SFA’s Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts promises ‘Magical Season’ of live performances

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- From Latin rock rhythms to "Last Comic Standing" laughs to magnificent puppet beasts taking audiences along on spellbinding adventures, the 2024-25 touring entertainment series at Stephen F. Austin State University is sure to captivate lovers of live performance like none other in recent history.

SFA's Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts University Series' Magical Season features music, comedy and giant spectacle in family friendly performances in the Turner Auditorium. This year's University Series spans a rich tapestry of genres and styles, ensuring an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

In an age dominated by screens and digital content, the value of live performances has never been more apparent. Live theater is a visceral experience, engaging all the senses and fostering a deep connection between the performers and the audience. It is a space where stories are not just told, but felt, where the energy of the performers and the reactions of the audience merge to create a unique and unrepeatable moment in time.

Live performances bring emotions and stories to life in a way that films and TV simply cannot, and the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts' University Series is dedicated to preserving this irreplaceable art form and bringing world-class performances to our community, according to Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of SFA's Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts.

The season opens with "Shadows at Dawn - An Evening of Latin American Sounds" on Sept. 26. Dr. Juan Carlos Ureña, professor of SFA's Department of Languages, Cultures and Communication, began writing, composing and performing music in Costa Rica during the 1980s, and he was an integral part of the Nueva Canción movement in Central America. He began working in 1994 in duo with Dr. Jeana Paul-Ureña, chair of SFA's Department of Languages, Cultures and Communication, and who hails from Texas, Brazil and Costa Rica. Together, these SFA faculty members and husband-wife team create a unique fusion of intricate guitars, mandolin and piano; Caribbean, Brazilian and pop rhythms; poetic Spanish lyrics; and beautiful harmonies. They will be joined in this University Series performance by Mario Ulloa, classical guitar, from Brazil; Gabriel Gutiérrez, percussion, Mario Álvarez, bass guitar, and María Pretiz, piano, from Costa Rica; and invited guests from the SFA School of Music, including Christina Guenther, flute, and Evgeni Raychev, cello.

On Oct. 18, the Latin group Del Castillo brings a cross-cultural powerhouse sound, uniting music lovers of all ages, creeds and colors. Their original music blends rock, Latin, blues and world music into a cinematic celebration of sound that lifts the soul. Del Castillo has toured nationwide playing with such diverse acts as Styx, Los Lonely Boys, Ozomatli, Kinky, Don Henley, Los Lobos, Ryan Bingham and Willie Nelson. Their music can be heard in every movie by film director Robert Rodriguez since 2003, as well as in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill Vol. 2." The band has played major festivals across the U.S. and Canada and has toured overseas making new fans throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Scotland and London, England. This performance is sponsored in part by Cataract, Glaucoma & Retina Consultants of East Texas | Medical Arts Surgery Center | Benchmark Optical.

Prepare for an evening of laughter as acclaimed comedian Greg Warren takes Turner stage Jan. 30, delivering sharp wit and hilarious observations. Warren is a favorite on the nationally syndicated "Bob & Tom Radio Show," which led to Warren touring theaters nationwide. His comedy has been a staple on Sirius/XM's "Laugh USA" and Jeff and Larry's Comedy Roundup channels. You can hear him on podcasts like "Nateland," "Never Not Funny," "Bertcast," "Dumb People Town," "The Adam Carolla Show" and many more. He's performed as a New Face of Comedy at JFL, on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" and NBC's "Last Comic Standing." From St. Louis, Missouri, he has captivated audiences with anecdotes about the conflict inherent in meshing his two disparate high school identities of varsity wrestler and band geek. Opening for Warren is comedian Tim Convy. This performance is sponsored in part by Etech.

Enter a realm of fantasy and wonder with a performance that features gigantic mythical beast puppets. "Dragons & Mythical Beasts" is a visual masterpiece that combines intricate puppetry, stunning visual effects and an enchanting storyline to create a show that is as mesmerizing as it is magical. Unveil a myriad dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku, the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think), an adorable unicorn and majestic griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don't wake the dragon! Nominated for the 2022 Olivier Award for Best Family Entertainment, don't miss this brand-new spell-binding adventure coming to SFA Feb. 28. This performance is sponsored in part by Lehmann Eye Center.

All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive, on the SFA campus. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Fine Arts Box Office website, or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Ticket prices range from $3 for SFA students to $35 for adults. Tickets go on sale Sept. 3.