Check out the arts scene on the UNL campus

It is so easy to forget how vibrant the arts scene is on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. Independent films, world-class performers, Broadway musicals, theater, visual arts and cultural events, all within a two-block radius, are available free or for reasonable prices, open to the public and ready to help you view the world differently. This new column will highlight some of these arts events.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts features award-winning Broadway musicals “Jersey Boys,” “Kinky Boots,” “Amazing Grace,” “The Illusionists” and “The Color Purple” this spring. February and March highlights include American Ballet Theatre with the St. Louis Symphony, Berlin
Philharmonic Piano Quartet world premiere of a new Danny Elfman composition, multiple Grammy Award-winning jazz group Snarky Puppy, “Conspirare: Considering Matthew Shepard,” a partnership with Abendmusik featuring the Grammy Award-winning choir and comedy with the Best of Second City. (LiedCenter.org)

Sheldon Museum of Art is the final venue for the national tour of a major exhibition, “Donald Sultan: The Disaster Paintings,” through May 13. The show features large-scale canvases by artist Donald Sultan that reference the fragility of urban landscapes in the face of catastrophic events. Along with the exhibition, Sheldon is screening a disaster film series, and on March 8 Sultan will make a public presentation on the “Disaster Paintings.” Admission to Sheldon is free. (sheldonartmuseum.org)

The Glenn Korff School of Music presents the opera “Così fan tutti” in February and March. And this reminder: This is the last year Chiara String Quartet will be at UNL, so watch for their final recitals, including “A Celebration of Philip Glass” in April at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. (arts.unl.edu/music)

There are so many events to choose from on campus that there is room here for only a taste. Visit the websites for a full schedule and more information, and enjoy this amazing downtown arts destination.