McKendree University Announces its Upcoming Shows for Spring Season at The Hett
Lebanon, IL (01/15/2026) — Several entertaining acts will be taking to the stage at McKendree University's Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (the Hett) for the second half of their 2025-2026 season. All events are open to the public with discounts for seniors, students, and Friends of the Hett. For tickets or more information on all shows, please visit https://www.mckendree.edu/the_hett/ or call the box office at (618) 537-6863.
Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.: Fake News is a St. Louis-based tribute to the incomparable Huey Lewis & The News. This powerhouse group emphasizes recreating the energy of the band's live performances when accompanied by the Tower of Power horns. Get ready to be transported "Back In Time" as Fake News plays ALL of Huey's greatest hits the way you remember them.
Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.: Taylor Made Presents: Long Live is a theatrically-inspired, high-energy celebration that brings Taylor Swift's incredible career to life through the very songs that made her a global icon. This immersive show takes fans on a musical journey through every album, reliving the real-life moments that inspired Taylor's iconic songs, from her country roots to pop superstardom and beyond. Swifties can sing, dance, and scream along to all their favorite Taylor Swift hits, performed live by the tribute band that does it best.
Feb. 12, 10 a.m. (Arts Ed., grades K-12): Metro Theatre Co. presents "Life Doesn't Frighten Me," an original play inspired by Maya Angelou's powerful poem of the same name. Multi-disciplinary hip-hop artist Paige Hernandez brings to life the everyday fears we all face - and the courage within us to rise above them.
Feb. 22, 3 p.m.: Christine Brewer's Musical Journey, featuring acclaimed pianist Alla Voskoboynikova, showcases her warm, brilliant, and vibrant personality and emotional honesty, reminiscent of the great sopranos of the past. Brewer is a 1976 alumna of McKendree University and has been named one of the top 20 sopranos of all time by BBC Music. Her range, golden tone, and boundless power and control make her a stage favorite and highly sought-after recording artist.
Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Aquila Theatre: Hound of the Baskervilles is a theatrical experience that invites the audience to step out onto the fog-shrouded moors of England and immerse themselves in this spine-tingling mystery, which can only be solved by the legendary Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion, Dr. Watson. They must investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, rumored to be the victim of supernatural and savage hounds. As they uncover chilling secrets and dark family histories, Holmes must use razor-sharp intellect to solve a case where logic and superstition collide.
April 10, 7:30 p.m.: Jukebox Saturday Night captures the exciting sounds of great melodies and lyrics performed by an energetic group of instrumentalists and vocalists who will keep audience-goers moving in their seats, tapping their toes, and clapping their hands. Join Jukebox Saturday Night as they bring back songs from America's Swing Era, including hits by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, and many more.
April 14, 7 p.m.: Dr. Rebekah Taussig is a disability advocate, educator, and the best-selling author of Sitting Pretty. A storyteller at heart with a great sense of humor, Dr. Taussig has held talks and workshops on disability representation, identity, and community. Her writing appears in publications from TIME to Refinery29, and she's been a guest on a myriad of podcasts. This presentation is part of the university's George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series.
April 25, 7:30 p.m.: Gone 2 Paradise is the ultimate Jimmy Buffett experience that has captivated audiences across the United States and internationally. As seen on NBC and WGN TV, this group's high-energy performances and unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of Buffett's music have made them the go-to band for Parrotheads everywhere.
May 3, 3 p.m.: The St. Louis Academy Brass Band, along with the St. Louis Academy Brass and the St. Louis Youth Brass, come to the Hett for an afternoon of terrific music. Under the direction of Dr. John Bell, the St. Louis Academy Brass Band placed second in their section at the 2024 North American Brass Band Association Championships. Audiences will be treated to delightful music ranging from standard brass band repertoire to lighter toe-tapping tunes and beautiful ballads.
Visit https://www.mckendree.edu/the_hett/ for more information about these shows and the student performances from McKendree Theatre and the Department of Music.