S.S.K Art Preview

Every April, Stony Brook University hosts the Shirley Strum Kenny Student Arts Festival. Named after a former university president, the festival provides a chance for the Stony Brook community to experience the talents of students. The events range from art shows and open mic nights to Iron Chef competitions and the Black Womyn’s Weekend Play. This year, the festival kicks off on April 11 with a street fair during Campus Lifetime on the Academic Mall. Over 100 events are listed on the SSK Arts Festival website, http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/artsfest/calendar.shtml, including some at the Southhampton Campus. To save you some trouble, here are a couple of must-see events that’ll be going on this month.

Stony Brook Idol Finale: April 11, Campus Lifetime, Staller Steps

It’s like American Idol, but Stony Brook style. Students have already been auditioning, and on April 11, we’ll have a chance to hear some of Stony Brook’s most beautiful voices. It’ll be going on at the same time as the Street Fair, but since they’re in the same area, there will be time to experience both events.

Stony Brooklyn: Crystal Stilts & Slothbear: April 12, 8p.m., University Cafe

Stony Brooklyn is a concert series put together by the Graduate Student Organization for the 21+ crowd. But don’t fret younglings! If you’re dying to hear Crystal Stilts or Slothbear, you’re in luck; the show will be broadcast on WUSB 90.1FM. If you want to learn more about Stony Brooklyn, check out http://www.stonybrooklyn.com.

Earthstock: April 16-20

Earthstock is Stony Brook’s way of celebrating Earth Day. It’s a chance for students and community members alike to learn ways to lead more sustainable lives. On Friday, April 20, Earthstock culminates with a festival in the Academic Mall, complete with performances, an Eco-Hunt and the annual Rubber Duck Races. For more information on events that week, visit http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/earthstock/.

Dancing with the SBU Stars: April 18, 1p.m., Staller Steps

Instead of turning to ABC, students can sit on Staller Steps and watch members of the Ballroom Dance Team, along with faculty and staff, dance. This isn’t listed on the SSK Arts Fest website, but it’s a fun opportunity to see how well your English professor can Cha-Cha.

Battle of the Bands: April 26, 8p.m.-11p.m., TCACH

Ever heard of Mother F’Nature? They won Battle of the Bands back in 2008. Four years later the competition is still going strong. Bands that need to be composed of at least two Stony Brook students have already submitted their demo CDs for the annual contest. Selected bands will perform over the river and through the woods in the Tabler Center.

Roth Regatta: April 27, 1PM, Roth Pond

It’s an entertaining tradition that started in 1989, according to the University’s website. Who doesn’t want a chance to see their friends get into Roth Pond in a cardboard boat?!

There are still tons of other events to check out, like banquets, karaoke, fashion shows, lectures, receptions, the Latin Block Party, China Night, the SBU-TV Film Festival and more. There’s something for everyone in this year’s SSKArts Festival.