Mass Ensemble has been fusing music with technology, sculpture, dance and aerial performance for over a decade to create futuristic performing arts concerts. The group whose performance Critical Mass is based Einstein’s theories will be stringing a giant playable earth harp from the roof of the Fine Arts Center building to the plaza. We have planned many exciting events to coincide with the five-day Mass Ensemble residency. Come help us celebrate the installation of the earth harp, the joy of physics, and the Fine Arts Center’s 30th anniversary with a fun day for the entire family. Bring the family, bring a lawn chair and bring your Einstein impersonation.

Community Day Sunday, April 30 11am – 3pm UMass Fine Arts Center Plaza and Student Union Gallery

Happenings on the Plaza

Stringing of Giant Earth Harp Watch as members of Mass Ensemble install a giant earth harp from the roof line of the FAC building to the plaza. When completed, come and pluck a few strings.

UMass Jugglers Herrel’s Magic Ice Cream Bus Picnic Food Travel Cosmos pathway and learn about our solar system. Einstein look-alike contest for children and adults Music, Physics-based Dance Hands-on science activities And more!

Sound/Yoga Workshop Monday, May 1 Experience the healing practice of Asana yoga with the giant earth harp providing the music. Led by Mass Ensemble artist and Los Angeles yoga teacher Andrea Brook. Outside on the plaza (Lobby if rain) at 4pm Call 413-545-3671 for info

Mass Ensemble in Critical Mass World Premiere Thursday, May 4 Concert Hall at 7:30PM $30, $25, $15; Youth 17 and Under: $10; Five College Students: $15, $10, $7 Mass Ensemble will string the chamber of the Fine Arts center Concert Hall putting the audience inside the instrument providing an amazing and interactive experience. Critical Mass is high concept, high impact entertainment that fuses the concepts of science with MASS Ensemble’s power to create emotion through performances that stir the soul. Concert Hall at 7:30pm Culture Vulture Club post-performance party – call 413-545-3671 for details

“Looks like sculpture, sounds like Zappa, kicks like Jackie Chan.” - Alaska Design Forum

E=FAC˛ is presented in collaboration with the UMass Physics Department and Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life. Sponsored by MassMutual Financial Group, Bank of America, the Valley Advocate, 93.9 The River, the UMass Alumni Association and the Campus Center Hotel.

Free parking

Call 413-545-3671 formore info or visit: www.fineartscenter.com/criticalmass

Artist Eileen Claveloux and Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker interviewed women in Springfield, Massachusetts and invited them to participate in this project which involved having their bodies being photographed up close with a focus on their stretch marks. With this single bold move, the women in Marked for Life begin to stretch the parameters of the definition of beauty for all women.

The fourth Intersection conference will bridge cultural generations by bringing together a diverse and intergenerational group of artists, scholars, and activists. Participants will take part in panels, plenary sessions, roundtables, artist workshops and attend featured showcases and performances. Intersection IV: Re/Generations will provide multiple ways to celebrate and contemplate creativity and scholarship, community activism and professional art-making. The Conference begins with an all-day Youth Convergence for youth and youth-workers, hosted by NWT's Project 2050.

Public events associated with the conference:

Friday, April 7 Project 2050 On The Frontlines: Sex, War & Lies

Saturday, April 8 PREMIERE! Junebug Productions Inc. Trying to Find My Way Back Home with William O'Neal

Sunday, April 9 Keynote Address by Palestinian-American poet SUHEIR HAMMAD, 1:30 pm, Mahar Auditorium. FREE EVENT. Co-sponsored with the Distinguished Visitor's Program.

Continuity and MOVEment: A Future Aesthetics Showcase featuring Baba and Steve Ben Israel, Mango Tribe, Olive Dance Theatre with Paula Larke and more.

Visit the Intersection website at http://www.umass.edu/fac/nwt/Intersection-Conference.htm