Cal Poly Events & Entertainment Calendar
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February
Cal Poly to Host Talk on ‘Arab Spring and Palestine/Israel Peace Process’ Feb. 22
Ilan Pappé, a scholar on the modern Middle East and the history of Israel and Palestine, will present “Arab Spring and Palestine/Israel Peace Process” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Chumash Auditorium at Cal Poly.
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Cal Poly Students to Help Kids Explore the Oceans Feb. 25 in Avila Beach
Cal Poly students will be on hand to show children various sea creatures at the Avila Beach Sea Life Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, rain or shine. Children will be able to see, touch and learn about hermit crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, clams, sea snails and more.The Sea Life Center is located at 50 San Juan St. in Avila Beach. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for children, seniors and students; free for ages 2 and under.
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The MET Live in HD: Verdi’s Ernani Feb. 25
Angela Meade takes center stage in Verdi's thrilling early gem. Salvatore Licitra is her mismatched lover, and all-star Verdians Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ferruccio Furlanetto round out the cast. See Verdi’s Ernani Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. in the PAC.
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Choirs’ Winter Concert - If Music Be the Food of Love Feb. 25
Works by PolyPhonics, The University Singers and Student Soloists will be dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.See the concert Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Cal Poly Theatre and Dance to Present ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3
Cal Poly’s Theatre and Dance Department will bring Tennessee Williams’ classic play “A Streetcar Named Desire” to the Spanos Theatre at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23- 25 and March 1-3. “A Streetcar Named Desire”is considered a hallmark of the American theater. It follows the gradual unraveling of Blanche DuBois, a Southern belle of days gone by. Blanche’s arrival on the doorstep of her younger sister, Stella, and Stella’s brutish husband, Stanley, marks a collision of worlds: the ideals of the Old South with the pulsing sensuality of 1940s New Orleans.
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Los Lonely Boys Feb. 26
One of America’s premier rock bands expands and enhances its trademark “Texican” rock sound in this acoustic concert filled with tight vocal harmonies, potent songs with unshakeable pop appeal, and masterful guitar work. Their latest Rockpango is said to be their most satisfying recording yet. See the Los Lonely Boys Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Ann Coulter to Speak Feb. 28
Cal Poly College Republicans will host conservative author and activist Ann Coulter in the University Union, Chumash Auditorium from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28. The event is free and open to the public.
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The World 1 Million Years Ago to be Explored in Feb. 28 Talk
Henry Gilbert, assistant professor of anthropology at California State University East Bay, will explain the world as it was 1 million years ago in a talk from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly.
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Feb. 29 Talk at Cal Poly to Focus on Popular Music and the Arab Spring
Ethnomusicologist Laith Ulaby will discuss the role of popular music in the Arab uprisings of 2011 from 1:10 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, in Cal Poly’s Chumash Auditorium in the University Union. Ulaby’s talk, “Tears in Tahrir: Popular Music and the Arab Spring,” will have a particular focus on the sensational story of pop musician Tamer Hosny, known as the King of Egyptian Pop, and the unlikely role of the Egyptian heavy metal scene in the Tahrir Square protests.
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March
Instrumental Student Recital March 1
Students showcase their talent in one of Cal Poly’s quarterly instrumental student recitals. An eclectic event, this recital will involve solo as well as small chamber ensemble performances. See the free recital March 1 at 11 a.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
More on the student recital
Red Star Red Army Chorus & Dance Ensemble March 1
The consummate glory, tradition, and national pride of Russia are on dazzling display with the incomparable Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble. The colorful spectacle features dozens of authentic performers on stage in a celebratory 20th Anniversary tour. See the chorus and dance ensemble March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Christopher Cohan Center.
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Wind Band Masterworks - Vol. I: The American Dream March 2
The Cal Poly Bands present the first concert in an annual series of wind band masterworks by paying tribute to these and other American masters. In addition to several works by great American composers, you will also hear two solo works by two great California performers: local virtuosi Jennifer Dodson and Shelly Granger. See the performance March 2 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Cal Poly Just Jazz Concert March 3
This concert features everything from authentic performances of traditional jazz standards to cutting-edge repertoire of world music, hip-hop and more. From the big band “wall of sound” to spontaneous interplay in jazz combos, the Cal Poly Jazz Bands respect the tradition while expanding its boundaries. See the jazz band March 3 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Cal Poly Symphony to Showcase Soloists at Winter Concert March 4
The Cal Poly Symphony’s Winter Concert will celebrate the talents of student soloists and showcase the group’s upcoming tour repertoire in a performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 4, in Harman Hall in the Performing Arts Center’s Christopher Cohan Center. The Student Soloist Showcase will feature performances by winners of the Music Department’s Solo Competition.
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UCLA History Professor to Discuss Arab Uprisings March 5
In honor of the first anniversary of the “Arab Spring,” UCLA history Professor James Gelvin will present “The Arab Uprisings One Year Later” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 5, in the Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly. Beginning in December 2010 a popular revolt swept through the Middle East, shocking the world and ushering in a period of unprecedented unrest. Protesters took to the streets to demand greater freedom, democracy, human rights, social justice and regime change.
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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao March 6
Performed by Elvis Nolasco, The American Place Theatre’s “Literature to Life” stage presentation brings the delicately brutal words of best-selling author Junot Diaz to the Spanos stage with the story of how ~ despite endless taunting ~ the fantasy-world-obsessed Oscar remains true to himself. See the show March 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Cal Poly Event to Spotlight Regional Food System Initiatives March 6
Cal Poly’s Center for Sustainability will host a lecture and panel discussion March 6 about emerging concepts to define and support regional food systems and how the concepts are being employed by a cross-section of professionals in food, agriculture, policy, research and education. Joseph McIntyre, president of Ag Innovations Network, will speak at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at the Monday Club in San Luis Obispo. McIntyre’s topic is “Demystifying Regional Food Systems: A New Look at an Evolving Trend in Farming and Food.” The event is free and open to the public.
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The Second City March 8
Tina Fey. Steve Carell. Stephen Colbert. Martin Short. Ryan Stiles. Mike Myers. All great comedians, all alumni of the famed sketch and improvisation troupe, The Second City. Come see the current tour of tomorrow’s funniest phenoms March 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Instrumental Student Recital March 8
Students showcase their talent in one of Cal Poly’s quarterly instrumental student recitals. An eclectic event, this recital will involve solo as well as small chamber ensemble performances. See the recital March 8 at 11 a.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
More on the recital
Talk to Explored Astrophysics Experiments at Cal Poly March 8
Cal Poly Research Scholar in Residence Roger Grismore will provide insight into astrophysics experiments carried out at Cal Poly in a talk at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in Room 111-H in the Kennedy Library on campus.
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Cal Poly Student Opera Theatre to Partner with OperaSLO for Performances March 8-10
The Cal Poly Student Opera Theatre has a unique opportunity to work with Brian Asher Alhadeff, Opera San Luis Obispo artistic director, in preparation for three performances of “Classic Scenes from Opera and Musical Theatre.”The students will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 8-9, and at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10, in the Pavilion of the Performing Arts Center.
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Cal Poly to Host UC Davis Gamelan Ensemble for Free Concert March 9
The UC Davis Gamelan Ensemble will give a free performance at 3 p.m. Friday, March 9, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center at Cal Poly. The ensemble will perform a selection of pieces on its West Javanese gamelan salendro as part of an exchange of ethnomusicology ensembles with Cal Poly.
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George Kahumoku, Jr. - Masters of Hawaiian Music March 9
Multiple Grammy-winning Hawaiian music master George Kahumoku, Jr. brings the magic of the islands alive in the Spanos Theatre when he is joined by fellow award-winning musicians Dennis Kamakahi, “Uncle” Richard Ho’opi’i, and Bobby Ingano in a celebration of culture and song. See Kahumoku March 9 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Arab Music Ensemble Winter Concert March 10
Join the Arab Music Ensemble March 10 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre, as it performs vocal and instrumental selections of some of the best-known art and popular music of the Eastern Mediterranean and larger Middle East.
More on the Arab Music Ensemble
An Afternoon with Rex Reed March 11
Always colorful and often controversial, film critic Rex Reed has been at the forefront of the cinematic industry for decades. The former co-host of the syndicated television show “At the Movies” and current film critic/columnist for the New York Observer will tell tales about film personalities that only a true Hollywood insider could know in the amusingly acerbic style for which he is famous. See Reed March 11 at 3 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Cal Poly to Honor Nisei and Support Tsunami Relief March 11
Cal Poly will host a video screening and benefit piano concert to honor CSU Nisei recipients and to support relief efforts for Japanese communities affected by last year’s tsunami. The screening and concert are set for 2 p.m., Sunday, March 11 in Harman Hall of the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center. The event is free and open to the public.
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John McCutcheon March 17
McCutcheon is a powerful singer/songwriter and masterful storyteller. Johnny Cash called him “the most impressive instrumentalist” he had ever heard. One of the world’s foremost performers on the beautiful hammer dulcimer and master of a dozen instruments, McCutcheon will fill this evening with pure folk artistry. See McCutcheon March 17 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Savion Glover: Bare Soundz March 21
Savion Glover keeps expanding the meaning of tap dance. He and two fellow tappers perform an homage to past jazz greats and “hoofers,” including Gregory Hines, Count Basie, John Coltrane, and Thelonius Monk. This impressive trio creates their own rhythm and melody section with their feet, accented only by humming vocals. See Glover March 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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SF JAZZ Collective: Songs of Stevie Wonder March 22
In a nod to the profound influence over musicians of every stripe and on our culture overall, the eight-member all-star JAZZ Collective has created an expansive tribute to the prolific material of pop music icon, Stevie Wonder. See the performance March 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Cal Poly Triathlon Team to Host Annual March Triathlon Series on March 24
Cal Poly Triathlon is proud to announce it will host the seventh annual March Triathlon Series on March 24 at Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande. This year's event is expected to draw 750 athletes to compete in sprint and Olympic distance races.
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Apex for Kids Family Concert - “Peter and the Wolf” March 25
Award-winning storyteller Zette Harbour will narrate the classic tale of "Peter and the Wolf" by Sergei Prokofiev as Maestro Nowak and the orchestra musically introduce the characters of Peter, the cat, the duck, the bird and...the WOLF! Bring the kids and the grandkids for fun, pre-concert activities in the lobby and be prepared for more delightful stories and a few surprises when "music tells the story" at the Symphony Family Concert March 25 in the Christopher Cohan Center.
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Aquila Theatre Company: Macbeth March 29
“Fair is foul and foul is fair” when Aquila Theatre brings its dramatic intensity back to the Spanos Theatre as they portray the chaotic world of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, where nothing is as it seems and men combat their own fates as madness threatens to envelop all. See Macbeth March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Spanos Theatre.
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Faculty Chamber Ensemble Recital March 30
The Music Department has started a biannual series of chamber recitals in which faculty join forces to perform masterworks of chamber music—beloved gems and less-known works alike. Come hear what is possible when our faculty artists put into practice what they teach! See the recital March 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
More on the faculty chamber ensemble
April
Andre Watts April 5
Leonard Bernstein chose 16 year-old André Watts to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic. Since then, Watts’ illustrious five-decade career has taken him to concert halls around the world, making him one of today’s most celebrated performers. Join us for a program of works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy. See Watts April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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The MET Live in HD: Massenet’s Manon April 7
Anna Netrebko's dazzling portrayal of the tragic heroine in Laurent Pelly's new production travels to the Met from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Piotr Beczala and Paulo Szot also star, with the Met's Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi on the podium. See the performance April 7 at 9 a.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Bettye LaVette April 14
When the Kennedy Center honored legendary rockers The Who in 2009, 63 year-old Bettye LaVette belted a moving “Love Reign O’er Me.” Using that night as a late-life career catapult, LaVette now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation’s most vital soul singer. See LaVette April 14 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Cal Poly Open House Concert April 14
After an exciting day at Cal Poly’s Open House, come and enjoy an evening of live entertainment by three of the Music Department’s finest instrumental ensembles: University Jazz Band, Symphony and Wind Ensemble. See the ensembles April 14 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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The MET Live in HD: Verdi’s La Traviata April 14
Natalie Dessay will put on the red dress in Willy Decker's stunning production, in her first Violetta at the Met. Matthew Polenzani sings Alfredo, Dmitri Hvorostovsky is Germont, and Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium. See the MET April 14 at 2 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Cal Poly All-State Festival Concert April 15
This spectacular Open House event features one hundred and fifty of California’s finest young musicians who were chosen by audition to participate. They are the future of music in America and it is our pleasure to showcase their talent under the direction of world-class conductors. See the concert April 15 at 2:30 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Ken Waldman & The Secret Visitors April 15
Fiddler, poet, and raconteur Ken Waldman’s variety shows are Alaska’s answer to a certain beloved radio program out of Minnesota. Waldman is joined by a troupe of world-class musicians in a story-telling music fest created just for us April 15 at 3 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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California & Montreal Guitar Trios April 21
Featuring guitar virtuosos from four countries, this “six-by-six-string phenomensemble” explores intricate original compositions as well as new arrangements of progressive rock, jazz, classical, and world music. See the performance April 21 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
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Katherine Arthur and Susan Azaret Davies April 22
“The Joy of Singing” Faculty Recital—please join Katherine Arthur, soprano, and Susan Azaret Davies, piano, as they perform a concert of songs filled with passion, humor and excitement See the recital Aprill 22 at 3 p.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
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La Traviata (Verdi) April 22
In her first Violetta at the Met, Natalie Dessay will put on the red dress in Willy Decker’s stunning production. Matthew Polenzani sings Alfredo and Dmitri Hvorostovsky is Germont. Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium. Encore screening: 2 p.m. See the performance May 22 at 2 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Cal Poly to Offer Compost Training April 23-27
Cal Poly will host a five-day workshop on large-scale agricultural composting April 23–27. The training will take place at the Cal Poly Compost Unit and will be supplemented by tours of regional composting operations and farms that have incorporated composting into their operations. The workshop is open to the public and will be geared toward agricultural professionals and farmers, conservation and waste management professionals, faculty and students.
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Craig Ferguson In New Center Stage Event April 24
Cal Poly Arts is proud to announce a special added Center Stage event starring Craig Ferguson, the host of CBS’ “The Late, Late Show,” performing at the Performing Arts Center’s Cohan Center on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 7:30 PM.
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Bollywood Delicious April 28
blue13 dance company, America’s premier contemporary Indian dance ensemble - renowned worldwide for its unparalleled artistry and commitment to authenticity and colorful theatricality - offers up an entirely new flavor with their Bollywood Delicious burlesque. A tasty tongue-in-cheek treat! See blue13 April 28 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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May
Catalyst Quartet May 6
The Catalyst Quartet, comprised of top Laureates and alumni of the internationally-acclaimed Sphinx Competition, is committed to bringing hidden music into the mainstream. In classic CQ style, their diverse afternoon concert will deliver great big works and fresh new pieces, just waiting to be discovered. See the quartet May 6 at 3 p.m. in the Pavilion.
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An Evening of Woodwind and String Chamber Music May 10
Cal Poly invites you an evening of beautiful music performed by our string and woodwind chamber ensembles May 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Methodist Church, San Luis Obispo. This performance will feature Cal Poly students performing in a variety of settings including string duos, string and saxophone quartets, woodwind quintets, flute choir, clarinet ensemble, and more.
More on the chamber ensembles
Vocal Student Recital May 11
See the vocal student recital May 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
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All That Brass May 15
An evening of fabulous fanfares, flourishes and fantasies performed by Cal Poly’s brass ensembles. See the show May 15 at
8 p.m. in the Methodist Church, San Luis Obispo.
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Early Music Ensemble Concert - Treasures of Tudor England May 18
From the sacred to the secular, from Henry VIII to William Byrd. See the concert May 18 at 8 p.m. in the Pavilion.
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Cal Poly Jazz Night Concert May 19
This concert features everything from authentic performances of traditional jazz standards to cutting-edge repertoire of world music, hip-hop and more. See the Jazz Night Concert May 19 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Forbes Pipe Organ Recital: Paul Woodring May 20
Paul Woodring, Cal Poly’s resident University Organist and Curator of the Forbes Organ, will perform a program including music by Bach, Mendelssohn and Vierne, as well as a transcription for solo organ of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, which will be narrated by a surprise guest. See Woodring perform May 20 at 3 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Piano Student Recital May 22
See the free piano student recital May 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
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Instrumental Student Recital May 24
Students showcase their talent in one of Cal Poly’s quarterly instrumental student recitals. See the free recital May 24 at 11 a.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
More on the instrumental student recital
Cal Poly Symphony and Choirs Spring Concert - Rule Britannia May 26
Works by English masters including Thomas Tallis, Herbert Howells, Gustav Holst and Benjamin Britten, plus featured works by Ralph Vaughan Williams. See the spring concert May 26 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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RSVP XVII: Garabatos May 29, 31
This marks the 17th season of this diverse transmedia series celebrating electroacoustic diversity and compositional risk. Inspired by the soul that animates comic book art forms, this year’s show promises an innovative cross-disciplinary approach to storytelling and performance in its continuing dedication to the science of wonder. See the performance May 29 and 31 in the Pavilion.
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Instrumental Student Recital May 31
Students showcase their talent in one of Cal Poly’s quarterly instrumental student recitals. See the recital May 31 at 11 a.m. in the Davidson Music Center, room 218.
More on the instrumental student recital
InsideOut May 31, June 2
The impulse to move, to create and to express emanates from an internal spark. It manifests as dance and celebrates what is intrinsically human. Variable Velocity Performance Group presents "InsideOut" a brand new Contemporary Dance Concert for 2012. Directed by Diana Stanton and Jude Clark Warnisher, this evening of original work explores the compelling phenomenon of the soloist in performance, and the relentless physicality of the athlete. See "InsideOut" May 31 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre and again June 2 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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June
Arab Music Ensemble Spring Concert June 1
Join the Arab Music Ensemble as it performs vocal and instrumental selections of some of the best-known art and popular music of the Eastern Mediterranean and larger Middle East. See the Arab music ensemble spring concert June 1 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre.
More on the Arab music ensemble
Spring Concert - Winds of Change: Music of the 21st Century June 2
The wind band is somewhat unique in how its performers and directors tend to adore and gravitate toward ‘“new” music. From those early bands such as the Sousa Band or the Goldman Band, and through the era of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and the Tokyo Kosai Wind Orchestra, wind bands have consistently championed contemporary music. See the spring concert June 2 at 8 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Martin Short June 3
The many faces and voices of comic superstar Martin Short have been finely honed on “Saturday Night Live,” in comedy clubs, feature films, and on Broadway. In this rare special evening, Short shares his side-splitting tales and tunes, amazing talent, and sharp comic timing. See Short June 3 at 7 p.m. in the Cohan Center.
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Cal Poly to Host IAPRI World Packaging Conference June 17-21
The Cal Poly Packaging Program has been selected to host the 18th International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) World Packaging Conference June 17-21, 2012. The event will coincide with the Cal Poly Packaging Program 25th anniversary.
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