Sample campus arts Sept. 28

The greater Madison community and students, especially those new to Madison, are invited to get into the arts on campus and bring a friend or two to “Arts Night Out!” on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Arts Night Out!” provides an opportunity to sample campus arts offerings-from The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company at the Wisconsin Union Theater to “Keys, Mallets, & Vibes” at the School of Music, “The Passion of Dracula” at the University Theatre, or the NIGHT LIGHT “nocturnal art circus.”

Many events are free or offer discounts for students.

The arts at UW–Madison are rich in tradition and continue to lead in excellence and innovation. The university’s first gallery was built in 1877 and today, university art galleries, museums, libraries, and working presses welcome students and visitors. The university stages more than 1,500 performing arts events each year, from traditional to cutting edge, homegrown to global, and emerging artists to world-class faculty and performers.

Throughout the year, the campus offers many events with reasonable ticket prices or even for free-a great opportunity for families, students and community members to experience high-quality performing arts without the high prices.

“Arts Night Out!” is sponsored by campus arts organizations and departments, the Campus Information and Visitor Center and the UW–Madison Arts Institute.

For more information, call the Visitor Center at (608) 263-2400 or stop in at the Red Gym, 716 Langdon St., for a brochure.

A full schedule of events follows:

Dancing, 5-7 p.m., Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave.
Want to learn basic steps in swing and Latin dance? How about African dance accompanied by live percussion? The Dance Program opens studios 349 and 549 for free dancing. Refreshments, Virginia F. Harrison Parlor. For more information, call (608) 262-1691.

Elvehjem Museum of Art, 800 University Ave., 7-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy café style atmosphere while exploring galleries filled with art from around the world and throughout history. A temporary exhibition of work by American printmaker Blanche Lazzell and a presentation of European prints from a private collection will be on view. Refreshments, music, and other free activities. DJ Puzzle will spin Downtempo and Acid Jazz.

Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., 7-8:30 p.m.
The Art Committee of the Wisconsin Union Directorate will host a kickoff that includes a talk and demonstration by nationally origami artist Ruthanne Bessman. A brief reception and Art Committee informational meeting follows the talk. Porter Butts Gallery and Main Lounge, second floor, Memorial Union. Talk at 7 p.m., kickoff and reception, 7:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, call (608) 262-5969.

Gallery of Design, 1300 Linden Drive, 5-8 p.m.
The Gallery of Design, School of Human Ecology, features architectural models by Madison’s Bruce Severson. This free exhibition includes the model of downtown Madison commissioned by the Madison Overture Foundation for Cesar Pelli, models commissioned by Madison designers/developers Marshall Erdmann and Kenton Peters, and drawings and sculpture.

Art Department, Mosse Humanities Building, 455 n. Park St., 7 – 9 p.m.
Opening reception for free exhibitions by Glenn Williams and Chris Walla, seventh floor Gallery,. Chris Walla’s “Domestica” uses elements from the home to make objects that have a broader political statement. Often humorous or referencing other artists, his work investigates politics, queer identity and class. “Discourse,” the work of Glenn Williams, explores issues of identity on a political, social, and economic level and focuses on how that identity is shaped and perceived by the individual and others.

Cinematheque, 4070 Vilas Hall, 821 University Ave., 7:30 p.m.
Cinematheque’s free semester-long retrospective of the films of Frank Tashlin continues with a program featuring the director’s feature work and cartoon work. Tashlin was one of the very few Hollywood directors to work in both animation and live action, and the connections between the two are fascinating.

“Keys, Mallets, & Vibes,” School of Music, Mills Concert Hall, Mosse Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St., 8 p.m.
Discover new soundscapes at this one-of-a-kind free program by graduate and undergraduate students from the School of Music. Scheduled are classical and contemporary sets performed by pianists, a percussion quartet and a smooth jazz combo.

The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, 8 p.m., Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St.
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company performs along with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center featuring The Orion String Quartet. Experience a visionary fusion of dance and music when Jones and company perform three premieres set to music by Beethoven, Kurtag, and Shostakovich performed live by The Chamber Music Society. Tickets: $15 student, $32 general public, Union Theater Box Office, (608) 262-2201.

“The Passion of Dracula,” University Theater, Vilas Hall, 821 University Ave., 7:30 p.m.
A tongue-in-cheek adaptation of Bram Stoker’s chilling novel. Sherlock Holmes-style sleuthing, surprising plot twists, and spectacular special effects make this show a genuine old-fashioned horror thriller. If you can’t make the show Sept. 28, you can also see it Sept. 19-20, 21, and 26-27. Tickets: $10 students, $14 public, Vilas Hall Box Office, 821 University Ave., (608) 262-1500.

NIGHT LIGHT, Mosse Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St., after 9:30 p.m.
Art, performance, installation, tech, light, video projection, DJs, and turntablists all are part of performances by students and faculty that push the boundaries of art. Be here after all the rest for a high energy mix at sites around the building. A nocturnal art circus.