Friday, February 10, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40, $34 >> Buy Tickets Now

Ronald K. Brown and his dance company, Evidence, will perform a new piece, On Earth Together, which Brown choreographed to songs by Stevie Wonder. Brown's energetic choreography unites with Wonder's uplifting music for an evening of breathtaking inspiration. Brown calls it "a commitment to making the world a better place." Since he was a second-grader in Brooklyn, Brown has created dance pieces, fusing European traditions with African-inspired styles. Everything from classical ballet to hip-hop to Caribbean folk dances becomes a tool for his creativity.

For Fans of: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

What Critics Say: “The dancing is undeniably powerful; it sweeps you up in its physical tumult and strong emotions.” –Sarah Kaufman, Washington Post

Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $64, $58 >> Buy Tickets Now
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

The tall man in the red shoes and socks will bring an evening of homespun humor, eclectic music and Midwestern charm to the MSU Riley Center. Keillor has written more than a dozen books and numerous newspaper and magazine articles. But he is most famous as host of the public radio show A Prairie Home Companion, a mixture of storytelling, songs, comedy skits and advertisements for such improbable sponsors as Powdermilk Biscuits and the Ketchup Advisory Board. Nostalgia and good-natured humor permeate Keillor's world, especially during his tales about his fictional hometown of Lake Wobegon, Minnesota.

Featuring: Richard Dworsky and Heather Masse

For Fans of: Mark Twain, James Thurber, Jean Shepherd

What Critics Say: “He is probably our best American humorist and yet he is much more than just a humorist.” – Alison Lurie, novelist and critic

Friday, March 9, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $68, $62
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

With his deep baritone and slow twang, Josh Turner was an attention-getter from the moment he took the
Grand Ole Opry stage in 2001. His performance of “Long Black Train” prompted a standing ovation — before he
had even finished the song. From there, Turner’s career has climbed to the heights of country music. A multiplatinum recording artist, the South Carolina native recently saw his fourth number one single, “All Over Me,”
named 2011’s Song of the Year by BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.).

For Fans of: Billy Currington, Josh Gracin, Tracy Byrd

What Critics Say: ‘‘Josh Turner has a rich, deep voice that wraps itself around you like a blanket and makes
you feel cozy.” — Scott Malchus

Sunday, March 25, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50, $44

After reigning as one of the 1990s’ power female singing groups, Wilson Phillips has come back strong, reuniting in 2004 and releasing their fourth original album in 2010. Their latest album, titled Dedicated, will debut in 2012. The offspring of well-known parents, siblings Carnie and Wendy Wilson (daughters of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson) and Chynna Phillips (daughter of The Mamas
& the Papas’ John and Michelle Phillips) are best known for their 1990 hit “Hold On.”

For Fans of: Paula Abdul, Taylor Dayne, Tiffany

What Critics Say: “The vocals soar and come together in perfect harmony.” – David Bowling, Blogcritics.com

“The girls’ signature golden harmonies are allowed to take center stage.” – Sal Cinquemani, Slant Magazine

Saturday, April 7, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40, $34

The mountains of Appalachia and the bayous of Louisiana are closer together than you think. When the brass of The Preservation Hall Jazz Band meets the bluegrass of The Del McCoury Band, the result is magic. Both groups recently celebrated 50 years of music together but they’ve only recently partnered to show how these two distinctly American genres play so well together.

For Fans of: Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams Sr., Branford Marsalis

What Critics Say: “It is good to be the king. And that is precisely what Del McCoury — backed by arguably the most formidable bluegrass outfit in existence — remains.” — Billboard

“The tradition of New Orleans jazz championed by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has to be the
purest expression of the ‘melting pot’ ideal … where talent reigns, anything goes.” — Los Angeles Times

Saturday, April 14, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $52, $46
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

Aside from her Grammy-winning crossover hit, “I Hope You Dance,” Lee Ann Womack is a classic country girl. Influenced by the country albums her father played while she accompanied him at his part-time disc jockey job, she fills her own award-winning albums with aching anthems and songs about love and loss. While she has toured recently with George Strait and Reba McEntire,
Womack takes the stage alone for this concert, focusing on music that tells stories about real life.

For Fans of: Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans,
Martina McBride

What Critics Say: “Just sit back, relax, and let Womack take the wheel for the best stretch of love and lonesome road to come out of Music Row in recent memory.” — Cory Albertson, PasteMagazine.com

Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28, $22
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

Touring together for the first time, The Ruthie Foster Band and soloist Paul Thorn create unforgettable music together. With strong gospel choir backbones, Foster and Thorn take on every song with their own contemporary stylings, blending blues, gospel, folk, rock, country and R&B. Foster’s most recent album, The Truth According to Ruthie Foster, was nominated for a Grammy. Thorn’s Pimps and Preachers made the Billboard Top 100 and was at the top of Americana radio charts for three weeks.

For Fans of: Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss,
Shemekia Copeland

What Critics Say: “She laughed and joked, but whatever the song… she was intently focused on the lyrics and reaching to deep places inside … Ruthie Foster is a rare one.” — Graham Reid

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $87, $81
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

This year, 40 years after she released her first album, Bonnie Raitt is doing it again. Her newest creation, Slipstream, will debut in April, and it seems her music only gets better with time. Since an incredibly young age, this blues artist has been amazing audiences large and small with her deft guitar playing, soulful song writing, and authentic voice. A nine-time Grammy winner, many of her albums have gone multi-platinum, but Raitt still shines brightest in the most intimate and casual of venues, where her heartfelt singing and songwriting can speak to every person in the room.

For Fans of: Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Jackson Browne

What Critics Say: “Raitt is often lauded for her stellar work on electric bottleneck guitar … but it’s her singing that’s the biggest marvel. Her voice has an innate bluesiness, and she doesn’t have to force the issue by overselling a phrase. So when she stirs in a little whiskey-ish rasp or draws out a line or bends a note, it adds a tingle of thrill to the tune, but always naturally.” Eric Snider, Metromix Tampa Bay

Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18, $10

In 1928, A. A. Milne’s book The House at Pooh Corner was published. More than 80 years later, families are still
enjoying the sweet tale of Christopher Robin and his friends through Bettye Knapp’s adaptation for the stage.
Even the youngest of theatergoers will be enthralled by the familiar characters and even more familiar childhood
dilemmas. And they’ll be downright delighted when Tigger takes the stage.

For Fans of: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore
and Tigger too!

What Critics Say: “The House at Pooh Corner, of course, is aimed at little folks, and they’re sure to be
delighted by the bright colors and idiosyncratic characters.” — Elizabeth Maupin

Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $70, $64
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

A five-time Grammy winner and New York Times bestselling author, Wynonna’s career has always revolved around telling stories. Whether she’s using her rich, commanding voice to sing one of her countless hits or sitting down for a bold, honest appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Wynonna always gets her point across with unflinching honesty and wisdom gained over the course of her very public life. In her latest venture, the 28 year music veteran, Wynonna has created an entirely new high energy show with her band, The Big Noise. Wynonna will perform her biggest hits along with a rockin’ selection of her favorite covers. This is one show you do not want to miss!

For Fans of: Patti LaBelle, Reba McEntire, Bonnie Raitt, Tanya Tucker, and Trisha Yearwood

What Critics Say: “Few artists are able to break away from a successful duo and continue with the
level of success that Wynonna has had. She is a true, genuine talent.” — Jack Lowe

Thursday, June 7, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $52, $46
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

Though he was a cofounder of the legendary R&B group The O’Jays, Eddie Levert is a music legend in his own right. His gruff, soulful signature sound is recognized by three generations of fans. Since 1958, the O’Jays have been true to their musical roots, and they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. You’ll hear Levert’s voice in every one of the group’s numerous hits and on all its platinum albums.

For Fans of: Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The Stylistics

What Critics Say: “Levert could handle emotion-soaked ballads, sweat-inducing dance numbers and thought provoking message songs with equal aplomb.” — Ed Hogan

Thursday, June 21, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35, $29

After well over a decade of making Christian music, these guys have the Grammy awards and platinum albums
proving that hard work pays off. Whether you enjoy rock, blues, alternative or folk music, chances are good that
you’ll leave their concert happy you went. Their songs reflect lives lived in faith, as well as a passion for moving
melodies, driving rhythms, and good guitar playing.

For Fans of: Leeland, Third Day, Newsboys

What Critics Say: “On The Shelter, Jars of Clay’s eleventh studio release, the songs are not immediately
engaging. Over time, they reveal an organic brilliance — slight touches and minor segues that make them more compelling.” — John Brandon, Christianity Today

Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28, $22

This former subway singer has stormed stages worldwide since her 2010 appearance on America’s Got Talent. After raising her family and working in the New York City school system, Alice Tan Ridley began singing in New York subway stations in 1992, to the delight of the huge crowds who cheered her on. Her rousing rendition of Etta James’ “At Last” during her first appearance on America’s Got Talent is a classic example of her strong voice, with its R&B stylings.

For Fans of: Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Etta James

What Critics Say: “She’s got an amazing personality as well as a great talent.”
— Piers Morgan of America’s Got Talent

Friday, August 10, 2012, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $52, $46
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

In House of God churches since the 1930s, it’s been known as sacred steel. In the hands of pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, it’s become a bridge between modern American funk/soul and the ancestral songs of more than a century ago. We Walk This Road, the most recent studio album by Robert Randolph and The Family Band, features both secular and religious tunes, covers and originals, all bound together with an uplifting message of hope.

For Fans of: North Mississippi Allstars, Gov’t Mule, Widespread Panic

What Critics Say: “Sacred steel maestro Robert Randolph seems destined to play a big tent.”
— Jeff Vrabel, PasteMagazine.com