News Release

Memorial Hall’s Sunday open house
features student performers

CHAPEL HILL — From classical to rock music, from ballet to world dance and from comedy to theater, "Carolina Performs" will feature a cornucopia of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student talent on Sunday (Sept. 11).

Hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet and a cappella singing will round out the free event in the newly transformed Memorial Hall from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., said organizer Casey Molino Dunn, a May 2005 UNC graduate who is producing the performance.

Members of the university and surrounding communities are invited to the final event in the gala opening weekend for Memorial Hall, which underwent a nearly $18 million renovation made possible by the Higher Education Bond Referendum approved by N.C. voters and private gifts to the Carolina First Campaign and other sources.

This open house celebration is intended to highlight the full spectrum of Carolina’s student talent.

Student artists preparing for their performances were excited to be among the first students to perform in Memorial Hall, Dunn said.

"Memorial Hall has always been a hub of campus life," he said. "But because of the renovation, most current students have never experienced the hall. ‘Carolina Performs’ aims to ensure that all members of the campus and local communities are part of the excitement that comes not only with a beautiful, modern performance facility, but also in welcoming back a central campus landmark."

Besides housing the Carolina Performing Arts Series, Memorial Hall will again host student activities and performances, including speakers and student groups ranging from a cappella and dance to honor society ceremonies and music department events.

"Carolina Performs" will mark the first time since 2002 that students have taken the stage in Memorial, Dunn said. Notable campus personalities will host the festivities throughout the day.

More than 225 students are scheduled to perform Sunday. Seating will occur throughout the day during larger set changes. Details about performers and times will continue to be updated at www.carolinaperforms.org.

Here is the current schedule of performances:

2 – 3 p.m.
Gregory Taff, piano: original patriotic and popular arrangements
The Loreleis: all-female a cappella group
Katya Roytburd: reflections on 9/11

3 – 4 p.m.
9p.m. Traffic: rock band
Adrian Raley, cello: "Bach Cello Suite No. 1"
Modernextension Dance Company
Ballroom Dance Club & Team
The Providers: jazz combo

4 – 5 p.m.
Elizabeth Robinson: dancer
Lab! Theatre, "The Philadelphia" by David Ives
Star Heels Dance Team
Language Arts: hip-hop performers and disc jockeys
Molly Stapleton and Megan Seiler: classical violin duo by Jean-Marie Leclair
Zankiliwa: dancers from the Organization for African Students’ Interests & Solidarity

5 – 6 p.m.
Achordants: all-male a cappella group
Trip: pop-rock band
Mezmerhythm Dance Company
Jonathan Nussman, baritone, and Jennifer Smith, piano: art songs by George Butterworth

6 – 7 p.m.
Full of Stars: electronic pop duo
Chapel Hill Players (CHiPs): improvisation and sketch comedy
MiscONcEption Dance Company

7 – 8 p.m.
Matt Kiefer, first movement of Prokofiev's second violin concerto
Harmonyx: co-ed a cappella group
Carolina Style Dance Company
Department of Dramatic Art company Mainstage, "Jesus Christ Superstar" concert selections

8 – 10 p.m.
Brian Park, baritone, and Frank Zachary, piano: operatic selections
Blank Canvas Dance Company
Every Nation: Christian and pop music
Opeyo! Dance Company
Clef Hangers: all-male a cappella group

-- 30 --

"Carolina Performs" contact: Casey Molino Dunn, (919) 593-5420, carolinaperforms@unc.edu

News Services contact: L.J. Toler, (919) 962-8589, work; on-site, (919) 219-6374