Hiplet Ballerinas

Hiplet Ballerinas delivered a private performance for more than 1,200 Leon County School students in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall the morning of the company’s public performance. With the perfect blend of classical dance and modern music and movement, students were able to appreciate the art of ballet while being surrounded by familiar sounds and songs […]

Matt Dusk

Matt Dusk visited Florida A&M University’s campus to offer a music industry lecture to students studying in the Institute of Music Research and Music Industries Studies Department. Matt discussed how he is creating his future in music while also providing real-life insight to others who are working towards achieving successful and meaningful careers in the […]

September 2019

Director’s Column ON Director Michael Blachly It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the start of the 2019-20 Opening Nights Season, which is dedicated to President Emeritus Sandy D’Alemberte in memory and recognition of his leadership in establishing what was originally known as “Tallahassee: Seven Days of Opening Nights.” I would like to introduce two […]

Arts integration aims to ‘make learning come alive’

Leading the workshop was Emily Smith, a national teaching artist from Focus 5, Inc., an organization offering arts integration training and consulting. (Photo: Amanda Thompson) When the final bell rings on the last day of school, students and teachers alike are ready for a break. For most kids, that means snow cones and bathing suits. For […]

AT&T donates $10,000 to Opening Nights at Florida State University for cultural arts programming in high schools

AT&T is donating $10,000 to Opening Nights at Florida State University to help provide enhanced cultural arts programming for Leon County high school students. With AT&T’s support, Opening Nights is bringing artists from two different continents to Tallahassee as part of its “Opening Nights in Class” initiative. Singer-songwriter Graeme James of New Zealand will perform […]

May 2019

From the Director ON Director Michael Blachly In memory and appreciation of FSU President Emeritus Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte’s contributions and support of Opening Nights, the 2019-20 Season will be dedicated to him. FSU President D’Alemberte, who passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019, left an indelible mark on Florida State and the Tallahassee community at […]

April 2019

From the Director ON Director Michael Blachly Please accept my warm thanks for a most successful 2018-19 Opening Nights Season. Your participation in our program through attendance and input on possible future artists enhances what we’re able to offer the community. We greatly appreciate your willingness to take some chances with us on bringing new […]

The Second City

Students from the FSU School of Theatre and the Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship gained new skills in the art of improv from members of The Second City. The lessons taught during the workshop can be practiced in the day-to-day lives of business and theatre majors alike, making our students fearless for future auditions and […]

DakhaBrakha

All the way from the Ukraine, DakhaBrakha performed for more than 400 Lincoln High School students the morning after their dazzling performance in Rudy Diamond Concert Hall. This school performance was possible through the support of AT&T. Students were dancing in their seats and gave the group multiple standing ovations. DakhaBrakha provided an engaging performance […]

Opening Nights at Florida State University announces $250,000 endowed gift to provide enhanced cultural arts programming

Opening Nights at Florida State University has announced that a $250,000 endowed gift by Kelly and Laurie Dozier will enable Opening Nights to collaborate with LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival to provide enhanced cultural arts programming for the Tallahassee community.