Thursday, February 1

Biennial Studio Art Faculty Exhibition

Gallery 406, Arts West, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Studio faculty from the Department of Art will exhibit work in a broad range of mediums including photography, video, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Exhibition on view until March 13.

Thursday, February 1 (and Thursdays throughout the Spring 2024 semester)

Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 9:50 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

The people we connect with shape our experiences. The places where our stories and our lives intersect are full of impact when we share the journey. The stories we tell about the people who listened, who helped us along the way and who inspired us are powerful. Meaningful relationships are how we create the world that we live in together.

Every Thursday from 9:50-10:20 a.m., you have an intentional break in your schedules to share and hold the stories of Elon around a common theme. Please join us each week in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion for our weekly tradition, Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration. Hosted by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Friday-Sunday, February 2 – 4

The Department of Performing Arts presents “The Antipodes” by Annie Baker

Roberts Studio Theatre, Scott Studios at Arts West
Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 3 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Scott Proudfit

In Annie Baker’s “The Antipodes,” a group of writers sit around a table sharing, cataloging and inventing stories. Their purpose is never clear: Are they brainstorming ideas for a TV show? A video game? A new mythology? This is a world in which ghostly fables co-exist with mundane discussions of snacks and sexual exploits, in which the vague instruction to tell stories about “something monstrous” though “it might not be about a literal monster” becomes maddeningly impossible. Part satire, part sacred rite, “The Antipodes” asks what value stories have for a world in crisis. Content warning: “The Antipodes” contains explicit discussion of sexual acts. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations will be offered beginning January 12 at elonperformingarts.com

Thursday-Saturday, February 8-10

Department of Performing Arts presents “A Chorus Line”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts
Feb. 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Music by Marvin Hamlisch; Lyrics by Edward Kleban, Book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante; Directed by Jane Lanier; Choreography by Courtney Liu; Musical direction by Chris Rayis

Casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete, and for 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime and what they’ve worked for their whole lives. “A Chorus Line” brilliantly evokes both the glamour and grind of showbiz. This musical is for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. The iconic score features such classics as “What I Did for Love,” “One,” “I Hope I Get It,” and more. With its celebration and true-to-life depiction of performers and their struggle to achieve greatness on the Broadway stage, “A Chorus Line” has earned unanimous praise as one of the true masterpieces. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available beginning January 18 at elon.edu/boxoffice

Friday-Sunday, February 9-11

2024 Ripple Interfaith Conference: Interfaith around the World

Numen Lumen Pavilion, various other locations

How do different expressions of religious and spiritual identity vary around the world? What kind of diversity is there within each religious tradition? And how does the practice of different religious, spiritual and ethical identities differ within diverse geographic regions? At Ripple, Elon’s student-led interfaith conference, you can engage with these questions and more. At Ripple, students are encouraged to engage in genuine (and fun!) interfaith work to prepare them to develop as interfaith leaders and ambassadors. That’s the ripple effect – giving students a positive multifaith experience that inspires them to explore their own identities, ask tough questions and further engage in interfaith within their own communities. Participants will engage in dialogue, reflection and training through keynote speakers, panels and interactive breakout workshops. More information will be available at rippleconference.org or reach out to Hillary Zaken (hzaken@elon.edu) with questions or to register.  Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Monday, February 12

Biennial Studio Art Faculty Exhibition, opening reception

Gallery 406, Arts West, 5:30 p.m.

Studio faculty from the department of Art will exhibit work in a broad range of mediums including photography, video, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Exhibition on view from February 1 through March 13.

Tuesday, February 13

Margot Lobree, Holocaust speaker

Turner Theatre, Schar Hall, 5:30 p.m.

Holocaust survivor and Winston-Salem resident Margot Lobree will share her story of survival with the Elon community. Margot was one of the many children who were part of the Kindertransport (Children’s Transport). This is the informal name of a series of rescue efforts between 1938 and 1940 that saved approximately 10,000 refugee children, the vast majority of them Jewish, by bringing them to Great Britain from Nazi Germany. Like Margot, many children from the children’s transport program became citizens of Great Britain or emigrated to Israel, the United States, Canada and Australia. Most of them would never again see their parents, who were murdered during the Holocaust.

Tuesday, February 13

Tectonic Plates: Alamance County’s Science Café: “How Bees Make Honey”

Burlington Beer Works, Burlington, NC, 7 p.m.

Each month on second Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., a different scientist will present an engaging topic at Burlington Beer Works in downtown Burlington. In February, the invited expert is Nic Halchin of Halchin Hives. All Tectonic Plates events are free and open to the public. Expect a lively event in a relaxed atmosphere without all the technical jargon. Tectonic Plates runs from September through May. For more information about Tectonic Plates, contact Dave Gammon, professor of biology at Elon.

Wednesday, February 14

Ash Wednesday

Elon Community Church, 12:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

We invite you to receive ashes during a worship service beginning the Christian season of Lent. The 12:15 p.m. worship is ecumenical (Protestant and Catholic), and the 9 p.m. service is Catholic Mass. Shorter services with the distribution of ashes also available in the Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hosted by Catholic Campus Ministry, LEAF (Lutherans, Episcopalians and Friends) and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Friday-Saturday, February 16&17

“Abusua” – The Black History Month Dance Concert

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts
Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Keshia Wall

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of live music and extraordinary performances choreographed by Robin Gee, Eli Motley and Maurice Watson. Presented by the Department of Performing Arts and The Office of Cultural & Special Programs

Tuesday, February 20

Daryl Davis – Piano
Mentor – Strathmore

Daryl Davis, “Diversity Lessons from a Black Klan Whisperer”

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Liberal Arts Forum Lecture

Too much time is spent talking about the other person, talking at the other person, and talking past the other person. Amazing things can happen when we spend time talking with the other person. Howard University graduate and musician Daryl Davis shares jaw-dropping experiences with KKK and White supremacist leaders to inspire audiences to think about how to engage others who don’t share their views, religion, backgrounds and more. The more we talk, the more we understand each other. Support provided from The Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education

Friday, February 23

Elon Jazz Festival featuring Kris Johnson

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Directed by Alex Heitlinger

The Elon Jazz festival invites high school and middle school ensembles for performances and workshops during the first day (Friday), followed by a performance and open jam session with the Elon Jazz Combo at The Oak House. Guest artist Kris Johnson, a world-renowned jazz trumpeter will also perform a lunchtime concert and lead an afternoon master class. Please visit the Jazz Festival website for the updated schedule of events. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Saturday, February 24

Elon Jazz Festival Concert with guest artist Kris Johnson, trumpet

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Alex Heitlinger

Award-winning trumpeter and composer Kris Johnson’s multifaceted career has included playing and arranging works for the Count Basie Orchestra, directing the University of Utah Jazz Studies program, composing for musicians and films including the Emmy-nominated web series “King Ester,” and producing successful personal projects, such as his #looptherapy album and his Kris Johnson Big Band YouTube series. This exciting evening concert will feature Johnson in performance with the Elon Jazz Ensemble. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Monday, February 26

Active Citizen Series: Deliberative Dialogue – Does My Vote Really Matter?

Lakeside 212, 4:30 p.m.

Advance Registration Required Here

Voting is how we choose our leaders and pass local laws. Is voting a duty or a choice? Data on the voting habits of different demographic groups reveals that older, white individuals cast their ballots at higher rates compared to other voters. What is it about voting that inspires us to participate or turn away? What makes people question whether their vote matters or decide voting is not worth the effort? In this conversation, we will talk about what leads us to choose to vote or to choose not to vote. A Deliberative Dialogue is an opportunity for students to gather and exchange diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of a challenge facing our society and to search for common ground for action. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Monday, February 26 (rescheduled date*)

We Are Charleston, panel discussion

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 6:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address

One year after the unimaginable and brutal slaying of nine church members and the wounding of five others at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, journalist Herb Frazier, historian Bernard Powers and poet Marjory Wentworth published, ”We Are Charleston: Tragedy and Triumph at Mother Emanuel,” a book to possibly explain not only what happened on the night of June 17, 2015, but also why. At Elon, the trio will discuss the shooting and its aftermath; the history of slavery and racism in Charleston; and the importance of the AME denomination in the fight for freedom and civil rights. They will also consider the nature of forgiveness and their hope for reconciliation and healing in the face of ongoing mass killings across the country. Admission*: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available beginning November 27 at elon.edu/boxoffice.

* Tickets for the original date of Jan 9, 2024 will be honored on Feb 26, 2024.

Monday, February 26

Jessie van Eerden, creative nonfiction reading

Johnston Hall, 7 p.m.

“The Long Weeping,” Jessie van Eerden’s collection of portrait essays, was named the winner of the 20th annual Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the essay category. Focusing on historical subjects such as Simone Weil and the Beguines, van Eerden deals with self-doubt, family, divorce and growing up in rural West Virginia. She has been awarded the Gulf Coast Prize in Nonfiction, the Milton Fellowship and a Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Fellowship. The author of three novels, van Eerden studied creative nonfiction at the University of Iowa and teaches at Hollins University. Sponsored by The Department of English

Tuesday February 27

Duality: A Collection of Afro-Indigenous Perspectives

Turner Theatre, Schar Hall, 7 p.m.

Filmmakers Frederick Murphy and Kimberly Knight (of History Before Us and Black Indians NC production companies) are dedicated to capturing the voices, on film, of people of African American and Indigenous ancestry across the nation. In their new film, these filmmakers explore the unique but complex historical and present-day history of the two diverse cultures. The documentary features a diverse representation of Afro-Indigenous people, academic scholars, historians, and Indigenous people of tribal communities across the United States. The journey to understanding can be complicated, but it brings forth the question, what does it mean to be Afro-Indigenous?

Tuesday, February 27

Alwyn Trio

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Lucian Rinando, flute; Samuel Magill, cello; Charles Hogan, piano 

An unusual combination makes for some wonderful music! The Trio will play late French Romantic trios or Philippe Gaubert, atmospheric music of Englishman William Alwyn, and the ever-favorite, effervescent D Minor Trio by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Wednesday, February 28

wInterfaith

McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 12:15 p.m.

wInterfaith is an opportunity for the campus community and the larger Elon community to engage with each other around different expressions of religion and spirituality. This year, wInterfaith conversations will focus on the ways that members of different religions, spiritual and ethical traditions think about issues of race and religions. Students, faculty, staff and members of the Elon community will gather for meaningful interfaith conversations over lunch to dig deep into this important issue. The event is free for students, faculty and staff, and there is a registration fee for community members. Reach out to Hillary Zaken (hzaken@elon.edu) with questions or to register. Sponsored by The Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and the Elon Community Church