9 exciting art, music + theatre events from Samford Arts this spring

Reviewed by: Sharron Swain

Reading time: 6 minutes

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Camille Thomas samford arts
Cellist Camille Thomas will be a featured artist in the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series this spring. (Camille Thomas)

Samford University School of the Arts has a schedule jam-packed with events this spring. From art exhibitions and musicals, to dance and concerts, you’ll fall in love with the arts. Find the full event list and ticket information here.

1. Mother Nature / Mother Nurture

Mother Nature / Mother Nurture
View the environment and motherhood from a new perspective. (Samford Arts)

Samford Arts is kicking off the spring with an art exhibition highlighting climate change, motherhood and the precarious nature of biological life. This new exhibit features the work of five Southern artists. Artists include:

“The genesis for this exhibition began through a simple act of community building. Bound by our common connections of artistic practice, motherhood and professional positions held at universities, threads began to emerge from our work, not always apparent on the surface, but are deeply imbedded in the experiences of motherhood living in the midst of environmental uncertainty.”

Kariann Fuqua, Artist & Organizer, Mother Nature / Mother Nuture
  • When: Thursday, January 12-Thursday, February 23 | Monday-Friday, 9AM– 4PM
  • Opening Reception: Thursday, January 12 | 4:30-7PM
  • Where: Samford University Art Gallery in Swearingen Hall, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
  • Cost: Free admission

There’s another art exhibition to look forward to this spring with Samford Arts. Plan ahead for:

  • Annual Student Juried Art Show, underwritten by Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman
    • When: Thursday, March 16-Thursday, April 6

2. Recital on the Music of William Dawson—Jan. 17

Dawson
William Dawson was an accomplished Alabama composer. (Samford Arts)

Listen to the beautiful works of Alabama composer William Dawson. His traditional African-American spirituals will be performed by Samford A Cappella Choir with soprano and Birmingham native Allison Sanders. Plus, Mark Malone, who just wrote a book on William Dawson, will host the event.

3. Violinist Itamar Zorman + pianist Adam Golka—Jan. 24

Zorman samford
Adam Golka

Itamar Zorman (Jamie Jung) | Adam Golka (Jürgen Frank)

Known as one of the most soulful artists of his generation with a gift for musical storytelling, Israeli violinist Itamar Zorman will be putting on a show-stopping performance. He won the top prize at the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition, so you know he’ll stun you with his talent.

Plus, Polish American pianist Adam Golka is accompanying him. A pre-concert lecture will take place at 7PM in the concert hall with faculty member Beth McGinnis discussing the featured works. This event is part of the Davis Series and in partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society.

4. How to Make it in the Music Industry—Jan. 28

How to make it in the music industry samford
Learn from all-stars in the music industry. (Samford Arts)

Curious about how you can have a career in the music industry? Samford University is inviting students to learn from top leaders in the industry including:

  • Chris Fryar: Zac Brown Band’s drummer
  • Philip Peters: tobyMac’s manager
  • Ruben Studdard: American Idol winner 
  • Simon Lythgoe: American Idol producer 
  • Steve Schnur: Worldwide Executive and President of Music for Electronic Arts (EA)

Whether you want to be a pop star or mix the tunes behind the scenes, you have the chance to hear from the best of the best.

“Students with a passion to perform, produce, engineer, market or entrepreneurially manage and oversee the many business opportunities within the music field will benefit from attending this one-day event.”

Steven Potaczek, Director of Commercial Music, Samford University

5. Pianist Spencer Myer—Feb. 9

Spencer Myer Samford Arts
Your jaw will drop when you hear pianist Spencer Myer’s talent. (Supatcha Rattanathumawat)

One of the most respected and sought-after artists is coming to Samford’s stage. You’ll be dazzled by the breathtaking music played by pianist Spencer Myer. This event is part of the Davis Series and in partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society and the Morris Piano Festival and Competition.

6. Masterpieces, the Annual Dance Concert—Feb. 9-12

masterpieces
This annual dance concert is a must-see. (Samford Arts)

Dance lovers, Samford Arts is back at it with their annual concert. This year, the Samford Dance Company will explore the beauty of masterpieces through dance. You’ll be in awe during this student performance.

7. The Birds—March 16-19

The birds
We spy something scary in the works. (Samford Arts)

Based on Daphne du Maurier’s short story, also the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, this play tells the story of strangers taking shelter from attacking birds. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you watch the fear and paranoia unfold. What’s the real threat? You’ll have to come to this play to find out!

8. Cellist Camille Thomas—April 11

The sounds of a cello are made even more beautiful by Franco-Belgian cellist Camille Thomas. Listen to her joyful music as she takes center stage. This event is part of the Davis Series and in partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society.

9. Urinetown—April 13-16

Urinetown
This musical will have you laughing. (Samford Arts)

What would life be like if there was a government-enforced ban on private toilets? This funny, fast-paced musical tells the story of a Gotham-like city. Urinetown focuses on one hero leading citizens to rebel against a malevolent company profiting by charging admission for a basic need. We bet you’ll be cracking up!

Check the School of the Arts event calendar for more events, including student ensembles and faculty recitals. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know.

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