UBCFA celebrates 30 years of music, theater, comedy

For three decades, the UB Center for the Arts (UBCFA) has been home to unforgettable experiences, hosting notable music, theater and comedy performances. Legendary speakers and performers like Maya Angelou, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Tom Jones, Liza Minnelli, Toni Morrison and Willie Nelson, as well as comedy legends like Carol Burnett, Dave Chapelle, Margaret Cho, Penn and Teller and Amy Schumer, have appeared at the CFA.

The extensive list of celebrities is noteworthy, but what is equally important is that the CFA provides a home for all of UB’s student performances and exhibitions, too.

Jamie Enser, executive director of UBCFA, says that part of what truly makes UBCFA special are the breathtaking performances by UB’s very own students and faculty. From concerts and plays to stunning musical arrangements, exhibitions and dance performances, the center remains a vibrant hub of creativity, where artistry and passion come alive on stage, captivating audiences from all walks of life.

“There’s always something amazing to see at the UBCFA. We host some of the world’s biggest music, theatrical and comedy acts,” Enser says. “But some of our most memorable performances are produced by the students and faculty right here at UB.”

While the official 30th anniversary of the opening of the UBCFA is Oct. 28, the anniversary season kicks off on Sept. 19 with a performance by the Giordano Dance Company (GDC).

“We are delighted to begin our season with GDC,” Enser says. “They are renowned for their innovative jazz dance choreography, and we’re excited to be bringing this invaluable art form to audiences and students of all ages and backgrounds here.”

UBCFA offers master classes and backstage chats with professionals from the various shows, and tomorrow students will have the opportunity to learn more about the GDC performance with Jule Ballard, GDC production stage manager.

Students receive complimentary or discounted tickets, when available, at the ticket office, and UB employees and alumni receive a $5 discount on CFA Presents events.

The CFA is also a resource for bringing together UB and its surrounding communities through events like “Art in the Open” and “Spring into Art,” where students showcase their talents to the public.

“Art in the Open” is a chance for guests to meet university artists and go behind the scenes to get a glimpse of the art being made at UB.

“We invite guests to enjoy our atrium music and dance performances, view films and installations, explore our studios, performance and art-making spaces, see art gallery exhibitions and drop in on rehearsals to experience works in process,” Enser says.

“Spring into Art” brings together and highlights the diverse talents of the artists and creators across the arts at UB.

“The UBCFA comes alive with performances, installations, interactive activities and more,” Enser notes. “Guests are invited to see, celebrate and experience the artistry that happens right here on campus.”

“Art in the Open” and “Spring into Art” are illustrative of the various performances that UBCFA hosts all year that are multidisciplinary collaborations curated and produced by UB students, faculty and staff from the departments of Art, Arts Management, UB Art Galleries, Media Study, Music, Theatre and Dance and the Center for the Arts.

Below is a sampling of upcoming events, all curated to celebrate the CFA’s 30th anniversary:

• Giordano Dance Chicago, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.
• Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen, Sept. 28, 8 p.m.
• UB Distinguished Speakers Series featuring presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Meacham, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
• 10,000 Maniacs, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.
• Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Fall Program, Oct. 24-25, 7:30 p.m.
• Art in the Open, Oct. 29, 5-7:30 p.m.
• Rickie Lee Jones and Sweet Honey in the Rock, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.
• Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Tour, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
• Samar Joy: A Joyful Holiday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

For a complete list of events, visit the UBCFA website.