The C. Shaw and Nancy K. Smith Artist Series is proud to offer an ever-growing series of entertainment, culture and quality.

The faculty and students who participate in the Union Board Artist Series Committee take great pride in selecting and presenting a series that students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community can all enjoy and experience with their friends and family members.

Tickets are posted on Etix.

      Upcoming Performances

      Ballet Hispanico

      Ballet Hispánico

      October 4, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall


      Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latine/Latinx/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Through its exemplary artistry, distinguished training program, and deep rooted community engagement, Ballet Hispánico champions and amplifies Latinx voices in the field. As it looks to the future, Ballet Hispánico is pushing the culture forward on issues of dance and Hispanic creative expression. While at Davidson, the company will be performing four pieces from their repertoire.

      DRUM TAO

      DRUM TAO

      February 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall


      For 20 years, DRUM TAO has performed around the world creating phenomenal performances and expressions consisting of incomparable “Wadaiko-drums” and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. DRUM TAO has brought their high energy show to over 9 million people, and we are excited to have them perform at Davidson.

      Mystical Arts of Tibet

      Mystical Arts of Tibet

      March 19-23, 2024 in the Alvarez College Union


      We are pleased to welcome the monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery back to Davidson for a residency that will include the creation of a sand mandala, musical performance, and public lecture. All aspects of the visit are free and open to the public.

      Smith Artist Series Past Performances

      Kyiv City Ballet Company on Stage

      Kyiv City Ballet "Tribute to Peace"

      Collage of two photos of Ranky Tank musical ensemble outdoors

      Native South Carolinians, Ranky Tanky

      Second City Artists Series

      Chicago's legendary "Second City"

      Artist Series Axis Dance

      AXIS Dance Company

      Two posed ballerinas from the Hiplet Ballerinas event

      Chicago-based Hiplet Ballerinas 

      Yamato Drummers on stage with bright lights

       Yamato: The Drummers of Japan

      Contacts

      Emily Eisenstadt
      Associate Director of Student Activities
      Alvarez College Union
      emeisenstadt@davidson.edu
      704-894-2192

      Amanda Fuenzalida ‘24
      Student Artist Series Chair
      amfuenzalida@davidson.edu

      Special Thanks

      We want to thank each of our season subscribers for their patronage last season and look forward to having you join us again this year. We value your feedback and hope that you enjoy this season as much, or even more so, than previous seasons.

      We would also like to thank our supporters for this season:

      If you're interested in joining this amazing group of people as a supporter of the Smith Artist Series, please contact assistant director for programs, Emily Eisenstadt, at 704-894-2192 or emeisenstadt@davidson.edu.

      Background

      More than 70 years ago, a series of performances by visiting musicians and choral groups was introduced to students and surrounding community members. In 1975, the students became heavily involved and primarily responsible for the Artist Series, including ticket sales, artist selection, publicity, and the preparation and clean-up of all events. Remarkably, this season marks the 40th Anniversary of the Artist Series. In 2002, the series was named the C. Shaw and Nancy K. Smith Artist Series in honor of C. Shaw Smith, the first College Union Director and his wife, Nancy. Smith served for nearly 30 years and left an everlasting, and often entertaining, impression on the students.