Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – After a three-year hiatus, the University Series at Stephen F. Austin State University will return for the 2023-24 academic year with exciting touring performances that audiences are sure to love.
The series, sponsored by the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts, was suspended during the pandemic and during the renovation of the Griffith Fine Arts Building that included upgrades to William M. Turner Auditorium, home to University Series shows.
The series returns with performances by a jazz and blues legend, Grammy and Dove award winners, a popular comedian and a world-renowned jazz trombonist. The line-up offers a great “comeback” for the series, which celebrates SFA’s 100th birthday with The Centennial Season, according to Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts.
“Having been forced into a several-year hiatus, we have been told by numerous friends that folks are enthusiastic about the return of the series,” Wurtz said. “We would love to hear from people in the community regarding the types of acts they would like to see in the future, and we also want to invite event sponsorships by local businesses and individuals.”
Adding to the excitement of the series’ return is a recently refreshed and welcoming Turner Auditorium, with new comfortable seating and furnishings, all part of the renovation and expansion of Griffith Fine Arts Building.
The Centennial Season opens with Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter of blues and folk Ruthie Foster performing at SFA Thursday, Oct. 12. Foster, who tours extensively around the world, was raised in a family of gospel singers and performs gospel and blues, jazz, folk and soul, often being compared to Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. Foster’s ninth studio album, “Healing Times,” represents a new high-water mark for the veteran blues artist – a collection of songs possessing pure power, “like a tidal wave of musical generosity.”
SFA welcomes back Dailey & Vincent for another performance that’s sure to sell out Turner Auditorium once again. Grand Ole Opry members, five-time Grammy Award winners individually, three-time Grammy Award nominees collectively, four-time Dove Award winners and winners of 35 IBMA Awards altogether, Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent and their world-class band offer a unique and modernized spin on American music, offering the best of country, bluegrass and gospel this side of heaven. Dailey & Vincent performs their holiday show Thursday, Dec. 14.
American stand-up comedian Joe Zimmerman has appeared on “The Late Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “Last Comic Standing,” “Comedy Central” and other TV shows. He has also contributed humor pieces to The New York Times and has his own weekly comedy podcast called “A Great Listening Experience.” He has performed at many university and corporate events and is currently touring venues across the U.S. Zimmerman brings his “clean” comedy to SFA Thursday, Feb. 22. Opening act is Justin Smith.
An acclaimed trombonist, composer and producer, Delfeayo Marsalis has also dedicated his prolific career to music theatre and education. A member of the legendary Marsalis family of musicians, Delfeayo was destined to a life in music, touring internationally with jazz legends such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own groups. He has founded three non-profit organizations that strengthen the arts community in New Orleans: Uptown Music Theatre, Uptown Jazz Orchestra, and Keep New Orleans Music Alive. Marsalis joins SFA’s Swingin’ Axes in a performance Friday, April 19.
All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive, on the SFA campus. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sfasu.edu/boxoffice, stop by the Fine Arts Box Office in Griffith Fine Arts Building, or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Ticket prices range from $3 for SFA students to $35 for adults.