Gabrielle Verdier, professor emerita of French at UWM, will speak about her recent travels to Madagascar, where she spent much of her youth. With Juan-Marcos Rodriguez-Luis. Academic Adventurers talks begin at 3 p.m. in the American Geographical Society Library, third floor, east wing of the Golda Meir Library. A reception with light refreshments, sponsored by the Friends of the Golda Meir Library, follows each talk.

Don’t miss Latino Arts’ annual fundraiser for cultural arts education! Treat your ears to live Salsa, Cumbia, and Bolero from Edward’s Latin Ensemble featuring Bruce-Guadalupe Community School alum Alejandro Cortés, and enjoy special performances from the Latino Arts Strings Program & Mariachi Juvenil. Plus, step up your skills with dance demonstrations and group lessons, auctions and raffles, and tapas and sangria from our own Café el Sol! Show your commitment to arts education by purchasing your table or sponsoring the event; call (414) 384-3100 or email info@latinoartsinc.org.

Noël Coward’s spirited, fast-paced comedy returns to the Helfaer Stage to open our 2016-2017 season! When cynical author Charles Condomine invites “happy medium” Madame Arcati into his home, a séance-gone-wrong summons the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, and leaves Charles torn between his past and his present. Audiences of all ages will adore the haunting hijinks conjured up in Blithe Spirit!

Dan Friedman’s diversity of visual material is evident in Dan Friedman: Radical Modernist, on view October 1 – December 3 in the Frederick Layton Gallery at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, with an Opening Reception and Talk by exhibit designer Christopher Pullman Friday, September 30, 6 p.m. Friedman, a design pioneer working across various media, sought to create, delight and engage with his designs, furniture and more. His legendary work is featured in this comprehensive exhibit, making its Midwest debut at MIAD. Viewers experience his unique vision, and contributions to graphic design and the broader realm of the visual arts. Highlighted in the exhibit are Friedman’s groundbreaking typography, eccentric furniture and playfully-subversive 3D objects, which were integral to both American street culture and global experimental design. This event is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday.

Trinity’s historic 1879 Schuelke organ will be heard in a program entitled, “The Chorale and the Organ” featuring works by J.S. Bach, Jongen, Franck, Alain, and new compositions by composer/organist, John Behnke as Dr. Behnke celebrates 25 years as the organist at Historic Trinity. We hope you will put this date on your calendar to enjoy the mighty sounds of the Trinity organ. A freewill offering will be received. A wine and cheese reception will follow.

Noël Coward’s spirited, fast-paced comedy returns to the Helfaer Stage to open our 2016-2017 season! When cynical author Charles Condomine invites “happy medium” Madame Arcati into his home, a séance-gone-wrong summons the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, and leaves Charles torn between his past and his present. Audiences of all ages will adore the haunting hijinks conjured up in Blithe Spirit!

“All things Ukulele” will be celebrated at the 8th Annual Milwaukee Ukulele Festival at the Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove on Saturday October 1st. The festival is a full day of workshops, vendors, and demonstrations beginning at 10 a.m. The evening festival, which is open to the general public, begins at 7 p.m. The event will have World Class Talent from right here in the Midwest and nationally recognized players. This year’s lineup includes: Bucky Halker, Guy Fiorentini, The Milwaukee Ukulele Club and Friends, Richard Ash, Lil’ Rev, Spencer & Raines, Seeso, Michael Bootzin, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, and Matt Lindahl. Jamming, Workshops, Dinner hour concert, raffle, evening concert and post fest party are all planned.