Founded 20/02/2002, Spineless Books is a local independent publishing house dedicated to producing innovative literature in print and electronic forms. Spineless Books also helps organize numerous local literary events, such as Callings, Urbana Burning, and Urbana Free Poetry.Air Jordan 1

The CUSO is a professional orchestra dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community by providing symphonic music of the highest caliber through live performances and music education in the schools, the concert hall, and the community.

In 1959, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra was founded, and in 1960, Bernard Goodman, the CUSO’s first music director and conductor, led the orchestra in its inaugural concert. In 1964, the first Youth Concert was performed; these performances have since reached over 200,000 students.

In 1969, the CUSO began performing in the renowned Foellinger Great Hall at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, one of the finest and most magnificent performance halls in the world. Paul Vermel became the CUSO’s second music director and conductor in 1974, and by 1988, the CUSO was designated the professional orchestra in residence at the Krannert Center.

From 1995-2012, the CUSO enjoyed continued success and state and national recognition under the leadership of music director and conductor Steven Larsen. In 2009, the CUSO celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, and most recently, the Illinois Council of Orchestras has honored the CUSO’s Guild, Executive Director, and Board President with statewide recognition.

Following Maestro Larsen’s retirement at the end of the 2011-12 season, the CUSO completed an exciting search for only the fourth music director and conductor in its history. In March 2013, Stephen Alltop was appointed, and he has planned a thrilling and colorful inaugural season. Together, Maestro Alltop, the musicians of the orchestra, the CUSO Board, and the CUSO Guild will lead the CUSO into a new era of outstanding live performances, music education, and community engagement.
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Djibril Camara is a master dancer from Boke, Guinea in West Africa. He spent his childhood dancing and began his formal training at the National School in Guinea’s capital, Conakry. Djibril was a principal dancer and choreographer for the international touring company Ballet du Afrique Noir of Senegal, as well as Troupe Federale Conakry and Ballet Bougarabou for 17 years, traversing Europe and Africa. Eventually his talent brought him to the U.S. for Ballet du Afrique’s presentation of the Mandika Epic on notable stages such as New York City’s Kennedy Center.

He has been sharing his love of West African dance and culture with the Champaign-Urbana community for several years now. He teaches classes twice a week at the Channing-Murray Foundation, offers private lessons and also leads the Mara Giri Dance Ensemble.

The Mara Giri Dance Ensemble, directed by and starring Djibril along with several of his most dedicated and experienced students, performs high energy West African dances accompanied by live drumming. Mara Giri Dance Ensemble shows are lively and fun for the whole family! nike

The NSAL is an organization which actively support the work of young people who are pursuing an interest in the following categories; art, music, drama, literature, dance, and musical theater. The society was founded in 1944 and consists of 18 chapters distributed across the United States. While local chapters may vary in local endeavors, all participate in the "Career Awards", a national competition held each spring, as well as the Winston Endowment scholarships in art and voice.

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