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.
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.
A Masterworks Weekend with Christine Brewer
Friday, February 24 - Sunday, February 26
Join internationally-acclaimed, Grammy award-winning soprano and McKendree alumnus
Christine Brewer for a weekend of music! Start the weekend right with coffee, music,
and conversation with Christine, with Jazz Age favorites by members of the Masterworks
Chorale and Jazz Ensemble. Then, enjoy open-to-the-public performances from opera
and oratorio by talented young regional singers with critiques and reflections from
Christine. Finally, cap the weekend with music from the age of swing and more, performed
by the Masterworks Chorale and Jazz Ensemble with guest artist Christine Brewer and
broadcaster Steve Jankowski as emcee.
Morning Coffee with Christine and Masterworks Chorale
Friday, February 24, 10 a.m. - Admission: Friends:$10 / Public:$12.50
Music and conversation with Ms. Brewer, with Jazz Age favorites by members of the Masterworks Chorale and Jazz Ensemble.
A Master Class with Christine Brewer
Saturday, February 25, 2 p.m. - Admission: FREE
Performances from opera and oratorio by talented young regional singers, with critiques and reflections by internationally-acclaimed soprano Christine Brewer.
Old Time Radio Show with Masterworks Chorale and Christine Brewer
Sunday, February 26, 3 p.m. - Admission: Friends:$15 / Public:$18.75
Music from the Age of Swing and more, performed by the Masterworks Chorale and Jazz Ensemble, with guest artist, Christine Brewer, and emcee, broadcaster Steve Jankowski.
Anita Jackson
Saturday, March 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
Gospel Vocalist
Soulful and swinging, one of St. Louis’ premier ladies of song, Anita Jackson, makes
her debut on the Hett stage. Jackson has appeared as a background vocalist with Bette
Midler, Patti Austin and Mariah Carey. She has been featured with several jazz, R&B,
blues and gospel groups around St. Louis, leaving a lasting impact with her powerful
voice and commanding stage presence.
Generously Supported By: Bank of O’Fallon
FRIENDS: ADULT/SENIOR/YOUTH $20.00 / $18.00 / $10.00
PUBLIC: ADULT/SENIOR/YOUTH $25.00 / $22.50 / $12.50