The Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the Mitchell Auditorium on The College of St. Scholastica campus. The event is part of St. Scholastica’s 2007-2008 Performing Arts Series.

Kahurangi (Cloak from Heaven) is New Zealand’s only full-time Maori dance company. A Kahurangi performance brings to life the “ihi” or life force of the Maori through powerful songs and dance, chants, and martial arts techniques.

The group was formed in 1983 to provide cultural, recreational, education and employment opportunities for graduates of the Takitimu Performing Arts School in Hastings, New Zealand. The school is the first accredited institution in New Zealand to specialize in the instruction and preservation of the Maori performing arts. Since 1985 the Kahurangi has presented over 2,000 performances around the world.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and students, and $10 for age 12 and younger. The same prices apply for individual shows in the rest of the Performing Arts Series. The Silver Series is 10 percent off with the purchase of five shows. For tickets call (218) 723-7000 or (800) 447-5444, ext. 7000, or order online at www.css.edu/mitchell.xml.

The rest of the 2007-2008 Mitchell Performing Arts Series:

All performances are at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 13
“The Taming of the Shrew”
American Shakespeare Center
Take a humorous look into male and female relationships as a sleeping drunk is tricked into thinking he is really a great lord who has lost his memory. For more information go to: www.americanshakespearecenter.com

Friday, March 28
Return of Alaska’s Fiddling Poet, Ken Waldman
Get a jump on National Poetry Month (April) with Ken Waldman, Alaska’s “Fiddling Poet.” Waldman combines Appalachian fiddling, poems about old-time music and dance, and vivid stories about his travels through Alaska. For more information go to: www.kenwaldman.com

Friday, April 18
Mu Daiko
A Japanese taiko drumming group known for energy, spirit and artistry, Mu Daiko has rocked its audiences for the past decade with the pounding rhythms, elegant choreography and joyous energy that mark their signature work. For more information go to: www.muperformingarts.org

Friday, May 2
Four Shadow
Laugh and sing along with Four Shadow, the a cappella sensation from Minneapolis, as they entertain with friendly humor and strong vocals. For more information go to: www.fourshadow.com

The College of St. Scholastica is regularly recognized as one of the finest colleges in the Midwest. The 2008 “America's Best Colleges” survey by U.S. News & World Report magazine ranks St. Scholastica in the top tier of Midwestern universities. The Washington Post has rated St. Scholastica as one of the nation’s 100 “hidden gems” among U.S. colleges and universities.