Now entering its seventh season, the Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts invites new and returning guests to “Experience It Live” with an astounding array of world-class entertainers set to take the stage in 2017-18. From classic rock to Broadway, country, and dance, the EKU center will once again bring some of the top names in entertainment to Richmond, Kentucky.
The season kicks off with rock and roll icons The Doobie Brothers. The Grammy Award-winning band has sold more than 48 million albums featuring a catalog of hit songs such as “Black Water,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “Listen To The Music,” “China Grove,” and “Takin’ It To The Streets.”
The classic rock continues with legendary progressive icons KANSAS bringing its highly acclaimed Leftoverture 40th Anniversary Tour to the center. America’s favorite surf rockers, The Beach Boys, are returning for a concert filled with “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and “Good Vibrations,” sure to transport the audience back to a time of surf, sun, and endless summers.
A new stage production of Peter Pan promises to whisk families away to Never Never Land with never-before-seen 3D effects, breathtaking flying sequences, holographic video effects, a cast of performers from the London stage, and former Cirque du Soleil acrobats. 3D glasses will make it feel like the audience is flying with Peter and Wendy!
The holidays will see lavish productions take the center stage. “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nutcracker,” and the beloved holiday music of Mannheim Steamroller are sure to inspire the Christmas spirit. Guests can also spend a fun-filled 60s Christmas with Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, and The Grass Roots.
Gospel great Shirley Caesar will present an inspiring evening of soul-moving music. Long recognized as a gospel icon in the ranks of Mahalia Jackson, Caesar has recorded more than 40 albums, won 11 Grammys, 18 Doves, and 14 Stellar Awards.
Audiences will get to visit the beloved Neighborhood of Make-Believe with Daniel Tiger, spend one unforgettable night with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in “Million Dollar Quartet,” and travel from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan in six-time Tony Award winner “Kinky Boots.”
Alton Brown, who played before a capacity crowd during his last visit to the EKU center, returns with his all new “Eat Your Science” Tour. Brown promises new therapy-inducing audience participation segments, and things he has never been allowed to do on television.
The EKU center is pleased to welcome for the very first time country music legend Clint Black, Get the Led Out-The American Led Zeppelin, America’s Got Talent finalists Sons of Serendip, and violin sensations Femmes of Rock and Black Violin.
As was done during the prior season, the center is pursuing an aggressive schedule of adding top-name acts throughout the year.
“We think no matter what kind of performances you enjoy, you can ‘Experience It Live’ this season at the EKU Center,” said Dr. Skip Daugherty, executive director of the Center.
“During last season, we added numerous events, including Gladys Knight, Jason Isbell, Ronnie Milsap, and Dancing with the Stars, to name a few,” he noted. “What you see is a glimpse of what’s to come. Patrons will also have pre-show dinner options at most performances.”
For a complete season schedule, with performance times, ticket prices, and additional information, visit EKUCenter.com.
This season the EKU center offers several way to get discounted tickets. Subscribers ordering four or more events will receive 10 percent off, eight or more get 15 percent off, and 12 or more receive 20 percent off individual ticket prices. Patrons who have already purchased tickets to KANSAS or Alton Brown Live can count those shows toward subscription packages, though discounts cannot be retroactively applied to either performance. Subscribers ordering prior to July 21 are eligible for discounted tickets for additional events announced throughout the season.
Friends of the EKU Center have pre-sale opportunities for subscriptions and single tickets beginning on Thursday, June 22. On Wednesday, July 5, the general public may purchase subscriptions.
Single tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 21.
Tickets and information are available at ekucenter.comor in person at the Center’s box office. The Center can be reached at 859-622-7469.
The complete list of performances and events:
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. – The Doobie Brothers bring their roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll to kick off the Center’s 2017-18 season. Tickets: $79.50 / $89.50 / $99.50 / $129.50
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. – KANSAS will perform its 1976 breakthrough album, “Leftoverture,” in its entirety, as well as hit songs and deep cuts from other albums. Tickets: $50.50 / $60.50 / $70.50 / $95.50
Friday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. – The First Lady of Gospel, Shirley Caesar, will perform a concert of inspiring soul-moving music. Two dollars from every tickets helps fund the EKU Alumni Ensemble Scholarship. Tickets: $45 / $55
Monday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. – The Beach Boys return with their famous harmonies and classic songs, including “California Girls,” “Kokomo,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “Surfin’ USA, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice, “I Get Around,” and so many more. Tickets: $55 / $65 / $75 / $95
Friday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. – The only violin act of its kind, Femmes of Rock, starring Bella Electric Strings, perform unforgettable arrangements of hits from Queen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Prince, David Bowie, The Beatles and more. Tickets: $21 / $31 / $41 / $51
Sunday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. – Fan favorites from America’s Got Talent, Sons of Serendip, perform soulful pop music that blends magnificent vocals with harp, piano, and cello to create a sound that touches the heart and lifts the spirit. Tickets: $25 / $35 / $49
Thursday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. – Alton Brown returns with his all new “Eat Your Science” tour, featuring new puppets, new songs, and even more potentially dangerous culinary demonstrations. Tickets: $35 / $45 / $55 / $125
Saturday, Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. – Daniel and his friends are hopping aboard the trolley to delight live audiences with “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live.” The audience will go on an interactive musical adventure as Daniel and his friends explore their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Tickets: $25 / $35 / $45 / $75
Monday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. – Russian Grand Ballet’s full-length classical production of “Swan Lake” includes for the first time the rarely seen “Waltz of the Black Swans,” and features Russia’s brightest ballet stars. Tickets: $35 / $45 / $60
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 and 7:30 p.m. – Lexington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” marches back onto the EKU Center stage this holiday season in an enchanting production that will delight every member of the family. Tickets: $19 / $29 / $44
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. – This celebrated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” performed by Nebraska Theatre Caravan, tells the magical tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim in a manner people of all ages will enjoy. Tickets: $25 / $35 / $45 / $55
Sunday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. – Spend a 60s Christmas with three nostalgic bands: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, and the Grass Roots. Tickets: $45 / $65 / $75 / $85
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, by Grammy winner Chip Davis, features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects. Tickets: $39 / $59 / $69 / $84
Friday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. – From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, “Get the Led Out,” has captured the essence of the recorded catalog of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. Tickets: $35 / $45 / $59
Saturday, March 3, 7 p.m. – “The Prodigal’s Journey” is a touching tale of forgiveness and restoration, presented by Ballet Magnificat and set to an array of classical ballet, jazz, modern, and even some swing dance. Tickets: $25.50 / $15.50 Children 12 & Under
Wednesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. – Country legend Clint Black surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of ‘89, reaching No. 1 with five consecutive singles from his triple-platinum debut, “Killin’ Time.” Tickets: $39 / $49 / $59 / $75
Thursday, April 5, 7:30 p.m., and Friday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. – Based on the story by James M. Barrie, “Peter Pan-A 3D Stage Spectacular” takes the audience on an unforgettable journey with the boy who wouldn’t grow up, featuring never-before-seen 3D effects, breathtaking flying sequences, holographic video effects, a cast of performers from the London stage, and former Cirque du Soleil acrobats. Tickets: $55 / $65 / $75
Sunday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. – “Million Dollar Quartet” is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” brought together icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night. Tickets: $45 / $55 / $65 / $79
Tuesday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. – Best Musical Tony winner “Kinky Boots” is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit, with songs by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Tickets: $45 / $59 / $69 / $85
Thursday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. – “Black Violin” is composed of violist Wil Baptiste and violinist Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Tickets: $25 / $35 / $45 / $55
The EKU Center for the Arts is located one mile off Exit 87 of I-75, across the Eastern By-Pass from the University’s Alumni Coliseum.