Nomfusi
Mon, Feb. 2, 2026 | 8 p.m. | Harper Hall
The soul of Mama Afrika meets the fire of Motown and Soul—in a pint-sized packet of dynamite. After a mere six years in the industry, and with over 20 international tours under her belt, Nomfusi has become one of South Africa’s most sought-after performers worldwide. Indeed, there is nothing small about the tiny songstress with the gigantic voice and tons of charm. With sheer will and determination, she has risen from the squalor of South African squatter camps to some of the finest stages of the world.
Marc Ribot Quartet: Hurry Red Telephone
Sat, Feb. 21, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Chapel
Marc Ribot (pronounced REE-bow) was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1954. After moving to New York City in 1978, Ribot was a member of the soul/punk Realtones, and from 1984 to 1989, of John Lurie’s Lounge Lizards. Between 1979 and 1985, Ribot also worked as a side musician with Brother Jack McDuff, Wilson Pickett, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Chuck Berry, and many others. Ribot’s Spiritual Unity worked together for several years in the early ’00s, continuing their Albert Ayler-tinged trajectory as Grimes Taylor Ribot Trio after the death of trumpet player Roy Campbell Jr, and until Grimes’ failing health forced an end to their legendary performances in 2018. “Those gigs with Henry were the best music I’ve ever played on... or heard…” said Ribot of their last run of Trio gigs. Ribot and drummer Chad Taylor had been looking for a format to continue this work ever since. With Hurry Red Telephone, they’ve found it.
Zoie Reams ’ 14, mezzo-soprano
sAT, Apr. 11, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Chapel
American mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams, a Lawrence University Class of 2014 alumna, has been lauded by Opera News for her “velvety mezzo” and for how she “phrase[s] with elegance and articulate[s] coloratura nimbly.”
Lone Piñon
Mon, Apr. 13, 2026 | 8 p.m. | Harper Hall
Lone Piñon is a New Mexican string band, or “orquesta típica,” whose music celebrates the integrity and diversity of their region's cultural roots. With fiddles, upright bass, guitars, accordions, vihuela, and bilingual vocals, they play a wide spectrum of the traditional music that is at home in New Mexico.
Andy Akiho & Imani Winds
Fri, Apr. 17, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Chapel
Andy Akiho is a Grammy-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist composer whose bold works unravel intricate and unexpected patterns while surpassing preconceived boundaries of classical music. He is an in-demand composer who has earned international acclaim for his large-scale works that emphasize the natural theatricality of live performance. The Grammy Award-winning Imani Winds is celebrating a quarter century of music making. The group has led a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations, and outreach endeavors. This collaboration will include Akiho’s BeLoud, BeLoved, BeLonging, a powerful piece commissioned by Imani Winds.
Buy Tickets for the Performing Arts Series!
Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone during the academic year at 920-832-6749.
Sponsored by:
ARTEMIS
Ft. Renee Rosnes, Ingrid Jensen, Nicole Glover, Noriko Ueda, Allison Miller
Fri, May 15, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Chapel
Founded by pianist and composer Renee Rosnes, ARTEMIS is a powerful ensemble of instrumental virtuosos. Along with Rosnes, the quintet consists of trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, saxophonist Nicole Glover, bassist Noriko Ueda, and drummer Allison Miller. Performances across North America and Europe at major venues and festivals have garnered high praise from audiences and critics alike.