The Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College will host a Season Kick Off Party on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Kick Off Party, which is free, celebrates the start of the Redfern's 34th season of presenting performing arts. The event includes food, art exhibits, and a preview of the Redfern season. Keene State radio station WKNH disc jockeys will be on hand to spin music, and there will be demonstrations of art works, puppetry and dance improv, all presented by students.
There will be live performances from Music Faculty Chris Swist, students from the Department of Theatre and Dance, and a guest appearance by members of Symphony NH, who will perform at the Redfern on Sept. 25. There will be a raffle for free tickets and gifts presented to everyone who becomes a Redfern Circle member during the Kick Off Party.
In addition, there will be surprise event taking place at 4:30 p.m.
The Redfern's upcoming season will feature performances such as Symphony NH celebrating the works of Gershwin, Copland, and Bernstein; a multi-media spectacle in three acts created by choreographer Yanira Castro and influenced by imperial ballets in the courts of Louis XIV; and Aquila Theatre Company's production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
The Redfern's new season also includes comic book adventures brought to life on the big screen with live actors in The Intergalactic Nemesis; Obie Award-winning stage and film star Roger Guenveur Smith offers a portrait of an American history icon in his play Rodney King; award-winning American Modern Ensemble celebrates New Hampshire composers.
The lineup also includes filmmakers Sam Green and Brent Green narrating their own short films accompanied by live music and family music by Latin Grammy nominee Mister G.
Two modern dance choreographers return to the Redfern this season: Kate Weare celebrates her company's 10th anniversary with the New England premiere of a new dance; and acclaimed choreographer Candice Salyers presents her next installation of History of Levitation II, a choreographic journey in which Salyers will ultimately perform 100 solo dances.