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.
United States Air Force Band of Mid-America
Sunday, December 7 // 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8 // 10:00 a.m. [ArtsEd]
Monday, December 8 // 7:00 p.m.
ALL PERFORMANCES ARE CURRENTLY SOLD OUT - CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST
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, tickets are required.
Important Information: 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.
Note: At this time, the ongoing government shutdown has not impacted these performances.
Should there be any changes, we will share updates by email, on our website, and through
our social media channels.
The Hett and State Street Dance Company present:
The Nutcracker
Friday, December 12 // 10:00 a.m. [ArtsEd]
Friday, December 12 // 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 // 2 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 // 6:30 p.m.
ALL PERFORMANCES ARE CURRENTLY SOLD OUT - CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST
The ballet classic returns to the Hett this holiday season! This timely holiday classic
features local dance talent and principals from leading professional companies. The
Nutcracker, a two-act Russian ballet with a famous score by Pyotr Iliych Tchaikovsky,
premiered in 1892 and has become a beloved Christmas season tradition. The enchanting
story follows young Clara and her Nutcracker doll from a fancy family Christmas party
to a fierce battle with the evil Mouse King. Their magical adventure continues through
the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy.
FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
Fake News: A Tribute to Huey Lewis
Saturday, January 24 // 7:30 p.m.
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
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
