University Public Events

The University Public Events mission is to present Chico and the Greater North State Region with culturally diverse, nationally acclaimed performing arts programming including dance, music, theater, and lecturers. The cultural scene in Chico is enriched by more than 80 events and performances a year sponsored by University Public Events (UPE). In addition to overseeing and coordinating all events that are open to the public on the CSU, Chico campus, University Public Events hosts world renowned artists, speakers, and a wide variety of musical and theatrical performances through their Chico Performances presenting program. Chico Performances also provides education and instruction opportunities for CSU, Chico students, faculty, and the community through the introduction of visiting lecturers, authors, and artist performers to classrooms and community centers to conduct workshops, lecture demonstrations, and master classes.

UPE also directs Chico Performances, the University Box Office, and KCHO/KFPR NPR Radio for the Chico State campus.

KCHO/KFPR NPR Radio

Serving Chico and the Northern California area, KCHO (FM 91.7) and KFPR (FM 88.9) are non-commercial, non-profit radio stations affiliated with National Public Radio, Public Radio International, and California Public Radio. A diverse cross-section of nationally, regionally, and locally produced programs supported by station listeners is broadcast daily. Programs such as All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Fresh Air, Car Talk, Talk of the Nation, and Prairie Home Companion, plus classical, jazz, and folk music can be heard throughout KCHO's and KFPR's coverage area.

University Box Office

Tickets for all events on campus that require admission (including music, theater, dance, athletics, and special events) are available through the University Box Office. In addition to selling tickets to events, the University Box Office has up-to-date information on scheduled events and offers tickets to the Chico Performances Field Trip series and Chico State Kids Club memberships.

Chico Performances

The Chico Performances presenting program strives to educate and entertain audiences through its internationally acclaimed, culturally diverse performing arts programming, which includes dance, music, theater, authors, family programming, and lecturers. Recent productions have included performances by Pink Martini, the Tchaikovsky Ballet and Orchestra, the Peking Acrobats, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Bill Cosby, Lily Tomlin, Jethro Tull, Steve Martin, and Mariachi Los Camperos De Nati Cano.

The impact of Chico Performances extends far beyond the stages at Chico State. Aside from the evening performances, Chico Performances hosts a variety of programs that enrich, entertain and educate north state audiences. These programs include:

Master Classes/Lectures Demonstrations/Workshops

Many of the artists who perform participate in lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and master classes as a way to enrich the experience of live performance. While many of these activities are designed for general audiences, others provide advanced training for students and personal contact with professional artists

Field Trip Performances

Aimed at students K-12, this "just for kids" series features condensed performances by the same artists who perform in the evenings. Planned specifically for classrooms, field trips are offered in the morning hours. Over 25,000 students pass through the doors of Laxson Auditorium annually for the field trip series.

Adopt-A-Class program

The Lois C. Adams Adopt-A-Class program links businesses, schools, and the performing arts. Through the Adopt-A-Class program, businesses can underwrite or sponsor the cost of a Field Trip attendance by local students. Over the last few years, more than 50 businesses have sponsored over 5,000 school children to attend the Chico Performances field trips.

Chico State Kids Club

This popular program, for ages 12 and under, helps introduce the arts to our children. Developed as a way for parents to affordably bring their children to live performances, this program has greatly increased the number of children attending Chico Performances programs. For a minimal cost, a Chico State Kids Club member receives complimentary admittance to five performing events for a child when accompanied by an adult ticket purchase.

Chico World Music Festival

Each fall, Chico Performances hosts The Chico World Music Festival featuring artists from throughout the world. The Saturday and Sunday daytime performances feature continual performances on three stages. The festival also includes a children's program, fine food, crafts and artisans booths, along with free musical workshops and a student art display. Festival headliners perform in historic Laxson Auditorium, and showcase some of the world's leading musicians. Past headliners have included Pat Metheny, Taj Mahal, Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band, Iris DeMent, Rickie Lee Jones, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Little Feat, Inti Illimani with Paco Pena, and Pink Martini.

President's Lecture Series

Launched in 1998, the prestigious President's Lecture Series has hosted several Nobel Peace Prize winners. This series is co-sponsored by Chico Performances, the Office of the President, and the Provost's office at CSU, Chico. Past speakers include Jane Goodall, Shimon Peres, Desmond Tutu, Mikhail Gorbachev, Lech Walesa, Oscar Arias, Jose Ramos-Horta, Mary Matalin and James Carville, Scott Carpenter, Jody Williams, and Jean-Michel Cousteau.

Public Venues

Laxson Auditorium

Constructed in 1930, Laxson Auditorium is one of California's finest performance venues. The beautiful and award-winning Romanesque architectural style brick design building houses state of the art production facilities. Featuring a proscenium arch as well as a stage with a removable orchestra pit, Laxson Auditorium is a showcase venue for professional productions as well as student and community staged performances. The largest performance facility in the area, Laxson has seating for 1,250, and was recently remodeled and upgraded with new technology, seating and carpet.

Harlen Adams Theatre

The Harlen Adams Theatre in the Performing Arts Center serves as a classroom and learning facility, and hosts cultural offerings in drama, opera, recitals, and choral programs. The theater houses the University's Centennial Pipe Organ, seats 450 people and has a 40-foot proscenium stage.

Wismer Theatre

Wismer Theatre was designed for intimate theatre-in-the-round performances, and seats approximately 150 people. It is a "black box" theater and has a full complement of sound and lighting capabilities.

Ruth Rowland Taylor Recital Hall

Dedicated during homecoming activities on Oct. 25, 1981, the Ruth Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall is used for operas, recitals, concerts, choral workshops, performance art shows, and other University gatherings. The hall seats 200 people.

Acker Gymnasium

Home of the Chico State basketball and volleyball teams, Acker Gymnasium was originally constructed in the 1960s and recently renovated with new flooring, seating, and sound systems. It includes a lobby with concessions area. Capacity: 1,800.

Shurmer Gymnasium

A full-size gym with some bleacher seating, Shurmer is used primarily for practices, recreational leagues, and physical education classes. This facility can accommodate one full-size basketball court, or three smaller courts. Capacity: 1,500.

University Stadium

A lighted, outdoor facility with bleacher seating, University Stadium includes an all-weather track, and a football-sized, natural-grass field. Capacity: 8,000.

University Soccer Stadium

A lighted, natural-turf field constructed in 2001, the University Soccer Stadium includes a permanent bleacher seating and a sound system. Capacity: 3,800.

Nettleton Stadium

Home to the two-time national champion Chico State baseball team, Nettleton Stadium was constructed in 1997. The natural-turf, lighted facility includes locker rooms, concessions stands, and picnic areas.Capacity: 4,000.

The Campus Grounds and Special Environs

Additional facilities include the Albert Warrens Reception Center, the George Peterson Rose Garden, Alumni Glen, several recreation fields, open lawns and congregation areas in front of Kendall Hall, Glenn Hall, along Chico Creek, and various campus courtyards. All may be reserved through Facilities Reservations.