This Week in Style: Music Series, Fashion Show

By Broadside Staff Writer Ijeoma Nwatu

The College of Visual and Performing Arts, in collaboration with the George Mason University Music Department, is hosting a faculty artist series on November 14 at 8 p.m. in Harris Theatre. Special guests for the evening include Dr. Glenn Smith, a composer, teacher, artist, and sound healer. Smith is also the Director of Theory and Composition at Mason. He will be joined by Dr. Stephen Nachmanovitch, an improvisational violinist, composer, author, computer artist, and educator.

Both performers boast impressive resumes in the world of music. Smith has composed more than 500 works including chamber, choral, and orchestral pieces. He has taught at the collegiate level for more than 40 years. Aside from teaching, Smith is a certified Reiki Master Practitioner which allows him to utilize therapeutic healing practices through music. Nachmanovitch holds a Ph.D. in the History of Consciousness from the University of California at Santa Cruz. He is considered a pioneer of the 1970s in free improvisation with the violin, viola, and electric violin. He continues to lecture and present classes and workshops about improvisation throughout the country.

The evening’s performances will showcase a wide array of instrumentation as well as the unique art of improvisation. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Music Department at (703) 993-1380.

The greening revolution has arrived at George Mason University, but in a trendy way. On November 15, 35 student models will strut their stuff in the name of the five R’s—reduce, reuse, recycle, replenish, and rediscover. Who knew fashion could be so eco-friendly and fun? The Associate Director of Student Activities, Dennis Hicks is mixing a new program with a touch of sustainability.

“I think this is a great opportunity for students to have some fun and learn a few lessons on how they can do their part in the green movement,” said Hicks.
The event, entitled Rock the Runway: Fashion Remix, will close out the first ever Fall Festival. Students can expect to see outfits from local thrift stores and consignment shops in the show. The concept of the event is to showcase fashionable ensembles that are affordable and help keep Mother Earth fashionably green.

The evening will also feature DJ Rush Hour who will play live music as the models grace the catwalk. The fashion show will also include performances by Mason’s own Urbanknowlogy and R&B artist Jamie Jones. Those who attend are invited to a reception following the event. VIP passes will be available throughout the week, giving students the chance to win exclusive prizes and priority seating for this anticipated fashion show. Once you have seen all the right looks for being trendy and eco-friendly, stay and dance the night away at the after-party.

It’s not New York’s Bryant Park, but Dewberry Hall on November 15 will certainly be buzzing. Doors open at 8 p.m. and hopefully you will learn a thing or two about saving your green and keeping the environment green, too. See you on the runway.