There is a chance that almost every student has seen the posters posted around Laxson Auditorium advertising the next large performance or speaker coming to Chico. Shows like Cirque Eloize and Radiolab host and producer Jad Abumrad come multiple times throughout each month, provided by Chico Performances.
These, however, are not just open to students. These performances and shows are open to the community as well as part of the University Public Engagement (UPE) program.
A program that, according to the webpage, “manages the Chico Performances presenting program, the National Public Radio affiliate Northstate Public Radio KCHO & KFPR, the University Box Office and the historical performance venue Laxson Auditorium.”
Laxson Auditorium is one of the historical buildings on campus from the original campus. The first event to ever take place in Laxson was an assembly on June 4, 1931. Laxson just celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2011 and is still presenting multiple events throughout the semester.
By engaging the public with the students, the university is adding depth to the student experience, while also offering a resource and service to the community.
UPE is one of the departments that branches off of the Office of University Advancement. The basic mission statement for the program, according to the website, said, “University Advancement is dedicated to engaging alumni, parents, and the community in The Chico Experience.”
Coming up on the Chico Performances schedule for March are the “The Songs of Stevie Wonder” by Uncle Dad’s Art Collective on Friday and Saturday, Goitse Celtic Music on March 18 and Buddy Guy, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, on March 20.
Coming out and supporting programs like UPE by attending Chico Performance’s events will not only support something that is made to bring together the community and university students through speakers and music, but it will also add to the experiences of both students and community members as they share the Laxson Auditorium space.
Hannah Yeager can be reached at [email protected] or @Hannah_K_Yeager on Twitter.
