Newman Center Presents
Celebrating the masterful work of Charles Mingus, Mingus Big Band is a six-time Grammy-nominated group composed of 14 talented jazz musicians. If unfamiliar with Charles Mingus, he was a virtuosic bass player, pianist and composer with a dense discography and far-reaching influence. Commemorate the life and music of Charles Mingus at the Newsman Center on April 6.
National Geographic Live- Nature to Medicine: Deadliest Lifesavers with Zoltan Takacs, April 7
Biomedical scientist Zoltan Takacs brings a fascinating presentation on the power of venoms. From snakes to scorpions and jellyfish, Takacs has seen and collected it all, dedicating years of his life to the study of venoms for medical purposes. Join Takacs for a fascinating night that just might have you reconsidering how you look at one of the world’s deadliest substances.
Lamont
Lamont Ragtime Ensemble, April 5
Many events are to come from the Lamont School of Music this spring, with one special event this week that is sure to lighten up your lunchtime. Join Lamont percussion students on April 5 at noon for an hour full of ragtime tunes. Admission is free, so come and bask in the jovial melodies of ragtime songs.
The first of two convocations this spring, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Newman Center, hear performances from Lamont students with music featuring the Mingus Big Band.
Lamont Opera Theatre” “The Little Prince” by Rachel Porter, April 20-23
What is more elegant than a night at the opera? This spring, treat yourself to an indulgent night with the viewing of Lamont Opera Theatre’s “The Little Prince.” Based on the French children’s book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the opera takes the classic story and adds its own spin with the help of librettist Nicholas Wright and composer Rachel Porter.
Percussion Studio Showcase, April 30
The spring is always a great time to bring people together through music, and for students to showcase what they have been working on during the quarter. If you’re interested in seeing what other students in Lamont have been up to, look no further than the percussion student’s spring showcase on April 30. Students will perform a variety of pieces from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Vicki Myhren gallery
Young Gifted and Black, now-April 30
From the Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art, DU’s own Vicki Myhren gallery offers up a new thought-provoking art exhibit open to the public through the end of April. “Young, Gifted and Black: the Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art” was curated by Antwaun Sargent and Matt Wycoff to showcase works in a variety of mediums from African American artists emerging in the art scene. In addition to works from these young artists, there are also pieces from established and respected artists that have inspired many rising artists today.
Off-campus events
Beetle Juice with shadow cast. April 15
Join Denver’s performance group, Elusive ingredient, for a brand-new interactive showing of “Beetlejuice” with a live shadow cast. Performances with a shadow cast and audience participation were popularized by “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which has brought fans of the movie together for decades. Be one of the first Tim Burton enthusiasts to start the tradition of shadow-cast performances of “Beetlejuice” right here in Denver.
Drag Bingo at Molecule Effect, every Wednesday
With the harrowing conditions in the drag community caused by political discourse right now, drag events are not only fun but vital. Show your support for Denver’s drag community and enjoy a whirlwind of excitement, laughter and competition with weekly drag bingo at The Molecule Effect. The event is held every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Wash Park location.
Jumping forward in the calendar from this event, the return of Gimme Gimme Disco will give you something to look forward to. The DJ-based dance party travels around the country, delivering ABBA-themed discos in countless cities. If you’re a dancing queen, you won’t want to miss this chance to take a chance on Gimme Gimme Disco.
For more information on any of these events, visit the links provided. If you’re itching for more arts events on or off campus, be sure to keep up to date with the Clarion on social media, as well as the calendars for respective DU arts departments.
