We are excited to present our 47th season of world-class performers and artistry. This season promises to be among the best yet, with six performances that will delight and amaze audiences. From Mariachi to the music of Wes Anderson films – and a little bit of everything in between – this season has much to offer. Everyone is welcome to come as they are and experience the transformative power of music and dance with the Smith Fine Arts Series
Upcoming Events
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Leonard W. Rice Auditorium (corner of Knox St N and Powell St E) on Western Oregon University’s Monmouth campus.
Oct
11
Lucia Micarelli & Leo Amuedo
Lucia Micarelli and Leo Amuedo combine to shatter the boundaries of genre and tradition. Micarelli is a violinist, singer and actress who has performed with Josh Groban, Barbara Streisand and Jethro Tull. The Grammy-nominated guitarist Amuelo has worked with Stevie Wonder, Chris Botti and legendary Brazilian singer Ivan Lins. Listen to magic happen as Micarelli and Amuedo create their own sound.
Dec
7
Grupo Bella
The Los Angeles-based Grupo Bella elegantly expands the styles of traditional Mexican folk performance. With an ever-evolving sound, the quintet’s interpretations of Mexican Folk are supported by expert musicianship and sheer passion. While their instrumentation is familiarly mariachi, what emerges is an enticing fusion of Mexican Pop, Boleros, Huasteco and more. Todos son bienvenidos.
Jan
8
Emily Branch
Emily Schoen Branch’s choreography blends masterful dancing with subtlety and heart. This contemporary repertory concert features dance works spanning 13 years, original musical compositions, poetry by the renowned poet David Whyte, and a dynamic cast of five magnetic dancers. Through wit, fervor, and tenderness, the performance invites audience members to see themselves in the artists on stage.
Mar
15
Marty Isenberg’s Wes Anderson Playlist
Bassist Marty Isenberg and his ensemble of young, extremely talented musicians capture the melancholy, wonder and precision of filmmaker Wes Anderson. Isenberg has been part of the New York City music scene for more than two decades. Isenberg has played at legendary venues such as Birdland and the Blue Note, as well as on Broadway. He has also toured nationally and internationally, bringing his unique blend of jazz, classical music, theater, and contemporary music to audiences across the world.
Apr
12
BEO String Quartet
Founded by two Mexican-American brothers in 2015, the eclectic and highly polished Beo String Quartet is a daring, genre-defying ensemble. BEO plays a standard classical repertoire of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich, along with contemporary composers including Gabriela Ortiz (Mexico), Missy Mazzoli (USA) and its own Sean Neukom. BEO is “a hip, full-immersion” group that is “compelling, thought-provoking, and musically satisfying.
Jun
7
The Revelers
The Grammy-nominated band The Revelers are dedicated to the “holy trinity” of Cajun culture: hot music, all-night dancing, and great food. Their sound encompasses the genre-bending world of Louisiana music, including swamp pop, zydeco, and Americana. Synthesizing these genres with old-school Louisiana music, The Revelers have created a “Louisiana jukebox” that is at once modern and traditional. Have your feet prepared for a lively evening of dancing and toe-tapping with The Revelers.
Come as you are.
What can you expect from SFAS? A chance to enjoy a quality cultural
experience at a reasonable price. An intimate venue that lets you feel up-close-and-personal with performers – there’s not a bad seat in the house. A hassle-free evening, with easy ticketing, convenient free parking, and great dining close by.
What won’t you find? A stuffy, black-tie-and-evening-gown vibe. Or a place that’s just for students. Everyone is welcome, so come as you are—we’ll see you in Rice Auditorium!
Stay informed.
Why Subscribe? Subscribers enjoy many benefits, including a convenient renewal process with priority seating, discounted tickets, invitations to special behind-the-scenes events and advance notice of our new season lineup before it goes public. As a season subscriber, you make extraordinary performances and educational outreach opportunities possible for WOU and the wider community, year after year.
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