Stan Nosek Returns as Interim Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance
Stan Nosek started his duties as interim senior vice president of Administration and Finance April 1, following Cynthia Vizcaíno Villa’s March 31 retirement. This is the second time Nosek has served in this role, having previously held the interim position from July 2013 to June 2014. The retired UC Davis vice chancellor will oversee A&F’s diverse portfolio that includes budget and fiscal management, facilities management, construction and planning, procurement, risk management, public safety, internal audit and oversight of Cal Poly Partners. Nosek brings a long professional history in higher education administration and nonprofit management. A nationwide search is underway to fill the senior vice president position.
Poly Gives is Happening During Open House Weekend, April 11-13
Poly Gives is an event where faculty, staff, alumni, families and friends unite to give back to the university and make an impact in the lives of students. This year, Poly Gives returns during Cal Poly Open House, April 11-13 — a time to celebrate the legacy of Learn by Doing on-campus and online. Donor support during Poly Gives inspires positive change on campus now and in the future.
Kennedy Library Transformation Project Hits Significant Milestones
Significant milestones have been reached in the Kennedy Library transformation project, including the reopening of a California Boulevard parking lot. The delivery of the building's energy-efficient window systems is complete, and the team is preparing for installation. Progress is steady on all levels for the rough-in of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, fire sprinkler systems and framing on all floors. Additionally, C-7 parking spaces are available again for staff and faculty. However, there will be a road closure on North Perimeter Road, from Dexter Road to University Drive (on the west and east sides of the library respectively), from Monday, April 15, to Friday, April 26. The closure will facilitate the safe loading of new stair structural steel by a large construction crane. While vehicular access will be restricted, the north sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians.
See the Kennedy Library construction timeline
ASI Introduces The Forum: A Meeting Space and More
ASI announces the opening of The Forum — a new, reservable space for the campus community. Located in the Pavilion (Building 19, adjacent to 1901 Marketplace), this state-of-the-art facility accommodates up to 100 and features technologically advanced amenities tailored to enhance presentations and virtual meeting capabilities. Reservations are being accepted now for university departments for events beginning April 29.
Visit ASI-Managed Facilities website for more info
College of Engineering Offers Walking Tour April 19
The College of Engineering invites faculty and staff on a walking tour Friday, April 19, from 12:10-2 p.m. The tour will highlight some of the college’s unique spaces: the Mustang ’60 Shop, the Microelectronics Fabrication Lab, the Innovation Sandbox, laboratories in the Noyce School of Applied Computing and more. Sign-ups are encouraged. Meet outside the Advanced Technology Laboratory Building (No. 7) at noon, and the tour will begin at 12:10. Feel free to depart the tour early if needed. This event is part of the Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with people, places and resources across campus.
Learning Support, Special Collections and Student Ombuds Services Offer Open House Tours April 23
The Learning Support Center, Library Special Collections and Office of Student Ombuds Services will host an open house in the Graphic Arts Building (No. 26) Tuesday, April 23, from 8:30-10 a.m. Start in Learning Support Center, Room 110A, to enjoy coffee and donuts and learn more about these important campus resources. The Learning Support Center is designed as the one-stop shop for student academic support on campus. Special Collections and Archives acquires, organizes, describes, preserves, interprets and provides access to primary research materials in their original formats to support discovery, education and research at all levels and across disciplines. The Office of Student Ombuds Services offers a safe place for students needing assistance in resolving any university-related issue or complaint. This event is part of the Poly Connections program to connect faculty and staff with people, places and resources across campus.
More on the Poly Connections program
Art Gallery to Present Juried Student Display April 11-May 10
The University Art Gallery’s 2024 Juried Student Exhibition, featuring selected student artwork, will run April 11 through May 10. The show allows the Art and Design Department to celebrate art created here by displaying it for the campus community and public. Alicia Piller, the solo artist behind the University Art Gallery’s latest show, “Reconstructing Ruins,” will serve as juror. Piller is on the faculty at CalArts and UC Irvine. The opening reception is Thursday, April 11, from 5-7 p.m. at the University Art Gallery, located in the Dexter Building (No. 34). The exhibition is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
New Bike Lockers Available to Rent for Pennies an Hour
Bicycle commuters looking for increased security and a way to keep their bike out of the elements now have more options. Cal Poly has partnered with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, the city of San Luis Obispo and Bike Link to bring 12 short-term bike lockers to the core of campus. The Bike Link lockers are available to rent for just 5 cents an hour and are accessible through the company’s smartphone app that shows real-time availability. The stainless steel lockers are located along Tahoe Road, just off Mustang Way, adjacent to the Music Center and across from the University Union. Bike Link has lockers at 480 locations across California, Nevada and Washington, and its app gives users access to all of them. This is another way that Transportation and Parking Services is helping the campus meet its sustainability goals.
Learn more about the Bike Link lockers
Nominations Open for Inaugural Learn by Doing Good Awards
The Leadership and Service Department is seeking nominations for the inaugural Learn by Doing Good Awards for service, leadership and engagement on and off campus. These awards combine Cal Poly's Community Service and LEAD awards. The latter for the past seven years has honored members of the campus community demonstrating excellence and distinction in leadership and engagement on campus. For 37 years, the Community Service Awards recognized faculty, staff, students and community partner agencies for off-campus contributions to the quality of life in San Luis Obispo County and their spirit of civic engagement. Candidates for the Learn by Doing Good Awards will be selected from written nominations reviewed by a panel of faculty, staff and students. President Armstrong will recognize award recipients for their efforts at a May 1 ceremony. Nominations can be submitted via an online form in Cal Poly Now. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 19. Questions? Email serviceinaction@calpoly.edu.
Nominate Campus DEI Leaders for President’s Diversity Awards by April 29
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion is seeking nominations for the annual Cal Poly President’s Diversity Awards, which recognize individuals and groups who have exhibited commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on the campus. The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 29, at 5 p.m. Recipients will be honored at June 6 ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the PAC lobby and courtyard.
President’s Diversity Award categories include:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Student
- Campus Department/Unit
- Student Group/Organization
- Dolores Huerta Si Se Puede Award for Transformational Leadership
- Excellence in Inclusive Design
Recipients of the Group and Dolores Huerta Si Se Puede awards include a $1,000 prize. All other categories include a $500 prize. Pictured are 2023 faculty award recipient School of Education’s Tina Cheuk, center with President Armstrong and Denise Isom, vice president for diversity and inclusion.
Submit DEI Leader nominations Online by April 29
Join Campus Dining for ‘ThoughtFul’ Event and Vendor Fair April 12
Faculty and staff are invited to Campus Dining’s “ThoughtFul” Vendor Fair Friday, April 12, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. outside 1901 Marketplace in the UU Plaza. The event will feature fun, food and self-care. Attendees can sample a variety of delicious food and drink offerings, including:
- Gelato samples from Paso Robles-based Leo Leo Gelato.
- Slake Coffee, the SLO-based coffee roaster that supplies Julian’s coffee beans.
- Fresh fruit, including just-picked strawberries from Cal Poly Farms.
Additionally, each 1901 Marketplace venue will feature a unique menu item offered specifically for that day.
Award-winning Author to Discuss Mindful Travel in an Unequal World on May 15-16
University of Washington Professor Anu Taranath, an award-winning speaker and author of “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World,” will appear at the Performing Arts Center Pavilion May 15-16. At her keynote presentation, from 5:30-7 p.m. May 15, she will lead an illuminating conversation on the intersections of travel and social change. A book signing will follow. On May 16, from 11:10 a.m.-1 p.m., faculty and staff are invited to join an interactive workshop. The first 20 registrants will receive a free copy of the book. The events, hosted by the International Center and campus co-sponsors, are free and open to all. In advance of Taranath’s visit, the campus is invited to join the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology’s book circles that begin April 25 and 29. Taranath understands that the most effective conversations on race, identity, power and belonging take place when people feel valued and heard.
For the full listing of International Symposium events and to register
40 Respondents Win Prizes For Feedback in A&F Focus Forward Survey
Administration and Finance thanks the 1,247 faculty, staff and students who shared feedback during the annual Focus Forward Survey. Those responses will help A&F departments move forward and further benefit the university. The campus community delivered after being invited to look back on 2023 and rate the A&F departments across 10 service categories. For their efforts, 40 respondents selected by random drawing were notified via email of their prize, including a grand prize winner who received an Apple Series 9 watch! Divisionwide survey results reports will go out to each department later in April. Look for future communications on how suggestions will impact A&F services.
Cal Poly Partners Board of Directors to Meet April 26
Cal Poly Partners board of directors will meet Friday, April 26, at 8:30 a.m. at Vista Grande Dining Complex, third floor. The meeting is open to the public. Written public comments must be emailed by Wednesday, April 24, to cpcadmin@calpoly.edu. People who want to speak on an agenda item must submit a Board Appearance Request at least 24 hours before the meeting to cpcadmin@calpoly.edu. A Zoom webinar is also available. Public comments promptly begin at 8:30 a.m. Speakers need to arrive at 8:15 a.m. More information will be made available on the Cal Poly Partners website along with the meeting agenda five days before the meeting. Questions? Call Holly Clark at ext. 6-1131.
Zoom link for Cal Poly Partners directors meeting
Counseling Services Offers Body Positive Training to Students in Spring
Faculty and staff are encouraged to tell students about an opportunity to participate in the Body Positive Facilitator Training. Counseling Services is offering this training to enrolled students of all gender identities and expressions. Participants will complete online facilitator training over six weeks — about an hour per week — and meet to discuss the material with Cal Poly counselors Amelia Ramirez and Shawna Dobson (pictured from right) from 2-3 p.m. each Friday via Zoom for six weeks starting April 19. Students completing the training can facilitate their own Be Body Positive groups and workshops on campus. Interested students should email Ramirez (arami191@calpoly.edu) by Thursday, April 18 and include a paragraph describing their interest. The Body Positive is a nonprofit organization formed in 1996 "that teaches people to listen to their bodies, learn and thrive."
Up to $145K Grant Opportunity to Support Technology and Public Benefits
Public Interest Technology University Network is accepting proposals for its 2024 Challenge Grants of up to $145,000. Public Interest Technology refers to the study and application of technology expertise to advance the public interest in a way that generates public benefits and promotes the public good, particularly for those society members least well served (historically and today) by existing systems and policies. It’s a limited submission; an internal competition will be held to determine which submissions will be made on behalf of Cal Poly. For more information, review the internal competition RFP (must be signed in to Cal Poly account). Deadline for pre-proposals is 8 a.m. Monday, April 15. Questions? Contact Stephanie Fabro (sfabro@calpoly.edu).
CSU’s Got Talent Webcast: Relationship Intelligence; Watch it Live April 16
Tim Scudder, author and founder of Core Strengths, presents on the art and science behind “relationship intelligence,” which provides insight to communicate with people across a diverse spectrum of personalities and experiences. With the right tools and a little practice, it can help transform conversations, prevent conflict and benefit other aspects of a person’s life in and beyond the workplace. Register and attend this and other free webcasts. Can’t make it? View previous CSU’s Got Talent recordings on Cal Poly's Learning Hub. Employee and Organization Development is offering the live webcast as part of the CSU’s Got Talent series.
Tune in to the Live April 16 webcast
Take Advantage of Upcoming Professional Development Courses; Virtual Sessions are Live
Employee and Organization Development is offering professional development courses through the Cross Campus Collaboration series. These live, virtual workshops are offered by Cal Poly and other CSU campuses. Each provides a unique opportunity for learning beyond campus borders in a convenient way for participants. Registration for the following and additional Cross Campus Collaboration courses are on a first-come basis.
Breath and Health, Tuesday, April 30; 2:30-3 p.m.
Excel Tips and Tricks, Thursday, May 2; 10-11 a.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, May 2; 1-1:30 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, May 3; 8-8:30 a.m.
Getting Started with MS OneNote, Thursday, May 9; 10-11 a.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, May 9; 1-1:30 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, May 10; 8-8:30 a.m.
Self-Coaching 101, Friday, May 10; 1:30-3 p.m.
See full list of sessions and register
Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of Chronic Stress
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says stress hormones are elevated in people when the body is in a stressed state over time, leading to a weakened immune system, sleep problems, headaches, and learning and memory problems. Chronic stress contributes to the development of heart disease, anxiety, depression and obesity. Use of alcohol, nicotine products, cannabis or other drugs may contribute to the condition because these substances can act as stressors. Fortunately, there are ways to effectively address chronic stress, including meditation, breathing exercises, seeking support, practicing self-care and launching a gratitude practice. Take a stress screener and review the National Institute of Mental Health worksheet featuring a comparison of stress and anxiety, including information on coping. The CDC offers Tips to Improve Your Emotional Wellbeing. Contact LifeMatters at 800-367-7474 or visit mylifematters.com and use “calpoly” to sign in. For more information, email Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
University Personnel Offers Well-being Workshops in April and May
University Personnel-Employee Wellbeing has worked with Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
Transition to Retirement, Tuesday, April 23, at 2 p.m.
Retirement planning is more than financial planning. The emotional aspects of retirement are important to consider as well. Join this workshop to learn the phases of retirement, the importance of mentally preparing for retirement and how to ensure a rewarding retirement.
Eat Right, Live Well, Wednesday, May 22, at 2 p.m.
Join this session to learn how exercise and nutrition support a healthy lifestyle, including the components of a healthy diet, meal planning strategies and practical strategies for including exercise in your day.
Conflict Management Styles, Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m.
Learn to assess conflict management styles and determine which style is most effective in each situation. Discussion will include common types of workplace conflict, how to identify chronic conflict situations and strategies to use when conflict is best avoided. As a result of this session, attendees will have improved the ability to manage and grow from conflict situations.
For more information on well-being workshops, contact Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
Faculty and Staff Lunch Spot at Cal Poly Partners Pavilion to Open April 15
Faculty and staff can enjoy a private lunch spot conveniently located on the UU grounds. The Cal Poly Partners Pavilion (No. 19A) is adjacent to 1901 Marketplace. Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the spot is a quiet space to eat and relax among colleagues and peers. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks or purchase a meal from any of the nearby Campus Dining venues. With 1901 Marketplace just steps away, the campus community is encouraged to grab a customizable option from Red Radish, Picos, Poly Deli or Pom & Honey. Those who don’t want a full meal can stop by Julian’s for coffee and a snack. To access the Pavilion, use the South Poly View Drive entrance, directly across from the Science Building (No. 52). Stop by and take a well-deserved break away from the office.
H-11 Study Structure Extends Hours of Operation
Extended study times are available to students in the H-11 parking lot study structure. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to direct students there. The new hours are Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The change comes after the closure of the C-7 lot study space. The Kennedy Library Transformation Team remains committed to optimizing the library experience for students during the library building remodel. The team continues monitoring study space usage and gathering feedback from the campus community.
Center for Service in Action to Honor Volunteers
The Center for Service in Action will host a week of service opportunities in honor of National Volunteer Week in April, their community partners and volunteers. All members of the Cal Poly community are invited to join the fun and check out the schedule of events on Cal Poly Now. The events include the spring quarter volunteer and service fair for the campus community from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 18, on Dexter Lawn. This is for anyone who has wanted to serve on a board of directors or an advisory committee or engage in meaningful service at a local nonprofit or governmental agency. Come by the volunteer and service fair to speak to representatives from organizations doing amazing work throughout the county. Several community partner agencies will share how service can take shape for faculty, staff and students.
Texas Tech Communication Professor to Discuss Design Thinking and Social Innovation April 29
Jason Tham, associate professor of technical communication and rhetoric and assistant chair of the Department of English at Texas Tech University, will give a talk on design thinking as a mindset and methodology for social innovation Monday, April 29 from 2:10-3:30 p.m. in the Advanced Technologies Lab Building (No. 7). For decades, practitioners across multiple industries have employed design thinking as a technology for innovation that deals with complex issues, also known as “wicked problems.” As a mindset and a methodology, design thinking can promote critical awareness and create socially responsive solutions that aim toward positive changemaking. Tham, who has a doctorate in rhetoric and scientific and technical communication, will discuss design as an activity that involves studying problems, understanding human and environmental needs and devising desirable solutions. Questions? Contact Krista Sarraf (ksarraf@calpoly.edu), director of the technical and professional communication program.
Alumni Wine and Beer Garden Will be at Open House April 13
Register now for the Cal Poly Alumni Wine and Beer Garden! The event will run from 1:30-4 p.m., Saturday, April 13, at the Engineering Plaza, after guests experience a day of exploring student projects and displays celebrating Learn by Doing. Faculty and staff presale tickets are $15 and include wine and beer, a souvenir Cal Poly Proud wine glass and a taco bar. Limited tickets will be available at the door starting at 2 p.m. This event sold out last year. Don't wait; get tickets today!
Get tickets to Alumni Wine and Beer Garden
Safer Hosts Sexual Assault Action Month in April
Join Safer in April for Sexual Assault Action Month through its Rise Up, Resist, Reclaim campaign. This year’s theme is a call to action for the campus community to engage in radical violence prevention and widespread survivor solidarity. Drawing inspiration from 1990s feminist activists — with a commitment to intersectional anti-oppression frameworks — Safer aims to galvanize the campus to rise up against complacency, resist the status quo and reclaim a collective voice. Events throughout the month include: open mic night, a flow arts workshop, therapy dogs and donuts, zine-making workshop, movie night, a drag show, healing-centered yoga and Safer’s annual capstone event, Take Back the Night.
Learn about Sexual Assault Action Month and the events
Retired Faculty and Staff Association Spring Luncheon Goes to the Rodeo April 23
The Retired Faculty and Staff Association’s spring quarter program will feature the highly successful Cal Poly Rodeo Team and program, as coach and alumnus Ben Londo and team members display their skills in several competitive events Tuesday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex off Mount Bishop Road. Since 1956, the program has earned 44 national titles, making it one of the most winning rodeo programs in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association history and bringing national recognition to Cal Poly and its supporters. As a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association member since 2003, Londo (Construction Management, ’07) has amassed an admirable list of achievements. As a student on the Rodeo Team, he earned Bareback Riding and All-Around Championship titles for two consecutive years at the College National Finals Rodeo. The Cal Poly Rodeo Team has continued to flourish as one of the most competitive college teams under Londo’s direction.
Register for luncheon and program
Cal Poly College Corps Extended Through 2026; Application Period Opens
Faculty and staff are encouraged to make students aware of the opportunity to participate in the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program, a statewide initiative that engages students to solve problems in their communities while helping to create debt-free pathways to college. Cal Poly’s College Corps Program has been granted additional funds to extend the program to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Cal Poly leads the program’s Coastal California Civic Leadership Consortium, which also includes CSU Long Beach, Cuesta and Allan Hancock colleges. Cal Poly can accept up to 195 students for next year’s fellowship. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 15. Questions? Email the AmeriCorps team at collegecorps@calpoly.edu.
Learn more and apply for the program
Registration Open for ASI Craft Center Classes
ASI’s expert instructors can guide both novice and seasoned crafters through hands-on experiences in various artistic mediums, including ceramics, stained glass, painting and much more. Stop by and connect with fellow creators in the ASI Craft Center’s vibrant studio environment.
Learn more about ASI Craft Center Classes
Get Your Kicks Through ASI Specialized Fitness
ASI’s unique and fun specialized fitness classes can help individuals switch up their exercise routines. Enjoy a dynamic cardio session in kickboxing class, begin a transformative fitness journey suitable for all levels with the TRX Suspension training and more! Spots fill quickly in these classes, so register today!
Learn more about ASI Specialized Fitness classes
Ukrainian Grand Kyiv Ballet Brings ‘Giselle’ to PAC April 13
Grand Kyiv will present the French ballet “Giselle” Saturday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Filled with passion, betrayal and forgiveness, “Giselle” is a classical ballet that tells the story of a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner. Tragically, the girl dies of a broken heart when she discovers the truth about her lover’s identity. The ballet, known for its stunning choreography and beautiful music, is a masterpiece of the ballet repertoire. Grand Kyiv Ballet is honored to have the prime dancers from the National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine bring this timeless classic to life on stage.
Get tickets to Grand Kyiv Ballet’s performance of ‘Giselle’
TEDx San Luis Obispo Enlightens the PAC April 14
TEDx San Luis Obispo returns and invites attendees to embrace the power of determination Sunday, April 14, at noon in Harold Miossi Hall. The conference will feature 11 speakers, including keynote speaker Shannon Huffman Polson, an award- winning author and one of the first women pilots of the U.S. Army’s Apache attack helicopter. Hear from additional authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, educators and others on how to use the power of determination to achieve goals and learn life-changing strategies for success. View the full speaker list on the TEDx website.
Get tickets to TEDx SLO April 14
‘TikTok Organist’ Anna Lapwood to Perform at PAC April 17
Cal Poly Arts will present organist Anna Lapwood as a part of the Forbes Organ Series
Wednesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Lapwood, a trailblazing organist and social media sensation, captivates audiences with her fresh approach to classical music. As director of music at Pembroke College, Cambridge, England, and deemed “the TikTok organist” with more than 550,000 fans on the social media site, she bridges genres and generations by performing movie compositions, Bach and jazz-infused pieces. Discover a unique musical experience with this innovative artist. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available. Cal Poly students can get $17 tickets in-person at the Cal Poly Ticket Office by showing their student ID.
Get tickets to Anna Lapwood’s performance April 17
Civic Ballet of SLO Presents ‘The Scarlet Ibis’ and ‘Rodeo’ in Spanos Theatre April 20-21
The Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo presents two Drew Silvaggio’s original contemporary ballets, “The Scarlet Ibis” and “Rodeo” Saturday, April 20, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m. in Spanos Theatre. Based on the short story by James Hurst, “The Scarlet Ibis” explores themes of family, acceptance, pridefulness, fragility and survival in a world that you may not belong. “Rodeo,” a crowd-pleasing update of the Agnes de Mille classic, features energetic original choreography, a contemporary popular score and a poignant, timely message about strength, femininity and vulnerability.
Get Tickets to Civic Ballet of SLO April 20-21
SLO Master Chorale Presents Rachmaninoff’s ‘All-Night Vigil’ at PAC April 21
The SLO Master Chorale presents Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil” Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Rachmaninoff’s signature choral work has become a fixture in choral repertoire, standing as the crowning achievement of the “Golden Age” of Russian Orthodox sacred choral music. Much of the melodic material was drawn from ancient unison chants made contemporary through the addition of three to 10 vocal lines. The music is for chorus a cappella, the traditional vocal complement in the Russian Orthodox Church. The SLO Master Chorale will perform the work in a rare concert given without the Master Chorale Orchestra. A dynamically diverse work, members of the group will be spread out all over the Performing Arts Center stage.
Get tickets to the SLO master chorale performance April 21
Small Island Big Song Comes to PAC April 26
Cal Poly Arts presents Small Island Big Song Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Based on the 2019 documentary film “Small Island Big Song,” the concert is a musical collaboration between artists who are on the frontline of the climate crisis of 16 seafaring nations in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The performance “Our Island” brings together some of the most prominent artists of Taiwan, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti and other islands, who choose to maintain the cultural voice of their people, to sing in the language and play the instruments of their land. A musical blend of roots-reggae, R&B, folk and spoken-word is framed with live visuals filmed across those island nations to create what Billboard described as “one coherent, jaw-dropping piece.” This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available. Cal Poly students can get $17 tickets in-person at the Cal Poly Ticket Office by showing their student ID.
Get tickets to Small Island Big Song April 26
Music Dept. to Present Free Open House Recital April 13
An Open House Recital featuring student instrumentalists and vocalists will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). The student performers are from a variety of majors, and all are involved in at least one of the department’s large, premier ensembles, which include Cal Poly’s Arab Music Ensemble, Choirs, Jazz Ensembles, Symphony, Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. The program is one of many scheduled events for the university’s 31st annual Open House. The recital is free and open to the public; no tickets or advanced reservations are required. It is sponsored by the Music Department and College of Liberal Arts. For more information, visit the Music Department’s calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Student Opera Theatre to Present ‘Spring Opera Scenes’ April 13
Student Opera Theatre will present “Spring Opera Scenes” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in Spanos Theatre. Sung in English, French, German and Italian, with English supertitles, the program will include selections from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and “The Magic Flute,” Lehár’s “The Merry Widow,” Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea,” von Weber’s “Der Freischütz,” Puccini’s “La rondine,” Bernstein’s “Candide,” and Offenbach’s “La Périchole.” Over 50 students are participating in the production. Theatre and Dance Department students will provide choreography, members of the Chamber Choir will sing and some of the artwork will be produced by student artists. The Music Department’s Kaitrin Cunningham is the director and producer, Scott Glysson is conducting, Paul Woodring is the pianist and coach, and Theatre and Dance Department’s Laina Babb is the costume designer. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. Call the Music Department at ext. 6-2406 for more information.