Lecture series opens with ‘Spitfire Tour’

The Distinguished Lecture Series will open its 25th season Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wisconsin Union Theater, with the “Spitfire Tour” of musicians, actors and activists speaking on a wide range of topics.

Following individual presentations by the four speakers, the audience will break out into question-and-answer sessions with the speaker of their choice. Speakers and topics include:

• Ingrid Newkirk on animal rights: She is the co-founder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the world’s largest, most provocative animal rights organization.
• Jello Biafra on “nonviolent extermination of the rich.” A renowned social commentator and spoken word artist, he was the leader of the seminal punk band Dead Kennedys.
• Krist Novoselic on censorship: The former bassist for Nirvana, Novoselic is the president and founder of the Joint Artists and Music Promotions Political Action Committee.
• Jill Sobule on social commentary: She is a singer and songwriter whose hits include “Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel.”

Free tickets are available at the Wisconsin Union Theater Box starting Wednesday, Nov. 7, for students, faculty, staff and Wisconsin Union members. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, noon-5 p.m. For information, call (608) 262-2216.