Just like everyone else on our GS campuses, the Performing Arts Center has been greatly affected by COVID-19. The virus has certainly changed nearly every aspect of life for the PAC, but they seem to be bouncing back. They’re ready to reopen and present some new and exciting events for students. It has certainly been a long road, but there’s a lot of hope and enthusiasm for the future as well as being tempered with caution for the recent resurgence of cases.

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs,” said PAC Director Stacy McDaniel.

The new theme will be “Come Together” as a message of attempting to bring people back together and having a lot of fun, while being safe and conforming to GS recommendations for COVID safety.

“We want people to feel comfortable coming together in a shared space,” said McDaniel. ”We are anxious, but optimistic.” She also went on to say that enjoying a live performance will make the experience more special.

The PAC will have its first professional performance at 3 p.m. on Oct. 23, which will be the first performance the center has put on since March of 2020. The PAC will have music department performances and there will be a brochure mailed out to subscribers and patrons.

The first performance will be “Forever Motown” which will feature an incredible cast of Motown royalty backed by a live band of musicians and performing beloved songs from the greatest groups and artists such as the Temptations, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

Other exciting upcoming events include Jersey Boys which is based on the Tony and Grammy-Award winning true-life musical of the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This event will take place on January 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

The Celtic Angels Ireland will be performing on March 1, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. It’s a joyous celebration of everything Irish as performers honor their Irish heritage. Vocalists on stage will be accompanied by the Celtic Knight Dancers and the Trinity Band Ensemble of Dublin. In addition to the vocals and dancers, there will also be authentic Irish instruments.

Here Comes the Sun: The Music of the Beatles will be performed on March 24, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. It’ll be a dynamic tribute to all of their biggest hits. The show promises to recreate the period of music the Beatles made famous with six players switching between the instruments.

Ballet Folklorico: Cinco de Mayo Celebration will take place on April 30, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. The event which was founded in 2011 has cemented itself as the nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company. The performers will be performing both traditional and contemporary dances and they will be accompanied by the live Grammy-award winning musicians Marachi Garibaldi. Ballet Folklorico promises to deliver elegant movements and elaborate, beautiful costume designs.

In addition to these exciting performances, the PAC will also have a bonus by rescheduling The Drifters, Coasters, Platters: Holiday Hop which will take place at 3:00 p.m. They are three legendary Motown groups which will be a combination of their hits as well as traditional holiday music.

How excited are you for this incredible calendar of events?