MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series is thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable journey through the world of live performing arts in the heart of Rice Auditorium on campus. As we celebrate the 46th season, we are excited to present a diverse and captivating lineup of performances that promise to delight and amaze audiences of all ages. 

Join us for a season filled with extraordinary talent and artistic diversity:

October 6, 2023

LADAMA

LADAMA, an ensemble of women musicians from across the Americas, will grace the stage with their unique blend of rhythm and percussion-driven original compositions. Sung in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, their music combines traditional roots with pop, creating a sonic experience that transcends continents and cultures. LADAMA performed at the Launch of U.S. Department of State’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative.

December 2, 2023

Never Come Down

Portland-based 5-piece band, Never Come Down, will weave modern and traditional styles of bluegrass and Americana into a mesmerizing performance. Their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements promises an evening of polished technical skills and musical synergy.

March 16, 2024

Laila Biali 

Multi-award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali will grace the stage with her genre-blending sound that masterfully mixes jazz and pop. With accolades that include a JUNO Award and critical acclaim, her performance is sure to be a musical highlight of the season.

April 6, 2024

Reverie Road 

Reverie Road, an eclectic Celtic combination featuring renowned fiddler Winifred Horan and accordionist John Williams, promises a concert experience that will lift your spirits and have you on your feet. Their unique blend of traditional Irish music and innovative arrangements will captivate audiences. 

June 8, 2024

Makaha Sons 

The Makaha Sons, one of Hawaii’s premiere musical groups, will bring the vibrant sound of the islands to the stage. With their incomparable vocal harmonies and delightful stage presence, they entertain with comical stories and musical finesse, capturing the essence of Hawaiian culture. 

Tickets are available now!

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of live performing arts at Smith Fine Arts Series. You can order your tickets online starting Friday, September 8, 2023, by visiting https://wou.edu/smith/ or finding the order form on our website. All performances will be located in Rice Auditorium with a start time at 7:30pm. 

Join us for an unforgettable season of music, dance, and artistic expression. Smith Fine Arts Series is dedicated to bringing world-class performances to our community, and we can’t wait to share these incredible artists with you.

For more information, please contact the Director of Smith Fine Arts at smithfinearts@wou.edu.

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.