The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts held its opening night for the 2024-25 year this Friday, marking the start of the two-day festivities to welcome the new season.
Kicking off the afternoon was the Pittsburgh-based ensemble Squonk, bringing a playful energy to the amphitheater with their show “Brouhaha.”
“For the show, we went through several names,” said Tony Thomas, Squonk bass player. “We wanted something that gave the feeling of joy and rambunctiousness but also a wild, crazy, entertaining party.”
As for the ensemble’s unique name, Thomas said it was full of myth and lore — but no association with the mythical creature from Pennsylvania.
The event opener garnered attention from families, with several children in attendance. The dynamic performers engaged with the audience, bringing them on their self-made stage to play with massive, colorful bellows.
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While the performances took place, other fun activities were offered inside. One major highlight was Prism Studios, a mobile painting initiative focusing on diversity, which hosted an open painting space for all ages in the lobby.
“We’ve worked with Krannert before,” said Katye Newhouse, artist and founder of Prism. “For Ellnora (KCPA’s biennial guitar music festival), we ran a kid’s craft station this past year, so that’s how we got to meet them and got involved with the Center.”
After Squonk, the performances were moved inside the lobby, starting with Cyro Baptista, a Brazilian-born percussionist who brought a funky vibe to Stage 5.
The lineup included a diverse group of performers not only in music but also dance: Hip-hop performers Versa-Style Street Dance Company from Los Angeles, Ladies of Hip-Hop from New York and Era Footwork Crew from Chicago transformed the lobby into a dance floor, with music by DJ Spinn.
Julieanne Ehre, assistant director for programming and engagement, shared the behind-the-scenes planning for the opening.
“We really want to create a space where students feel like this is a home for performing arts for them,” Ehre said. “So in thinking about opening night, we kept students in mind in terms of what might appeal to younger people.”
Other performers included Grammy award-winning reggae group Soja. The day’s festivities closed with a dance party from DJ Spinn in the lobby.
What else does KCPA have in store for this season? If the opening night’s anything to go by, Ehre said it’s a cheerful spirit.
“In thinking about the whole season and opening night, we just wanted to focus on joy and bringing people together through our commonalities as humans and making it a happy, celebratory feel,” Ehre said.
