Past Events

Upcoming Planetarium Programs

Night Skyscape"A Christmas Present"

This program for the young and young at heart joins two astronauts who are in orbit on Christmas Eve and spot a strange red light. Before they discover what it is, they reminisce about Christmas' of the past and ponder what the Christmas Star might have been. (Produced by the Chaffee Planetarium; Grand Rapids, MI)
Saturdays: December 1, 8 and 15 at 1PM

"Star of Wonder"

This program speculates on what the Christmas Star might have been. Astronomical possibilities examined include comets, meteors, novae, and planetary conjunctions. Historical, biblical, and astronomical records are combined to try to solve the age-old mystery of the star. (Produced by the Bishop Planetarium; Bradenton, FL)
Mondays: December 3, 10 and 17 at 7PM

Admission to public programs is $3 for Adults, $2.00 for Students and Senior Citizens, and Free for UW-La Crosse students with I.D. card. Please note: No one will be admitted once the program begins due to the nature of the Planetarium.

For further information, email Gordon Stewart, Planetarium Director, in the Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Phone: 608-785-8669

Wisconsin Public Radio hosts ‘Holiday Open House’

Meet Wisconsin Public Radio station staff and local WLSU jazz hosts – and say thank you to former news director Sandra Harris who recently retired after 17 years of covering news for WLSU/WHLA at WPR’s “Holiday Open House.” It runs from 1:30-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15th at the La Crosse studios in the lower level of Whitney Center. The open house will feature performances by a trio of local musicians: guitarist Dan Sebranek, Dave Buroker on bass and Dave Solie on drums, plus occasional “special guests” sitting in.

The event will be broadcast live between 2-4 p.m. during the Saturday Afternoon Jazz Club on 88.9 WLSU.

UW-La Crosse Seniors to Exhibit

Annual show features work by five graduating seniors

The UW-La Crosse University Gallery will feature artwork by five graduating seniors.

The biannual Senior Exhibition opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in the gallery, located on the first floor of the UW-L Center for the Arts. Admission is free.

The December graduates participating in the show include: Justin Dahl, Mukwanago; Jacqueline Jambrone, Cicero, Ill.; Kevin Sella, Mayville; Kelsey Snodgrass, Westby; and Katrina Vedell, La Crescent, Minn. Their work includes ceramics, digitally-produced images, jewelry, paintings, photography and printmaking.

The show runs through Wednesday, Dec. 12. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. Admission is free. The gallery also opens for appointments by calling the UW-L Art Department 608-785-8230.

See the event flyer here.

If you go—
What: Senior Exhibition
When: Friday, Nov. 30- Wednesday, Dec. 12
Where: University Art Gallery, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts
Gallery hours: noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events
Admission: Free.

UW-L’s Festival of Carols is Sunday, Dec. 9

Four of the six choirs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will present the 15th annual UW-La Crosse Festival of Carols. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Viterbo University’s Fine Arts Center.

The concert will be book-ended by two choral Christmas Classics, Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,” performed by the Women’s Chorus, and Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata,” performed by the Concert Choir along with the UW-L Brass Ensemble. Four audience carols will serve as processionals and recessionals as the choirs take the stage. All singers will combine for a rendition of English composer John Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol,” conducted by student conductor Sarah Holmes, a senior from Janesville.

Faculty conductors and their ensembles are Paul Rusterholz, conductor of the Women’s Chorus; Terence Kelly, conductor of the Chamber Choir; Gary Walth, conductor of the Concert Choir and Männerchor; and Tom Brown, conductor of the Brass Ensemble. Alethia Kenworthy, a recent UW-L piano pedagogy graduate, and Carolyn Temanson, a freshman music major from Stratford, will be the accompanists. Elinor Niemisto, La Crosse Symphony harpist, will be featured on the “Ceremony of Carols.” Catherine Walth will continue her role as the event’s narrator.

The Concert Choir will dedicate its performance of Rutter’s “What Sweeter Music” to the memory of 2006-07 Concert Choir member Peter Talen, who was killed in a house fire in Madison. The performance of Walth’s setting of the spiritual “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow” will be performed in honor of the late Keith Swanson, a retired UW-L professor and supporter of the Concert Choir.

Suggested ticket donations are $7 for students, $9 for senior citizens and $11 for others. Seats are general admission, but tickets may be reserved by calling the UW-L Music Listening Lab at 608-785-8415.

If you go—
Who: Four of the six choirs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
What: 15th annual UW-La Crosse Festival of Carols
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
Where: Viterbo University’s Fine Arts Center
Admission: $7 for students, $9 for senior citizens and $11 for others.

Symphony Orchestra Continues Masterworks Series

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra will continue its Masterworks Concert Series with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The concert will be in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

Among the pieces being performed are “Der Freschutz Overture” by Carl Maria von Weber, “Holiday Concertino for Orchestra” by David J. Phipps, “Concerto for Four Violins Op. 3 No. 10 in B Minor” by Antonio Vivaldi, “Scherzo alla marcia from the Symphony No. 8 in D Major” by Ralph Vaughan-Williams, and “Symphony No. 6, Op. 68 ‘Pastoria’“ by Ludwig van Beethoven.

The Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Enaldo Oliveira. Alex Vaver will serve as guest conductor for the concert. Featured violin soloists include Oliveira, Phipps, Crystal Staker and Nicholas Bailey.
Suggested ticket donations are $4 for students and $8 for others. For more information or reservations, contact the Music Listening Lab at 608-785-8415.

If you go—
Who: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra
What: Masterworks Concert Series
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: Suggested ticket donations are $4 for students and $8 for others

Wind Symphony End-of-Semester Concert

The UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony will present an end-of-semester concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. The concert will be in Annett Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts. Donations for scholarships will be accepted at the door.

The repertoire to be performed includes “Mother Earth,” a fanfare composed by David Maslanka, followed by “A Movement for Rosa,” a tone-poem written by Mark Camphouse. The work portraits the life and story of Rosa Parks and her involvement in the 1950s Civil Rights Movement. Next, an arrangement of Biebl’s choral work “Ave Maria” will be performed, followed by “Out of the Darkness, Into the Light,” another programmatic work based on the theme of optimism composed by the British composer Philip Sparke. The concert concludes with a festive piece by the popular British composer Edward Gregson. “Festivo” is a rhythmic-based work that balances numerous solo and chamber-like scoring with full brass fanfares.

The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Tammy Fisher, is an auditioned concert band, representing the best wind and percussion players on campus. The ensemble is comprised of music majors and minors, as well as students from numerous other academic disciplines.

If you go—
Who: UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony
What: Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts
Admission: Donations for scholarships accepted at the door.

UW-L Production to Spoof Dickens’ Popular “A Christmas Carol”

See what happens when a small Midwestern theatre company’s production of “A Christmas Carol” goes awry.

UW-La Crosse’s University Theatre performs “Inspecting Carol” Friday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 6-9. Curtain time is 7:30 nightly except for 2 o’clock Sunday matinees. Performances are in the Toland Theatre in the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets.

UW-Milwaukee's Inspecting CarolIn Daniel Sullivan’s comic satire of political correctness and inept theatre, both the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” and the company producing it are headed for disaster. Rehearsal time is inadequate. The company faces bankruptcy and may lose its major grant. When a hopeless actor wannabe is mistaken for the grants inspector, things go from bad to worse amid falling scenery and tortured romances.

The production will feature guest artist Jay Postell Pringle. A professional actor, Pringle has performed on TV and film, and off-Broadway in regional and touring shows. Through his work with the underground hip-hop crew The 40Thievz, also known as Select Personnel Productions, Pringle recently launched a new album titled “The Good Thief.” Funding for Pringle was provided though the UW-L Provost Office.

Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. Tickets are $3 for UW-L students; $8 for other students and seniors; and $10 for others.

The box office, located in the lobby of the Center for the Arts at 16th and Vine streets, is open 1- 4:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, and one hour before show time. For reservations, call 608-785-8522.

If you go—
Who: UW-La Crosse Theatre Arts Department
What: “Inspecting Carol” by Daniel Sullivan
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 6-9. Curtain time is 7:30 nightly except for 2 o’clock Sunday matinees.
Where: Toland Theatre, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets
Admission: Tickets are $3 for UW-L students; $8 for other students and seniors; and $10 for others.

An Evening of Music, Poetry and Acting to Support Symphony Orchestra's Chamber Music Program

Symphony Director Enaldo OliveiraSchedule Change: Due to inclement weather, this program has been postponed. A new date has not yet been set.

An evening of music, poetry and acting will support the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s chamber music program. The orchestra holds a collage of entertainment at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in Annett Recital Hall in the UW-L Center for the Arts.

The event features UW-L Director of Orchestral Studies Enaldo Oliveira and faculty member David Phipps on violin, Derek Clark on cello, Mary Tollefson and Alethia Kenworthy on piano, Greg Balfany on clarinet and Tom Brown on trumpet. The poetry of UW-L Associate Lecturer Patrick Randolph, acted by Dana McConnell and Walter Elder, will also be performed.

General admission is a suggested donation of $15. For reservations or more information, call the UW-L Music Listening Lab at 608-785-8415.

A letter from the Symphony Director, Enaldo Oliveira, is available here.

If you go—
What: An evening of music, poetry and acting
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts
Admission: A suggested donation of $15.

Symphony Flyer

Musicians Jay Matthes and Phil Norby to Perform on Campus

If you go—
Who: Musicians Jay Matthes and Phil Norby
What: Concert
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6
Where: Cellar, Cartwright Center
Admission: Free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series.

Musicians Jay Matthes and Phil Norby will give a concert at UW-L. Matthes and Norby perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Cellar in Cartwright Center. Admission is free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series.

Since they were in high school, Matthes and Norby have played shows together. As solo acts, these performers have each established personal successes. Matthes, the former lead singer of Eight Day Kick, released a solo CD, "Spirits," in 2005. Norby has performed on FSN Wisconsin Brewers Live pregame and postgame shows.

For more information about the performance, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 608-785-8898.

Choral Union to Give Concert

Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise' Featured

UW-L's Choral Union will perform Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's "Hymn of Praise" at an upcoming concert. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, 530 Main St., La Crosse.

If you go-
Who: UW-L Choral Union
What: A concert featuring Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's "Hymn of Praise"
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Where: Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, 530 Main St., La Crosse
Admission: $5 for students; $10 for others.

"Hymn of Praise" is the concluding cantata from Mendelssohn's Second Symphony. It was written in 1840 and first performed in Leipzig, Germany, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of printing. Mendelssohn selected the words from Martin Luther's German Bible. A few months after the Leipzig premiere, the work was performed in English translation in Birmingham, England, with Mendelssohn himself leading the performance.

Vocal soloists in Choral Union's performance include sopranos Linda Zoerb, Andrea Van Gelder and Nancy Matchett, and tenor Terence Kelly.

The Choral Union is the university's symphonic chorus of UW-L students, faculty and staff, along with singers from throughout the Coulee Region. The ensemble will be accompanied by an orchestra of faculty, student and community musicians under the leadership of Paul Rusterholz.

General admission is a suggested donation of $5 for students and $10 for others. Tickets may be purchased in advance from Choral Union members.

Swinging Yuletide Planned for UW-La Crosse

Annual Concert Features Jazz Favorites

An upbeat performance of big band and vocal jazz holiday favorites is once again planned at UW-La Crosse.

The Great River Big Band will join the UW-L instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, along with the La Crosse Jazz Combo, for a Swinging Yuletide. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

Tickets are a suggested donation of $5 for students and $10 for others; or, reserved tickets for $20. Seating is limited; getting tickets early is recommend since the concert typically sells out. For tickets or more information, contact the UW-L Music Listening Lab in 145 Center for the Arts or at 608-785-8415.

If you go—
What: Swinging Yuletide
Who: Great River Big Band, UW-L instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, and the La Crosse Jazz Combo
When:  7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: $20 reserved; general admission is $5 for students and $10 for others

CLS “Celebration of Faculty Research & Creative Endeavors”

Cecilia Manrique (Political Science/Public Administration) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “The Filipino Immigrant and American Society”

Ancient ArtworkIf you go—
What: Cecilia Manrique (Political Science/Public Administration) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “The Filipino Immigrant and American Society”
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, November 30
Where: 259 Cartwright Center

Please plan on attending future presentations, as well:

What: Bradley Butterfield (English) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “Aesthetic Turns:  Nietzsche, Adorno, Foucault, Baudrillard” and the writing of “My Own Private Elvis” – a tragic-comic novel
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, February 15
Where: 337 Cartwright

What: Al Gedicks (Sociology/Archaeology) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “Indigenous Rising:  A Book and Senior Seminar on Global Resistance to Resource Colonialism”
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: 259 Cartwright Center

Comedian to Entertain At UW-La Crosse

Daniel KinnoSchedule Change: Performance changed to 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Cellar, Cartwright Center.
Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys football game on the big screen there at 7:30 p.m.

Russian-born comedian Daniel Kinno will perform at UW- La Crosse. Kinno takes the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, in the Cellar in Cartwright Center. Admission is free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series.

At only 24, Kinno has already worked with renowned comedians such as Dane Cook, Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Tucker. He is currently co-starring in a new hit show, “Boys Behaving Badly,” and has starred in a national ESPN commercial. In his first NACA showcase, he was the No. 1 or No. 2 requested act of every conference. Find more about him at: www.danielkinno.com

For more information about the performance, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 608-785-8898.

If you go─
Who: Comedian Daniel Kinno
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29
Where: Cellar, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center
Admission: Free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series

CAB Close Up Finals Fest Concert with Trouble Shooter

Trouble ShooterTrouble Shooter, one of the most popular festivals bands in the region, performs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

Since the band's inception in 1984, Trouble Shooter has performed in a 14-state area, including two Canadian provinces and a number of competitive Nashville showcases. The band's busy schedule (as many as 300+ nights per year) has kept them up with current song selections, as well as recording two CDs. Both were well received by their fans, as well as by a number of Midwest radio stations. Their second CD, "Borderline," was a nominee for "Country Recording of the Year" at the Minnesota Music Awards.

Tickets are on sale at the Cartwright Center Information Counter or by calling 608-785-8898. The cost is $2 for students, $4 for faculty and staff, and $6 for others. For more information on Trouble Shooter, see www.troubleshooterband.com. For any disability accommodations, contact the Campus Activities Board at 608-785-8873.

UW-La Crosse Top Strings Set Performance

UW-La Crosse's Symphony Orchestra PerformerThe top string performers at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will give a concert.

The university’s Annett, Hoeschler, and Chancellor’s String Quartets will take center stage for the UW-L String Festival. The event will also include the inaugural performance of the All-University String Orchestra. The festival begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Annett Recital Hall in the UW-L Center for the Arts.

Admission is free. Advance tickets are available in the Music Listening Lab, 145 Center for the Arts, or by calling 608-785-8415. The director of orchestral studies at UW-L is Enaldo Antonio James de Oliveira.

If you go—
Who: The university’s Annett, Hoeschler, and Chancellor’s String Quartets and All-University String Orchestra
What: UW-L String Festival
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-L Center for the Arts.
Admission: Free; get advance tickets in the Music Listening Lab, 145 Center for the Arts, or by calling 608-785-8415

La Crosse New Music Festival 2007

Chris BurnsUW-L's College of Liberal Studies and the Wisconsin Alliance for Composers will present The La Crosse New Music Festival 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 13-15. The festival will include concerts each evening and a presentation on "Laptop Improvisations" by Milwaukee guest composer Christopher Burns.

The festival presents music of composers and students from around the state and the country in concerts each evening performed by some of the region’s  most talented performers and ensembles including the UW-La Crosse Concert Choir, the UW-La Crosse Percussion Ensemble, Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers and the UW-La Crosse Korean Percussion Ensemble. The Festival is intended to increase the awareness of students and community members of current trends in music composition and performance.  The events are free and open to the public.

The Tuesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 15 concerts are in Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts, UW-La Crosse.  The Wednesday, November 14 concert is at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 N. 9th.  All concerts start at 7:30 PM.  The presentation by Christopher Burns is Tuesday, November 13 at 2:15 PM in Annett Recital Hall.

The full program can be found here.

For more information, call 608-785-8409 or 608-785-6729.

Comedian Alexandra McHale to perform at UW-La Crosse

Alexandra McHaleComedian and frequent VH1 commentator Alexandra McHale will perform at UW-La Crosse. McHale takes the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Cellar in Cartwright Center. Admission is free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series.

McHale was thrilled to make her network TV debut on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” She has performed on CBS’s “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” as well as Comedy Central’s popular show, “Premium Blend.” McHale is a frequent commentator for VH1, offering her unique point of view on shows such as “I Love the 80s” and “Supersecret TV Formulas.” In addition to appearances at clubs, she has headlined at more than 300 colleges. College students across the country voted her “Female Entertainer of the Year” two years in a row.

For more information about the concert, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 608-785-8898 or visit www.uwlax.edu/cab/Events.htm.

If you go—
Who: Comedian Alexandra McHale
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
Where: Cellar, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center
Admission: Free

Awareness Through Performance

Awareness Through Performance Schedule

Save the date for January 27th and 28th, 2008, at 7pm. Auditorium locations to be announced.

Artist reception set for Wednesday in Murphy's Mug

Waiting for the Weekend by Sara Lubinski
Artist Sara Lubinski's "Waiting for the Weekend" is one of several displayed in Murphy's Mug. She and D. B Becker, whose work is also displayed, will be at Murphy's Mug Wednesday morning.

As you visit the library book sale, stop in to Murphy's Mug between 9-11 a.m. Wednesday to meet two artists. Sara Lubinski and D. Bud Becker, both local artists with original pieces in the cafe, will be mingling and answering questions about their work. Ellen Kallies from the State Street Gallery, where some of the art was purchased, will attend.

Murphy's Mug has four pieces of original art, thanks to generous donations by Ron and Jane Rada and collaboration with the UW-L art department. Two of the works represent local river culture. One is a large four-part painting by a student, Chun-Tso Lin (Jojo), who just graduated from UW-L and is pursuing a master's of fine arts. The other is a tile piece by a Minnesota artist.

Librarians worked with the art department to find and place the large student piece currently in the café, as well as to identify and install a flexible art hanging system. Members of the Art Student Association, working with Jennifer Williams Terpstra, chair of the art department, are working to place more art in Murphy's Mug and across campus.

Heritage of the Upper Midwest To Be Displayed

UW-La Crosse exhibit to celebrate archaeology center’s first 25 years

Knife Image
Artifacts such as this late Paleo-Indian knife from the Sanford Archaeological District in the City of La Crosse, circa 9500-8500 B.C., will be displayed in the upcoming art exhibit.

Native American heritage of the Upper Midwest will displayed in an exhibit of artifacts at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. “Continuity in Culture: MVAC at 25 Years” will commemorate the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center’s 25th anniversary. The exhibit will feature prehistoric artifacts ranging from 10,000 to 500 years ago and rock art, along with historic Ho-Chunk photographs and basketry.

The exhibit opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, in the University Art Gallery, Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Tuesday, Nov. 13. A Rock Art Panel Discussion will run from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in 116 Center for the Arts. The panel will include perspectives of Ho-Chunk member Chloris Lowe, rock art painter Geri Schrab, and MVAC archaeologist Robert “Ernie” Boszhardt.

Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The gallery also opens for appointments by calling the UW-L Art Department at 608-785-8230. For more information on MVAC, call 608-785-8463 or visit www.uwlax.edu/mvac.

If you go—
What: “Continuity in Culture: MVAC at 25 Years”
When: Friday, Oct. 19, through Tuesday, Nov. 13
Where: University Art Gallery, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts
Gallery hours: noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events
Admission: Free.

‘On the Verge’ To Be Staged at UW-La Crosse

Play is the first in newly-renovated Frederick Theatre

On the VergeThe time-traveling comedy “On the Verge” will be performed at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The Theatre Arts Department performs the play at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 2-3 and Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 7-10, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 4 and 11. Performances will be in the newly-remodeled Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall, State and 16th streets.

In this kaleidoscopic adventure by Eric Overmyer, three courageous Victorian women explorers cross the continents and time to find Terra Incognita — the last undiscovered place on earth.  During their travels, the 19th century women vanquish such challenges as a Yeti and encounter puzzling objects, including an “I Like Ike” button and a rear-view mirror from a car.

Overmyer, an award-winning playwright, uses intriguing language to cleverly bring to life a vibrant safari based on actual Victorian explorers.

Tickets are $3 for UW-L students, $8 for senior citizens and $10 for others. Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 29. For reservations, contact the box office at 608-785-8522 or in the lobby of the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets. Box office hours are 1-4:30 weekdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Seating is limited. Herbal cigarettes will be smoked during the performance.

If you go—
What: “On the Verge” by Eric Overmyer
Who: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 2-3 and Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 7-10
     2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 4 and 11
Where: Frederick Theatre, UW-La Crosse Morris Hall, 16th and State streets
Admission: $3 for UW-L students, $8 for senior citizens and $10 for others. Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 29. For reservations, contact the box office at 608-785-8522.

Bus Trip Planned To View Minneapolis Art Exhibits

Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Circling Around Abstraction”The UW-L art department and the Art Student Association are sponsoring a bus trip to Minneapolis to see the exhibits of two women painters: Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Circling Around Abstraction,” at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Frida Kahlo’s artwork at the Walker Art Center. The bus leaves at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, from Vine Street in front of the Center for the Arts.

A $30 fee includes bus transportation and museum admissions. To reserve a spot, write a check payable to UW-La Crosse and deliver it by no later than Friday, Nov. 2, to 105 Center for the Arts. Refunds will be given only if the trip is cancelled.

Find out more at an informational meeting at  7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 119 Center for the Arts. Or contact Carly Dilworth at dilworth.carl@students.uwlax.edu or Jennifer Williams Terpstra at williams.jenn@uwlax.edu.

UW-L Screaming Eagles Set Review Concert

Screaming Eagles Marching BandYou can relive the sights and sounds of the UW-La Crosse 2007 football season. The UW-L Screaming Eagles Marching Band will hold its annual Marching Band Review at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, in Mitchell Hall Field House. Admission is free; donations will be accepted.      

The concert includes music played throughout the season at various events. The concert marks the 18th performance for the band this fall. The performances have included all home football games, numerous community and on-campus events, as well as exhibition performances at Holmen and Greendale high schools. The concert will also feature the UW-L pom pon squad and colorguard.   

The 155-member Screaming Eagles Marching band is under the direction of Tammy Fisher and student leaders Jennifer Pfeffer and Keith Heinzen.  

The Screaming Eagles will be the special entertainment for a five-day Western Caribbean Cruise Jan. 13-18, 2008. Along with holding performances on the Norwegian Jewel, the band will give port of call performances in Cozemul and Grand Cayman. Students are currently fundraising for the trip which will cost around $1,000 per person.

If you go—
Who: UW-L Screaming Eagles Marching Band
What: Marching Band Review
When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11   
Where: UW-La Crosse Mitchell Hall Field House
Admission:  Free; donations accepted.

Acoustic Music on the Stage at UW-La Crosse

Sean McConnellMore acoustic music is coming to UW-La Crosse. Sean McConnell will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Cellar in Cartwright Center. Admission is free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series.

The 21-year-old performer’s music is known for being about emotions. McConnell’s music encourages listeners to think and to feel. The singer-songwriter currently has three CD’s to his credit. His latest CD is titled “200 Orange Street,” the address of his childhood home. He works regularly in the Nashville music community while earning his degree at Middle Tennessee State University. Get more information about him at: www.seanmcconnell.com/home.

For more information about the concert, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 608-785-8898.  

If you go—
Who: Singer and Songwriter Sean McConnell
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8
Where: Cellar, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center
Admission:  Free

Native Dance Ensemble to Perform at UW-La Crosse

Kevin Loke Native Dance EnsembleVisionary hoop dancing along with soaring powwow vocals will come to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The Kevin Loke Native Dance Ensemble will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

The ensemble offers a variety of American Indian traditions. The performance, “The Drum is the Thunder, the Flute is the Wind,” will feature various dances, ancient flute songs, drums, vocals, Northern Plains sign language and authentic stories.

Tickets are $3 for UW-L students, $6 for UW-L employees and $8 for others. Tickets are available at the Cartwright Center Info Counter or at 608-785-8898. For more information, visit www.uwlax.edu/cab.

If you go—
What: The Kevin Loke Native Dance Ensemble
When: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Admission:  $3 for UW-L students, $6 for UW-L employees and $8 for others. Tickets available at the Cartwright Center Info Counter, 608-785-8898.

Playing for Pets Benefit Concert

Coulee Region Humane Society LogoThe Playing for Pets Benefit Concert will take place Saturday, November 3rd at 7:30pm in Valhalla.

Presented by CST 376 and WMCM-TV, this event features Brenna LeClaire, FarFif and Gazillion.

The $3 admission fee goes directly to the Coulee Region Humane Society. Come listen to some wonderful music and win door prizes at the same time!

UW-La Crosse to Debut Renovated Frederick Theatre

Open house set for Friday, Nov. 2

The original performing arts space at UW-La Crosse has received a face-lift. Frederick Theatre, in Morris Hall, has been transformed from a proscenium theatre to a thrust space, also called “three-quarters round.” In the new configuration the audience sits on three sides of the stage. A new, level floor and new seats have been installed along with updated sound and light systems.  

The space will be open for the public to see during an open house from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Those attending will have an opportunity to meet faculty and students, and tour the new space. All are welcome. 

“The new space is wonderful,” says Beth Cherne, chair of the theatre arts department. “We can’t wait to open our first play there.” That wait will be over soon. The comedy “On the Verge” opens in the updated theatre at 7:30 p.m. later that day. The play runs through Nov. 4, and again Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 7-11. Curtain time is 7:30 nightly except for 2 o’clock matinees Sundays. Call the box office at 608-785-8522 to reserve tickets; seating is limited.  

The theater was named for long-time speech and theatre faculty member Robert L. Frederick in 1984, following a remodeling of the old studio theatre. The theatre has been part of Morris Hall since the building was erected in 1940.

Frederick, a 1936 graduate of UW-L, served as a faculty member at the institution from 1946-1977. For 20 of those years, he and Marie Toland were responsible for the production of nearly 100 plays. One of the most famous was “Elizabeth the Queen,” in which Frederick played Essex to Toland's Elizabeth 1. Frederick, also a longtime member of the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors, died in 1987.

If you go—
What: Open house in the newly renovated Frederick Theatre
When: 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2
Where: Frederick Theatre, UW-La Crosse Morris Hall, 16th and State streets
Admission: Free.

Reggae Band to Rock UW-La Crosse

The Maytals BandThe Grammy award-winning group “The Maytals Band” will give a concert at UW-La Crosse. The group performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

The Maytals Band has helped to establish the foundation of Reggae music. Continually redefining the sound of modern Reggae, the band infuses its music with rock, blues, funk, pop and soul for a rich tapestry of energetic sound with universal appeal.

The Maytals Band is no stranger to hit music. It has been well-known for decades for albums and world tours with Toots Hibbert, the Godfather of reggae. In 2005, the band’s LP, “True Love” won the Grammy for “Best Reggae Album.” Band members hold the Guinness World Record for shortest time between the recording and release of a live album — “TOOTS LIVE at the Hammersmith Palais.”

The band has performed with legendary musicians such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, Al Green, Jimmy Cliff, No Doubt, Ryan Adams, Ben Harper, and more. The Maytals band is known for Leba Hibbert’s voice, backed up by a number of accomplished musicians.

Tickets are $6 for UW-L students and $10 for others. Tickets are available at the Cartwright Center Info Counter or at 608-785-8898.

If you go—
What: The Maytals Band
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Tickets: $6 for UW-L students and $10 for others. Tickets are available at the Cartwright Center Info Counter or at 608-785-8898.

Concert Choir at State Educator’s Conference

The 2007-08 Concert Choir has been invited to sing at the Wisconsin State Music Educators conference in Madison Friday, Oct. 26. The 2:45 p.m. concert, in the Monona Terrace Convention Center, marks the third appearance at the conference for the choir. The UW-L Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Männerchor have also been invited to perform at previous conferences. Choirs are selected by taped audition. The Concert Choir has also performed at state and regional conferences of the Wisconsin Choral Directors and American Choral Directors Associations.

Expert on African American leadership and politics to speak at UW-La Crosse

Political analyst Ronald Walters kicks off series

Ron Walters A Maryland professor internationally known for his expertise on African American leadership and politics will give a presentation at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Ronald Walters speaks on “The Color Line in the 21st Century: New Complexities of Racial Reconciliation” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Walters, a professor in government and politics at the University of Maryland, served as deputy campaign manager for issues in Jessie Jackson’s 1984 presidential bid. He was a consultant for convention issues for Jackson’s 1988 campaign. An author of more than 100 articles and eight books, Walters’ book, “Black Presidential Politics in America,” won the Ralph Bunch Prize given by the American Political Science Association and the best book award from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.

Walters serves as an African American political analyst for local and national media outlets. He has appeared on CNN’s “Crossfire,” NPR’s “All Things Considered,” PBS’s “Jim Lehrer News Hour,” NBC’s “Today” show, ABC’s “Nightline,” among others. He writes a weekly opinion column for newspapers and Web sites. The presentation is a first in a series of lectures for the UW-L Institute for Race and Ethnicity.

You can view the event flyer here.

If you go—
Who: Ronald Walters
What: “The Color Line in the 21st Century: New Complexities of Racial Reconciliation”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25
Where:  Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Admission: Free.

Acoustic Musician To Perform at the Cellar

Bjork OstromAn acoustic performer from Minnesota will give a concert at UW-La Crosse.  Bjork Ostrom performs at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Cellar in Cartwright Center. Admission is free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series.

On the path to becoming a professional dancer, Ostrom’s life took a different path when his dad taught him the chords to “Love Hurts” on his harmony Sovereign guitar. Since, the “boy next door” from Cambridge, Minn., has pursued a dream of becoming a musician. He has found inspiration in other artists’ music, including: John Mayer, Jason Mraz, James Taylor and Bob Dylan. Find out more about him at: www.bjorkostrom.com.

For more information about the concert, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 608-785-8898.

If you go—
Who: Minnesota Acoustic Performer Bjork Ostrom
What: Concert
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25
Where: Cellar, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center
Admission: Free as part of the Cellar Thursday Series.

Retired UW-La Crosse Archaeologist to Lead Annual Irish Hiking Tour

Dungair Castle, IrelandA retired University of Wisconsin-La Crosse archaeologist will lead another public hiking tour to Ireland. Professor Emeritus Jim Gallagher heads the hiking tour in southwest Ireland from June 15-22, 2008. The tour will feature hikes along coastal cliffs, offshore islands, and to shorebird nesting sanctuaries of Dingle and County Kerry.  

Highlights of the tour include the Skellig Islands, Killarney National Park and Great Blasket Island. The area where the group will be heading is scenic, rugged, and great for hiking and bird watching says Gallagher. He has been leading yearly tours to Ireland since 1996. The trip will include Irish walking guide Maeve Kelly, an Irish archaeologist, and other local experts on Irish culture and natural history.  

For more information on the 2008 tour visit: www.uwlax.edu/conted/tours/ or call the UW-L Continuing Education and Extension Office at 608-785-6506. The web site features a slide show of spots on the upcoming tour. 

Gallagher will give two free public programs on "Hiking in Ireland." The first is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, in the auditorium of the La Crosse Main Branch Public Library 800 Main St. The second is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Meeting Room of the Onalaska Public Library, 741 Oak St. Gallagher will show slides of last year's trip and talk about the upcoming 2008 trip.

Continuing Education and Extension Office is the sponsor of both the tour and upcoming talks.

UW-La Crosse Jazz Ensembles Kick Off 2007-08 Concert Season

Jazz ConcertThe UW-La Crosse Jazz Ensemble I, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble II will perform a variety of styles from swing to contemporary big band music during their initial concert for 2007-08. The ensembles will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Admission is free.

Jazz Ensemble I will feature tenor saxophonist Jim Piela and guitarist Eric Streske on a new composition, “The Unlikely Event” by Chris Mertz. The piece uses complex harmonies, rhythm and mixed meter to create a jazz work in the symphonic style. The classic Basie Big Band compositions “How Sweet It Is” and “Whirly Bird” will feature a number of soloists including Matt Windett and Zak Kasynski, trumpet; Erin Cook and Christy Swartz, trombone; Joe Lanska, piano; and Mark Jennison, alto sax. The ensemble will also perform the Latin jazz piece “Cubaneando” by Robert Washut. Karyn Quinn is the director of Jazz Ensemble I.

The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will sing “How High the Moon” and “Jeannine” in tribute to the great vocal quartet, Manhattan Transfer. In addition, the group will take concertgoers on a journey to the Land of Oz with new arrangements of old favorites “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” Janette Hanson directs the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Jazz Ensemble II will perform big band arrangements of old favorites including the Sammy Nestico swinger “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Who’s Sorry Now” and “Groovin’ Hard” made famous by Don Menza. Featured soloists with Jazz Ensemble II are Joe Cuddy, tenor saxophone; Rob Tolson and Carlton Fowler, trumpet; and Patrick Hart, alto saxophone. Tom Brown directs Jazz Ensemble II.

If you go—
Who: UW-La Crosse Jazz Ensemble I, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble II
What: Fall Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23
Where: Valhalla, UW-La Crosse Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: Free.

Psychological Performer Sets UW-La Crosse Programs

Christopher CarterA person known as a skillful psychological performer will bring his act to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.  Christopher Carter, who uses mind reading, hypnosis and motivation, will give two shows — at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Critics call Carter “one of the most entertaining and uncannily skillful psychological performers in the world.” He has performed on more than 180 college campuses.

The Campus Activities Board event is part of the university’s Family, Friends and Alumni Weekend. Admission is $4 for UW-L students, $6 for UW-L employees and $8 for others. For tickets, call the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 608-785-8898.

If you go—
Who: Christopher Carter
What: A program of mind reading, hypnosis and motivation
When: 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: $4 for UW-L students, $6 for UW-L employees and $8 for others. For tickets, call the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 608-785-8898.

UW-La Crosse Choral Ensembles Set Concerts

Alumni Returning to Perform

Concert ChoirA performance by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Concert Choir alumni returning for the university’s Family, Friends and Alumni weekend highlights concerts planned Saturday, Oct. 20. Five choirs from the university’s music department will take part in two concerts for annual Fall Choral Concerts that evening in Annett Recital Hall, in the Center for the Arts.

The first, at 7 p.m., will feature Männerchor, UW-L’s male chorus, conducted by Gary Kent Walth, followed by the Women’s Chorus, conducted by Paul Rusterholz. Concluding the concert will be the Chamber Choir, led by Terence Kelly.  The 8:30 performance will begin with the Chamber Choir. The Concert Choir Alumni Choir, celebrating 15 years of the ensemble, will perform four selections from past programs. Conductor Walth, director of the university’s Choral Music Studies, hopes to have 35 to 45 former Concert Choir members participate. The current Concert Choir will be the final choir on the program presenting a variety of choral works ranging from a 15th century chant setting to new compositions by Christopher Frye and Walth. The Concert Choir will be joined by others for their final selection, James Erb’s arrangement of the American folksong “Shenandoah.”

Several Concert Choir music education graduates have forged successful careers leading high school and middle school choral programs throughout the state, notes Walth. “Others are positively influencing students as elementary and middle school general music teachers in Wisconsin and Minnesota,” he says.

General admission tickets will be available at the door or by calling 608-785-8415 after Monday, Oct. 15. Suggested ticket donations are $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Earlier in the day, the alumni choir will also perform with the Concert Choir and the Screaming Eagles marching band during pre-game ceremonies at the football game.  A Concert Choir Alumni Breakfast Buffet is planned on campus Sunday, Oct. 21. For details call 608-785-8415.

‘The Arabian Nights’ to enchant on UW-La Crosse stage

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse theatre arts department will perform “The Arabian Nights,” Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the classic tale of Scheherezade.  Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 13, and Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 18-20. Sunday matinee performances are scheduled for 2 o’clock Oct. 14 and 21. All performances are in the Toland Theatre in the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets. The production is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

Arabian NightsIn the play, Scheherezade marries the cruel King Shahryar who, having been deceived by his first wife, takes his revenge by marrying a new bride each night and murdering her as dawn arrives. But Scheherezade manages to continually and cleverly postpone her own death by weaving charming and captivating stories for her king. She enchants him with enthralling, interwoven tales, tantalizingly unfinished as dawn arrives, causing Shahryar to spare her life for 1,001 nights.

Playwright Mary Zimmerman received the 1998 MacArthur Genius Grant and a Tony Award for her directing. She also created the play “Metamorphoses,” with which UW-L theatre students advanced in the regional American College Theatre Festival competition in 2003 under the direction of Mary Leonard.  Leonard also directs this production of “The Arabian Nights.”

Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at the box office in the lobby of the Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets. Tickets are $3 for UW-L students, $8 for senior citizens and other students, and $10 for others. For reservations, call the box office at 608-785-8522. Box office hours are 1-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, and one hour before performances.

If you go—
What: “The Arabian Nights”
Who: UW-La Crosse Theatre Arts Department
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 13, and Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 18 -20.  2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14 and 21.
Where:  Toland Theatre, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts, 16th and Vine streets.
Admission: $3 for UW-L students, $8 for senior citizens and other students, and $10 for others. For reservations, call the box office at 608-785-8522. The production is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

Award-Winning Poet to Read Poems On Campus

Brian Turner headshot
Brian Turner

Brian Turner, award-winning Iraq war poet, and author of "Here, Bullet," will present a poetry reading and book signing at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, in Port O' Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. The event is free and open to the public.

Turner, who earned a master's of fine arts in poetry from the University of Oregon, spent seven years in the U.S. army. He was an infantry team leader for a year in Iraq with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Prior to that, he was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1999-2000.

Turner was awarded a 2007 Literature Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts, a 2006 Pen Center USA Literary Award, a 2006 Lannan Literary Fellowship and a 2005 Beatrice Hawley Award. His book of poems was named a New York Times  "Editor's Choice" selection.
Turner has been featured in the Voices in Wartime Anthology published in conjunction with the feature-length documentary film of the same name.
For more information, contact Matthew Cashion, English, at 785.8297 or the English department at 785.8295.

UW-L Symphony Orchestra Sets Masterworks Concert

Central, Logan and Onalaska high school orchestras to be featured

Symphony OrchestraThe University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Symphony Orchestra will be joined by area high school students during an upcoming concert.  Orchestras from La Crosse Central, La Crosse Logan and Onalaska high schools will be highlighted during the Masterworks Concert featuring Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony.” The performance is set at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Central High School Auditorium.

The UW-L Symphony Orchestra’s repertoire includes: “Rosamunde Overture” by Schubert; “Concerto for Soprano Saxophone The Celtic” by Dave Heath featuring soloist UW-L professor Greg Balfany; and “Postlude in F” by Charles Ives. The three high schools will perform “Rhythmical Variation on Two Ancient Themes” by Howard Hanson. They will be joined by the UW-L Symphony for “Symphony No. 8 Unfinished” by Schubert.    

Admission is free; donations will be accepted for the UW-L Symphony Orchestra Scholarship Fund, designed for freshmen from the three schools joining the orchestra in 2008.

See the promotional flyer here.

If you go—
Who: Symphony Orchestras from UW-La Crosse, La Crosse Central, La Crosse Logan and Onalaska high schools
What: Masterworks Concert featuring Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16
Where: La Crosse Central High School Auditorium, 1803 Losey Blvd. S.
Admission: Free, but donations will be accepted for the UW-L Symphony Orchestra Scholarship Fund

Poetry Contest

Poets! Submit your poems to Patrick Randolph, English, by Monday, Oct. 15, to be considered for publication in the anthology “Empty Shoes: Poems on the Homeless and the Hungry,” to be published next spring. All profits will go to Wisconsin-based food and homeless shelters. For more information, contact Patrick at 785-8330 or randolph.patr@uwlax.edu.

Screaming Eagles Marching Band Plans Winter Cruise

Marching band will entertain on board, at ports

Screaming Eagles Marching Band

Rent an Eagle
You can hire Screaming Eagles marching band members to do household chores - yard work, washing windows, other fall projects and more. To rent an "Eagle," call 785.6733 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and a brief description of the work you need done. Band students will return your call and set up an appointment.

Caribbean Cruise travelers this winter will have their own college marching band aboard. UW-L's Screaming Eagles will be the special entertainment for a five-day Western Caribbean Cruise Jan. 13-18, 2008. Along with holding performances on the Norwegian Jewel, the band will give port of call performances in Cozemul and Grand Cayman.

"It's an opportunity for the band to experience different performance venues than we normally would have," says Tammy Fisher, director of the band. "The trip serves as a reward for the students' hard work as well as recruitment opportunities."

The last big trip for the Screaming Eagles was December 2002 when they participated in the Outback Bowl in Tampa. Previous trips, dating back to the mid-1960s, have include performances at the World's Fair in New York, Rose Bowl Parade, Disneyland, Orange Bowl (twice), Mile High Stadium, London and Holiday Bowl.  

About 110 students from this fall's 150-piece marching band plan to take the cruise. Cost for the trip is $1,000 per student, which includes all meals and transportation from La Crosse.

The trip is open to friends and supporters of the band at the same cost to students. For more information, call Fisher at 785-8411

To help defray the cost, students are planning numerous fundraisers, including a raffle and a community service called "Rent an Eagle." Band members will do household chores for a donation. Call 785-6733 to set up an appointment.

Band members will get their raffle underway by selling tickets along the Oktoberfest Maple Leaf Parade route Saturday, Sept 27.

UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony to Perform

A windswept avenue in the FallThe UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony will present its first concert of the season  Sunday, Oct. 14. The concert begins at 2:30 p.m. in Annett Recital Hall in the UW-L Center for the Arts. Admission is free.

The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Tammy Fisher, is an auditioned concert band representing the best wind and percussion players on campus. The ensemble includes music majors and minors, as well as students from numerous other academic disciplines.  

The repertoire to be performed includes: “Esprit de Corps,” a piece commissioned by the U.S. Marine Band; a transcription of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Fugue à la Gigue”; “Vesuvius,” a programmatic work written by contemporary composer Frank Ticheli; and a Scottish ballad “Perthshire Majesty.”  The concert will conclude with “Folk Dances” by Dmitri Shostakovich.  

If you go—
What: UW-La Crosse Wind Symphony
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14.
Where: Annett Recital Hall, UW-La Crosse Center for the Arts
Admission: Free.

Silver Mound Day

Native American DrummerExplore the Black River area’s early history at Silver Mound Day on Saturday, October 13, 2007. Silver Mound is one of the largest, oldest and most important archaeological sites in Wisconsin; and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007. The site consists of a large sandstone hill containing a layer of “Hixton Quartzite” which was quarried and chipped into stone tools for nearly 12,000 years. Scheduled activities and demonstrations include: Traditional dancing, drumming and storytelling with the Wisconsin Dells Singers, guided tours of the mound, flintknapping (stone tool making), atlatl (spear) throwing, artifact displays and identification, Traditional basketry and beadwork, Native American games. Traditional food will be available for purchase. For more information, contact the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at (608) 785-8454 or www.uwlax.edu/mvac, or dowiasch.jean@uwlax.edu.

Date:                Saturday, October 13, 2007
Location:           Hixton-Alma Center KOA; STH 95 3.5 miles northeast of Hixton. For campground reservations, call KOA at 1-800-562-2680.
Time:                10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fee:                  $4/adult; children under

CLS “Celebration of Faculty Research & Creative Endeavors”

Mark Chavalas (History) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “Women in the Ancient Near East: A Sourcebook”

Ancient ArtworkIf you go—
What: “Women in the Ancient Near East: A Sourcebook”, a Friday Brown Bad Lunch Presentation
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, October 12 
Where:Port O’Call, Cartwright Center

Please plan on attending future presentations, as well:

What: Cecilia Manrique (Political Science/Public Administration) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “The Filipino Immigrant and American Society”
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, November 16
Where: 259 Cartwright Center

What: Bradley Butterfield (English) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “Aesthetic Turns:  Nietzsche, Adorno, Foucault, Baudrillard” and the writing of “My Own Private Elvis” – a tragic-comic novel
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, February 15
Where: 337 Cartwright

What: Al Gedicks (Sociology/Archaeology) – Presentation on Sabbatical Research – “Indigenous Rising:  A Book and Senior Seminar on Global Resistance to Resource Colonialism”
When: 12:10-1:00 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: 259 Cartwright Center

Speaker Pedro Juan Hernandez on “El Salvador:  Human Rights and the War on Terror”

Policies of free trade, privatization, and imprisonment dictated directly from Washington have left the people of El Salvador facing a severe economic, cultural and political crisis.  Hernandez, a national assembly member of CRIPEDS, the Association for the Development of El Salvador, and a leader in the Salvadoran student movement, will address how organized communities can overcome threats and fear tactics to build economic, social and political alternatives that work for the majority.

A Latino/a Heritage Month Event.

If you go—
What: Speaker on El Salvador: Human Rigths and the War on Terror
When: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10.
Where:Valhalla, Cartwright Center
Admission: Free