Elon University - Cultural Calendar

Tuesday, February 3
The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, NJ, “How to Change the World with Your Bare Hands”
Carolina Theatre, Greensboro, 7:00 p.m.
The Joseph M. Bryan Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series

Cory Booker has modeled a political career on his passion for community action. Booker was elected mayor in 2006 in a landslide contest, eight years after winning his first public office by upsetting a popular incumbent councilman. His reputation for unorthodox approaches to fighting drugs and crime are legendary in Newark—acts that include a 10-day hunger strike in 1999 in one of the city’s most drug-infested housing complexes, which led to an increased police presence and improved safety for residents. “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” says the Yale Law alum and former Rhodes Scholar. “It’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Change comes from good people coming together with collective strengths and doing something about it.”

Monday, February 9
Jean Sanders, Open Heart, opening reception
Arts West Gallery, 12-1:30 p.m.
James H. McEwen, Jr. Visual Arts Series

An exhibition of photogravure prints of metaphorical imagery derived from the Buddhist meditative technique called “Tonglin.” Exhibition continues through March 5.

Tuesday, February 10
Kevin Boyle and Cassie Kircher, faculty poetry and non-fiction reading
Isabella Cannon Room, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday-Sunday, February 12-15
Department of Performing Arts presents Nine by Arthur Kopit; Musical score by Maury Yeston
Directed and Choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, Musical Direction by Richard Cook
McCrary Theatre, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Nine is a wonderfully sophisticated musical, which is both moving and amusing, inspired by Federico Felini’s autobiographical film 8 ½. Famous film director Guido Contini is savoring his most recent success but facing his fortieth birthday and a midlife crisis which is blocking his creative impulses. His life is further complicated by women—both past and present. The recently successful Broadway revival starred Antonio Banderas, and Rob Marshall is currently directing the soon-to-be movie version starring Penelope Cruz and Sophia Loren among many others—come see Elon’s rendition first. Admission: $12 or Elon ID. Tickets available January 22.

Sunday, February 15
Don Bolden, “Alamance: A County at War”
Yeager Recital Hall, 3:00 p.m.

Bolden, editor emeritus of the Times-News, will give a multi-media presentation describing Alamance County during the years of World War II, particularly as the topic relates to the novel Blue, this year’s community reading selection. His talk will be followed by a reception honoring local veterans featured in the Times-News “Winter of Our Warriors” series. Jointly sponsored by Alamance Reads, the Times-News and Belk Library

Monday, February 16
A Jihad for Love, film screening
LaRose Digital Theatre, Koury Business Center, 6:30 p.m.

This is the first feature documentary to explore the complex global intersections between Islam and homosexuality. Director Parvez Sharma enters the many worlds of Islam by illuminating multiple stories of individuals as diverse as Islam itself. The film travels a wide geographic arc presenting lives from India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, and France. Their pursuits for love have brought each into struggle with their countries, families, and ultimately themselves. Running time: 81 minutes. Sponsored by the Liberal Arts Forum

Tuesday, February 17
Matthew DiCamillo, baritone, Tyson Hankins, piano, faculty recital
Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

A recital featuring Beethoven’s An Die Ferne Geliebte, Ravel’s 5 Melodies Populaires Grecques, songs by Marc Blitzstein, and a selection of Thomas Campion songs with lutist Carey Harwood.

Wednesday, February 18
Dr. Nancy Knowlton, “The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs”
McCrary Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Coral reefs are the rainforests of the oceans, and they too are under siege. Coastal development, pollution, overfishing and tourism have undermined an estimated 25 percent of reef systems in recent years. Dr. Knowlton, the Sant Chair for Marine Science at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, has devoted her career to the study of coral reefs and recently began examining the devastating effects of climate change on these delicate environments. Voices of Discovery Science Speaker Series

Thursday, February 19
Victoria Fischer Faw, “A Mere Bagatelle,” faculty recital
Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Some of the greatest composers of all time have made ironically profound contributions to what seems a flippant genre. Victoria Fischer Faw will present a recital of Bagatelles from three centuries by Couperin, Beethoven, and Bartok.

Thursday, February 19
Parvez Sharma, “Perspectives on Islam and Homosexuality”
LaRose Digital Theatre, Koury Business Center, 7:30 p.m.

Director of the critically-acclaimed documentary, A Jihad for Love, Sharma is gay and Muslim, and shares stories from his courageous journey to provide an honest and skillful depiction of Islam and the LGBT experience for a continuing global dialogue on tolerance. Sponsored by the Liberal Arts Forum

Saturday, February 21
Elon University Jazz Festival Concert
McCrary Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Elon’s two-day Jazz Festival will conclude with this concert featuring master improviser/tenor saxophonist Skip Gailes and internationally-acclaimed trumpeter Mark Clodfelter together with the Elon University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jon Metzger. Gailes has performed with Branford Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Milt Hinton, Benny Carter, Barry Harris, and Christian McBride. He has been a faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University since 1979. Clodfelter has appeared throughout the U.S. and Europe with Bob Mintzer, Frank Mantooth, Lou Rawls, and Ray Charles. He is currently the professor of trumpet at the University of Kentucky.

Sunday, February 22
William Yelverton, classical guitar
Yeager Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Yelverton, award-winning classical guitarist and professor at Middle Tennessee State University, presents a concert of virtuoso guitar music. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Monday, February 23
A Journey of Friends: The Collaborative Art of the Theatrical Designers of Elon, opening reception
Isabella Cannon Room, 5-6:30 p.m.

An exhibition that considers how theatrical design develops and impacts the choices made in theatre production. It will explore the research, the work itself, and the translation from the page to the stage. Renderings, models, sketches, antique garments, and other source materials will be on view as well as actual costumes and props from recent productions. Exhibition continues through April 23.

Tuesday, February 24
Balsom Ensemble featuring Alison Balsom, trumpet
Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

British trumpeter Alison Balsom has cemented her reputation as a distinctive young artist who performs a wide range of repertoire on both modern and baroque trumpets. Her ensemble, which includes cello, violin, harpsichord, and piano, will perform a vigorous program including works by Vivaldi, Neruda, Goedicke, and Piazzolla.
Admission: $12 or Elon ID. Tickets available February 3. Elon University Lyceum Series

Thursday, February 26
Bill Schulz, “Restoring America’s Credibility: Human Rights Challenges Facing the Obama Administration”
McCrary Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Schulz served as executive director of Amnesty International from 1994 to 2006. He is known as an outspoken voice against the death penalty and supporter of the rights of women, gays, lesbians, and people of color. He remains an instrumental activist in shaping policy to emancipate millions from tyranny and terror. Recounting his experiences as an activist and the themes from his book, In Our Own Best Interests: How Defending Human Rights Benefits Us All, Schultz proposes that the United States must fully support and embrace human rights worldwide and at home. Sponsored by the Liberal Arts Forum

Friday, February 27
Joel Salatin, “The Mission of Polyface Farm”
Moseley 215, Moseley Center, 2:00 p.m.

Polyface, Inc. is a family-owned, multi-generational, pasture-based, beyond-organic, local market farm and informational outreach operation in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Believing that the Creator’s design is still the best pattern for the biological world, the Salatin family promotes environmentally –friendly farming practices. Their mission is “to develop emotionally, economically, environmentally enhancing agricultural enterprises and facilitate their duplication throughout the world.” Salatin was featured in Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Sustainability Office, Environmental Studies, Terra Nova and Students for Peace and Justice

Friday-Sunday, February 27-March 1
DanceWorks
Black Box Theatre, Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

DanceWorks is a completely student-produced, choreographed, directed, and designed dance concert featuring a variety of genres. Faculty advisor is Jane Wellford.


SPECIAL PARKING INFORMATION Ticket Information Speaker Resources Directions February March April May Summer Staff Calendar Home	Tuesday, February 3 The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, NJ, “How to Change the World with Your Bare Hands” Carolina Theatre, Greensboro, 7:00 p.m. The Joseph M. Bryan Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series Cory Booker has modeled a political career on his passion for community action. Booker was elected mayor in 2006 in a landslide contest, eight years after winning his first public office by upsetting a popular incumbent councilman. His reputation for unorthodox approaches to fighting drugs and crime are legendary in Newark—acts that include a 10-day hunger strike in 1999 in one of the city’s most drug-infested housing complexes, which led to an increased police presence and improved safety for residents. “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” says the Yale Law alum and former Rhodes Scholar. “It’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Change comes from good people coming together with collective strengths and doing something about it.” Monday, February 9 *Jean Sanders, Open Heart, opening reception* Arts West Gallery, 12-1:30 p.m. James H. McEwen, Jr. Visual Arts Series An exhibition of photogravure prints of metaphorical imagery derived from the Buddhist meditative technique called “Tonglin.” Exhibition continues through March 5. Tuesday, February 10 Kevin Boyle and Cassie Kircher, faculty poetry and non-fiction reading Isabella Cannon Room, 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, February 12-15 Department of Performing Arts presents Nine by Arthur Kopit; Musical score by Maury Yeston Directed and Choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, Musical Direction by Richard Cook McCrary Theatre, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m. Nine is a wonderfully sophisticated musical, which is both moving and amusing, inspired by Federico Felini’s autobiographical film 8 ½. Famous film director Guido Contini is savoring his most recent success but facing his fortieth birthday and a midlife crisis which is blocking his creative impulses. His life is further complicated by women—both past and present. The recently successful Broadway revival starred Antonio Banderas, and Rob Marshall is currently directing the soon-to-be movie version starring Penelope Cruz and Sophia Loren among many others—come see Elon’s rendition first. Admission: $12 or Elon ID. Tickets available January 22. Sunday, February 15 Don Bolden, “Alamance: A County at War” Yeager Recital Hall, 3:00 p.m. Bolden, editor emeritus of the Times-News, will give a multi-media presentation describing Alamance County during the years of World War II, particularly as the topic relates to the novel Blue, this year’s community reading selection. His talk will be followed by a reception honoring local veterans featured in the Times-News “Winter of Our Warriors” series. Jointly sponsored by Alamance Reads, the Times-News and Belk Library Monday, February 16 A Jihad for Love, film screening LaRose Digital Theatre, Koury Business Center, 6:30 p.m. This is the first feature documentary to explore the complex global intersections between Islam and homosexuality. Director Parvez Sharma enters the many worlds of Islam by illuminating multiple stories of individuals as diverse as Islam itself. The film travels a wide geographic arc presenting lives from India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, and France. Their pursuits for love have brought each into struggle with their countries, families, and ultimately themselves. Running time: 81 minutes. Sponsored by the Liberal Arts Forum Tuesday, February 17 Matthew DiCamillo, baritone, Tyson Hankins, piano, faculty recital Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. A recital featuring Beethoven’s An Die Ferne Geliebte, Ravel’s 5 Melodies Populaires Grecques, songs by Marc Blitzstein, and a selection of Thomas Campion songs with lutist Carey Harwood. Wednesday, February 18 Dr. Nancy Knowlton, “The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs” McCrary Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Coral reefs are the rainforests of the oceans, and they too are under siege. Coastal development, pollution, overfishing and tourism have undermined an estimated 25 percent of reef systems in recent years. Dr. Knowlton, the Sant Chair for Marine Science at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, has devoted her career to the study of coral reefs and recently began examining the devastating effects of climate change on these delicate environments. Voices of Discovery Science Speaker Series Thursday, February 19 Victoria Fischer Faw, “A Mere Bagatelle,” faculty recital Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Some of the greatest composers of all time have made ironically profound contributions to what seems a flippant genre. Victoria Fischer Faw will present a recital of Bagatelles from three centuries by Couperin, Beethoven, and Bartok. Thursday, February 19 Parvez Sharma, “Perspectives on Islam and Homosexuality” LaRose Digital Theatre, Koury Business Center, 7:30 p.m. Director of the critically-acclaimed documentary, A Jihad for Love, Sharma is gay and Muslim, and shares stories from his courageous journey to provide an honest and skillful depiction of Islam and the LGBT experience for a continuing global dialogue on tolerance. Sponsored by the Liberal Arts Forum Saturday, February 21 Elon University Jazz Festival Concert McCrary Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Elon’s two-day Jazz Festival will conclude with this concert featuring master improviser/tenor saxophonist Skip Gailes and internationally-acclaimed trumpeter Mark Clodfelter together with the Elon University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jon Metzger. Gailes has performed with Branford Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Milt Hinton, Benny Carter, Barry Harris, and Christian McBride. He has been a faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University since 1979. Clodfelter has appeared throughout the U.S. and Europe with Bob Mintzer, Frank Mantooth, Lou Rawls, and Ray Charles. He is currently the professor of trumpet at the University of Kentucky. Sunday, February 22 William Yelverton, classical guitar Yeager Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Yelverton, award-winning classical guitarist and professor at Middle Tennessee State University, presents a concert of virtuoso guitar music. Sponsored by the Department of Music Monday, February 23 A Journey of Friends: The Collaborative Art of the Theatrical Designers of Elon, opening reception Isabella Cannon Room, 5-6:30 p.m. An exhibition that considers how theatrical design develops and impacts the choices made in theatre production. It will explore the research, the work itself, and the translation from the page to the stage. Renderings, models, sketches, antique garments, and other source materials will be on view as well as actual costumes and props from recent productions. Exhibition continues through April 23. Tuesday, February 24 Balsom Ensemble featuring Alison Balsom, trumpet Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. British trumpeter Alison Balsom has cemented her reputation as a distinctive young artist who performs a wide range of repertoire on both modern and baroque trumpets. Her ensemble, which includes cello, violin, harpsichord, and piano, will perform a vigorous program including works by Vivaldi, Neruda, Goedicke, and Piazzolla. Admission: $12 or Elon ID. Tickets available February 3. Elon University Lyceum Series Thursday, February 26 Bill Schulz, “Restoring America’s Credibility: Human Rights Challenges Facing the Obama Administration” McCrary Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Schulz served as executive director of Amnesty International from 1994 to 2006. He is known as an outspoken voice against the death penalty and supporter of the rights of women, gays, lesbians, and people of color. He remains an instrumental activist in shaping policy to emancipate millions from tyranny and terror. Recounting his experiences as an activist and the themes from his book, In Our Own Best Interests: How Defending Human Rights Benefits Us All, Schultz proposes that the United States must fully support and embrace human rights worldwide and at home. Sponsored by the Liberal Arts Forum Friday, February 27 Joel Salatin, “The Mission of Polyface Farm” Moseley 215, Moseley Center, 2:00 p.m. Polyface, Inc. is a family-owned, multi-generational, pasture-based, beyond-organic, local market farm and informational outreach operation in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Believing that the Creator’s design is still the best pattern for the biological world, the Salatin family promotes environmentally –friendly farming practices. Their mission is “to develop emotionally, economically, environmentally enhancing agricultural enterprises and facilitate their duplication throughout the world.” Salatin was featured in Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Sustainability Office, Environmental Studies, Terra Nova and Students for Peace and Justice Friday-Sunday, February 27-March 1 DanceWorks Black Box Theatre, Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m. DanceWorks is a completely student-produced, choreographed, directed, and designed dance concert featuring a variety of genres. Faculty advisor is Jane Wellford.