McCAIN CONVERSATIONS

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder 
January 28, 6:30 pm 
McCain 204

Host: Dr. Alfred Cochran, Assistant Provost, Kansas State University

"Bluegrass: an American Original."  "This musical dialogue will explore the origins and characteristics of this special genre of uniquely American music."

Momix: The Best of Momix  
February 4, 6:30 pm 
McCain 204

David Ollington, Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance, Kansas State University

“Moses Pendleton, Choreographer/Renaissance Man”
Moses Pendleton, the creative genius behind the internationally-acclaimed company Momix, has danced into various corners of knowledge and creates marvelous works of total theatre.  We will discuss his diverse background and appreciate video footage of his choreography.

Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella 
April 25, 6:30 pm 
McCain 204 

Naomi Wood, Associate professor of English, Kansas State University

"Cinderella's Transformations" - Cinderella is one of the oldest as well as one of the most popular fairy tales in history--the first written version appears in a Chinese text from the 8th century CE. What makes a story a "Cinderella story," and how does the story translate across cultures and media?

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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 
December 4, 6:30 pm 
McCain 204

Host: Dr. Alfred Cochran, Assistant Provost, Kansas State University

" Swing: the Common Denominator" - This musical dialogue will explore the reasons why audiences young and old are drawn to the tuneful and rhythmically-compelling music that Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs.  When grandparents and their grandchildren have an affinity for the same music and performers, something special must be happening! 

Tap Dogs
October 27, 6:30 pm
Nichols 026

Julie Pentz, Associate Professor of Dance, Kansas State University

“Tap Dance, it's more than just shuffling off to Buffalo” - This pre-performance lecture will examine the  multiple styles of tap dance that include Rhythm Tap, Classical Tap, Funk Tap, Soft Shoe, and Hoofing.  A performance demonstration will also be included in this pre-performance lecture. 

L.A. Theatre Works: War of the Worlds and The Lost World  
October 1, 6:30 pm 
All Faiths Chapel

Host: Ralph Titus, Professor Emeritus of Extension Communications, retired general manager of KKSU-Radio, and Extension Radio-TV Film - one of the creators of NPR's "All Things Considered."

“From Mars to infinity – the golden age of radio drama”Radio drama was truly an infinite theater of the mind.  And network radio in the 30s, 40s, and 50s presented a variety of inventive, thought-provoking broadcasts which made use of words, sounds and music to create a panoply of dramatic experiences.  No one made better use of those ingredients than Orson Wells – whose voice remains one of the greatest ever on the air. 

This presentation will explore the history of radio drama from the granddaddy of serious radio drama, the  “Columbia Workshop,” to the dozens of commercial network shows which continued into the 1950s.(and on public radio to the present).  Orson Wells’ production of “The War of the Worlds” on his Mercury Theater, is a notable example. It was sensational, launched a dozen careers into national prominence, and remains one of the signal events in radio history.

The L.A. Theater Works continues the tradition of outstanding radio drama today.

Orquestra de São Paulo
Evelyn Glennie, Percussion Soloist  
October 10, 6:30 pm 
McCain 204

Host: Dr. Kurt Gartner, Associate Professor of Music, Kansas State University

"Touch the Sound: Evelyn Glennie and the New Paradigm in Musical Sensitivity"
If you've heard recordings of Dame Evelyn Glennie, you know that she is a highly accomplished percussionist. If you've attended one of her performances, you've experienced her energy and sheer command of her instruments and her music. In this session, you'll learn how her musical sensitivity and energy have actually been deepened by her profound hearing loss - a factor that she has turned to her advantage. Learn about Glennie and her amazing story.  

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles
October 18, 6:30 pm 
McCain 204

Host: Dr. Steven Maxwell - Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, History of Rock and Roll, Kansas State University

“The Beatles: Rock and Roll Royalty” - With sights and sounds, we will explore why the Beatles have become some of the most influential and important musicians in rock music history. We will take a stroll through the Beatles history, from the early love song years to their psychedelic conclusion in 1970.