MSU Riley Center announces series lineup
Music lovers will not be disappointed by the MSU Riley Center's Spring/Summer Series, which is filled with hitmakers from a variety of genres and decades, and guaranteed to deliver fantastic entertainment in a beautiful setting. The series kicks off March 22 when singing/songwriting veteran and veritable music royalty Roseanne Cash comes to town -- fresh off the debut of her latest album, "The River & the Thread."
Skillful songwriting weaves its way throughout this season of shows.
The Southern Soul Assembly tour joins the instrumental and songwriting talents JJ Grey, Anders Osborne, Marc Broussard and Luther Dickinson, four musicians steeped in Southern soul music.
John Prine -- lauded within the industry for his songwriting chops -- brings four decades of well-crafted tunes to the stage. Opening for Prine is Holly Williams, granddaughter and daughter of Hank Williams Sr. and Hank Williams Jr.
The spotlight shines bright on songwriters for the "The Heart Behind the Music" tour, which features talented musicians performing as well as talking about the meaning behind their hit songs. The tour's Meridian stop includes Bryan White ("I'm Not Supposed to Love You Anymore"), Billy Dean ("Only Here for a Little While"), Collin Raye ("Love, Me,") and Deana Carter ("Strawberry Wine").
Perhaps you've heard of Amy Grant, Eric Benet, Clint Black or Tony Bennett? It's safe to call them legends in their respective genres, and each will bring their trademark styles, old favorites, and latest hits to the MSU Riley Center this season.
Ticketholders may find themselves dancing and singing along during "Shadows of the '60s: A Tribute to Motown Super Groups" created by entertainment veteran Dave Revel and featuring songs of The Four Tops, The Temptations and The Supremes.
Rounding out the series is a pair of excellent productions. Families will delight in "Fancy Nancy the Musical" which features the character from Jane O'Connor's children's book series as she auditions for a class show and is tragically cast as a very non-fancy tree. Also, The Moscow Festival Ballet, one of Russia's most renowned ballet companies, brings "Cinderella" to life with fabulous costumes, fantastic music, and flawless dancing.
"Every musical taste will find something to enjoy in this season's offering," said Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU Riley Center. "The artists we are featuring have all made such an impact in their areas of expertise, and many will give ticketholders a fresh perspective on their musical styles in these shows."
"Our ticket packages this season are very flexible and great to give as gifts or keep for yourself," Sankovich added.
Current season ticketholders must renew by Feb. 5 to hold the same seats. New season ticket buyers can purchase their packages starting Feb. 10. A "build your own package" option, which includes a discount and early seating, is available for those who wish to purchase tickets to three or more shows. Tickets for these packages can be purchased starting Feb. 17. Tickets for individual shows go on sale Feb. 24.
Performances start at either 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. with the Prine and Williams show starting at 8 p.m. Select shows will feature pre-show parties in the Grand Lobby, allowing patrons to socialize and enjoy refreshments as a prelude to the evening's entertainment.
Tickets and information are available by phone or in person at the MSU Riley Center box office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before showtime on the day of a show.
The telephone number is 601-696-2200, and the address is 2200 Fifth Street in downtown Meridian.
For more information about the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts visit www.MSURileyCenter.com.
