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.

December 8, 2016

Calmus Program Notes

William Shakespeare, one of the most shining – and miraculous – figures in the history of all literature, died 400 years ago in 1616. Despite Shakespeare’s universal appeal, there still remains some debate even today about the authenticity of his...

December 2, 2016

Your Generosity Makes our Season Bright

Make your end of year gift to Purdue Convocations before December 31, 2016 so that we may continue to bring world-class arts, culture, and ideas to Purdue.


November 23, 2016

Thanksgiving Family Jams Playlist

Here are 10 modern music families to listen to for the perfect Thanksgiving family playlist


November 15, 2016

Inon Barnatan to perform on Purdue’s Steinway D concert grand

Pianist Inon Barnatan will perform at Purdue’s Loeb Playhouse Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 PM.


November 11, 2016

Program: Inon Barnatan

The pianist has studied alongside some of the 20th century’s most distinguished instructors and will present Brahms’ “Chaconne,” “Handel Variations,” and more.


November 4, 2016

Podcast: Mavis Staples Pre-Show Discussion

James Dekle, Purdue Black Cultural Center Artist-in-Residence, discussed Mavis Staples and her influence on gospel music and civil rights.


November 4, 2016

Folk music sheds light on Great Depression in Kannapolis

Jenny Scheinman’s Kannapolis presents Depression-era America as an intricate assembly of different fabrics woven into a beautiful pattern of personalities, passions, and perspectives.


October 28, 2016

Mavis Staples has crossed musical genres for 60 years

Mavis Staples is living, breathing history. She has crossed the genres of gospel, soul, folk, pop, R&B, blues, rock— even hip hop—over the better part of the last 60 years. Her latest project-“Livin’ on a High Note”–continues that crossover with M. Ward, Neko Case, Aloe Blacc, Nick Cave, Ben Harper, and more.


October 24, 2016

LISTEN: Sullivan Fortner & Friends Pre-Show Discussion

Music educator Judd Danby & Don Seybold, host of WBAA’s Inside Jazz, led a pre-show discussion before Sullivan Fortner & Friends. Listen to the podcast.


October 18, 2016

Judgment at Nuremberg Pre-Show Discussion

Purdue Faculty experts discussed the social, historical, and political questions surrounding the Nuremberg Trials.


October 17, 2016

World Food Prize Laureate Catherine Bertini to speak at Purdue

Catherine Bertini will join Purdue President Mitch Daniels for an in-depth discussion on global food security during the Presidential Lecture Series.


October 11, 2016

Get to know jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner

Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz winner Sullivan Fortner started playing piano at age 7 and has worked with the Marsalis family, Stefon Harris, & Roy Hargrove.