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Live Music, Broadway, Theatre, and Ideas at Purdue University

February 17, 2017

How to Get Power

WHAT I BELIEVE IS ALWAYS TRUE ABOUT POWER IS THAT POWER ALWAYS REVEALS. —Robert Caro, Lyndon Baines Johnson biographer This essay by Michael J. Kramer was originally published by Purdue Convocations in Spring 2016. Lyndon Baines Johnson was an imposing man....
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February 13, 2017

Donny McCaslin accepts “Blackstar” GRAMMYs on behalf of David Bowie

David Bowie’s Blackstar swept all five of its nominations at the 2017 GRAMMYs last night in Los Angeles. Donny McCaslin Quartet performs at Purdue April 6.

David Bowie's Blackstar swept all five of its nominations at the 2017 GRAMMYs last night in Los Angeles. Donny McCaslin, saxophonist on Bowie's final opus, graciously accepted the posthumous awards on behalf of the rocker. Blackstar GRAMMY awards Blackstar, a collaboration...
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February 8, 2017

St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra Program Notes

Program notes for the March 2, 2017 performance: Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor with guest soloist Nikolai Lugansky.

Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 (1858) by Johannes Brahms (Hamburg, 1833 – Vienna, 1897) I have always thought that some day, one would be bound suddenly to appear, one called to articulate in ideal form the...
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February 7, 2017

Not just for dance fans, ‘Power Goes’ explores LBJ’s presidential power

The Chicago-based dance company explores the concept of “power” itself, using former president Lyndon B. Johnson’s policies as an unlikely backdrop.

“Power is where power goes.” These five words were an ethos for Lyndon B. Johnson—one of America’s most contentious presidents but also a champion of progressive change for the public good. Those five words are also a springboard for Power...
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February 2, 2017

St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra to Perform at Purdue March 2

The orchestra returns to Purdue with guest soloist Nikolai Lugansky, who has been among Russia’s most preeminent pianists for nearly 30 years.

The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra is Russia’s longest-running orchestra and a global ambassador for its rich tapestry of symphonic treasures. Originally commissioned as a private ensemble in 1882 by Alexander III, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra has flourished into a...
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January 27, 2017

Mamma Mia! The Ultimate Feel Good Show

The 10th anniversary farewell tour is back one last time. Relive ABBA’s hits in this feel-good show featuring “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and more.

Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. On this 10th anniversary tour, it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines...
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January 27, 2017

‘Pete the Cat’ comes to life on stage Feb. 26

Pete the Cat is on a mission to help his friend find artistic inspiration. Join us for a musical adventure that was inspired by the popular book series!

Jimmy Biddle never strays from his routine…that is until the groovy, blue Pete the Cat moves in with the Biddles for the summer. Can cat and boy ever be friends? When Jimmy draws a blank during art class, Pete—who never...
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January 25, 2017

Organist Clark Wilson brings sound to “Safety Last!”

Biography of organist Clark Wilson, who will bring sound to the 1923 silent film era classic “Safety Last!” at The Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Clark Wilson is one of the most prominent and recognized scorers of silent photoplays in America today. He works exclusively with the Organ in developing accurate and historic musical accompaniments as they were performed in major picture palaces during the...
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January 24, 2017

Todd Wetzel named Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life

Todd Wetzel named Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life
Continues role as Executive Director, Purdue Convocations

West Lafayette, IN – Dr. Beth McCuskey, Vice Provost for Student Life has announced that, after a successfully completed search, Todd Wetzel has been named Assistant Vice-Provost for Student Life at Purdue University. In this role, Todd will continue to...
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January 20, 2017

Jazz Meets Artificial Intelligence in this FREE Engagement

Building off ideas and collaborating equally, the robot marimba player listens to bandmates live to present original compositions influenced by jazz & hip-hop.

The topic of improvisation immediately calls to mind the powerful and singular vision of many great artists. Thelonious Monk’s angular chords and spacious riffs, John Coltrane’s flurried “sheets of sound,” or Joshua Bell’s powerfully melodic cadenzas are ready examples. Regardless...
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January 11, 2017

The First-Rate Follies of ‘Safety Last!’

Instead of exaggerating society’s eccentricities (however memorably), Harold Lloyd distinguished himself from silent-film peers Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton by embracing everyday matters of his era and audience.

By Nick Rogers Instead of exaggerating society’s eccentricities (however memorably), Harold Lloyd distinguished himself from silent-film peers Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton by embracing everyday matters of his era and audience. Lloyd’s clear-eyed optimism contrasted Chaplin’s stories of downtrodden sorrow,...
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December 30, 2016

Safety Last!

A treasure of the silent-film era, the 1923 classic will be screened in an historic movie house with accompaniment from Clark Wilson on the Mighty Wurlitzer.

Silent film icon Harold Lloyd used physical humor to create awe-inspiring spectacles—truly treacherous feats of derring-do for him and his stuntmen that left audiences gasping in nervous delight. But Lloyd also understood the perils of unrealized potential and the deadliness...
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