BINGHAMTON, NY – In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CEMERS) at Binghamton University will present "Medieval Night" at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the University Downtown Center, 67 Washington St., Binghamton. This event, in collaboration with First Friday, is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Medieval Night will feature the chart-topping, world music group Piccola Banda Ikona from Italy. This group performs medieval music on traditional instruments in many languages, including Italian, Spanish, Latin, Arabic, Persian, and Sabir (a lingua franca once used by sailors, pirates, fisherman, merchants and ship owners in Mediterranean ports).

Binghamton University students and faculty will recite medieval poetry and perform medieval music and drama. Students who have been studying medieval manuscripts and the history of the book will give presentations. These presentations will conclude with a public "transcribe-athon," which will give the audience an opportunity to do what medievalists do—and write themselves into the ongoing story of an authentic 15th-century book.

Student/faculty presentations will begin at 6 p.m. and Piccola Banda Ikona will take the stage around 7:30 p.m.