Missouri Western State University ushers in the holidays with the fourth annual “Lights and Tights: A Musical Renaissance Feast” on Thursday, November 15 at the Fulkerson Center. A social hour with a cash bar will begin at 6 p.m., and the dinner begins at 7 p.m. This year’s benefit will support the Renaissance Singers, a select choral ensemble that learns the literature and performance practices of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person.

“This is a unique way to get into the holiday spirit,” said Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, one of the organizers of the event. “Each year the growing audience agrees, it is terrific fun and great music, plus it is a benefit that supports our music students and faculty.”

Fulkerson transforms into a castle dining hall for the event. Renaissance costumes are optional, but each year, more people attend in clothing appropriate for the historical period.

Reservations for the dinner are needed by Monday, Nov. 12. You can register online by visiting www.missouriwestern.edu/foundation and clicking on “Event Registration.” You can also call 816-271-5647 for reservations or additional information.

Performers include:

Renaissance Singers, directed by Dr. Roger Hale, assistant professor

  • Toni Britt, freshman elementary education major of Shawnee, Kan.
  • Daniel Brooks, junior vocal music education major of Kearney, Mo.
  • Kaitlyn Christian, sophomore music education major of St. Joseph
  • Brittany Clary, junior music education major of Troy, Kan.
  • Marissa Cockram, junior electrical engineering major of DeKalb, Mo.
  • Ian Fast, senior music major of Quincy, Ill.
  • Jared Green, sophomore vocal music education major of Odessa, Mo.
  • Ella Lembke, freshman psychology major of St. Joseph
  • Jacob Mills, sophomore music major of Marshall, Mo.
  • Josh Nwanguzo, freshman criminal justice major of Kansas City, Mo.
  • Lauren Robbins, junior nursing major of St. Joseph
  • Mark Stone, senior music technology major of Grandview, Mo.
  • Steven Talbot, freshman criminal justice major of Liberty, Mo.
  • Matthew Ulmer, freshman vocal music education major of Underwood, Iowa
  • Sarah Waters, senior vocal performance and English major of St. Joseph
  • Samuel Wold, senior mathematics and economics major of Cameron, Mo.
  • Ashley Wood, senior theatre and video major of Cosby, Mo.

Guitar ensemble directed by Anthony Glise, adjunct music faculty

  • Reagan Barnett, sophomore music technology major of Holt, Mo.
  • Cody Benowitz, sophomore music technology major of Elmer, Mo.
  • Todd Long, senior psychology major of St. Joseph
  • Thomas Mayfield, senior music major of St. Joseph
  • Teriq Newton, sophomore music business major of St. Joseph

The entertainment will also include Renaissance music played on recorder, lute, flute and harpsichord as well as authentic Renaissance dance.

Jason Horn ‘95, incoming vice-chair of the Missouri Western State University Foundation Board and his wife Tara ’97 will be the honorary king and queen of the court.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.