by Kate Luce
IU South Bend musicians, singers, actors, and dancers are coming together to celebrate the arts with the community as the new semester kicks off.
To start this celebration, the school of the arts is hosting its first ever Community Foundation Performing Arts Series at the Chris Wilson Pavilion in Potawatomi Park. This free event is set to happen August 25, 7-8:30 pm. This will be the last event of the summer’s Foundation Performing Arts Series.
The night of performances will include the IU South Bend Symphonic Choir, which is set to perform favorite songs from the 2017-2018 season. They have been practicing their routine for a few times before hitting the stage.
The IU South Bend Tap and Kick Line will also perform at this event. More faculty and students from different areas of the school are currently being asked to take part in this event.
Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged for seating. Food vendors will be present on site during this performance, but outside food is also allowed.
The school is also making a splash this year at the Friday by the Fountains at the Morris Performing Arts Center on August 31, from 11:45 am-1:15 pm. This free event is set to take place at the Jon R. Hunt Plaza, which is right outside of the Morris Performing Arts Center.
As one of the last hurrahs of the summer, this also marks the last Friday by the Fountain of the year, which the school of the arts participates in regularly.
The Tap and Kick Line will help kick summer out and welcome fall at the fountain. More faculty, staff, and campus groups are currently being asked to take part in this event.
This marks its fifth year with Fridays by the Fountain partnering with the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts. This partnership has been strengthened by Curtis. As a member of the Morris Performing Center, Curtis has helped establish a strong partnership with the organization.
“We are the only state university in town. More importantly, for our students, being involved in the community is a way to showcase what we do,” Curtis said.
Community engagement is what the Raclin School of the Arts thrives on, and with these two events, the school year is bound to start off with strength and excitement.