USCA’s free lecture series returns to downtown Aiken on Jan. 29

January 13, 2026 • Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Dr. Tim Ashton, a professor of Spanish at USCA, will lead the series with a presentation on “The Spanish Vanguard and Soccer Poetry”.
Dr. Tim Ashton, a professor of Spanish at USCA, will lead the series with a presentation on “The Spanish Vanguard and Soccer Poetry”.

AIKEN, S.C.– Aiken in the Alley – a free lecture series hosted by USCA’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences – returns Jan. 29, at 11 a.m., with Dr. Tim Ashton’s presentation: “The Spanish Vanguard and Soccer Poetry.”

The complimentary series of lectures, conversations and music from USCA faculty on select Thursdays throughout the spring semester are free, open to the public and take place in the heart of downtown Aiken at 139 Newberry Street, SW.

In the spring, Etherredge Center Director Paul Crook will direct the award-wining musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” for the USCA Department of Visual and Performing Arts.  He will provide a sneak peek of the show as part of Aiken in the Alley on April 9 at 11 a.m.

“It’s exciting to bring this show about the ‘mean green mother from outer space’ to thrill the audiences of Aiken,” Crook said of the musical, which first appeared off-Broadway in 1983.  “Audiences will love the campy horror vibes of this classic musical.”

For more information on the series, call 803-641-3784.

 

Aiken in the Alley Schedule of Events

Jan. 29

11 a.m.-noon

“The Spanish Vanguard and Soccer Poetry,” presented by Dr. Tim Ashton, professor of Spanish

Feb. 26

11 a.m.-noon

“Future Soldiers of Spain: Masculine Indoctrination During the Early Franco Regime,” presented by Dr. Samuel Pierce, associate professor of history

March 19

11 a.m.-noon

“Hemingway, Salinger and the American Short Story,” presented by Dr. Forrest Anderson, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

April 9

11 a.m.-noon

“A Sneak-Peek of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’” presented by Paul Crook, Etherredge Center director and professor of theatre

April 23

11 a.m.-noon

“Paris in the 20s,” presented by Dr. Andrew Geyer, professor of English

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.