The Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center at Indiana University Southeast has announced its 2026–2027 30th Anniversary Season, celebrating three decades since the Ogle Center opened its doors to the public in March 1996.
Located on the IU Southeast campus in New Albany, the Ogle Center serves as Southern Indiana’s premier center for the performing and visual arts, presenting professional touring artists, Louisville Orchestra concerts, university music and theatre performances, community events, lectures, and visual art exhibitions.
The 2026–2027 season reflects the full range of the Ogle Center’s mission, with performances spanning music, theatre, jazz, classical, family entertainment, choral music, bluegrass, popular music, holiday programming, and special anniversary events.
“This anniversary season is an opportunity to celebrate not only the artists and audiences who have filled the Ogle Center over the past 30 years, but also the students, faculty, donors, volunteers, and community partners who have helped make the Center a cultural home for Southern Indiana,” said Kirk Randolph, Ogle Center director. “The 2026–2027 lineup honors that history while looking ahead to the next chapter of arts and community engagement at IU Southeast.”
The season includes the Ogle Center Presents series, Louisville Orchestra performances including the NightLites series and a special appearance by Yuja Wang, IU Southeast Theatre productions, IU Southeast Music Department concerts, and special events including an America250 performance by the Singing Hoosiers and the annual Holiday Pops concerts.
Tickets go on sale at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, online at oglecenter.com.
The Ogle Center’s 2026–2027 season is underwritten by Patty Cress, with season support from Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, the Ogle Foundation, and Indiana University Southeast.
2026-2027 SEASON SCHEDULE
THE OGLE CENTER PRESENTS Series
The Ogle Center Presents series brings world-class artists and unforgettable performances to Southern Indiana, offering a dynamic mix of music, theatre, dance, comedy, family entertainment, and more. Curated to inspire, entertain, and connect our community, this signature series showcases exceptional talent from across the country and around the world.
Collision of Rhythm
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $40* Adults | $15* Juniors‡ | $20* IU students§
Collision of Rhythm brings together tap-dancing multi-instrumentalist Aaron Williams and beatbox-juggling performer Bronkar Lee for an explosive, family-friendly performance driven by music, movement, comedy, and audience interaction. With drumming, tap dancing, juggling, marimba, piano, saxophone, flute, and more, the show has been described as “Stomp meets Blue Man meets Cirque du Soleil.”
Haunted Illusions starring David Caserta
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $40* Adults | $15* Juniors‡ | $20* IU students§
Master illusionist David Caserta brings magic, comedy, and spooky fun to the Ogle Center in this high-energy Halloween-season spectacular. Featuring jaw-dropping illusions, audience participation, theatrical lighting, fog effects, and family-friendly surprises, Haunted Illusions is designed to thrill audiences of all ages.
The ELO Experience
featuring Evil Woman: The American ELO
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $50* Adults | $20* IU students§
The ELO Experience brings the music of Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra to life in a multimedia concert celebration filled with classic rock energy, pop hooks, and lush orchestral textures. Featuring a 12-piece band and more than 20 recognizable hits, Evil Woman recreates the unmistakable ELO sound with detailed arrangements, strings, soaring vocals, and video elements.
Vienna Boys Choir
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $40* Adults | $15* Juniors‡ | $20* IU students§
One of the world’s most celebrated and historic choral ensembles, the Vienna Boys Choir brings more than 500 years of musical tradition to the Ogle Center stage. Known for its pure tone, precision, and expressive young voices, the choir performs a repertoire spanning sacred, classical, and contemporary music.
Feelin’ Groovy
A Musical Trip Through the ’60s featuring
the songs of Simon & Garfunkel
starring Jim Witter
featuring Ian Turner
Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $40* Adults | $15* Juniors‡ | $20* IU students§
Starring Jim Witter and featuring Ian Turner, Feelin’ Groovy invites audiences on a nostalgic musical journey through the 1960s, centered on the timeless songs of Simon & Garfunkel. With favorites such as “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Boxer,” and more, the show celebrates the music, memories, and spirit of a generation.
Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS
World on a String
Swinging Songs of Broadway
with Kate Kortum and David Merino
Friday, February 26, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $40* Adults | $15* Juniors‡ | $20* IU students§
World on a String: Swinging Songs of Broadway features guest vocalists Kate Kortum and David Merino in new jazz arrangements of songs from some of Broadway’s most beloved productions. Presented as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS touring initiative, the concert brings the energy, artistry, and swing of New York jazz to the Ogle Center.
J2B2: John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band
Friday, March 19, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $40* Adults | $15* Juniors‡ | $20* IU students§
J2B2, the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, is an all-star ensemble featuring award-winning musicians John Jorgenson, Herb Pedersen, Mark Fain, and Patrick Sauber. Blending traditional bluegrass, West Coast folk rock, rich harmonies, storytelling, and world-class musicianship, the band offers a high-energy concert experience for longtime bluegrass fans and new listeners alike.
* Includes processing fees
‡ Anyone 18 years of age or younger. Proof of age may be required.
§ Any Indiana University student from any IU campus with a valid student ID. One ticket per ID.
LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA NightLites
The Louisville Orchestra brings the power, beauty, and excitement of live orchestral music to the Ogle Center at Indiana University Southeast in an intimate and accessible concert setting. Designed for both longtime classical music lovers and curious newcomers, these performances pair beloved masterworks with fresh perspectives, compelling guest artists, and world-class musicianship close to home in Southern Indiana.
Louisville Orchestra NightLites:
Prokofiev & Brahms
Julia Noone, violinist | Ziwei Ma, conductor
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $46* Adults | $18* Students‡
Kick off the NightLites series with a striking program that moves from 20th-century edge to lush Romanticism. Conducted by Ziwei Ma, the evening opens with Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, performed by Louisville Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Julia Noone, then continues with Brahms’s luminous Symphony No. 2. Together, these works offer a dynamic Friday night concert full of intensity, beauty, lyricism, and momentum.
Louisville Orchestra NightLites:
Yuja Wang Plays Brahms
Yuja Wang, pianist and conductor
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $110* Adults | $18* Students‡
Experience an extraordinary evening with internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang as she joins the Louisville Orchestra for a rare and powerful program devoted to two of Brahms’ greatest works for piano and orchestra. In this remarkable performance, Wang both performs and conducts Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor and Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major. From thunderous intensity to moments of lyrical beauty, these monumental concertos reveal the full emotional depth, dramatic sweep, and technical brilliance of Brahms’ writing. Celebrated for her charismatic artistry, emotional honesty, and electrifying stage presence, Yuja Wang is one of the most captivating musicians of our time.
Louisville Orchestra NightLites:
Bizet & Mendelssohn
Na’Zir McFadden, conductor
Friday, November 20, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $46* Adults | $18* Students‡
This NightLites program pairs two symphonies shaped by place, youth, and imagination. Led by Na’Zir McFadden, the evening opens with Bizet’s Symphony No. 1, written when the composer was just 17, and continues with Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony, inspired by his travels. Together, the works offer a vivid Friday night concert of youthful brilliance, sweeping landscapes, and orchestral storytelling in an intimate setting.
Louisville Orchestra NightLites:
Vivaldi & Beethoven
Gabriel Lefkowitz, violinist and conductor
Friday, February 19, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $46* Adults | $18* Students‡
Led from the violin by Louisville Orchestra Concertmaster Gabriel Lefkowitz, this NightLites program opens with Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, a vivid musical portrait of nature, and continues with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, a bold work that points toward the composer’s revolutionary voice. Together, the pieces offer a dynamic Friday night concert of energy, precision, familiarity, and forward motion.
Louisville Orchestra NightLites:
Debussy & Ravel
Molly Turner, violinist and conductor
Friday, March 12, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $46* Adults | $18* Students‡
This NightLites concert explores French impressionism through music by Debussy and Ravel. Conducted by Molly Turner, the program features Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Petite Suite, alongside Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin and Mother Goose Suite. Together, these works create an immersive evening of orchestral color, elegance, rhythmic vitality, and richly textured storytelling in the intimate setting of the Ogle Center.
* Includes processing fees
‡ Valid student ID required. One ticket per ID.
MORE LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA
Experience more of the Louisville Orchestra beyond the NightLites series with these special Louisville Orchestra events at the Ogle Center.
Yuja Wang Plays Brahms
Yuja Wang, pianist and conductor
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $110* Adults | No student tickets for these performances
Yuja Wang joins the Louisville Orchestra for a rare performance of Brahms’ two piano concertos. One of the world’s most celebrated pianists, she is praised for her commanding artistry, virtuosity, and captivating stage presence, and brings those qualities ans pianist and conductor to Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor and Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major.
Handel’s Messiah
Louisville Chamber Choir
Dr. Kent Hatteberg, conductor
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $58* Adults | $18* Students‡
Handel’s Messiah is a beloved holiday tradition, known for its glorious choruses and stunning arias. Experience the profound and uplifting music that has resonated with audiences for centuries. Under the skilled direction of Dr. Kent Hatteberg, the Louisville Orchestra will bring the rich tapestry of Handel’s composition to life. From the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus to the moving solos, every note will resonate with emotion and meaning.
* Includes processing fees
‡ Valid student ID required. One ticket per ID.
IU SOUTHEAST THEATRE DEPARTMENT
The IU Southeast Theatre Department showcases the creativity and talent of student artists through dynamic, thought-provoking productions that inspire, entertain, and engage the community. With a commitment to excellence in performance and storytelling, the department brings fresh perspectives and a vibrant theatrical experience to the Ogle Center stage.
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol
By Walton Jones, David Wohl, and Faye Greenberg
Directed by Nicholas Hulstine; musical direction by Michael Catron
Friday, November 20, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 22, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
Robinson Theater
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
Step back in time with A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, a festive musical comedy that reimagines Dickens’ classic as a live Christmas Eve radio broadcast in 1943. As the Feddington Players present A Christmas Carol, missed cues, noisy plumbing, blackouts, and backstage chaos turn the show into hilarious holiday mayhem. Blending old-time radio charm, period songs, swing-style Christmas favorites, and a playful film noir twist, this warmhearted crowd-pleaser delivers nostalgia, laughter, music, and theatrical fun.
Macbeth
By William Shakespeare; adapted by Michael Don Bahr
Directed by Nicholas Hulstine
Friday, April 9, 2027 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 10, 2027 | 7 p.m.
Friday, April 16, 2027 | 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 18, 2027 | 2:30 p.m.
Robinson Theater
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
Ambition, prophecy, and betrayal collide in Macbeth, Shakespeare’s gripping tragedy of power, paranoia, and guilt. When a victorious Scottish general hears he will one day be king, he and his ambitious wife set off a brutal chain of murder and madness. The IU Southeast Theatre Department presents Michael Don Bahr’s fast-moving, 70-minute adaptation, designed for eight performers playing multiple roles and bringing fresh urgency to one of Shakespeare’s most electrifying stories.
* Includes processing fees
‡ Anyone 18 years of age or younger. Proof of age may be required.
§ Any Indiana University student from any IU campus with a valid student ID. One ticket per ID.
IU SOUTHEAST MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The IU Southeast Music Department highlights the talent and dedication of student musicians through engaging performances that enrich campus and community life. With a wide-ranging repertoire and a commitment to artistic excellence, the department brings inspiring concerts and vibrant musical experiences to the Ogle Center stage.
IU Southeast Concert Band
Philip A. Thomas, director
Friday, November 6, 2026 | 7:30 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
IU Southeast Concert Choir & Community Chorus
with the IU Southeast Alumni Choir
Dr. Brittny Kempfer, director
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 7:30 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
IU Southeast Orchestra
Dr. Molly K. Baugh, director
Sunday, November 22, 2026 | 3 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
IU Southeast Rock Ensemble
Timothy Haertel and Brittny Kempfer, directors
Monday, November 23, 2026 | 7:30 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
FREE ADMISSION
IU Southeast Concert Band
Winter Pops Concert
Philip A. Thomas, director
Friday, February 5, 2027 | 7:30 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
IU Southeast Rock Ensemble
Timothy Haertel and Brittny Kempfer, directors
Saturday, February 13, 2027 | 7:30 p.m..
Robinson Theater
FREE ADMISSION
IU Southeast Orchestra, Concert Choir & Community Chorus
Ogle Center 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert
Dr. Molly K. Baugh, director
Dr. Joanna Goldstein, pianist
Sunday, April 11, 2027 | 3 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
The special anniversary concert will feature IU Southeast Professor Emerita Dr. Joanna Goldstein as piano soloist in George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the world premiere of a commissioned work by IU Southeast Professor of Music Dr. Erich Stem, and selections from Leonard Bernstein’s Candide performed by the combined chorus and orchestra.
IU Southeast Concert Band
Philip A. Thomas, director
Friday, April 16, 2027 | 7:30 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
IU Southeast Concert Choir & Community Chorus
Dr. Brittny Kempfer, director
Sunday, April 25, 2027 | 3 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
IU Southeast Rock Ensemble
Timothy Haertel and Brittny Kempfer, directors
Monday, April 26, 2027 | 7:30 p.m..
Robinson Theater
FREE ADMISSION
IU Southeast Summer Pops
IU Southeast Orchestra, Concert Choir & Community Chorus, and Concert Band
Dr. Molly K. Baugh, Dr. Brittny Kempfer, and Philip A. Thomas, directors
Saturday, June 5, 2027 | 7:30 p.m..
Stem Concert Hall
Tickets: $15* Adults | $10* Juniors‡ | $10* IU students§
