Past Special Events
2018
March January
2017
May March January
2016
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2015
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2014
December November September July

2018

March

Japan Twang: An Evening with Shamisen Player Michiyoshi Sato
Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:00pm
World Music Hall

In his Connecticut debut, Michiyoshi Sato gives a rare performance outside of Japan.

January

Wesleyan Youth Gamelan Ensemble Classes Start
Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10:00am
World Music Hall
Have your child learn the traditional music of Java, Indonesia, for only $30 for a semester of lessons and rehearsals. Open to ages 7 to 14. No prior experience necessary.

2017

May

A Celebration of Silent Sounds
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 6:30pm
Memorial Chapel
Celebrate the writing excellence of students in Middletown Public Schools, grades 6 through 12, and hear their winning submissions of essays, short stories, and poetry from the annual literary magazine Silent Sounds.

March

Pamela Z: Correspondence, a work in progress
Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 8:00pm
Ring Family Performing Arts Hall
An immersive ensemble performance by composer/performer Pamela Z.

January

Wesleyan Youth Gamelan Ensemble Starts
Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 10:00am
World Music Hall
Have your child learn the traditional music of Java, Indonesia, for only $30 for a semester of lessons and rehearsals. Open to ages 7 to 14. No prior experience necessary.

2016

May

Feet to the Fire: Riverfront Encounter
Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 12:00pm
Harbor Park, Middletown
Second annual eco-arts festival featuring live music, visual art installations, children's activities, environmental education exhibits, food trucks, and a craft fair. The festival will be held rain or shine.
A Celebration of Silent Sounds
Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 6:30pm
Memorial Chapel - LOCATION CHANGED
Celebrate the writing excellence of students in Middletown Public Schools, grades 6 through 12, and hear their winning submissions of essays, short stories, and poetry from the annual literary magazine Silent Sounds.

March

DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Roxane D’Orléans Juste
Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 1:00pm
Cross Street Dance Studio, 160 Cross Street, Middletown
Roxane D’Orléans Juste, Associate Artistic Director of José Limón Dance, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Elizabeth Coker
Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 1:00pm
Bessie Schönberg Dance Studio, 247 Pine Street, Middletown
Elizabeth Coker, dancer and Co-Artistic Director at Sean Curran Dance, will teach a Master Class that will concentrate on a multi-disciplined approach to contemporary dance training and technique during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Matt Del Rosario
Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 11:00am
Bessie Schönberg Dance Studio, 247 Pine Street, Middletown
Matt Del Rosario, dancer with Pilobolus , will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.

DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Cassandra Trenary - SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 11:00am
Cross Street Dance Studio, 160 Cross Street, Middletown
Cassandra Trenary of American Ballet Theatre , will teach a Master Class that will focus on using clean, healthy techniques as well as exploring how to move freely as the class progresses during DanceMasters Weekend. DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Max Pollak
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 3:30pm
Cross Street Dance Studio, 160 Cross Street, Middletown
Max Pollak of RumbaTap, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Brian Brooks - SOLD OUT
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 3:30pm
Bessie Schönberg Dance Studio, 247 Pine Street, Middletown
Brian Brooks, Artistic Director of Brian Brooks Moving Company, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Ronald K. Brown - SOLD OUT
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:30pm
Cross Street Dance Studio. 160 Cross Street, Middletown
Ronald K. Brown, Founder and Artistic Director of Evidence, A Dance Company, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intergenerational dance students and dance professionals to explore various dance techniques with and emphasis on alignment, rhythm and using the body to express ideas and themes; strength, prayer, and celebration during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Allysen Hooks - SOLD OUT
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:30pm
Bessie Schönberg Dance Studio, 247 Pine Street, Middletown
Allysen Hooks, dancer at Gallim Dance, will teach a Master Class on Gallim Dance's movement language and Gallim Dance repertory during DanceMasters Weekend.

DanceMasters Weekend: Choreographers Conversation
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 12:00pm
Woodhead Lounge, Exley Science Center Room 184
Chair and Associate Professor of Dance Nicole Stanton moderates a conversation with choreographers Brian Brooks, Ronald K. Brown, David Dorfman, Allison Orr, and Max Pollak.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Samantha Speis
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:00am
Cross Street Dance Studio, 160 Cross Street, Middletown
Samantha Speis, Dancer and Associate Artistic Director of Urban Bush Women, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - David Dorfman - SOLD OUT
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:00am
Bessie Schonberg Dance Studio, 247 Pine Street, Middletown
David Dorfman, Artistic Director of David Dorfman Dance, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.

February

Ralph Lemon: Ceremonies Out of the Air
Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 7:00pm
Ring Family Performing Arts Hall (former CFA Hall)
Choreographer, writer, director, and conceptualist Ralph Lemon gives a presentation about his new and old work about an imagined South.
Gaida: In Concert
Friday, February 5, 2016 at 8:00pm
Crowell Concert Hall
The Connecticut debut of Syrian vocalist/songwriter Gaida, one of the most “effusive and charming” (Timeout New York) singers on the world-music scene.

January

Youth Gamelan Ensemble Classes Start
Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00am
World Music Hall
Have your child learn the traditional music of Java, Indonesia, for only $30 for a semester of lessons and rehearsals. Open to ages 7 to 14. No prior experience necessary.

2015

November

West African Drumming and Dance Share
Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 9:00pm
Crowell Concert Hall
Students from the 7:30pm workshop give an informal performance of what they have learned, joined by Adjunct Professor of Music Abraham Adzenyah  and alumni on drums.
West African Drumming and Dance Workshop
Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 7:30pm
Crowell Concert Hall
Adjunct Professor of Music Abraham Adzenyah and Artist in Residence Iddi Saaka teach a joyful and engaging workshop in Ghanaian drumming and dance.
Eiko Otake: A Body in the Observatory
Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 6:30pm
Van Vleck Observatory, 96 Foss Hill Drive, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places

Eiko Otake: A Body in the Observatory
Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 4:00pm
Van Vleck Observatory, 96 Foss Hill Drive, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places

46 Years of Adzenyah at Wesleyan: West African Drumming and its Role in Liberal Arts Education
Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 3:00pm
CFA Hall
Alumni and Mr. Adzenyah’s students reflect on Mr. Adzenyah’s influence on them and the trajectory of their lives.
Eiko Otake: A Body in the Observatory
Friday, November 6, 2015 at 8:00pm
Van Vleck Observatory, 96 Foss Hill Drive, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places

Eiko Otake: A Body in the Observatory
Friday, November 6, 2015 at 6:30pm
Van Vleck Observatory, 96 Foss Hill Drive, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places

October

Eiko Otake A Body in Places
Monday, October 5, 2015 at 9:00pm
Davison Art Center, Alsop House 301 High Street, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places.
Seats available - please see Center for the Arts staff at the door of the venue.

Eiko Otake A Body in Places
Monday, October 5, 2015 at 8:00pm
Davison Art Center, Alsop House 301 High Street, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places.
Seats available - please see Center for the Arts staff at the door of the venue.

Eiko Otake A Body in Places
Monday, October 5, 2015 at 7:00pm
Davison Art Center, Alsop House 301 High Street, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places.
Seats available - please see Center for the Arts staff at the door of the venue.

Eiko Otake A Body in Places
Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 5:00pm
Davison Art Center, Alsop House 301 High Street, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places.
Seats available - please see Center for the Arts staff at the door of the venue.

Eiko Otake A Body in Places
Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 4:00pm
Davison Art Center, Alsop House 301 High Street, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places.
Seats available - please see Center for the Arts staff at the door of the venue.

Eiko Otake A Body in Places
Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 3:00pm
Davison Art Center, Alsop House 301 High Street, Middletown

Click here to view the full album on flickr.

Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places.
Seats available - please see Center for the Arts staff at the door of the venue.

September

The Combat Paper Project
Monday, September 28, 2015 at 4:15pm
Usdan University Center, Room 108
Iraq war veteran and co-founder of the Combat Paper Project Drew Cameron will discuss the history of his transformational art-making project.
The Combat Paper Project: Interactive Workshop
Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 1:00pm
Usdan University Center, Multipurpose Room
An interactive workshop of the paper making and stencil printing process used by The Combat Paper Project.
The Combat Paper Project: Interactive Workshop
Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 4:00pm
Usdan University Center, Room 108
An interactive workshop of the paper making process used by The Combat Paper Project, using donated military uniforms and a portable paper mill.
The Combat Paper Project: Interactive Demonstration
Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 1:00pm
Corwin Stadium at Andrus Field
A demonstration of the steps of the paper making process used by The Combat Paper Project, using donated military uniforms and a portable paper mill.
Youth Gamelan Ensemble Classes Start
Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 10:00am
World Music Hall
Have your child learn the traditional music of Java, Indonesia, for only $30 for a semester of lessons and rehearsals. Open to ages 7 to 14. No prior experience necessary.
Eiko Otake A Body in Places
Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 6:30pm
Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown
Dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake, Visiting Artist in Dance and East Asian Studies, presents a series of intimate performances as part of her solo project A Body in Places
The Mash
Friday, September 11, 2015 at 2:00pm
Usdan University Center, Patricelli '92 Theater, Crowell Concert Hall

Inspired by Fete de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, this fourth annual festival highlights Wesleyan's student music scene. Due to the weather, the festival venues have been moved inside.

May

Feet to the Fire: Riverfront Encounter
Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 12:00pm
Harbor Park, Harbor Drive, Middletown
Spend an afternoon at Feet to the Fire: Riverfront Encounter featuring live music, visual art installations, plein air painters, a kids' activity zone, environmental education exhibits, a craft fair, farmer's market, and much more to bring you closer to the rich culture, history, and science of the Connecticut River.
A Celebration of Silent Sounds
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 6:30pm
CFA Hall
Celebrate the writing excellence of students in Middletown Public Schools, grades 6 through 12, and hear their winning submissions of essays, short stories, and poetry from the annual literary magazine Silent Sounds.

March

Elemental
Monday, March 30, 2015 at 7:00pm
CFA Hall
A free screening of Elemental, the inaugural film of a new documentary film series "The Elements: An Annual Environmental Film Series."
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Eddie Taketa
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 3:00pm
Cross Street Dance Studio
Eddie Taketa of Doug Varone and Dancers will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Raphael Xavier: Hip Hop
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 3:00pm
Bessie Schonberg Dance Studio
Raphael Xavier will teach a hip hop Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during his first time teaching at DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Kate Weare
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 1:00pm
Cross Street Dance Studio
Kate Weare, Artistic Director of Kate Weare Company, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during her first time teaching at DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Stuart Singer
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 11:00am
Bessie Schonberg Dance Studio
Stuart Singer of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Alison Manning: Horton Technique
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 11:00am
Cross Street Dance Studio
Alison Manning, Managing Director & Co-Producer of The Yard on Martha’s Vineyard, will teach a Horton Technique Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during her first time teaching at DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Dianne Walker: Tap
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 3:30pm
Bessie Schonberg Dance Studio
Dianne Walker, Artistic Director of Boston's TapDancin, Inc., will teach a tap Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Roxane D'Orleans Juste
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 3:30pm
Cross Street Dance Studio
Roxane D'Orleans Juste, Associate Artistic Director of Limón Dance Company, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - David Dorfman
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:30pm
Bessie Schonberg Dance Studio
David Dorfman, Artistic Director of David Dorfman Dance, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Ronald K. Brown
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:30pm
Cross Street Dance Studio
Ronald K. Brown, Artistic Director of Evidence, A Dance Company, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Choreographers Conversation
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 12:00pm
Woodhead Lounge, Exley Science Center 265 Church Street, Middletown
Meet choreographers Brian Brooks, Wendy Whelan, David Dorfman, and Ronald K. Brown during a noontime conversation moderated by Nicole Stanton, Chair of the Wesleyan University Dance Department.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Brian Brooks
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10:00am
Bessie Schönberg Dance Studio
Brian Brooks, Artistic Director of Brian Brooks Moving Company, will teach a Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during DanceMasters Weekend.
DanceMasters Weekend: Master Class - Wendy Whelan: Ballet
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10:00am
Cross Street Dance Studio
Wendy Whelan, Former Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet, will teach a ballet Master Class that will provide an opportunity for intermediate to advanced dance students and dance professionals to explore diverse dance techniques during her first time teaching at DanceMasters Weekend.

February

History Matters...Careers: "From History Major to Arts Center Director”
Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 12:00pm
Public Affairs Center 002
Pamela Tatge '84 P'16, Director of Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts, reflects on the role her History major and her Wesleyan education played in her personal and professional path.

January

Youth Gamelan Ensemble Classes Start
Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:00am
World Music Hall

Have your child learn the traditional music of Java, Indonesia, for only $30 for a semester of lessons and rehearsals. Open to ages 7 to 14. No prior experience necessary.

All Things Connecticut
Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 10:30pm
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

All Things Connecticut
Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 10:30pm
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

All Things Connecticut
Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 12:30pm
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

All Things Connecticut
Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 12:30pm
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

All Things Connecticut
Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 10:30am
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

All Things Connecticut
Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 10:30am
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

All Things Connecticut
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 8:00pm
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

All Things Connecticut
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 8:00pm
CPTV

Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the sixth season of All Things Connecticut, designed to bring viewers a new appreciation for the people and places that make the state so unique, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

Downton Abbey Season Five Preview Party
Friday, January 2, 2015 at 7:00pm
CFA Hall
See the premiere of Downton Abbey season five before it airs. Free, registration required, space is limited.

2014

December

Creative Stages
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 1:30pm
CPTV
Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the original documentary Creative Stages, hosted by Ed Wierzbicki. This half-hour special is devoted to the arts, as Mr. Wierzbicki takes viewers “inside the creative process” while interviewing Connecticut artists and exploring local arts organizations, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.
Creative Stages
Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 4:30am
CPTV
Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the original documentary Creative Stages, hosted by Ed Wierzbicki. This half-hour special is devoted to the arts, as Mr. Wierzbicki takes viewers “inside the creative process” while interviewing Connecticut artists and exploring local arts organizations, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

November

Creative Stages
Friday, November 28, 2014 at 8:00pm
CPTV
Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) premieres the original documentary Creative Stages, hosted by Ed Wierzbicki. This half-hour special is devoted to the arts, as Mr. Wierzbicki takes viewers “inside the creative process” while interviewing Connecticut artists and exploring local arts organizations, including Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts.

September

Youth Gamelan Ensemble Classes Start
Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 10:00am
World Music Hall
Have your child learn the traditional music of Java, Indonesia, for only $30 for a semester of lessons and rehearsals. Open to ages 7 to 14. No prior experience necessary.

Artist Talk: Faye Driscoll
Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 4:30pm
Cross Street Dance Studio
"A startlingly original talent" (The New York Times), choreographer and director Faye Driscoll is a Creative Campus Fellow at Wesleyan this fall, researching and developing Thank You For Coming: Play, one of a series of works she will be creating over the next several years.

July

WESU 75th Anniversary Doo Wop Extravaganza
Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 8:00pm
Middletown High School Performing Arts Center
88.1 FM WESU Middletown presents a fundraising concert in celebration of 75 years of community radio & 35 years of the "Moondog Matinee" radio show.