HAMMOND – Two art exhibit openings, a lecture, and an opera are just some of the events scheduled the first week in October during the 37th season of Fanfare, Southeastern Louisiana University’s annual fall arts festival.
First up is a lecture on Oct. 4, sponsored by the HIPS Society, the Department of History and Political Science, and the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Diana Branton, Wes Branton, and Southeastern faculty member Andrew Traver will present “Albertino Alessandro’s ‘Hammer of the Demons’” at 2 p.m. in Pottle Auditorium.
“Alessandro was an early 17th century Observant Franciscan who composed private exorcisms dedicated to his bishop,” said History and Political Science Department Head Bill Robison. “His work differs from major exorcism manuals of his day, as it is not a scholastic treatise on demonology or the nature of evil, but a hands-on user-friendly manual on how to conduct an exorcism. It focuses on the Gospel Passion narratives and employs the instruments used against Christ to drive out demons. The editors and translators explain.”
As part of Homecoming week, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will host its annual Quiz Bowl on Oct. 4, from 2 – 6 p.m., when students and faculty battle it out in the Student Union, room 2207. Quiz Bowl is a question-and-answer game of general knowledge and quick recall. Game questions cover every conceivable topic, from history, literature, science, multiculturalism, religion and geography to current events, the arts, social sciences, sports, and popular culture.
On Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m., the University Jazz Ensemble will present its first concert of the fall semester. Scheduled in Pottle Annex Recital Hall, the concert will celebrate the centennial of the acclaimed jazz bassist and composer Charles Mingus. In a career spanning over three decades, Mingus worked with nearly every major figure in jazz history from Louis Armstrong to Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock.
Led by Director of Jazz and Percussion Studies Michael Brothers, the ensemble will perform some of Mingus’ best-known compositions and will feature Lecturer of Double Bass John Madere as guest soloist.
The Contemporary Art Gallery is hosting an opening reception Oct. 6 for “My Body is My Home,” a multimedia solo exhibition by Iranian-born and New Orleans-based artist Sara Madandar. The reception is scheduled in the gallery at 5 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 3, with viewing opportunities Mon. – Thurs. from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. An artist lecture is also scheduled in the gallery on Oct. 6, at 3 p.m.
Southeastern Opera/Music Theatre Workshop presents “Little Women, the Musical,” Oct. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond. “Little Women” is based on Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical two-volume novel.
Advance tickets are available online at any time at columbiatheatre.org, at the Columbia Theatre box office at 985-549-2787, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and one hour prior to each performance. Ticket prices are $21 for adults; $18 for seniors, Southeastern faculty/staff and non-Southeastern students; and $10 for children 12 and younger. Southeastern students are admitted free of charge with their ID.
A second art exhibit opening reception is scheduled Oct. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hammond Regional Art Center in downtown Hammond. “Found in Space” is a collection of art from Mehle Studios in Arabi that features Pippin Frisbie-Calder, Terrie Frisbie, Hannah Patterson, Sarah House, Hayden Reilly, Cars Stewart, Kate Hanrahan and Meg Turner. The free exhibit is available during gallery hours Wednesday through Friday from 12 to 6 p.m. and will remain on display through Nov. 3.
Fanfare events are free, unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact the Columbia/Fanfare office at 985-549-2999.