Department of Music hosts “Valentine Schmalentine: A Variety Show”

 

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s Department of Music is pleased to present “Valentine Schmalentine: A Variety Show” on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall in the Old Fine Arts Building on Murray State’s campus.

Organized by Stephanie Rea, professor of flute, the show will highlight the ups and downs of love through music performed in different styles, poetry and a healthy dose of humor. Rea says the show is for all ages and tastes.

”There’ll be singing, jokes, musical improv, flute and piano playing, some funny poetry and some surprises. It’s got blues, tango and classical music—a true variety show, ” Rea said of the event.

The main aim of the show is for the audience to have fun, but there’s an underlying goal to demonstrate how creativity helps us process our emotions and circumstances.

“No one escapes the fact that life is filled with challenges, and we all need outlets for that. I think all humans are naturally creative, which is why we appreciate creativity when we see it in others,” said Rea. “We’re drawn to it because it is in us already. There are so many ways to make sense of life. In creating and performing this show, I’m trying to highlight a few of those ways, and it’s been a lot of fun and very gratifying in rehearsals making that happen with this group of people.”

Featured performers include Rea and pianist Christy D’Ambrosio, along with Braun Oldenkamp, assistant professor of voice; Ash Stemke, assistant professor of composition; Bonnie Cross Stone and Stephen Keene, Department of Music alumni; Carrie Jerrell, associate professor of creative writing; and Kurt Gorman, professor of music at University of Tennessee Martin.

The concert is free and open to the public. Contact the Department of Music at 270-809-4288 with questions about the event.