Welcome to the Office of Cultural Affairs
The Office of Cultural Affairs presents a full calendar of high-caliber professional cultural events, including dance, film, and musical performances. These community-focused events, which feature local, national, and international artists, enrich our local Salisbury community, and complement the University’s academic offerings.
Fall 2025 Cultural Programs
- FREE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED for MOST but not all Performances in this section. Each event lists ticket requirements. To reserve tickets for events that require them, visit: salisbury.edu/performingarts
- Please note: Free Visitor Parking passes are always required to park on our campus. Visit the Parking and Accessibility page for more information.
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Classic Series Celebrates Our Centennial
Features established artists and projects widely recognized for their world-class artistry and singular interpretations of classical and historical forms, genres, and repertoire.
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
The Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra is “the premier American ragtime ensemble” as hailed by The Washington Post. Peacherine recreates the musical stylings of a bygone era along with underscoring classic silent films using the original orchestral scores. As part of our Centennial programming this performance features Harold Lloyd’s feature length comedy The Freshman (1925) paired with its original score, accompanied live.
Global Experiences Series
This year’s Global Experiences Series celebrates SU’s Centennial by showcasing a dynamic lineup of contemporary artistic expressions from around the world – each rooted in unique cultural histories and reflecting our longstanding commitment to global diversity in the arts.
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
Established in 1974 in the Liberdade neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia, Ilê Aiyê is a cultural and social organization, as well as a musical powerhouse, celebrated for its unique Afro-Brazilian rhythms and captivating performances particularly in the genre of samba-reggae, which emerged in the 1970s as a response to the cultural and social inequalities faced by Black communities in Salvador. Ilê Aiyê’s performances are renowned for their iconic blend of elaborate costumes, choreographed dances, and electrifying energy, captivating audiences in Brazil and around the world.
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
Latin Grammy–nominated musician Yeison Landero was born in San Jacinto (Bolívar) in the center of the Montes de María region of the Colombian Caribbean. He carries in his soul a cumbiambero heart inherited from his grandfather Andrés Landero: a musician recognized as the “king of cumbia” nationally and internationally. Yeison blends the rich, folkloric sounds of the accordion with propulsive rhythms, delivering a soulful homage to his family’s cumbia legacy while infusing it with new energy for the 21st century.
The Sound Of Memory, The Memory Of Sound
Conductor: Federico Longo
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
Internationally renowned Conductor Federico Longo will take us on a journey to capture all the expressive and communicative potential of sound. Longo will explain the fundamental steps in the creative process of a composer, drawing on his own experiences through which he has been able to increase his awareness and ability to express himself through sound.
In an unusual format, Longo will create a working session with the audience, in which he will play short excerpts that are particularly significant in the history of the musical repertoire. With the help of mezzo-soprano Mariella Gauarnera, we will hear how the human voice, an instrument with which we all have experience, can make us both instruments and interpreters at the same time.
Federico Longo's work VIBR.ID is on permanent exhibited in the Galleria Borghese in Rome through augmented reality. Galleria Borghese in Rome, chose him as the first composer to resume the tradition of commissioning a contemporary composer that had been interrupted for some 300 years.
In June 2022, he presented the first part of the site-specific musical work ‘VIBR.ID’, which was performed inside the Galleria Borghese.
The President of the Italian Republic awarded Longo the prestigious title of Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Knight Order of Merit of the Italian Republic).
Sponsored by World Artists Experiences, Inc., the Embassy of Italy and SU Cultural Affairs Office.
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
Performing together since 1996, Valtchev and Tchekoratova were first presented to the public at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in concert, entitled Musical Treasures from Bulgaria under the sponsorship of the Cyril and Methodius International Foundation. Ever since, the artists have appeared together in recitals and chamber music collaborations throughout the United States and Europe to critical acclaim.
The duo appears regularly at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, NYC 92 Street Y, the Kennedy Center, and many international chamber festivals including Sofia Music Weeks and Apolonia in Bulgaria, Baståd Chamber Music Festival in Sweden, the Deerfield Memorial Hall Summer Concerts and the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival in Blue Hill, Maine.
Sponsored by World Artists Experiences, Inc., the Embassy of Bulgaria and SU Cultural Affairs Office.
Special Global Series
Sound, Symbol, and Spirit: Islamic Mysticism in Art and Music
Co-sponsored by Fulton Public Humanities
In this 2-day workshop, explore the multifaceted nature of Islamic art and traditional metaphysics of beauty with a special focus on the Alhambra Palace with poet and philosopher, Professor Emilio Alzueta. *Free and open to the public – NO TICKETS REQUIRED.
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
Mesudiya Ensemble cultivates the tradition of Sufi music and whirling, by combining classical and modern musical elements. Their performances bring together high musical skill with a spiritual message, to the delight of their audiences. The ensemble pays special attention to the preservation and revival of traditional musical forms, while simultaneously opening up possibilities for new compositions, adapted to modern sensibilities.
Lab Series
The Lab Series explores Sound, Symbol, and Spirit: Islamic Mysticism in Art and Music
This ongoing series features adventurous performing artists creating new, original work that utilizes technology in its creation or delivery and sometimes involves our students in the process.
*Free and open to the public – NO TICKETS REQUIRED
Tuesday, November 11, 7:30 p.m.
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
Zelzeleh is the brainchild of veteran drummer/producer/composer Ravish Momin, who has focused on creating a new global music that blends Persian classical modes, Sufi chants, Turkish Maqam music and Indian street rhythms. Drawing inspiration from the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) motto, “ancient to the future,” Zelzeleh combines traditional instruments with electronic instruments and cutting-edge technological tools to create “Digital Sufi Music.” Along with Momin, this performance features Turkish multi-instrumentalist Kutay Sezginel playing a variety of ancient string instruments with electronics. Sound tech will be provided by SU Music Technology students and live video will be provided SU New Media students.
New Visions Series
Features innovative artists and projects whose work redefines, defies, expands and/or creates new genres within our current contemporary context.
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
As part of our Centennial and Homecoming celebrations, SU alumnus Wordsmith brings his innovative message-driven music to Jackson Family Auditorium. Through relatable lyrics and storytelling, he shares blue-collar struggles, triumphs, and life’s highs and lows—capturing moments of faith, loss, joy, and promise in a performance for all walks of life. Find out more at: wordsmithmusic.com.
This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, awarded by the Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Peter and Judy Jackson Chamber Music Series
Providing opportunities for live chamber music concerts to be heard and enjoyed on the Eastern Shore.
A story you didn’t know you need to hear. Women have composed for flute and harp throughout history, blending strings and wind into a uniquely beautiful sound. This enchanting program celebrates their voices—bold, lyrical, and long overlooked. Let the music speak across time, connecting heart, history, and harmony.
Jonathan Zapuche is a rising Maryland talent who received his first violin lesson at Salisbury University’s PRESTO program. He is currently in the first violin section of the Peabody Youth Orchestra and has performed as concert master in the Salisbury Youth Orchestra. He has worked under Jeffrey Schoyen since he was 7 years old. He has won first place at the Little Mozart International Music Competition, and second place at both the London International and Manhattan International Music Competitions. He has performed across the United States in venues including, Carnegie Hall, Cleaveland Institute of Music, University of Colorado Boulder, and Walt Disney Concert Hall under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel. Locally, he has performed at the 2023 Ballet on the Beach, 2023 Chamber Music by the Sea, and the 2024 Maryland Folk Festival.
Fulton Feature Fridays
Select Fridays • Doors Open 5 p.m. • Show Starts 6 p.m.
Roadie Joe’s • City Center Building, 213 W Main St.
Free and Open to the Public, All Ages, No Tickets Required
This monthly series on select Fridays features music from SU faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.
Folk-Rock trio, Red Letter Day, comprised of Suzanna Mallow, Andrea Jones and Colleen Clark, (listed not in order of importance, but age) have been writing and performing for 30+ years on national and local stages with such artists as Little Feat, Edwin McCain, and at events with the Indigo Girls and Elton John.
Current SU music student and talented multi-instrumentalist Brodie Diamond plays covers of iconic singer-songwriters from the 1960s and '70s, along with original compositions. The evening will include special guest appearances by Danielle Cumming, Suzanna Mallow, James Ellis, Matt & Jonathan Wessel.
Hispanic Heritage Events
The Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and Cultural Affairs invite you to a dance night with local Latin dance teachers Charlin and Jon Jon – back by popular demand! Join us for this fun event where you can learn the basic steps of Latin rhythms! Open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. No experience needed. Come dance, connect, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and don’t forget your water bottle! *Free and open to the public – NO TICKETS REQUIRED
See full description above in Global Experiences area
*FREE TICKETS REQUIRED
*Free and open to the public – NO TICKETS REQUIRED
Sujo is a haunting, lyrical portrait of a boy born into cartel violence in rural Mexico. After his father’s murder, young Sujo is taken in by relatives and raised in seclusion, but the shadow of violence looms. Spanning years, this meditative coming-of-age story explores destiny, innocence, and the struggle to break cycles of brutality in a world where escape seems impossible. A quiet, powerful tale of resilience and identity.
Native American Heritage Events
Rain date: Sunday, November 9, 12-3 p.m.
*Free and open to the public – RSVP REQUESTED - NO TICKETS REQUIRED
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, join us for a Saturday afternoon outing to the Eastern Shore’s very own Handsell Historic Site. Discover local Native American and African American history and culture through a guided tour and immersive living history demonstrations at this nationally registered historic landmark. Located on the site of the Chicone Native American Village, the ancestral homeland of the Eastern Woodland Native People of Delmarva, Handsell offers a unique lens into centuries of layered heritage. For more information on the site visit: restorehandsell.org.
You are invited to bring your own picnic and enjoy the scenic grounds at your leisure. This event is free and open to the public. Donations to support the Handsell Historic Site are warmly welcomed.
Sponsored by the Offices of Inclusion, Access and Belonging, Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, and Cultural Affairs.
General Public: Please RSVP to assist in planning the event.
SU Students: please sign-up for transport and boxed lunch at https://involved.salisbury.edu
Speaker: Ashley Minner Jones
*Free and open to the public – NO TICKETS REQUIRED
Dr. Ashley Minner Jones (Lumbee) will share about her practice as a community-based visual artist and public scholar working in collaboration with Baltimore's American Indian community to honor their collective past, present, and future.
Dr. Ashley Minner Jones is a community-based visual artist and folklorist from Baltimore, Maryland. Her interdisciplinary practice is deeply rooted in place—usually within the context of the U.S. South—and is focused on honoring and celebrating everyday people. Ashley earned an MFA in Community Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a PhD in American Studies from the University of Maryland College Park. As an artist, she has exhibited widely and her work is represented in several prominent collections. Her research is being archived as “the Ashley Minner Collection” in the Albin O. Kuhn Library of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she was formerly a Professor of the Practice in the Department of American Studies and the inaugural Director of the minor in Public Humanities. Prior to her return to independent practice, Ashley worked as Assistant Curator for History and Culture at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. She is an enrolled citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Sponsored by the Offices of Inclusion, Access and Belonging, Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Affairs, Nabb Center and SU Art Galleries.
Special Events
Offered in collaboration with SU Art Galleries
We’re celebrating SU’s Centennial! Come in your best Disco attire and Boogie like it’s the ’70s (in 2025)!
Cash Bar | Student VJs and DJ Lola Kinks spinning Disco Vinyl from the 70’s and beyond | Best Dressed Contest with prizes | Silent Auction
Sliding Scale Donation: $5 students / $20 and up for everyone else.
Alec MacKaye is an American singer and musician best known as a member of the DC hardcore bands Untouchables, the Faith, Ignition and the Warmers. Today, he is vocalist in Hammered Hulls, Chief Preparator at The Phillips Collection, and a writer graduating as a Lannan Fellow at Georgetown University in 2011.
Alec MacKaye & John Nieves (SU English Department) host a pre-performance conversation about the punk movement.
$5 at the door – no tickets required.
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