Current Events
2026-2027 Season
One Night in Memphis
The Number One Tribute to Presley, Perkins, Lewis and Cash
Friday, August 28 // 7:30 p.m.
One Night in Memphis is the number one and critically acclaimed tribute to Sun Records recording artists Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash performed live and starring former cast members of the Broadway smash hit, “Million Dollar Quartet.” Over 90 minutes of authentic rockabilly, country, gospel and rock and roll. The San Francisco Examiner raves, “An amazing show!” Be a witness to and experience rock and roll royalty with the music and talent that has stood the test of time.”
FRIENDS: $40.00 Adult / $36.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $50.00 Adult / $45.00 Senior / $25.00 Youth
Generously sponsored by Mr. Salvatore Macaluso
4NRS Journey
The Ultimate Foreigner & Journey Experience
Saturday, September 12 // 7:30 p.m.
4NRS Journey amazes audiences worldwide with their high-energy authentic reproduction to Rock and Roll’s iconic legends Foreigner and Journey. Mashing the music of these two Arena Best Selling acts packing a double punch for an incredible and memorable night!
Featuring legendary top hits and power ballads such as, “Feels Like the First Time”, “Hot Blooded”, “Separate Ways”, “I Want to Know What Love Is”, “Any Way You Want It”, and “Don’t Stop Believing” to name some of the amazing hits. Truly replicating these highly beloved songs is not an easy task. Frontman Keith Carmichael stuns audiences with his limitless vocal range, effortlessly recreating the iconic sounds of Foreigner and Journey. Foreigners Journey delivers a powerhouse performance for an unforgettable and magical experience!
FRIENDS: $48.00 Adult / $44.00 Senior / $24.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $60.00 Adult / $55.00 Senior / $30.00 Youth
Generously sponsored by Mr. Michael C. Leitner & Mrs. Karen Leitner
Distinguished Speaker Series: Shannon Voss
Survivor, Scholar, and Motivational Speaker
Thursday, September 17 // 7:00 p.m.
Shannon Voss shares an extraordinary story of resilience, recovery, and perseverance. After surviving a violent assault that left him with severe brain and heart injuries, paralysis, and the loss of speech, Shannon spent years rebuilding his life through rehabilitation and determination. Today, he communicates primarily through assistive technology and uses his experiences to inspire audiences nationwide. From graduating college with a 4.0 GPA to becoming a nationally recognized advocate for accessibility and AAC communication technology, Shannon’s presentation offers a powerful message about overcoming adversity, embracing possibility, and finding strength through life’s greatest challenges.
FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
FREE for McKendree Students, Faculty, & Staff
ABBA Mania
70's Rock Icon Retrospective
McKendree Homecoming Performance
Saturday, October 10 // 7:30 p.m.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! ABBA Mania Canada brings all the hits you know and love to the stage in an unforgettable performance.
From “Dancing Queen” to “Mamma Mia”, “Waterloo” to “Take a Chance on Me”, this show captures the energy, style, and timeless sound of ABBA at their very best. It’s the closest thing to seeing ABBA live—and the perfect soundtrack for your Homecoming celebrations!
ABBA Mania Canada wants you experience how a LIVE concert would have felt all those years ago, bringing you the best in vocals, musicianship and musical arrangements. This show has been running since 1999 and is the longest running ABBA Tribute Concert in the World
FRIENDS: $48.00 Adult / $44.00 Senior / $24.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $60.00 Adult / $55.00 Senior / $30.00 Youth
Generously sponsored by Mrs. Lynn Cornell & the late Brig. General David Cornell, USAF, Ret., and Mr. Gerald Cornell ’74 & Mrs. Sharon Cornell
The Music of Lewis & Clark
Thursday, October 15 // 10:00 a.m.
Following the amazing adventures of Lewis and Clark, with a musical journey from St. Louis, up the Missouri River, across the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean!
Recommended for K-8
Presented in partnership with The Sheldon Band.
$15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
The Accidental Hero
A True Story That Transcends Time
Tuesday, October 20 // 7:30 p.m.
The Accidental Hero is a multi-media one-man show about Lieutenant Colonel Matt Konop, a WWII American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. It's a true story written and performed by his grandson, Patrick Dewane.
Patrick's grandfather refused to talk about his service in the war. When he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photos, and rare film footage.
Dewane brings this archival material to glowing life as an enthralling, humorous and heartwarming tale of miraculous escapes and astonishing coincidences. This touching show runs from belly laughs to tears. Dewane takes on a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather's journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. In the last week of the war, Konop's story turns away from a soldier's survival tale to something from mythology. He discovers his lost identity and is embraced by the tribe he never knew in an epic homecoming. As he freed the Czechs, he too, was liberated.
FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
The 39 Steps
Presented by McKendree Theatre
Friday, November 6 // 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 // 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 8 // 2:30 p.m.
In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening (or afternoon) of pure pleasure!
GENERAL ADMISSION: $5.00
FREE for McKendree Students, Faculty, & Staff
The Hett’s 20th Anniversary Celebration:
Mississippi Moon
The Music of Michael McDonald & The Doobie Brothers
Saturday, November 14 // 7:00 p.m.
Mississippi Moon is keeping the spirit of classic rock alive as St. Louis’s only dedicated tribute to the legendary sounds of The Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald. Delivering spot-on musicianship, soaring harmonies, and the unmistakable grooves fans know and love, the eight-piece band has quickly earned a reputation for unforgettable live performances throughout the region.
Made up of some of the most experienced and hard-working musicians in the St. Louis music scene, Mississippi Moon recreates the energy and authenticity of an era that defined American rock and soul. From the driving rhythms of “China Grove” and “Long Train Runnin’” to the smooth, soulful hits of Michael McDonald like “What a Fool Believes” and “Minute by Minute,” the band delivers a crowd-pleasing set packed with classics.
All Friends of the Hett are eligible to reserve up to two complimentary tickets to this event, available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Advance reservations are required.
This special event is exclusively available to Friends of the Hett. To attend, become a Friend today.
Generously sponsored by President Dan Dobbins '81 & Mrs. Mickey Dobbins '81
Grand Ol' Christmas Show
Retro Christmas Radio Show
Tuesday, December 8 // 7:30 p.m.
Will Hearn’s Grand Ol’ Christmas Show is a retro radio show bringing your all-time favorite Christmas classics and sketch comedy antics broadcasting live on Christmas Eve from 1225 AM N-O-E-L Radio studios.
An original by The Grand Ol’ Production Company featuring Americana standout Blue Water Highway and a cast of the best artists and entertainers in Texas. Made for music and comedy lovers, from boomers to millennials, this tribute to American Christmas traditions cleverly and progressively blurs the lines between heartfelt nostalgia and contemporary pop-culture satire, an inspiring Holiday tradition that gets better every year.
FRIENDS: $48.00 Adult / $44.00 Senior / $24.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $60.00 Adult / $55.00 Senior / $30.00 Youth
Generously sponsored by Mr. George Obernagel '78 and Mr. Adam Sampson & Dr. Jean Sampson '83
USAF Spirit of the Season Concerts
A Hett Holiday Tradition!
December 2026 // Times TBA
This diverse, 45-piece ensemble’s repertoire ranges from symphonic band masterworks to traditional marches, modern compositions, pop, and jazz.
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!
Tickets are FREE, advanced reservations are required.
Tickets for Friends of the Hett will be available starting on Monday, November 2nd at noon. Tickets for the general public will be available starting on Monday, November 9th at noon. Tickets will be limited to 4 tickets per order online. For larger groups, please contact the Hett Box Office.
Speak Easy | Move Loud
A Cross-Era Journey Through Music, Movement, and Meaning
Saturday, January 16 // 7:30 p.m.
Speak Easy | Move Loud is a cross-era collaboration by RESILIENCE Dance Company and Continuum Vocal Ensemble, blending music and movement to explore resistance, identity, and belonging. Drawing parallels between the cultural upheaval of the 1920s and today, the program highlights both progress and pushback across time.
Audiences will experience works celebrating authentic voices, jazz-era classics, live improvisation shaped by performers and audience, and powerful pieces addressing race and protest. Through dance, song, and storytelling, this immersive performance invites reflection on art’s role in shaping community, honoring the past, and inspiring a more inclusive and expressive future.
FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $14.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $17.50 Youth
Funky Butt Brass Band
St. Louis' Powerhouse of Jazz, Funk & Soul
Saturday, January 23 // 7:30 p.m.
Funky Butt Brass Band is a genre-bending group, unafraid to tackle any style. Their high-energy shows consist of infectious originals and creative, unique covers of their biggest influences from P-Funk to Prince, Willie to WuTang, Neville Brothers to Nelly and everything in between. Funky Butt Brass Band is what St. Louis sounds like; an eclectic mix of brass, funk, rock and soul.
The band is comprised of Aaron Chandler (trombone, vocals), Bryan Fritz (sax, vocals), Cody Henry (sousaphone), Adam Hucke (trumpet, vocals), Jim Peters (guitar, vocals) and Ron Sikes, (drums).
The Funky Butt Brass Band sextet is the hardest working funk fusion band, and its omnipresence at street parties, festivals, Soulard bars and classy nightclubs remains, after all these years, well worth celebrating. The sound of St. Louis just wouldn’t be the same without them.
FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.50 Youth
Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Dominic Benford
NASA Astrophysicist and Program Scientist of the Roman Space Telescope
Thursday, February 2 // 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Dominic Benford is Program Scientist for NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a next-generation observatory designed to explore some of the universe’s biggest mysteries, including dark energy, dark matter, and planets beyond our solar system. A longtime leader in astrophysics and infrared astronomy, Dr. Benford has helped shape numerous NASA space telescope missions and technology initiatives throughout his career. He currently serves in NASA’s Astrophysics Division and has spent more than two decades advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
Tickets are FREE, advanced reservations are required.
The Moanin' Frogs
Not Your Average Chamber Ensemble
Friday, February 5 // 7:30 p.m.
Dazzling and delighting audiences across the world, The Moanin' Frogs feature six saxophones from sopranino to bass in an amphibious blend of jazz, classical, pop, a cappella singing, and comedy. From the blazing virtuosity of their classical training to the madcap stage antics of their vaudeville roots, listeners will experience a new and exciting take on chamber music.
2018 First Prize Laureates of the international M-Prize Competition, their musical selections, from J.S. Bach to Scott Joplin, to Glenn Miller, to Chuck Berry, ensure there is something for everyone.
FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.50 Youth
Generously sponsored by Mr. Stephen Wittmer & Mrs. Susan Wittmer
Simply Swingin' – The Great American Crooners
A Celebration of the Great American Songbook
Saturday, February 20 // 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for a high-voltage evening of timeless hits and cool charisma as acclaimed Pops vocalist Steve Lippia brings the iconic era of American classics to life.
With the smooth confidence of a modern crooner and the soul of a timeless showman, Steve breathes new life into hits made famous by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Vic Damone, and Bobby Darin. With his silky vocals, effortless swing, and signature storytelling style, he draws audiences in—sharing the heart, humor, and history behind the music that defined generations.
From “Come Fly With Me” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” to “Mack the Knife,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” every note is pure magic. Backed by lush orchestral arrangements and undeniable energy, Steve captivates with a show that’s equal parts style, sophistication, and sheer fun. A show that is as timeless as a cocktail, a tuxedo or a diamond ring!
FRIENDS: $40.00 Adult / $36.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $50.00 Adult / $45.00 Senior / $25.00 Youth
One Stoplight Town
Presented by McKendree Theatre
Friday, February 26 // 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 27 // 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 28 // 2:30 p.m.
One Stoplight Town is a story about people from a town so small that you might drive through without taking a second look. But if you stopped for just a moment, you might see a young boy and girl fall in love, a cantankerous grocery store owner coping with change, a son returning home while a daughter thinks about leaving, a beauty queen and a drum major striking up a friendship, and a handyman taking it all in while he fixes what is broken. These stories and more are filled with fun characters, lots of humor, plenty of heart and the theme that change comes for us all, whether we are ready or not.
GENERAL ADMISSION: $5.00
FREE for McKendree Students, Faculty, & Staff
Goitse
Traditional Irish Ensemble
Saturday, March 7 // 7:30 p.m.
The multi-award-winning quintet Goitse continues to blaze trails as one of Ireland’s most dynamic and celebrated traditional ensembles. Forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick’s Irish World Academy, the band is now celebrating 15 years of touring worldwide, captivating audiences with their signature blend of original compositions and timeless traditional tunes.
Known for electrifying live performances, Goitse has built a reputation for energy, warmth and an uncanny ability to connect with audiences everywhere. Their artistry has not gone unnoticed: the band members and their music were recently featured on the hit Apple TV series Bad Sisters, introducing their sound to an even broader global audience.
*Goitse is a Gaelic word for ‘come here’ is pronounced - Go-wit-cha
FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.50 Youth
Generously sponsored by the Robert and Grace Renner Welch Endowment
Distinguished Speaker Series: Sean Astin
American Film Actor, Director, Voice Artist and Producer
Monday, March 15 // 7:00 p.m.
Sean Astin has captivated audiences for more than four decades as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and beloved actors. From his iconic performances as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey in The Goonies, and Rudy in the inspirational sports classic Rudy, to his fan-favorite role in Netflix’s Stranger Things, Astin’s work has inspired generations of moviegoers. Beyond the screen, he is a bestselling author, accomplished director and producer, dedicated advocate for literacy and civic engagement, and an accomplished marathon runner. Known for his warmth, humor, and authenticity, Astin brings a unique perspective on perseverance, leadership, storytelling, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams. Join this celebrated actor for an unforgettable evening of conversation, insight, and inspiration.
TICKET PRICING TBD
Scott Wattles and the Blue Suede Crew
Vegas-era Elvis Presley Tribute
Saturday, March 20 // 7:30 p.m.
Scott Wattles and the Blue Suede Crew offer a fresh take on the music of Elvis Presley – no jumpsuits required. Blending Elvis classics with hits from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, this high-energy group delivers an engaging, Vegas-style experience. Wattles, a top tribute artist, captures Elvis’s signature sound and charisma, backed by a powerhouse band that keeps audiences dancing and singing along all night.
FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.50 Youth
Generously sponsored by Mrs. Kay Gauble '66
Puppy Pals LIVE
The Action-Packed Rescue Stunt Dog Show
Saturday, April 3 // 3:00 p.m.
As seen on America’s Got Talent, Puppy Pals LIVE is a family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as we lead the puppies and audience through challenging and comical tricks as the pooches show everyone who is really boss! Full of canine stunts and laugh-out-loud canine comedy it is no surprise this show has been a hit all over America!
FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $18.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $22.50 Youth
Sail On
The Beach Boys Tribute
Friday, April 23 // 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 24 // 7:30 p.m.
Get ready to relive the soundtrack of summer! Sail On faithfully recreates the timeless music, style, and spirit of America’s band, The Beach Boys.
With spot-on harmonies, infectious energy, and all the hits you know and love, this nationally acclaimed tribute takes audiences on a musical journey through the golden era of surf rock and sunshine pop. From “Good Vibrations” to “California Girls,” “Surfin’ USA,” and beyond, you’ll be singing along and dancing in your seat.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these classics for the first time, Sail On! captures the fun, the sound, and the feeling of the original Beach Boys concerts.
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, memories, and endless summer vibes!
FRIENDS: $48.00 Adult / $44.00 Senior / $24.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $60.00 Adult / $55.00 Senior / $30.00 Youth
Friday's performance is generously sponsored by Mr. David R. Phillip '70 & Mrs. Mary Reinhardt Phillip '66, abd Mr. Mark Waltermire & Mrs. Pamela Waltermire
Saturday's performance is exclusively sponsored by Mr. George Obernagel '78
