SUNY Potsdam’s LoKo Arts Festival Returns as Free Virtual Celebration, with Wide Range of Events to Enjoy
Works by graduating seniors in the SUNY Potsdam Bachelor of Fine Arts program will be featured during the LoKo Arts Festival, including this dream scene from a film by Marquisha L. Eason ’21.
Artists from the SUNY Potsdam campus and around the country will come together virtually for the 2021 LoKo Arts Festival, which runs from Thursday, April 29 to Sunday, May 9. The 2021 festival features a range of performances, workshops and exhibitions.
All events are free and available online. Some events require registration. A digital schedule and registration information can be found at www.potsdam.edu/loko and https://www.cpspotsdam.org/.
The festival will open with a poetry reading by acclaimed Latino poet Martín Espada, from his most recent collection, “Floaters,” followed by a performance from the Crane Jazz Ensemble and Giroux Honors Jazz Combo.
This year’s LoKo artist line-up includes not only SUNY Potsdam students, but also alumni guest artists, such as former valedictorian, Daniel Mertzlufft ’15, a classically trained composer, arranger, music director, songwriter and TikTok influencer based in New York City; and Aaron Moore ’14, a creative theatre director and designer. Several current student projects will be on display, such as MadFest, Crane Opera Ensemble, and a choreography series, just to name a few.
There will be a virtual art opening and question and answer session for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibit, including works by Marquisha L. Eason ’21, Chloe C. Koegel ’21 and Alexis H. LaBarge ’21. A student-created cabaret titled “For Love: Songs of Love, Hope and Coming of Age” is a showcase that will highlight some of the most powerful and touching stories from the Golden Age to modern day.
The Crane School of Music will host several encore concerts, including the Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra performing under the baton of previous Dorothy Albrecht Gregory Visiting Conductors. These re-aired performances will feature concerts from past LoKo Arts Festivals from 2015 to 2019.
Kathryn (Kofoed) Lougheed ’54 and Donald Lougheed (Hon. ’54) founded the LoKo Arts Festival in 2012, to bring the campus festival tradition back to Kathy’s alma mater.
North Country Public Radio is the media sponsor for the 2021 LoKo Arts Festival.
To see the full schedule of events, visit www.potsdam.edu/loko or www.cpspotsdam.org.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of only three arts campuses in the entire SUNY system. SUNY Potsdam’s arts curriculum offers the full palette: music, theatre, dance, fine arts and creative writing. No matter the discipline, people from all backgrounds can find their creative compass at Potsdam, with myriad arts immersion experiences available for both campus and community. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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