Arts at RU Open School Year with Jazz, Exhibits and More

Radford University's College of Visual and Performing Arts this week announced its September lineup of shows and events to launch the new academic year. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

The 282nd Army Jazz Combo Groove Sophisticate, Friday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m., Performance Hall in the Covington Center. Based at Fort Jackson, S.C., the 282nd Army Jazz Combo performs a mix of jazz from the 1920s through today. One of the most requested groups from the 282nd Army Band, Groove Sophisticate offers a unique combination of contemporary, soul, swing and cool jazz. The group, which features RU alumnus Matt Barbe on trumpet, performs at festivals, colleges, social events, celebrations and Army recruiting events across the Southeast.

Beyond the Tartan: Paula Rainey Benson, Monday, Sept. 10–Friday, Oct. 19, Gallery 205, with opening reception at 5 p.m. Sept. 10. RU alumna Paula Rainey Benson exhibits her current work, a series of photographs and abstract paintings dealing with the symbolic notion of vision and the spiritual awareness of presence. In addition to her personal exploration as an artist, Benson has taught art classes at Blue Ridge Community College and James Madison University.

RU faculty recital featuring David Allen on clarinet and Erica Sipes on piano, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m., Performance Hall in the Covington Center. Clarinetist Allen and pianist Sipes present a program of 20th century works from legendary composers such as Gerald Finzi of the United Kingdom, Bohuslav Martinu of the Czech Republic and Leonard Bernstein of the United States. Each work is or can be an exploration of time, both musical time and the existence of things past, present and future.

Interior Design & Fashion Advisory Board Speaker Series, Thursday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m., McGuffey 206. Invited guest(s) will discuss issues relevant to career paths in the design industry. Past speakers have included a color specialist, clothing designers, interior designers, fashion merchandisers and architects.

RU Department of Art - Faculty Art Show, Sept. 13–Oct. 28, Radford University Art Museum at the Covington Center; opening reception held on Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.—Exhibition showcasing recent art created by studio faculty in the Radford University Art Department. The exhibition features original works by renowned faculty artists, including Halide Salam, Ed LeShock, Z.L. Feng, Eloise Philpot, Drew Dodson, John O'Connor, Richard Bay, Alison Pack, Ken Smith, and Leah Gose. Mediums include photography, metals, ceramics, painting in various media, and more.

The Radford University Art Museum at the Covington Center is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call (540) 831-5754.

RU Faculty Jazz Quartet, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., Performance Hall in the Covington Center—The Radford University Faculty Jazz Quartet presents "Best of the Best: Selections from the Top Jazz Albums of All Time" performed by FJQ regulars Dr. Christopher White (woodwinds), Dr. Wayne Gallops (keyboards), Dr. Joe Scartelli (bass) and Professor Al Wojtera (drums). Joining the ensemble for the special back to school concert will be guest artist Dr. Dayl Burnette (trombone), RU's newly appointed instructor of low brass.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at Radford University can be reached by email at cvpa411@radford.edu, online or on Facebook.