Welcome to the 2010-2011 Season
Cirque Mechanics
- October 4, 2010 | Rice Auditorium | 7:30pm
Dazzling Acrobatics and Theatricality of Cirque Mechanics
Early mining inspired machines serve as the playground for prospectors and adventure seekers in Cirque Mechanics newest productions, BOOM TOWN. The creators of Birdhouse Factory transportyou to the 1865 mining town of Rosebud, where any unlikely discovery sets off a series of hilarious and unexpected adventures of the old west!
Travelin' McCoury's
- December 4, 2010 | Rice Auditorium | 7:30 pm
Bluegrass at its bests with The Travelin' McCourys
The Travelin’ McCoury’s do not stand still. They are on the road-and online-entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father’s work-a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives.
Yamandu Costa
- January 18, 2011 | Rice Auditorium | 7:30pm
Brazilian guitar phenomenon Yamandu Costa
One of the greatest geniuses of Brazilian music of all times, young Yamandu deserves the highest praise.Whenever he is on stage, he fills with joy the most select audience since his impressive performance shows the deep intimacy between Yamandu and his guitar. The recognition he has earned throughout the years reveals what he can offer the audience - recreation of the magic of music - once from his fingers the music he plays travels through his body and soul and is almost miraculously transformed.
Ensemble Galilei
- March 30,2011 | RiceAuditorium | 7:30pm
Ensemble Galilei-Music of the Celtic Isles.
The spirit of the ancient music of the Celtic Isles is resurrected by Ensemble Galilei.Combining classical and folk instrumentation and incorporating a high level of improvisation,the all-woman, Washington, D.C.-based, band creates a sound that seamlessly blends the old world and modern influences.
Allen Toussaint
- June 4, 2011 | Rice Auditorium | 7:30pm
New Orleans R & B legend Allen Toussaint with the American Metropole Orchestra
Allen Toussaint has crossed many paths in his illustrious 40 years plus career in music.He has produced, written for, arranged, had his songs covered by, and performed with music giantsThe Judds, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle, Mac "Dr. John" Rebannac,Aaron and Art Neville, Joe Cocker, The (original) Meters, Glen Campbell, The Band, Little Feat,The Rolling Stones, Devo, Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis,Eric Gale and countless others.
How your support helps!
Each year Western Oregon University's Smith Fine Arts Series seeks to raise money in support of a wide range of world-class public performances which feature enrichment opportunities for local school districts and WOU students.
- As a result of last year's Picnic and Auction, this past fall over 175 students were able to attend a special performance of the Mexian dance company, Danza Contemporanea Universitaria.
- In February, the world acclaimed Moscow String Quartet presented a special perfromance for 150 local middle school music students and held a master class for five aspiring WOU student composers.
- Master classes and clinics with opera singer Rebecca Fromherz and renowned jazz artist Mel Brown provided area students the opportunity to perform and receive feedback from these internationally known artists.
Having a chance to experience a live musical performance or interact with professional musicians can have profound impact on a young person's future. Through your attendance at the Picnic and Auction, and your support and generosity throughout the year, the Smith Fine Arts Series is able to bring outstanding artists to the Willamette Valley and fund these critical cultural experience for our local youth.
We look forward to seeing you at the Picnic at Gentle House. If you are unable to attend, won't you please consider a donation? We all remember the awe and wonder fo the first professional recital or musical performance we attended. Now you can help make that experience happen for the next generation of music lovers.
Thank you!