Convos Stories

January 6, 2015

“Ballroom with a Twist” performance at Purdue canceled

Purdue Convocations announced on Tuesday (January 6) the cancellation of the “Ballroom with a Twist” performance. The performance was originally scheduled for February 13 in Elliott Hall of Music. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Purdue date of “Ballroom with a...

December 22, 2014

Lightwire Theater brings new life to a pair of classic tales

Last week, New Orleans based Lightwire Theater performed in the series finale of truTV’s new competition series, Fake Off against three other teams for the grand prize of $100,000. When Lightwire Theater’s 1970’s decade challenge was revealed, “We were excited,”...

December 17, 2014

South Newton Middle School students make meaningful (arts) connections

At South Newton Middle School, a figure on hands and knees climbs a length of wood, approaching two people holding hands and another pair with arms outstretched in victory. The crowd gathered around erupts in applause and cheers—but what they...

December 10, 2014

Meet David Licht who plays drums in The Klezmatics

December 10, 2014

Meet Lorin Sklamberg who plays accordion, guitar, piano, and lead vocals in The Klezmatics

The legendary music critic Robert Christgau has described Lorin Sklamberg’s voice as “transcendent, ethereal and sensual,” while a writer for Folkworld gushed that the Klezmatics’ frontman “brings tears into my eyes with his fabulous way of singing.” Since he co-founded...

December 9, 2014

Meet Paul Morrissett who plays bass and tsimbl in The Klezmatics

When he’s not busy with the Klezmatics, Paul Morrissett—who has been with the group since their first album—spends much of his time fiddling for dances. “I love dance fiddle,” he says. “When people are dancing in front of the Klezmatics,...

December 9, 2014

Meet Lisa Gutkin who plays violin and vocals in The Klezmatics

Lisa Gutkin is the most recent full-time addition to the Klezmatics, having joined the band on violin and vocals with 2002’s Rise Up! Shteyt Oyf! album. She was brought to the group via early recruit Matt Darriau when the two musicians were...

December 8, 2014

Meet Matt Darriau who plays woodwinds in The Klezmatics

Matt Darriau has contributed to the Klezmatics’ music ever since they released their debut album, Shvaygn =Toyt (Silence = Death), in 1988, but it wasn’t until 1995 that he became an official member, just in time for their fourth release, Possessed. Matt’s full...

December 7, 2014

Theme Gift Idea #6: April Brings The Avett Brothers

Stuck for a gift? Look no further than The Avett Brothers themed idea this holiday season. Grab a copy of their latest album "Magpie and the Dandelion," some framed lyric art, and two tickets to An Evening with The Avett Brothers. The...

December 6, 2014

Who are The Klezmatics?

The Klezmatics will perform "Happy Joyous Hanukkah" on December 13 in Loeb Playhouse. Since their emergence more than 25 years ago, the Klezmatics have raised the bar for Eastern European Jewish music, made aesthetically, politically and musically interesting recordings, inspired future...

December 6, 2014

Theme Gift Idea #8: Family Fun with Tortoise and the Hare and Ugly Duckling

This holiday season, give the gift of an experience to the children in your life. Wrap up some copies of The Tortoise and the Hare and The Ugly Duckling, along with a rubber ducky and a pair of tickets to...

December 6, 2014

Theme Gift Idea #7: Twist and Shout with Ballroom with a Twist

  Here's the perfect gift idea for a date night out with your sweetheart. Buy some dance lessons and voice lessons for your partner and grab a pair of “Ballroom with a Twist” tickets for the February 13 show at Purdue....