Current Events
2024-2025 Season
Homecoming Show
Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
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
McKendree Theatre: Night of the Living Dead
Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 | 2:30 p.m.
Six strangers in a lonely farmhouse, surrounded by brain-eating zombies - what could go wrong? Night of the Living Dead ™ Live is a fun and hilarious re-imagining of George A. Romero’s legendary classic. Set in 1968, it literally feels like the film has been brought to life and placed onstage. The play lovingly examines the movie itself, the period which it was made, and the film’s undying influence on the horror genre.
ADMISSION IS $5. FREE for McKendree students, facutly, and staff.
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
The music of Styx is diverse, melodic, intricate, and timeless. Join us and journey back through time with us as we perform some of the greatest hits of the 1970s and 1980s.
Grand Allusion recreates the music of Styx with exceptional instrumental performances and vibrant harmonies where we endeavor to remain true to the original recorded music while translating it into an exciting concert experience.
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
McKendree Theatre: She Kills Monsters
Friday, April 4, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 2:30 p.m.
Agnes Evans is cleaning out her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her
teenage little sister, Tilly. When she finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook,
however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed
adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane
dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed
playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within
us all.
ADMISSION IS $5. FREE for McKendree students, facutly, and staff.
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