Step Afrika

opening Nights at Florida State University celebrates its 25th anniversary season, and the 2022–23 lineup reflects its long tradition of excellence and commitment to all arts genres. Connecting the university to the community, Opening Nights collaborates with arts and cultural entities on and off campus to present unique cultural experiences that raise awareness, encourage discussion and inspire creativity. FSU’s tradition of showcasing world-class performers started in 1923 with the creation of the Florida State College for Women Artist Series. John Champion, FSU’s eighth president, enhanced that event in 1968 with the Florida State University Fine Arts Festival, which continued in some capacity until the spring of 1991. Recognizing the arts contributions to student-campus life and to the community, Sandy D’Alemberte, FSU’s 12th president, brought together university deans and directors and community leaders to reinstate the performing arts series in 1998. That led to, beginning in February 1999, the “Seven Days of Opening Nights Festival,” which developed into an annual series of performances and events from fall to summer.

In 2014, the name was changed to Opening Nights (ON) to reflect the expansion of the program, which continues to offer performances and educational events in music, theater, dance, film, spoken word and visual arts.

Through Opening Nights, Tallahassee has since joined the ranks of the nation’s biggest cities in attracting top performers. Opening Nights has presented legacies such as Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Lily Tomlin, Chris Botti, Pilobolus, Patti LaBelle, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lang Lang, Patti LuPone, Yo-Yo Ma, Twyla Tharp Dance, Joshua Bell, The Beach Boys, and Izthak Perlman.

ON has also featured FSU alumni such as stage actor Davis Gaines and recording artist Rita Coolidge, plus FSU faculty members including Suzanne Farrell, winner of the National Medal of the Arts, and author Robert Olen Butler, winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Another compelling national act: Urban Bush Women, founded by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, an FSU faculty member and a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship. ON not only has presented exceptional artists but also has co-commissioned works such as “The Unfolding,” an original jazz composition by Wayne Shorter, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, ninetime GRAMMY® Award Winner and one of the most important composers of our time. For that concert, FSU Chamber Winds, conducted by Richard Clary, performed with the Wayne Shorter Quartet at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Expanding on this one-of-kind experience, students were able to discuss jazz and composition with Shorter.

Twenty-five years later, Opening Nights reflects the long and storied history of performing arts at FSU and strives to present compelling and distinguished artists who provide extraordinary experiences that educate, inspire and connect the campus and community.

Yo-Yo Ma Inaugural Arts Advocate Award Hipet Ballerinas

Kristin Chenoweth

Parsons Dance President Richard McCullough, FSU’s 16th President Dance Theatre of Harlem

Michael Blachly, Director Jennifer Wright-Allen, Director

2018

Lily Tomlin

2020

2019 Rosanne Cash

2021 2022 Máiréad Nesbitt Patti LaBelle

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Presenting Artists Series established thanks to Dozier Endowment