The Vermeer Quartet of NIU will perform in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall of the Music Building Tuesday at 8 p.m.

NIU professor Diane Ragains will perform a solo as a part of Alban Berg’s Lyric Suite. Other pieces to be performed are Schubert’s Quartet in B flat and Beethoven’s Quartet in F minor.

The concert is free and open to the public, except for children under five who must stay in a special listening room.

Northen Bassoons give recital

The Northern Bassoons, directed by NIU Associate Music Professor James Berkenstock, will perform Thursday at 8 p.m. in Recital Hall of the NIU Music School.

The group will play an original baroque composition for four bassoons and harpsichord entitled Le Phenix.

Guest artist for the evening will be Lewis Kirk, a Lyric Opera Orchestra colleague of Berkenstock. He will perform Christian Ludwig Dietter’s Concerto for Two Bassoons with Berkenstock.

Open House for new students

NIU will host a final open house Friday for prospective students. Tours will begin in the Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Holmes Student Center at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.

NIU Jazz Band rocks

The NIU Jazz Band, directed by NIU Assistant Professor Antonio Garcia will perform March 27 at 8 p.m. in Boutell Concert Hall of the NIU Music Building.

The concert will include pieces made famous by the bands of Count Basie and Woody Herman and compositions arranged by student writers. The concert is free and open to the public.

Cancer education offered

A cancer education series entitled “I Can Cope” will be presented by Kishwaukee Community Hospital March 28 at 7 p.m. in Murphy Center .

The program will help people understand what cancer is, how it affects their bodies, and how to deal with the challenges it creates in their lives.

“I Can Cope” is free to anyone dealing with cancer, regardless of hospital affiliation. Those interested can pre-register at least one week prior to the first class by calling Kishwaukee Administrative Offices at 756-1521, ext. 3376.

Advertising scholarships

Junior or senior students majoring in advertising-related fields are eligible for $1,000 scholarships funded by Rockford-area businesses and the Northern Illinois Advertising Council.

Students must be residents of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson or Winnebago counties and maintain a 2.5 or above grade point average. The application deadline is March 31. For more information, call Brad Benedict at 963-4805.