Area Information Web Log

Tiempo Libre ? Tuesday, October 3 ??It’s the Buena Vista Social Club for the next generation. Tiempo Libre (meaning Free Time in Spanish) is one of the hottest new Cuban timba groups in the world. With an infectious musical mix of vibrant Jazz, traditional Cuban, and Caribbean music, Tiempo Libre has seduced audiences across the country with their joyful, incendiary performances. $28

Simply Sinatra: A Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes ? Friday, October 13 ??Close your eyes and you’ll swear Frank Sinatra is back! Las Vegas and Atlantic City headliner, Steve Lippia, brings to life classics such as “Mack the Knife,” “My Way,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” and more backed by a 17-piece orchestra. Luck will be a lady this Friday the 13th as the Shryock Auditorium audience hangs on every note. A must see event! $27

Camelot ? Friday, October 20 ??You don’t want to miss Camelot, a musical recreation of one of literature’s most famous love triangles. Hear such popular numbers as “How to Handle a Woman,” “If Ever I Would Leave You” and “C’est Moi.” Based loosely on the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, the story is filled with love, hope, and ultimately betrayal. Join us for a sumptuous feast at King Arthur’s Court! $29

Circus Nexus: Rites and Rituals ? Friday, November 10 ??Circus Nexus brings its remarkable dance/theatre/circus fusion to the Shryock Auditorium stage. Rites and Rituals revolves around the “rites of passage” of an imaginary, ancient, pre-Columbian civilization through ritual, challenges of skill, and eventual acceptance into the community. More Cirque de Soleil than clowns and elephants, and not recommended for small children, this cutting edge contemporary group blends ballet, comedy, theater, dance, pantomime, and acrobatics into a sensual, not to be missed performance! $28

The Siegel-Schwall Band ? Saturday, January 27 ??The Chicago blues scene is famous for a reason! Some of the best musicians ever, cut their chops on Chicago’s South Side. The Siegel-Schwall Band is one of those legends, occupying a special place in the history of Chicago Blues. The band has shared the stage with such greats as Janis Joplin, The Allman Brothers, and Jefferson Airplane, and performed at the 2006 Chicago Blues Festival. The Chicago Sun Times raves that “Few groups in the world can match the Siegel-Schwall Band for the shear joy of their music.” $24

Moscow Festival Ballet: Don Quixote?? Tuesday, January 30 ??Join us as the Moscow Festival Ballet brings to life the tale of one of world literature’s most stunning, inspiring and dynamic heroes. This popular classical ballet in four acts, choreographed by Marius Petipa, follows the misguided yet gentle nobleman Don Quixote and his servant Sancho Panza on their journey in aid of the beautiful Dulcinea, battling windmills along the way. $29

Momix: Opus Cactus ? Tuesday, February 13 ??Close on the heels of last year’s Pilobolus, Momix blurs the boundaries of gymnastics and dance, drawing the audience into the American Southwest with their performance of Opus Cactus. A feast for the eyes and ears, the dancers become human centipedes, snakelike creatures and Saguaro cacti. Highly athletic, this performance transports audiences into a theatrical fantasy world featuring Momix’s trademark use of props, light, shadow, humor, and the never-ending beauty of the human body. $28

Lost in Yonkers ? Wednesday, March 7 ??A critical and popular Broadway success, Lost in Yonkers is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by America’s great comic playwright, Neil Simon. Set in 1940s New York during World War II, two young brothers are left in the care of their domineering grandmother and their childlike Aunt Bella. Lost in Yonkers won the 1991 Tony Award for Best Play, and was released as a movie, starring Richard Dreyfuss as Uncle Louie, in 1993. Follow the misadventures of this dysfunctional family in this rare blend of comedy and drama. $26

Special Event

A Dixieland Christmas, Starring The Dukes of Dixieland ? Friday, December 1 ??Weaving strands of pop, gospel, and country with authentic New Orleans Jazz, The Dukes of Dixieland blow traditional Dixieland Jazz into the 21st century. A New Orleans tradition in its fourth decade, The Dukes of Dixieland is the oldest continuing Dixieland jazz band. They have sold out venues across the United States including The Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, and the Smithsonian. A holiday event the entire family will enjoy! $26

Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra Series
The SISO has won numerous awards, including Community Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. They are under the leadership of renowned Maestro Edward M. Benyas and Concert Master Michael Barta.

Vive le Piano! ? Tuesday, September 19 ?? The SISO begins its season with a piano extravaganza. This spirited evening with a French flair includes piano concertos by Bach and Saint-Saëns, featuring School of Music faculty soloists, past and present. Pre-concert dinner. $19

Hansel and Gretel ? Friday & Saturday, October 27 & 28 ? Follow Hansel and Gretel’s trail of crumbs to Shryock Auditorium as the Southern Illinois Symphony and the Marjorie Lawrence Opera Theater join forces to present this timeless classic. Richly orchestrated by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck, this magical story is sure to please audiences of all ages. $19

Halloween Pops ? Tuesday, October 31 ?? Ghosts, witches, princesses and more are all welcome to enjoy a night of music and fun. The Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, dressed in their Halloween best, will join audience members for a family friendly event. Come in costume! The best one wins a prize! Last year’s successful Halloween Pops prompted this encore! $13

Music We Love ? Wednesday, February 7 ?? For Valentine’s Day, a musical journey through Paris, Italy, Russia and Spain! Renowned guest conductor Adrian Gnam joins the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Piano Professor Heidi Williams. Gnam and SISO Music Director, Edward Benyas will perform a concerto for two oboes. Celebrate love and music at this wonderful concert. $19

Stars of Altgeld ? Tuesday, March 6 ?? A season favorite, the Stars of Altgeld concert celebrates the winners of the School of Music Annual Solo Competition. A special guest ensemble will join the Orchestra for a unique performance of Antonin Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony. $19

Springtime Broadway Pops ? Tuesday, April 10 ?? The Symphony celebrates spring with a concert highlighting favorite Broadway tunes in the pops tradition. Join the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed singers as they honor America’s great musical theatre tradition. $19

Ticket Information

The early bird catches the worm! Ticket patrons save time and money by ordering tickets by August 11. Benefits include the best seating, advance notice of special events, and no ticket lines. Patrons may purchase all nine Celebrity Series events for $193 and save 20%. They may also purchase all six Symphony Series events for $97 and save 10%! This is the highest level discount and represents the customer’s “Best Buy.” Season Tickets may be purchased through mail order only.

In addition to the full ticket price, Shryock Auditorium offers a number of different discounts. Please note that discounts may not be combined. There is a $6 discount for children 15 and younger and senior citizens 60 and older. SIU Alumni Association members may receive a $3 discount on up to two tickets per Celebrity Series event. Save $3 per person for groups of 10 or more or $4 per person for groups of 20 or more for tickets ordered to any single event.

Advance orders may be placed through August 11 by writing SIU Ticket Office, SIUC Mail Code 6619, Carbondale, IL 62901.