The Performing Arts Series in the School of the Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno presents a refreshingly unexpected lineup of acclaimed artists during its 62nd season. The five featured performances celebrate exceptional artistry through untold stories, out-of-the-box performance styles and unexpected instrumentation that inspires, uplifts and promotes cross-cultural understanding.

“The last few years have emphasized the vital role that the performing arts play in our daily lives,” Shoshana Zeldner, Program Manager with the School of the Arts, said. “Through thoughtful choreography, arrangement and presentation, this year’s season reminds us that the world we live in is both exquisite and imperfect, with plenty of work to do in building a more equitable future for all.”

This season’s one of a kind lineup was planned with this juxtaposition in mind and includes a multimedia spectacular, highlighting zapateado and tap dance; a comedic chamber music extravaganza; a soulful beatboxing virtuosa; an elevated vocal showcase; and a koto-violin-percussion instrumental affair.

“Through exceptional artistry, this year’s performers explore those tender fault lines that make us human,” Zeldner said. “When that type of honesty and artistry coincide, it holds the potential to transform hearts and minds, initiate dialogue and positively transform our community.”

On Thursday, Sept. 15, the season begins with an unforgettable performance by the San Francisco-based polyrhythmic dance and music ensemble, La Mezcla, at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater. La Mezcla will present Pachuquísmo, a multi-disciplinary performance that portrays the lesser known history of the female experience during the1940’s Zoot Suit Riot era through tap dance, live jazz music, Mexican zapateado and traditional Son Jarocho. With a nine-person, all-female cast donning full zoot suits, the performance challenges gender roles and explores history, culture and rhythm through the lens of the Mexican American pachucas.

A pre-performance celebration begins at 6 p.m. with lowriders on display, music and food and beverages from La Favorita, Pelon Micheladas and Rin Tin Taps. La Mezcla will take the stage at 7:30 p.m., under the stars.

La Mezcla will be in residence for a full week with the Performing Arts Series and will offer one free and open to the public event in addition to the paid public performance. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, from noon - 1:15 p.m., La Mezcla Creator-Director-Choreographer, Vanessa Sanchez will lead a dynamic presentation covering the history of the Pachucas, the dance that forms La Mezcla practices and the intersectionality of their lineages and rhythmic traditions. This event is co-presented with the Department of History and will be held in Hall Recital Hall in the University Foundation Arts Building. It is free and open to the public.

The season will continue on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. with acclaimed koto player, Yumi Kurosawa alongside violin and percussion in Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Performing Arts Series season, fall and spring subscriptions and individual tickets are now available online, by phone through Lawlor Events Center (775-784-4444) or in-person at the Lawlor Events Center Box Office (10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, 1500 N. Virginia St. Reno, lower-level entrance).

Season subscribers receive tickets to all five performances, save 12%, receive the best seats in the house and have access to subscriber-only events. Season tickets are $158 (Adult), $150 (Senior/UNR Faculty and Staff) and $70 (Youth). Fall subscriptions (3 performances) are $100 (Adult), $95 (Senior/UNR Faculty and Staff) and $45 (Youth) and spring subscriptions (2 performances) are $67 (Adult), $63 (Senior/UNR Faculty and Staff) and $30 (Youth).

Pachuquísmo individual tickets are $20-$36 (Adult), $5-$16 (Youth) and $5 (University of Nevada, Reno students).  University student tickets must be purchased in-person at the Lawlor Events Center or at the box office the night of the show (at the event venue, opens one hour before the performance). 

In addition to the Performing Arts Series, the School of the Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno presents the Reno Jazz Festival and Lake Tahoe Music Camp as well as class performances, productions and exhibitions in music, theatre, dance and visual art. Home to nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and scholars, the School provides transformative education for thousands of students and community members each year.

The Performing Arts Series is funded in part by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; the National Endowment for the Arts; a federal agency; the Nevada Arts Council; a state agency; the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission; the Associated Students of the University of Nevada and the Graduate Student Association. In-kind support is provided by CLM Design, Advertising, and Interactive.

For more information about School of the Arts, visit the School of the Arts website, call 775-784-4278, or email arts@unr.edu. Event information, news and photos also are available by following the School of the Arts’ Instagram, School of the Arts’ Twitter and School of the Arts’ Facebook page.