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A Tradition of Excellence • Winter/Spring 2017

Cultural Series

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED.

Call Patti Sullivan at 814-725-6277 for more information. Visit northeast.mercyhurst.edu for event details as dates get closer.

We, the faculty and staff of Mercyhurst North East, hope you will join us for the spring portion of the Cultural Series. It is our continuing goal to maintain a high standard of excellence in an ever-changing world.

As always, we welcome your suggestions, comments and support.

Director of the Cultural Series

PRESENTATION

Creativity as a Metaphor for Change With Marisa Moks-Unger, Erie County Poet Laureate

Wednesday, Feb. 22 • 7 p.m. • Alex Theatre

People are hungry for creative ways to move their lives forward. The late Carrie Fisher said, "Take your broken heart and make it into art." By using creativity as a metaphor, one can begin to change his or her self-perception to a positive mindset. The ripple effect from that experience can go out to one's community, then into the greater world. We will look at art through the lens of poetry and visual art to enhance well-being through curating positivity. Marisa Moks-Unger is a workshop leader, public speaker, poet and social activist; in 2016 she was named the fifth Poet Laureate of Erie County. Her first book of poetry, Mud and Stars, was recently released by Night Ballet Press of Cleveland.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

The Celtic HooligansWednesday, April 19 • 7 p.m. • Alex Theatre

The luck of the Irish abounds at this lively concert by the Celtic Hooligans, one of Erie’s premiere traditional Irish bands. Featuring Michael Dunlavey, Tom Wilkinson and Randall McCaslin, the Celtic Hooligans play traditional Celtic tunes and folk songs, and will perform A History of Ireland in Song and Story. With driving rhythms, melodic virtuosity and strong vocal harmonies, the Celtic Hooligans prove the old Irish adage, “if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough!”

THEATRE PRODUCTION

A Comedy TonightThursday-Saturday, March 30-April 1 • 7 p.m. • Alex Theatre

Theatrical comedy comes alive when students from Mercyhurst North East take the stage in this uproarious production of A Comedy Tonight. The show features situational themed comedies set in varied locations that will have you laughing at the onstage antics all night long. Musical numbers and integrated narrations tie each of the comedies together to create an evening of theatrical delight that audiences of all ages will enjoy. A Comedy Tonight is produced by Patti Sullivan and directed by Michael Malthaner.

PRESENTATION

Facts, Alt-Facts and Anything but the Facts: Politics in the Digital Age With Jim Wertz, Ph.D.

Wednesday, April 26 • 7 p.m. • Alex Theatre

The 2016 election introduced the electorate to myriad realities, including the existence of “alternative facts” in a post-fact world. What have “alternative facts” contributed to the national discourse since the 2016 election? And what do they mean for the future of the democratic state? Together we’ll explore the history and power of the alt-fact state, as well as discuss Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the 2016 presidential election. Jim Wertz serves as the director of the Honors Program at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and is an associate professor of journalism and digital media. He is a contributing editor to the Erie Reader, and is an author and presenter on issues including economic development, journalism and education.

DANCE PERFORMANCE

A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That With Erie Dance Theatre, Sovereign Ballet, the Mercyhurst Dancers and SoMar Dance Works

Sunday, April 9 • 2 p.m. • Ridge Library Great Room

This presentation, showcasing four elite dance ensembles in short selections, offers a delightful way to spend your Sunday afternoon. Programming will highlight multiple dance styles ranging from classical to contemporary and includes excerpts from Sleeping Beauty’s Wedding. Bring the family to meet Princesses Aurora and Florine, Blue Bird, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss ‘n Boots and much more in A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That. A reception will immediately follow the performance.