Reviewed by: Miranda Shaffer
11+ arts, music + theatre events from Samford Arts you’ll love
Reading time: 7 minutes
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It’s the beginning of 2022, and Samford University School of the Arts has a full schedule of events ahead. From art exhibits and music concerts to theatre, dance and opera productions, you won’t want to miss what’s ahead. Find the full event list and ticket info here.
January events with Samford Arts
The Sum of Our Parts: Art & Design Faculty Exhibition
Art fans, get excited, because an all-new exhibit opens in the Samford University Art Gallery on January 13.
The Sum of Our Parts: Art & Design Faculty Exhibition features highlights from the work of Samford’s own professors of Art and Design, which is made up of Studio Art, Graphic Design, Game Design, Architecture and Interior Design. The show is part of the Clarence Brooks Art and Design Series.
Included works will range in format and media to reflect the variety of expertise in Samford’s art and design departments, including:
- Drawings
- Paintings
- Photographs
- Mixed-media sculptures and installations
- Time-based works using innovative technologies.
One faculty member’s work to look out for is Larry Thompson’s Fluid and Cells: 160 Days of Cancer, Chemotherapy, and Courage. The 160-painting panel installation pays tribute to Thompson’s wife who died of cancer in fall 2021.
“My piece, Fluids and Cells: 160 Days of Cancer, Chemotherapy, and Courage, is a piece I wish didn’t exist. My wife Amy was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in late April 2021 and began chemotherapy in early May. As a way of dealing with my own anxiety and fear, I started playing around with fluid paints and different methods of creating paint separation and layering. I worked on these continually at home while caring for her. Unfortunately the treatments didn’t work and she passed on October 5, exactly 160 days from her diagnosis. So, it became a way of honoring her, her courageous battle and a way of giving back.”
Larry Thompson, Interim Dean & Professor of Art & Design, Samford University School of the Arts
Each of the 160 panels will be on sale during the exhibit for $60. All proceeds will be donated to the Alabama Oncology Foundation, an organization committed to helping local cancer patients in need.
The Sum of Our Parts: Art & Design Faculty Exhibition details
When: Jan. 13-Feb. 3 | Gallery Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9AM-4PM
Opening Reception: Jan. 13 | 4:30PM-6PM
Where: Samford University Art Gallery in Swearingen Hall, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: Free to attend
There are more art exhibits to look forward to this spring with Samford Arts. Plan ahead for:
- Guest Artist Jamaal Barber – All That You Hold is Yours
- When: Feb. 8-Mar. 8 (reception March 3, 4:30-6PM)
- Juried Student Exhibition
- When: Mar. 22-April 7 (reception and awards April 7, 4:30-6PM)
- Studio Art Seniors Exhibition
- When: April 14-30
For even more events with Samford Arts, visit their events page.
Pianist Misha Dichter – Jan. 25
Pianist Misha Dichter has performed and collaborated with some of the world’s most illustrious conductors and musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. On January 25, he brings his brilliance to Birmingham in a spellbinding performance at Brock Recital Hall. The event is part of the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series and co-presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society.
When: Jan. 25, 7:30PM
Where: Brock Recital Hall, 880 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: $10-$30
Tickets
February events with Samford Arts
The Laramie Project – Feb. 3-6
The Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series will present The Laramie Project, produced and directed by two senior theatre students, Carson Blaylock and Scott Baron.
Based on documentary interviews, court recordings and personal journals of real-life events, the play conveys a theatrical portrait of one of the most infamous hate crimes in recent US history, the murder of Matthew Shepard.
“We are so blessed to have such an amazing group of Samford Arts students involved in this production. I created this show as something that could be from the voice of the students, so mostly all of the technical crew, designers, directors, stage managers and creative team are students. Scott and I are both senior theater majors and are so excited for this to be our grand finale here at Samford.”
Carson Blalock, Student, Samford University of the Arts
When: February 3-5, 7:30PM | Feb. 6, 2:30PM
Where: Harrison Theatre, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: $10-$20
Tickets
Violinist Rachel Barton Pine – Feb. 15
Celebrated as a leading interpreter of great classic and contemporary works, don’t miss this show-stopping performance with violinist Rachel Barton. She’s guaranteed to dazzle you with her technique, tone and joy in music-making on stage. The event is part of the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series and co-presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society.
When: Feb. 15 | 7:30PM
Where: Brock Recital Hall, 880 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: $10-$30
Tickets
Sandbox Percussion with Elspeth Davis – Feb. 24
Sandbox Percussion and Elspeth Davis will captivate you with their exhilarating chamber music in this February performance that’s both visually and aurally stunning. Performers include: Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Ian Rosebaum and Terry Sweeney. The event is part of the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series and co-presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society.
When: Feb. 24 | 7:30PM
Where: Brock Recital Hall, 880 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: $10-$30
Tickets
re/vise – Feb. 25-27
The Samford Dance Company takes to the stage this February in their Annual Concert, re/vise. The show consists of a wide variety of dance styles, including classical ballet on pointe, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, modern dance and West African.
During the show, dancers will perform pieces inspired by important historical events and influential people, and will also premiere four new pieces choreographed by people of color. Choreographers include:
- Gierre Godley, NYC
- James Atkinson, Montgomery
- Kat Files, a Birmingham native now based in NYC
- Ursula Smith, Birmingham
What: Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series
When: Feb. 25-26, 7:30PM | Feb. 27, 2:30PM
Where: Samford University Wright Center, 872 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: $5-$20
Tickets
March events with Samford Arts
Invoke, string quartet – March 22
Invoke, a multi-instrumental quartet, takes to the stage at Samford’s Brock Recital Hall this March with a performance that features an enticing range of musical genres, from bluegrass and Appalachian fiddle tunes to jazz and minimalism. The event is part of the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series and co-presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society.
When: March 22 | 7:30PM
Where: Brock Recital Hall, 880 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: $10-$30
Tickets
April events with Samford Arts
The Magic Flute – April 7-9
Featuring vibrant characters, exquisite music and vocal fireworks, The Magic Flute is a heroic fairytale opera that takes you on a discovery of finding your way through the shadows and light of the world.
When: April 7-9, 7:30PM | April 10, 2:30PM
Where: Harrison Theatre, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Price: $10-$20
Tickets
Stay in the know—discover more upcoming events with Samford Arts. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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