From Shakespeare to crocheted coral reef art and music to book discussions, Roanoke College offers an eclectic mix of entertainment and activities in the next few months.

Flavor your winter and spring with the following college-sponsored events January through May.

January

Performing Arts Series: “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” American Shakespeare Center

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m., Olin Theater, $12/$18

Tickets available at www.roanoke.edu/tickets or by calling (540)375-2333.

From Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Va., the American Shakespeare Center On Tour brings “Love’s Labour’s Lost.” In this performance, the King of Navarre and his three schoolmates are ripe for an education in love from the Princess of France and her three ladies.

Joining the lovers is a brilliantly goofy troupe of clowns, including the love-warrior, Don Armado, and the lust-sick rogue, Costard, who ardently pursue the affections of a winsome country maid — and who perform an unforgettable pageant for the royals.

This giddy and extravagant romantic comedy is Shakespeare’s most exuberant word fest — a joyful carnival of love, loss and hope.

Click “read more” for more upcoming events.

Art Exhibition: Friday, Jan. 25- Monday, March 4

Olin Gallery: Roanoke Reef

Smoyer Gallery: “Phenomenal Indicators”

Lecture: Dr. Paul Snelgrove: Friday, Jan. 25, 6 – 6:45 p.m., Olin Theater

Openings Reception: Friday, Jan. 25, following lecture until 9 p.m., Smoyer Gallery

 

The Roanoke Reef is a collaborative project merging the talents of contributors from Roanoke College, the Roanoke Valley and beyond. This community endeavor is a nexus project that combines art, math and science in order to create crocheted structures that mirror natural coral reefs. This is a satellite of the worldwide Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project, created by Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute For Figuring in Los Angeles.

Incorporated in this exhibition will be “Untitled (Symbiosis),” created by Amanda Agricola and Mateo Marquez. This is an interactive installation that explores the concept of long-term mutuality between two or more biological entities. These reciprocal interactions are the basis of a vital coral reef, as well as a fundamental link in the development of ourselves. This installation goes beyond the basic biological correlation and enters into the contemporary, creating a balanced amalgamation of beings and technology.

Craig Voligny’s exhibition “Phenomenal Indicators” will showcase work from the artist’s 2010-2011 Fulbright Program exhibition “Meridians and Parallels: Painted Abstractions of the Kenting Reef,” held at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Taiwan in 2011. Along with his Fulbright work, the artist will include new work that focuses on decomposing trees, fungi and plants as natural climate models. In this exhibit, decomposing logs with fungal blooms, algae expelling coral colonies and fantasmic representations of species long relegated to historical imagination are depicted as hybrid interpretations between natural representation and a developing scientific aesthetic.

Dr. Paul Snelgrove is a biological oceanographer who studies seafloor ecosystems at Memorial University’s Ocean Sciences Centre in Newfoundland. His book, “Discoveries of the Census of Marine Life,” details the decade-long Census of Marine Life program, which banded together a global network of more than 2,700 scientists from more than 80 nations. This science team took more than 540 research cruises across jurisdictional and disciplinary boundaries to learn what lives in the ocean, what lived in the ocean and what will live in the future ocean.

Kandinsky Trio Champagne Concert

Saturday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., Olin Theater, $20/$12

Tickets available at www.roanoke.edu/tickets or by calling (540)375-2333.

The Kandinsky Trio celebrates its 25th season with a unique commissioning project, “25 X 25.” Twenty-five composers are writing 25 short pieces commemorating the Trio’s quarter century of music making. The works will be performed this season as part of a Trio series at Roanoke College.

The Trio’s Champagne Concert will feature the charming and inviting Trio in B-flat Major, K. 502 of Wolfgang Mozart, a longtime favorite. The musicians revisit it along with three debuts from the “25 X 25” project, with works by Judith Shatin, Jon Grier and David Jones.

Gabriel Faure’s richly expressive Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15, which has endured as his most popular chamber work, will complete the evening’s performance. Joining the Trio will be violist Hillary Herndon, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee and an active chamber music collaborator throughout the United States.

A Conversation with the Fralins

Monday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m., Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall, Roanoke

Networking social begins at 5:30 p.m. For tickets, email roanokeregionalforum@gmail.com or call (540) 983-0700 ext. 221.

The Roanoke Regional Forum presents, “A Conversation with the Fralins.”

Enjoy an opportunity to talk about this region’s past and future with two people who have shaped and are continuing to shape the area and the state.

W. Heywood Fralin is a past rector of the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors and chairman of Medical Facilities of American, which operates rehabilitation and care centers in Virginia and North Carolina. He has made a major mark on the region through his philanthropy and leadership.

William H. Fralin, Jr., is an attorney, and he is president and CEO of Medical Facilities of America. He is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

The Role of Loyalty in Presidential Leadership: The Case of George H.W. Bush

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m., Colket Center Wortmann Ballroom

Dr. Robert Strong, provost at Washington and Lee University and a presidential scholar, will discuss the role of loyalty in presidential leadership and George H.W. Bush. The discussion is based on Strong’s research for a biography about Bush.

Strong’s appearance is sponsored by the Henry H. and Trudye H. Fowler Professorship.

 

February

Roanoke College Coffee Shop Talks

Thursday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m., Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, Main Street, Salem

These talks provide a relaxed forum for discussion and inquiry on a wide range of topics. Each one-hour talk consists of a short presentation, followed by questions and discussion. Talks are free and open to the public. Visit Roanoke College’s online calendar at www.roanoke.edu/calendar for the topic of each month’s coffee shop talk.

Why World Peace Is Possible and How We Can Achieve It

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., Colket Center Wortmann Ballroom

Paul Chappell, a West Point graduate and former Army captain who served in Iraq, will discuss the myths that perpetuate war and how we must wage peace in order to solve our national and global problems of the 21st century. Part African-American, Asian and Caucasian, Chappell is author of several books, and he is the peace leadership director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation in Santa Barbara, Calif.

His talk is the keynote lecture for the Roanoke College Honors Conference.

Theatre Roanoke College: “Rabbit Hole”

Wednesday, Feb. 20 – Saturday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., Olin Theater, $7/$5*

Tickets available at www.roanoke.edu/tickets or by calling (540)375-2333.

Note: Limited on-stage seating

Becca and Howard have a picture perfect family until an accident turns their world upside down. “Rabbit Hole,” winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, follows the couple as they look for a pathway out of darkness and back into the light of day. This play by David Lindsay-Abaire is recommended for audiences of high school age and up.

Jazz & Wind Ensembles Joint Concert

Thursday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Olin Theater

The Roanoke College Jazz & Wind Ensembles will perform under the director of Dr. Joseph Blaha.

 

March

Performing Arts Series: “Mammoth Follies”

Sunday, March 3, 3 p.m., Olin Theater

Tickets available at www.roanoke.edu/tickets or by calling (540)375-2333.

“Mammoth Follies” explores the wonders of evolution in an old-fashioned revue of original songs, witty jokes and earth-smashing dances performed by giant dinosaur puppets. This program dramatizes historic and scientific facts (as well as some myths) about the great age of the dinosaur. The enormous puppets include the host, Willie Mammoth, Smiley the Saber-Toothed Tiger, Bessie, the lovable 27-foot long Apatosaurus, and T. Rex.

Rick Steves: A Calling to Travel

Tuesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m., Olin Theater

Free tickets are required and available after Feb.1 at www.roanoke.edu/tickets.

Rick Steves has sold more than 10 million travel guidebooks and hosts the “Rick Steves’ Europe” television show each week on Public Broadcasting Service. He is most known for finding ways for travelers to go beyond famous sights to experience the real people and culture of other countries. With humor and insight, Steves will describe the good life in new places.

Steves’ appearance is sponsored by the Benne Center for Religion & Society.

Women’s Forum 2013: Zach Wahls, author of “My Two Moms”

Wednesday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., Colket Center Wortmann Ballroom

www.roanoke.edu/womensforum

What makes a family? Zach Wahls tried to answer that question when he testified before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in 2011. The son of two lesbian mothers, the University of Iowa engineering student had no idea that his heartfelt testimony that day would spread like viral wildfire.

Two days after he testified, a YouTube video of his testimony went viral, attracting nearly 2 million views with millions more via Facebook, Twitter, national and international television and other online media.

Wahls offers a bold perspective on an always contentious issue–gay marriage. You’ll laugh, you may even cringe, and no matter your thoughts on marriage equality in our country, you’ll walk away with a new perspective.

Roanoke College Coffee Shop Talks

Thursday, March 14, 8 p.m., Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, Main Street, Salem

These talks provide a relaxed forum for discussion and inquiry on a wide range of topics. Each one-hour talk consists of a short presentation, followed by questions and discussion. Talks are free and open to the public. Visit Roanoke College’s online calendar at www.roanoke.edu/calendar for the topic of each month’s coffee shop talk.

Art Exhibition: Friday, March 15 – Friday, April 5

Olin & Smoyer Galleries: 2013 Biennial Juried Exhibition

Opening Reception: Friday, March 15, 6-8 p.m., Smoyer Gallery

Lecture: Margot Norton, exhibition juror, Friday, March 15, 6 p.m., Olin Gallery

This juried exhibition is open to artists within a 150-mile radius of Roanoke College. Fine arts media including painting, sculpture, graphics, ceramics, textiles, mixed media and photography are accepted. Margot Norton, curatorial associate at the New Museum in New York, is the exhibition juror.

Cash awards will be given to the first, second and third place winners and honorable mention. The first place winner also will have a solo exhibition in Smoyer Gallery during the 2013-2014 season.

Visit www.roanoke.edu/olingallery for entry forms. Contact Talia Logan at (540) 375-2332 or mlogan@roanoke.edu for questions.

Margot Norton has published and lectured on contemporary art, and she is the former curatorial assistant for the 2010 Whitney Biennial and in the drawings department at the Whitney Museum of American Art. At the New Museum, she has curated solo exhibitions by Tacita Dean and Judith Bernstein and worked on the group show “Ghosts in the Machine.” Norton holds a master’s degree in curatorial studies from Columbia University.

Kandinsky Trio: Anniversary Finale

Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m., Olin Theater, $20/$12*

Tickets available at www.roanoke.edu/tickets or by calling (540)375-2333

No commemorative season would be complete without its grand finale.

The rescheduling of Mike Reid’s “Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch,” with the composer narrating his take on the Michael Jackson classic, will be performed, along with Franz Joseph Haydn’s Trio No. 19 in F Major, Hob. XV:6.

Also, there will be new commissions by John D’earth, Russell Riepe and Graham Waterhouse.

RC Faculty Jazz and Friends Concert

Sunday, March 17, 4 p.m., Olin Recital Hall

Join Roanoke College music faculty members for an afternoon of jazz tunes.

Musicians will include Pattie Clevenger, vocals; Joseph Blaha, piano/trombone; Brian Holt, guitar/bass; and Bill Purcell, drums.

Roanoke College grad, Eric Hollandsworth, bass, and RC friend, Don Wimmer, saxes/flute, will join the concert.

Women’s Forum 2013: Amber Madison: “Are All Guys Assholes?”

Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Colket Center Wortmann Ballroom

www.roanoke.edu/womensforum

Amber Madison is a nationally noted dating and relationship expert and coach, and she’s the author of several books, including “Are All Guys Assholes?” and “Talking Sex with Your Kids.” She appears regularly in the media, and she is the sex and dating advice columnist for “Seventeen,” as well as an award-winning lecturer. She returns to Roanoke College to discuss her latest book.

April

Roanoke College Coffee Shop Talks

Thursday, April 4, 8 p.m., Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, Main Street, Salem

These talks provide a relaxed forum for discussion and inquiry on a wide range of topics. Each one-hour talk consists of a short presentation, followed by questions and discussion. Talks are free and open to the public. Visit Roanoke College’s online calendar at www.roanoke.edu/calendar for the topic of each month’s coffee shop talk.

Endangerment, Friendship and Wonder: Conversations between a Scientist and a Poet

• Reading and discussion with environmental biologist Joe Roman and poet Debora Greger

Thursday, April 4, 7:30-8:30 pm, Massengill Auditorium

• Panel discussion with Joe Roman and Debora Greger

Friday, April 5, 3-4 p.m., Pickle Lounge

Debora Greger and Joe Roman have worked together on several very successful collaborations, including “Whale” and “Listed: Dispatches from America’s Endangered Species Act.” Both events will include discussions about connections between science, literature and art.

Off-Broadway, On-Campus

Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., Alumni Gym, $5 (at the door)

This concert will feature the choral and solo talents of the Roanoke College Choir and Oriana Singers. Songs will include familiar tunes from “The Great White Way,” arranged for choir and soloists.

Roanoke College’s program theme for the 2012-2013 academic year is “Got Honesty?”

Marc Belton: Honesty in Marketing

Monday, April 8, 7:30 p.m., Colket Center Wortmann Ballroom

Marc Belton is executive vice president for global strategy, growth and marketing innovation at General Mills Corp., which had sales of $16.7 billion last year. The company brings us such iconic brands as Pillsbury, Green Giant, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker and Haagen Dazs.

Rising through the company, Belton has been the brand manager for Yoplait and president of the General Mills cereal division that carries the recognized Cheerios, Wheaties, Chex, Total and Lucky Charms cereals.

Belton’s appearance is sponsored by the Benne Center for Religion & Society.

Roanoke College Week of Experiential Learning

Tuesday, April 9-Friday, April 12, Fintel Library Main Floor

Social: 6-6:30 p.m., Speaker: 6:30-7 p.m., Student Posters: 7-9 p.m.

Each evening during Roanoke College’s Week of Experiential Learning, the College will feature an invited speaker and posters of students’ study abroad experiences, service-learning experiences, internships, creative/artistic work and research. Students from all disciplines will participate.

After the invited talk, audiences may roam the first floor of Fintel Library and stop to talk with students as they stand by their posters.

Writing About Nature Symposium

Wednesday, April 10, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Pickle Lounge

This symposium will feature a guest poet and a Roanoke College faculty member who will read from recent works that attempt to articulate the relationship between humans and nature, with special attention to how one’s spiritual-religious experience and convictions inform their writing.

These presentations will be followed by a panel discussion.

The Lutheran Writers Project, sponsor of the symposium, provides resources and gathering opportunities for writers, readers and institutions, including churches, schools, colleges and organizations.

Theatre Roanoke College Spring Performance – TBA

with guest director John Hurley

Wednesday, April 10 – Saturday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., Olin Theater

Tickets available at www.roanoke.edu/tickets or by calling (540)375-2333.

John Hurley is artistic director of Ready, Set, Go Theatre in New York, and he is a guest instructor at Parsons The New School for Design. He has directed many off-Broadway productions, including a recent series of Shakespeare webisodes for teaching. Visit www.roanoke.edu/calendar for more performance details.

Art Majors Show

Friday, April 12- Friday, May 3, Olin and Smoyer Galleries

Opening Reception: Friday, April 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Smoyer Gallery

Closing Reception: Friday May 3, Noon-2 p.m., Smoyer Gallery

Roanoke College student art majors will display their work.

Masterpieces and Premieres: A Recital of Art Songs and Arias for Voice and Piano

Saturday, April 13, 4 p.m., Olin Recital Hall

This Alumni Weekend voice recital will feature Roanoke College alumna, Sarah Dyson (’03), soprano, assisted by Dr. Gordon Marsh, a professor and chairman of fine arts at Roanoke, piano, in a program of music by Alban Berg, André Previn and Igor Stravinsky. It also will include new works by Darius Jones, Marsh and Robert Pannell (’03).

Roanoke College Children’s Choir: “A Little Spring Music”

Sunday, April 14, 3 p.m., Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall

$19/$16/$13 ($3 discount for children 12 and under)

Awards ceremony precedes the concert, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Tickets available at www.jeffcenter.org or by contacting the Jefferson Center box office at 345-2550.

The Roanoke College Children’s Choir, under the direction of Kimberly Ruse Davidson, will present its 26th spring concert. Musical selections will include classical, folk, gospel, Broadway and patriotic.

The concert’s finale will include all 285 choristers singing selections from “Les Miserables,” choreographed by Kevin Jones. The concert will close with a patriotic salute.

For more information, visit www.childrenschoir.com/.

Jazz & Wind Ensembles Joint Concert

Thursday, April 18, 7:30pm, Olin Theater

The Roanoke College Jazz & Wind Ensembles will perform under the direction of Dr. Joseph Blaha.

Oriana Singers: Spring Concert

Sunday, April 21, 4 p.m., St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 631 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke

Join the women of Oriana as they present a spring mix of beautiful music for treble voices.

 

May

Roanoke College Coffee Shop Talks

Thursday, May 2, 8 p.m., Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, Main Street, Salem

These talks provide a relaxed forum for discussion and inquiry on a wide range of topics. Each one-hour talk consists of a short presentation, followed by questions and discussion. Talks are free and open to the public. Visit Roanoke College’s online calendar at www.roanoke.edu/calendar for the topic of each month’s coffee shop talk.

Roanoke College Choir: Pre-graduation concert

Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 631 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke

The Roanoke College Choir bids farewell to its seniors in this traditional pre-graduation concert. The choir will present a broad sampling of classical and popular fare in addition to a surprise or two.

“How to Say Anything to Anyone” with Shari Harley

Monday, May 13, 6 p.m., Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall, Roanoke

Networking social begins at 5:30 p.m. For tickets, email roanokeregionalforum@gmail.com or call (540) 983-0700 ext. 221.

The Roanoke Regional Forum rounds out its fourth season with Shari Harley, the founder and president of Candid Culture, an international training and consulting firm that helps companies, government agencies, schools and not-for-profits create better business relationships to get and keep customers and employees. It encourages businesses to create a safe haven for employees, managers and clients to speak honestly.

Roanoke College, a classic liberal arts college in Salem, Virginia, combines firsthand learning with valuable personal connections in a beautiful, undergraduate setting. Roanoke is one of just seven percent of colleges nationwide with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. The Princeton Review lists Roanoke as the 18th most beautiful campus in its “Best 376 Colleges” 2012 guidebook.

Follow Roanoke College on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For additional information, call the Roanoke College Public Relations Office at (540) 375-2282.

Submitted by Roanoke College