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September 2014 Calendar of Events: JMU

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jamesmadisonlogopurplepcSeptember 2014 Calendar of Events
James Madison University
Office of Public Affairs
(Check http://www.jmu.edu for updates on events at JMU)

Sept. 1-Dec. 16: Seventh Annual Area Youth Art Exhibition, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Memorial Hall first and second floors: More than 120 works of art created by students from Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Eastern Mennonite School, Redeemer Classical School and Woodland Montessori School showcase creativity and talent. Area art teachers select some of their prekindergarten through high school students’ best work for this open exhibition, which includes a wide range of media. Supported by JMU’s College of Education. Free. For more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/coe/aayae2014.shtml.

Sept. 1-Oct. 31: Walk-Up Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Shop from the entire greenhouse inventory of natives, perennials, shrubs and trees, by advance appointment only, with $50 minimum purchased required. Call (540) 568-3194, or visit the arboretum website to make an appointment http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum/index.html.

Sept. 1-Oct. 10: Wole Lagunju Exhibition, noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art: Wole Lagunju hails from Nigeria and now lives in North Carolina. His works are in the collection of institutions such as the World Bank and the Denver Art Museum as well as the image bank of the Pollack-Krasner Foundation. Lagunju, a lavish user of paint, uses acrylic liberally to fuse on canvas tradition and modernity, Yoruba icons unite with Euro-American iconic images, and modernity is defined by his Afro-diasporic sensibilities. Time collapses as Lagunju merges images from the Victorian era with Yoruba Gelede to create intriguing paintings, and as pop-culture becomes bedfellows with archetypal imagery in his kaleidoscopic works. Such genre-bending works speak to the notions of identity, gender, power, and difference. They also generate conversations about multiculturalism, globalization and transcultural ethos. For information, call (540) 568-6918.

Sept. 5-6: Christopher K. Morgan & Artists – Headlining the New Dance Festival, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Christopher K. Morgan founded his professional contemporary dance company in 2011, the same year Dance Magazine named him “one of the six breakout choreographers in the United States.” This year’s festival features new works by Christopher K. Morgan & Artists and JMU’s award-winning dance faculty members. For tickets and further information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/events/2014/09/05-christopher-morgan.shtml.

Sept. 8-Oct. 10: Martyr of Dixie Exhibition, noon-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, New Image Gallery, 131 Grace St.: The gallery presents the Martyr of Dixie Exhibition featuring Artist Pat Jarrett. A religious zealot who led an inferior army to victory against the United States, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson did not live to lose the Civil War. He was martyred by friendly fire while on patrol during the battle of Chancellorsville. Because he died at the height of his career, he is remembered more fondly than almost any figure in the Civil War in the South. From the myth that he enjoyed sucking on lemons in battle to the headstone for his amputated left arm, Jackson’s legacy lives on today. The Stonewall Brigade Band still plays at the bandstand of the same name in Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park and hundreds still march to honor the man during Lee-Jackson Day festivities in Lexington every year. Pat Jarrett is a photographer and digital media specialist with the Virginia Folklife Program, so he typically shoots with one eye toward the past. He uses digital photography and printing to create the photographs. His project about stonewall jackson is still in progress. Opening reception Sept. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery. For information, call (540) 568-7175.

Sept. 9-Oct. 31: The Art of the Puppet, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment, Institute for Visual Studies, Room 208, Roop Hall: This exhibition explores the art of both puppet making and performance. Visitors will see a range of puppets including marionettes and shadow puppets, and have the chance to create their own. Opening reception Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. in the institute. For information, call (540) 568-5656.

Sept. 9: Storytime in the Understory, 11 a.m.-noon, Jurney Stage Garden, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum (rain location: Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum): Young story enthusiasts will develop an understanding of the importance of nature from children’s literature selections. Bring a picnic blanket and picnic lunch for after story time and plan to explore miles of arboretum trails. No advance registration is needed. For information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum or call (540) 568-3194. Free.

Sept. 12: EMERGENCY written and performed by Daniel Beaty, 8 p.m., Concert Hall: Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: “The most important new American drama since ‘Angels in America’” – NYTHEATRE.COM. A slave ship emerges in front of the Statue of Liberty sending New York City into a whirlwind of emotion in Daniel Beaty’s explosive, solo tour-de-force featuring slam poetry, multi-character transformation and song. One of the most acclaimed new playwrights and performers of our time, Beaty portrays a cast of 40 characters who all respond to the unexpected phenomenon. Through the characters’ individual responses to this surreal happening and their varied testimonies on identity and personal freedom, EMERGENCY weaves a stirring commentary on what it is to be human and the longing to be free. Adult content and language. For tickets and further information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/events/2014/09/12-daniel-beaty-emergency.shtml.

Sept. 15-Oct. 3: Celebrating Furious Flower Exhibit, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, James and Gladys Kemp Lisanby Museum, Room 1108, Festival Conference and Student Center: Celebrating Furious Flower and the Art of Malaika Favorite Exhibit. Curated by Dr. Maureen Shanahan. For information, call (540) 568-5577.

Sept. 15: Denson Paul Pollard, bass trombone, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: A bass/tenor trombonist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Denson Paul Pollard has played in solo recitals all over the world and has performed with numerous shows, including tours of the revival of “Showboat” and the off-Broadway touring production of “Annie.” For tickets and further information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/events/2014/09/15-denson-paul-pollard.shtml.

Sept. 22-26: International Week at JMU. The Office of International Programs-sponsored week focuses on the theme “One World, Many Stories.” The opening festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, with an international bazaar on The Commons, featuring street vendors, a sampling of food and a cultural parade with a “performance” from noon to 1 p.m. Events throughout the week will include a debate, a musical concert featuring JMU musicians, a study abroad fair, a photo contest and a world cup soccer tournament. For details as they become available, check http://www.jmu.edu/international/get-involved/iweek/index.shtml.

Sept. 22: Artist Lecture by Wole Lagunju, 5-6 p.m., Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Arts: Lagunju’s work is exhibited in the gallerySept. 1-Oct. 10. An exhibition reception follows the lecture from 6-7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22: Dominion Lecture Series, 7-8 p.m., Transitions, Warren Hall: “Changing Agents: Inclusive Excellence as Path to Innovation” presented by Dr. Leah P. Hollis, diversity trainer and consultant. With shifting demographics in staff, students and community, any university needs inclusive practices in leadership. Such inclusive leadership practices that embrace diversity and civility assist in maintaining a healthy environment. The keynote speech will reflect on the diversity and innovation that emerge from a culture of inclusion. The lecture will be introduced by Mrs. Mary Ann Alger and a reception will follow the lecture in the same location. For information, contact Kristi McDonnell at (540) 568-7998. Free admission.

Sept. 23-28: “How I Learned to Drive,” 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Paula Vogel’s “How I Learned to Drive” is the winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Hold onto the wheel for “a most compelling ride” through one woman’s memories of her harrowing childhood in rural Maryland in the 1960s. Through a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards, Li’l Bit shares her story of survival through an inappropriate sexual relationship initiated by her Uncle Peck during her first driving lesson. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. Contains sexual content. Parental discretion advised. For tickets and further information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/events/2014/09/23-learned-to-drive.shtml.

Sept. 24: Fusion: Poetry Voiced in Choral Song, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: A Collaborative Project with JMU’s Furious Flower Poetry Center. This uplifting choral celebration features Broadway sensation Aurelia Williams, the Morgan State University Choir directed by Eric Conway, and the JMU Madison Singers and Chorale, with original music composed by Randy Klein and based on the poetry of Margaret Walker, Michael Harper and Yusef Komunyakaa. For tickets and further information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/events/2014/09/24-fusion.shtml.

Sept. 24-27: “Seeding the Future of African American Poetry,” Furious Flower Poetry Center Conference. The conference honors Rita Dove and focuses on her generation of poets, asking the question: What’s next for black poetic expression? The conference features readings by some of the best established and emerging poets writing in the genre today. For information, check the conference website at http://FuriousFlower2014.com.

Sept. 30: JMU Wind Symphony, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Stephen P. Bolstad, is the premier woodwind, brass and percussion ensemble at JMU. The Wind Symphony is committed to performing the great works of the wind-band’s core repertoire while also exploring the best of contemporary composition. For tickets and further information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/forbescenter/events/2014/09/30-wind-symphony.shtml.

Attractions

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, open daily dawn to dusk, off University Boulevard: Contains a wide variety of trees and plants native to Virginia; call (540) 568-3194 for tours; free.

“Dressing for Education: Carrier Library’s Diamond Jubilee 1939-2014” Exhibition, open during all library hours through spring semester 2015, historic west wing of Carrier Library: Presented by JMU Libraries and Educational Technologies, the exhibition features artifacts, images and ephemera from Special Collections paired with items from the School of Theatre and Dance’s Historic Clothing Collection. Additional images provided by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society and JMU Facilities Management. Come experience campus fashion, technology and architecture circa 1939. Free.

JMU Meteorite Collection, open daily, first- and second-floor hallways, Physics and Chemistry Building: Features fragments of meteoroids that survived passage through the atmosphere to fall to the earth’s surface as masses of metal or stone; includes specimens from Diablo Canyon, Ariz., the Sahara Desert and the Central European Strewn Field; free.

Masks from Around the World Collection at the College of Education, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, lobby of War Memorial Auditorium, Memorial Hall: Featuring 50 masks, this collection was donated to the college for use by its students interested in studying the interplay between cultural ideals and masks; the collection includes masks used in performance, masks of Asia and masks of Europe; for information and to view the online gallery, see http://www.jmu.edu/coe; free.

JMU Mineral Museum, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Room 6139, Memorial Hall: The Department of Geology and Environmental Science opens its collection of over 550 crystals and gemstones from around the world to the public; for information, call (540) 568-6130; free.

JMU Libraries and Educational Technologies’ Special Collections, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and by appointment, Room 207, Carrier Library: Features manuscripts, rare books and periodicals, oral histories and other resources for study, including many acquisitions focusing on the Central Shenandoah Valley; for information, call (540) 568-3612 or send email to[email protected]; free.

John C. Wells Planetarium, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers full-dome shows and special events for the public; groups can schedule visits by calling (540) 568-4071; check the planetarium’s website at http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml for the latest information; free.

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Contributors

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