Author: James Britton

Weekly Culture

Culture of the Week 10.14.19

There has been so much great music released in the last couple weeks. All-around amazing artist, Sturgill Simpson’s newest album Sound and Fury was released, along with an accompanying Netflix short film. This is worth at least two complete two...
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A close-up of a human eye, with a red triangular light overlaying the lower half of the image, evokes a dramatic and mysterious effect reminiscent of Winston Smith’s surveillance-filled world in 1984.

10 Questions with Winston Smith from 1984

By Jordan Howard For 70 years, George Orwell’s uneasily prescient novel 1984 has both unmoored readers from recognizable reality and helped them ruminate on the society they see. An influential, evocative work of fiction that’s timeless and timely, 1984 finds everyman Winston Smith unexpectedly...
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Close-up of an ancient, weathered bronze statue of Odysseus from Greek mythology, his hollow eyes seemingly filled with questions. The head is tilted and partially illuminated against a textured, blue-gray background, highlighting its aged surface.

10 Questions You’ve Always Wanted To Ask Odysseus

By Kristen Day - Marketing Intern What does it take to be a hero? According to Homer's classic work, The Odyssey, it takes more than just a cape. The epic tale follows husband and father, Odysseus, as he overcomes monsters...
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A diverse group of performers on stage raise their fists triumphantly, dressed in colorful, eclectic costumes under bright stage lights, capturing the vibrant energy of a RENT musical performance.

How Diversity Has Shaped 20 Years of RENT

On April 29, 1996, a musical opened on Broadway that looked and sounded unlike anything that had come before it. It told a powerful, moving, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story of young, impoverished New York artists who were seeking to...
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Weekly Culture

Culture of the Week (9.30.19)

Here at Purdue Convocations, we think it is important to stay updated with the latest music, lectures, and honor legends from the past. Take a look at our picks this week!   Twin Peaks’ new album, Lookout Low, was released last...
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Four men in dark suits—members of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet—stand side by side against a plain light gray background, smiling and looking in different directions, ready to share their music and Program Notes from Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Guitar Quartet Program Notes

Los Angeles Guitar Quartet John Dearman | Matthew Greif | William Kanengiser | Scott Tennant Purdue Convocations Loeb Playhouse, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN September 29, 2019 at 3PM Pat Metheny: Road to the Sun (2016) was commissioned through the...
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A woman with long wavy hair sits on a couch by a window at night, reminiscent of Margo Price’s thoughtful moments. She wears a sleeveless top, one arm resting on the couch, as a car is visible outside. The black and white image suggests an intimate Convos Q&A setting.

Convos Q&A with Margo Price

By Kristen Day Purdue Convocations is elated to kick off our 2019-2020 season with country songstress, Margo Price this Thursday in Loeb Playhouse! By now, you've definitely seen the posters, bought your tickets, and read up on the rising star....
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Four artists sit together, smiling and playing instruments like a tambourine, saxophone, and upright bass against a decorative lattice. The lively scene captures the joyful spirit of the Harlem Renaissance and Harlem 100 celebrations.

Harlem 100: Artists that Steered the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance introduced America to a new style of music, dance and a way of life. It represented expression for Civil Rights in America through the arts. Harlem 100 brings together Michael Mwenso and The Shakes, Vuyo Sotashe, Brianna...
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Two performers in white outfits re-create Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, holding up a large, colorful puppet with big yellow and green eyes on stage against a plain background.

Watch Eric Carle Re-Create The Very Hungry Caterpillar

By Kristen Day Eric Carle is known the world over for his whimsical storytelling, simplistic style, and colorful approach to everything. Chances are, it's been a few years since you've read this timeless children's tale. So, in celebration of The...
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Six people in white shirts hold large, colorful puppets—including the Very Hungry Caterpillar—by Jonathan Rockefeller, along with a bear, turtle, flamingo, fish, and beetle. All are smiling and facing the camera against a textured light gray background.

5 Questions (Mostly About Puppets) With The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Jonathan Rockefeller

Here's how Eric Carle's beloved characters come to life off-Broadway. With over 75 puppets in its stable, off-Broadway's The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a new creation appearing nearly once a minute, including bears, ducks, fireflies, a bunny, a seahorse, and, of...
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Seven people stand side by side outdoors against a greenish sky, all wearing dark jackets, with neutral or serious expressions, facing the camera—capturing the cool energy found in Novalima songs and their signature dance music style.

7 Novalima Songs to Keep You Dancing All Week

By Kristen Day Have you ever been to Peru? What about a dancefloor? Thanks to the eight-member Afro-Peruvian folk ensemble, Novalima, we're headed to both! Novalima is an eclectic mix of ancient indigenous inspiration, Afro-Latino soul, danceable rhythm, and percussive...
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Four men sit at an outdoor table with coffee cups, laughing and talking. Dressed in dark blazers, they’re surrounded by green plants and a colorful mural—an image reminiscent of the camaraderie found in the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.

This Is How The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet Channels Its Inner Romero

Joaquin Rodrigo wrote Concierto Andaluz in 1967 for the Romero Quartet, an ensemble that's known as the "The Royal Family of the Guitar." WRTI's Susan Lewis spoke with the Grammy-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, whose members were mentored by the Romeros. The...
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