Jeffrey Brown from PBS NewsHour and cellist and humanitarian Yo-Yo Ma sit on stage in chairs having a discussion, microphones in hand. Large panels display scenic images of Purdue University, highlighting Purdue Convocations. The stage is simply decorated, with cords and a small table between them.

Convos Stories

The most inspiring arts and culture stories from Purdue Convocations.

October 30, 2012

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart

 In storytelling—that most misused of arts—horses absolutely must not go in front of carts.A ballad starts where a ballad starts and this is the start of Prudencia Hart’s.  The National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) lives in a curious place. They...

October 2, 2012

A Prescription for feeling good, in a convenient capsule (review)

Album Review: The Healer / Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio By Todd Wetzel, director of Purdue Convocations  The legendary jazz-groove organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith, just released a stellar new album, The Healer, this past summer and, if you’ll excuse the pun, it’s...

September 24, 2012

Buddy Guy greeted me at Wal-Mart?!?

I’ve got some great news for Buddy Guy fans from the most unlikely of places. About two weeks ago, in a half-hearted scan through the budget CD bins at the West Side Wal-Mart, I spied a gem lurking next to...

August 28, 2012

Welcome to the 2012-2013 season!

The next time you attend a performance, the lights will dim, and you will welcome an artist into your presence. I hope your anticipation is as great as mine. We’ve worked for well more than a year to connect you...