October Events
Wednesday-Thursday, October 1 – 2
Yom Kippur (the Jewish Day of Atonement)
Considered by many to be the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast day, during which time Jews take stock of their past year, atone and repent. Many wear white to mark the somber mood of the day and take the opportunity to prepare a fresh start and the connection to the cycle of life and death. According to tradition, on Rosh Hashanah, the Book of Life is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed. The Elon community gathers for meals to begin and end the fast and participates in prayer services.
Meal Before the Fast
Wednesday, October 1 | 5:30 p.m.
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion
Kol Nidrei Services
Wednesday, October 1 | 6:30 p.m.
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Morning Services/Yizkor
Thursday, October 2 | 10 a.m.
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Yizkor Followed by Neilah Services
Thursday, October 2 | 6:30 p.m.
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Break Fast
Thursday, October 2 | 7:40 p.m.
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion
Friday, October 3 – Tuesday, October 7
by Rajiv Joseph
Roberts Studio Theatre, Scott Studios at Arts West
Oct. 3, 4, 6 and 7 | 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 4 and 5 | 2 p.m.
Directed by Kevin Otos | Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts
In 1920, the Russian writer Isaac Babel is a war correspondent with the Red Cavalry. Seventy years later, a mysterious Stasis agent spies on a woman in Dresden and falls in love. In 2010, an aircraft carrying most of the Polish government crashes into the Russian city of Smolensk. Set in Russian and East Germany over the course of ninety years, this thrilling and epic play traces the story of seven people connected by history, myth and conspiracy theories. Note: Contains mature subject matter – viewer discretion is advised. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations are highly recommended and will be offered beginning September 26 at www.elonperformingarts.com.
Sunday, October 5
Mass on the Grass
Lambert Academic Village, Belk Amphitheatre | 5 p.m.
In honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), the patron saint of animals and the environment, Catholic Mass will be celebrated outside on amphitheatre and lawn in the Lambert Academic Village. All are invited to attend this Catholic worship service. A Sunday Supper will follow at CCM House, 515 E. College Avenue (across from the East Neighborhood).
New Date: Monday, October 6
An Evening with Babar and Friends: A Faculty Recital of French and American Music
Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Department of Music
Hallie Hogan, mezzo-soprano and Charles Hogan, piano, will present music from the French romantic and modern eras alongside works by American composers who studied with French musicians. The program concludes with Francis Poulenc’s musical setting of The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant, scored for piano and narrator.
Monday-Saturday, October 6-11
Sukkot
Sukkot is the Jewish holiday marking the fall harvest. People gather in sukkot (outdoor tents), shake the lulav in the morning, and wind down are the intensity of the High Holidays. The week of Sukkot is known as zman simchateinu, the season of our joy. It is a time to reflect on the ephemerality of life, gather in community and experience joy.
Shabbat Sukkot
Friday, October 10 | 5:30 p.m.
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion
Simchat Torah
Tuesday, October 14 | 6 p.m.
Sacred Spaces, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Monday, October 6 – Thursday, November 13
Claire Pope, “Alters”
Artist talk and opening reception | October 6 | 5 p.m.
Gallery 406 at Arts West | Gallery hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Claire Pope’s work explores the notion of ecstatic quietude, and the emotion of wonderment as found in nature during the present Anthropocene Age. Having grown up in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, their connection to the large sweeping vistas of rolling green hills and vast domes of sky is engrained in their being. But their understanding of that land is also influenced by industrial progress and the violent stripping of coal mining and quarries. “Alters” is an internal exploration of the relationship between the majesty of the land and the stripping of it, the alteration of the earth by humans. It is a devotional undertaking, an investigation of the seeming duality of the present and where our place may be within that sublime context moving forward. Exhibition continues through November 13.
Tuesday, October 7
Jessica Yinka Thomas, “The Rise of B Corps and Business as a Force for Good”
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center | 7 p.m.
Campus Sustainability Week Keynote Address
In a world of growing inequality, diminishing natural resources and increasing uncertainty, a new form of business is rising. B Corps are businesses committed to putting climate action, environmental stewardship, worker well-being, human rights and good governance on equal footing with profitability. The global network of almost ten thousand businesses is building a movement shifting the purpose of business from wealth maximization to using business as a force to address social and environmental issues. Share her own journey from designing educational toys to leading a community of thousands of academics studying B Corps, Thomas’s keynote explores this global movement to redefine corporate success and the role each of us can play to accelerate the transformation.
Thursday, October 9
Peaceful Forest Taiko Drumming
Whitley Auditorium | 7 p.m.
Sponsored by Departments of Asian Studies, Sociology & Anthropology, International & Global Studies, Isabella Cannon Global Education Center and the Elon Core Curriculum
Takumi Kato is a world champion Taiko drummer from Japan who performs alongside his three children. Their ability to infuse events with vibrant energy and joy creates connections with their audience. Currently touring in the United States, Peaceful Forest hopes to complete appearances in all 50 states in the coming year.
Sunday, October 12
Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzen Op. 52
Whitley Auditorium | 3 p.m.
Stephen A. Futrell, conductor
Sponsored by the Department of Music
The Elon Camerata present one of Johannes Brahms’ most popular collection of German song.
Tuesday, October 14
Tectonic Plates: Alamance County’s Science Café with Stephanie Baker: Public Health: The Invisible Shield – Until It Breaks
Burlington Beer Works, 103 E. Front Street, Burlington | 7 p.m.
Sponsored by Elon Department of Public Health Studies
Each month on 2nd Tuesdays, a different scientist will present an engaging topic at Burlington Beer Works in downtown Burlington, North Carolina. Expect a lively event in a relaxed atmosphere without all the technical jargon. In October, Tectonic Plates welcomes Stephanie Baker, Associate Professor and Chair of the Elon Department of Public Health Studies. The series runs from September through May, and the presentations are free and open to the public.
Thursday, October 23
The Islamic Mary: Maryam through the Centuries
McCoy Commons (Oaks 212), 5:30 p.m.
Presented by the Center for Research on Global Engagement, the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society and Muslim Life at Elon
Join us for a special lecture with Younus Mirza, Founding Director of the Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning at Shenandoah University. Dr. Mirza, a leading voice in interreligious relations, will share insights from his new book on the figure of Mary in the Islamic tradition.
Thursday, October 23
A Conversation with Shannon Watts on Purpose, Power & Taking Action
Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
Liberal Arts Forum Lecture
Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a leading force for gun violence prevention with chapters in all 50 states and a powerful grassroots network that has successfully effected change at the local, state and national levels. In 2013 Moms Demand Action partnered with Mayors Against Illegal Guns to form Everytown for Gun Safety, a nationwide movement of millions of Americans working together to end the epidemic of gun violence. Watts is an active board member of Emerge America, one of the nation’s leading organizations for recruiting and training women to run for political office.
Friday-Saturday, October 24 – 25
Instant Laughter
Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.
Directed by Frederick J. Rubeck
Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts
Elon’s comic improv troupe, Instant Laughter, takes the stage performing scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions. Admission: $15 at the door. All proceeds benefit Elon’s theatre arts program.
Wednesday, October 29
Diwali Celebration
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center | 5:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life
The Hindu festival of lights commemorates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Experience Elon’s holiday celebration through traditional food, dance, songs and stories from students, faculty, staff and community members.
Wednesday, October 29
Elon Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert
Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.
Directed by Dr. Daniel Hartung and Alex Richard
Sponsored by the Department of Music
Featuring the music of contemporary composers, the Percussion Ensemble fall concert includes a variety of musical styles played on both traditional and “found object” instruments.
Thursday, October 30
Sarah Imhoff, “Can You Hear the Shofar? Disability and Religion”
McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 5 p.m.
The Shelton Smith and Carole F. Chase Lecture in Religious Studies
Friday-Sunday, October 31-November 2
Thursday-Saturday, November 6-8
Department of Performing Arts presents
by Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin, Craig Lucas
McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. and
Nov. 2 and 8 at 2 p.m.
Directed by Alexandra Joye Warren, Choreographed by Courtney Liu, Music Direction by Chris Rayis
Set in the French capital in the wake of World War II, “An American in Paris” tells the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl, and an indomitable European city – each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of international conflict. Inspired by the Academy-Award winning 1951 film, the new stage musical features a ravishing score by George and Ira Gershwin and a fresh, sophisticated book by Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas. The show’s timeless musical numbers include “I Got Rhythm,” “S’Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” “The Man I Love,” “Shall We Dance?” and “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise.” Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets available beginning October 10 at ElonTickets.com.