What's happening at Penn State? Here's a look at some of the cultural events taking place at the University this weekend and next week:
Performances
Elton John farewell tour — 8 p.m., Sept. 16, Bryce Jordan Center, University Park campus. After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career that has redefined the cultural landscape, legendary musician Elton John will bring his final tour to the Bryce Jordan Center.
"Polaroid Stories" — Sept. 18-22, Playhouse Theatre, University Park campus. "Polaroid Stories" challenges the audience with a series of vignettes and loosely connected visceral subplots about homeless youth. Inspired by Ovid's "Metamorphoses," the play uses Greek mythology to reveal the violence, addiction, relationships and poor choices of its characters.
"iLuminate" — 7:30 p.m., The Pullo Center, Penn State York. Music, art and the technological magic of 'iLuminate' brings you a story of adventure and romance told through dance styles ranging from contemporary, hip-hop, latin and breaking, all using the power of light.
Veronica Swift with the Emmet Cohen Trio — 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20, Schwab Auditorium, University Park campus. The Center for the Performing Arts season begins with a concert featuring two millennial artists, singer Veronica Swift and pianist Emmet Cohen, who are making waves in jazz.
Events
Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement workshop — 5 p.m., Sept. 13, Arts and Design Research Incubator, 16 Borland Building, University Park campus. Join Andrew Belser, ADRI director and professor of movement, voice and acting, for a workshop on how to move one's bodies more efficiently, improve coordination, expand range of motion, reduce stress on joints, and increase flexibility.
Heart Health Awareness Golf Clinic — 4:30 p.m., Sept. 18, practice area, Penn State Golf Courses. The Penn State women's golf team will host a free golf clinic as part of the team's ongoing efforts to raise heart health awareness. Practice your swing and hit range balls for free under the watchful eye of Nittany Lion varsity athletes.
'All that WE ARE' — 6 p.m., Sept. 19, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center, University Park campus. This unique event encourages students to break down walls about themselves and to connect with other students based off their similarities and differences.
"The Light of What Comes After" — 6 p.m., Sept. 20, Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel, Penn State Behrend. Erie native and Penn State Behrend alumna Jen Town will read from her highly-acclaimed first collection of poetry, "The Light of What Comes After."
Lectures
"Wild and Scenic Rivers: An American Legacy" — 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13, 121 Sparks Building, University Park campus. Author and nature photographer Tim Palmer will discuss his recent book on rivers. Free.
Women of Color in Art and Design Symposium — 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13, Palmer Lipcon Auditorium, Palmer Museum of Art, University Park campus. Seven Penn State alumni working in the arts, design and communications fields will discuss career goals and the challenges of working as women of color in their respective fields.
Huddle with the Faculty — 9 a.m., Sept. 15, Nittany Lion Inn Ballroom, University Park campus. The Alumni Association’s Huddle with the Faculty series will enlighten and inform alumni, friends and fans on home football Saturdays this season. Penn State Laureate John Champagne will present on “Art and Politics: The Case of Fascist Italy” before the game against Kent State.
"Ruskin and the Art of Relations" — 5 p.m., Sept. 20, 112 Borland Building, University Park campus. The Penn State Department of Art History's Dickson Memorial Lecture will feature Jeremy Melius, assistant professor of art history at Tufts University, examining great Victorian critic John Ruskin's account of relations, both “natural” as well as social.
Exhibits
"Keith Lemley: A Theory of Everything" — Through Sept. 30, Woskob Family Gallery, 146 S. Allen St., State College. Lemley's work explores the artist's interests in current scientific theories connecting disparate parts of the universe through underlying geometries. Free.
"Gravity Schmavity" — Through Oct. 29, the Arboretum at Penn State, University Park campus. Repurposed plastic sculptures by artist Aurora Robson will be on display at the Arboretum's H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens. Free.
"Instinctive Gestures" — Through Dec. 18, Palmer Museum of Art, University Park campus. This exhibition features contemporary works recently gifted to the Palmer by collectors Marilyn Fishman and James MacElderry. Free.
"Transitions" — Through fall semester, Freyberger Gallery, Penn State Berks. As part of the campus' 60th anniversary, Penn State Berks is hosting an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to step back in time and view key moments in the campus' history. Free.
"Into the Woods" — Through Feb. 11, 2019, Pattee Library, University Park campus. The exhibit explores the eastern U.S. forest, its wildlife and botanical wealth, while also paying tribute to early women naturalists and conservationists. Free.