As the semester approaches, the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts has already hit the ground running with several events this fall. Jennifer Clements, Martin Center executive director, said there are over 150 events planned this semester.
“We have so many different things going on, so we have a lot of academic events going on… we have a lot of community events, and we also have performing events that are what we titled ‘Martin Center Series’ events,” said Clements.
The Martin Center has a big announcement coming on Aug. 20, according to Clements. They are announcing four Broadway shows that will be coming to Johnson City in January, March and April.
“This is going to be the first time that Johnson City has had a Broadway season. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring Broadway to our region to give individuals an opportunity to experience that without having to go all the way to NYC,” Clements said.
The Martin Center is hosting a wide variety of events that hope to pique a variety of interests. The ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance is performing “Androcles and the Lion” from Oct. 20-23, and “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” Nov. 17-20.
The Music Department is also showcasing a variety of ensemble performances from faculty recitals to orchestra performances throughout the semester. The Martin Center is hosting John Hiatt and the Goners (Aug. 16), Brit Floyd (Aug. 18), Black Jacket Symphony (Sept. 23), Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (Oct. 4) and Straight No Chaser (Oct. 29). The acapella group Straight No Chaser will be working with the music department and will do a master class before their performance. For those with children, the Martin Center will be hosting a “Blue’s Clues,” performance on Sept. 28.
“There are lots of opportunities for students to come and hear some wonderful concerts, whether they be from ETSU folks or outside groups making their rounds,” Clements stated.
The goal that the Martin Center wants to achieve is “to serve as Appalachian Highland’s premiere center for diverse, cultural, educational, and entertainment experiences. To inspire and enrich the community’s quality of life by promoting accessibility to the arts, cultivating community engagement and regional and economic prosperity,” said Clements, “Basically, we want to enrich the lives of the people of our area whether that be students, faculty, staff, or those in the region, but just to have the opportunity to have world-class cultural experiences here at the Martin Center.”
Clements also mentioned the many Martin Center volunteer opportunities. “We are always looking for people to get involved; we need people to help usher, put events on, and for those who want to join us and have fun,” Clements said.
For those interested in volunteering, email volunteers@etsumartincenter.org.
For more information on the Martin Center, including to purchase tickets, visit etsu.edu/martin-center.
