June 13, 2005

SRU Contact: Ross Feltz, 724:738-2919; Cell: 724-679-1376  e-mail: ross.feltz@sru.edu

ING Contact: Caroline Campbell, 770-618-3801.

FOR A BROCHURE, INCLUDING SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM: Click Here

NEW ‘ING PERFORMING ARTS SERIES’ TO BRING HAMLISCH, POLITICAL SATIRE, MUSIC, DANCE AND JUNIE B. JONES TO SRU

      SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. –  Popular composer Marvin Hamlisch, the vocal group Rockapella, choreography by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and political satire by the trendy Capitol Steps are the four subscription shows that will premier the ING Performing Arts Series at Slippery Rock University.

      All performances will be at 7:30 p.m. in SRU’s Miller Auditorium.

      A separate feature for families with young children will be Theatreworks USA’s colorful musical adaptation of the Junie B. Jones series of books will be offered at 7 p.m. May 19.

      “ING’s financial commitment to underwrite the series enables Slippery Rock University to offer this series to the community at a much lower price than otherwise would be possible,” says SRU President Robert M. Smith. “ING is bringing us a very exciting season in what we hope will be the first in an annual series, and in the future, one that will be presented in a new performing arts center on campus.”

            ING is committed to community involvement in Pennsylvania and in communities across the country through community relations activities, volunteerism and foundation giving.

      “At ING, we believe in fostering educational and community initiatives while at the same time helping those in the education community plan for retirement,” explains Leslie Ogden, Pennsylvania district manager, ING. “Developing an appreciation for the performing arts is an important, but sometimes overlooked component of a solid education. We are pleased to be able to assist Slippery Rock University in serving the region as a center for the cultural arts.”

      ING is a provider for the Alternative Retirement Plan available to faculty and staff in all 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities. ING offers full financial planning as complimentary service to all employees of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education through a network of licensed financial planners with ING Financial Advisers, LLC. This fall, ING will be offering financial seminars at Slippery Rock University and other Pennsylvania campuses that are open to all.

     “This is a very important milestone for the University,” adds Smith. “We want to be more responsive to our surrounding communities by bringing diverse national-level performances to Slippery Rock. Bringing this lineup of highly regarded performers to Slippery Rock shines a spotlight on our campus that should help raise support for adding to the region’s vitality and quality of life through the cultural arts.”

About the ING Performing Arts Series

Rockapella: Sept. 17

     An a cappella group, Rockapella blends soul, rock, rhythm and blues, and jazz. They are the house band for “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego,” and have appeared on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and are featured in several television commercials. This concert corresponds with SRU’s Family and Friends Day.

 Marvin Hamlisch: Dec. 1 

      Marvin Hamlisch, renowned composer and conductor, will share his life’s story and music during a solo performance.  Principal pops conductor with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Hamlisch has won three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, one Tony and three Golden Globes. The musical “A Chorus Line,” for which he wrote the music, received a Pulitzer Prize.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Jan. 20

   Explore the captivating energy and air of mysticism created by the movement and choreography of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.  Nai-Ni Chen’s contemporary pieces, merged with traditional Asian art, have entertained audiences around the world. An evening with this company has been compared to “visual poetry.”

Capitol Steps: April 1

       Come see why former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop cautions that watching a Capitol Steps performance can “cause your sides to split.” This group of past and present congressional staffers uses song to satire political figures and events. They are non-partisan.

Junie B. Jones musical adaptation, May 19

     An event for families with young children, this colorful musical adaptation of the Junie B. Jones series of books by Barbara Park is for the young – and for the young at heart. Theatreworks USA’s production takes the precocious Junie through a year in first grade. Clever design sets, assorted styles of original music, and spirited cast members are hallmarks of this  production. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show in Miller Auditorium are $6 per person.

Ordering tickets

      A subscription reserves a seat for the first four events at a 15-percent discount. Discounted rates are $52 for adults, $44 for senior citizens and children, and $22 for SRU students. If available, tickets will be sold at the door for individual performances.

      Tickets for the Junie B. Jones performance on May 19 will be sold separately for $6 per person.

     To buy a subscription, submit a request with the number of season subscriptions needed. Make check payable to the Slippery Rock University Foundation. Please add a $3 handling fee for the entire order (not per ticket) and mail to:

ING Performing Arts Series

Slippery Rock University Office of Public Relations

201 Old Main

1 Morrow Way

Slippery Rock, PA 16057

       Junie B. Jones tickets may be ordered from the same address. An additional $3 handling fee is not required if you are including this order with a subscription request. 

      For more information: call 738-724-2091

About ING

       ING Group is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to more than 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of more than 115,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

      In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves more than 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com

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