Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts
"The Hett" is Southern Illinois' premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. The 488-seat auditorium is located on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, Illinois, 25 miles from St. Louis.
Due to the impending winter storm and out of concern for the safety of our guests, we are making the following changes to our event schedule for this weekend:
Fake News: A Tribute to Huey Lewis has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 7, 2026. All previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date. No action is required.
USAF Chamber Winds: Speed of Light, scheduled for Sunday, January 25, has been cancelled. The performance will not be rescheduled. As this was a free admission event, no refunds will be issued, and no action is required of ticket holders.
Patrons with questions may contact the Box Office for assistance.
Fake News: A Tribute to Huey Lewis
Rescheduled to Saturday, March 7 // 7:30 p.m.
SOLD OUT - Click here to join the waitlist for tickets
Come feel the power of Fake News, a St. Louis-based tribute to the incomparable Huey
Lewis & The News! This powerhouse of a group emphasizes recreating the energy of the
band’s live performances when accompanied by the Tower of Power horns. Get ready to
be transported “Back In Time” as Fake News plays ALL of Huey’s greatest hits the way
you remember them.
FRIENDS: $44.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $55.00 Adult / $50.00 Senior / $27.50 Youth
USAF Chamber Winds: Speed of Light
Due to the impending winter storm and out of concern for the safety of our guests, USAF Chamber Winds: Speed of Light, scheduled for Sunday, January 25, has been cancelled.
The performance will not be rescheduled.
As this was a free admission event, no refunds will be issued, and no action is required of ticket holders.
Patrons with questions may contact the Box Office for assistance.
Taylor Made Presents: Long Live - The Journey of Taylor Swift
Saturday, January 31 // 7:30 p.m.
Following an unforgettable 2024, Taylor Made – the Taylor Swift tribute that took
audiences by storm – is back with an all-new experience for 2025! This theatrically-inspired,
high-energy celebration brings Taylor’s incredible career to life through the very
songs that made her a global icon. This immersive show takes fans on a musical journey
through every album, reliving the real-life moments that inspired her iconic songs,
from her country roots to pop superstardom and beyond.
Whether you’ve been a Swiftie since day one or just discovered her magic, this is your chance to sing, dance, and scream along to all of your favorite Taylor Swift hits, performed live by the tribute band that does it best.
FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $14.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $17.50 Youth
Generously sponsored by President Dan Dobbins '81 and Mrs. Mickey Dobbins '81
A Black History Tour of St. Louis - Film Screening
Wednesday, February 4 // 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Director Tony West will be showing his wonderful film A Black History Tour of St. Louis at McKendree on February 4th, 2026 and take questions afterwards. Father Gerald Kleba, who was recently featured on NPR's StoryCorps and who gives the STL Black history tour, will also attend and participate in the Q & A.
Through the voice of Father Kleba, this film offers a fascinating and moving account of the history of Catholicism and the STL Black community. Among other topics, it covers the groundbreaking nursing program at the Homer G. Phillips Hospital, the history of Black educational excellence in the Ville, the city's crushing history of redlining, Visitation Credit Union's economic empowerment, and Civil Rights protests at Jefferson Bank. As the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us: "We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
FREE ADMISSION, TICKETS ARE REQUIRED
Metro Theatre Co. presents: Life Doesn't Frighten Me
Thursday, February 12 @ 10:00 a.m. [ArtsEd]
Inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou’s powerful poem Life Doesn’t Frighten Me, this original play by multi-disciplinary hip-hop artist Paige Hernandez brings to
life the everyday fears we all face—and the courage within us to rise above them.
Told through spoken word, hip-hop, and dance, the story celebrates every child’s unique
strength and reminds us all that we are indeed fearless royalty!
FRIENDS: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
