Actor, director, writer and activist George Takei will talk about issues of diversity, difference, and otherness. Takei spent four years of his childhood imprisoned in a U.S. internment camp for Japanese-Americans during World War II, starred in the groundbreaking role of Mr. Sulu in the original Star Trek series, and at age 68, jumped out of the closet in 2005. Through a vibrant social media presence, essays in the New York Times and Washington Post, and television interviews highlighting homophobia, Takei has emerged as a leading civil rights champion. His latest project, the Broadway play Allegiance, focuses on World War II Japanese-American internment and its long-term ramifications for one family, George Takei’s appearance is organized by Themester 2017 Diversity • Difference • Otherness and Union Board. It is co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, Union Board, the Media School, the Arts & Humanities Council, and the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs. Tickets go on sale August 22 for to IU Bloomington students, faculty, and staff and to the general public on August 29.

Without Steev Wisher, there would not be a Bloomington Songwriter Showcase 2017. Wisher helps promote, book and does the lion’s share of hosting the program each Tuesday evening – not to mention taking photos after the program for the feature writers. Steev is a great singer-songwriter in his own right – having won a spot on all four Blooming-Tunes compilation CDs. With roots in 80’s rock, when big hair and bell bottoms were all the rage, Wisher’s music has taken a turn to the instrumental, alternative adult sound with lyrics often laced with humor. When not writing songs, Wisher heads up The Double E Band, a popular rock band based right here in Bloomington. Also on this evening’s program is Rick LeDune, a man who has a velvety voice and some gorgeous songs to his credit. The third writer on this evening’s program is a young man who has developed a large following here in Bloomington. Coming from the Indianapolis area, Steve Boller’s music is high energy, very rhythmic, and has a young edge to it. Boller has become a regular on the Showcase, and for good reason! Come on out this Tuesday evening and enjoy what promises to be an exceptional evening of song and fun for all.