Robert Cole, who's been in charge of Cal Performances on the UC Berkeley campus since 1986, announced that he's leaving at the end of the 2008/2009 season.

Under Coles' tenure, ticket sales increased ten-fold and the center has increased its events, now hosting more than 80 per year. Performances have been given by prestigious music, opera, theater, and dance groups from around the world--names that even philistines like us have heard of: the Joffrey Ballet, Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, and more.

So, folks -- one more season to see some great performances under the direction of the man who made it possible.