Iraqi oud musician and composer Rahim AlHaj combines traditional Iraqi maqams with contemporary styling and influence. Virtuosically playing on an instrument that spans 5,000 years, Rahim’s music represents a unique voice that speaks passionately to contemporary listeners of every musical background. Deftly combining traditional Iraqi maqams with contemporary stylings and influences, AlHaj seeks to translate into music the suffering, joy, anxiety, and determination that he has experienced and witnessed in his life as an Iraqi political refugee, and today as an American citizen. Communicating with a compelling immediacy that bypasses cultural obstacles, his music speaks irresistibly to the heart in a universal language of compassion. A Grammy award-nominated artist, AlHaj tours the country delivering a message of optimism while seeking to bring the world to a compassionate understanding of our shared destiny and to give the oppressed a voice for justice.

Don’t be dissuaded by the Memorial and Goodbody Hall construction! Just walk around the fences, but if coming from the south, walking east around the Memorial Hall construction is generally easier. For information on parking near Morrison Hall visit: http://www.indiana.edu/~libarchm/index.php/about-us/location-and-hours.html

Focusing on paintings by Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Fritz Winter, and Willi Baumeister, Jenny McComas, Curator of European and American Art, will discuss the artistic goals and political context of West German abstract painting in the 1950s. This Noon Talk is presented in conjunction with the special exhibition Abstract Paintings in Europe, 1949-1968.

Ivy Tech Bloomington is hosting an open house on Wednesday, March 22 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Shreve Hall. Prospective students and their families can get general information about college and financial aid, take campus tours, and learn about degree programs that are in-demand by employers. Students who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree can learn how to complete the first two years of college at Ivy Tech and transfer their degree to save on college costs. High school students can learn how to complete an associate degree in as little as 11 months in the ASAP program. Faculty from all degree programs will be available to answer questions. All visitors will be entered into a drawing for a free class, tablet, or bookstore gift card.

We’re honoring astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson’s visit to Bloomington with a special astronomy night at Paynetown SRA! This event is completely FREE (including property admission) and open to everyone – no registration needed.

Gaze through the telescopes set up outside, and come inside to enjoy astronomy-themed activities and crafts. Activities will be available from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. (so if you are attending Tyson’s presentation at the IU Auditorium, you’ll still be able to drop by after his talk).

Indoor activities will be at the Activity Center. Telescopes will be set up next to the Beach area (just outside the Activity Center).

In the event of inclement weather or exceptionally cloudy skies, telescope viewing may not be available. However, the indoor astronomy activities are “rain or shine!”

Please note: This event is not associated with, or endorsed by, the IU Auditorium (which is hosting Tyson’s March 22 presentation) or Hayden Planetarium. It is a completely stand-alone event, hosted solely by Monroe Lake.