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.

A young man in a maroon jacket holding a microphone speaks on stage. Another person wearing a cap stands beside him. The man’s jacket reads “SCC Members” and “Homecoming Committee,” identifying him as David LaVanne.

February 26, 2015

Meet the Members of SCC: David LaVanne

David LaVanne Year: Junior Major: Supply Chain Management Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Theatre Design & Production Position in SCC: President Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL Favorite SCC Memory: The opportunity to spray the crowd with gallons of paint at Life In...
Grammy winning a cappella group Pentatonix

February 23, 2015

Numerous 2015 Grammy award winners have performed at Purdue

The winners of this year’s Grammy awards were announced on Sunday, February 8th. Newcomer Sam Smith took home 4 awards, Beyoncé won 3, and Beck surprised everyone with his win for “Album of the Year.” While a few new faces...

February 17, 2015

Convocations Soirée Brightens Winter Spirits

In the dark of winter, bright spots of good food, good friends, and good theater go a long way toward creating warmth when the temperatures outside are anything but! The Friends of Convocations annual Soirée managed this on a cold Tuesday...
Johannes Brahms in 1853

February 10, 2015

Why does Brahms’ Piano Trio in B Major list two dates?

At the dawn of 1854, after his soaring fortunes at age 21, Johannes Brahms set out to write Trio in B major for Piano, Violin and Cello. The trio was originally issued in November 1854 after the young Brahms experienced...
Peter and the Starcatcher: Peter and Molly

February 2, 2015

Peter Pan Prequel Has Heart and Humor

Peter and the Starcatcher For 12 actors to be able to portray 100 different characters and conjure spectacular locales with low-tech sets and props, it takes enormous talent, ingenious stagecraft, the limitless possibilities of imagination—and a trunkload of pixie dust....
Lafayette Theater marquee showing The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik during Three Stories High Theatre Festival

January 29, 2015

Three Stories High Festival Program Notes

In the spirit of a fringe theatre festival, Three Stories High featured The Cardinals by Stan’s Cafe (England), No Place to Go by Ethan Lipton and his Orchestra (New York), and The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer (Australia).


Three Stories High: Ethan Lipton, The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik, The Cardinals

January 27, 2015

What is Three Stories High Theatre Festival?

Purdue Convocations director Todd Wetzel recently discussed the Three Stories High Theatre Festival with the Purdue Exponent. Can you describe in your own words what this festival is? Todd Wetzel: This is a deliberate effort to do two things: continue...
Stan's Cafe: The Cardinals

January 27, 2015

The Cardinals by Stan’s Cafe trades fire and brimstone for humor and humanity

Three British Catholic Cardinals in crimson robes are on a mission of evangelism — touring with a puppet show of their own making that presents abbreviated, extrapolated readings of The Bible. At least that’s how it starts — in Genesis, of...
ETHEL performing with illuminated screens behind them

January 22, 2015

ETHEL’s Documerica transforms EPA photo project into multimedia feast

The imagery of EPA’s Project Documerica is the inspiration for ETHEL’s Documerica – a string quartet’s modern interpretation of the 1970s photo archive.


Timeflies logo

January 20, 2015

Timeflies to perform with Truslow at Purdue

Timeflies will perform with Truslow at Purdue University’s Elliott Hall of Music on Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. This performance is presented by the Purdue Student Concert Committee with support from the Student Fee Activities Board. Timeflies “Timeflies” formed...
Beauty and the Beast, January 20, Elliott Hall of Music

January 13, 2015

Looking into the heart of an all-new Beauty and the Beast

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, now embarked on a lavish and visually re-imagined new tour presented by NETworks, is one of best-loved of all musicals. It’s easy to understand why. Its classic story -- of a beautiful village girl, Belle,...
Ballroom with a Twist canceled

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...