DECATUR, Ill. -- Kirkland Fine Arts Center and Millikin University’s College of Fine Arts are proud to announce a full slate of exciting events for the Decatur and Central Illinois community this 2024-25 season. Patrons are invited to experience the thrill and surprise of mesmerizing magic, live dramatic and musical theatre, collaborations with our community partners, and world-class productions that create memories to last a lifetime. With twice as many events in the Kirkland Series as last year and all the annual favorites that the College of Fine Arts offers, patrons are invited to experience the transformative power of live entertainment and art right here at home.
The Kirkland Series begins Saturday, September 14, at 7:30 p.m. with a riveting traveling show from internationally renowned magician Jason Hudy. With over 8,000 performances around the world in the last 20 years, including on “The Late Late Show” on CBS and Disney Cruise Line, as well as internationally in China and the Northern Mariana Islands — not to mention at countless theatres, casinos, performing arts centers, amusement parks, corporations and more — Jason Hudy’s magic is an enthralling spectacle of powerful illusion that will leave you breathless. This charismatic performer will delight and fascinate with more than the usual sleight of hand. Don’t miss this show!
“We had so many requests from community members to bring back a magician, we couldn’t resist when Jason’s schedule opened up,” said Bryan Diver, director of Kirkland Fine Arts Center. “This show is a fantastic way to kick off a season of electrifying artistic events that take us back to our roots as the premier venue for unique live entertainment in Decatur!”
Next, experience the visual feast of Artrageous on Saturday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. Picture a spectacle where music, dance, and live painting collide in a mesmerizing fusion that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Imagine being transported to a realm where every stroke of the brush is a heartbeat, every note is a pulse, and every move is a masterpiece. With a history of incredible collaborations from Harrison Ford to the NBA All-Stars, from Sir Richard Branson to Blue Man Group, from Cirque du Soleil to the Oscars After-Party, Artrageous has graced prestigious venues, captivating audiences worldwide.
The beloved tradition of Vespers, on Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 8, at 2:00 p.m., continues to inspire audiences in this special performance of celebration and song. This year’s program promises to capture the spirit of the season with a joyous musical feast of choral selections, including classical, choral modern, gospel, and traditional songs. Limited seating is available, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
In January, join us for an exhilarating concert with The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (aka the Daddies!) on Saturday, January 25, at 7:30 p.m. In the past few years, the Daddies have become the kind of band you would want to book if you were throwing a soirée at the Gatsby mansion. Penning elegant, lush, pitch-perfect arrangements of much of the Great American Songbook, from Cole Porter to Frank Sinatra, the Daddies have surprised many who are more familiar with them from the early ’90s and the punk/ska scene. On top of being a show band nonpareil, the Daddies have an “Oh, by the way,” double-platinum ability to pen original material that, while influenced by a history of American popular music, is wholly modern lyrically and stands up as a classic. The 1997 release of “Zoot Suit Riot” set the bar for the neo-swing movement of the era in terms of originality, lyrical depth, and flat-out musical sales. Their new album, “At the Pink Rat,” was released on July 26, 2024, and features the hit single “Take it Off, Stella.” Please welcome this legendary band to the Kirkland stage!
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, experience two-time America’s Got Talent Finalists, The Silhouettes, on Friday, February 7, at 7:30 p.m. Using light, color, video, photographs, dance, acting, and mime, The Silhouettes command the stage and unfold visual stories filled with depth, intrigue, beauty, and mystique. Based in Denver, The Silhouettes have traveled the world creating inspirational and powerful shadow performances using photo overlay where the dancers create a shape, and the photograph of the shape appears on the screen. This captivating troupe creates a visual adventure that offers joy, excitement, and unbelievable moments that will make you laugh with joy and possibly even cry as the stories unfold.
In the spring, Kirkland Fine Arts Center is delighted to partner with the Decatur Park District to host the Best of Winter Stock’s production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr., March 21-23. Alice in Wonderland Jr. features Disney favorites such as “The Golden Afternoon,” “The Unbirthday Song,” and “Painting the Roses Red,” along with brand-new songs, including music from the 2010 live-action film. Whether this is your first experience with Alice or your hundredth, you’ll fall in love all over again with this timeless story of adventure, imagination, and pure fun!
Then, Millikin University’s School of Theatre & Dance, the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, and Kirkland Fine Arts Center combine forces to bring you a sensational production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, April 11-13. This theatrical classic, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is a crowd-favorite! Told entirely through song with the help of a main character narrator, the musical brings the biblical tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors to life in fantastic song and dance. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family. Appropriate for all audiences and groups, it’s fun for the whole family!
The season ends with the first-rate tribute band, ABBA LA, on Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. Singing all your favorites from the disco era (and Mamma Mia!), this tribute band like none other celebrates the timeless music of ABBA in a delightful show that entertains and inspires. Based in Los Angeles, the band is composed of top-notch national and international musicians who all have one thing in common: their love for ABBA and ABBA’s intricate music. ABBA LA takes pride in offering the most authentic ABBA sound you can find! Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate ABBA’s amazing and unforgettable music with ABBA LA!
In addition to this fantastic lineup, the 2024-2025 season will include a full calendar of plays, classical and contemporary music, and operas at Kaeuper Hall in the Perkinson Music Center, Albert Taylor Theatre in Shilling Hall, and the Virginia Rogers Theatre in the Center for Theatre & Dance, including the beloved annual Percussion Ensemble: Halloween! concert on October 29 and 30, a staged reading of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun in Pilling Chapel on November 1-2, and the annual Celtic Salute on March 12.
Highlights from the School of Music include the Faculty Recital Series in Kaeuper Hall, choral concerts at Central Christian Church and St. Patrick’s Church, jazz concerts at the Decatur Club and Decatur Brew Works, band concerts from the Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Kirkland Fine Arts Center, and the prestigious annual Winner’s Recital for the Hollis Prize on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Kaeuper Hall. First awarded in 2003, the Hollis Prize represents the highest form of recognition bestowed upon a vocal or instrumental performer at Millikin University. The Hollis Prize is unique among undergraduate music competitions for its recital performance format and rigorous audition process.
Incredible performances from the School of Theatre & Dance this season include upcoming stagings of “Passage” (October 17-20), Zombie Prom (November 14-17), Solstice: A Concert of Dance (December 12-14), Clybourne Park (February 27-March 2), and of course the aforementioned, staged reading of A Raisin in the Sun and the season finale Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. With compelling dramas, crowd-pleasing musicals, and captivating dance, this season has something for everyone.
The Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO) returns to the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheatre for its annual Labor Day Pops concert on September 2 at 6:00 p.m. This year’s season of “Masterworks” at Kirkland Fine Arts Center will showcase the talent and breadth of the orchestra in themed evenings of classical and contemporary orchestral music. Beginning with “Masterworks I: One Thousand and One Nights,” the evening will feature two fantastic stories of heroes, faith, deception and fantasy on Saturday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m., followed by “Masterworks II: American Soundscapes” with works by John Williams, Leonard Bernstein, and Aaron Copland on Saturday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m. “Masterworks III: For the Young and Young at Heart!” will present the winners of the annual Concerto/Aria Competition on Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. and the season finale “Masterworks IV: A Dvořák Celebration” on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. will close with a celebration of one of the most recognized composers of orchestral music. Get involved with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra at symphonyguildofdecatur.org.
In addition to all these performing arts selections, the School of Art & Creative Media has a full slate of guest-artist, faculty, and student exhibitions planned at the student-run Blue Connection Gallery downtown and in Perkinson Gallery at Kirkland Fine Arts Center, starting with an Alumni Art Show at Perkinson Gallery. A reception will be held for this exhibition from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, as part of Millikin’s Homecoming activities. Now that WJMU is back on the air at 89.5 FM be sure to tune in all day on October 4 for College Radio Day, and keep that dial set for eclectic playlists and mixes you can’t find anywhere else. The 48 Hour Film Challenge Premier on October 20 in K128 at Kirkland Fine Arts Center is open to the public – students will showcase films they made in only 48 hours! These and many more events and exhibition receptions are listed on the Millikin website all season. (And don’t forget to check out the latest at Blue Connection Gallery during First Fridays, hosted in collaboration with the Decatur Arts Council.)
“It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you as the new Dean of the College of Fine Arts here at Millikin University,” said Cameron Jackson. “I am beyond thrilled to take on this role at an organization so devoted to changing lives through the arts and education. It is my honor to build upon the rich artistic legacy. Shakespeare wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on.” And play on we shall, with a lineup of creativity that will ignite your passion for the arts and nourish your soul. The upcoming season celebrates stories for all ages about our shared humanity through laughter, sentimentality and strength, which includes a wide range of artistic disciplines and cultural traditions. By attending our performances and exhibitions, you’re not only treating yourself to a wonderful experience, but you’re also supporting the arts and helping us to continue our mission of enriching the lives of our students and community members. We are deeply grateful for your support.”
Season Information, including Ticket Prices
For a full list of season events, visit millikin.edu/arts-millikin or check the Millikin calendar.
How to Purchase Tickets
Single ticket sales for all 2024-2025 events, excluding Vespers, are available for purchase now. Vespers tickets go on sale on November 5, 2024. Friends of Kirkland receive up to 25% off tickets and enjoy early access to Vespers tickets (before November 5)! Find out how to renew or join by contacting Bryan Diver at 217.424.3925 or donate on our website.
Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at the ticket office between 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday.
Discounted tickets for children, seniors, veterans, Millikin faculty and staff, and Richland faculty, staff, and students are not available online. Please visit the ticket office, between 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday.
Patrons seeking accessible seating are also advised to call the ticket office to speak with a representative, so that we can find the seats that work best for you in our historic building.
Group purchases of 10 or more tickets to a single performance receive a 10% discount. Family Series Packages are also available, which include all shows appropriate for children in the season. Call 217.424.6318 to learn more.
For further inquiries, contact the Kirkland ticket office or visit our website.
Ticket Office Information
kirklandfinearts.com | 217.424.6318
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 W. Kirkland Drive, Decatur, Ill., 62522
Ticket Office Hours
Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m.
Events at Kirkland Fine Arts Center are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
For further information, please get in touch with LJ Pemberton, Marketing and Patron Relations Manager at Kirkland Fine Arts Center at 217.424.3931 or lpemberton@millikin.edu.