Spring Futurism Series Brings Thinkers, Dancers to SU

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s spring cultural affairs series includes one of America’s cutting-edge dance companies, scientists who are studying everything from strange weather patterns to images from the far reaches of space, and pioneers in art forms such as world music. The focus of the series is “futurism or futures studies,” whose aim is to understand and cope with the long term forces of change as they affect the planet and its people, both individually and collectively.  Futures researchers can help communities, corporations and organizations envision their preferred futures ands compare those visions with current trends and scenarios of possible futures.    This process leads to the kind of practical planning and policy-making that truly brings about change, scholars say. The program begins Monday, February 2, with Werner Fornos, who last year was honored by the United Nations.  President of the Population Institute in Washington, D.C., Fornos is often cited in The Washington Post and The New York Times, among others. Author of Gaining People, Losing Ground and the internationally released report "1997 World Population Overview," he is a frequent national and international speaker, particularly popular on college campuses.  He will speak on future population growth and planetary resources at 7 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium. On Thursday, February 26, Thomas M. Wrublewski of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an expert on weather satellites and weather monitoring, will speak.  He will provide an overview of NOAA satellites and improvements being planned, particularly those satellites providing the images the public is used to seeing everyday on TV weather reports.  He will also talk about the teamwork and workforce required for mission success.  Wrubleski will share his insights at 7 p.m. in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center. On Tuesday, March 3, Dan Storper, the founder of the internationally known Putumayo World Music, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will visit. “Storpor brought world music to America,” said Krell-Salgado, SU cultural affairs coordinator. Putumayo now has its own weekly program which is broadcast by many NPR stations.  “When you think of the future, you think global.  Ten years ago, Storper was thinking globally when he founded Putumayo.”  He speaks at 7 p.m. in the Wicomico Room, GUC. On Tuesday, March 16, space, the new frontier, is again forefront when Jonathan P. Gardner of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration speaks about the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project.  Key to NASA’s Origin Program, officials hope this $824.8 million effort, to begin in 2011, will help them chart the 13 billion year history of the Milky Way.  “With President George W. Bush’s commitment to space exploration, it is serendipitous that we have such a prominent NASA official speak,” said Krell-Salgado.  His talk is at 7 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium. The artistic highlight of the semester is the visit by Paul Taylor II Dance Company on Monday, April 5.  The New York Times calls the ensemble “One of the most exciting, innovative and delightful dance companies in the entire world.”  Said Time magazine, “Paul Taylor is the reigning master of modern dance.”  Paul Taylor II consists of younger members of the company, who will conduct a master class with students while here.  The evening is co-sponsored by Drs. Natalie and Alan Hopson, the SU Dance Company, and the SU Cultural Affairs Council.  The performance is at 8 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium.  For tickets and information call 410-543-6271. The series concludes on Sunday, April 18, with the Sanjo Ecstasy Concert.  This international group (Korean/American composer and musician Jin Hi Kim, American jazz percussionist/composer Gerry Hemingway and Korean dancer Kim Mae Mul with two other musicians) comes to SU directly from Harvard University where they are beginning their 2004 American tour.  Sanjo Ecstasy is the name of a new suite by Jin Hi Kim, whose works have been presented at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Royal Festival Hall (London) and the Next Wave Festival.  The Los Angeles Times call her compositions “new music/world music at its finest … into the realm of the sublime.”  “When it comes to jazz, Gerry Hemingway is as good as it gets,” added Krell-Salgado. The performance is at 7 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium.

All speakers and performances are free and the public is cordially invited.  Paul Taylor II will require tickets.  For more information call 410-543-6371 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.