New Year, fresh performances at the Nazareth College Arts Center

Art and movement combine in Cirque-tacular's Art of Circus on January 19, Billboard No. 1's We Banjo 3 on January 27, plus two art exhibits by guest artists, music department performances, and a full opera

by Michelle Shippers

Rochester, NY (01/07/2019) — With the holidays in the rearview mirror, take time to relax and enjoy breathtaking performances at the Nazareth College Arts Center this month, many of which are free.

ARTS CENTER SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
Cirque-tacular's Art of Circus animates 30 iconic paintings through jaw-dropping acrobatics performed by an elite cast of world record-holding acrobats. Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater. See a kaleidoscope of novel interpretations of the styles, time periods, and stories that birthed beloved images, with live music written by award-winning composer Jesse Elder (Postmodern Jukebox). The Art of Circus is presented by Cirque-tacular Entertainment, whose winter-themed Snowkus Pocus delighted Arts Center audiences in 2015. Suggested for ages 5+. Sponsored by Larry and Nancy Peckham. Tickets $25-$50.

"We're thrilled to welcome Cirque-tacular Entertainment back to the Arts Center," said Nazareth College Arts Center Executive Director Rita Mannelli. "This particular show represents the breadth of entertainment you can find here. Music, dance, and artistic masterpieces combine in a show that's perfect for the whole family."

On Sunday, January 27, Billboard No.1 World Music chart-toppers We Banjo 3 performs a blend of traditional Irish, Americana, and bluegrass music they call Celtgrass (7 p.m. in Beston Hall). Featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, percussion, and beautiful harmonies, this Galway and Nashville based quartet are among the most revered musicians in Ireland today.

Their latest album Haven (2018) spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Charts, a follow-up to their highly-acclaimed String Theory (2016), which also went to No.1 on the Billboard charts. Sponsored by Larry and Nancy Peckham. Tickets $38.

TWO ART EXHIBITIONS OPEN
The Nazareth College art galleries provide a venue for high-quality, diverse artwork that advances artistic exploration. Artists and works are curated by Nazareth College Art Department faculty. Two exhibits will open this month; both are free and open to the public. Some works will be available for sale.

Running Friday, January 25- Friday, March 1 in the Arts Center Gallery, Articulating Craft reflects the evolving dialogue of artists' interpretations of what contemporary craft looks like today, and what it holds for the future. Rather than limiting artists to a narrow theme or restricting works by defining what contemporary craft is or should be, this exhibition will feature work that reflects the craft tradition by being inventive in process, technique, and material. An opening reception will be held with the artists on Friday, January 25 from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery. Regular Arts Center Gallery hours are Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. The gallery is closed on Mondays.

"Articulating Craft is one of Nazareth College's first national juried exhibitions featuring work from emerging and established artists all around the country," said Holland Webster-Houdek, gallery director and art department faculty member.

Running concurrently in the Colacino Gallery, visiting artist Rebecca Aloisio will present Stratum. Aloisio holds an MFA from Syracuse University and is on faculty at R.I.T.'s College of Art and Design. Her current work involves the manipulation of forms through digital appropriation, deconstruction, replications, and pastiche. The images negotiate between the flat and the spatial, incorporating a variety of media ranging from drawing, collage, painting, and printing. An opening artist's reception will be held on Friday, January 25 from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery. Regular Colacino Gallery hours are Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Info line for hours and latest updates: 585-389-5073, or e-mail art_gallery@naz.edu with any questions

JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater, tickets $25-$50
Cirque-tacular's Art of Circus
Experience the artistic masterpieces of Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Warhol, and more in this all-ages acrobatic fantasy.

Friday, January 25- Friday, March 1 in the Arts Center Gallery, free
Opening reception: Friday, January 25 from 5-7 p.m.
Art exhibition: Articulating Craft
Articulating Craft reflects the evolving dialogue of artists' interpretations of what contemporary craft looks like today, and what it holds for the future.

Friday, January 25- Friday, March 1 in the Colacino Gallery, free
Opening reception: Friday, January 25 from 5-7 p.m.
Art exhibition: Stratum
Artist Rebecca Alosio's current work involves the manipulation of forms through digital appropriation, deconstruction, replications, and pastiche. The images negotiate between the flat and the spatial, incorporating a variety of media ranging from drawing, collage, painting, and printing.

January 25-26, 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater, free
Nazareth College Opera Workshop: Menotti's Medium
Based on Menotti's own encounter with a medium, this full opera explores issues of truth and trust in the darkest time of human need.

Sunday, January 27 at 3 p.m. in Wilmot Recital Hall, free
Faculty Recital: Orchestral Songs/Symphonic Dances
The historical tradition of performing orchestral works as transcriptions for piano is the inspiration for this program of music by Dvorák, Brahms, Bernstein, Mahler, and Ravel.

Sunday, January 27 at 7 p.m. in Beston Hall, tickets $38
We Banjo 3
Four Irish musicians who topped the Billboard World Music Charts reveal the banjo's rich legacy through Irish music with classic Americana and bluegrass influences.

COMING UP
Saturday, February 2 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater, tickets $25-$50
Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar
YouTube sensations transcend cultural boundaries with fresh adaptations of contemporary gospel, pop, and musical theatre hits.

TICKETS
Ticket prices for individual shows are noted above and are available online at artscenter.naz.edu, by phone at (585) 389-2170, or in person at the Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. 14618. Free events do not require advance tickets or reservations.

Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a m.- 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days.

SPONSORS
Since 1967, the NAZARETH COLLEGE ARTS CENTER has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. The Arts Center's subscription series and K-12 school performance series provide area residents of all ages with opportunities to experience world-class dance, multicultural entertainment, family programming, music, theatre, and special events. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions, which are open to the public, while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.

The Nazareth College Arts Center is the performance home of the Rochester City Ballet and world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance; and is home to the Bach Children's Chorus.

The Nazareth College Arts Center's 2018-19 season is sponsored by The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation and M&T Bank.

Media please note: high-resolution images are available at artscenter.naz.edu/newsroom and interviews and photo/footage opportunities can be arranged upon request. Contact Michelle Shippers, Marketing and Publicity Manager. mshippe0@naz.edu or 389-2093.

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