Current Events

 

2024-2025 Season

 

Reduced Shakespeare Co.: The Complete History of America (abridged) - Election Edition

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024  |  7:30 p.m.

Vote early, laugh often!  The Complete History of America (abridged) – Election Edition is the only cure for America’s aches and campaigns!

Newly updated for the 2024 election, the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) returns with 600 Years of History in 6000 seconds! The Complete History of America (abridged) – Election Edition provides the requisite historical context guaranteed to confuse any voter and make you the life of your next party – whatever party!

From Valley Forge to Fake News, yea verily from Manifest Destiny to Mar-A-Lago, from Alexander Hamilton the patriot to Hamilton the musical, the three cultural guerillas of the Reduced Shakespeare Company take you on a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history.

And the presidential frontrunners may just make a surprise appearance to answer any audience questions: Who really discovered America or was it already here? Who is Gerry and why does he mander? If pro is the opposite of con, then is progress the opposite of congress?

History is normally re-written by the winners… but now it’s the RSC’s turn.

FRIENDS: $40.00 Adult / $36.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $50.00 Adult / $45.00 Senior / $25.00 Youth

 

 

 

 

 

Wayne E. Lanter Series:

William Davis

Thusday, October 3, 2024  |  7 p.m.

William is the Illinois Region President for Deaconess Illinois and serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois with more than 15 years executive leadership experience in southern Illinois. As president, he oversees operations in the Illinois market and organizational planning for several Illinois facilities. He has been nationally recognized as a “Rural Hospital CEO to Know” and “Black Healthcare Leader to Know” by the prestigious Becker’s Hospital Review three years in a row.

His calm demeanor, thoughtfulness, toward team members, and the ability to see the results of actions taken from a patient’s perspective have made William stand out as a leader. In 2021, the Southern Illinois Business Journal named him among its annual list of “20 Under 40 Leaders” for making a difference as a young leader in the region while serving as Associate CEO of Heartland Regional Medical Center.

This event is sponsored by the University’s annual Wayne E. Lanter Series, which invites influential business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their insight and strategies for success. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to attend the lecture in the Hett.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distinguished Speaker Series:

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu

Tuesday, October 8, 2024  |  7 p.m.

The challenges of growing black and female in apartheid South Africa have been the foundation of Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu’s life as an activist for human rights. Those experiences taught her that our whole human family loses when we accept situations of oppression, and how the teaching and preaching hate and division injure us all.

Rev. Tutu started her public speaking as a college student at Berea College in Kentucky, when she was invited to speak at churches, community groups and colleges and universities about her experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. Since that time, she has become a much sought-after speaker to groups as varied as business associations, professional conferences, elected officials and church and civic organizations.

 

FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

Homecoming Show
Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024  |  7:30 p.m.

SOLD OUT - click here to join the waitlist

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have been aptly described as “a ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians, and musicians of no fixed ambition.”  They have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record; writing lyrics both whimsical and poetic, singing harmonies that would send shivers up your spine. 

Their songs are regularly played on Classic Radio stations and, of course, songs like “If You Wanna Get To Heaven,” “Jackie Blue,” “Chicken Train,” “Standing On The Rock,” and countless others are still fan favorites across all media. Their current lineup of talented musicians allows the band to perform songs from every corner of their vast catalog, and they continue to delight Dareheads with their live performances.  With two of the original co-founders still on board, their signature sound and style remain intact and vibrant.

FRIENDS: $56.00 Adult / $52.00 Senior / $28.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $70.00 Adult / $65.00 Senior / $35.00 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

The Music of Lewis and Clark

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024  |  10 a.m.

Follow the amazing adventures of Lewis and Clark, with a musical journey from St. Louis, up to the Missouri River, across the Rocky Mountains, and all the way to the Pacific Ocean!

 

 

 

 

FRIENDS: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

Mike Sonderegger: Dueling Pianos

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024  |  7:30 p.m.

After graduating from Lindenwood University with bachelor's degrees in performing arts and arts management, Mike spent 16 years performing and entertaining in various piano bars throughout the nation, primarily The Big Bang in St. Louis in which he performed for packed houses nightly. He can often be found performing at various venues in the St. Louis Metro area. 

 

FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $14.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $17.50 Youth

 

  

 

 

 

Sierra Green and The Giants

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Emerging as a vibrant musical force from the bustling streets of New Orleans, Sierra Green embodies a fusion of timeless soul with an irresistible contemporary allure, evoking the depth and grit of the genre's raw essence. Revered as the "Queen of Frenchmen Street," Sierra's roots delve deep into the rich musical soil of the city's 7th Ward—a historic breeding ground that nurtured legends such as Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and Allen Toussaint. Sierra's musical destiny is woven into the tapestry of this storied neighborhood, where her voice resonated in the church choir from the tender age of eight.

Sierra's artistic odyssey mirrors the resilience and profound soulfulness of her surroundings. Originating from humble beginnings, she captivated audiences along the iconic Frenchmen Street, eventually securing residencies in New Orleans' most esteemed clubs. Here, she meticulously curated her band, The Giants, handpicking the city’s finest musicians to refine her distinctive sound and command the stage with an undeniable presence.

Sierra stands poised and primed, where each moment behind the microphone holds the promise of an unforgettable evening—an embodiment of soulful melodies and magnetic performances that leave audiences moved, captivated, and inspired. Sierra Green isn't merely crafting music; she’s etching her legacy in the revered annals of musical history.

FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.50 Youth

 

    

 

 

 

Celtic Christmas

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024

SOLD OUT - click here to join the waitlist

For the past 28 years, with a world-class ensemble of musicians, dancers and singers from both sides of the Atlantic, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas has played to packed concert halls and to critical acclaim nationwide, recreating on stage the now-famous Rambling House; that remote cottage in the West of Ireland, where the neighbors gather every year for a communal night before Christmas.

There, the rafters ring with fiery traditional music, Irish Christmas carols, riveting traditional dance and, of course, stories of life in the remote parish of Teampall an Ghleanntáin, Tomáseen’s birthplace. The show invites its audience to come into that cottage, into that world, into that era, with us, and be our neighbors for the night.

FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth

 

    

 

 

 

United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Concert Band

Friday, Dec. 13, 2024  |  10 a.m. (Arts Education Series)

Friday, Dec. 13, 2024  |  7 p.m. SOLD OUT - click here to join the waitlist

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024  |  1 p.m. SOLD OUT - click here to join the waitlist

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024  |  7 p.m.

SOLD OUT - click here to join the waitlist

 

This diverse, 45-piece ensemble’s repertoire ranges from symphonic band masterworks to traditional marches, modern compositions, pop, and jazz.

A Hett holiday tradition! The talented musical ambassadors of Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base return for three joyful, uplifting performances. The 45 enlisted musicians and vocalists of the Band of Mid-America’s Concert Band represent the professionalism and excellence found throughout the U.S. Air Force. Their diverse repertoire includes symphonic masterworks, traditional marches, modern compositions, and jazz-inspired holiday music. Get your tickets early – these shows sell out fast!

ADMISSION IS FREE FOR FRIENDS & THE PUBLIC. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED.

Important Information: The auditorium doors will open 45 minutes prior to showtime. Reserved tickets for this event expire at 15 minutes prior to showtime and ticket holders must arrive before then to be guaranteed their reserved seats. Once tickets expire, late-arriving ticket holders will be required to enter the standby line.

 

   

 

 

 

Grand Allusion: A Tribute to Styx

Friday, Jan. 24, 2025

FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $14.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $17.50 Youth

 

    

 

 

 

Barron Ryan

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025  |  7:30 p.m.

Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Michael Jackson. So when it comes to his own performing, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

Barron’s signature recital program features some of the greatest piano music ever made, including groovy classical works, renditions from great jazz pianists, pop tune arrangements, and an original sonata. Barron will weave a story with his music and words that's sure to leave your audience speechless.

FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $14.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $17.50 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

Chicago Tap Theatre

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025  |  7:30 p.m.

Chicago Tap Theatre is a young and vibrant dance company with a unique mission to preserve the quintessentially American dance form of tap and to take tap to the next level of creativity and innovation.

 

 

 

“A collision of unparalleled footwork, live music, and storytelling that dares the rest of the tap world to elevate its game”    

-   Chicago Stage Standard

 

FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.50 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

Masterworks Chorale

Sunday, March 2, 2025

The Masterworks Chorale is an ensemble of auditioned singers who enrich the cultural environment of the Metro East with outstanding performances of significant choral literature. The membership represents a seven-county area in Illinois and Missouri and includes a wide variety of professions and musical backgrounds.

FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $25.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth

 

    

 

 

 

TAKE3

Saturday, March 22, 2025  |  7:30 p.m.

Seamlessly merging hits from Elvis and the Beatles to Bach and Beethoven, TAKE3 lives at the intersection where pop, rock and classical fusion collide. Described by audience goers as a mini–Trans Siberian Orchestra experience, TAKE3 is nothing short of exhilarating and has electrified audiences at venues and performing arts centers throughout the U.S.

Their unmistakable style and infectious joy in music making brings them to over 60 stops in the U.S. during the 23/24 season. TAKE3 was created by violinist/vocalist, Lindsay Deutsch, Yanni's featured violin soloist, with whom she has toured throughout most of the 7 continents. Ms. Deutsch has over 100,000 Instagram followers and can be heard throughout Netflix’s popular show, "The Witcher" and the Hulu series "All About Pam".

 

FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

Distinguished Speaker Series: Leah Wietholter

Tuesday, April 8, 2025  |  7 p.m.

Leah is the CEO and founder of Workman Forensics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a licensed private investigator in Oklahoma and a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Oklahoma and Utah. While working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Leah discovered an interest and talent for forensic accounting. After leaving the FBI, she served as a senior certified fraud examiner in a Tulsa public accounting firm before leaving to open Workman Forensics in 2010. With over 17 years of experience and more than 200 cases worked, Leah has honed her industry expertise to create the Data Sleuth® Process - a scalable, data-first approach to forensic accounting engagements and fraud investigations.   

 

FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience

Friday, April 25, 2025  |  7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2025  |  7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT - click here to join the waitlist

 

7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience is a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of the Eagles. Using no backing tracks or harmonizers, 7 Bridges faithfully re-creates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band's most prolific period. Featuring one brilliant hit single after another, they offer the perfect blend of songs to capture all levels of Eagles devotees. By combining incredible musicianship, vocal precision, and stage presence, 7 Bridges has mastered the exact aura of an Eagles concert. This brilliant re-creation has garnered critical acclaim in performing arts center and theaters nationwide. The band always provides an all-ages family-friendly show weaved into a powerful rock concert experience.

FRIENDS: $48.00 Adult / $44.00 Senior / $24.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $60.00 Adult / $55.00 Senior / $30.00 Youth

 

   

 

 

 

Mermaid Theatre

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
10 a.m. (ArtsEd) | 6 p.m.

Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

 

10 a.m. Performance

FRIENDS: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth

 

   

 

6 p.m. Performance

FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth

PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth