Welcome to the Office of Cultural Affairs
The Office of Cultural Affairs presents a full calendar of high-caliber professional cultural events, including dance, film, and musical performances. These community-focused events, which feature local, national, and international artists, enrich our local Salisbury community, and complement the University’s academic offerings.
Classic Series
Features established artists and projects widely recognized for their world class artistry and singular interpretations of classical and historical forms, genres, and repertoire.
Inspiring Generations: America’s 250 Years of Music & Military Service is a three-day, multi-generational arts initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States through military music. The project honors the historic role of military bands in American civic life while inspiring musicians, scholars, service members, and community members.
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Explore how music has shaped American military life from the Civil War through the twenty-first century. David Suisman discusses music's role in military training, morale, identity, and the experiences of service members, followed by a moderated Q&A.
The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Director Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin has programmed a mix of works including traditional band repertoire, Sousa marches, contemporary compositions, vocal and instrumental solos, and a patriotic salute to the Armed Forces. The concert is free, but tickets are required.
*Please note: No backpacks, large bags, or video recordings are permitted in the auditorium for the performance or at associated events.
Meet members of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band for an interactive workshop exploring life as a military musician, including rehearsals, auditions, training, and career opportunities.
*Free and Open to all Middle and High School Students.
Global Experiences Series
Features diverse artists, genres, forms, and practices from around the world.
Estonia's acclaimed youth violin ensemble performs an energetic program blending classical, folk, and popular music while showcasing exceptional musicianship and international artistry. Sponsored by World Artists Experiences and the Embassy of Estonia.
Experience an exciting blend of salsa, boogaloo, cha-cha-cha, bolero, and funk as Cheo Pardo's all-star ensemble brings fresh energy to Latin music traditions.
Led by Hasan Imam Hamdani, Imam Collective explores musical traditions from around the world through original compositions, improvisation, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Explore the connections between sound, music, language, and culture through an interactive workshop featuring discussion and live guitar demonstrations with Hasan Imam Hamdani. Free, no tickets required.
Special Events
Holloway Hall, Great Hall
For the ninth time, 6 Tibetan monks from the famed Drepung Loseling Institute, with blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are in residence at SU. Sponsored by the Office of Cultural Affairs and University Dining Services.
Immediately following the opening ceremony, the monks start drawing the line design for the mandala. This is very exacting work that takes about three hours to complete. Construction begins immediately following drawing of the lines.
Wednesday (14th), Thursday (15th), Friday (16th) - 10 am - 7 pm
Saturday (17th) - 10 am - Noon
Following the drawing of the lines, the monks lay on the colored sands, which is effected by pouring the sand from traditional metal funnels called chak-purs. Each monk holds a chak-pur in one hand, while running a metal rod on its grated surface; the vibration causes the sands to flow like liquid. The finished mandala is approximately 5 feet by 5 feet.
Join the Tibetan monks on a short community walk through campus honoring compassion, mindfulness, and unity through shared presence and quiet reflection.
The monks dismantle the mandala, sweeping up the colored sands to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists. Half of the sand is distributed to the audience as blessings for personal health and healing.
The remaining sand is carried in a procession by the monks, accompanied by guests, to a flowing body of water, where it is ceremonially poured to disperse the healing energies.
The Mandala is a sacred cosmogram used as an object of contemplation. It depicts the pure nature of the world in which we live as well as how we can live most effectively. By creating a sand Mandala we bring the creative energy of that sacred dimension into our lives and attune ourselves to this natural perfection.
Price: $17.50 + tax (adult 12 and up) $9.35 + tax (4-11 years) Free under 3 years
New Visions Series
Features innovative artists and projects whose work redefines, defies, expands and/or creates new genres within our current contemporary context.
Blending Armenian folk traditions with contemporary classical music, jazz, and sacred poetry, The Naghash Ensemble presents a powerful and unforgettable musical experience.
The Lab Studio Series
Features performing artists creating new, original work.
Navajo artist Hataałii performs original songs exploring identity, community, and place while complementing his concurrent visual art exhibition.
Peter and Judy Jackson Chamber Music Series
Providing opportunities for live chamber music concerts to be heard and enjoyed on the Eastern Shore.
The award-winning Trio Bohémo is rapidly emerging as one of today’s most exciting chamber ensembles, earning top international prizes and captivating audiences across Europe, North America, and Australia. Celebrated for their electrifying artistry and expressive depth, their acclaimed debut recording garnered praise from The Guardian and BBC Music Magazine.
This award-winning vocal quartet performs an engaging program spanning Renaissance masterworks to contemporary choral music with exceptional artistry and blend.
Community Spotlight Series
Highlighting the richness of culture present in our local community.
Discover the beauty of Bharatanatyam through an interactive demonstration featuring storytelling, rhythm, expressive movement, and audience participation.
Fulton Feature Fridays
Salisbury University in Downtown Salisbury
Roadie Joe’s • City Center Building, 213 W Main St.
All Ages, Free and Open to the Public, No Tickets Required
This monthly series on select Fridays features music from SU faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.
Witches Brew delivers classic and modern hard rock favorites with high-energy performances spanning generations of legendary artists.
Singer-songwriter Bweelo performs heartfelt folk-inspired songs featuring vivid storytelling and warm, intimate vocals.
Creative Movement Events
Tuesday, September 22, 6:30pm
The Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and Cultural Affairs invite you to learn the basics of salsa and Latin dance in this fun, beginner-friendly class open to all experience levels. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and don’t forget your water bottle. Free and Open to the Public.
Rain Location: Holloway Hall, Great Hall, Jackson Family Auditorium, *Great Hall on October 5
Learn the fundamentals of Qigong through gentle movement, breathwork, and meditation in this four-part series designed to promote balance and well-being.
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