Feb. 7: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park, 305 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg: Officer Rachel Hammer of the Harrisonburg Police Department presents “Protect Yourself: Older Adult Safety”; topics include financial exploitation, identity theft and residence safety; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923; free.

Feb. 7: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture CANCELLED, 7 p.m., Room 1101, Miller Hall: Dr. Walter Greason, an associate professor of history at Ursinus College, presents“Discourse and Narratives: Race, Reform and Civil Rights Activism in New Jersey, 1920-50"; sponsored by the JMU College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

Feb. 7: JMU Faculty-Guest Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Chris Carrillo, trumpet; Larry Taylor, piano; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 7: “Creating Access Through Universal Design” Exhibition Opening, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 208, Roop Hall: Explore the principles of Universal Design, a method for creating environments that are accessible to those with disabilities and are accessible to the largest number of individuals possible, in everyday products and in the physical and learning environments; presented by the Institute for Visual Studies; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/ivs/index.html; free.

Feb. 8: Guest Artist, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Caroline Hong, piano; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 9: Guest Artist, 8 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Pablo Mahave-Veglia, cello; for more information, check the School of Music Hotline at (540) 568- 3481; free.

Feb. 9–11: Senior Dance Concert, 8 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, Earlynn J. Miller Dance Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: JMU’s senior dance majors are on the verge of graduation and entering into their exciting careers as dance artists; come watch them as they showcase their amazing work in this annual concert; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 10: Livingston Taylor, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor is a creative genius with fans worldwide; with Top 40 hits like“I Will Be in Love with You”and“I’ll Come Running”to“I Can Dream of You”and“Boatman,”both recorded by brother Jamaes,“Taylor skillfully sets songs about family, friendship and faith to masterfully executed folk-pop, jazz-pop, bluegrass and country arrangements,”according to Driftwood Magazine; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 11: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Molecularium”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Seven Wonders”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

Feb. 11: Fairfax Wind Symphony in Collaboration with the JMU Wind Symphony, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: The esteemed Fairfax Wind Symphony (Stan Schoonover, director) was formed in 1999 to create an artistic ensemble experience for music teachers and professionals in the D.C. metropolitan area; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 12 and 14: Valentine’s Day Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Enjoy an afternoon or evening ride to celebrate Valentine’s Day; advance registration required; for more information, contact the arboretum at (540) 568-3194 or visit JMU Arboretum.

Feb. 12-14: Valentine’s Day Walk-In Indoor Blooming Plant Sale, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Shop from a selection of blooming potted plants; for information, contact the arboretum at (540) 568-3194 or visit JMU Arboretum.

Feb. 13: JMU Percussion Ensemble, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Come in from the cold and experience JMU’s esteemed Percussion Ensemble in this dazzling winter concert; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 14: Student Assessment/Faculty Assistance. No classes 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; evening classes (those beginning 4 p.m. or later) meet as scheduled.

Feb. 14: JMU Faculty Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Wanchi Huang, violin; Jason Haney, piano; Michele Kirkdorffer, oboe; Carl Donakowski, cello; Luca Trombetta, viola; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb 15: 6th Annual JMU Clarinet Studio Recital, 6:30 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Student soloists and ensembles from the studio of Dr. Janice L. Minor; for more information, check the School of Music Hotline at (540) 568-3481; free.

Feb. 15: JMU Faculty-Guest Recital,8 p.m., Recital Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Lorraine DiSimone, soprano; Ron Ulen, baritone; Gabriel Dobner, piano; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 15: Winter Ferns Terrarium Workshop, noon’1:30 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Create a fern terrarium using a covered two-gallon apothecary jar; Jan Sievers Mahon, arboretum director, leads the workshop along with a lecture and overview about ferns and their environment and how to best take care of your fern terrarium; register online at JMU Arboretum.

Feb. 16: Italian Film Festival, 6:30 p.m., Room 1101, Miller Hall: *“Welcome to the South” by Luca Miniero; sponsored by the JMU Italian Program; in Italian with English subtitles; free.

Feb. 16: The Radiohead Project Featuring the JMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: This exciting concert is devoted entirely to big-band arrangements of music by the seminal English rock group Radiohead; respected arrangers from across the United States and from the Netherlands and Germany have contributed big-band arrangements of Radiohead’s music; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 17: United States Military Academy Woodwind Quintet, 8 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: For more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000; free.

Feb. 17: Shenandoah Valley Regional Studies Seminar, 3:35 p.m., Room 107, Jackson Hall: Olivia Good presents “Paved Over with Good Intentions: The Impact of National Municipal Planning Trends and Perceptions of Ideal Communities on Historic and Modern Urban Renewal Efforts in Harrisonburg, Virginia”; cosponsored by JMU’s history department and Lord Fairfax Community College; free.

Feb. 18: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Tuba Euphonium Quartet, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: For more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000

Feb. 18: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Molecularium”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Seven Wonders”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

Feb. 19: Johannes Brahms:“Ein deutsches Requiem”Op. 45, Featuring the JMU Symphony Orchestra, JMU Chorale and Madison Singers, 2 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Experience the unparalleled magnificence and magic of the Brahms’“Requiem,”indisputably one of the best-known sacred works of the Romantic Era; carefully crafted on selected passages from the vernacular Lutheran Bible,“A German Requiem”premiered in its seven-movement entirety in 1869 in Leipzig, Germany; Brahms, viewing his“Requiem”as a universal offering of consolation, solace and hope to the living, considered renaming it“A Human Requiem"; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 20: Italian Film Festival, 6:30 p.m., Room 1101, Miller Hall: “Mid-August Lunch” by Gianni Di Gregorio; sponsored by the JMU Italian Program; in Italian with English subtitles; free.

Feb. 21: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 660 S. Main St., Harrisonburg: Linell Gray Moss presents “Introduction to Sweeney Todd”; learn more about composer Stephen Sondheim, the genre of musical theater and about this darkly comic musical; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923; free.

Feb. 21: Guest Artist, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Sue Heineman, bassoon; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 21–26:“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," 8 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Sweeney Todd has returned to London after serving a prison sentence for a crime he did not commit; the now revenge–obsessed Todd embarks on a bloody killing spree with the help of Mrs. Lovett, a London pie–maker who has some creative ideas about how to dispose of victims; music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler, from an adaption by Christopher Bond, originally produced on Broadway by Harold Prince, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 23: Faculty Voices of Experience, 5 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: Dr. Ken Bain, vice provost for university learning and teaching and author of “What the Best College Teachers Do,” presents “What the Best College Students Do,” an interactive session focusing on concrete ways that educators can foster deep, meaningful and lifelong learning approaches; sponsored by the JMU Center for Faculty Innovation, Office of the Provost and Student Success; free.

Feb. 24: Public Star Gaze, 7 p.m., Astronomy Park: The JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy invites the public to see Jupiter, Venus, the moon and binary stars; free.

Feb. 24: JMU Brass Band, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: JMU’s premier brass ensemble presents an incredible evening of captivating music; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 25: Taking Astronomy to the Market, 10 a.m.-noon, Harrisonburg Farmers Market: Astronomers from the JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy answer questions about the universe, assist with telescopes and provide other activities to nurture a sense of wonder and awe for the universe; weather permitting; free.

Feb. 25: JMU Wind Symphony, 12:30 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: JMU’s premier wind and percussion ensemble treats audiences to a rousing weekend matinee performance; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Feb. 25: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Molecularium”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Seven Wonders”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

Feb. 27: JMU Student Composition Recital, 6:30 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Students of John Hilliard and Jason Haney; for more information, check the School of Music Hotline at (540) 568-3481; free.

Feb. 28: Bach Aria Group, 6 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: The JMU student ensemble performs under the direction of Kevin McMillan; for more information, check the School of Music Hotline at (540) 568-3481; free.

Feb. 28: Madison Brass, 8 p.m., Recital Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: The JMU faculty ensemble features Chris Carrillo, trumpet; Andrew Lankford, trombone; Ian Zook, horn; Kevin Stees, tuba; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

March 1: JMU Symphonic Band, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: The JMU Symphonic Band performs an exciting array of band repertoire; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

March 3: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Legends of the Night Sky: Orion”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Wonders of the Universe”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

March 5–9: Spring Break. Classes do not meet.

March 6: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park, 305 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg: Ed Comer, a retired pediatrician and Master Gardener discusses the Virginia Master Gardener Program, how it was developed and what’s involved in the program’s training; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923; free.

March 10: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Legends of the Night Sky: Orion”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Wonders of the Universe”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

March 11: Residence halls open.

March 12: Classes resume.

March 13: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: With the power of gospel and the precision of Broadway, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the undisputed king of mbube, South African a cappella singing; perhaps best known for their collaboration with artists Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Sarah McLachlan, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a Grammy Award-winning musical force unlike any other; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

March 14: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 5:30 p.m., Room 2301, Health and Human Services Building: Clayborne Carson, The Ronnie Lott Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, presents “Martin Luther King Jr. and the Global Freedom Movement”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

March 15: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 5:30 p.m., Montpelier Room, East Campus Dining Hall: Charles Hopkins, United Nations University Chair at York University and advisor to UNESCO, presents “Education for Sustainable Development: Over Halfway through the Decade of ESD and a Long Way from Sustainability”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

March 15: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 7 p.m., Room 1261, Harrison Hall: Martin Carcasson, associate professor and director of the Colorado State University Center for Public Deliberation, presents “Tackling Wicked Problems in Communities: How Universities and Students Can Use Passionate Impartiality in the Art of Deliberative Inquiry”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

March 15: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Christopher Azzara, professor and chair of music education, Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, presents “Improvisation: Inspiration and Meaning for Teaching and Learning”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

March 16: James Madison Day.

March 16: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Trip, 7 a.m.-5:45 p.m., bus departs from Blue Ridge Hall: Tour the Library of Congress and the Woodrow Wilson House; for more information, including costs, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923.

March 17: St. Patrick's Day Live Highland Pipes Performance, 5 p.m., Lawn, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: A JMU student violinist perform Celtic fiddle music prior to a performance by pipe Fred Holbrook of Massanetta Springs Conference Center; for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Lecture, 6:15 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Enjoy Irish cuisine and brew and a virtual botanical tour to a new region of the globe; advanced reservations required seven days in advance; to reserve, call (540) 568-3194.

March 17: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Legends of the Night Sky: Orion”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Wonders of the Universe”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

March 18: Marimba Orchestra and Friends, 2 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: The Marimba Orchestra and Friends returns this year with a vibrant new program; Ragtime Marimba Band performs two“old-time”favorites with exciting guest artists; this extraordinary event also features David Long’s“Spirits”for piano and percussion orchestra, a fantastic work incorporating audio and visual effects in two movements,“Succubus”and“Poltergeist"; the concert concludes with a wonderful medley of tunes made famous by Chuck Mangione featuring the Madison Brass; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

March 20: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park, 305 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg: Charles Welsh presents his book, “Treasures from the Attic,” which chronicles his father's 19-month Navy career during World War II as told by nearly 500 letters that he wrote home; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923; free.

March 20: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 7 p.m., Room 1101, Miller Hall: Brian Schrag, executive director, Association for Practical and Professional Ethics and senior scholar, Indiana University, presents “The Penn State Scandal: Why Ethics Should Be the Core of University Education”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

March 24: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Legends of the Night Sky: Orion”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Wonders of the Universe”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

March 26: Italian Film Festival, 6:30 p.m., Room 1101, Miller Hall: “Loose Cannons” by Ferzan Ozpetek; sponsored by the JMU Italian Program; in Italian with English subtitles; free.

March 26: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 6 p.m., Room 1302, Health and Human Services Building: Douglas Riecken, associate director and research faculty at the Center for Computational Learning Systems, Columbia University, presents “Finding Beethoven: Thinking ‘Machines’ Biological or Silicon”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

March 27: JMU Brass Band, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: JMU’s premier brass ensemble presents an incredible evening of captivating music; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

March 28: Birding Workshop, noon-1:30 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Diane Lepkowski, avifauna notable and photographer of Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley avian species, in partnership with the Rockingham Bird Club, presents; for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

March 29: Italian Film Festival, 6:30 p.m., Room 1101, Miller Hall: “The right distance” by Carlo Mazzacurati; sponsored by the JMU Italian Program; in Italian with English subtitles; free.

March 29–April 1: Contemporary Dance Ensemble, 8 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: This annual concert features the premiere of a work by JMU faculty member Cynthia Thompson, plus choreography from guest artist Robin Harris and JMU alumnus Henry Hill and a student-choreographer selection chosen by audition; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

Mar. 30: Public Star Gaze, 7 p.m., Astronomy Park: The JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy invites the public to see Jupiter, Venus, the moon and binary stars; free.

March 30: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 8 p.m., Highlands Room, Festival Conference and Student Center: S. Max Edelson, associate professor of history, University of Virginia, presents “Defining Virginia: How Geographic Expectations Shaped the Indian Boundary, 1763-1784”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

March 30: Sing Out! A New A cappella Celebration, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: A cappella has reached new heights in popularity among audiences of all ages; JMU’s sensational a cappella groups come together to share their amazing talents on the Concert Hall for one night only; bring the entire family to experience the first Forbes Center Sing Out, which also features a local high-school a cappella group; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

March 31: Taking Astronomy to the Market, 10 a.m.-noon, Harrisonburg Farmers Market: Astronomers from the JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy answer questions about the universe, assist with telescopes and provide other activities to nurture a sense of wonder and awe for the universe; weather permitting; free.

March 31: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Legends of the Night Sky: Orion”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Wonders of the Universe”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

March 31: Richmond Youth Symphony, 7 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Richmond Youth Symphony is dedicated to achieving excellence in both contemporary and traditional symphonic repertoire; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 2: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 7 p.m., Room 1261, Harrison Hall: Leslie Hannah, director of Cherokee language education and Cherokee Studies Programs, Northeastern State University, presents “An Evening with Dayugitsv: Thoughts on Teaching, Stories and Religion”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

April 3: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park, 305 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg: Dr. Kate Stevens, director of JMU’s Madison Art Collection, discusses how she is using the virtual world “Second Life” in her classes as well as within the JMU community; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923; free.

April 4 and 11: Daffodil Walks, 10 a.m., Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Arboretum Director Jan Sievers Mahon leads the walks, which focus on the more than 200 varieties in the arboretum; for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; free.

April 5: JMU Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Two of JMU’s leading bands entertain audiences in this wonderful concert; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 5–6: Communication in the 21st Century: Intercultural Connections and Considerations, various times and locations on campus: The JMU School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication welcomes proposals from graduate students in any discipline for a two-day symposium exploring all facets of communication; features keynote speaker Dr. Kirk St. Amant, associate professor of technical and professional communication at East Carolina University and faculty member with ECU’s Master’s of Arts in International Studies program; for more information about the symposium, visit http://www.communicationsymposium.org

April 7: Easter Egg Hunt, 11 a.m., Pavilion, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Members of the Theta Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta organize the egg hunt for young children, preregistration required; to register, call (631) 284-0517; for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; $2 per child.

April 7: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Molecularium”) and 3:30 p.m. (“IBEX”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

April 8: Easter Sunrise Service, 6 a.m., Amphitheater, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: JMU RISE sponsors the annual interfaith Easter Sunrise Service; free.

April 9: Visiting Scholars Program Lecture, 5 p.m., Room 1302, Health and Human Services Building: Marilyn Vihman, professor of language and linguistic science at the University of York, presents “Babble and Words: The Origins of Language in the Child and in the Species”; sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters; for information, call (540) 568-6472; free.

April 9: An Evening with Bobby McFerrin, with the JMU Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: A 10–time Grammy Award winner with a four-octave range, Bobby McFerrin is one of the world’s best-known vocal innovators and improvisers, a renowned classical conductor and the creator of the immensely popular song,“Don’t Worry Be Happy"; his recordings have sold more than 20 million copies and his collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Chick Corea, the Vienna Philharmonic and Herbie Hancock have helped to establish him as an ambassador of classical and jazz music; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 14: Guided Bird Walk, 8 a.m., Pavilion, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Led by birding expert Greg Moyers, in partnership with the Rockingham Bird Club; for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; free.

April 14: A Latte Jive, Alzheimer's Benefit 5K Run and Concert, 1-3 p.m., Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Sigma Kappa sponsors an annual 5K benefit for the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the American Alzheimer’s Association on the arboretum grounds, “A Walk to Remember!” with live bands performing at the 5K conclusion; for more information, visit http://www.kappasigmajmu.org or http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

April 14: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Molecularium”) and 3:30 p.m. (“IBEX”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

April 14: Gay Men’s Chorus “Together Again,” 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Two esteemed vocal ensembles from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., share the stage for an evening of pop, Broadway, jazz, country and classical singing to benefit the Valley AIDS Network, which is affiliated with the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services at JMU; Potomac Fever, a 13–voice a cappella pop ensemble, performs, followed by Rock Creek Singers, a chamber ensemble of 24; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 16: JMU Percussion Ensemble, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Join JMU’s esteemed Percussion Ensemble in their year-end concert; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUartsor call (540) 568-7000.

April 17: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Discover how living and non-living organisms coexist and thrive in the forest ecology of the arboretum; learn to identify a variety of native plants and trees and explore how the Native Americans of Virginia used these plants for food, tools and medicine; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923; free.

April 18–21: Spring Student Dance Concert, 8 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday, Earlynn J. Miller Dance Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Don’t miss this exciting presentation featuring talented young dancers and choreographers from JMU’s dance program; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 20: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Trip, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., bus departs from Blue Ridge Hall: Visit Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier; for more information, including costs, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923.

April 20: Madison Singers and JMU Chorale, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: JMU’s premier vocal ensembles dazzle audiences in this spring concert; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 20: Shenandoah Valley Regional Studies Seminar, 3:35 p.m., Room 107, Jackson Hall: Derick Stackpole presents “From the American Civil War to the First World War: A Comparative Study of Trench Warfare at the Battle of Petersburg and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive”; cosponsored by JMU’s history department and Lord Fairfax Community College; free.

April 20-21: Arbor Day Trees and Native Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, parking lot, Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: The arboretum offers a wide selection of wildflowers, contrasting foliage plants like native ferns, with unusual shrubs and trees; receive 15 percent off tree purchases with a school ID; for information and a list of plants offered at the sale, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

April 21: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Molecularium”) and 3:30 p.m. (“IBEX”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

April 21-28: Virginia Historic Garden Week, Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Arboretum grounds are open to the public from dawn to dusk; tours led by Arboretum Director Jan Sievers Mahon focus on the arboretum’s bulb collection, wildflowers and flowering shrubs and trees; for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; free.

April 22: JMU Symphony Honors Concert, 2 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Experience the excitement of the JMU Symphony Spring Honors Concert as the JMU Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Robert McCashin, accompanies the winners of the prestigious School of Music Concerto Competition; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 23: Earth Day Wildflower Walk, 10 a.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: For information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; free.

April 24–29: “The Servant of Two Masters,” 8 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Mainstage Theatre, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Chaos reigns as the wily (and always hungry) servant Truffaldino tries to keep two masters happy while keeping them blissfully unaware of each other; written in the style of commedia dell’arte, Carlos Goldoni’s classic – with its plot twists, mistaken identities, unrequited love and wildly irreverent comedy – has been making audiences laugh for more than 250 years; part of the JMU Masterpiece Season; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 25: Historic Garden Week Tour, 1 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: For information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; free.

April 25: JMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band, 8 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Celebrate spring with this concert featuring two of JMU’s finest jazz groups; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 27: Virginia Native Trees Tour, 1 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: For information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; free.

April 27: Arbor Day Trees Tour, 2 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: For information, check http://www.jmu.edu/arboretum; free.

April 27: Public Star Gaze, 8 p.m., Astronomy Park: The JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy invites the public to see Venus, the moon, Mars, Saturn and binary stars; free.

April 28: Taking Astronomy to the Market, 10 a.m.-noon, Harrisonburg Farmers Market: Astronomers from the JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy answer questions about the universe, assist with telescopes and provide other activities to nurture a sense of wonder and awe for the universe; weather permitting; free.

April 28: Third Annual Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice Butterfly Picnic, noon-3 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Grieving families and individuals may bring a brown-bag picnic and share in the beauty of a butterfly release, a walk to remember and live music; for information, contact RMH Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Andree Jeannotte at (540) 433-4430 or email andree.jeannotte.7133@rhcc.com.

April 28: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Molecularium”) and 3:30 p.m. (“IBEX”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

April 29: JMU Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, 2 p.m., Concert Hall, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts: Don’t miss this extraordinary year-end weekend matinee concert featuring two of JMU’s leading bands; for tickets, visit http://www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call (540) 568-7000.

April 30–May 4: Final examinations.

May 1: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park, 305 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg: Sandy Greene, membership chairperson for the Headwaters Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program, presents an overview of the program, upcoming training opportunity and a field guide to local natural resource agencies; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923; free.

May 4: Graduate Commencement.

May 5: Undergraduate Commencement.

May 5: John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 p.m. (“Legends of the Night Sky: Orion”) and 3:30 p.m. (“Universe”) Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25-minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, including program descriptions, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml; free.

May 15: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Bluestone Vineyard, south of Bridgewater: Bluestone Vineyard President Curt Hartman speaks at the state-of-the-art winery on the subject of raising grapes and turning them into wonderful wines; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, including costs, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923.

May 28: Memorial Day. University closed.

May 29: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Brown-Bag Lunch Series, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gilkerson Activity Center, Westover Park, 305 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg: Mary Kay Adams, executive director and principal flutist of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival 2012, slated for June 10-17, shares information about featured artists, repertoire, the commissioned work and events; the institute offers diverse and interesting noncredit classes, trips, social events and brown-bag learning lunches for adults; there are no exams or grades in the courses, just a sharing with others in the interest of learning; for more information, including costs, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923.

June 22: JMU Lifelong Learning Institute Trip, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m., bus departs from Blue Ridge Hall: Visit the Virginia Museum of Natural History and King’s Grant Retirement Community; for more information, including costs, visit http://www.jmu.edu/socwork/lli or call (540) 568-2923.

July 4: Independence Day. University closed.

Oct. 5-7: Family Weekend, for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/parents/Family_Weekend.shtml.

Oct. 26-28: Homecoming

Nov. 21–23: Thanksgiving Holiday. University closed.

Dec. 21: University closes at noon.

Dec. 24–31: Winter Holiday. University closed.

Through March 2: Skyline Museum Exhibit, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, Festival Conference and Student Center: “Mentor to an Icon: A Charles Lisanby and Andy Warhol Exhibition”; Lisanby, the winner of three Emmys during his nearly 50-year career as a scenic designer, became the first and only production designer inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in January 2010; he enjoyed a close friendship with Warhol and each artist influenced the other’s work; Jan. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m., exhibition curators Josh Smead and John Kimbriel talk about their work with the Charles Lisanby Collection; for information, check http://www.jmu.edu/madisonart/skyline.shtml ; free.

Through March 2: New Image Gallery Exhibition, noon-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 131 Grace St.: Nancy Daly presents “Some Recent Activities”; free.

Prism Gallery, open during normal building hours, Lower Level, Festival Conference and Student Center: The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting works dealing with diversity; free.

Skyline Museum, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday (closed Nov. 14, Nov. 21–25 and Dec. 19–Jan. 20), Lower Level, Festival Conference and Student Center: The museum houses rotating exhibits drawn from the Madison Art Collection; free.

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, open daily dawn to dusk, off University Boulevard: Contains a wide variety of trees and plants native to Virginia; call 568-3194 for tours; free.

JMU Meteorite Collection, open daily, first and second-floor hallways, Physics and Chemistry Building: Features fragments of meteoroids that survived passage through the atmosphere to fall to the earth’s surface as masses of metal or stone; includes specimens from Diablo Canyon, Ariz., the Sahara Desert and the Central European Strewn Field; free.

JMU Mineral Museum, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday, Room 6139, Memorial Hall: The Department of Geology and Environmental Science opens its collection of over 550 crystals and gemstones from around the world to the public; for information, call 568-6130; free.

5th Annual Area Youth Art Exhibition, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Memorial Hall first-floor hallway: Over 100 works of two- and three-dimensional art created by students from area schools fill the first-floor hallways in Memorial Hall; area art teachers select some of their students’ best work for this open exhibition, which includes a wide range of media, including paintings, drawings, collage, sculpture, photography and mixed media; sponsored by JMU’s College of Education; free.

The Madison Art Collection, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, Room 1000, Festival Conference and Student Center: The collection consists of over 3,000 objects from cultures from all over the world, from the Neolithic period through the 20th century; all of the objects have been given to JMU by community members and university faculty; for information, call (540) 568-6934; free. 

Spring and Fall Outdoor Concert Series, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Amphitheater: Watch arboretum Web site, www.jmu.edu/arboretum for time and dates.

JMU Libraries and Educational Technologies’ Special Collections, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and by appointment, Room 207, Carrier Library: Features manuscripts, rare books and periodicals, oral histories and other resources for study, including many acquisitions focusing on the Central Shenandoah Valley; for information, call (540) 568-3612 or send email to library-special@jmu.edu; free.

John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, Miller Hall: The planetarium offers shows for the public, with seating beginning 10 minutes before show time on a first come, first seated basis; each show is followed by a 25–minute “star talk” that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; for more information, check http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/index.shtml, free.

Last updated: 02/06/12