Jazz. Blues. Funk and Folk. What makes music distinctly American music?
The Misher Festival of Fine Arts and Humanities honors the University’s legacy in fine arts and humanities while enlightening audiences with an array of events, speakers, and experiences. This year, we celebrate A Festival of American Music. Be prepared to enjoy a wide range of genres that’ll have you dancing between classes.
2011 Schedule
Monday, March 21
Valley Forge Fife and Drum
11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., USciences Campus
A 30-minute parade performance by Valley Forge Fife and Drum will
start in the center of the mall between Griffith and Whitecar Halls
before reaching the Quad. In case of rain, the band will play in
the McNeil Science and Technology Center atrium.
American Musicals: Faculty
Recital
7 p.m., McNeil Science and Technology Center Atrium
Faculty members Andrea Marshall-Money and Kim Robson, and retired
faculty members William Reinsmith and Raymond Orzechowski, sing
well known and less heard selections from musical theatre and film.
A light reception will follow.
Tuesday, March 22
American Chamber Music:
Student Recital
12:30 to 1:15 p.m., McNeil Science and Technology
Center Atrium
Chamber groups from the Kingsessing Singers and Players present
music from the American folk, spiritual, and art music idioms.
Coffeehouse/Open Mic Night
at Starbucks
Starbucks (42nd and Woodland Avenues), 7 to 9 p.m.
Students, staff, faculty, and friends are welcome at this open-mic
event. Performers are encouraged to bring your favorite American
music or your own compositions.
Wednesday, March 23
The Honors Colloquium
Presents Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-Winning Composer George
Crumb
Lecture from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and reception from
2:30 to 3:00 p.m.,
McNeil Science and Technology Center Atrium
Joined by pianist Marcantonio Barone, George Crumb talks about his
music and a career that has spanned over 65 years. An icon in American
art music, Crumb won a 2001 Grammy Award and the 1968 Pulitzer Prize
in music. A prolific composer known for employing extended techniques
and creating unusual timbres, he continues to compose new scores.
Some of his latest work has focused extensively on settings of American
folk songs.
American Art Music: Faculty
Recital
7 p.m., McNeil Science and Technology Center Atrium
USciences faculty members Grace Earl, guitar; Elizabeth Kaderabek,
violin; Kim Robson, flute; Julian Snow, guitar; and Karen Tietze,
flute, play some easy and not-so-easy listening American art music
from the likes of John Cage and Robert Muczynski. A light reception
will follow.
Thursday, March 24
Philadelphia
Jug Band
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., McNeil Science and Technology
Center Atrium
What’s a jug band? Imagine a jug player and a mix of traditional
and homemade instruments, sometimes ordinary objects modified for
making of sound (like the washboard, spoons, or stovepipe and comb
and tissue paper kazoo).
Routes
to Recovery and Philadelphia Misher Festival Reception |
Shape-note Singing
7:30 to 9:30 p.m., A-Space Anarchist Community Space,
4722 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia
Head over to the A-Space Anarchist Community Space (215.727.0882)
for an invigorating session of shape-note singing. Shape-note singing
originated in the American South in the early 19th century and is
associated with a distinctive, enthusiastic vocal delivery. The
style of singing was meant to teach amateurs how to read music,
and each note was given a different shape in order to make it easier
to identify the pitches. Open to newcomers and those who wish to
experience a unique community singing experience.
Friday, March 25
Native
Nations Dance Theater
Noon to 1 p.m., McNeil Science and Technology Center Atrium
Native Nations Dance Theater has presented to audiences worldwide;
some of their members are featured in the film “Who We Are”
at The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
Native Nations showcases the joy and presence of Native American
artists and culture in our communities.
Philadelphia
Funk Authority
8 to 9:30 p.m., McNeil Science and Technology Center Atrium
Truly delivering what many bands only promise, the Philadelphia
Funk Authority prides itself on providing the ultimate party and
dance experience, regardless of venue. Free—family and friends
are welcome!
Saturday, March 26
Paul Robeson House Tour
2 p.m., 4949 Walnut Street, Philadelphia 19139
Paul Robeson (1898–1976) was an American bass-baritone concert
singer, athlete, and actor who later became known for his civil
rights and political activism. The first major concert star to popularize
the performance of Negro spirituals, he was also the first black
actor of the 20th century to portray Shakespeare’s Othello
on Broadway. Join us for a private tour of the Paul Robeson House.
Space is limited (25 participants); free with advance reservations. Call 215.596.8895. Participants will meet at Paul Robeson House.
Sunday, March 27
Warmdaddy’s Jazz Brunch
($10 faculty/staff; $5 students)
11 a.m., 1400 Columbus Boulevard at Reed Street, Philadelphia
19147
Warmdaddy’s is Philadelphia’s premier location for Southern
rhythm and blues culture, nightlife, music, and food. Their Sunday
jazz brunch is just one way to enjoy Southern jazz culture and food.
Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is required. Call 215.596.8895 for more information. Participants will meet at Warmdaddy’s.
Friday, April 29
Kingsessing Singers &
Players Spring Concert
7 p.m., McNeil Science and Technology Center Atrium
For the first time in many years, the Kingsessing Players and Singers
will present one concert that showcases all of the USciences Music
Program performing groups! An evening of American music performed
by the String Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Wind Ensembles, the Kingsessing
Singers and the Chamber Choir, and the Jazz Ensemble.
