Page Series brings swing music to Saint Mary’s stage Nov. 19

Enjoy a night of energetic swing music combined with lively storytelling during the next Page Series performance of Five By Design: Club Swing on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Travel back in time beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

The swing era comes to life at the mythical “Club Swing” nightclub in the Hotel Crosby. As the nightclub faces a wrecking ball, Joe Sullivan, the club’s former mixologist, must do something to save the club.

From the frenetic-paced opening of Benny Goodman’s “Bugle Call Rag” to the show’s blockbuster finale of Louis Prima’s “Sing, Sing, Sing,” Club Swing celebrates the songs, events and personalities that defined American popular culture during the swing era. Whether performing their seductive arrangement of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine,” the madcap parody of Spike Jones’ “Cocktails for Two,” or the lush romance of Nat King Cole’s “Mona Lisa,” Minneapolis-based Five By Design enchants audiences by deftly blending music and theatrics.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Make your evening an event: enjoy a pre-show dinner – catered by Chartwells – in the President’s Room. Dinners can be reserved when purchasing tickets. Dinners are $22 for adults and $14 for children.

SMU students to stage ‘The Crucible’ Nov. 12-15

The historical events surrounding the infamous witchcraft trials of Salem, Mass., will be portrayed in the Department of Theatre and Dance production of “The Crucible.”

This intense play, written by Arthur Miller in 1953, includes a large, energetic cast under the direction of Larry Gorrell, former SMU dean of the School of the Arts. Show times are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 12-14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, in Page Theatre.

One of the greatest plays of the 20th century, “The Crucible” revolves around Reverend Samuel Paris and members of his household involved in allegedly practicing witchcraft during an era when individuals were tortured and put to death for mere insinuations of such involvement. This two-act drama explores how Americans respond to non-traditional and unconventional behavior and how it is so easy to turn our backs on those who differ from us. Also evident in this extraordinary work — still relevant for today — is Miller’s perspective on the way the elders, religious leaders and lawmakers handle the gripping situation.

Authentic period costumes are designed by guest artist Jason Lee Resler, who has designed costumes for the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre, and the University of Minnesota Centennial Showboat.

The 21-member cast includes five students from Rose Bruford College, located outside of London. These students — American Theatre majors — are studying abroad at Saint Mary’s in 2009-10.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Character designer on campus Friday

Los Angeles character designer Chris Ayers will be on campus today, Friday, Nov. 6, to speak to students and to attend the gallery closing.

Ayers and Maureen Costa, an Arizona sculptor, are displaying work at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries through Nov. 11.

Ayers’ film credits for character design include “Star Trek XI,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Fantastic Four,” “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Men in Black 2.”

In the spring of 2005 Ayers was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer. One year later, he started a sketchbook and drew one animal each day for a year to help with his healing process. His SMU show, “The Daily Zoo,” includes a variety of these sketches — published in the book, “The Daily Zoo: Keeping the Doctor at Bay with a Drawing a Day.”

His new book, “The Daily Zoo: Year Two” has gone to press and will be available this winter. An illustration of the new cover can be found at http://chrisayers.blogspot.com.

While on campus, Ayers will give an illustrated lecture at 1:30 p.m. in Room 156 of Saint Joseph’s Hall. Art students have been invited; there’s limited space for others who are interested in hearing this presentation.

The closing reception is 4 to 6 p.m. at the galleries. Copies of “The Daily Zoo” will be available for purchase. Have them signed by the artist! Children are invited as well. A portion of the proceeds is used to support cancer-related charities and research.

SMU Oldie Moldies to perform at Signatures Nov. 21

Catch dinner and a show with the Oldie Moldie All-Stars on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Visions Event Center.

Rock along to your favorite ’50s, ’60s and ’70s tunes while you enjoy a menu of house salad, pan-seared Canadian walleye fillet, wild rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, caper tarter sauce, rolls and butter, and a root beer float.

The Oldies are members of the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Saint Mary’s. The group consists of 10 talented and engaging singers and band members. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.; the Oldies will perform two sets, one at 6:30 p.m., and a second at 7:45 p.m.

The price for the dinner and show is $30 per person; reservations can be made now through Nov. 19 by calling Signatures at 454-3767. Payment is accepted at time of reservation. A chicken or pasta option is available by reservation.

Visions Event Center is located at Signatures Restaurant, 22852 County Road 17 in Pleasant Valley.

Alums to speak about franchises at Kabara event

Learn how franchising opportunities can make you a fortune during the next Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies event, “For Sale: Franchises” Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The event — open to the entire SMU community — will begin at 4:15 p.m. in the Toner Student Center lounge.

Thirteen years ago, SMU alums Don ’80 and Donna ’80 Aleksy founded True Vision Enterprise, a multi-million-dollar company affiliated with Tupperware. While students at Saint Mary’s, the Aleksys discovered their love of entrepreneurship. They formed their company based on their vision of what they wanted for their family and future. Learn about potential entrepreneurship ventures such as franchises during an interactive presentation by the Aleksys.

SMU staff, students attend sustainability conference

Jason Richter, assistant dean for Leadership, Service and Activities; Andy McLees, associate Resident Life director; Mary Gleich, Student Senate president; Brenda Welscher, Student Senate vice president for Campus Life; and Chris Kendall, vice president for Student Development;attended a conference at the University of Notre Dame titled, “Renewing the Campus, Sustainability and the Catholic University” on Oct. 9-11.

Forty Catholic colleges and universities sent 280 representatives to the three-day conference.

The conference addressed a multiplicity of approaches to environmental issues at Catholic institutions of higher learning including those of theologians, scientists, sustainability practitioners, student activists and clergy. The aim of the conference was to address theological implications of climate change as well as the ethical implications viewed through the lens of Catholic Social Thought, with a focus on opportunities for Catholic universities to assume leadership roles on stewardship of creation and environmental justice both within academic and faith communities.

Kendall to perform at benefit concert, Lake City festival

Chris Kendall, vice president for Student Development, will perform at a benefit concert and silent auction — in honor of Rod and Shirley Steiner, who began the reconciliation process between the Dakota people and the people of Winona — on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The benefit will feature LightWalker and Chris Kendall & the Coulee Kings in Winona State University’s Somsen Auditorium.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Children under 12, accompanied by their parents, will be admitted for free.

A silent auction begins at 6 p.m.; Kendall and the Coulee Kings perform from 7 to 8 p.m.; a video tribute to the Steiners begins at 8 p.m.; and Lightwalker performs from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Proceeds go to the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, and all contributions are fully tax deductible. A portion of the amounts paid for silent auction items will also be tax deductible.

Kendall will also play 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at “Film and Folk Music from Winona” at Oak Center near Lake City. The performance will begin after Joyce Woodworth’s film about Vietnam, “The Journey Home.”

Heukeshoven can be heard on MPR’s ‘Art Hounds’

A. Eric Heukeshoven, instructor of music, can be heard on this week’s installment of “Art Hounds” on Minnesota Public Radio. The program features regional arts enthusiasts describing events they believe deserve wider recognition.

The program airs on MPR’s Thursday edition of “All Things Considered” at various times.

The audio and an accompanying story can be found at:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/state-of-the-arts/archive/arthounds.

Results of costume contest announced

The winners of the first SMU faculty/staff costume contest were Campus Ministry, Student Development and Student Activities as “The Wizard of Oz.” Competition was fierce. A total of $248.20 was raised for the first Let’s Do Lunch “Boo”fet. The President’s Cabinet will host a Let’s Do Lunch on Dec. 4. If your department or office would like to host a “Let’s Do Lunch” second semester, contact Laurie Haase at Ext. 1464.

This fall the SMU Volunteer Committee will use funds from the “Let’s Do Lunch” events for Volunteer Services Food Shelf, and “Jeans for a Cause” funds will go toward student assistance, especially first generation students.

Iron Chef competition Nov. 8 to raise money for scholarship

The second annual Iron Chef Competition will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in the dining hall. All proceeds will support a scholarship that will enable a student from Gaza to attend Bethlehem University.

Teams of four will create a main dish and dessert for judges and fans to enjoy. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to create teams. Tickets are $5 for faculty and staff and $3 for students and children. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the game room.

Senior class asks for donations for silent auction

Each year, the senior class holds a silent auction that provides funding for Senior Week, the Senior Formal Dance and many other gatherings and activities throughout the year. This year’s Silent Auction will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, and Friday, Nov. 13.

In past years, the Silent Auction has been one of the most successful fundraisers for the senior class. Donations are needed to help make this event a success. Past donations have included gift certificates, all expense paid trips, electronics, clothing and other merchandise.

Cash donations will be pooled to purchase merchandise at local businesses.

Donations can be mailed to: Jason Richter, Box 45. For more information, call (507) 456-3961 or e-mail lpkapl06@smumn.edu.

Faculty, staff invited to Blue Angel Nov. 6-7

The Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha cordially invite the members of the faculty and staff to Blue Angel 2009. This year’s performances are today, Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7 and 10 p.m. To receive a complimentary ticket to the show of your choice, contact Bob Fisher at Ext. 6647 or Box 21.

MCA offers contemporary dance workshops

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts welcomes back guest artist Jeffrey Peterson for a weekend of contemporary dance workshops for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 12
and older. The two days of workshops will include classes in modern, jazz, yoga, contemporary partnering and a men’s class for male students.

The workshops run 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Tuition is $70 for female students (seven classes) and $90 for male students (nine classes.)

For more information about the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, contact Jennifer TeBeest at 453-5500 or e-mail mca@smumn.edu.

Kabara Institute invites students with business ideas

The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is announcing the “Business Idea Elevator Pitch Competition.”

Students are invited to create an idea for a new business and explain that idea in 60-90 seconds on either Thursdays Nov. 12 or 19 at 3:30 p.m., in Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 409. After the presentation, participants will submit a written script of the short speech. This is not a PowerPoint presentation, but rather an explanation of a business idea. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Students should notify Teresa Speck, Business Department, if they intend to participate by Monday, Nov. 9, for the Nov. 12 presentation and by Monday, Nov. 16, for the Nov. 19 presentation. Send your name, e-mail address and business name to tspeck@smumn.edu.

Michael Flanagan’s play to be presented in Oak Park, Ill.

SMU Professor Emeritus Michael Flanagan’s play “Posthumorous” will be presented at the Village Players in Oak Park, Ill., on Nov 12-15, and Nov. 19-22.

“Posthumorous” is a comedy about a man who planned his afterlife and the afterlife he never planned.

For more information or to order tickets, go to www.village-players.org/season.htm.

Village Players is a professional non-equity theatre.

To read more, go to www.triblocal.com/Oak_Park_&_River_Forest/view.php?sub_id=113322&action=detail&type=stories.

Employee changes

Leaving:

Tom Zolondek, assistant director, Campus Safety, Oct. 29.

Dance minor information available today

A dance minor informational meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 6, in Room 317 of Saint Mary’s Hall. All current dance minors, as well as any undergraduate students interested in the dance minor program, are strongly encouraged to attend. Overall curriculum will be discussed, as well as opportunities for performing and attending conferences. For more information, contact Tammy Schmidt, dance minor program coordinator, at Ext. 5502, or tschmidt@smumn.edu.

MCA seeks instrumental lesson instructors

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s, is seeking instrumentalists to teach private lessons for the spring 2010 semester.

Instructors will be responsible for establishing a lesson time, meeting with students, and planning exercises and repertoire to help students improve their performance. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed a pedagogy or teaching methods course and two years private instrument study. Instructors must have access to reliable transportation.

Instructors will be compensated $12 per half- hour lesson; students will register for 5 or 10 half-hour lessons in the semester. MCA does not guarantee that all instructors contracted will have students for the semester; teaching load depends upon student interest.

Send resumés or curriculum vitaes, including two references, to: Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, Attention Christine Martin, 1164 West 10th Street Winona, Minn. 55987 or e-mail cmartin@smumn.edu. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30. For more information, contact Martin at Ext. 5501.

Admission hosts back-to-back overnight event

On Friday through Monday, Nov. 6-9, the Office of Admission is hosting its first ever back-to-back overnight event. Friday’s overnight guests will be a group of students from the Twin Cities, and Sunday’s guests will be a group of students from Chicago.

Eighty high school juniors and seniors are registered between the two trips. Both groups will be touring campus, attending classes, staying with student ambassadors, participating in a faculty and faculty/staff panel, eating in the cafeteria, etc.

Friday’s group will enjoy Blue Angel, while Sunday’s group will be checking out the bowling scene in Winona! If you run into the group, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and project a little Saint Mary’s kindness!

Overnights are a big part of the college decision for most students. A successful overnight is not possible without the efforts of current students who host prospective students. Ambassadors are freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are active on campus and positively represent SMU. For more information, contact Aubrey Hollnagel, visit coordinator and director of Ambassadors.