Alternative Legends Marcy Playground come to Millikin’s Kirkland Fine Arts Center on May 11

Fans can enjoy cult classics and new favorites from the platinum-selling band.

DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University’s Kirkland Fine Arts Center presents platinum-selling veteran rockers Marcy Playground on Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m., live, in-concert for one night only! 

Fresh off the “All You Want” tour with Toad the Wet Sprocket in 2023, Marcy Playground brings fresh energy to the stage with a repertoire of alternative favorites and recognized “cult classics” from their albums Marcy Playground (1997), Shapeshifter (1999), Marcy Playground 3 (2004), Leaving Wonderland…In a Fit of Rage (2009), and Lunch, Recess, and Detention (2012). 

Marcy Playground


Their 90s hit “Sex and Candy” spent 15 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, quickly making the band a household name. But in the following decades, as they’ve held steady on the alternative scene, Marcy Playground has built a dedicated following around their original music. With songs that take inspiration from rock greats, including David Bowie, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Nirvana, and others, their sound ranges from modern folk to blurred psychedelia and classic rock. Members John Wozniak (lead vocals, guitar), Dylan Keefe (bass), and Shlomi Lavie (drums) play memorable hooks with strong instrumentals across their entire oeuvre. 

Marcy Playground
Marcy Playground's album "Lunch, Recess & Detention" was released in 2012.

“We wanted to end the season with a great show that will also get everyone in Decatur ready to rock at The Devon during our off-season,” said Kirkland Fine Arts Director Bryan Diver. “Marcy Playground was a top choice – they bring incredible energy to the stage and have a wildly dedicated cult following. Folks who only know them from their hit “Sex and Candy” are really missing out!”

Marcy Playground’s music has been featured in multiple films, such as Cruel Intentions, Antitrust, Simply Irresistible, and others, as well as many films by indie director Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Zack and Miri Make a Porno). As a featured band on previous Summerland tours, alongside Sugar Ray, Everclear, Lit, and Gin Blossoms, Marcy Playground is considered a staple of the post-grunge circuit. The band is named after the playground at the Marcy Open grade school in Minneapolis, Minnesota—the city where lead singer John Wozniak and bassist Dylan Keefe grew up. Don’t miss this incredible band live!

MARCY PLAYGROUND

Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. 

Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University

Tickets — $30 // $35 // $40*

Available at kirklandfinearts.com or by calling the Ticket Office: (217) 424-6318.

*Discount tickets for seniors, veterans, Millikin faculty and staff, and Richland faculty, staff, and students are not available online. Please visit the Ticket Office. For accessible seating, please call the Ticket Office directly, and we can help you find the seats that are right for you. 

Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Address: 1215 W. Kirkland Drive

Decatur, Illinois 62522

Phone: 217.424.6318

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and three hours before every show
Support for Kirkland Fine Arts Center has been provided by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. To buy tickets and for a full schedule of events, please visit kirklandfinearts.com.