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GREETINGS! The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Kutztown University is proud of its innovative programs in the creative arts and music, and we are pleased to contribute to the lineup listed in this brochure. We are a diverse community composed of musicians, artists and scholars from around the world dedicated to melding passion with creative exploration. One of my primary goals as the Dean is to support the imaginative journeys of our students. They are future leaders in art, design, media, cinema, music, and communication. They experience a pioneering learning environment at KU dedicated to innovation and discovery, and important to their growth is firsthand experience with the performing and visual arts. Our college community thrives because our students, faculty, and staff passionately contribute to the vibrancy of the university through a diversity of creative avenues. This brochure is testament to our desire to put into practice our passion for the arts and music. We are proud that our performances, exhibitions, workshops, and other activities make a noteworthy contribution to Kutztown University and the community at large. I look forward to seeing you at KU! Cordially, Dr. Bradley Shope Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts All last season, I consistently saw a trend of many long-time patrons returning to our performances, their first since 2020. Additionally, we welcomed an incredible number of new audience members who have never been to a KU Presents! show previously, making our audiences more diverse and representative of our whole community. It is so rewarding to enter Schaeffer Auditorium as individuals from different walks of life and depart together as a unified audience, and this coming season promises to bring us our biggest audiences since the pandemic. I am also excited to see a revitalized KU Arts Society take off under new leadership. They are energized to continue the P.L.A.Y. initiative, which offers K-12 school districts in our region free, professional arts engagement experiences, and commit to making the KU Arts Hall of Fame a reality. The organization is already off to a great start, and I cannot wait to see how it grows over the next weeks and months. Our wonderful audiences are eager to attend the wide variety of exceptional shows scheduled this coming season, and I cannot wait to experience this year’s offerings with each of you. I am super-excited to share the diverse lineup of genres and styles, including comedy, classical, country, rock, Broadway, jazz, and more, knowing every artist and group coming to Kutztown represents excellence. Be sure to invite your family, friends, and neighbors because no one should miss-out on this spectacular season! See you at Schaeffer! Best, Bryan Zellmer Director, KU Presents! Executive Director, Kutztown University Arts Society
TABLE OF CONTENTS KU Presents! 2 Arts Society 7 College of VPA 8 Mallet Center 10 Heritage Center 11 Student Events 12 Ticket Information 13
2024-2025 SEASON All Performances in Schaeffer Auditorium. Performing Artists Series at 7:30 p.m. Family Series at 2:00 p.m. www.KUPresents.org /KUPresents /kupresents Subscribe by July 31 and get the same great seat to the full season. Seven Performing Artists Series performances for just $225. Three Family Series performances for just $45. Tickets to individual performances available beginning August 1. *KU Faculty, Staff and Student prices available beginning August 28. Subscribe & Save Subscribe to either KU Presents! series and enjoy a host of exclusive BENEFITS: Save over single ticket prices. Receive a discount off all additional single tickets. Invitations to special VIP events. Receive the same seats to each performance if you subscribe by July 31. Receive advance notice of next season, and reserve your seats before the series is announced to the public. Prompt replacement of lost tickets. KU Presents! IS UNDERWRITTEN IN PART BY: 2 | KU Presents!
Shamilton! The Improvised Parody Musical! Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. Ever heard of the show Hamilton? Shamilton is just like that, but (ahem) better! It’s improvised storytelling, stunning choreography, and powerhouse singing... made up on the spot from your suggestions. Join members of famed musical improv group Baby Wants Candy as they create an epic musical from thin air, based on a historical celebrity of your choosing- from Genghis Khan to Kim Kardashian. It’s the show Lin-Manuel Miranda calls “cease and desist!” Tickets: $35; $31 for Seniors & Non-KU Students. Hilarious Musical Improv Don’t Stop Believin’ The Journey Tribute by E5C4P3 Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. The legendary American arena rock sound of Journey will fill Schaeffer Auditorium as tribute band E5C4P3 covers the music with note-for-note accuracy and the high-energy excitement of a real 80’s Journey concert. Band founder Jason Kelty, a Steve Perry impersonator extraordinaire, provides the spot-on lead vocals as they faithfully perform all the greatest hits of their 25 platinum albums. Tickets: $35; $31 for Seniors & Non-KU Students. Essence of 80’s Journey An Evening of Fortepiano featuring Haydn’s Concerto in D major by Fortepianist Daniel Adam Maltz Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. Experience works by Mozart and Beethoven as they were originally composed and performed on the fortepiano, the modern-day piano’s predecessor. Vienna-based musician, Daniel Adam Maltz, has been dubbed Master of Viennese Classicism, and he’ll take the audience on a delightful 18th-century musical tour, culminating with an extraordinary performance of Haydn’s Concerto in D major with the KU Orchestra. Tickets: $35; $31 for Seniors & Non-KU Students. Marvelous & Sincere Artist PERFORMING ARTISTS SERIES The Arts 2024-2025 | 3
Mandy Gonzalez Home for the Holidays featuring KU Choir & Berks Youth Chorus Friday, December 6, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. Mandy Gonzalez possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. Starring on Broadway in HAMILTON as Angelica Schuyler and Elphaba in WICKED , she is perhaps best known for creating the role of Nina Rosario in the LinManuel Miranda musical IN THE HEIGHTS. Home for the Holidays features all-time favorite seasonal songs as only Mandy Gonzales can deliver. Paired with the voices of the KU Choir and Berks Youth Chorus, this musical journey is a vibrant celebration of diversity, identity, friendship, and the universal power of music to unite us all. Tickets: $56; $48 for Seniors & Non-KU Students. Powerful and Versatile Contemporary Voice Barron Ryan Trio There Arises Light (in the Darkness) Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. Influenced by artists from Chopin to Michael Jackson, Barron Ryan, a pianist and composer from Tulsa, Oklahoma was commissioned by his home City to commemorate the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Inspired by a survivor’s account, Ryan’s three movements are based on Psalms 88 and 89: “My Soul Is Full of Troubles,” “Unto Thee Have I Cried,” and ending in victory with “The Heavens Shall Praise Thy Wonders.” Tickets: $35; $31 for Seniors & Non-KU Students. Classic Meets Cool PERFORMING ARTISTS SERIES 4 | KU Presents!
Texas BBQ in the Little Theatre at 6:00 p.m. | Tickets $30 Through the Years with The Kenny Rogers Band featuring Don Gatlin Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. This is not a tribute band but THE band that supported Kenny Rogers for over 40 years. They will play the songs and tell the tales they shared first-hand Through the Years. Don Gatlin, dynamic country singer, songwriter, collaborator, and friend of Kenny Rogers, fronts the band singing all the mega-hits and fan favorites. Tickets: $48; $43 for Seniors & Non-KU Students. Country Music History Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report with very special guest Peter Erskine Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. Renowned for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, two-time GRAMMY winner Kurt Elling’s voice is instantly recognizable. This celebration of Weather Report, one of instrumental jazz’s great supergroups, will include estate-approved lyrics and special arrangements by Elling. Joined by GRAMMY winning drummer and Weather Report alumnus Peter Erskine, this is sure to be an epic evening for all. Tickets: $56; $48 for Seniors & Non-KU Students. GRAMMY Winning Jazz PERFORMING ARTISTS SERIES The Arts 2024-2025 | 5
Pinkalicious the Musical Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 2:00 p.m. Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes and she lands at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out how to get out of this predicament. Based on the New York Times bestselling children’s book series. Tickets: $20 for all ages. Children’s Book on Stage Puppy Pals LIVE! Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. Sit, Stay, and get ready for a howling good time! Full of canine stunts and laugh-out-loud canine comedy it is no surprise this show has been a hit all over America! Tickets: $20 for all ages. Comedic Stunt Dog Show Bill Blagg Family Magic Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. One of a kind theatrical magic and never-before-seen illusions: instantly teleporting across theaters, squishing his body from 6 feet to 6 inches tall, passing through the blades of an industrial fan, and much more! Tickets: $20 for all ages. Top Touring Illusionist FAMILY SERIES 6 | KU Presents!
ARTS SOCIETY PROMOTING THE LOVE OF ARTS IN YOUTH PROMOTING THE LOVE OF ARTS IN YOUTH The Kutztown University Arts Society promotes and creates meaningful arts engagement opportunities between the campus community and the greater community-at-large through programs, events, and educational outreach. Its P.LA.Y. initiative, an acronym for “Promoting the Love of Arts in Youth,” brings K-12 students to campus to experience both visual and performing arts at no cost to the students or school districts. Thanks to generous donors, nearly 6,000 K-12 students experienced the arts at Kutztown University. Through your support, KUAS provided master classes, on-stage KU Presents! performances, and Summer Art Camps for students entering grades 1 through 9. We ask for your support so that we may continue providing these priceless opportunities. The arts shape who we are and can extend opportunities in a myriad of ways. Art has the power to transform, illuminate, educate, inspire, and motivate. While we have made great strides, KUAS still has much to accomplish. We hope you will consider supporting KUAS so that together we can continue to transform the lives of our area’s youth. To learn more about the KU Arts Society, support their initiatives and offerings, please visit www.KutztownArts.org. Pinkalicious the Musical Monday, November 18, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. | Schaeffer Auditorium Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes and she lands at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out how to get out of this predicament. Based on the favorite children’s book series. Puppy Pals LIVE! Monday, February 3, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. | Schaeffer Auditorium Sit, stay, and get ready for a howling good time! Full of canine stunts and laugh-outloud canine comedy it is no surprise this show has been a hit all over America! Scholastic Art Awards – East Central Pennsylvania Region Exhibit in the Miller Gallery | February 8 - 23, 2025 Awards Ceremony in Schaeffer Auditorium: Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. If you are a teacher, school administrator, or homeschool organizer who would like to participate, please contact Sandy Green, Community Liaison at sagreen@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4890. kuf.org/arts-society /KUArtsSociety /kuartssociety Kutztown Arts Society | 7
COLLEGE OF VPA MARLIN & REGINA MILLER GALLERY Sharadin Arts Building kutztown.edu/millerartgallery /KUMillerArtGallery /millerartgallery_kutztown Artist in Residence and Site Specific Installation: “Control” by Owen Lowery Opening: Thursday, October 10, 2024 | Reception: 2:00 p.m. Artist Talk: Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. – Sharadin 120 Exhibition: October 16 - December 1, 2024 The Miller Gallery is excited to present “Control” by Owen Lowery, a fully immersive interactive projected environment - altered visually, sonically, and atmospherically by the collective impact of our visitors. Lowery is a Pittsburgh based interactive artist with a mission to create situations that foster intrinsic curiosity in children and adults alike. Owen prioritizes Universal Design in his work, hoping that all people—regardless of age, height, ability, or disability—may engage in art in a meaningful way. Owen Lowery will be on campus creating this installation with students from September 16 through October 10. East Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition: February 8-23, 2025 Awards Ceremony in Schaeffer Auditorium: Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Kutztown University is now the home to the East Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Awards, the longest running most prestigious awards program in the country for students in grades 7-12. Students and teachers in Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon Counties can apply and win awards at the local level, top regional winners go on to compete at the National Level with winners exhibiting in NYC with a ceremony at Carnegie Hall. All Scholastic events are open to the public. Deadline to submit artwork for juried awards: December 20, 2024 Visit: artandwriting.org/regions/PA008A KU Senior Exhibitions featuring artwork from our BFA Graduates Communication Design: March 29 - April 6, 2025 | Reception: Sunday March 30 at 2:00 p.m. Animated Arts: April 12-19, 2025 | Reception: Sunday April 13 at 2:00 p.m. Art Education: April 26 - May 4, 2025 | Reception: April 27 at 2:00 p.m. Art: May 10-16, 2025 | Reception: May 11 at 2:00 p.m. Best of 2025 June 2 - August 1, 2025 Featuring select artwork from all four art departments. Kids Art Camps! June - July 2025 Join us for a summer filled with creative exploration, art making, and adventure! Each weeklong program is open to campers entering grades 1-9. Campers get to study textiles, ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, drawing and painting in these full day week-long camps taught by KU alumni and assisted by KU art students. Enrollment opens in March. kutztown.edu/summerartcamp All exhibits presented in the Marlin and Regina Miller Gallery in the Sharadin Arts Building. 8 | College of VPA
ART EDUCATION DEPARTMENT /KutztownArtEd 85th Annual Art Education Conference Social Change at the Intersections of Art/Education Friday, November 22, 2024 at 8 a.m. | MSU Theatre Lobby The conference will highlight scholarship and creative works cemented in social justice practice. As artist, educators and researchers, we confront oppressions as integral to contemporary relevancy. Social change and art/education are both a concept and an action intersecting narrative, symbols, and imagination. We breathe them into being in the world through art education. Registration: $80; $40 for current Grad Students MUSIC DEPARTMENT Orchestra Concerts Thursday, October 10, 2024 Thursday, November 7, 2024 with KU Presents!* Saturday, December 7, 2024 Thursday, March 13, 2025 Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. with KU Choir Choir Concerts Friday, November 15, 2024 in the Georgian Room Friday, December 6, 2024 with KU Presents!* Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. with KU Orchestra Concert Band Friday, October 18, 2024 Saturday, December 1, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. Wind Ensemble Performances Friday, March 7, 2025 Friday, May 2, 2025 Other Events Latin Ensemble Thursday, November 14, 2024 Rock I Ensemble Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Thursday, May 1, 2025 Chamber Players Recital Monday, November 25, 2024 | Georgian Room Jazz I Ensemble Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Thursday, May 8, 2025 Department of Music Holiday Concert Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. PA Intercollegiate Honor Band Saturday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Piano Palooza Monday, May 5, 2025 *tickets required for these events kutztown.edu/music /kutztownumusic /kutztownumusic All performances at 7:30 p.m. in Schaeffer Auditorium unless otherwise noted. COLLEGE OF VPA The Arts 2024-2025 | 9
WELLS-RAPP CENTER WELLS-RAPP CENTER for Mallet Percussion Research The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research (WRCMPR) at Kutztown University is dedicated to serving a broad community that encompasses the local region to enthusiasts, artists, and scholars from around the world as a comprehensive resource and leading institution in the preservation, education, presentation, and advancement of the mallet percussion art form. By providing access to rare instruments, music, recordings, films, and related historical ephemera and artifacts, collaborating with and presenting performances and presentations by notable arists, partnering with other arts institutions and museums through targeted outreach programs, curating historically diverse and thorough exhibits, and providing a robust archive, digital and on-site, for scholars and students to explore, WRCMPR will enrich the cultural history of Berks County and beyond for years to come. Tickets for paid events will be available September 1. 2024-2025 Season Highlights September 2024 Tachoir Duo (vibraphone and piano) October 2024 Frank Kumor, members of the Tambor Fantasmas Quartet and the KU Percussion Ensemble November 2024 “Celebrate! Vibraphone and Xylophone” with Jonathan Silva (vibraphone) and Heather Thorn (xylophone) February 2025 Marimba soloists Payton MacDonald and Weichen Lin, and the KU Percussion Ensemble March 2025 Vibraphone soloist Pauline Roberts and the KU Percussion Ensemble April 2025 Xylophone soloist Nick White May 2025 Vibraphone Project Festival kucmpr.org /wellsrappcmpr /ku.cmpr 10 | Wells-Rapp Center
PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN Cultural Heritage Center www.pagerman.org /pgchc Heemet Fescht Saturday, September 21 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Indulge your interest in regional folk culture at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center’s Heemet Fescht: a celebration of the harvest and Pennsylvania Dutch farm life. Heemet Fescht is a free, fun, and educational event for the whole family, with live music in the barnyard, traditional arts, barn star painting, folklife demonstrations, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and children’s crafts. Heemet (pronounced HAY-met), means “home” in Pennsylvania Dutch. Christmas on the Farm Saturday,December 7 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas, featuring visits from the Belsnickel, traditional music, kids activities, folklife demonstrations, artisans, and seasonal activities. This event is free to the public, and fun for the whole family. Easter on the Farm Saturday, April 12 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Celebrate the Easter traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Kids crafts, egg hunts, hearth cooking, demonstrations, artisans, and more! This event is free to the public, and fun for the whole family. Visit us at www.facebook.com/pgchc or www.pagerman.org for the most up-to-date information! Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center | 11
STUDENT EVENTS THE KUTZTOWN PIPE BAND Preserving the Tradition Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Schaeffer Auditorium A free presentation by the Kutztown Pipe Band, celebrating Scottish heritage and tradition. Experience the stirring melodies and rich culture of the Great Highland Bagpipes in this immersive musical and educational journey appropriate for all ages; featuring audience participation and prizes!! No tickets or reservations required. Bring the whole family. GOLDEN BEAR DANCE COMPANY Fall 2025 Showcase Sunday, November 10, 2024 Performance Starts at 3:00 p.m. | Doors Open at 2:15 p.m. Schaeffer Auditorium Golden Bear Dance Company is the on-campus dance studio that showcases students performing numbers they worked on all semester. The fall showcase theme will be announced soon! ACTORS CREATING THEATER Actors Creating Theater (ACT) is a completely student run and funded theater club on campus. They put on multiple performances throughout the year. Watch for their show announcements! 12 | Student Events
ORDER TICKETS NOW! The Kutztown University Box Office housed under KU Presents! offers tickets for events across campus. Whether you are looking for music, dance, athletics, or departmental conference, we can help. ONLINE at kutztown.universitytickets.com BY PHONE at 610-683-4092. When classes are in session, office hours are Tuesday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. IN PERSON By appointment during office hours. Tickets may also be purchased at the Schaeffer Auditorium Box Office one hour before the performance (subject to availability). When Ordering Tickets, Remember: • All children, regardless of age, must have their own ticket and be accompanied by an adult. • Student prices apply to anyone 17 and younger, as well as full time college students. • Senior pricing available to those 65 and older. • Phone and online orders include convenience and handling fees. • KU Students, Faculty and Staff can access discounted or free event tickets by using their KU log in when registering on the ticketing website. • When ordering tickets, please indicate if you have special seating needs (assistive listening devices also available for some events). • All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges unless the event is canceled. • All programs, artists, ticket prices, dates, and times subject to change. Plan your visit with helpful information and updates found at www.KUPresents.org SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS The Arts 2024-2025 | 13
P.O. Box 730 | Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-4092 If you receive more than one copy of this brochure, please share it with friends, and let us know of the duplication. www.KUPresents.org
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