16 upcoming events with the ball state university tag

Music & Lyrics by William Finn Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional Material by Jay Reiss

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Directed by Carson Crow
Musical Direction by Jim Rhinehart
Choreography by Kelsey Krigas

April 16-18, 21-25 at 7:30 p.m. | April 19 at 2:30 p.m. | Oakwood 101

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
 

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Tickets

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office located at Sursa Hall in person, by phone at 765-285-8749, or online.

General Public: $18 in advance, $20 at the door  

Faculty/Staff/Students/Seniors: $15 in advance, $17 at the door

Music & Lyrics by William Finn Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional Material by Jay Reiss

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Directed by Carson Crow
Musical Direction by Jim Rhinehart
Choreography by Kelsey Krigas

April 16-18, 21-25 at 7:30 p.m. | April 19 at 2:30 p.m. | Oakwood 101

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
 

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Tickets

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office located at Sursa Hall in person, by phone at 765-285-8749, or online.

General Public: $18 in advance, $20 at the door  

Faculty/Staff/Students/Seniors: $15 in advance, $17 at the door

Duende Libre is an award-winning jazz trio whose original music combines jazz virtuosity with roots rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and West Africa into a “strikingly authentic blend.” Each having apprenticed with direct descendants and master musicians of these traditions, they consider themselves disciples of their teachers. The result: A euphoric new jazz that honors its historical roots, pushing open the boundaries of genre to invoke a powerful sonic freedom.

Comprising core members Alex Chadsey (bandleader and keys), Jeff Busch (percussion), and Farko Dosumov (bass), Duende Libre is collectively influenced by the trio’s direct connections with master musicians including Clinton Fearon, Dudley Nesbitt, Dave Hassel, Jesse Bannister, Chucho Valdés, Carlos Santana, Martha Gonzalez, Quetzal Flores, and Joe Santiago.

The band effectively—and uniquely—calls attention to the space between contemporary jazz traditions and broader musical influences from around the globe. Informed by a cumulative century of devoted study, they answer to this with emphatic (and euphoric) sonic interpretations that effectively enrich the collective language of jazz itself.

World-class artists and musicians brought together in the Coffee and Cabernet Series. Experience these internationally renowned artists in the intimate setting of Pruis Hall and enjoy a selection of wine, craft beer or coffee while attending the performance. 

Music & Lyrics by William Finn Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional Material by Jay Reiss

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Directed by Carson Crow
Musical Direction by Jim Rhinehart
Choreography by Kelsey Krigas

April 16-18, 21-25 at 7:30 p.m. | April 19 at 2:30 p.m. | Oakwood 101

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
 

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Tickets

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office located at Sursa Hall in person, by phone at 765-285-8749, or online.

General Public: $18 in advance, $20 at the door  

Faculty/Staff/Students/Seniors: $15 in advance, $17 at the door

Saturdays: April 11, 25 at 3:30 p.m.
Fridays: April 10, 24 at 5:00 p.m. 

Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and learn about the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China.
Perfect for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Plan Your Visit to the Planetarium

Please Note: Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close 15 minutes after showtime and no late entry is permitted after that time.

Fridays: April 10, 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: April 11, 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Narrated by Andy Serkis, this program explores our cosmic chemistry, explosive origins, and the evolution of the Universe, answering some of the biggest questions of all time.
Perfect for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

Plan Your Visit to the Planetarium

Please Note: Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close 15 minutes after showtime and no late entry is permitted after that time.

Music & Lyrics by William Finn Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional Material by Jay Reiss

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Directed by Carson Crow
Musical Direction by Jim Rhinehart
Choreography by Kelsey Krigas

April 16-18, 21-25 at 7:30 p.m. | April 19 at 2:30 p.m. | Oakwood 101

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
 

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Tickets

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office located at Sursa Hall in person, by phone at 765-285-8749, or online.

General Public: $18 in advance, $20 at the door  

Faculty/Staff/Students/Seniors: $15 in advance, $17 at the door

Saturdays: April 11, 25 at 3:30 p.m.
Fridays: April 10, 24 at 5:00 p.m. 

Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and learn about the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China.
Perfect for families and groups with pre-K through 1st grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Plan Your Visit to the Planetarium

Please Note: Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close 15 minutes after showtime and no late entry is permitted after that time.

Saturdays: April 11, 25 at 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy a guided meditation experience with views of an amazing sunset as you travel to the North Pole to relax under a night sky filled with stars and glimpses of the Northern Lights.
Perfect for ages 12+, all ages are welcome.

Plan Your Visit to the Planetarium

Please Note: Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close 15 minutes after showtime and no late entry is permitted after that time.

Fridays: April 10, 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: April 11, 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Narrated by Andy Serkis, this program explores our cosmic chemistry, explosive origins, and the evolution of the Universe, answering some of the biggest questions of all time.
Perfect for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

Plan Your Visit to the Planetarium

Please Note: Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close 15 minutes after showtime and no late entry is permitted after that time.

Music & Lyrics by William Finn Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

Additional Material by Jay Reiss

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Directed by Carson Crow
Musical Direction by Jim Rhinehart
Choreography by Kelsey Krigas

April 16-18, 21-25 at 7:30 p.m. | April 19 at 2:30 p.m. | Oakwood 101

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
 

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Tickets

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office located at Sursa Hall in person, by phone at 765-285-8749, or online.

General Public: $18 in advance, $20 at the door  

Faculty/Staff/Students/Seniors: $15 in advance, $17 at the door

Our choirs will present a program of works by Mozart, Jeksabone, Belafonte, and more including a Canadian sea shanty, a traditional Namibian play song, and light-hearted folk songs. All choirs will come together to close the concert singing a rendition of the African American spiritual "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel" by Moses Hogan.

https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/School*20of*20Music/969?venueidlist=20386__;JSU!!NHHyjsUm!gYigPnaRbUdmj5p_BdQbXDHisj8Yf91DD-6sAhUrsScz-ZiJuQdFfqsJh5qPHfmGYMsc2sfXDy2G7BAmhxLQGw$">Tickets available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/School*20of*20Music/969?venueidlist=20386__;JSU!!NHHyjsUm!gYigPnaRbUdmj5p_BdQbXDHisj8Yf91DD-6sAhUrsScz-ZiJuQdFfqsJh5qPHfmGYMsc2sfXDy2G7BAmhxLQGw$">online, by phone at 765-285-8749, or in person at Sursa Hall.

All are welcome!

Schedule

• 6–6:45 p.m.: Cocktail hour featuring several tables displaying historical artifacts, current University Libraries projects, and more
• 6:45–7:15 p.m.: Catered meal
• 7:15–8 p.m.: Kirkham Lecture featuring historian Andy Olson

Register Here

Featured Kirkham Lecture

“The Kilgore Pact Legend and the 1818 St. Marys Treaties”

    In seeking to confirm a family legend involving prominent Delaware County resident David Kilgore (1804–1879), Andy Olson uncovered a surprising historical detail connected to the 1818 treaties signed at St. Marys, Ohio. Olson discovered that none of the individuals receiving land grants in one of the treaties were Delawares—raising questions about why and how that came to be. His presentation explores what he found and what it may reveal about the period.

About the speaker

    Andy Olson is an amateur historian and award-winning writer whose work has appeared in Connections, Traces, and other publications. He is the author of Forging the Bee Line Railroad, 1848–1889: The Rise and Fall of the Hoosier Partisans and Cleveland Clique (Kent State University Press, 2017). In 2024, he received the Indiana Historical Society’s Willard C. Heiss Family History and Genealogy Award.

Art in Bloom 2026 logo

Visit the David Owsley Museum of Art from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, May 15 for a public reception featuring music, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash (only) bar. This Preview Party will kick off Art in Bloom weekend, an annual springtime celebration featuring floral creations inspired by works of art in the galleries!

(On May 16 and May 17 from 1pm to 5pm on both days, visitors can enjoy the arrangements, guided tours, music, and activities for all ages.)

There is no admission fee for this event, and weekend parking at non-metered spots on the Quad Circle is also free.

Save the date and visit bsu.edu/doma/artinbloom for the latest schedule of activities and programs.

The weekend also provides an opportunity to see the special exhibition Nora Krug: Belonging, which closes on June 13.

Visit bsu.edu/doma for more information, and contact Rachel Buckmaster with any questions.

Visit the David Owsley Museum of Art on May 16 and 17 for Art in Bloom, an annual springtime celebration featuring floral creations inspired by works of art in the galleries!

From 1pm to 5pm on both days, visitors can enjoy the arrangements, docent-led tours, music, and activities for all ages. 

(An evening reception from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, May 15, will offer music, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash [only] bar.)

There is no admission fee for this event, and weekend parking at non-metered spots on the Quad Circle is also free.

Save the date and visit bsu.edu/doma/artinbloom for the latest schedule of activities and programs.

The weekend also provides an opportunity to see the special exhibition Nora Krug: Belonging, which closes on June 13.

Visit bsu.edu/doma for more information, and contact Rachel Buckmaster with any questions.

Visit the David Owsley Museum of Art on May 16 and 17 for Art in Bloom, an annual springtime celebration featuring floral creations inspired by works of art in the galleries!

From 1pm to 5pm on both days, visitors can enjoy the arrangements, docent-led tours, music, and activities for all ages. 

(An evening reception from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, May 15, will offer music, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash [only] bar.)

There is no admission fee for this event, and weekend parking at non-metered spots on the Quad Circle is also free.

Save the date and visit bsu.edu/doma/artinbloom for the latest schedule of activities and programs.

The weekend also provides an opportunity to see the special exhibition Nora Krug: Belonging, which closes on June 13.

Visit bsu.edu/doma for more information, and contact Rachel Buckmaster with any questions.