Arts & Cultural Events

In celebration of Earth Week, the Harms Center for the Environment is hosting a series of events, including "The History and Science of Bonsai." The event will feature a presentation by Michael Stern, a seasoned bonsai cultivator with nearly 50 years of experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the Japanese art of bonsai, learning about its history, cultural significance, and the horticultural science behind creating and maintaining miniature trees. The event will also include a showcase of bonsai specimens, offering a close-up look at this centuries-old practice.

The event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided. For more information, please contact Dr. Helen Boylan, Faculty Fellow for Community Engagement, at boylanhm@westminster.edu or 724-946-6293.

Bird lovers and enthusiasts are invited to attend the 2025 BirdTok Community Bird Walk at Westminster College. Led by Westminster students, the event is open to everyone from the campus and local community who wishes to connect with nature, observe local bird species, meet students, and enjoy the company of fellow birdwatchers.

The bird walk is easy and casual and will take place on Friday, April 25, from 11:40 am to 12:40 pm, starting at the dock on Brittain Lake at Westminster College. Participants will be able to explore the beautiful surroundings of the college while learning about the birds that live in the area. Westminster College is home to Wildlife Sanctuary spaces certified by the Bartramian Audubon Society of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.

Bird Walk organizers recommend that attendees wear comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor terrain and bring their own binoculars, as a limited number will be available for borrowing. However, binoculars are not necessary for participation.

Reservations are not required but appreciated here or via email to Dr. Kerri Duerr at duerrkc@westminster.edu. https://forms.gle/bhUyKmfpLViNXgSA8

The BirdTok Community Bird Walk is part of the Harms Center for the Environment celebration of Earth Week. For more information about the Bird Walk, please contact Duerr at duerrkc@westminster.edu or 724-946-7210.

Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth towards a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st century Artemis program, named after the Greek moon Goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in our mission to explore the universe and land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the Moon.

This show is recommended for grades 3+ (ages 8+).

Reserve your seats here!

Amber Cepec presents a senior capstone violin recital featuring works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and John Williams, as well as Scottish fiddling. 

Free and open to the public.

Shawn Redmond presents a recital on various woodwind instruments, accompanied by Dr. Chen-Fang Hsu, piano, and Ryan Shaw, marimba. This recital features works by Britten, Hindemith, Saint-Saens, Maslanka, and others.

Free and open to the public.

Shelby Pocono presents a Senior Capstone Recital, accompanied by Dr. Chen-Fang Hsu, and featuring works by Brahms, Saint-Saens, Copland, and more.

Free and open to the public.

Ceòl na Teud (Scottish traditional music ensemble), Chamber Singers and the Westminster College Jazz Ensemble will perform on Thursday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m., at the New Wilmington Borough Park Amphitheater under the direction of School of Music faculty, Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, Dr. Ryan Keeling, and Mr. JaKobe Henry. The event is free and open to the public.

Ceòl na Teud, Westminster’s Scottish music ensemble, which is made up of fiddles, guitar, mandolin, flute, and bass, will feature lively Scottish dance tunes like “The Wappinschaw,” “Jenny Dang the Weaver,” and “Tam Lin,” alongside jigs and their version of Westminster's Alma Mater – all performed in the traditional Scottish style. The Westminster College Chamber Singers, the College’s premiere choral ensemble, will be presenting Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass for chamber choir and jazz combo featuring piano, drums, and bass. The Westminster College Jazz Ensemble will close out the performance with three tunes from a variety of genres. 

In case of inclement weather, the concert will take place in Berlin Lounge in Westminster College’s McKelvey Campus Center.

Beyond the Quad Art Series is supported by Westminster alumni Bob and Debby Jewell and coordinated by the Center for Professional Development and Community Engagement at Westminster College. Questions can be directed to Dr. Helen Boylan, Faculty Fellow for Community Engagement, at boylahhm@westminster.edu or 724-946-6293.

Celebrity Series presents Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock and Roll, Part 3.

From the birth of rock & roll in the 1940s to the glory years of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and all the way through the 80s MTV era, composer/lyricist Neil Berg pays tribute to the fascinating stories and groundbreaking music of everyone’s favorite genre. With a cast of Broadway headliners and rock & roll icons, this star-studded show pays tribute to five decades of legends from Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley to The Who, Aerosmith, Springsteen, Journey, and more.

This event is sponsored by Giant Eagle and North Memorial Animal Hospital.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit: www.westminster.edu/celebrity