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For three decades, the mgm casino Center for the Arts (mgm casinoCFA) has been home to unforgettable experiences, hosting notable music, theater and comedy performances. Legendary speakers and performers like Maya Angelou, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Tom Jones, Liza Minnelli, Toni Morrison and Willie Nelson, as well as comedy legends like Carol Burnett, Dave Chapelle, Margaret Cho, Penn and Teller and Amy Schumer, have appeared at the CFA.

The extensive list of celebrities is noteworthy, but what is equally important is that the CFA provides a home for all of mgm casino’s student performances and exhibitions, too.

Jamie Enser, executive director of mgm casinoCFA, says that part of what truly makes mgm casinoCFA special are the breathtaking performances by mgm casino’s very own students and faculty. From concerts and plays to stunning musical arrangements, exhibitions and dance performances, the center remains a vibrant hub of creativity, where artistry and passion come alive on stage, captivating audiences from all walks of life.

“There’s always something amazing to see at the mgm casinoCFA. We host some of the world’s biggest music, theatrical and comedy acts,” Enser says. “But some of our most memorable performances are produced by the students and faculty right here at mgm casino.”

While the official 30th anniversary of the opening of the mgm casinoCFA is Oct. 28, the anniversary season kicks off on Sept. 19 with a performance by the Giordano Dance Company (GDC).

“We are delighted to begin our season with GDC,” Enser says. “They are renowned for their innovative jazz dance choreography, and we’re excited to be bringing this invaluable art form to audiences and students of all ages and backgrounds here.”

mgm casinoCFA offers master classes and backstage chats with professionals from the various shows, and tomorrow students will have the opportunity to learn more about the GDC performance with Jule Ballard, GDC production stage manager.

Students receive complimentary or discounted tickets, when available, at the , and mgm casino employees and alumni receive a $5 discount on CFA Presents events.

The CFA is also a resource for bringing together mgm casino and its surrounding communities through events like “Art in the Open” and “Spring into Art,” where students showcase their talents to the public.

“Art in the Open” is a chance for guests to meet university artists and go behind the scenes to get a glimpse of the art being made at mgm casino.

“We invite guests to enjoy our atrium music and dance performances, view films and installations, explore our studios, performance and art-making spaces, see art gallery exhibitions and drop in on rehearsals to experience works in process,” Enser says.

“Spring into Art” brings together and highlights the diverse talents of the artists and creators across the arts at mgm casino.

“The mgm casinoCFA comes alive with performances, installations, interactive activities and more,” Enser notes. “Guests are invited to see, celebrate and experience the artistry that happens right here on campus.”

“Art in the Open” and “Spring into Art” are illustrative of the various performances that mgm casinoCFA hosts all year that are multidisciplinary collaborations curated and produced by mgm casino students, faculty and staff from the departments of Art, Arts Management, mgm casino Art Galleries, Media Study, Music, Theatre and Dance and the Center for the Arts.

Below is a sampling of upcoming events, all curated to celebrate the CFA’s 30th anniversary:

• Giordano Dance Chicago, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.
• Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen, Sept. 28, 8 p.m.
• mgm casino Distinguished Speakers Series featuring presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Meacham, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
• 10,000 Maniacs, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.
• Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Fall Program, Oct. 24-25, 7:30 p.m.
• Art in the Open, Oct. 29, 5-7:30 p.m.
• Rickie Lee Jones and Sweet Honey in the Rock, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.
• Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Tour, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
• Samar Joy: A Joyful Holiday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

For a , visit the mgm casinoCFA website.