The Official News Source of Florida State University
Florida State University on Monday announced Jennifer Wright Allen as its new director of Opening Nights following an extensive national search. She will start June 6. Wright Allen comes to FSU from the Angelina Arts Alliance in Lufkin, Texas, where she has served as executive director since 2016. “FSU’s Opening Nights has a storied history […]
R. Frank Nims Middle School Principal Benny L. Bolden, Jr. is the recipient of the 2022 Opening Nights at Florida State University Arts Advocate Award, presented by VyStar Credit Union. Bolden, a Florida A&M graduate and an adjunct professor in the FSU College of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, was selected for the implementation of a robust, […]
A Walmart grant gave 100 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB) the opportunity to attend a recent PRISM concert featuring the Florida State University College of Music and the FSU Marching Chiefs. Prior to the performance, presented by FSU’s Opening Nights, BGCBB members participated in a hands-on educational program […]
Michael Blachly, director of Opening Nights at Florida State University, will retire on March 17, 2022, after more than 50 years of spearheading performing arts programs throughout the country. During his four years leading the university’s professional performing arts program, Blachly expanded the number of performances offered each season and enhanced the educational programming provided to students at all levels. […]
Opening Nights at Florida State will be presenting 29 live performances this fall, bringing a full season of world-class talent back to campus. “We are thrilled to be back on FSU’s campus and at full capacity in our venues,” said Michael Blachly, director of Opening Nights. “Patrons will see a mix of new and familiar artists that will also participate in Opening Nights in Class, an in-person […]
More than 30 members of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend got a behind-the-scenes tour of unique facilities at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering as part of a partnership between Prime Meridian Bank, FSU’s Opening Nights and the college. The middle and high school students toured a polysonic wind tunnel and robotics labs at the college’s […]
Opening Nights at Florida State University has selected Sally Ash, a visual arts teacher at Woodville School, as its 2021 Arts Advocate Award recipient. This award recognizes a professional educator who demonstrates exemplary work with the arts by leveraging local arts resources. “Ms. Ash is most deserving of the 2021 Arts Advocate Award,” said Michael Blachly, director of Opening […]
Opening Nights at Florida State University will present Disney Princess – The Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall as part of its 2021-2022 Season. The magical evening stars Tony®-nominee Susan Egan (“Belle” from Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast, “Meg” from the animated feature film Hercules), two-time Tony-nominee Laura Osnes […]
Opening Nights at Florida State University will present Michael Rosato, the 2021 Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15, at The Moon. The event will be held in person and virtually. Rosato will discuss the transformative power of public art and how murals and the arts are incredibly powerful […]
A grant from the Walmart Foundation is enabling 100 members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend to attend the PRISM show, part of Opening Nights at Florida State University, at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11. The Boys & Girls Club members will also be provided lunch and enjoy an educational program prior to […]
A global pandemic has not hampered Opening Nights at Florida State University’s ability to provide students impactful educational programs. The university-based performing arts presenter adjusted by offering its Opening Nights in Class programming virtually rather than in person. “The pandemic has required us to make adjustments to our in-class educational offerings,” said Michael Blachly, Opening […]
