UB Center for the Arts Celebrates 30 Years with Diverse Lineup of Spring Performances

The University at Buffalo Center for the Arts (UBCFA), Western New York’s largest multi-disciplinary venue, continues celebrating its 30th anniversary season with “30 Years of Memorable Experiences.” This milestone season honors UBCFA’s legacy, highlights its evolution and brings together audiences through dynamic performances and diverse activities at the heart of UB’s arts community.

UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series kicks off the spring season on Wednesday, Feb. 12 with award-winning dancer and best-selling author, Misty Copeland. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, Copeland will share her journey as the first African American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. On Thursday, March 13, Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin concludes the series, sharing his life-changing experience with commotio cordis, his remarkable recovery and his return to football. Both events begin at 7 p.m.

On Friday, March 7, the UBCFA welcomes legendary performers, Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve. Together, they will perform selections from a songbook spanning 50 years and twice as deep. As one of only 16 North American tour dates, this concert has sold out venues across Europe, earning widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes takes place on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. After a screening of the iconic movie, actor Cary Elwes (Westley), will engage in a moderated discussion, revealing never-before-shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics. Audiences will journey back to the lands of Florin and Guilder in an adventure filled with fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles and true love.

John Dela Cruz, aka Nurse John, brings his comedy show Nurse John: The Short Staffed Tour to the UBCFA on Thursday, April 3. An actual nurse by profession and a comedian at heart, his portrayal of life working in healthcare has gained him over 12 million followers and “work besties.” John’s ability to combine reality, truth and entertainment continues to inspire millions around the world that with enough caffeine, medication and hy-dration, you too can make it to your next short-staffed shift.

Dogman: The Musical will delight audiences with two performances on Saturday, April 5 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. A laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure, Dav Pilkey’s beloved canine hero and his friends come to life, blending humor, heart and high-energy fun for all ages.

Killers of Kill Tony hits the stage on Friday, April 11, featuring regulars and fan favorites from “Kill Tony”, the #1 live podcast in the world. Building upon the podcasts’ success and energy, the show spotlights the hilarious, diverse and unique comedic styles of its performers. The current lineup includes Kam Patterson, Ari Matti, David Lucas and Martin Phillips (subject to change).
 
Dance returns to the UBCFA on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. with MOMIX: ALICE, hailed as “a triumph of imagination, illusions and special effects” (The Wonderful World of Dance). Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Moses Pendleton’s newest creation blends illusion, acrobatics and whimsy, transporting audiences down the rabbit hole and bringing iconic characters like the Caterpillar and Queen of Hearts to life. Recommended for ages 8+, student tickets are available for $15 at the UBCFA ticket office (ID required).
 
Spring Into Art, a free annual event, wraps up the spring season on Tuesday, April 29 at 5 p.m. Showcasing performances, exhibitions, installations and interactive activities by university artists, this community celebration offers guests of all ages a unique opportunity to experience the arts at UB.

For performance information, group ticket discounts and community engagement, contact Jamie Enser at 716-645-6254 or jenser@buffalo.edu.

Starting Jan. 27, the UBCFA ticket office is open Tuesday–Friday, 12–6 p.m. and 90 minutes before curtain. Tickets can be purchased anytime at ubcfa.org or on Ticketmaster.

Explore the full list of events and exhibitions coming up this spring on ubcfa.org.

Connect with the UB Center for the Arts
103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo, NY 14260
716-645-6259 | ubcfa.org

UBCFA Website | UBCFA Events | UBCFA Instagram | UBCFA Facebook | UBCFA YouTube | UBCFA Subscription | UBCFA X