Central Alabama Theater. Seating is very limited, and early demand has been strong. Visit the Central Alabama Theater website or contact the box office to reserve your seats.

What is CAT Cabaret?

CAT Cabaret is Central Alabama Theater’s intimate performance venue inside the Fultondale Event Center. It offers a close-up, cabaret-style theater experience for Birmingham-area audiences. It is ideal for story-driven, acoustic-style performances.

As Long As I'm Singing Show

Patti Wilemon Brings As Long As I’m Singing to Birmingham

Key Takeaways

  • Birmingham vocalist Patti Wilemon returns to the stage with an intimate cabaret show.
  • The show features classic standards, vintage jazz, and deeply personal storytelling.
  • Patti performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops under Skitch Henderson.
  • Acclaimed pianist Ken Watson accompanies her on this Birmingham cabaret evening.
  • As Long As I’m Singing is a must-see live theater event in Birmingham, AL.

A Birmingham Voice Returns to the Spotlight

Birmingham has always had a gift for producing extraordinary voices. Now, one of its own is coming home. Patti Wilemon brings her cabaret show, As Long As I’m Singing, to the Birmingham stage. This intimate performance blends classic standards, vintage jazz, and personal storytelling. It is the kind of live theater Birmingham audiences have been waiting for.

For anyone who loves cabaret shows in Birmingham, this event is unmissable. Patti’s voice carries the weight of decades on world-class stages. Her return is not just a performance. It is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and the joy of song.

From Carnegie Hall to the Birmingham Stage

Patti Wilemon’s story begins right here in Birmingham, Alabama. She made her New York City debut at Carnegie Hall. She performed with the New York Pops under the legendary Skitch Henderson. That debut launched a national touring career as Henderson’s featured vocalist. Over three years, she appeared with major symphony orchestras across America.

Those orchestras included the Dallas, Atlanta, Buffalo, and Philadelphia symphonies. She also performed with the Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Columbus orchestras. The National Symphony and the Charles Ives Center were part of her journey, too. Few vocalists from Birmingham can claim a career of such breadth and prestige.

Her operatic career brought her to the Dallas Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Nashville Opera. In musical theatre, she played Eva Perón in Evita and Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly! She appeared in Annie alongside Fannie Flagg and Robert Alda. As Long As I’m Singing draws on all of those extraordinary experiences.

Patti Wilemon
Patti Wilemon

A Voice Shaped by Collaboration and Connection

What sets Patti Wilemon apart is the range of artists she has worked alongside. She has performed and recorded with Take 6, a Grammy-winning vocal ensemble. Her studio and stage collaborations include Natalie Grant and CeCe Winans. She has worked with Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Michael Crawford. Each collaboration deepened her artistry and expanded her musical range.

These are not casual footnotes in a biography. They represent a vocalist who has thrived in every genre she has entered. From gospel to opera to cabaret, Patti’s voice has proven its versatility. Birmingham audiences will witness that full range during As Long As I’m Singing.

Music That Never Left: A Life Lived in Two Worlds

What makes this cabaret show in Birmingham unlike any other is Patti’s unique story. Alongside her performing career, she built a nationally recognized career in healthcare. She became a respected leader in digital transformation, data analytics, and value-based care. It is a remarkable dual path that few artists have walked.

Even during that chapter, music was never silent. She performed at major healthcare events and conferences. She brought moments of connection and humanity during high-pressure clinical go-lives. As she herself says, “Music was never something I left behind. It was always there—waiting for me to come back.”

That truth is the heartbeat of As Long As I’m Singing. This Birmingham cabaret evening is not a comeback. It is a continuation. Every song reflects a life fully lived, on and off the stage.

About the Show: Classic Standards and Vintage Jazz in Birmingham

As Long As I’m Singing is a narrative cabaret experience. It weaves music, memory, and reflection into a single evening. The show captures the spirit of a 1950s-style cabaret. It features classic standards and vintage jazz influences that feel timeless. Yet the story it tells is deeply modern and deeply human.

Audiences will experience themes of ambition, detours, resilience, and rediscovery. Each song functions as a chapter in a larger narrative. This is not a concert in the traditional sense. It is storytelling through song. It is the kind of live theater in Birmingham that lingers long after the final note fades.

Expect an evening that is both nostalgic and emotionally resonant. Patti’s performances transform familiar songs into intimate, personal moments. Her storytelling gives each standard a new dimension. Birmingham cabaret fans will find themselves both moved and delighted.

Ken Watson
Ken Watson

Meet the Accompanist: Ken Watson at the Keys

Every great vocalist deserves an equally gifted accompanist. Patti Wilemon found that in Ken Watson. Ken is a familiar face in the music life of Birmingham and the greater metropolitan area. He has worked with most of the area’s major arts organizations. He performs regularly as a keyboardist with The Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Ken’s career spans Southern Gospel roots and formal training at Birmingham-Southern College. He went on to study at The Juilliard School, one of the world’s premier music conservatories. His playing reflects both deep faith and a desire to move people through music. Together, Patti and Ken create a live theater experience in Birmingham rooted in authenticity.

Why As Long As I’m Singing Matters for Live Theater in Birmingham

Birmingham has a thriving performing arts scene. The city supports world-class opera, ballet, symphony, and musical theatre. Yet intimate cabaret shows in Birmingham offer something different. They bring audiences closer to the artist than large productions can. As Long As I’m Singing leans fully into that intimacy.

This is live theater in Birmingham that speaks directly to the heart. Patti Wilemon is not performing behind the fourth wall. She is sharing her life, her voice, and her story with every person in the room. That kind of connection is rare and precious in today’s performing arts landscape.

Whether you are a lifelong fan of classic standards or new to the cabaret format, this show welcomes you. It is an accessible, emotionally rich evening of live performance. As Long As I’m Singing is proof that Birmingham’s live theater scene continues to grow and inspire.

Reserve Your Seats for an Unforgettable Birmingham Cabaret Evening

Do not miss your chance to experience As Long As I’m Singing live in Birmingham. Patti Wilemon’s return to the stage is one of the most anticipated live theater events of the season. Her voice, her story, and her extraordinary career all converge in one memorable evening.

Bring someone who loves great music and great storytelling. Cabaret shows in Birmingham do not get more personal or more powerful than this. Secure your seats early and prepare to be moved by a voice that has never stopped singing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is As Long As I’m Singing?

As Long As I’m Singing is a narrative cabaret show performed by Birmingham vocalist Patti Wilemon. It features classic standards, vintage jazz, and personal storytelling. The show captures the spirit of a 1950s-style cabaret while telling a modern, deeply human story.

Who is Patti Wilemon?

Patti Wilemon is a Birmingham, Alabama, native, vocalist, and storyteller. She made her NYC debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. Her career includes leading roles in opera and musical theatre, as well as collaborations with artists such as Michael Crawford and Michael W. Smith.

Who is accompanying Patti Wilemon in the show?

Acclaimed pianist Ken Watson accompanies Patti for the show. Ken is a Juilliard-trained keyboardist who regularly performs with The Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He is a beloved figure in Birmingham’s music community.

Is this show appropriate for all audiences?

Yes. As Long As I’m Singing is a family-friendly cabaret evening. It is designed to welcome both longtime cabaret fans and first-time audience members. The themes of resilience, music, and personal discovery are universally resonant.

What kind of music will be performed?

The show features classic standards and vintage jazz influences. Patti’s repertoire spans multiple genres drawn from her decades-long career. Audiences can expect beloved songs reimagined through the lens of her unique life story.

How does this show compare to other live theaters in Birmingham?

As Long As I’m Singing offers an intimate cabaret experience unlike larger theatrical productions. While Birmingham supports opera, symphony, and musical theatre, this show provides a rare one-on-one connection between artist and audience. It is a standout event in Birmingham’s live theater calendar.

Theatre Stage

How Strong Community Theater Programs Shape and Support Local Communities

The Lasting Impact of Community Theater

Community theater has always played an essential role in strengthening local culture, but when these organizations also offer education programs for youth, their influence becomes even more significant. These programs help young people discover their talents, develop confidence, and connect with mentors who encourage personal and artistic growth. For the broader community, they create opportunities that enhance quality of life, spark economic activity, and build a shared sense of pride. The work at Central Alabama Theater demonstrates how a dedicated arts organization can transform a region through education, creativity, and professional-level performance.

Cabaret show at CAT

Enriching Local Culture Through Quality Productions

A strong community theater elevates the region’s cultural experience by presenting high-quality productions that residents may otherwise need to travel great distances to enjoy. Central Alabama Theater focuses on producing and presenting professional theater that enriches Central Alabama with exceptional entertainment. These performances create shared experiences that bring families, friends, and neighbors together. They also expose audiences of all ages to diverse stories, perspectives, and artistic styles, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.

When a community has access to consistent, well-produced theater, it builds cultural engagement that strengthens civic identity. Local audiences begin to view the arts as an essential part of community life, not a luxury. This cultural enrichment leads to long-term support for creative initiatives, making the arts a pillar of the region’s future.

Young Performers

Educating and Inspiring the Stars of Tomorrow

Youth education programs are one of the most substantial contributions a theater can make. Central Alabama Theater invests in artistic workshops designed to train young performers, nurturing the next generation of actors, musicians, writers, and stage technicians. These programs introduce students to the discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills required in the performing arts. At the same time, they build confidence by encouraging young people to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment.

Arts education also teaches communication skills, emotional awareness, and creative thinking—abilities that benefit students far beyond the stage. For many, participation in theater becomes a defining part of their personal development, inspiring them to pursue college programs, creative careers, or lifelong involvement in the arts.

Creating Outlets for New Works and Creative Voices

Community theaters with strong development programs provide platforms for new ideas and original creative work. Central Alabama Theater encourages the creation and presentation of new works, giving emerging playwrights, composers, and performers a place to experiment and grow. This fosters innovation within the local arts community while giving audiences the exciting experience of discovering fresh talent.

Supporting new works also positions the theater as a cultural leader. It attracts artists seeking places to develop material, which can lead to partnerships, workshops, and regional growth in the creative economy. When local talent has a space to be heard, the entire community benefits from the diversity of artistic expression.

Belinda Peoples

Encouraging Meaningful Community Involvement

Community theater thrives when residents feel personally connected to the artistic process. Central Alabama Theater encourages involvement at every level, from volunteering and mentorship to performance and technical production. This opportunity for participation helps people of all ages contribute to something meaningful, strengthening community bonds.

This involvement often extends beyond the theater itself. Volunteers build friendships, form new social networks, and gain skills that enrich their personal and professional lives. Local businesses also benefit from increased activity surrounding performances and events, reinforcing the theater’s role as an economic and cultural anchor.

The Bikinis at CAT Cabaret

A Stronger Community Through the Arts

Strong community theater programs with youth education initiatives provide far more than entertainment. They create opportunities for personal growth, elevate cultural identity, support economic vitality, and strengthen the region’s overall social fabric. Central Alabama Theater exemplifies how a nonprofit arts organization can educate future performers, present quality professional theater, encourage creativity, and inspire a community to come together.