Events

Pussy Noir and Victoria Reis: A Conversation about Collaboration
2024-02-21 18:05 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Intercultural Center (Magill Commons)
Join us for a conversation between artist Pussy Noir and curator and gallery director Victoria Reis. They will talk about the specific collaborations they have undertaken together as well the broader importance of collaboration to their professional and creative practices.
An ArtNOW and 2024 Intercultural Center Black History Month Event
Jason Barnes (Pussy Noir) was born and raised in the Washington, D.C., area and grew up in its theaters and rehearsal halls. At 18, diving headfirst into the New York entertainment industry, Barnes began with styling photoshoots and working backstage at fashion shows. He spent some time in Paris, enchanted by the European fashion and art scenes, and is influenced by the time to this day.
Mixing his background in music, theater, art, and fashion, the Pussy Noir character developed into an androgynous entity within the nightclub circuit; later, museums and galleries around the city. A popular act in the D.C. region, Barnes continues to culture his brand by giving the audience exuberant energy during performances and providing a gender-queer imagery inviting the audience to have a full sensory experience during their/his performances. Barnes has made appearances and performed in many groundbreaking shows and events. He also produces and performs in a “one-woman” cabaret at Trade, now in its third-year run.
https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/n/no-nz/Pussy-Noir/
Victoria Reis is a curator, writer, and arts organizer who has been actively supporting contemporary visual artists and arts organizations within local, national, and international contexts since 1991.
In 2002, Reis co-founded Transformer, an internationally recognized non-profit visual arts organization based in Washington, DC. Since 2006, Reis has been leading Transformer as its Executive & Artistic Director, curating and presenting substantial exhibitions and programs in support of emerging artists, innovative cultural production, and new & best practices within contemporary visual art. Reis has established comprehensive cultural partnerships & collaborations with an extensive range of arts, educational, and diplomatic organizations and institutions. She has launched and advanced the careers of several hundred artists.
In May 2017, Reis expanded Transformer’s programming to include Siren Arts, an Asbury Park-based summer residency program for emerging visual artists working within the performance art discipline. Reis is a Founding Member of Common Field, a national network of art spaces and artist-led initiatives. She has been a member of ArtTable since 2000. In 2018, she joined the Board of Directors of Monmouth Arts, a non-profit arts organization supporting artists and arts organizations throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Transformer DC: https://www.transformerdc.org/about
Siren Art series: https://www.transformerdc.org/siren-arts
For 2024 Black History Month Events visit: https://www.monmouth.edu/intercultural/black-history-month/

Ross Gay - Toni Morrison Day Keynote Speaker
2024-02-23 15:30 - 17:00 | Pozycki Hall Auditorium
Ross Gay is the author of the poetry collections Against Which (2006), Bringing the Shovel Down (2011), Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude (2015), winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, and Be Holding (2022), winner of the PEN American Literary Jean Stein Award. As an essayist, he has published The Book of Delights, a 2019 New York Times bestseller, Inciting Joy (2022), and The Book of (More) Delights (2023). Gay is founding co-editor of the online sports magazine Some Call it Ballin’ and an ardent gardener and founding board member of the Bloomington Community Orchard, a non-profit, free-fruit-for-all food justice and joy project.
Visit the Toni Morrison homepage for the complete program: https://www.monmouth.edu/department-of-english/toni-morrison-day/
Co-Sponsored by the Department of English, Intercultural Center , Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Social Work, Leon Hess Business School, History & Anthropology, Guggenheim Memorial Library, Monmouth Review
Special thanks to community partner Project Write Now

Questions can go to english@monmouth.edu

Men's Basketball, Black History Night (Hawks vs NCA&T)
2024-02-24 14:00 - 17:00 | OceanFirst Bank Center

An Evening with Glen Phillips & Shawn Mullins
2024-02-24 20:00 - 22:00 | Pollak Theatre
Prepare to be swept away by an extraordinary evening of acoustic brilliance featuring two musical legends – Glen Phillips and Shawn Mullins. These artists, each with their unique journey and captivating melodies, are coming together to create a musical experience that will resonate deep within your soul.
Glen Phillips
As lead singer and main songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket and a prolific solo artist, Glenn Phillips has left an indelible mark on the world of folk/pop music. His honest, introspective lyrics and soul-stirring melodies have forged a deep connection with fans over the years. After a hiatus with Toad, he ventured into a solo career and a multitude of collaborations with fellow artists, showcasing his musical diversity and depth. With his latest album, “THERE IS SO MUCH HERE,” Glenn delves into the joys and sorrows of everyday life, beautifully accompanied by talented musicians, including Dave Depper (Death Cab For Cutie), Ji Tanzer (Blue Cranes), and John Morgan Askew.
Shawn Mullins
Shawn Mullins’ musical odyssey has been nothing short of spectacular. From his humble beginnings in the Atlanta music scene to critical acclaim and Grammy nominations, Mullins has truly made a mark. His No. 1 hit “Lullaby” from the 1998 album “Soul’s Core” is a timeless classic, followed by “Beautiful Wreck” from “9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor.” His songs have been the soundtrack of our lives, featured in the 2000 Summer Olympics and iconic shows like Dawson’s Creek and Scrubs. Shawn Mullins’ versatility also extends to his co-writing of the Zac Brown Band’s chart-topper “Toes.” Today, he’s revisiting his roots with “Soul’s Core Revival,” breathing new life into his music for the 20th anniversary.

Black History Month Alumni Career Panel
2024-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Julian Abele Room (The Great Hall Room 104)
Presented by The Intercultural Center, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, and Career Development
Join us for a panel discussion with Black Alumni as they share their stories from college to career, obstacles they had to overcome and offer advice on how to prepare for a successful career. All alumni are invited to attend the panel and mixer after to network with students and fellow Hawks! Food and beverages will be provided.

Don't Stop Believin': Race and Class in Rock Music
2024-02-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
Class Schedule: Tuesdays – February 20 & 27 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Since exploding on the scene in the late 1970s, Journey has inspired generations of fans with hit after hit. This two-session virtual course taught by David Hamilton Golland dispels rehashed myths and also shows how race and class in popular music contributed to their breakout success. As the economy collapsed and as people abandoned the spirit of Woodstock in the late 70s, Journey used the rhythm of soul and Motown to inspire hope in primarily white teenagers’ lives. Decades later, the band and their signature song remain classics, and now, with singer Arnel Pineda, they are again a fixture in major stadiums worldwide.
David Hamilton Golland is a historian, professor, and writer with a wide background in twentieth-century social and cultural history. He is dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University and founder of The Journey Zone (journey-zone.com), the leading source for all things Journey over two decades.
Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

Careers in Pharmaceuticals Panel
2024-02-29 13:30 - 15:00 | Julian Abele Room (The Great Hall Room 104)
Moderated by Kanesha Jones ’03, Director of Product Quality Vigilance, Johnson & Johnson
Did you know that 14 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies have offices in New Jersey? And that overall spending in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030?
We are excited to offer this Careers in Pharmaceuticals Panel for you to hear from accomplished Monmouth University alumni working in top pharma careers. You will learn about the various career opportunities and companies in the pharmaceutical sector and receive tips on ensuring your application is competitive when applying for these jobs. Join us for valuable insight, networking, and refreshments.

Wit
2024-02-29 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-01 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-02 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-02 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
BY MARGARET EDSON
Winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
THE STORY: Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., a renowned professor of English who has spent years studying and teaching the brilliant and difficult metaphysical sonnets of John Donne, has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Her approach to the study of Donne: aggressively probing, intensely rational. But during the course of her illness—and her stint as a prize patient in an experimental chemotherapy program at a major teaching hospital—Vivian comes to reassess her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and the audience. (source: Dramatists Play Service)
Winner of the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play.
In her extraordinary first play, Margaret Edson has created a work that is as intellectually challenging as it is emotionally immediate.
“[A] brutally human and beautifully layered new play…you feel both enlightened and, in a strange way, enormously comforted.” —The New York Times.
“A dazzling and humane new play that you will remember till your dying day.” —New York Magazine.

Empower, Educate, Embrace: Confronting Book Banning in Social Work
2024-03-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Zoom (Online)
The Social Work Society is proud to sponsor the 18th annual Teach-In, “Empower, Educate, Embrace: Confronting Book Banning in Social Work.” This three-hour event includes three panels discussing the topic of book banning: Panel #1 looks at the impact on libraries; Panel #2 looks at the impact on education and offers an historical perspective; and Panel #3 features social work students who will discuss how book banning impacts the field of social work.

Ebony Night: A Night at the Oscars
2024-03-02 19:30 - 22:30 | The Great Hall
Join us for a night of celebrating Black Excellence. This formal event will celebrate the accomplishments of the Black Student Union and honor students, staff and alumni for their contributions and support this academic year.
Ticket will include admission to the event and buffet style meal. Dress to Impress!

Cancelled - A Weekend with Pablo Picasso
2024-03-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Pollak Theatre
Please note this event has been cancelled. All ticket holders will be refunded. If you have any questions regarding your refund please call the box office at 732.263.6889.
An L.A. Theatre Works’ production
Written and performed by Herbert Sigüenza
“Defiantly quirky…funny, mysterious & uplifting! There’s undeniable power in the presence of this creative genius, as embodied so convincingly by Sigüenza.” — The San Diego Union-Tribune
In this one-man tour-de-force based on Pablo Picasso’s writings, writer/performer Herbert Sigüenza becomes the legendary artist, inviting the audience into Picasso’s private studio at the height of his celebrity. The story is an intimate portrait of Picasso’s thinking and artistic process as he creates six new works for a demanding high-profile buyer over the course of a single weekend.
L.A. Theatre Works’ production features large scale video projections of the art being created, historic images and text, and direct audience engagement from Picasso/Sigüenza completely immersing audiences in a full audio-visual experience of Picasso’s life and art.

Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black
2024-03-05 19:30 - 21:00 | The Great Hall Auditorium/Virtual, 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, NJ, 07720, United States
It’s just like book club but with albums! With new advances in technology, the way we consume music through our devices, apps and on demand streaming services like Pandora, Spotify and iTunes is making the idea of the “album” as an art form extinct. Get together with other music enthusiasts on Tuesday nights to discuss some of the greatest records of all-time! Listen to the album beforehand and then come prepared to discuss. This event will feature Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black
This event is offered BOTH in person and via Zoom. Join us in person at the Great Hall Auditorium on the Campus of Monmouth University or join us via zoom. When you register you will be provided the ZOOM meeting link to join the conversation.
Free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Youth Unstoppable
2024-03-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Pollak Theatre
Directed by Slater Jewell-Kemker
Canada, 2018
Youth Unstoppable: My Decade in the Youth Climate Movement (formerly An Inconvenient Youth) captures the vibrant untold story of the global youth climate movement. Decisions made today are shaping the world they will live in, and they are no longer willing to sit idly as the planet is degraded for the short term gain of the older generations. Director Slater Jewell-Kemker has been interviewing celebrities and politicians about the environment since the age of ten, now she is telling the stories of these remarkable young people on the front lines of climate change. The feature documentary also gives life to a thriving online community, already forming, that will continue as a youth focused environmental social network. This is the story of the youth of today fighting for their planet, their future.
There will be a post screening Q&A hosted by Professor Marina Vujnovic with special guest speaker Prof. Catherine Duckett.
For more information on climate change see: Climate Crisis Teach-In 2024 | School of Science | Monmouth University: https://www.monmouth.edu/school-of-science/climate-crisis-teach-in-2024/

Women in Music 2024
2024-03-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Join Blue Hawk Records at the 2nd annual Women in Music industry event for a discussion about navigating through the industry with some of the most successful women in the field, in celebration of women’s history month. We have four amazing panelists joining us from some of the best-known companies in the music industry such as Atlantic Records, Roc Nation, Primary Wave, and SiriusXm and Pandora.

Verdi’s La Forza del Destino
2024-03-09 12:00 - 17:00 | Pollak Theatre
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, with stellar soprano Lise Davidsen, following a string of recent Met triumphs, in her role debut as the noble Leonora. Director Mariusz Treliński delivers the company’s first new Forza in nearly 30 years, setting the scene in a contemporary world. The cast also features tenor Brian Jagde as Don Alvaro, baritone Igor Golovatenko as Don Carlo, mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi as Preziosilla, bass-baritone Patrick Carfizzi as Fra Melitone, and bass Soloman Howard as both Leonora’s father and Padre Guardiano.

Julia Baird’s Imagine This: Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon
2024-03-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
Join us for Tuesday Night Book Club! Hosted by Monmouth University’s Ken Womack. This month’s novel is Julia Baird’s Imagine This: Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon. The honest and revealing story of John Lennon’s childhood by his sister Julia. Poignant, raw and beautifully written, Baird casts John Lennon’s life in a new light and reveals the source of his emotional fragility and musical genius. It’s also one family’s extraordinary and powerful story of how it dealt with fame and tragedy beyond all imagining.
When you register you will be provided the meeting link to join the conversation.

Educators’ Career Day
2024-03-13 09:00 - 12:00 | The Great Hall Auditorium
Each March, the Educators’ Career Day is sponsored by Career Development. This annual event brings local school districts and educational institutions to campus for the purpose of meeting with students and alumni to discuss career opportunities.
Attendance is open to all Monmouth undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.

Writing Memoir (Advanced)
2024-03-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
Class Schedule: Tuesdays – March 19 and 26 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
This two-session virtual course taught by Mike Farragher (88), author of 4 books. The course builds on the wildly popular Intro to Memoir Writing workshops with an emphasis on character development, dialogue, and scene setting that will make any story a page turner. Practical lessons are interspersed with writing prompts to get the creativity going during this 2 week course. No prior writing experience needed and all levels welcome!
Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

Bill Rosenblatt and Howie Singer
2024-03-19 19:30 - 21:00 | LakeHouse Recording Studio, 619 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ, 07712, United States
Join authors Bill Rosenblatt and Howie Singer as they discuss their new book Key Changes, which explores the top ten musical advances that have disrupted the music industry. A book-signing will follow their author Q&A with hosts Ken Womack and Joe Rapolla.

Monmouth University Giving Days
2024-03-20 00:00 - 2024-03-21 23:59
You’re invited to Go All In for Monmouth!
We’re encouraging everyone to save the dates to Go All In for Monmouth on March 20–21, 2024. Join us in celebrating student achievements and ensuring ongoing access to a Monmouth education for current and future Hawks. Gifts of any size will make a significant impact and will count towards our success. Your gift can be designated to scholarships, a favorite academic program, Division I sport, or a club or organization that means the most to you.
On March 20 and 21, we invite all Monmouth University alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends to Go All In and make a gift through this site. You can play a crucial role in making Monmouth University Giving Days 2024 a success!
Let’s Go All In for Monmouth—your support matters!

SOLD OUT - Learn the Art of Ukrainian Egg Decorating
2024-03-21 19:00 - 21:30 | Pollak Gallery
Come celebrate the spring at Monmouth University with this unique opportunity to learn the seasonal ancient art known as Pysanky. Pysanky, also known as Ukrainian eggs, is an ancient folk tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. This meditative and communal experience is unlike any other art process and for many this workshop marks the beginning of a spring time family tradition that can be passed on and enjoyed for years to come. This tutorial will cover the history and traditions surrounding Pysanky, a demonstration, and independent practice session. The instructor will provide a variety of eggs, dyes, and tools. Participants will turn real eggs into works of art using a wax resist method similar to batik. A great deal of patience and concentration is required to complete a single egg, but it is very rewarding to reveal your hard work when the wax layers are taken off. In-person attendance will be extremely limited.
No prerequisite skills are required. Please bring a container or old egg carton to take home your creation. ages 18+

Vanya
2024-03-21 19:30 - 22:30 | Pollak Theatre
adapted by Simon Stephens, after Anton Chekhov
directed by Sam Yates
designed by Rosanna Vize
Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.
Hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in this one-man adaptation which explores the complexities of human emotions.
Filmed live during its sold-out run in London’s West End, Vanya will be playing exclusively in cinemas in 2024.

Employee Talent Showcase
2024-03-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Pollak Gallery
Join us for an evening filled with creativity and inspiration. Discover the remarkable talents of your coworkers, from musicians and painters to photographers, knitters, and beyond. Be amazed as you witness the diverse array of skills and passions that exist within our community.
Highlights of the Event:
Concert:
Enjoy performances by your talented colleagues at 6:00 PM in the Pollak Theatre. Lu-Ann Russell will be our “STAR Emcee” for the evening, guiding you through an unforgettable showcase of talent.
Art Exhibition:
Explore the creativity on display in the Pollak Gallery from March 14 to March 22. Marvel at the stunning artworks created by your fellow employees and gain a deeper appreciation for their skills.
Crafts & Artisan Works:
Witness the craftsmanship of your coworkers as their creations are showcased throughout the day on March 22 starting at 2pm. From intricate designs to handmade treasures, there’s something for everyone to admire.
Enjoy light refreshments before the concert.
This event is FREE and OPEN TO ALL! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent within our community. Come join us for an evening of creativity, camaraderie, and inspiration.

Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette
2024-03-23 13:00 - 17:00 | Pollak Theatre
Two singers at the height of their powers—soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Benjamin Bernheim—come together as the star crossed lovers in Gounod’s Shakespeare adaptation, with Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to conduct one of the repertoire’s most romantic scores. Bartlett Sher’s staging also features baritone Will Liverman and tenor Frederick Ballentine as the archrivals Mercutio and Tybalt, mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey as the mischievous pageboy Stéphano, and bass-baritone Alfred Walker as Frère Laurent.

Metamorphosis: Works by Nanci France-Vaz
2024-03-25 08:00 - 2024-05-02 17:00 | Pollak Gallery
Metamorphosis: Life is all about transitions from one time in life to another. Artists of any art from have dreams of becoming a master in their genre, successful in their career, and recognized to the masses. The models in the paintings are artists in music, art, and performing art based on a moment in their life or a narrative Nanci has created from film, literature or poetry. Figurative storytelling is infused with light, patterns, and human presence to that have visual impact and make the viewers ponder over the meaning and left to their interpretations. France-Vaz is known for her Imaginative Portraits that render allegorical symbols combined with story and imagination. Most of the work is of female artists that never give up hope or their dreams of becoming a reality.
Artist Demo: March 9 from 3-6
There will be a live demo of The Imaginative Portrait with Pam McCoy. Click here to RSVP to the FREE DEMO

Artist Reception: April 26 from 6 -8 PM
This exhibition is in conjunction with the concert Metamorphosis: Portraits of Song on April 26 at 8 pm. The opening reception is FREE to the public, however tickets are required to attend the concert.
Bio:
Nanci France-Vaz is a modern renaissance artist that uses allegorical symbolism to create visual stories on canvas. France-Vaz draws inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelite and Naturalist periods of art, poetry, and classic literature, and film. She combines her strong foundation in life painting with imaginative backgrounds fusing classical with contemporary realism.
The artist was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to the UWS in Manhattan in 2002 to study portrait and figurative art. She was the recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship Award and earned a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in 3D Computer Animation for Film and Special Effects.
France-Vaz has exhibited at the Dacia Gallery NYC, Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Modern European Art for ModPortrait and first round of Figurativas, Abend Gallery, Principle Gallery, Lovetts Gallery, Eisele Gallery, Butler Insitute of Fine Art, National Arts Club NYC, and Salmagundi Club NYC. She has had 3 solo shows. Her solo exhibit at DaciaGallery, NYC will be in October 2023 dates TBA.
Nanci France-Vaz has won of many notable awards nationally. She is the recipient of the ARC Salon Purchase Award in Imaginative Realism for the 16th Annual ARC Salon, Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Honorable Mention, Best in Show Wausau Museum, 2nd Place Southwest Art Artistic Excellence, Len G Everett Memorial Award, Joseph Hartley Memorial Award, John Collins Award, Colonel George J Morales Award, PSOA 3rd Place , ARC Salon, International Artists People & Figures 2021, and Best in Show Portrait Award, Petite Gallery.
The concepts of her works are based on a moment in time, classical literature, film, and poetry, introducing a modern subject or twist to her story. Her intent is to combine hope, spiritual beliefs, and the human condition. Most of her models are professional musicians, artists, actors, and dancers. The spiritual, the mystical, and the mythical have underlying tones and meanings left for the beholder to ponder and engage psychologically. Having studied film and Stanislavski Method Acting allows for a spiritual connection to her subjects expressing emotion and mood. Her study of lighting and movement, through acting, dance, and theater is the catalyst for creating a still image from a cinematic process. France-Vaz’s patterns of life express a life experience or moment of thought in time.
France-Vaz has been published in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, ModPortrait 2020/2021, American Art Collector, Southwest Art Magazine, , ARC Salon, International Artists, Realism Today, and Leonardo Guide Artelibre 2021,
Her paintings and commissions hang in private collections.

The Immortals: The Wonder of The Museo Egizio
2024-03-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Pollak Theatre
This documentary is a journey among the most beautiful archaeological finds Egypt has left us.
Kha, architect and builder of tombs for the pharaohs, must undertake the journey to the Underworld. Telling us the story of his voyage is Jeremy Irons, in the guise of a narrator. His words take us inside the secret world of Egyptian mythology, religion and funerary culture, interweaving the story with the history of the oldest museum in the world, the Museo Egizio in Turin, founded in 1824 and will soon be celebrating its 200th anniversary. In fact, the Kha’s own Tomb is to be found in Turin along with the most complete and most valuable private collection of grave goods outside of Egypt.
A journey along the Nile , among the most beautiful archaeological finds Egypt has left us, the magnificent monuments of Giza, Luxor, Karnak, to the Valley of the Kings and the workers’ village of Deir el-Medina, the story told by Irons follows the tracks of Italian explorers and archaeologists – their itineraries also leading to the exhibition halls of the Cairo Museum, the Ägyptischen Museum in Berlin, the British Museum in London and the Louvre in Paris.
From Ramesses II in Turin, to the treasure of Tutankhamun in Cairo, the bust of Nefertiti in Berlin, the Red Scribe in the Louvre, and the Rosetta Stone in London.
Featuring: Jeremy Irons
Estimated runtime: 86 minutes
