Millikin University's Kirkland Fine Arts Center is pleased to announce its 2016-2017 Performing Arts Season. For over 45 years, Kirkland Fine Arts Center has been the place to be for live performing arts for Decatur, Ill., and the surrounding area. The tradition continues this coming season with a diverse lineup that is not only family-friendly, but fun for all.
"This year's line-up is a great opportunity to see unique, family-friendly, affordable live performing arts and I am very excited to be presenting them," said Kirkland Fine Arts Center's Director Jan Traughber.
Early-order ticket options are available to all the events you want to see this year. Become a Preferred Patron for early order and ticket discounts up to 15 percent. As a Preferred Patron, you will have access to all of the events and the best seats at a discounted price before single tickets go on sale to the public, but only until December 2016. Become a Friend of Kirkland and receive up to 25 percent off tickets to any event listed. For more information, visit kirklandfinearts.com/friend.
Single tickets will go on sale to the public beginning Aug. 22 for all 2016 events. Single tickets for all 2017 events will go on sale to the public beginning Dec. 12.
For further information on purchasing tickets, contact the Kirkland Ticket Office at 217.424.6318 or visit kirklandfinearts.com. The following is the lineup of events for the 2016-2017 season.
Fall 2016 Events
Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash: A Night to Remember
Saturday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.
$35 - $30 - $20 School Age $5
On December 4, 1956, Rock and Roll history was made in Memphis when Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded at Sam Phillip's Sun Studios. Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash pays tribute to and celebrates these legendary recording artists. From "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Hound Dog" to "Great Balls of Fire" the show energizes and exudes pure rock and roll.
Wonder Bread Years
Sunday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m.
$35 - $30 - $20 School Age $5
A fresh and funny salute to Americana, The Wonder Bread Years starring Pat Hazell (former Seinfeld writer) is a fast-paced, hilarious production that walks the line between standup and theater. Audiences enjoy a show that restores a sense of wonder, but leaves them laughing and savoring the past like never before. From sitting at the kids table to riding in the back of the Country Squire Wagon, this show is a comic bullseye for Baby Boomers everywhere.
Johnny Peers and Muttville Comix
Sunday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m.
$20 - $15 - $10 School Age $5
Johnny Peers and his personality-plus canines are coming to tickle your funny bone! A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate. The Muttville Comix have appeared on David Letterman, Circus of the Stars, Disneyland, Busch Gardens, the Big Apple Circus, and even The White House. A show for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us.
Vespers 2016
Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Adults: $12, Seniors & Children: $8
(Tickets go on sale Nov. 1 - Early tickets available to Friends of Kirkland)
Vespers celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with a sumptuous evening of carols, choirs, and candlelight. Over 300 musicians join together for this joyous musical feast. Songs from past centuries combined with familiar carols and arrangements create an evening of seasonal warmth for the whole family.
Holiday Jazz
Saturday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.
$25 - $20 - $15 School Age $5
The Millikin University Faculty Jazz Sextet returns once again to get you in the holiday spirit. Celebrate the sounds of the season during our 8th Annual Holiday concert with Millikin University's own School of Music faculty: Dave Burdick, Brian Justison, Chris Nolte, Perry Rask, Randy Reyman, and Steve Widenhofer. The sextet will be joined on stage by guest vocalist and Millikin alumni Angel Spiccia Slykas '03.
Spring 2017 Events
What's Going On - The Marvin Gaye Experience
Saturday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.
$35 - $30 - $20 School Age $5
A tribute to one of the greatest talents being sung by the new voice of American soul and Millikin alum, Brian Owens '01. What's Going On: The Marvin Gaye Experience is a tribute to the legendary artist and includes early solo hits: "Can I Get a Witness,""I Heard It Through the Grapevine,""Let's Get It On," and "Got To Give It Up."
Groove for Thought
Saturday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.
$30 - $25 - $15 School Age $5
The seven singers of Groove for Thought have been blowing audiences away for over 15 years. Performing classic tunes in a jazz style, the group combines the swinging style of The Manhattan Transfer with the smooth sounds of Take 6. One Voice, Millikin University's vocal jazz ensemble, will open this concert.
Women of Ireland
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.
$50 - $40 - $30 School Age $5
Women of Ireland is not just another Irish dance show. Join us as Ireland's leading female performers showcase the next generation of Irish & Celtic music, song, and dance. The outstanding dance and vocal content of the show is superbly augmented with a fervent fiddler leading the vastly talented instrumentalists, and an awesome aerialist. Lovers of Celtic music and dance are in for a special treat when Women of Ireland takes to the stage.
The Willis Clan
Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
$40 - $35 - $25 School Age $5
The Willis Clan is a family of amazing musicians, dancers, athletes, writers, and artists. They merge their Irish roots with other music and dance genres to create a unique blend of the old and new. 2015 was an exciting year for the clan thanks to their new reality show on TLC, "The Willis Family."
Adam Trent - The Futurist
Saturday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.
$40 - $35 - $25 School Age $5
Adam Trent is one of the stars of the hit Broadway show "The Illusionists," which shattered box office records during its 2014-2015 run. Described as Justin Timberlake meets David Copperfield, his audience interactive performances are part magic, part concert, and part stand-up comedy.
Village People
Saturday, May 6, 7:30 p.m.
$50 - $40 - $30 School Age $5
(Front Row & Meet and Greet - $150)
Village People is a one of-a-kind act synonymous with dance music. These six men provide high-energy choreography with fun and lots of singing and dancing. The show is great for all ages and includes the hits: "Macho Man,""Can't Stop the Music,""Go West," and "YMCA."
Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Millikin University believes that the arts are essential to the enrichment of society and a fundamental part of the educational process. Millikin's founder, James Millikin, declared that men and women should have both a classical and practical education to meet the demands of a changing society. The Kirkland Performing Arts Series supports this mission by encouraging both students and the community to participate in its programs and understand its multicultural heritage through performing arts events.
For over 45 years Kirkland has been the place to be for the arts in the Decatur community and the surrounding area. Kirkland Fine Arts Center has presented amazing talent, hilarious comedy, and fascinating speakers. Some of the artists have included Pete Fountain, Duke Ellington, Patti Page, Ray Charles, Olivia Newton John and Bob Newhart. Touring companies have included RENT, CATS, Showboat, Master Class with Maria Callas and Cirque Eloize. Speeches by distinguished guests like White House correspondent Helen Thomas, Leonard Nimoy and Colin L. Powell have been presented.
For more information on Kirkland Fine Arts Center, please visit kirklandfinearts.com. Events at Kirkland Fine Arts Center are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Midwest Arts Council.