MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe School of Visual and Performing Arts is excited to announce “Kaleidoscope: A Global Holiday Celebration.” The program is an immersive experience incorporating vocal and instrumental music, dance, and visual art.
Kaleidoscope will take place in Brown Theatre, 4001 Desiard St. in Monroe on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 per person. ULM faculty and staff tickets are $15 per person with ID. ULM students are admitted for free. Tickets for the Patron Pre-Party at 6:00 p.m. in Bry Art Gallery are available for $75 and include admission to the program. Tickets are available at ulm.edu/kaleidoscope.
“Kaleidoscope: A Global Holiday Celebration” is a fundraiser for the ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts. A performance like no other, Kaleidoscope will feature rotating musicians, singers, ensembles, live painters, and dancers on stage, in the aisles, and all around the audience in Brown Theatre. The program will include traditional Christmas music, as well as exciting pieces from cultures and holidays all around the world.
“Kaleidoscope is a unique musical experience because it provides multiple types of artistic performances in the same venue, back-to-back, without interruption,” said Dr. Nicholas Bratcher, Director of The School of Visual and Performing Arts. “It's an evening of artistic expression that will be completely random to the audience. Kaleidoscope is, essentially, a live performance that migrates around Brown Theatre. Our program last year was an absolute success and the first time we’d done anything like this. This year, our programs and talent have grown, so we’re challenging ourselves to bring a better and more enriching performance. The students are excited and working hard, and I can’t wait for Monroe to see the result,” said Bratcher.
“We are excited to include our new commercial music ensemble, the P-40s, and the Kaleidoscope debut of Bayou Steel, our steel band ensemble,” said Dr. Carlton Kilpatrick, Assistant Professor of Music. “This year's performance will feature music from Nigeria, Italy, Japan, the Caribbean, and familiar holiday favorites to usher in all of the celebrations that occur this time of year,” he added.
Immediately following the program, guests are invited to attend a soiree in the Sound of Today Band Building, which will feature opportunities to meet VAPA faculty and students. ULM Art Students will also be auctioning off art pieces created during the actual program.
Dr. Bratcher noted that all proceeds raised from Kaleidoscope will be used to help further the mission and vision for the School of Visual and Performing Arts at ULM. “Your generous donations will aid in providing classroom materials and resources for students, aid in recruitment endeavors, support new and engaging academic programs for our students, support for faculty, and helping to build stronger relationships to our community,” said Bratcher.
For tickets and more information about Kaleidoscope, visit ulm.edu/kaleidoscope.