Small Island Big Song to perform for Luther College Center Stage Series April 23

Small Island Big Song, a collective of artists of Island nations, will perform at Luther Tuesday, April 23.

DECORAH, IOWA—Small Island Big Song, a collective of renowned First Nation musicians from across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, will perform for Luther College’s Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m Tuesday, April 23, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. 

Set to panoramic visuals of the artists’ homelands, Small Island Big Song offers everything from soulful ballads to irresistible grooves, creating a beautiful, immersive musical experience from a region that shares an ancient seafaring heritage as well as the impact of our changing seas.

“In my conversations with the producers, I’ve become even more excited about presenting Small Island Big Song, especially the week of Earth Day,” says Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming. “They are on a mission to help us reconnect with nature, deepen our understanding of island cultures, and inspire all of us to work for change. They bring a message of hope and cooperation, and the ensemble, from different nations, model togetherness with no finger-pointing.”

Taiwanese theater producer BaoBao Chen and Australian music producer and filmmaker Tim Cole spent nearly a decade visiting artists on 16 island nations from Mauritius to Madagascar and Taiwan to Tahiti. The results are two award-winning albums, a feature film and this internationally acclaimed concert tour.

“I’ve wanted to present this show since I met the producers in New York in early 2020. Something that has stayed with me since that meeting is the idea that we are not separated by the oceans, but connected by them. That’s one of the stories of Small Island Big Song. I also love that the experience begins the moment you enter the lobby. Audiences of all ages are encouraged to attend,” Underwood said. 

Center Stage Dinner Series

The talented chefs of the Norse Culinary Team are back with the popular Center Stage Dinner Series. The dinners feature a multi-course menu to complement each performance. A separate ticket is required; the menu for April 23 can be viewed online. Dinner seating begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union.

Both dinner and show tickets are on sale through Luther’s Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life, online or by calling (563) 387-1357.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.