The community is invited to attend a number of free, cultural events at Kent State University at Stark.
The campus will host dozens of activities, ranging from Guitar Weekend to the 50th commemoration of May 4, 1970, and the 2019-20 Featured Speakers Series.
FEATURED SPEAKERS SERIES
Showcasing a diverse lineup of notables, the 2019-20 Featured Speakers Series will kick off with NASCAR racer Julia Landauer on Oct. 1. A two-time champion NASCAR driver, Landauer became the highest finishing female in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series’ 64-year history. A proponent of women’s empowerment, this Stanford University graduate also is an advocate for STEM education.
On March 10, 2020, Broadway star Bryan Terrell Clark, of the record-breaking hit “Hamilton: An American Musical”, will speak as part of the series. Clark is a singer-songwriter, philanthropist and actor who made his Broadway debut playing the iconic role of Marvin Gaye in “Motown: The Musical”. He is the co-founder of the philanthropic lifestyle brand inDEFINED, which supports arts education programs for at-risk youth.
In its 29th year, the Featured Speakers Series has brought dozens of national and international experts and entertainers to the region, giving community members the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics and issues that shape our world.
Each program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Kent State Stark Conference Center, located off University Drive NW on the Stark Campus. All lectures are free and open to the public; however, tickets are required. A limited number of tickets per person will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, at the Main Hall information desk beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 9 for Landauer and Feb. 17 for Clark’s lecture. For additional information, visit www.kent.edu/stark/featured-speakers-series.
GUITAR WEEKEND
The campus will host Guitar Weekend Oct. 31-Nov. 2, featuring nationally recognized guitarists, including jazz guitarist Dan Wilson who has played with Van Morrison and Jim Campilongo of singer Norah Jones’ band The Little Willies. Guitar Weekend is open to guitar enthusiasts of all levels. Visit www.kent.edu/stark/guitar-weekend for more information.
PERFORMANCE ARTS
THEATRE
The Mary J. Timken Theatre at Kent State University at Stark will present the following plays during the academic year:
“Proof” by David Auburn
Nov. 15-17, 22-24
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, David Auburn’s “Proof” is a passionate, intelligent story about fathers and daughters, the nature of genius and the power of love.
“The Nerd” by Larry Shue
March 6-8, 13-15
Set in Terre Haute, Indiana, in late 1979, “The Nerd” centers around the hilarious dilemma of a young architect, who is visited by a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam.
“May 4th Voices Kent State, 1970” by David Hassler
April 17-19, 24-26
“May 4th Voices” brings together first-person narratives about the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State University. The play is composed of verbatim excerpts from the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project.
For tickets and more information, visit www.kent.edu/stark/theatre.
MUSIC
Visit www.kent.edu/stark/music-events for more on the nearly two dozen free concerts offered at the campus’ newly renovated and expanded Fine Arts Building.
ART
Check out www.kent.edu/stark/art-exhibitions for the academic year’s art exhibitions, including the 66th annual Scholastic Art Awards and Exhibition Jan. 13-29.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In February, the popular Wallace Coleman Band will be back as part of the campus’ Black History Month celebration, with more events to be announced.
50th COMMEMORATION OF MAY 4, 1970
This spring, the 50th commemoration of May 4, 1970, will represent a significant and historic milestone not only for the university, but for the country as well.
Beginning in the fall and continuing through May 4, 2020, Kent State University and its Regional Campuses will honor the 50th commemoration with a yearlong observance of educational programs and events, in addition to the traditional commemoration activities.
The commemoration provides an opportunity for all to remember and honor the tragic events of May 4, 1970, that occurred on the Kent State University campus. On that day, members of the Ohio National Guard killed four students protesting the Vietnam War and wounded nine others. For more information, visit www.kent.edu/may4kentstate50.