What do you get when you combine a world-class university with the city that never sleeps? The answer lies in the myriad social, political and entertaining events found on the campus of Columbia University New York. From the annual Concert on the Steps to the World Leaders Forum, whether you’re looking to dance the night away or broaden your global perspective, you’re sure to find it here.
Varsity Show
The Varsity Show (http://www.thevarsityshow.com/), founded in 1894 as a fundraiser for athletic programs, continues to be one of the most popular events at Columbia University. The excitement begins months in advance with auditions for the few highly coveted roles in this lively, full-length performance that offers a fun, and oft sarcastic, look at life on the Columbia campus. Sold out shows each April testify to the talent and inspiration found in the Varsity Show.
World Leaders Forum
The World Leaders Forum (http://www.worldleaders.columbia.edu), initiated in 2003, is a series of free yearlong events providing Columbia students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to participate in public discussion and debate on a variety of issues facing the planet today. From presidents and prime ministers to CEOs and religious leaders, the range of speakers at this Columbia event offers attendees a global perspective on economic, social, cultural and political concerns. Recent speakers at this Columbia University New York event include former U.S. vice president Al Gore and Howard Davies, Director of the London School of Economics.
Concert on the Steps
Although not officially held on the steps of the Columbia Library in 2011, the Concert on the Steps (http://www.wikicu.com/Concert_on_the_Steps) is a free event culminating the Bacchanal Festival at Columbia and continues to be one of the most attended events of the year. The Bacchanal committee strives to book up and coming acts for a springtime concert sure to please the masses. This year’s rap theme headlined by Snoop Dog follows a tradition of bringing popular, and perhaps controversial, music to the campus. Thousands of students, faculty and staff eagerly await the announcement of acts which includes the winner of the Columbia New York Battle of the Bands held each spring.
