Dina El Wedidi, a well-loved name in Egyptian contemporary music, will perform on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. There will be a pre-performance talk with the artist on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. Since she burst onto the scene with her powerful voice and inventive but rooted style, Dina has been driven by a curiosity and a propensity to shed her skin and venture down new paths. She draws deep into her musical roots of performing Egyptian folkloric music with the Warsha Theater Troupe and Habaybena band, filtering this […]

Continue reading Egyptian Vocalist Comes to Weis Center, part of U.S. State Department Initiative »

Mohamed Abozekry, an oud (lute) master and his instrumental ensemble Karkadé, will explore classical Arabic music, Sufi music of northern Egypt, and music popular along the Nile River on Friday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. The performance is free and tickets are not required. There will be a free pre-performance talk with the artists on Thursday, September 13 at 1 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. Mohamed Abozekry, an oud (lute) master still in his mid-20s, brilliantly explores Egypt’s popular and classical music traditions, Sufi calls, and secular poetry with a new instrumental project called […]

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Egyptologist Dr. Kathlyn (Kara) Cooney, at first glance, seems like the female Indiana Jones. She studies a civilization so ancient it’s steeped in myth, travels the world, and speaks in forums at distinguished universities. But her work isn’t all about studying stories inscribed in coffins or translating hieroglyphics. In her National Geographic Live presentation “When Women Ruled the World,” sponsored by the Weis Center, Cooney asks a critical question: What can we learn from the women who once ruled Egypt as kings? Dr. Cooney is a professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture at UCLA. Specializing in craft production, coffin studies, […]

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David Power, one of Ireland’s foremost uilleann pipers will join beloved New Jersey fiddler Willie Kelly to bring traditional Irish music to Central PA when they perform on Thursday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. The performance is free and tickets are not required. There will be a free pre-performance talk with the artists on the same day as the performance at 1 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. Their collaborative new album Apples in Winter has received rave reviews. The Irish Echo says, “There’s a magic to Apples in Winter that will resonate with people […]

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Dr. Kathlyn (Kara) Cooney, National Geographic author and professor of Egyptian art and architecture at UCLA, will present “When Women Ruled the World” on Thursday, August 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. There will be a meet-and-greet with Dr. Cooney in the Weis Center Atrium following her presentation. Dr. Cooney explores the reigns of powerful ancient queens to illuminate a time when women ruled the world.  Often neglected in the history books, these strong female leaders were considered exceptions to the rule, but their power and influence is undeniable. Cleopatra used her sexuality – and her money – to build […]

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Banda Magda will perform their unique style of French pop, Latin and jazz music on Thursday, August 23 at 6 p.m. outside on the Weis Center Plaza to kick off the Weis Center’s new 2018-19 season. The family-friendly performance is free and tickets are not required. The rain location is the Weis Center Atrium. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic. A free pre-performance lecture with the artists will take place the same day as the performance at 1 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. Led by Greek-born composer, orchestrator, singer and accordionist Magda Giannikou, Banda […]

Continue reading Weis Center to Offer Free Outdoor Concert to Kick-Off New Season »

The 2018-19 season at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University will include nearly 40 professional performances – including world music from Egypt, Spain, Africa, China, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Denmark and Sweden, plus classical music, modern dance from two acclaimed companies, world dance from India and Spain, Americana and folk, jazz, and family-friendly performances. Ten performances are free. Performances begin in late August 2018 and continue through May 2019; all performances are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The season will kick-off with a free outdoor concert on the Weis Center Plaza by Banda Magda on Thursday, […]

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Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation has announced grants to 22 presenting organizations, totaling $70,060, in support of 42 engagements through its Jazz Touring Network (JTN) program in 2018-2019. The Weis Center received funding to host three jazz artists: Banda Magda, NY Drawing on the band’s global background (Greece, Argentina, Japan, Colombia, USA), the group combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, cinematic arranging, sophisticated audience participation, mid-century classics and world “chansons” sung in 6 languages. Banda Magda will visit: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn, NY; Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA; Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg, WV; Creative Alliance, Baltimore, MD; Flushing Council […]

Continue reading 2018-2019 Jazz Touring Network Engagements Announced, Weis Center Receives Three Jazz Grants »

Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation has awarded $134,366 in grants supporting 52 performing arts engagements through its 2018-2019 Mid Atlantic Tours program. The grants, awarded directly to presenting organizations, will support engagements by the following artists at venues throughout the mid-Atlantic region. All engagements will include public performances and activities designed to foster greater appreciation for artists’ work and offer meaningful exchanges between artists and the public. Jazz: René Marie Warrenton, VA In a span of two decades, 11 recordings and countless stage performances, vocalist René Marie has cemented her reputation as not only a singer but also a composer, arranger, […]

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Catalyzed by intense upheavals, Egyptian and Ukrainian performing artists are animating their nations’ public spheres. Now, some of the strongest performers and creative innovators from these countries are coming to the US, to share their perspectives and broaden ours. For its fourth edition, Center Stage, the cultural exchange program initiated by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and produced by the New England Foundation for the Arts, will bring five contemporary music and theater ensembles from Egypt and Ukraine to tour in the U.S. in Autumn 2018. During independent month-long tours Dina Elwedidi (Egypt), Kurbasy […]

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