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Wynton Marsalis to bring blend of gospel, jazz to Touhill

Wynton Marsalis to bring blend of gospel, jazz to Touhill

Since jazz musician Wynton Marsalis composed and recorded “In This House, On This Morning” two decades ago, he has remained committed to projecting a theme of universal humanism while reflecting the form of the African American church service. Never has Marsalis coalesced the codes of sacred and secular expression more successfully than with the 2008 extended work “Abyssinian Mass,” commissioned to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church on West 138th Street in Harlem, N.Y.

Wynton Marsalis to bring blend of gospel, jazz to Touhill

‘Savage Love’ live at UMSL’s Touhill Center

Dan Savage is a writer, TV personality and activist best known for his political and social commentary, as well as his honest approach to sex, love and relationships. His sex advice column, “Savage Love,” is syndicated in newspapers and websites throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Student new to UMSL, takes on big role in ‘Rocky Horror’

Student new to UMSL, takes on big role in ‘Rocky Horror’

Among the University of Missouri–St. Louis students performing in “The Rocky Horror Show” at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center is Grayson Jostes, who came to UMSL this semester as part of SUCCEED, a post-secondary program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

UMSL marks Jubilee with specially commissioned symphony

UMSL marks Jubilee with specially commissioned symphony

To mark its 50th anniversary the University of Missouri–St. Louis commissioned composer and UMSL music professor Barbara Harbach to write an original performance piece. Her creation will make its debut next month.

Wynton Marsalis to bring blend of gospel, jazz to Touhill

Improv shop to stage evening of comedy at Touhill

The Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and St. Louis’ own Improv Shop have teamed up again this season to present three evenings of comedy. The first performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Touhill.

St. Louis Jazz Orchestra to pay tribute to Maynard Ferguson

St. Louis Jazz Orchestra to pay tribute to Maynard Ferguson

The St. Louis Jazz Orchestra, led by Jim Widner, director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, will showcase the music of Maynard Ferguson and feature the artistry of St. Louis’ own Maynard “disciple” Jim Manley. “St. Louis Jazz Orchestra: A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson” will begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.

Arianna String Quartet to revisit South Africa for season opener

Arianna String Quartet to revisit South Africa for season opener

This summer, the Arianna String Quartet spent three weeks teaching and performing in South Africa. Now back in the States, the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ resident quartet will revisit their trip to open its 2013-2014 season at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.

Wynton Marsalis to bring blend of gospel, jazz to Touhill

Pair of Touhill festivals, MADCO make St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Go! List

Two festivals and a dance company that call the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis home are among St. Louis’ best in arts and entertainment. That’s according to the inaugural Go! List, which celebrates the St. Louis Post-Dispatch critics’ and readers’ A&E favorites.

UMSL resident artists Arianna String Quartet announce 2013-14 repertoire

UMSL resident artists Arianna String Quartet announce 2013-14 repertoire

The acclaimed St. Louis-based Arianna String Quartet, resident artists at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has announced its 2013-14 St. Louis concert series. The quartet will perform four concerts – “Out of Africa” featuring Alex Klein, oboe; “An Evening with Johannes Brahms” with pianist Johannes Brahms, “A Night at the Opera” with special guest soprano Stella Markou and “High Five” – in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Subscriptions are on sale now at Touhill.org and by calling 314-516-4949. Single tickets go on sale early August.

Big Muddy Dance set to ‘Invigorate’ Touhill audiences

Big Muddy Dance set to ‘Invigorate’ Touhill audiences

St. Louis’ full-time, professional jazz dance company will present “Invigorate,” a concert of new and classic dance works, at 8 p.m. June 20-22 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Spring to Dance Festival returns to Touhill

Spring to Dance Festival returns to Touhill

What started out as just an idea of Dance St. Louis Artistic and Executive Director Michael Uthoff has exploded into one of the hottest dance festivals in the country. Thirty professional dance companies, three nights, $15 tickets – the Memorial Day Weekend phenomenon, Spring to Dance Festival, returns for its sixth year at the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a smorgasbord of dance styles, including everything from cutting-edge contemporary dance and tap to classical ballet, modern and more.

Eye on UMSL: ‘Bass Ostinato’

Eye on UMSL: ‘Bass Ostinato’

University of Missouri–St. Louis music students Thomas Winkler (piano), Charles Clements (bass) and Corey Axelson...

Wynton Marsalis to bring blend of gospel, jazz to Touhill

Creative writers to give one last reading as students

A day before they graduate from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with an MFA in creative writing, nine students will read their original works. The semiannual MFA Graduate Reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 17 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. The reading is free and open to the public.

Alarm Will Sound to perform ‘1969’ at Touhill

Alarm Will Sound to perform ‘1969’ at Touhill

Inspired by a once-rumored but unconsummated meeting between the Beatles and Karlheinz Stockhausen – icons of 1960s rock and avant-garde composition, respectively – Alarm Will Sound’s “1969” connects the music, politics and culture of a turbulent decade through the works of the Beatles, Leonard Bernstein and contemporary composers Stockhausen and Luciano Berio.

UMSL’s Mirthday: Time for fun, frivolity, laughter

UMSL’s Mirthday: Time for fun, frivolity, laughter

Tegan Klevorn refuses to think about bad weather, even though it’s St. Louis and April brings showers and an occasional tornado. As coordinator of student activities, Klevorn oversees Mirthday, the annual student carnival and spring celebration held outdoors at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Just as the name implies – Mirthday is for frivolity, especially if it involves laughter.

The Second City to stage ‘Laughing Matters’ at Touhill

The Second City to stage ‘Laughing Matters’ at Touhill

Every time The Second City touring company returns to the University of Missouri–St. Louis for its extremely popular annual show at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, a future legend could be onstage. Named the country’s “Comedy Empire” by The New York Times, the Chicago-based improv group has a reputation for cultivating the next generation of comedic royalty with alumni including Tina Fey, Bill Murray and Steven Colbert.

Earn a Certificate in Audio Recording from UMSL

Earn a Certificate in Audio Recording from UMSL

The College of Fine Arts & Communication at the University of Missouri–St. Louis announced their new program for students to earn a Certificate in Audio Recording. The college is collaborating with Ira DeWitt, president and founder of Notifi Records; the UMSL Department of Music; and the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, to offer this certificate program that provides participants with the necessary technical skills needed for the production of high-quality sound recordings.

Chick Corea, Bela Fleck to play Touhill

Chick Corea, Bela Fleck to play Touhill

Maybe pairing a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and the one of the world’s finest banjo players shouldn’t work. But the BBC calls Chick Corea and Bela Fleck “everything a collaboration of this caliber should be – perhaps even a little bit more.”

MADCO to pick up speed in ‘Momentum’ at Touhill

MADCO to pick up speed in ‘Momentum’ at Touhill

MADCO, the resident dance company at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will pick up speed in “Momentum” by performing the work of some of the nation’s hottest choreographers, including Gina Patterson (Austin, Texas) and Janice Garrett (San Francisco).

Jazz orchestra to pay tribute to Count Basie

Jazz orchestra to pay tribute to Count Basie

The St. Louis Jazz Orchestra will pay tribute to one of the leading bands of the swing era, the Count Basie Orchestra, with a concert at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “A Night of Count Basie” will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Blanch M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.

Moulin Rouge-inspired ballet to be staged at Touhill

Moulin Rouge-inspired ballet to be staged at Touhill

The Moulin Rouge has been the inspiration for books, paintings, musicals, films – and now, ballet. Dance St. Louis will bring Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the oldest continuously running ballet company in North America, to St. Louis for the first time to perform “Moulin Rouge – The Ballet” at 8 p.m. Jan. 25 and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Creative writers to give one last reading as students

Creative writers to give one last reading as students

A day before they graduate from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with an MFA in creative writing, six students will read their original works. The semiannual MFA Graduate Reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 14) in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. The reading is free and open to the public.

Festive holiday concert to feature UMSL’s choral ensembles

Festive holiday concert to feature UMSL’s choral ensembles

Are the mild temperatures and lack of snow making it hard to get into the holiday spirit? The University of Missouri–St. Louis’s annual holiday concert could be just the cure. The Classic Holiday Concert is one of the most popular of the holiday season. The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.

Ambassadors of Harmony to sing sounds of season at Touhill

Ambassadors of Harmony to sing sounds of season at Touhill

The Ambassadors of Harmony fills the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center each December with the joy and magic of the holidays in a way only achieved by a 160-voice chorus. The choral group will perform it’s annual “Sounds of the Season” concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Touhill at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Jazz Orchestra to pay tribute to Ellington, Basie

Jazz Orchestra to pay tribute to Ellington, Basie

When speaking of jazz visionaries and musical trailblazers, Duke Ellington and Count Basie are typically mentioned in the same sentence. And while their music falls clearly into the same category, their styles were drastically different.

Variety Children’s Theatre to perform ‘Annie’ at Touhill

Variety Children’s Theatre to perform ‘Annie’ at Touhill

St. Louis-area fans of “Annie” do not have to fly to New York City and fight the clogged Manhattan streets to see the beloved musical. Variety Children’s Theatre has combined resources from the entire St. Louis performing arts community, including professional actors and children of all abilities, for its production of “Annie” at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Students to stage Pulitzer winner’s ‘In the Blood’

Students to stage Pulitzer winner’s ‘In the Blood’

A new production at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will take a raw, unfiltered look into the world of poverty in the United States. “In the Blood,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, follows the story of Hester as she struggles to provide for her five fatherless children. Students with UMSL’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Media Studies will perform the play. Jacqueline Thompson, visiting assistant professor of theater at UMSL, will direct the production, which is described as a modern-day reinterpretation of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter.”

St. Louis Philharmonic to open season at UMSL

St. Louis Philharmonic to open season at UMSL

The St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra will open its 2012-13 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The orchestra will accompany Greek tenor and Sony Classical recording artist Mario Frangoulis, who will make his first St. Louis appearance by arrangement with the Horatio Alger Association. Special guests will include soprano Deborah Myers and tenor George Perris.

Grammy-winning eighth blackbird to perform Touhill show

Grammy-winning eighth blackbird to perform Touhill show

Chicago-based sextet eighth blackbird will migrate south for a performance of classical fusion that incorporates art, philosophy and theater at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The ensemble’s concert, “shifted in flight,” will begin at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Wind Ensemble to start season with Touhill performance

Wind Ensemble to start season with Touhill performance

The University Wind Ensemble will perform its first concert of the season at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Area youth to ‘Get Hip’ at Touhill

Area youth to ‘Get Hip’ at Touhill

Presented by PNC Arts Alive and Jazz St. Louis, “Get Hip!” will introduce kids of all ages to the great American art form known as jazz while also teaching core values like responsibility and leadership.

Pianist to bring tango sound to Touhill stage

Pianist to bring tango sound to Touhill stage

Pianist Polly Ferman has performed Latin American music on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including New York’s Carnegie Hall. At 8 p.m. Oct. 6 she will bring her international repertoire to the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Doors will open at 7:10 p.m. for a pre-show discussion. Tickets are $10-$20.

Improv company channels bard through comedy

Improv company channels bard through comedy

No two productions by The Improvised Shakespeare Company are exactly alike. For example, they performed their on-the-spot original production of “The Cupboard of Lost Dreams; or, the Taming of Lady Macbeth” on a spring swing through Des Moines, Iowa. The audience suggested the faux production that night. And the company cobbled together on the fly its hilarious improvisational take on fake Shakespeare.