University Programs Council hosts annual events, Wahoo Welcome and Springfest, featuring artists, comedians, student bands and more to celebrate the beginning and end of the academic year. Past performers have included acts such as Peach Pit and Sean Kingston, to more recent names such as Quavo and Andrew Dismukes, all bringing energy and entertainment to Grounds. This week, we look back at some of the entertainers who have had the pleasure to take the stage and connect with students over the years through artistry.
1950s
March 20, 1959
“Jazz Group Plays Here Tomorrow”
By unlisted author
Prolific jazz musicians Woody Herman and Chris Barber, also known as “the Louis Armstrong of Europe,” set out to perform exhilarating renditions of their hits on Grounds at Cabell Hall. Students were encouraged to participate by attending the concert, with ticket prices being at a staggering $1.75, to see these amazing artists.
1960s
May 6, 1964
“Balch Series Features Two Poets”
By unlisted author
Photos by unlisted photographer
Fred Chappell and David Slavitt, two young poets, read their work in the McGregor Room in Alderman Library. This was the first in a series of introductions of young writers to the University community, inspiring creativity and perseverance as Chappell and Slavitt provided opposing views of life as a young poet.
1970s
Oct. 13, 1976
“Openings ‘76 brings disco music”
By Scott Milburn
Photos by unlisted photographer
Traveling all the way from Scotland, this new band brings the groove to the University. Average White Band, a group who specializes in disco and R&B music performs for students at the now demolished University Hall. Most known for their hit “Pick Up The Pieces” and “If I Ever Lost This Heaven,” a cover produced by the great Quincy Jones, students could expect this collective to take the University to Funkytown.
1980s
April 27, 1981
“‘Big man’ of poetry is ‘stuck’ with his craft”
By Elizabeth Armstrong
Photos by Michael V. Carlisle
Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Penn Warren shared his acclaimed poetry work to an overflowing audience in Gilmer Hall Auditorium. Warren shared his literary journey, discussing his writing of the South because “it is, after all, what he knows best.” Warren experienced various life and occupational changes, choosing to write because he was stuck with it and could always create a fictional world.
1990s
March 2, 1990
“Jordan to belt out blues”
By Mike Long
Photos by Muse Records
Bringing the blues and soul to Old Cabell is powerful singer Sheila Jordan. Originally from Detroit, Mich., Jordan details her love for music, jazz and blues in particular, what inspired her to sing as a career and feeling like an outsider in the Detroit jazz scene. Jordan, along with her co-performer Harvie Swartz, held a free workshop for aspiring vocalists and musicians before the concert.
2000s
April 23, 2001
“Dave Matthews Band performs for students”
By Megan Milks
Photos by Brady Wolfe
The first use of Scott Stadium as a concert venue, over 50,000 fans attended the Dave Matthews Band concert in 2001. Bringing out special guests Neil Young and Crazy Horse, along with playing their biggest hits, the Dave Matthews Band redefined concert life at the University and forced University departments to question the future of concerts in Scott Stadium. With varied reviews, the concert remains a staple moment in the University’s music history.
Read More
Honor Committee and UJC implicit bias training discontinued, according to compliance report
By Isabela Delgado | Yesterday“The Honor Committee and the University Judiciary Committee no longer organize or offer implicit bias training for their members that include impermissible content regarding race or other protected characteristics,” the report stated.
U.Va. ends Student Affairs’ role in affinity initiatives and identity-based ceremonies
By Brendon Bordwine | YesterdayThe University’s March 31 civil rights compliance report to the Department of Justice detailed a new set of changes within the Division of Student Affairs, including the discontinuation of funding for and administration of several affinity-based student initiatives and graduation-related ceremonies.
U.Va. ROTC programs continue to prepare students for military service and leadership
By Margaret Nichols | 2 days agoOn Grounds, Naval ROTC was established in 1940, making the University the 10th in the nation to have the program.
