2016-2017 Season
Chicago Dance Crash
Evil & Good
Friday, September 16, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Dunham Hall Theater
Chicago Dance Crash (CDC) presents its newest production “Evil & Good.” Inspired by CDC’s street dance aesthetic, “Evil & Good” utilizes the company’s signature blend of concert dance and hip-hop. This explosive full-length conceptual piece is inspired by the world’s constant struggle between its angels and demons.
CROSSROADS: A Conversation About America’s Future Featuring Juan Williams and Cal Thomas
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, 7:30 p.m. Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
With one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history coming in November, Juan Williams and Cal Thomas will take the Arts & Issuesstage to debate the important issues driving our nation’s future. As America has become more polarized, Williams and Thomas will examine the qualities and shortcomings of our political process, how elections are affected, and how those in the positions of power act. Though they often disagree, they will discuss ways in which citizens can effectively find common ground and lessen the divide on critical issues.
Juan Williams, an Emmy award winner for television documentary writing, has worked as a reporter for NPR, The Washington Post and as a political analyst for Fox News. His opinion columns have won numerous awards, including the Columnist of the Year by the Washingtonian, and a political commentary award by the American Association of University Women.
Cal Thomas is a panelist on the Fox News show Watch, co-writes a twice-weekly forum page titled “Common Ground” for USA Today, and hosts a daily radio program syndicated to more than 300 stations nationwide. Thomas has also worked for NBC, CNBC and PBS television.
Peter Mayer’s Stars and Promises 2016 - Wings of Angels
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Christmas is celebrated around the world in song. From concert halls and shopping malls, street corner choirs and carols ’round the fire, we hear songs old and new that have made our yuletide traditions. Come celebrate these songs with a Christmas concert like no other as Peter Mayer embarks on his holiday tour for 2016: Stars and Promises – Wings of Angels.
With his childhood years in India, a solo career with the Peter Mayer Group, his years in the band PM and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer band, and performances with James Taylor, Don Henley, Ringo Starr and others, Mayer brings a vast palette of musical influences to the stage. Joining him for this concert will be a world-class ensemble of musicians. A striking stage production, beautiful lighting and pristine sound will put the finishing touches on this celebration of story and song that will lift your holiday spirit.
Autumn’s Child with Mark Holland
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Center for Spirituality and Sustainability
Award-winning artist Mark Holland is considered one of the best performers in the world today on his instrument of choice, the Native American flute. His ensemble Autumn’s Child will present an evening of acoustic instrumental fusion--a hybrid of world, jazz, classical and folk styles described as “global chamber music.” Holland showcases the versatility of the Native American flute through this combination of instrumentation and the blending of musical genres which creates his one of a kind sound.
Holland started Autumn’s Child in 1995 and has released more than 20 CDs on his own label. He tours regularly throughout the country sharing his unique and skillful “playing from the heart” presentation. The concert will feature the haunting beauty of the Native American flute along with piano, guitar, bass, cello and percussion. Join us for this beautiful music in an intimate and stunning space. Seats are limited!
Louis Sullivan: The Struggle for American Architecture
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Dunham Hall Theater
Arts & Issues presents the first feature-length documentary about the revolutionary and brilliant Chicago architect Louis Sullivan (1856-1924). Known by historians as the “father of the skyscraper” and creator of the iconic phrase “form follows function,” Sullivan was on top of his profession in 1890. Then a series of setbacks plunged him into destitute obscurity from which he never fully recovered. Yet his persistent belief in the power of his ideas produced some of the most beautiful buildings ever created in the United States, and inspired Sullivan’s protégé, Frank Lloyd Wright, to fulfill his own dream of a truly American style of architecture. Meet director Mark Richard Smith, who will introduce the film and discuss Louis Sullivan’s legacy and show footage of SIUE’s extensive Sullivan collection afterward
Dr. Mae C. Jemison
Exploring the Frontiers of Science and Human Potential
Thursday, March 16, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Dr. Mae C. Jemison broke more than the sound barrier in 1992 when she climbed aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and became the first woman of color to travel into space. She was also NASA’s first science mission specialist, performing experiments in material science, life science and human adaptation to weightlessness. Dr. Jemison is a highly sought after speaker on issues of health care, social responsibility, technology and motivation and has provided commentary for the BBC, The MacNeil/Lehrer Report, ABC’s Nightline, NPR and CNN.
