A public lecture about human skin color and the opening of an art exhibit of DNA portraits will kick off the “What Does It Mean to be Human?” program series Thursday, March 29, through Sunday, April 1, at the University of Iowa.

The University of Iowa Jazz Repertory Ensemble (JRE) will perform classic big-band scores by the "late greats" of jazz at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in the Mill restaurant in downtown Iowa City.

Italian pianist Enrico Elisi, a guest of the University of Iowa School of Music, will present a free recital at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in the Riverside Recital Hall.

The Bijou Cinema will hold a free screening of The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 27. The film celebrates the resilience of the Japanese people in the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami and the healing power of Japan's most beloved flower as the cherry blossom season begins.

The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present Dave Pietro on Thursday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City. The performance features new songs called Iowa Memoirs, inspired by his trips around the state.

The University of Iowa Old Capitol Museum Piano Sundays concert series will culminate at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 1, with a free public performance featuring UI piano students.

For the first time in nearly 70 years, the Concerto for Violin by Vernon Duke will be performed in orchestral form, thanks to the affinity of University of Iowa School of Music Distinguished Alumnus Scott Dunn.

Robert Hass, former U.S. poet laureate and University of Iowa Writers' Workshop faculty member, will return to the UI as an Ida Beam Visiting Professor, including a free reading at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 29, in the Buchanan Auditorium in the Pappajohn Business Administration Building.

Three co-founders of Silicon Valley-based Onomy Labs—which conceives and builds interactive exhibits and related project —will examine formulas for innovation.

Queer, transgender, and disability rights activist Eli Clare will visit Iowa City Thursday, April 5 thanks to the University of Iowa’s student and community-based group, TransCollaborations, and the UI Council on Disability Awareness.

Rebecca Chun and Melinda Myers, Master of Fine Arts candidates in the University of Iowa Department of Dance, will present their thesis works in a shared concert at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 29-31, in the Space Place Theatre of North Hall.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals will perform in the Main Lounge of the Iowa Memorial Union on April 26.