Arts & Entertainment

A piece of Ireland came to Luther March 9 in the form of the traditional Irish band Danú. A question and answer session prior to the show with the band manager and accordion player Benny McCarthy covered the history of Irish pubs and traditional music. The 7:30 p.m. performance filled the CFL with lively Celtic music and amiable and witty stage presence.

Students, parents and faculty were transported across the pond at the Luther College French Drama Club’s March 14 performance of “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme,” or: “The Common-Class Gentleman.” The play, held in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall, incorporated the Luther College Oboe Band and Collegium Musicum, as well as dancing.

Director and Assistant Professor of French Anne-Marine Feat explained that even though the story was first performed in 1670, the theme still fits with modern times.

The Vagina Monologues return to Luther once again, this time in a new location. The newly renovated Valders 206 will house three performances March 12 at 7 p.m., March 13 at 4 p.m. and March 14 at 2 p.m.

Looking to explore the world without stepping off campus? The 27th annual Ethnic Arts Festival, sponsored by the Diversity Center, does just that. Held in the Center for Faith and Life March 13, the event celebrates world cultures with international display tables and activities, a world bazaar, ethnic cuisine and an international variety show.

The Ethnic Arts Festival has been a long-standing tradition at Luther College. Started as an educational and entertaining activity, the occasion began in the 80s with only a handful of international students.

The Student Activities Council’s Concerts committee has started advertising for the upcoming spring concert in the Regents Center featuring Stephen Speaks, Ingrid Michaelson and Augustana. Students intrigued by indie-pop or rock melodies will likely be the most excited to head to the show April 17.

Nineteen performing groups gathered in the Center for Faith and Life Feb. 28 to share their various talents with an audience of over 650. Students and faculty members shared a memorable night appreciating the entertainment of the Black Student Union Talent Show.

The Student Activities Council’s Diversity Committee is sponsoring a new kind of performance March 5. At 9 p.m., comedian Ronnie Jordan will take the Marty’s stage.

Keri Noble, a Minneapolis singer, songwriter and pianist, performed in Marty’s Feb. 25. A large number of students came out to see Noble’s third appearance at Luther and were pleased with the performance.

During the tail end of winter, the Wailin’ Jennys’ Center Stage Series performance was a breath of fresh air in musical form.

In the Center for Faith and Life Feb. 20, the three talented women brought a relaxing and original act that serenaded a crowd of over 1,200 audience members.

For the first production of the spring semester, the theatre/dance department took on Sophocles’ famous play “Antigone.” Transformed into ancient Thebes for the occasion, Jewel Theatre will house the play the weekends of Feb. 26 and March 5.

Thirteen actresses will perform Luther’s adaptation of “Antigone.”

Mason Jennings, a contemporary folk artist from Minneapolis, Minn., gave a solo performance Feb. 10 in the Center for Faith and Life. Although Jennings and his acoustic guitar played for an audience of 771 people, the room had a quiet, intimate feel. His stage presence was reserved but remained warm on the CFL’s large stage.

What began with three gifted women has blossomed into a wonderful music experience named The Wailin’ Jennys. The talented trio will perform at Luther this Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith Life, as part of the Performing Arts Committee’s Center Stage Series.

During the halftimes of the men’s and women’s basketball games Feb. 6., Kelsey Reger (‘13) and Bryce Kilker (‘13) were named the champions of Luther’s Dancing with the Stars competition.

Twenty-four Luther students made musical connections this January as they traveled through Namibia and South Africa sharing and receiving the gift of music. Music 239, led by instructors Tim Peter, professor of music, and Greg Peterson, assistant professor of music, introduced students to new experiences and cultures through song.

When love is abundant and cash is not, what are you to do when you take your special someone on a date? Fortunately, Decorah has plenty to offer for the frugal dater. As they say, you can’t buy love, and with a little creativity a perfect date can come together with little or no money.