2006-2007 Season Events
Michigan Tech Dance Company's Spring Show Saturday, April 28 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm The Michigan Tech Dance Company will present its annual Spring Show on Saturday, April 28, at 7:30 pm in the Rozsa Center under the direction of Katie E. Smith. The Department of Visual and Performing Arts sponsors the Dance Company, approximately twenty students chosen by audition in the fall who practice weekly throughout the year. Saturday's colorful, high-energy show will feature ten all-new dances, some with the full company and some with small ensembles, choreographed in a variety of styles. Choreographers include Katie Smith, Donna Armistead, Teri Day, Andrew Spina, and company members Lian Tarhay, Lynn Williams, Marika Sallot des Noyers, Paige Borel, Jaleesa Spencer, Molly Wyns, Sarah Anderton, Sparky Donlin, Emily Drake, Corinne Polakowski, and Michaela Young. The Dance Show is staged with assistance from faculty and students in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, who help design and build the show's lighting, sound and costumes. Tickets are available from the Rozsa Box Office, 487-3200 and tickets.mtu.edu, and at the door. General $10, Students $5 BUY TICKETS ONLINE |
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Bluegrass, Fiddle and Folk Cabaret Friday, April 27 • McArdle Theatre, 7:30 pm Bluegrass, fiddle and folk combos perform in an intimate cabaret setting this Friday, April 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. in Michigan Tech's McArdle Theatre (Walker Arts and Humanities Center). The informal club ambiance, with seating for up to 200 people at small tables, will include a performance stage, professional sound and lighting, plus concessions, and will feature three local acoustic groups, each doing a 45-minute set. It's part of a series of cabaret concerts sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts to showcase local musicians. The April 27 cabaret will feature the Keweenaw Brewgrass band, the celtic group Fiddlehead, and singer/ songwriter Erin Smith with Scott MacIntosh. Keweenaw Brewgrass blends traditional bluegrass, Texas Swing, acoustic rock, and "anything rhythmic," say members Doug Oppliger (guitar/vocals), Bogue Sandberg (7-string dobro), Craig Kurtz (5- string banjo), Marshall Weathersby (mandolin/guitar/vocals), and Jim Hertel (doghouse bass). Their music shows a range of influences including the Dillards, Bob Wills, Van Morrison, and Willie Nelson, and Little Feat, among others. As they humorously put it, "We can ruin songs from any genre with the simple twang of the banjo." Fiddlehead, a five-piece band specializing in Irish/Scottish/Celto- American music with "a little bit of Rock thrown in," has a wide variety of acoustic instruments at their disposal. The group features Oren Tikkanen (mandolin, guitar, spoons, whistle, banjo, vocals), Floyd Henderson (bodhran, banjo, vocals), Joel Tepsa (rhythm guitar), Libby Meyer (fiddle), and Matt Durocher (bass). Fiddlehead has appeared at the Irish Times, Houghton's KBC, the Thimbleberry Jam Festival, the Porcupine Mountains Folk Festival, the Rosza Center Class Acts Series, Midday at the Rosza, and the South Range Community Hall. "We love performing live music because we like the energy of the audience and to see people dance and have a good time, and, besides, we haven’t been offered any TV gigs yet," the group says. Guitarist and vocalist Erin Smith's most recent songs take their inspiration from the Keweenaw Peninsula. On Friday night, she will include songs from her first CD, "Around This Place," along with other favorites. She cites Joni Mitchell, Patty Larkin, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Doc Watson, Pete Seeger, and "all the old folkies" as her influences. She will be joined by Scott McIntosh on bass and slide guitar. All Tickets $5, available at the door. |
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Monday-Friday, April 23-27 • Walker 210, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Students, faculty and staff are invited to see art and design projects created by students in Visual and Performing Arts classes—ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, theatrical designs and more—in this year's week-long Walker Art and Design Show, to be held April 23-27 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in Walker 210. This annual multi-arts showcase displays the extraordinary talents of students who, for the most part, are majoring in subjects other than visual and performing arts. Many are earning minors in art, theatre, or technical theatre while they complete majors in other fields, demonstrating one of the hallmarks of Michigan Tech students—they're innovative and creative in many ways at once. Engineers and scientists are artists, and vice versa. All the featured students have taken classes this year with faculty members Mary Ann Beckwith, Suzanne Kilpela, Mary Carol Friedrich, or Christopher Plummer. During the past three years, the exhibit has included an array of creative two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, along with projects showcasing costume design, lighting design, sound design and set design, some of which have won awards at regional festivals. "We're always amazed when we see this work displayed together," Beckwith says. "At this time of year, the end of winter and end of the semester, going to the many student exhibits on campus is a great lift to the spirits—Tech students are doing so many wonderful things." More information on the Walker Art and Design Show is available from the Visual and Performing Arts office, 487-2067. |
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Wind Symphony and Campus Concert Band Sunday, April 22 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm Music to celebrate the spring season will fill the Rozsa Center on Sunday, April 22, at 7:30 as Michigan Tech's Wind Symphony and Concert Band perform under the direction of Nick Enz. The annual spring concert showcases Michigan Tech's musicians at their end-of- year best, playing music in varied styles from around the world. The Department of Visual and Performing Arts invites the community to come and enjoy. Tickets are $5 from the Rozsa Box Office (487-3200) and at the door. The 35-member Concert Band includes student musicians who also play in the Huskies Pep Band and enjoy the Concert Band's different style and repertoire. The 40-member Wind Symphony, selected in auditions each fall, recently toured to high schools in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota as ambassadors for Michigan Tech. Both bands demonstrate the importance of music to Michigan Tech students. Although the band members major in subjects other than instrumental music, they dedicate significant time, energy and creativity to making high-quality music together. More information is available from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, 487-2067. All Tickets $5 BUY TICKETS ONLINE |
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Monday-Thursday, April 16-19 • Rozsa Center Lobby Come to the Rozsa lobby during the noon hour Monday through Thursday, April 16-19, for "Mid-Day at the Rozsa," free noon time concerts presented by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to drop in as their schedules allow to enjoy music from some of Michigan Tech's top combos. Here's the schedule: Monday, April 16, "Larry Taylor's Bump and Grind Sax Quartet" featuring Nick Enz, JonVanRegenmorter, Ben Campbell, and Jake Pearse. Tuesday, April 17, jazz from "The Quadratics." Wednesday, April 18, music from two combos, Michigan Tech Brass Quintet (12:00-12:45), plus the JazTec (12:45-1:30); and Thursday, April 19, Momentum, directed by Mike Irish. Bring your lunch and enjoy the music and sunshine in the Rozsa lobby. |
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Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra's Spotlight Night Saturday, April 14 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra completes its 36th season this Saturday in a concert celebrating the Upper Peninsula's oldest—and for much of that time its only—classical orchestra. For French horn player and Houghton mathematics teacher Judy Spahn, this will be a retirement concert after playing with the orchestra since its inaugural season. Spahn is the last of the original KSO musicians still playing in the group, so she embodies the history of a rare and special small-town phenomenon, a university-community orchestra made up of students, music teachers, and many gifted amateur musicians from all walks of life—"a real cultural treasure," as the KSO's music director Dr. Milton Olsson often notes. Fittingly, the April 14 concert, which will begin at 7:30 pm in the Rozsa Center, puts the spotlight on two gifted local musicians as soloists. Nicholas Enz, Michigan Tech's director of bands for the past three years, will perform Claude Debussy's "Rhapsody for alto saxophone and orchestra," while principal bassoonist David Olson will perform Carl Maria von Weber's beautiful "Concerto for bassoon in F Major." Olson, an MTU mathematics faculty member, spent his undergraduate years combining music with math at St. Olaf College, and has been a principal of the KSO for many years. The orchestra will also play Ravel's "Bolero," an orchestral gem which features woodwinds, plus Johannes Brahms' lush "Academic Festival Overture" featuring both brass and winds. Tickets for Saturday's concert are available from the Rozsa Center Box Office (487-3200 and www.tickets.mtu.edu). General $15, Students $5 BUY TICKETS ONLINE |
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The Troupe's Campus Comedy Show Friday and Saturday, April 13-14 • McArdle Theatre, 7:30 pm Michigan Tech's student improv comedy group, The Troupe, presents its 16th annual spring comedy show this Friday and Saturday in McArdle Theatre (Walker Arts and Humanities Center). Known for high-spirited sketches and games, many based on ideas from the audience, the twelve-member Troupe continually devises new material for its comedy shows, which are designed for audience members of all ages. Members of The Troupe, all Michigan Tech students, are selected each year through auditions. The members practice with faculty director Dr. Sue Stephens, performing frequently on campus and in K-12 schools. The group's improv routines often start with familiar stories or events, and are geared to audience members of all ages. The group also teaches workshops on acting and improvisation. The spring Comedy Show in McArdle Theatre is the highlight of the year for the enthusiastic Troupers. Tickets for the comedy show are on sale at the Rozsa Box Office (487-3200, www.tickets.mtu.edu) and at the door. All Tickets $5 BUY TICKETS ONLINE |
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Marquette Redmen Chorale Sunday, April 1 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm Michigan Tech's 75-voice Concert Choir will join with three outstanding choirs from Marquette High School in a gala Choral Fest this Sunday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m in the Rozsa Center. Performing both separately and as a combined choir, the MTU ensemble and the visiting Marquette Redmen Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Redmen Women will present a variety of works spanning the choral repertoire. Dr. Milton Olsson directs the Michigan Tech choir, assisted by Scott Veenstra and Susan Byykkonen. Jan Brodersen directs the Marquette High School choral program. Selections for the concert range from modern masterpieces such as Ernesto Aguilar's "Psalm 150" and a Randall Thompson's setting of Robert Frost's "Choose Something Like a Star," to sacred and secular classics from the last three centuries, including the combined choirs' rendition of William Dawson's rousing "Ain't-a That Good News." Tickets for the concert are available from the Rozsa Center Box Office, 487-3200, and at the door. General $8, Students $5 |
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University Theatre presents March 29-31 and April 5-7 • McArdle Theatre, 7:30 pm Michigan Tech will present six performances of its spring theatre production "Equus," a psychological thriller by Peter Shaffer, on Thursday through Saturday, March 29 to 31 and April 5 to 7, at 7:30 p.m. in McArdle Theatre (Walker Arts & Humanities Center). "Equus" features Michigan Tech undergrad Thomas Tracey in the central role of Alan Strang, Dennis Kerwin as the psychiatrist Martin Dysart, and Maija Stadius and Ralph Horvath as Alan's parents. The play pits the physician Dysart against the delusions of a confused young man haunted by images of horses he has blinded. To the boy's stunned parents, his act presents a baffling, painful mystery, particularly since he has always loved horses. The boy challenges the skills of the analyst Dysart, drawing him into an ever-more-complex search for understanding. Associate professor Debra Bruch directs the play, assisted by stage manager Alexandria Purtell. Presented in the university's 260-seat black box theatre, the production features set, lights, sound and costume designs by students and faculty of Michigan Tech's Visual and Performing Arts Department. Additional cast members include Trish Goggin, Angela Nordeng, Craig Wilson, Berek Kohl, Gretchen Lange, Tony Lowe, Dieter Rudolph, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Scott Grajeda, Nicole Adams, and Patricia Helsel. Because of the subject matter, Bruch recommends the play for audience members ages 18 and up. Tickets are available in advance from the Rozsa Box Office, 487-3200, and at the door on the nights of the show. General $10, Students $5 BUY TICKETS ONLINE |
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40TH ANNIVERSARY JAZZ REUNION Saturday, March 24 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm MTU's award-winning jazz bands join the Jazz Alumni Band in the sixth annual Don Keranen Memorial Concert, celebrating 40 years of jazz studies at Michigan Tech. More Event Information, Including Guest Soloists Steve Wiest and Steve Zenz General $10, Students $5 BUY TICKETS ONLINE |
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| Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra with White Water: Saturday, February 17 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm White Water, the U.P.'s favorite string band, joins the KSO for a rousing evening of classical and folk music. Featuring Evan, Laurel, Bette and Dean Premo, moving from country fiddling to award-winning classical performance without missing a beat. READ MORE General $15, Students $5 |
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Friday-Saturday, January 26-27 • McArdle Theatre, 7:30 pm Michigan Tech's jazz studies program will present two Jazz Club cabaret concerts in McArdle Theatre on Friday and Saturday, January 26-27, starting at 7:30 p.m., featuring different programs each night. Three combos—JazTec, Momentum and The Quadratics—will play cool jazz in a variety of styles, joined on Friday night by the Calumet High School jazz combo. The concert is relaxed and informal, with small tables and low lighting. Soft drinks and snacks will be available. Michigan Tech's director of jazz studies, Mike Irish, says Jazz Club is one of the best concerts of the year because "in a small club, musicians tend to experience the perfect blend of intense focus and deep relaxation, so that’s where the best jazz is often heard." The Quadratics, a new seven-person combo, plays mainstream jazz. Momentum specializes in funk and soul, while four-member JazTec features piano jazz and a vocalist. Jazz Club is an annual production of Michigan Tech's Department of Visual and Performing Arts All Tickets $5 |
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Sunday, January 21 • McArdle Theatre, 3:00 pm Twelve musicians will present "Going for Baroque" as part of the Department of Fine Arts' chamber music series. The concert features music for small ensembles from the Baroque period—Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, Vivaldi's Concerto Grosso in D Minor for violin and cello, and concertos for oboe by Benedetto Marcello and for viola by Georg Philipp Telemann, both accompanied by string ensembles. Soloists include Marjory Johnston (oboe), Susan Byykkonen and Bryan Suits (flute), Nancy Sirivanakarn, Katie Himes, and Paul Judge (violin), Elizabeth Meyer (viola), and Patrick Quimby, cello. Other participating musicians include Ben Gerhardt, Carol Jones, Neil Paynter, and Max Seel. Tickets for the chamber music series are available from the Rozsa Center Box Office and at the door for $6 general, $3 students. |
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Wind Symphony and Concert Band Friday, December 8 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm Enjoy a sparkling holiday concert by Michigan Tech's Windy Symphony and Campus Concert Band, conducted by Nick Enz. All Tickets $5 |
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Tuesday, December 5 • Calumet Theatre, 7:30 pm Members of the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Tech Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Milton Olsson join the audience in singing selections of Handel’s Messiah. Scores available at the theatre. This is a Keweenaw National Historic Park and Calumet Theatre event, with some volunteers from the Department of Fine Arts. Free to All |
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Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and Concert Choir Saturday, December 2 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm Milton Olsson conducts choir and orchestra in music inspired by the beauty of winter, including John Rutter's stunning choral work, "When Icicles Hang." General $15, Students $5 |
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Friday-Saturday, November 10-11 • McArdle Theatre, 7:30 pm An upbeat jazz sampler from Michigan Tech's finest. General $8, Students $5. |
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University Theatre presents The Fantasticks University Theatre prresents of the most popular musicals of all time, "The Fantasticks," in 4 performances only. November 2, 3, 4 • McArdle Theatre, 7:30 pm Sue Stephens directs, with Milton Olsson as music director. Tickets: $10 General, $5 students |
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Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra with pianist Andreas Klein Saturday, October 21 • Rozsa Center, 7:30 pm Acclaimed pianist Andreas Klein joins the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra in an all-Mozart concert celebrating the KSO's 36th season, conducted by Milton Olsson. READ MORE Tickets: General $15, Students $5. |
Copyright © 2005-06 Andreas Klein |
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The Troupe's Family Show Saturday, October 14 • McArdle Theatre, 2:00 pm Michigan Tech's inspired improve group specializes in comedy for families. Join them on Family Weekend for a special treat. Admission free to MTU students with ID and children 8 and under; all others $5. |
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BandaRama! Because there's never too much of a good thing Friday, October 13 • Rozsa Center, 5:00 pm Some say it's the best concert of the year. Join the Jazz Lab Band, Wind Symphony, and the irrepressible Huskies Pep Band for a whirlwind of music. It rocks! After BandaRama, join the Pep Band at the Ice Arena for the NMU game. Admission to BandaRama includes a coupon for a free beverage at the hockey game. BandaRama tickets: Free to MTU students with ID and to children age 8 and under. All other seats $5. |
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Chamber Music Series September 17 & January 21 • McArdle Theatre, 3:00 pm A Sunday afternoon treat—Professional musicians present sonatas, trios and quartets by favorite composers in the intimate setting of McArdle Theatre. General $6, Students $3 |
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