Busy November for U of L performers

With record enrolment, a shiny new science building and ongoing news about new scientific discoveries, it’s easy to characterize the University of Lethbridge.

It’s an undergraduate institution, with a growing emphasis on research. But that’s not all! From early days, the U of L has also been an active part of southern Alberta’s arts and entertainment scene. That certainly becomes evident each November.

There’s a wealth of music, drama, new media and faculty-presented events through the month. And that’s in addition to public performances offered by other community groups — many of which include U of L staff and students as well. Looking for music? Opera

Workshop students are presenting their fall showcase, “Fairy Tales and Magic,” closing at 7:30 this evening in Recital Hall. As a bonus, they include a scene from “Candide,” the Leonard Bernstein hit they’ll present with the

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra in February. The “Faculty Artists and Friends” series will present Metrik Jazztet on Nov. 23 — the day after the U of L Wind Orchestra kicks off the end-of-semester concert run. The University Singers will take to the stage on Nov. 24 and the U of L Jazz Ensemble on Nov. 28. And there’s more: the new Collaborative Ensemble will perform on Nov. 27 and the well-named Global Drums on Dec. 1. Performers during the month’s free Tuesday noon-hour concerts include Diego Palacios Davill on piano with Josh Davies on trumpet on Nov. 6, the Azuline Duo (flute and guitar) on Nov. 20 and the Ton Beau String Quartet on Nov. 27.

For drama fans, the fantasy-based “She Kills Monsters” will fill the University Theatre stage — and more — from Nov. 6 to 10. Dungeons and Dragons fans, take note!

And watch for the possibility of drama students offering a new TheatreXtra show or an end-of-semester event. For all ticketed events, check www.ulethbridge.

ca/tickets or call 403-3292616. New Media students’ work is on view, through Thursday, in the Foster Penny Building downtown. Their hosted film series at the downtown library will offer “Amour” on Wednesday, then “State and Main” on Nov. 21. The no-charge screenings start at 6:30 p.m.

Another yearly highlight at the library: World traveller and photographer Dennis Shigematsu will offer his latest presentation there Nov. 14 and 16. It’s his perceptions of “Iran: Ancient Persian Empire to Modern Day Nation,” set for 7 p.m. each night; no charge.

Also in mid-month it’s “Christmas at Casa,” an exhibition and sale of a myriad of crafts and artworks by southern Albertans, Nov. 16 and 17. A week later, Casa will offer a no-charge screening of “Rosalind Purcell: An Art that Nature Makes.”

A busy weekend, or what? New West Theatre will be presenting “Night Life 2.0” on Nov. 16 and 17 as well. It’s an 18-plus cabaret event, being held this year at the Cite des Prairies, 6 Avenue and Mayor Magrath Drive South. Check www.newwesttheatre.com.

Then on Nov. 18 and 19, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra will welcome Vox Musica — both directed by Glenn Klassen — and the women’s chamber chorus and the men’s chorus from Chinook High School, both directed by David Mikuliak. The concerts at Southminster United Church — 3 p.m. on Sunday, 7:30 p.m. on Monday — are a salute to all who’ve been involved in battle and in peacekeeping.

As always, there’s plenty going on at the Galt Museum. Some of this month’s programs include “Journeys with Fruit” at 2 p.m. Sunday, describing how European varieties of apples, cherries, plums and pears arrived here. For families with young children, today’s interactive presentation at 1 p.m. looks at “When the Settlers Came.” Next week it’s a opportunity to create “poppy art.”

And the Tuesday morning Blackfoot history series continues with sessions on Blackfoot historical figures (Tuesday), family structure (Nov. 13) and further insight into residential schools (Nov. 20).

How about some reminders? The Halloween gremlins were blamed for an information mix-up about the Lethbridge Community Band organization's first concert of the season. It’s actually tonight, 7 p.m. at the College Drive Community Church. The Gold Band, conducted by Mark Ward, will perform music that celebrates autumn; tickets at the door.

Also tonight, the Geomatic Attic is presenting Rueben and the Dark, in concert in Southminster United. Tickets should be available at the door for this one as well.

Next Saturday, Nov. 10, the Lethbridge Folk Club presents storyteller and musician Don MacLean,8 p.m. at the Lethbridge College Cave.