(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Jackson State University College of Liberal Arts is kicked off its “Get Ready” for Artistic Intensity Visual and Performing Arts Series with the opening of the exhibit, Horizon Realm: Contemporary Art from Taiwan. The exhibit will be on display at the Dollye M.E. Robinson Gallery through Nov. 6. The opening reception will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 5.
“Get Ready” for Artistic Intensity is the College of Liberal Arts’ visual and performing arts series for the 2013-2014 academic year. This inaugural series will bring Jackson an array of high-caliber professional visual and performing artists from around the world. Nine signature events, along with related performances and exhibits by JSU faculty and students, are scheduled from September 2013 through April 2014 at JSU’s Rose E. McCoy Auditorium, art galleries and venues on campus.
Signature Events
Fall 2013
Horizon Realm: Contemporary Art from Taiwan
Painting, sculpture, installation, video and photography by 10 Taiwanese artists emphasize contemporary issues facing Taiwanese society. The curatorial and artistic visions of the exhibition shape a kind of “fusion of horizon” that highlights cultural differences yet promotes mutual understanding. Organized by the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts and Jackson State University, the exhibit is funded by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan, R.O.C.
Sept. 5-Nov. 6, 2013
Opening Reception, Sept. 5, 3 p.m., Liberal Arts Gallery
Curators, Chung-Fan Chang and Dar-Kuen Wu
* Step Afrika!
Step Afrika! is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Founded in 1994, the Washington, D.C.-based dance company is renowned worldwide for using the stepping tradition to promote teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. Step Afrika! reaches thousands of Americans each year and has performed on many stages across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Sept. 10, 2013
Performance, 7 p.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Sept. 11, 2013
Arts education workshop with students, 9 a.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
* Black Violin
Black Violin offers a blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music. Since its start a decade ago, members have put on some 200 shows a year across the U.S. and in dozens of countries, from Dubai to South Africa. Black Violin also has appeared at the President’s Inauguration, three Super Bowls, last year’s U.S. Open with Jordin Sparks and continues to entertain troops overseas. Groundbreaking collaborations include those with P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin and The Eagles.
Oct. 2, 2013
Master class with students, Noon, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Oct. 3, 2013
Performance, 7 p.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Outside the Protective Circle of Humanity
“Scottsboro Boys”: The Fred Hiroshige Photographs
Courtesy of the Margaret Walker Center and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life
On March 25, 1931, two white women falsely accused nine African-American youth, ages 12 to 19, of raping them. Over the next seven years, “The Scottsboro Boys” endured a series of trials they could not win before all-white juries. After a public outcry and an appeal to the U.S Supreme Court, the defendants were granted new trials in Decatur, Ala. Fred Hiroshige of Decatur was one of six photographers allowed in the courtroom during the 1933 trial of Haywood Patterson.
Nov. 4-Dec. 13, 2013
Nov. 7, 2013
Opening Lecture, 7 p.m., Johnson Hall Art Gallery
Signature Events
Winter/Spring 2014
Julian Bond Lecture
45th Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
Beginning with his pivotal role in the civil rights movement in 1960, former NAACP Chairman Julian Bond has lived his life on the cutting edge of social change and leadership. As a founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he organized voting drives and sit-ins. As co-chairman of an insurgent delegation to the 1968 Democratic Convention, he became the first African American nominated to the office of vice president. A first-hand eyewitness to many watershed moments in the civil rights movement, Bond continues to deliver a powerful message of equality, freedom and justice.
Jan. 17, 2014
10 a.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
* Platanos and Collard Greens
Based on David Lamb’s novel Do Platanos Go Wit’ Collard Greens?, this hilarious tale of love, family drama and politics explores the relationship between African Americans and Latinos in New York City. The play, which centers around two college students, opened at a small Off-Broadway theater in 2003. That same year it began what is now an annual tour to American colleges and universities.
Feb. 5, 2014
Master class with students, 9 a.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Feb. 5, 2014 Performance, 7 p.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Daniel “Danny” Simmons
Daniel “Danny” Simmons, an abstract-expressionist painter and founder and president of Rush Arts Gallery, is the older brother of hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons and rapper Joseph Simmons (“Reverend Run” of Run DMC.) Along with his brother Russell, Simmons established Def Poetry Jam, which has enjoyed long-running success on HBO. In 2004, Simmons published Three Days As The Crow Flies, a fictional account of the 1980s New York art scene. He has also written a book of artwork and poetry called I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home.
Feb. 6, 2014
Exhibit and Opening Reception, 5 p.m., Gallery 1
Feb. 7, 2014
Poetry reading, book signing, 7 p.m., JSU Student Center
* Imani Winds (Matinee)
Grammy-nominated Imani Winds, one of the most successful chamber music ensembles in the U.S., has carved out a distinct presence in the classical music world since its formation in 1997. Through dynamic stage presence, culturally poignant programming, adventurous collaborations and inspirational outreach programs, the ensemble both thrills and inspires.
Feb. 23, 2014
Master class/rehearsal with students, 10 a.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Feb. 23, 2014
Performance, 4 p.m., Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Jazz on the Plaza featuring …
April 25, 2014
6:30 p.m., Green-Gibbs Plaza
Loretta Galbreath, Rodney Chism, coordinators
For information on all other events, visit www.jsums.edu/artisticintensity.
* Inaugural Subscriber Ticket Package
To kick off our Inaugural Visual & Performing Arts Series, Jackson State University is offering a special Subscriber package. Tickets to four *Signature Events — Step Afrika!, Black Violin, Platanos and Collard Greens, and Imani Winds — can be purchased for $50. Individual tickets are $15 general admission; $5 for JSU students.
All other events, unless otherwise noted, are free.
Purchase tickets online beginning Sept. 6 at www.jsums.edu/artisticintensity. For questions, call 601-979-7036.
