Be present for a rare behind-the-scenes opera experience. Time to Act is a newly commissioned opera by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist Crystal Manich, confronting the American epidemic of gun violence through the voices of high school students navigating trauma, identity, and healing. This special event marks the commercial audio recording of the opera for national release on the award-winning classical label Bright Shiny Things.

Be present for a rare behind-the-scenes opera experience. Time to Act is a newly commissioned opera by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist Crystal Manich, confronting the American epidemic of gun violence through the voices of high school students navigating trauma, identity, and healing. This special event marks the commercial audio recording of the opera for national release on the award-winning classical label Bright Shiny Things.

This free, hands-on workshop invites middle and high school students (ages 12+) to create their own interpretation of the Knotted Gun. The event is led by The Non-Violence Project North America Foundation, who work globally to inspire young people through education, creative tools, and community-based programs. One design from this workshop will be selected and developed into a permanent sculpture in National Sawdust's lobby. Free to attend. All materials and pizza included. Space is limited. RSVP now.

This program weaves together themes of nature, ecopoetics, and heritage through a new work for string quartet and mezzo-soprano by composer Anthony Cheung, inspired by the poetry of Arthur Sze and Victoria Chang. Sze’s work, often associated with the ecopoetics movement, and Chang’s reflections on the natural world, both draw from traditional Asian poetic forms while resonating deeply with contemporary sensibilities. This collaboration amplifies Asian voices across disciplines—poet, composer, and performers alike—and reflects a shared reverence for nature and cultural inheritance.

On April 30, Del Maguey & Parcha welcome Julieta Venegas for an intimate evening of music and conversation about her upcoming album and memoir Norteña. The Single Village Music Series brings some of the most exciting voices in Latin music into intimate spaces, pairing live music and conversation with the flavors and stories of our Single Village mezcales. It is about connection and discovery, where the same care that goes into every song meets the same care that Del Maguey families pour into every batch of mezcal.

Bowling Green State University and the MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music present a vibrant evening of new music at National Sawdust, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the College of Musical Arts. This special event showcases the innovative spirit and artistic excellence that have defined five decades of creative work at BGSU, featuring performances by distinguished faculty and talented student musicians. Audiences will experience a dynamic program of cutting-edge compositions, that highlights diverse voices, BGSU alumni, and faculty composers. Join us for an inspiring program that celebrates legacy, creativity, and the future of contemporary music.