On April 26, guests will arrive at DU’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts, which by then will have been transformed into the Big Apple. They’ll check in at Grand Central Station, and metro card in hand, board the subway to Little Italy, Times Square, Coney Island or one of many more New York City destinations.
Five years after the Gates Concert Hall opened its doors, the Newman Center will celebrate its contributions to the DU campus and community with “A Night in Manhattan” fundraiser.
Guests can dine on seafood inspired by Chelsea Pier or Coney Island hot dogs and popcorn. A pop-jazz concert by The Manhattan Transfer, an eight-time Grammy-winning ensemble, will take place in Gates Concert Hall.
The Newman Center was built to serve both the academic needs of the University as well as community needs, and Stephen Seifert, the center’s executive director, sees successes on both accounts.
Enrollment in the Lamont School of Music and Department of Theater has grown significantly, says Seifert. “Everyone [who looks at the school] is simply amazed at the quality of the spaces and the resources available,” he says. “The venue itself seemed to have affected the quality of everyone’s performance.”
The sophistication of production capabilities put Gates Concert Hall on the map among performers worldwide, says Seifert. The venue also created the Newman Center Presents concert series, which brings up to 14 performers yearly to the school.
“We’ve established a reputation of eclectic programming that gives people the opportunity to experience things they wouldn’t have otherwise,” he says.
Seifert estimates that more than 125,000 people come to the 325 performances the Newman Center hosts yearly. He believes the center has fulfilled its role of community service through this exposure.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Newman Center Endowment, which provides long-term support for faculty, programs and the venue itself.
Tickets can be purchased through Newman Center, Ritchie Center and Ticketmaster box offices. For more information, call the Newman Center at 303-871-7720.