141 Past Events at Emens Auditorium

Drawn from the history and folklore of Ireland, the Irish cast of "Celtic Nights" will perform their unique show consisting of melodic music and criss-crossing dance rhythms at Emens Auditorium on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Driven by their passion for music and dance, "Celtic Nights" will entertain the audience as they travel on their journey to different islands every eight minutes of the show. With a cast of three male and female vocalists alongside six of Ireland's most talented International dancers and two musicians, this two-hour showcase provides a memorable evening of Celtic music and Irish dance.

"Celtic Nights" tells the story of emigrants' adventures travelling to the United States in search of better homes. During the performance, the cast portrays their various journeys on ships, planes, horses, in addition to the different encounters they make. The influence of old music favorites including "Danny Boy," "Isle of Hope," "Galway Bay" and "My Love is in America" will be part of the "Celtic Nights" experience.

Ticket prices are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Youth tickets are $10. Ball State students receive a discounted rate of $5 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Emens Auditorium ticket office at 765-285-1539 or visit www.bsu.edu/emens.

The United States Navy Band from Washington, D.C., will present a free concert at the John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium on the Ball State University Campus in Muncie, Indiana on March 28 at 7:00pm.  Under the Baton of Captain Brian O. Walden, the band will present a variety of popular and classical favorites.  The special performance by the Navy's premier musical organization is part of the Navy Band's national tour.  The band performs frequently at the White House and the U.S. Capital Building, and has participated in 21 presidential inaugurals.  The concert is free, but tickets are required.  Tickets are available at the Emens Box office.  Box office hours are M-F 9am to 6pm.

For more information, phone 765 285-1539.

The self-proclaimed "Ambassador of Rap for the Capital," Wale was able to transcend his local sensation status and become a national rap contender using go-go-inspired hip-hop as the vehicle for his clever wordplay and music. Olubowale Victor Akintimehin was born in Washington, D.C. in 1984 to Nigerian immigrants who first arrived in America five years prior. Although the family moved to Maryland when the future rapper was ten years of age, Wale was mostly raised in suburban D.C. He attented both Robert Morris College and Virginia State University on football scholarships, eventually transferring a third time to Bowie State. The music bug had already bit him hard, though, and soon he quit college altogether to turn toward a recording career. Wale got hsi first airplay circa 2003-2004 with "Rhyme of the Century," thanks to the help of a local radio DJ who believed in his potential. This landed him in the Unsigned Hype column in Source magazine the following year.

Authentically rasied in Boston, MA, this organic show has been cultivated from the very roots that inspired and drive Aerosmith to this day. A powerful transformation of character far beyond just a tribute group, this remarkable show will give you goose bumps with the memories of the 70's, bringing you the feel of the 80's and with all the exuberance of the 90's. Adding in its great audience interaction, it is a definitive crowd pleaser for all age groups. The true distinction in the show is the Steven Tyler doppelganger Neill Byrnes. Not only does he naturally look like the infamous Rock Icon, but his voice natually sounds like Tyler! He has the tone, the mannerisms and the attitude of America's favorite rocker! Byrnes has himself been born and raised in the Boston area and has been a musician since the age of 9.

On the 100th anniversary of its tragic journey, TITANIC recounts the dreams, hopes and aspirations of those aboard the fateful ship. The story of the launching, the collision with the iceberg, and the sinking is played out against the background of the rigid class-distinctions of the Edwardian Age. Unaware of the fate that awaits them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the newly-enfranchised Second Class dream of achieving the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and the millionaire-Barons of the First Class dream of their hegemony lasting forever. The ship itself, a dream deemed to be life-protecting and unsinkable by the ship's Architect Thomas Andrews, journeys into legend in the hands of its Captain, Owner and Crew - as a Stoker, a Lookout, and a Telegraph Operator reveal from their perspectives why Titanic was going too fast, saw the iceberg too late, and could not summon help to arrive in time. 

Four women at a lingerie sale with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the '60s, '70s and '80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for over 10 years!

It's the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!®

Four women at a lingerie sale with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the '60s, '70s and '80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for over 10 years!

It's the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!®

Considered one of the best percussion ensembles on this planet, Burundi's top drummers have been touring the world since the 1960s. Their vibrant power and precision on twenty drums originally accompanied kings of this central African nation. At home, their music is considered sacred and is linked to regeneration and fertility. But the heart-stopping rhythms have crossed social and cultural barriers worldwide. Spectators at their concerts rarely remain indifferent to the complex and compelling sounds and dance the musicians create.

Few people are aware of the key rold played by these former royal percussionists in the genesis of the "world music" phenomenon. Yet it was one of their performances that inspired artistic director Thomas Brooman to set up the first WOMAD festival in 1982. By then, they had been touring the world for two decades and appeared on the Joni Mitchell album "The hissing of summer lawns" in 1975.

"Breathtakingly athletic," "powerfully beautiful," performing "vibrant choreography" are among the many critical accolades that Thodos Dance Chicago (TDC) has received since its inception. Foundation in 1992 by artistic director Melissa Thodos, this ensemble of well-rounded artists delivers contemporary dance to its audience with an appealing style incorporating a variety of dance forms created and performed with innovative flair. This year's performance will feature a presentation of "The White City", the story of the greatest fair in history - a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares.

"Thodos Dance Chicago's wonderfully sophisticated new multimedia dance-theater piece, created by Broadway's Ann Rein-king and Chicago's Melissa Thodos, found ideal ways of tapping into all the personalities, conflicts and horror of the fabled Expo through a deft mix of highly expressive choreography and sharp storytelling. The production marked a major breakthrough fro this already accomplished company." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Mayor Dennis Tyler, Delaware County Affairs, and Ball State University present a "Shoulder to Shoulder Salute," on November 11, a performance in honor of those who have served our country. Doors open an hour before the start of the ceremony and is free to the public. The event will include performances by Muncie's civic band, America's Hometown Band, as well as various high school musicians from Delaware County. It will be an afternoon filled with thanks, patriotism, and community.

Mark Nizer has changed the way people view the world. Since winning the International Juggling Championships, Mark has taken his one-man show to thousands of venues around the world, including The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 3 times. His invention of new juggling tricks and juggling technologies, combined with his unique wit have set him apart from his peers. You'll see why Performance Magazine called his show "nothing less than brilliant." Original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technolgy, has made Mark's performance one of the most popular corporate and theatrical events in the entertainment market today. Whether it's 5 ping-pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth; or juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball, you'll never know what is possible until you see for yourself.

More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it's back and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway's finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere." As the Associated Press says, "West Side Story remains Broadway's best dance-driven musical. Five decades have not dimmed the extraordinary choreography or the score that pulsates throughout."

Kick off your holiday season with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra holiday pops concert, featuring special guest artists- University Singers Glee Club and BSU Theater and Dance artists. Embrace unforgettable melodies, lush harmonies, and popular rhythms. Enjoy unique takes on classic favorites and new originals, plus a special visit from Santa and a festive audience sing-a-long!

Free family holiday portraits before the concert from 3-4pm
Instrument petting zoo
Refreshments
Holiday toy drive
Santa appearance
Sing-along

Community Service Spotlight: The members of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra are participating in a Holiday Toy Drive this year!  The toys will be collected during the Fisher/Shafer Holiday Pops Concert or can be dropped off earlier at the MSO office. For every new toy donated you will receive a 50% off MSO ticket for the MSO season finale concert (April 20). Read more here. 

For more information please visit MSO website at www.munciesymphony.org

Tony-Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony-Award nominee J. Robert Spencer, star in this one-of-a-kind concert experience celebrating the music that defined the 1960s! During their time in the mega-hit musical Jersey Boys, these four talented artist shared the stage for over a thousand performances. Additionally, they delighted television audiences with appearances on the Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve, among many others. They also performed at Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, the US OPEN, Yankee Stadium and Broadway on Broadway in Times Square and are featured on the show's Grammy-Award-winning album. Now these four Broadway Stars are taking their own unique sound and chemistry on the road, singing the hits of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Jackson Five, The Mamas and The Papas, the Four Seasons and more!

Indiana Public Radio will be sponsoring its 10^th annual “Hometown Family Christmas” on December 8. The show is set to take place in Emens Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The show will feature America’s Hometown Band as well as the internationally acclaimed Ball State University Singers and a special performance by the nationally recognized Royerton Elementary Children’s Choir, directed by Janice Morris. The concert will also include an opening by AHB’s jazz band directed by Dr. Phillip Cooley.

America’s Hometown Band’s jazz band plans on performing what Cooley described as “some real up-tempo, toe-tapping version of Christmas music.” These include a rendition of “Jingle Bells” featuring bass trombonist Will Frazier, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Christmas Song,” more commonly known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.”

The concert band plans on playing a festive medley of pieces as well. Some selections include “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson and “O Holy Night” which will feature vocal soloist Diana Guinn. Other selections include "A Most Wonderful Christmas" by Robert Sheldon, "A Showstoppin' Christmas" by Chris Sharp, and "Gloria" by Randol Bass.

The Christmas show will also feature special Christmas greetings from Ball State athletes, President Jo Ann Gora, and Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler. 

Leahy is the Canadian powerhouse of eight musical brothers and sisters who mystify audiences whenever they play. The band is a whirlwind triple-threat of fiddle-driven music, dance, and vocals augmented by keyboards and percussion. Their music combines the influence of their Irish and Scottish roots with their inherent desire to widely travel the musical map. The Los Angeles Times raved - "[Leahy's] approach seems so gloriously free of the commercial pollution of so much American pop that it felt like a tonic for the spirit." Leahy will always feel the power of its musical roots, but they continue to be driven to forge new paths with their category-defying brand of music; a sound and style known to many fans as simply "Leahy."

Shrek The Musical, based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to life on stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre - not a handsome prince - shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a villain with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek. Featuring a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, WWOR-TV proclaims Shrek The Musical, "Far, far and away the funniest new musical on Broadway!" Shrek The Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!

Local elementary students attend this concert of live symphonic music free of charge.  

Program: Music is a Language

Nick Kendall, guest conductor

Tickets are free for school groups with advance reservation, $5 general admission at the door.

The Young People’s Concert, held during the school day, engages young minds through an exciting full-orchestra performance. This morning performance by the Muncie Symphony correlates with Indiana Standards of Learning. Participating schools receive student listening guides, a teacher guide and a study CD in advance of the performance.

Both elementary and secondary students are invited to Young People’s Concerts; age-appropriate performance guides help students and teachers get the most out of the concert experience. The concert at 9:30am on January 30, 2013 will be geared toward  4th,  5th and 6th graders , though students of any age are welcome at the concert as well as their families. Concerts serve city, county public, private and home-schooled students.

Book your musical field trip now!

Concert is sponsored by McDonalds of Muncie, and Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

More information here.

Doktor Kaboom! performs original interactive Science Comedy shows for audiences of all ages. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom! keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join Kaboom! for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular (and often successful) science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate, and entertain. Doktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man Science variety show suitable for all audiences. The creation of Actor/Comedian David Epley, Doktor Kaboom! creatively blends theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of exhilarating experiments and demonstrations. Whether he is performing for school children, families, retirees, corporate executives, late-night cabaret, or Shakespeare sophisticates, Doktor Kaboom! leaves his audiences thoroughly fulfilled and cheering for more.

Blue Man Group will thrill Muncie with its high-octane theatrical experience. Escape the ordinary and surround yourself in an explosion of comedy, music, and technology. If you've ever seen Blue Man Group, it's a must-see. If you're already a fan, don't miss it. The New York Times heralds the show as "One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged." E! Entertainment News exclaims, "BLUE MAN GROUP is what every live performance aspireds to be." The Baltimore Sun raves, "Blue Man Group packs a wallop. It's a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting production!" Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that BLUE MAN GROUP is an intensely exiting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, BLUE MAN GROUP is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures.