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.
COVID Update: Effective immediately, the wearing of masks and face coverings indoors at McKendree
University will be optional for everyone except in some specific settings. Face coverings may be required indoors, at the discretion of the artist, at certain
public events. Protocols for these particular occasions will be clearly articulated
in the event announcements.
Croce Plays Croce
Thursday, February 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
American Folk & Rock
A.J. Croce performs Croce Plays Croce, a special night of music featuring stories and songs
from his late father Jim Croce, music of his own, and covers that link them. This
special event features such timeless songs as “Operator,” “You Don’t Mess Around with
Jim,” and "I Got A Name." Available now are both Jim and A.J. versions of "I Got A
Name" and a new single from A.J. "So Much Fun."
Generously Supported By: Mr. Michael Gauble ‘66 and Mrs. Kay Gauble ‘66
FRIENDS: ADULT/SENIOR/YOUTH $30.00 / $28.00 / $10.00
PUBLIC: ADULT/SENIOR/YOUTH $37.50 / $35.00 / $12.50
Blessed Assurance: The Evolution of the Negro Spiritual
Saturday, February 4 @ 7:30 p.m.
Experience the story of Black music in this showcase of spiritual music, which has
shifted and grown from the fields of the Agrarian South all the way to the stage of
Carnegie Hall.
The beauty of Black music resides in its tones, but its power lies in the narrative.
The narrative that the cast of Blessed Assurance has chosen when they tell the story of Black music is paramount to the audience’s
reception, appreciation, and dissemination of it. The complex connection between literature,
art, and music to the history of Black people in American culture cannot be easily
overstated.
FRIENDS: ADULT/SENIOR/YOUTH $20.00/ $18.00 / $10.00
PUBLIC: ADULT/SENIOR/YOUTH $25.00 / $22.50 / $12.50
The Jazz Story presented in partnership with The Sheldon Band
Wednesday, February 8 @ 10:00 a.m. (Arts Education; Recommended for K-8)
Students will travel in time to experience the story of America’s unique creation,
jazz. With an emphasis on the transformations into the many faces of jazz, you’ll
hear unforgettable jazz hits including “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That
Swing” by Duke Ellington, “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams,
“Cantaloupe Island” by Herbie Hancock, and more. See jazz come to life and enjoy the
adventure of jazz and its great musicians!
Arts Education Series Generously Supported By: Ameren Illinois
ADMISSION: FRIENDS: $15 / PUBLIC: $18.75
Reduced Prices for Groups: Call the box office at (618) 537-6863 to purchase tickets, priced at $5 per child; 1 free chaperone/ adult for every 10 tickets purchased.
