February 10, 2015
Southern Illinois University Arts and Cultural Events
Feb. 16 – March 1
This weekly email brings together all the arts and cultural events happening in a two-week period at SIU Carbondale. From music to art, film to dance, guest lectures to workshops and theater, you will find the information here. In addition, event information is subject to change.
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The 37th annual Big Muddy Film Festival returns Feb. 24-March 1. It is one of the oldest student-run film festivals in the United States. This festival is a competitive event. Cash awards go to winners in a handful of categories: experimental, documentary, narrative and animation. This year’s jurors are Anna Margarita Albelo, Melika Bass, and Bob Paris. The audience determines the Audience Choice Award, and a panel of community activists awards the John Michaels Memorial Film Award.
Watch SIU Today and upcoming releases for more information.
Upcoming Events:
FEBRUARY
16 -- Black History Month: Lecture, “Awaken the Blind Eye: A Conversation on Systematic Oppression,” 5-6 p.m., Student Center, Kaskaskia/Missouri rooms. The Black Affairs Council sponsors the event.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846; or Bryon Taylor, brael.ali13@gmail.com.
17 -- Nikki Giovanni film and discussion, 6-9 p.m., Lawson Hall, Room 161. Giovanni is a poet, writer, commentator, activist and the keynote speaker for Black History Month 2015 at SIU Carbondale. This event gives the community a chance to become familiar with aspects of her work preliminary to the keynote address.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846.
17 -- Lecture: A Presentation by Katherine Scott, “Dear Senator Simon: Letters on the Clarence Thomas Nomination.” The lecture begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. Scott is assistant historian to the U.S. Senate. She will talk about letters that then-U.S. Sen. Paul Simon received from constituents regarding a highly controversial nomination and confirmation of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court in 1991.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Delio Calzolari, delio@siu.edu or 453-4001.
18 -- Black History Month: Presentation – “Black Church Women in the Civil Rights Movement,” a look at the importance of women to the civil rights movement, and how they have, as organizers and activists, served as the foundation of the movement. The discussion begins at 6 p.m. in the Student Center’s Mississippi Room. Pamela Smoot, clinical assistant professor of history and Africa studies, and coordinator of recruitment, retention and outreach for the College of Liberal Arts, leads the discussion.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846.
19 -- Lecture: Nikki Giovanni is the keynote speaker of SIU’s Black History Month 2015. She presents “Human by the Grace of God: A View of Diversity,” at 7 p.m., Shryock Auditorium. She will talk about past activism and civil rights and equality efforts in light of current events and contemporary social issues. See more details in the Spotlight of the Week section.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846.
19 -- Illinois GIS Association Regional Meeting: “Building GIS Careers and Collaborations.” GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in various locations in Morris Library. The program lineup includes experts who may be available for media interested in technology. The program includes an address from the ILGISA president and SIU alumnus Andrew Vitale; an introduction to SIU’s GIS program, a panel session about GIS careers, and GIS faculty and student research sessions. A registration fee applies for event participants. More information about the Illinois Geographic Information Systems Association is available here.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Laura Germann, felix@siu.edu or 536-3375.
20 -- Black History Month: Voices of Inspiration presents: Black History Musical, 6 p.m., Grinnell Hall, upper level.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846.
20 -- Music performance: Guest artist violinist Brandon Christensen joins Kara Benyas for an evening of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. The event is 7:30-10 p.m. in the Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact the School of Music, 536-8742.
21-22 -- Music Festival: Illinois Federation of Music Clubs, a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. The festival runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Feb. 21, and noon to 5 p.m., Feb. 22, at the Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall, and in various locations in Altgeld Hall. The IFMC hosts music festivals for its members as a way to promote music in all its forms by providing an environment in which performers can receive an educational and constructive evaluation.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Ricky Snowman, ruth_snow@yahoo.com.
21-22 -- Touch of Nature Maple Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Touch of Nature Environmental Center. This photo opportunity-rich event helps families learn about maple syrup production. They can also enjoy a tree identification hike. Tickets are available by pre-registration or at the door for the pancake/maple syrup breakfast, which is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Barbecue is available beginning at noon.
FOR THE MEDIA – Contact Scott Ferguson, tonec@siu.edu or 453-1121.
22 -- Black History Month: Voices of Inspiration presents Black History Musical, 5 p.m., Hopewell Baptist Church, 400 E. Main St., Carbondale.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846.
23 -- Black History Month: “Don’t Believe the Hype,” a presentation focused on stereotypical images of black men, and how those images can impede understanding. The presentation is 5:30-7 p.m. in Lawson Hall, room 161.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846.
23 -- Black History Month: Tunnel of Oppression, 5-9 p.m., Grinnell Hall, Activity Room A. This interactive learning experience helps participants understand oppression and injustice through a unique role-playing experience. Contact Andre Burns for an appointment. Each session is approximately 30 minutes.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Andre Burns, aburns09@siu.edu or Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740.
23 -- Seminar: A presentation by Linda Baker, member of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and former secretary of the Department of Human Services in Illinois. The presentation begins at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow at 4 p.m. The presentation is in the Student Center, Ballroom A, and the reception is the adjoining Corker Lounge.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Melinda Yeomans, myeomans1@siu.edu or 453-3740.
24 -- Pizza and Politics: Discussion with Gary Schafer, visiting assistant professor of aviation management and flight and manager, Southern Illinois Airport. 5 p.m., Paul Simon Public Policy Institute lobby. Pre-register by noon, Feb. 24, at rsvp@paulsimoninstitute.org.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Carol Greenlee at cgreenlee@siu.edu or 453-4078.
24-March 1 – 37th Annual Big Muddy Film Festival. The festival this year brings more than 80 films in a variety of genres to the SIU community. Tickets for SIU students are free. Tickets for others are available as a day pass or a week pass. Film screenings and most other events are in the Student Center or Morris Library.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Stacy Jill Calvert, stacyjill@siu.edu or 453-3785.
26 -- Black History Month: Time is Illmatic, film screening of a new documentary featuring the street poet and musician known as Nas, beginning at 7 p.m. in Lawson Hall, Room 161.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan.stephens@siu.edu or 453-3740; or Lanel Love, llove2@siu.edu or 453-4846.
26 -- Pizza and Politics: Discussion with Gloria Campos -- “Path to Politics: Illinois and the GOP -- A Republican Latina Perspective.” Campos was a Dallas-Fort Worth television news anchor for more than two decades. The event begins at 5 p.m. in the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute lobby. Pre-register by noon, Feb. 26 at rsvp@paulsimoninstitute.org.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Carol Greenlee at cgreenlee@siu.edu or 453-4078.
26 -- Darwin Week event: Science Café: “Science in the Family: Charles Darwin at Home” a presentation by Richard H. Thomas, associate professor of zoology at SIU Carbondale. This event begins at 7 p.m. at the The Science Center in University Mall.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Richard Thomas, rthomas@zoology.siu.edu or 536-7425.
26 -- Music Concert: Symphonic Band concert highlights a student and community ensemble. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Shryock Auditorium. Tickets are $12, $6 for students. SIU School of Music students attend free with SIU ID and School of Music student pass.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Christopher Morehouse, cmoreh@siu.edu or 453-2776.
26-28 -- Performance Art Double Bill: “Under the Mantle” and “Astigmatheism.” These student performances tackle difficult social issues in an entertaining and yet challenging way. “Under the Mantle” focuses on the challenges of daily life and relationships. “Astigmatheism” takes a look at religion though a critical feminist standpoint, seeking to use humor rather than scorn to approach the topic. Performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Marion Kleinau Theater in the Communications Building. Tickets are $7, student tickets, $5. Reservations are recommended, reserve tickets by calling 453-5618. Tickets are also available at the door beginning one hour before the performance begins.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Craig Gingrich-Philbrook, craiggp@siu.edu or 453-2291.
26-March 1 -- Theater production. “The Whipping Man,” at McLeod Theater, tells the story of a wounded Jewish Confederate soldier who encounters two of his former slaves as the three of them struggle to understand the new world and their places in it. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 26-28, and at 2 p.m. March 1. Tickets are $16, with student tickets at $6. Buy tickets in advance noon-5 p.m. at the McLeod Theater or SIU Arena box offices; by phone at 618/453-6000; or online at the SIU Ticket Office. Tickets are also available at the door beginning one hour before the performance.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Vincent Rhomberg, mcldpub@siu.edu or 453-7589.
28 -- Music Performance and Competition. SIU Jazz Festival, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. This all-day event brings area high school jazz bands from the surrounding area for a day of performances and workshops in Altgeld Hall and Shryock Auditorium. The event culminates in a special performance including SIU faculty and student ensembles. More information on the final concert is yet to come -- watch SIU Today for more details.
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Richard Kelley, kelley2@siu.edu.
28 -- Drag Show. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show runs from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Student Center Ballrooms. $6 admission
FOR THE MEDIA: Contact Basia Wilias, bwilas@siu.edu or 453-3438.
CURRENT EXHIBITS:
Art Exhibit: 50th Anniversary of Selma to Montgomery -- Morris Library, Hall of Presidents. This exhibit commemorates the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 that were part of the Selma Voting Rights Movement leading up to the Voting Rights Act. The exhibit runs through March 14.
Art Exhibit: Expressions of Freedom, Morris Library First Floor Rotunda Exhibit Space. The exhibit runs through March 31.
University Museum exhibits. Six exhibits currently open. There is no admission to University Museum.