Every year, the Newman Center for the Performing Arts puts on a number of live events as part of their multidisciplinary professional artists series, Newman Center Presents. During the season, a series of 16 different performances will be showcased, displaying the diversity and eclecticism present in the thriving Denver arts scene. 

“The goal is to showcase what is contemporary and the interesting parts of the zeitgeist for performance work right now; to celebrate inclusive and diverse performances but also to uplift the Denver community through connections to regional, local and global artistic centers,” Newman Center’s Executive Director, Aisha Ahmad-Post said of the series. 

The season begins with a jazz series beginning on Nov. 19, with a performance by vocalist Veronica Swift. Other performers in this series include Wynton Marsalis with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and jazz pianist Joey Alexander. Yet, these jazz events are not the only musical experiences that will be available to audiences. 

Two classical ensembles will be performing pieces with creative flair this season. Cello and percussion duo, New Morse Code will play on April 8, promoting pieces written by young composers. Additionally, the Kronos Quartet will perform pieces from their commissioning, performance, education and legacy project, “50 For the Future.” 

Along with bringing in talented jazz musicians and ensembles, the Newman Center is highlighting the expansiveness of the arts by including several other series, including ones focused on dance. The dance series will include performances from the Nashville Ballet, as well as productions by Dance Theatre of Harlem and flamenco artists Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca.

Unique to Newman Center Presents, the National Geographic Live series will also be an integral aspect of the season. The live event will be returning for its third year of speakers covering educational topics for all age groups. This year, paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim will lead audiences through the history of the Spinosaurus. Egyptologist Kara Cooney will also make an appearance to share the fascinating history of Egypt’s female leaders and underwater photographer Brian Skerry provides a glimpse into his captivating footage of various whale species. 

As the Newman Center heads into the next season of its comprehensive collection of performances, the hope for community impact is a core concept at play.

“I would love to have the Newman Center be a catalyst for a thriving arts ecosystem. One of the things that’s really great about the Newman Center is that it’s not only the home of the Newman Center Presents season, it’s also a really well respected rental venue, so hundreds of shows a year are from folks in the community. So I’m trying to make sure that people see the Newman Center and by extension DU as a home for the arts,” Ahmad-Post said.

A full calendar of events can be found on the Newman Center website, where tickets can also be purchased. Tickets for the events are also on sale at the box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and one hour prior to each event. Students have the opportunity to get discounted tickets with the promo code DUST when purchasing online.

“It’s an interesting way to build your collegiate experience, having access to cheap tickets that is something you won’t have for a long time after you graduate,” Ahmad-Post said. 

Head over to the Newman Center site to read more about this year’s Newman Center Presents series and buy tickets for an opportunity to be a part of the acclaimed and diverse arts community right on campus.