UCM Performing Arts Series Presents Jen Chapin in Concert

Additional Information

The University of Central Missouri’s Performing Arts Series, in conjunction with the UCM Social Justice Week, presents singer-songwriter and activist Jen Chapin in concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in Hendricks Hall.

As an added treat for the audience, the popular local trio of Luehrman, Shaffer and Check will perform as the opening act for Chapin with their own eclectic blend of vocal and instrumental music.

Tickets for the April 1 performance are available from the Central Tickets in Administration 100, online at ucmpas.com, or by calling 660-543-8888.

During her two-day at UCM as guest artist in residence, Chapin also will speak to UCM students in an American government class on the topic of food justice and conduct a lyric songwriting workshop at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, in the UCM Gallery of Art and Design, 217 E. Clark St. Members of her band will conduct a music master class at 3 p.m. April 2 in Hart Recital Hall.

Both the workshop and master class are free and open to students and the public. For more information, contact the Office of the Performing Arts at 660-543-4263.

This is Chapin’s second visit to UCM for the Performing Arts Series. She first performed on the Hendricks Hall stage with the Jen Chapin Trio in April 2010. For her upcoming performance, she will perform tunes from her highly acclaimed new album, “Reckoning,” produced by five-time Grammy Award winner Kevin Killen. The album is receiving raves from fans and critics alike, earning comparisons to Ani DiFranco, Joni Mitchell, and Paul Simon.

Chapin has been celebrated for writing urban folk music for more than a decade, beginning with her debut album, “Open Wide,” in 2002. During her career, she has appeared on “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien,” NPR’s “Mountain Stage,” “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour,” “WFUV's Sunday Breakfast with John Platt” and “Mary Sue Twohy's Folk Village,” and the “Bob Edwards Show” on Sirius Satellite.

She has performed on stage with Bruce Springsteen and on bills with Aimee Mann, Bruce Hornsby, and The Neville Brothers. Her rendition of Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" recently was featured in an episode of the SyFy TV series "Defiance," and her song, "Go Away," honored by the USA Songwriting Competition.

The roots of Chapin’s upbringing as the daughter of the late Harry Chapin have inspired her songs and a lifetime of passionate activism through ongoing work with WhyHunger, which was founded by her father, and other food justice groups.

Her music reflects a diversity of experience. She is mother to 8 year old Maceo and 4 year old Van Crump, who often accompany their parents on tour. She is also an educator, leading workshops and presentations to college, community and church groups, with a background teaching full-time in Brooklyn classrooms. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Brown University and has completed additional studies at Berklee College of Music and traveled extensively and studied in Zimbabwe and Mexico.

Financial assistance for the PAS presentation of Jen Chapin in concert has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.