BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Prior Performing Arts Center - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Prior Performing Arts Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20280312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20281105T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270318T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270318T193000 DTSTAMP:20260730T184606 CREATED:20260529T121128Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T121129Z UID:6421-1805398200-1805398200@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:Working Writers Series: Erica Gies DESCRIPTION:Creative Writing Program\n \n \n \n \n \n Working Writers Series\n \n \n \n \n \n Erica Gies\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nEnvironmental science journalist Erica Gies will read from and discuss her work as part of the Working Writers Series sponsored by the Creative Writing Program. \nErica Gies is an award-winning independent journalist who writes about water\, climate change\, plants and critters for Scientific American\, The New York Times\, Nature\, The Atlantic\, The Guardian\, National Geographic\, The Economist\, Washington Post\, bioGraphic\, Wired\, and more. \nHer stories hail from North America\, especially California and British Columbia\, and the wider world. In a quest for commonalities that bind us and innovations that inspire\, she has reported from many intriguing places: Iraq\, Peru\, Cambodia\, India\, Syria\, Kenya\, China\, Qatar\, Laos\, the United Kingdom\, Guyana\, Vietnam\, France\, and Indigenous nations and territories\, including those belonging to Navajo (Diné)\, Kwiakah\, Makushi\, Kitasoo/Xai’xai\, ‘Namgis\, Heiltsuk\, and Native Hawaiian peoples. \nHer book\, Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge\, is about the global “Slow Water” movement that are helping us adapt to the increasing floods and droughts brought by climate change. Published in North America\, the United Kingdom\, China\, and as an audio book\, Water Always Wins won the Rachel Carson Award for Excellence in Environmental Journalism among other awards.  \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n March 18\, 20277:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Free Entry\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n“The Alden” Performance Studio3rd Floor\, Prior Performing Arts Center URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/working-writers-series-erica-gies/ LOCATION:Alden Trust Performance Studio (3rd Floor\, Prior Performing Arts Center)\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Creative Writing Program,Events at The Prior ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/erica-gies-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270318T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270319T193000 DTSTAMP:20260730T184607 CREATED:20260730T150025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T150758Z UID:6674-1805398200-1805484600@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:From The Ashes DESCRIPTION:From The Ashes\n \n \n \n \n \n Daniel Weidlein\, composerGwendolyn Gussman\, choreographer\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nTwo Performances: March 18 & 19 @ 7:30 p.m. \nFrom The Ashes is a suite of music for a 10-piece chamber ensemble that tells a ballet-style story of the life-cycle of a forest through compelling dance and visual projection.  \nThe piece asks the following questions: what role do we as humans play in the story of a forest? Are we caretakers? Co-inhabitants? Destroyers? Forest fire has become the norm in our lives\, rather than the exception\, and we must face these questions head on if we are to change this trajectory and protect our precious forests. \nPerformances of From The Ashes are often accompanied by a community discussion with local ecologists and forest-fire experts about the changing paradigm of how we approach wildland fires\, as well as the intersection of art making and ecological activism. This program was piloted during the April 2024 workshop residency of the piece through a series of hikes and talkbacks with the Sonoma Ecology Center and members of the Sonoma\, CA community who lived through the 2017 Tubbs Fire. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n March 18 & 19\, 20277:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $45 | $65Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLuth Concert HallThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Composer\n \nDaniel Weidlein‘s work as a composer spans independent film CHOSEN (2014) and upcoming features SLEEPWALK (post. 2021) and OUT IN THE VINEYARD (in prod.)\, as well as the new musical THE GRIFTERS (book & lyrics by Joe Giuffre). In 2018 he released FIRE IN THE SKY\, his first collection of contemporary jazz compositions written for rhythm section\, winds\, and strings\, followed by the 2019 release of A WINTER’S LULLABY. To celebrate the release of these collections\, he released a separate vinyl edition of the three-movement piece THE RED LINE SUITE.  \nDaniel’s style as a composer bridges the groove and rhythm of jazz through the decades and his love of classical composition and contemporary folk. The latter influence is particularly present in his musical collaborations with jazz trio The Vintage Modernists (CITYSCAPE\, 2012).  \nAmong Daniel’s favorite pieces that continue to inspire him to this day are the reimagined Joni Mitchell album BOTH SIDES NOW featuring Vince Mendoza’s orchestrations; any of Randy Newman’s film scores; and Brad Mehldau’s HIGHWAY RIDER. \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Choreographer\n \nGwendolyn Hope Gussman is a director\, choreographer\, creative producer\, performer\, movement teacher\, and generative artist based between Denver\, Colorado (Ancestral Lands of Ute\, Cheyanne and Arapaho peoples) and New York City (Ancestral Lands of the Lenape peoples). Gussman is the Founder and Artistic Director of interdisciplinary performance company\, HOLDTIGHT (HT)\, which was established in 2016. Her work with HT illuminates the intersection of art\, environmental activism\, psyche\, and body through performance\, education\, and community events. Gussman’s work with HT has been awarded residencies and presented nationally by Denver Arts & Venues (2024)\, The Cell Theatre in NYC (2020-2022)\, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver (2024)\, Carroll Hall in NYC (2023)\, Presenting Denver (2024)\, and others. \nAs an independent choreographer\, Gussman’s work has been presented by institutions & organizations including National Sawdust (2020 NYC)\, The Gallery Players (Once the Musical\, 2023\, NYC)\, The Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (2020)\, James Madison University (2018\, VA)\, Seaside Dance Festival (2019\, FL)\, Bridge for Dance Festival (2018\, NY)\, Nimbus DanceWorks Offline Series (2018\, NJ)\, The Wadsworth Museum (2017\, CT)\, Nimbus DanceWorks Offline Series (2018\, NJ)\, YourMove Festival (2017\, NJ)\, Denver School of the Arts (2016\, CO)\, and more. In 2021\, was named a Toulmin Creator through the support of National Sawdust\, Center for Ballet and the Arts\, and The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. \nGussman holds a BFA in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. \nIn addition to her work with HOLDTIGHT\, she regularly collaborates with a myriad of multidisciplinary artists. She has worked on both live and film projects with musical artists Daniel Weidlein\, Lisel (Eliza Bagg)\, Johnny Butler\, The Warp Trio\, Jett Kwong\, Trevor New\, Hallie Spoor\, and Meredith Rose. She is currently collaborating on projects with visual/textile artist Maki Teshima\, and in addition\, recently activated the work of artist Ronny Quevedo for his exhibition\, at the line\, as part of Movements Toward Freedom at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. \nCurrently\, Gussman is choreographing From The Ashes\, a 90-min Contemporary Concert Dance meets Chamber-Jazz piece following the life-cycle of a forest fire\, conceived by composer Daniel Weidlein. This work is incredibly potent for both of them\, growing up and living in states that have been severely affected by increasing forest fires over the past 30 years. \nAs a performing artist\, Gussman has extensive experience working in concert dance\, music\, film/tv\, site-specific/installation\, and experimental theater including her work with Shen Wei Dance Arts\, Sean Curran Company\, Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance\, Vanessa Walters ‘Ripening’\, Heidi Latsky\, Control Group Productions\, Cleo Parker Robinson\, Roger C. Jeffrey\, Amy Sedaris\, Daniel Fish\, Ashley Tata\, among others. Her career has included performing at prestigious venues and festivals such as The Koch Theater at Lincoln Center\, MASS MoCa\, Stanislavsky Theater (Moscow)\, Teatro Arcimboldi (Milan)\, Shanghai Cultural Square Theater\, Teatro Comunale Modena\, American Dance Festival\, Spoleto Festival\, Theater Olympics Festival (Beijing)\, Off The Grid Festival\, and many others. \nGussman has been teaching movement since 2012. She teaches movement & writing workshops through HOLDTIGHT that have recently been presented by Denver Arts & Venues (2024 workshops at The Arts Complex in Denver)\, Rino Arts District (monthly workshops through 2024 in Denver) and St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn\, NY (2023). As an independent guest teacher\, Gussman has taught improv\, composition\, modern\, and contemporary dance workshops for a range of dance and theater students at institutions such as Yale University\, New York University\, James Madison University\, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CO)\, Denver School of the Arts\, Opening Act (NYC)\, Steps Ahead (NYC)\, BOUNCE Festival (NYC)\, MOVE! (Denver)\, and others. \nIn addition to her dance & interdisciplinary art teaching experience\, Gussman is a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor who has additional experiences studying extensively in Hanna Somatics\, Exercise Science\, Anatomy\, and Functional Fitness. She has developed and maintained a thriving Private Practice since 2015 which focuses on blending her movement knowledge and specializes in rehab-based movement for clients navigating chronic pain\, acute injury\, body-part replacements\, athletes\, and more. Her teaching philosophy is to see & work with a person holistically\, ultimately with the goal of them deepening their knowledge and understanding of their body so that they can find more awareness\, ease\, and freedom of movement. She has taught movement to the casts of renowned international shows such as The Jungle (when on tour at St. Ann’s Warehouse in NYC)\, as well as teaching at gyms and studios around NYC. Gussman is currently leading movement meets psychology workshops and retreats in collaboration with a master psychotherapist (& her mother) Virginia Poor. Throughout all of her teaching experience\, she has taught students with a range of physical ability level and ages 13-85 years old. URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/from-the-ashes/ LOCATION:Luth Concert Hall – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Events at The Prior,Prior Presents ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/from-the-ashes-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270421T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270421T193000 DTSTAMP:20260730T184607 CREATED:20260730T153636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T153728Z UID:6686-1808335800-1808335800@priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu SUMMARY:New West Guitars: A Celebration of the Blue Guitars Project DESCRIPTION:New West Guitars\n \n \n \n \n \n A Celebration of the Blue Guitars Project\n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nNew West Guitars (NWG) have developed a widespread reputation as one of the premier jazz guitar ensembles in the world. Featuring guitarists Perry Smith (NYC)\, John Storie (LA)\, and Will Brahm (LA)\, NWG performs exciting originals\, jazz standards and popular covers. Their signature sound comes from an innovative style that highlights rhythm\, beauty and virtuosity through using classic “archtop style” jazz guitars. \nTheir new project features instruments from The Blue Guitars Foundation\, a legendary collection of vintage “archtop style” jazz guitars. NWG was chosen to represent the newly commissioned guitars through live performances and recordings. \nThe Blue Guitar Collection was displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History from November 11\, 1997 through October 1998. The Blue D’Aquisto Centura Deluxe was featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the museum’s “Guitar Heroes” exhibit in 2011. After founder Scott Chinery’s passing in 2000\, the guitars remained with the Chinery family until 2021\, when they were acquired by the Archtop Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to share the collection with everyone – it is too good to keep hidden! \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Details\n\n \n \n \n \n \n April 21\, 20277:30 p.m. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Price\n\n \n \n \n \n \n $45 | $65Pricing includes all fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Venue\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nLuth Concert HallThe Prior Performing Arts Center \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explore More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Blue Guitars Collection\n \nThe Blue Guitar Collection was displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History from November 11th 1997 through October 1998. It is also worth noting that the Blue D’Aquisto Centura Deluxe\, the Benedetto La Cremona Azzurra and the Monteleone Rocket Convertible were featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the museum’s “Guitar Heroes” exhibit in 2011. After Scott Chinery’s passing in 2000\, the guitars have remained with the Chinery family and in 2021 were passed along to The Archtop Foundation. \nThe Foundation’s goal is to share the collection with everyone – it is too good to keep hidden. We look to: 1) exhibit the guitars at shows\, museums\, and schools; 2) build a virtual museum here so that you can experience the collection wherever you are\, with information on every guitar and luthier involved\, including highest quality video recordings; 3) offer access to the collection to luthiers and scientific researchers studying how to understand and improve the art of luthiery; and 4) make these available to professional musicians looking to record on–or just experience– these wonderful instruments. \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Artists\n “Beautiful acoustic rhythms\, vibrant classically infused single note lines and jazzy arpeggios cover the magnificent musical landscape these three players create.”— Metronome Magazine \n \n \nNew West Guitars have developed a widespread reputation as one of the premier jazz guitar ensembles in the world. Featuring guitarists Perry Smith (NYC) John Storie (LA) and Will Brahm (LA)\, they perform exciting originals\, jazz standards and popular covers. Their signature sound comes from an innovative style that highlights rhythm\, beauty and virtuosity through using classic “archtop style” jazz guitars. \nTheir new project features instruments from The Blue Guitars Foundation\, a legendary collection of vintage “archtop style”  jazz guitars. NWG was chosen to represent the newly commissioned guitars through live performances and recordings.  \nStarting in the Fall of 2020\, John\, Perry and Will started a podcast series called High Action. Interviewing a variety of legendary and influential guitar players\, the trio has provided a space to build community\, share experiences and learn from some of today’s leading voices on the Guitar. \n Praised as “sharp and refined” by the Seattle Times\,  the New West Guitars have released 7 full length albums since 2005. Each project features their unique style of laid-back virtuosity and finely crafted arrangements. Their latest album “Live at Mauch Chunk Opera House” was filmed and recorded near Allentown\, Pennsylvania at a legendary opera house built in the 1800s. The project features original compositions and popular covers captured in an exciting live setting for a sold out crowd.   \nIn August of 2015\, New West released a collaborative project “Send One Your Love” on Summit Records. The recording features renowned jazz vocalists: Gretchen Parlato\, Sara Gazarek\, Becca Stevens\, Tierney Sutton and Peter Eldridge. Downbeat Magazine gave this CD the prestigious Editor’s Pick in their August 2015 issue.  \nSmith and Storie founded New West at USC’s Thornton School of Music. Today they continue to tour as a trio with Brahm and special guests throughout the United States and abroad. Their music is regularly featured on NPR and jazz radio stations\, while their repertoire is performed throughout the country by college and high school guitar programs. New West Guitars versatility as players and composers have given them a reputation as pioneers in the realm of guitar ensemble. URL:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/event/new-west-guitars-a-celebration-of-the-blue-guitars-project/ LOCATION:Luth Concert Hall – Prior Performing Arts Center\, 1 College St\, Worcester\, MA\, 01610\, United States CATEGORIES:Events at The Prior,Prior Presents ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://priorperformingartscenter.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/nwg-web.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR