Arts and entertainment

November 30, 2016

Arts Roundup: CarolFest, Harry Partch, and The Inexplicable Redemption of Agent G

December brings a full slate of arts events on campus. The School of Drama kicks off a production about a playwright interacting with his own characters. The School of Music showcases the Harry Partch instrument collection and presents a night of Caribbean music and dance. Robin McCabe opens a three-part series exploring music and literature, and the School of Music presents CarolFest, its annual holiday concert featuring six choral ensembles and 500 singers. Luke Fitzpatrick: Cage & Partch 7:30 p.m.,…

November 28, 2016

Undergraduate Theater Society takes on Shakespeare — all of it! — in fast-paced show Dec. 1-11

Actors in the UW Undergraduate Theater Society's production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]," running Dec. 1 – 11 in the Cabaret Theatre in Hutchinson Hall, home of the UW School of Drama. From left, they are Ellie Mondloch, Daphne Sage Gomez and Jake Lemberg.

The UW Undergraduate Theater Society will perform the high-energy parody “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised],” Dec. 1-11 in the Cabaret Theatre in Hutchinson Hall.

November 16, 2016

Arts Roundup: DXARTS, American Art Lecture – and Baroque Ensemble

This week, DXARTS presents a new improvisational work in its fall concert and the School of Drama puts a modern spin on an American classic. Explore American art history with a lecture from the School of Art + Art History + Design, catch a performance by the School of Music’s Baroque Ensemble and watch instrumental students compete in a concerto competition. Kollar American Art Lecture 6 p.m., November 17 | Henry Art Gallery Wendy Bellion, associate professor of American art…

November 9, 2016

UW Libraries to hold Veterans Day open house for WWI-themed exhibit

"Washington on the Western Front: At Home and Over There" will be on display at Allen Library through Jan. 31, 2017.

UW Libraries will host an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, in conjunction with the current World War I-themed exhibit, “Washington on the Western Front: At Home and Over There.”

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, Music of Max Reger – and Jessica Lang Dance

This week in the arts: the Henry Art Gallery invites families and children to create their own portraits, and Meany Center for the Performing Arts presents performances by Jessica Lang Dance and the Imani Winds. The School of Music celebrates the music of composer Max Reger with a two-day symposium and kicks off this year’s Barry Lieberman and Friends series with a recital by bassist Ted Botsford. Jessica Lang Dance 8 p.m., November 10-12 | Meany Theater Hailed as “a…

November 2, 2016

Arts Roundup: Pianist Joyce Yang, UW Symphony – and Meet the Mammals

This week in the arts: the Henry Art Gallery opens an exhibition of works by Chuck Close and Meany Center for the Performing Arts presents programs by a classical pianist and a contemporary dance ensemble. Catch the UW Symphony’s first concert of the year or stop by the Burke Museum for its annual Meet the Mammals day. Joyce Yang 7:30 p.m., November 3 | Meany Theater Joyce Yang captivates audiences across the globe with her stunning virtuosity, combined with heartfelt…

October 26, 2016

Arts Roundup: Calidore String Quartet, I Dig Dinos – and a Halloween Organ Concert

Celebrate Halloween with a concert of spooky organ classics in Kane Hall or a dinosaur dress-up party at the Burke Museum. Catch performances from jazz pianist Marc Seales, the Calidore String Quartet, or fado singer Mariza. The Jacob Lawrence Gallery celebrates the centennial anniversary of its namesake’s birth with a new exhibition. Calidore String Quartet 7:30 p.m., October 27 | Meany Theater The award-winning Calidore String Quartet performs a program of chamber music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schumann at Meany…

October 19, 2016

Arts Roundup: Iphigenia and Other Daughters, The Kreutzer Sonata – and Music of Today

This week, the University of Washington launches its philanthropic campaign with a live multimedia experience. The School of Drama revisits a classical tale, and faculty performances are front and center at the School of Music. Swing by the Henry for an exhibition that explores the history of transgender communities in the Pacific Northwest. Iphigenia and Other Daughters October 18- 30 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater The School of Drama opens its 2016-2017 season with modern retelling of the ancient Greek…

October 12, 2016

In new book, UW’s Estella Leopold revisits childhood at the family shack, described in Aldo Leopold’s best-seller ‘A Sand County Almanac’

Cover for "Stories from the Leopold Shack: Sand County Revisited" by Estella Leopold.

Estella Leopold, a University of Washington professor emeritus of biology, has written a new memoir of her formative years, “Stories from the Leopold Shack: Sand County Revisited.” She describes life on the land where her father, Aldo Leopold, practiced the revolutionary conservation philosophy described in his famous book of essays “A Sand County Almanac.”

Arts Roundup: Chamber Dance Company, Mindfulness Meditation – and Stylus Fantasticus

The Chamber Dance Company celebrates the birth of post-modern dance in Meany Hall, the School of Drama opens its season with a modern retelling of a Greek classic, and School of Music faculty members Stephen Stubbs and Tekla Cunningham give a performance of 17th century works. The Henry Art Gallery invites the public to practice mindfulness meditation and the Burke Museum celebrates the rugged beauty of the Wild Nearby. Chamber Dance Company October 13-16 | Meany Theater The UW…

October 5, 2016

Arts Roundup: The Silk Road Ensemble, Birds at the Burke – and Double Rainbow All the Way

It’s a busy week for the arts: The Silk Road Ensemble and Mark Morris Dance Group collaborate on a new work at Meany Center; School of Music artist-in-residence Greg Sinibaldi gives the first faculty recital of the school year, and the Burke Museum hosts its annual “Birds at the Burke” day. The Henry Art Gallery presents artwork by American artist Senga Nengudi and the Jacob Lawrence Gallery showcases work by second-year MFA students. Mark Morris Dance Group with the Silk…

September 20, 2016

New film about British Holocaust trial has UW connection

Poster for the film "Denial," which is about historian Deborah Lipstadt, who taught at the University of Washington in the 1970s.

“Denial,” a new movie about an American historian’s lengthy court battle with a British Holocaust denier, has a UW connection — Deborah Lipstadt, the film’s protagonist, taught at the UW early in her career.

September 14, 2016

Allen Library exhibit explores South Asia in art, scholarship

Poster for "Envisaging South Asia: Art, Images, and Scholarship," an exhibit in the UW's Allen Library through Oct. 31.

A new exhibit in the UW’s Allen Library explores South Asia through art, artifacts, manuscripts, music and more. “Envisaging South Asia: Art, Images, and Scholarship” will be on view through Oct. 31.

August 12, 2016

‘Hilloccio’ vs the ‘gas giant’: Suzzallo Library exhibit features powerful editorial cartoons from campaign 2016

The editorial cartoons filling a ground floor exhibit in Suzzallo Library through November are hard-hitting, but they fairly depict the wild campaign of 2016, and the serious issues the year has brought as well.

August 4, 2016

Local media moments recalled in Seattle Television History project

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres talks with host Ross Shafer on after a funny monologue in a 1985 episode of the Seattle comedy show "Almost Live." A report on Seattle's rich comedy broadcasting history is among the exhibits in the Seattle Television Project archive, created by Stephen Groening of the Department of Comparative Literature, Cinema & Media.

A wild-eyed television preacher, uncensored public access nuttiness, even a young Ellen DeGeneres featured on a local comedy show segment — when Stephen Groening had students explore the history of local television for a class, they sure found a lot of good stuff.

July 8, 2016

‘Excitations’: Summer Institute in the Arts to explore energy

Student participants in the 2104 Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities study and share together on a sunny day.

“Excitation” is not just a scientific term or perfect Beach Boys lyric, it’s also the topic of this year’s cross-disciplinary Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities, an intensive summer research program for undergraduate students.

June 8, 2016

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, Wild Nearby – and Design Graduation Exhibition

Spring quarter is drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of arts events on campus. Swing by the Henry Art Gallery to see giant wood sculptures by Paul McCarthy and artwork by the 2016 graduating class of MFA and MDes students — or bring the whole family for an ArtVenture. Explore the beauty of the North Cascades at the Burke Museum or visit the Jacob Lawrence Gallery for an exhibition by graduating design students. Graduation Exhibition: Design June…

Harry Partch instruments, now at UW, featured on new Paul Simon album

Singer-songwriter Paul Simon's latest album, released June 3, includes music performed on instruments created by composer/inventor Harry Partch. Those instruments are now in residence at the UW School of Music.

Singer-songwriter Paul Simon recorded with instruments created by composer and inventor for a song on his well-received album, “Stranger to Stranger.” The instruments are now in residence at the UW.

June 2, 2016

Art, design — and a ‘coffin-cradle’ for storytelling: Graduate student work intrigues at annual Henry Art Gallery show

"Look Out, Kid, They Keep it All Hid," by Bryan Allen Robertson, part of his Subterranean Homesick Blues series, inspired by Bob Dylan. Part of the UW's annual MFA/M-Design show at the Henry Art Gallery.

A look at the annual exhibit of thesis work by students graduating from the UW School of Art + Art History + Design’s Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design programs, on display at the Henry Art Gallery.

June 1, 2016

Arts Roundup: IMPFest, Counterculture Comics – and Skies Over Seattle

UW Drama wraps up the 2015-2016 season with “Skies Over Seattle,” and UW Symphony gives its last performance of the year. Hear the music of Indonesia at Meany Theater, or explore jazz and improvised music at IMPFest. Visit the Henry Art Gallery for a workshop about counterculture comics. Ade Suparman & Sundanese Music of Indonesia 7:30 p.m., June 2 | Meany Theater Ethnomusicology visiting artist Ade Suparman and his students perform music from West Java, Indonesia. The performance will include traditional…

May 25, 2016

Arts Roundup: Mallethead Series, UW Sings – and MFA + MDes Exhibition Opening Party

Celebrate the work of graduating MFA and MDes students from the School of Art + Art History + Design at their annual Thesis Exhibition party. Catch performances by a host of music ensembles, including Studio Jazz Ensemble, Modern Band, University Singers, UW Women’s Choir and Men’s Glee Club. See the final Mallethead Series performance of the year, or stop by the Penthouse Theater for a School of Drama production. Studio Jazz Ensemble and Modern Band 7:30 p.m., May 26 |…

May 19, 2016

Poet Alice Fulton to give 53rd annual Roethke Reading May 27

Poet Alice Fulton is shown -- she will give the University of Washington's 53rd Roethke Reading on May 27 in Room 130 of Kane Hall.

Poet and author Alice Fulton will give the 53rd annual Theodore Roethke Memorial Poetry Reading at 8 p.m. Friday, May 27, in Room 130 of Kane Hall, also known as the Roethke Auditorium. The event is free and the public is invited.

May 18, 2016

Arts Roundup: Graduation Exhibitions, Gluck’s ‘Orphée’ …And Hilarity Ensues…

This week in the arts, the School of Music takes center stage with performances by the UW Gospel Choir and Modern Music Ensemble, and a production of Gluck’s Baroque opera, Orphée. The Dance Program presents its annual MFA Dance Concert, and the School of Drama opens its latest production at the Penthouse Theater. The School of Art + Art History + Design’s graduation exhibitions continue at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery. MFA Dance Concert May 18-22 | Meany Studio Theater…

May 16, 2016

Aliens, architecture, Beatles and beyond: MFA Dance Concert 2016

The UW Dance Program's MFA Dance Concert 2016 will be performed May 18-22 in the Meany Studio Theatre.

Six new works of choreography by graduate students in the University of Washington Dance Program will comprise the MFA Dance Concert 2016. Performances will be May 18-22 in the Meany Studio Theatre.

May 12, 2016

Tour UW Libraries’ new Conservation Center May 25

Visitors learn about UW Libraries' new Conservation Center, in Suzzallo Library, during an April Friends of the Library tour.

UW Libraries invites the public to tour its new state-of-the-art Conservation Center on the fifth floor of Suzzallo Library, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 26.

May 11, 2016

Arts Roundup: MFA Dance Concert, Photomedia Graduation Exhibition – and ‘Short Takes’ on Orpheus

This week, visit the School of Art + Art History + Design for a visiting scholar lecture or graduation exhibition, and engage directly with the artists at the Burke Museum’s Native Art Market. Catch the annual MFA Dance Concert or a performance by the School of Music’s Daana Quartet. Explore the enduring legacy of the Orpheus & Eurydice legend with faculty from the Arts and Humanities in a fast-paced “short takes” event. Native Art Market 10 a.m., May 14 |…

May 6, 2016

Academics, artists collaborate on UW book arts exhibit ‘Just One Look’

"Cupid and Psyche" by Mari Eckstein Gower of Redmond, Washington. Inspired by a work of the same name by Apulieus and suggested by Ashli Baker of Bucknell University.

Thirty-two colorful and creative artist books on display as part of the exhibit “Just One Look,” in University of Washington Libraries’ Special Collections department, in Allen Library. The exhibit co-curated by UW alumna Lauren Dudley with Sandra Kroupa, UW book arts and rare book curator.

May 4, 2016

Arts Roundup: School of Music Scholarship Recital, ArtVentures – and Native Art Market

This week in the arts, see the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company perform at Meany Hall and witness the talent of the next generation at the 2016 School of Music Scholarship Recital. Explore production design at a UW Drama exhibition, take an ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery and shop for Native American art at the Burke Museum. Martha Graham Dance Company May 5-7 | Meany Theater UW World Series’ 2015-2016 season concludes with three performances by the Martha Graham…

April 29, 2016

UW professor helps TV star Lea Michele discover her Sephardic heritage

Actress Lea Michele is surprised to learn about her family roots from Devin Naar, UW assistant professor of International Studies and chair of the Sephardic Studies Program in the Stroum Center for Jewish Studies. The photo is from the May 1 season-ending episode of the TLC channel's show "Who Do You Think You Are?"

The upcoming season finale of TLC’s popular program “Who Do You Think You Are,” airing May 1, will feature UW professor Devin Naar helping television star Lea Michele learn about her Sephardic Jewish ancestry.

Architecture professor Jeffrey Ochsner featured in young filmmaker’s Gum Wall documentary screening May 1

A still from Celia Jensen's film "The Secret Life of a Gum Wall," in which Jeffrey Ochsner, UW professor of architecture, appears.

When 8-year-old filmmaker Celia Jensen and her dad decided to make a film about Seattle’s Gum Wall, Jeffrey Ochsner, professor of architecture and associate dean for academic affairs in the UW College of Built Environments, was happy to help.

April 27, 2016

Arts Roundup: 3D4M Graduation Exhibition, Daedalus Quartet – and the Martha Graham Dance Company

UW World Series presents its final two performances of the school year: Daedalus Quartet and the Martha Graham Dance Company. Graduating students from the School of Art + Art History + Design’s 3D4M program showcase their works at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, and the UW Dance Program and the Henry Art Gallery collaborate in a performance piece. UW Drama‘s production of “Force Continuum” continues through May 8. Daedalus Quartet 7:30 p.m., April 29 | Meany Theater This critically acclaimed string…

April 20, 2016

Arts Roundup: The Music of Harry Partch, Force Continuum – and Arty Party

This week in the arts, UW Drama opens their production of Force Continuum, and the School of Music presents two visiting artists: mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens and chamber ensemble Decoda. You can also hear the groundbreaking music of Harry Partch or attend the Henry Art Gallery’s annual Arty Party. Directions for a Cloud-Crowd 7 p.m., April 21 | Henry Art Gallery In this 90-minute performance, artists Anne Walsh, Jim Melchert and 3D4M Assistant Professor Michael Swaine explore the giving and taking…

April 19, 2016

‘Shakespeare, Music, and Memory’ April 29 is colloquium, concert

Performers in UW Collegium Musicum rehearse for their concert April 29 concluding the colloquium "Shakespeare, Music, and Memory." From left are Linda Tsatsanis and Emerald Lessley, sopranos; John Lenti on baroque guitar and lute and Nathan Whittaker on baroque cello.

A daylong colloquium, “Shakespeare, Music and Memory” will bring scholars and musicians to the University of Washington campus April 29 for lectures ending with a concert of Shakespeare-themed songs by the School of Music’s Collegium Musicum ensemble. The free events were organized by JoAnn Taricani, associate professor and chair of the School of Music‘s Division of Music History, are timed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare‘s death in April of 1616. Scholars from several universities will give presentations…

April 13, 2016

Arts Roundup: Violinist Gil Shaham, Pianist Murray Perahia – and the Kollar American Art Lecture

Visit Meany Hall this week for the chance to hear two world-renowned classical musicians – violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Murray Perahia – each perform solo recitals. Join the UW Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for an exploration of music by French composers, or catch lectures by artist Buster Simpson and art historian Susan P. Casteras. Artist Talk: Buster Simpson 7 p.m., April 14 | Henry Art Gallery Artist Buster Simpson will discuss the development of his current commission for…

April 6, 2016

3 University of Washington professors recognized by Guggenheim Foundation

Three University of Washington professors are among the 178 scholars, artists, and scientists from the U.S. and Canada recognized this year by the Guggenheim Foundation.

Arts Roundup: Anoushka Shankar, Creole Carnival – and the New Burke Community Open House

UW World Series takes center stage this week with three events: dance-theater ensemble Jane Comfort & Company, world-renowned sitar player Anoushka Shankar, and GlobalFEST: Creole Carnival. Learn about the Burke Museum’s renovation plans at a community open house, see an exhibition by School of Art + Art History + Design graduating honors students, or take the whole family on an ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery. Jane Comfort & Company April 7-9 | Meany Studio Theater Jane Comfort & Company…

March 30, 2016

Arts Roundup: People Sitting in Darkness, Production Design – and Digital Music in 3-D

The School of Drama kicks off spring quarter with a public play reading and exhibition of MFA production design work. Experience digital music in 3D with DXARTS, explore the passage of time at the Henry Art Gallery or contemplate notions of female attractiveness with a UW World Series dance-theater performance at Meany Hall. People Sitting in Darkness April 1-3 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater In this comic adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in the early 20th-century Philippines, a…

March 16, 2016

Arts Roundup: Pianist Jeremy Denk, Grupo Corpo – and White Snow Wood Sculptures

UW World Series presents three events at Meany Hall this week: the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, pianist Jeremy Denk and Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo. Visit the Henry Art Gallery to see its newest exhibition, “Paul McCarthy: White Snow Wood Sculptures,” or catch one of the last performances of the School of Drama’s “Brooklyn Bridge.” Jeremy Denk 7:30 p.m., March 18 | Meany Theater Pianist Jeremy Denk, winner of the prestigious 2014 Avery Fisher Career Prize, performs a…

March 9, 2016

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, Vicente Amigo – and Brooklyn Bridge

This week, catch the final events of two series: UW Drama’s Seattle Theatres Lost & Founded play readings and the School of Art + Art History + Design’s Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice lectures. Hear performances by the UW Wind Ensemble, UW Symphony, and Latin Grammy Award-winning flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo. Bring the whole family to campus this weekend for a fairy tale-themed ArtVenture at the Henry Art Gallery. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice: Park McArthur 7:00 p.m.,…