International Performing Arts Series Announced

Northern’s long-running Performing Arts Series is in a state of transition under a new director. Its expanded name reflects the international flavor of the entertainment lineup.

Scheduled performers this semester include the Santa Cruz River Band (left), a Tucson-based trio that shares the history and musical lore of the American Southwest; Tinariwen, the Tuareg nomads-turned-rock-performers who opened recently for the Rolling Stones; Mamadou Diabate, a master of the kora, the ancient 21-string West African harp-lute; and “A Celtic Christmas” with Boys of the Lough, a traditional Celtic music band.

“Our twin mission is to intensify the international focus and increase student learning opportunities and involvement,” said Louise Bourgault (CAPS), coordinator of the International Performing Arts Series. “Instead of performers breezing in for an evening performance and leaving right away for the next stop on their tour, we’re trying to diffuse their talents beyond the concerts and extend the range of their visits to include classroom talks, workshops and student media productions. It’s a new direction for the series that aligns more with the university’s academic mission and internationalization efforts. We’re trying new things, but this is a work in progress.”

The Santa Cruz River Band will play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Band members will lead a free public workshop on the Spanish, Native and Anglo cultural and musical influences on Southwestern music earlier in the day – from 10:30 to noon – in the Whitman Hall commons. Guitarists are invited to bring their instruments along to learn some playing tips. No experience is necessary to attend the workshop. Bourgault said students, faculty and staff interested in Hispanic culture will also find the workshop informative, even if they don’t play an instrument.

The “Festival in the Desert” tour featuring Tinariwen and Mamadou Diabate (above right) is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Great Lakes Rooms of the University Center.

The Boys of the Lough will bring their “A Celtic Christmas” program to Kaufman Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29.

Tickets for the International Performing Arts Series events can be obtained at the door and at all NMU ticket outlets. Prices are $6 for students, $10 for NMU faculty/staff and $15 for the general public.