by Janice Ng | Oct 2, 2013 | News Slider
The Nashville Choreographer’s Canvas, an evening of choreography from Nashville’s emerging and New York’s established choreographers is set for Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. in Lipscomb’s Shamblin Theatre. The evening will be presented by Lipscomb University Theatre and New York City’s Group Theatre Too. Peter Fields, artistic director of Lipscomb’s Orchesis Dance Company, and Justin Boccitto, Lipscomb theatre adjunct professor and award-winning choreographer, curated the evening. Described by Boccitto as similar to Fox TV’s So You Think You Can Dance, The Nashville Choreographer’s Canvas will include many types of dance including tap, ballet, jazz, Bollywood, Cirque du Soleil-style aerial dance and Charlie Chaplin-style eccentric dance. One number will be dedicated to portraying the history of dance from the 1920’s Charleston to modern hip-hop. The original New York Choreographer’s Canvas, founded and coordinated by Boccitto six years ago, is an annual event that features the works of more than 15 choreographers each year, with a hundred submissions from around the world vying for a spot in the annual show. “I got the idea for the name from Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit, which talks about how all creators begin with a blank canvas,” Boccitto said. Now, Boccitto, who directed Lipscomb’s production of Hairspray in 2011, wants to expand the blank canvas to Nashville. “This is an opportunity for people from all different dance backgrounds, including those not so familiar with dance, to come together for one night and experience dance in all its forms,” Boccitto said. “Each choreography piece tells a story and highlights the importance of dance throughout the ages and in our lives.” Performers for the evening will include Lipscomb students...
by Erika Thornsberry | Sep 30, 2013 | News Slider
Lipscomb University will host its first homecoming celebration beginning Oct. 1 and ending the 7. Alumni and their families will have an entire week’s worth of activities to enjoy on campus. Homecoming will be a great time to meet the Lipscomb students and faculty or to catch up with former professors and classmates. Herdcoming will host events throughout the week and end with Parents Weekend. Some premier events included the reunion gatherings for classes of 2003, 1988, and 1963. There will also be a Golden Bison luncheon, social club reunions, and a dessert reception with current and retired faculty. For even more fun and incorporation of current Lipscomb students, there will be a 5K run, a Lady Bison volleyball and soccer game, a theater production, live music, the Tau Phi Cowboy show and much more. (Schedule is courtesy of Lipscomb.edu) A highlighted schedule of a few of these events includes: Tuesday, October 1 7 p.m. concert – Dave Barnes in Collins Alumni Auditorium with $10 general admission Wednesday, Oct. 2 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Student Activity, Bison Square Thursday, Oct. 3 10:55 a.m. – The Gathering for HerdComing – Allen Arena Noon – Golden Bison Luncheon, Hall of Fame, $10 per person at the door 6 p.m. – Mr. Lee’s Pizza Party featuring the introduction of fall athletic teams Friday, Oct. 4 5:30 p.m. – “Class of 1963” 50th Reunion Reception, Ezell Center Lobby 6:30 p.m. – “Class of 1963” 50th Reunion Dinner, Paul Rogers Board Room, Ezell Center 6:30 p.m. – Lady Bisons Volleyball vs. USC-Upstate, Allen Arena 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – “Class of 2003”...
by Logan Butts | Sep 30, 2013 | News Slider
Being a performer was not always the plan for Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Dave Barnes. Barnes, who performed at Lipscomb on Tuesday night, originally just wanted to write music with no intention of performing it himself. He wanted to leave the performing up to the artists. After some prodding from his peers, Barnes decided to give the performing artist title a try. Six albums and countless concerts later, it’s safe to say Barnes made the right decision. Barnes is somewhat of a musical Swiss army knife. His array of talents, which includes the ability to play the guitar and drums in addition to his singing and writing skills, has proven to be a hit with audiences. Barnes’ array of musical skills gives his albums an eclectic sound. Traces of everything from pop to country to rock to soul can be heard in his songs. Despite his success as a performer, Barnes still enjoys writing music for other artists. “I like them both. The thing that writing has on being an artist is the lack of traveling. We have an about-to-be two-year-old little dude. As I’ve gotten older, traveling is a hard thing to do,” Barnes said. “The beauty of being a writer is you can stay at home, but you miss playing shows.” Over the years, Barnes has shown a chameleon-like feel for music. He has written for country crooners, contemporary Christian artists, soul singers, pop stars and even fellow singer-songwriters. Barnes especially plays a big role in the Nashville music scene, having written for local artists such as Brandon Heath, Drew Holcomb and Ben Rector. However, Barnes’ biggest...
by Cory Woodroof | Sep 30, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
By Sophie Kellerman and Aaron Schmelzer Memories filled Allen Arena on Sunday afternoon as the Lipscomb community celebrated the life of fan Chuck Ross. Ross passed away earlier this month at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of support for local sports. Through his fandom, Ross impacted the lives of the many, with a large group of local journalists, sporting figures and former Bisons lending their time to share a funny story and kind word about Ross. “Chuck was the roots that connected so many people and communities,” said Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson as he opened up the memorial. Orioles manager Buck Showalter, ESPN analyst Buster Olney and Voice for the Nashville Predators Pete Weber were among the multitude of people who recorded short anecdotes and well wishes that were shown throughout the service. Jonathan Seamon interviewed former Bisons basketball players Alan Banks, Richard Taylor, Chris Martello, Greg Glenn and Keith Edwards about their experiences with Ross. “I thought Chuck was somebody that we were doing something for,” Taylor said. “The reality is, as time passed, it was exactly the opposite. Chuck was such a role model for all of us.” “Describe Chuck in one word,” Seamon asked the former Bisons. None of them had to think about their answers very long. Laughter, compassion and unconditional love were just a few of the words that came to mind. Ross was not only a fan of the university sports. He also loved going to the Lipscomb Academy high school games and helping out any way he could. “For high school football games, Chuck’s job was to call and...
by Cory Woodroof | Sep 28, 2013 | News Slider
Swang Chapel offered a quiet place of mourning and remembrance Saturday night as the Lipscomb community gathered to comfort each other and pray after the sudden passing of freshman Isaac Phillips. Phillips, a pre-nursing major from Nashville, died late Friday night. During the gathering, university President Dr. Randy Lowry expressed his sorrow over the loss, saying this is a trying time for the community. He referred to the common belief that college is supposed to be the best four years of your life – a belief emphasized to students during the start of their college experiences. “And then, all of a sudden, we’re reminded that even in the best four years of your life, sometimes life intervenes; and, together, we walk a somewhat different path,” Lowry said. He encouraged those in attendance to be a community for the Phillips family during the days ahead. Lipscomb Academy teacher and head football coach Scott Tillman read a scripture from II Corinthians 1:3-4, which talks about comforting each other in tragic times as we receive comfort from God. Tillman was a coach on the teams that Phillips was a part of during his time at the Academy. “God is faithful,” Tillman said after the reading. Senior campus minister Steve Davidson recounted a recent trip to Florida with his family. His young grandson tripped on the sidewalk and received a bump on his forehead. He and his wife hurt for their injured grandson, wanting to be there for him during the pain. Davidson related that experience to what many were feeling in the chapel. “Scott [Tillman] read a script about the God of all comfort, and that’s why we...
