Performing Arts Series

The Brubeck Arts Center is very excited to announce the 2024 – 2025 Performing Arts Series attractions. 

New this year, Wabash Valley College students receive free admission. 

For tickets, click HERE, contact Donna Sigler at siglerd@iecc.edu or by calling 618-263-5124. Checks can be made payable to the Wabash Valley Arts Council.

 2024-2025 WVAC/WVC Performing Arts Series

 Tony Booth, Country Music Legend

7:00, Thursday October 10,  2024

Few legends from the “Golden Age of Country Music” are still traveling and performing today, but fortunately one such hit-making legendary performer, Tony Booth, continues to bring audiences the traditional Honky-tonk and Western Swing music that was a staple of the Grand Ole Opry from the 1950’s through the 2000’s.  With a career that began as a “Top 10” charting protégé of Buck    Owens in the early 1970’s with hits like “Lonesome 7-7203” and “Keys in the Mailbox” on Capitol Records, Tony went on to be nominated “Vocalist of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music and became a regular guest on the famed “Hee Haw” show.  Tony has has spent many years touring worldwide with appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, RFD-TV’s Country Family Reunion, and TruCountry programs.  Also, Tony daily plays on SIRIUS/XM’s “Willies Roadhouse” from his many hit recordings on Capitol Records and Heart of Texas Records. 

Twice Grammy Nominated "The Special Consensus"

7:30, Thursday October 24,  2024

The Special Consensus is a bluegrass band that has achieved a contemporary sound in over four decades of performing, making their music a modern classic.   Special Consensus’ sound is grounded in a deep appreciation and understanding of bluegrass music, incorporating both the drive and harmonies of the traditional sound with the more contemporary sounds and repertoire of today.  With the foundation of Greg Cahill's unique banjo playing style and the vocal prowess of the 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Greg Blake (Guitar), Dan Eubanks (Bass) and Michael Prewitt (Mandolin), these musicians effortlessly support each other and consistently maintain their bluegrass center whether they’re playing a jazz-tinged instrumental or a song from any of their award-winning recordings. These four talented vocalists and instrumentalists follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots.

Southern Accents: The Ultimate Tom Petty Experience

7:30, Friday, November 22, 2024

There’s a southern accent where they come from...Based out of Nashville, TN, Southern Accents: The Ultimate Tom Petty Experience  features some of the best musicians from a state rich in musical history.  What began as a fun way to honor one of their musical heroes in early 2017 quickly spiraled into sold-out shows in top venues across the country.  The ultimate goal of the band? To authentically replicate the sound, feel and look of a classic Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert. Lead singer Ronnie Gregg expertly nails the voice and mannerisms of Tom with a natural ease.  Lead Guitarist Nick Swan hits ever classic note from Mike Campbell, and throws in a few more of his won for good measure. Bassist and co-founder Paul Jones perfectly meshes the styles of Ron Blair and Howie Epstein, while animated powerhouse Tony Mac combines the timeless swing of Stan Lynch with the clockwork timing of Steve Ferrone. Family band alum Jeff Hollandsworth rounds out the group by effortlessly playing the key parts of Benmont Tench, while also adding in flourishes of strings, horns and harmonica.

Wabash Valley College Strings

1:30, Saturday, December 7, 2024

This classic ensemble containing the finest musicians in the southern Illinois and southern Indiana region, the aptly named “The Wabash Valley College Strings” was born from the Wabash Valley College Music Camp.  Produced by WVC Camp Director Doug Hawf, this show will feature classical inspired versions of pop and Christmas songs, played on violin, cello, viola, drums, bass, piano, and guitar.  The “Strings” will include Doug Hawf, Rachel Hawf, Tonia Hawf, Virgil Franklin, Greg Bigler, Elaine Chobanian, Luke Fowler, Raegan Stroughmatt, Brian Buchanan, Felicity Fearn, and Dave Parman. They will be accompanied by specials guest vocalists Amanda Andrews and Mikayla Beck, and guest  pianist, Alison Dudley.  

Rudolph Jr. The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Community Theatre Production directed by Mikayla Beck

7:30, Friday December 13, 2024; 1:30, Saturday & Sunday, December 14th & 15, 2024

Based on the hit holiday classic song, Rudoph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brings one of the most beloved characters of all time to the stage. Rudolph wants nothing more than to be just like the other reindeer, but his bright red nose seems to always get in the way? Wit everyone at the North Pole picking on him for his differences, he feels like nothing but a misfit. Rudolph sets off on a journey to find a place where he belongs.  Along the way, he meets other misfits who show Rudolph that he was always right where he belonged right at the North Pole.  When Sant’s big night is at risk of being ruined by a storm, Rudolph is finally able to show everyone how his differences are what truly makes him special.

Jason Hudy, “Mesmerizing Magic”

7:00, Thursday February 6, 2025

Be prepared to be entertained and a bit bewildered with the mesmerizing magic of Jason Hudy. He has performed over 8.000 magic shows around the world, having performed for Disney, Hershey, Chevrolet, ESPN and on the Late, Late Show on National CBS-TV. On a global scale, Jason’s show will feature magic, mind-reading, comedy and more! Don’t miss this show!

Chris Vallillo: “Forgottonia”

1:30, Sunday, February 16, 2025

Chris Vallillo has created a new show using all original music drawn from over the course of his career. The show, “Forgottonia” is named after a song he had written about, Rushville.  Western Illinois got the name “Forgottonia” in 1972 when Jack Horn, John Armstrong, an Neil Gamm declared the creation of the independent nation of Forgottonia  in protest of the lack of tax dollars returning to the region. The plan was to seceded from the Union, declare war on the United States, immediately surrender, and then apply for foreign aid.  It was great political theater… and to everyone’s surprise, it worked! The show is complete with a band, staging, lighting and most import of all, projected images from award winning photographer Tim Schroll.  Who focuses on regional landscapes and “forgotten places.” I’ve always said that Tim does visually what I do musically.  Th Illinois Humanities Council agreed and sponsors this performance.

Matilda, The Musical

Community Theatre Production directed by Amanda Andrews

7:30, Friday, March 14,2025;  1:30pm Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16, 2025

  Matilda is an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind whose talents are constantly belittled by her cruel parents and headmistress.  Dreaming of a better life for herself, she dares to take a stand against these oppressive forces and takes her destiny into her own hands.

Heart of Texas Records presents Justin Trevino from RFD-TV's Country Family Reunion

7:30, Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Justine Trevino, a member of the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, has been blind since birth. At age 7 he received his first guitar lesson and after 3 years, he’d become so proficient that he could learn and play new music “by ear.”  Singing began as a by-product. As Justin learned and played guitar chords, singing along was simply a way for him to give those chords a purpose.  Although he is well respected today as a bas guitarist, most of Justin’s followers are drawn to his singing-which he has developed without a single vocal lesson. “Texas Honky Tonk“ is still considered by many to be his signature song and is certainly one of the most requested at Justin’s performances.  Since releasing Texas Honky Tonk in 1998, Justin has recorded and produced 13 more albums.