Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $55, $49
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

With 16 Grammy nominations to his credit, Brian McKnight has a smooth sound that bears a remarkable likeness to the timbre and style of beloved vocalists such as Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Named Billboard Pop and R & B Songwriter of the Year, Brian has been featured in collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Willie Nelson and Josh Groban, to name a few. Most known for hits such as “Back at One,” “Love Is” and “Anytime,” this multiplatinum artist has hosted his own radio and television

For fans of: Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Boyz II Men

Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $63, $57
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

Dionne Warwick’s reputation as a hit maker is firmly etched into public consciousness through an illustrious career that spans across four decades and includes five Grammy Awards. In 1968, she was the first African-American solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Pop Female Vocal Performance for the classic “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.” Warwick is best known for her work with Hal David and Burt Bacharach as songwriters and producers. Together they accumulated 30 hit singles, including the songs “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Message to Michael” and “This Girl’s in Love with You.”

For fans of: Diana Ross, Burt Bacharach, Gladys Knight

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35, $29

The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. The performers have worked in a total of 18 congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience. They have recorded more than 30 albums, including their latest, Barackin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Liberal Shop of Horrors, and have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS
and NPR.

What Critics Say: “Side-splitting … for those who yearn for the lighter side of the news and derive pleasure from seeing the mighty made ridiculous.” – The New York Times

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35, $29
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

David Sanborn is an artist whose music has inspired countless other musicians. He has created a body of work that spans the genres of rock ’n’ roll, R & B, pop and jazz. A naturally gifted performer, Sanborn has helped define the saxophone’s modern sound while influencing a generation. The Trio will feature world-renowned jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco. DeFrancesco, a master of the Hammond B3 organ, was invited to join Miles Davis’ band when he was only 17 years old. He has also played with jazz guitarists Paul Bollenback, Jimmy Bruno and Dave Stryker.

What Critics Say: “When he puckers up for a swinging instrumental, like Mr. Crawford’s ‘Stoney Lonesome,’ the effect is a disarming delight.” – The New York Times

For fans of: Kenny G, Miles Davis, Chris Botti

Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 – 4 p.m.
Tickets: $28, $22

What Critics Say: “With new acts like these, the future of bluegrass is as sturdy as its past.” – The Associated Press

“The most celebrated new bluegrass act of the last few years.” – The New York Times

For fans of: Ricky Skaggs, Old Crow Medicine Show, Flatt & Scruggs, The Osborne Brothers

Trivia: Darrin is brother to Rhonda Vincent, who performed at the MSU Riley Center in 2009.

Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010 – 4 p.m.
Tickets: $35, $29

This two-hour dance and music extravaganza is a truly authentic Irish production. Presented by The National Dance Company of Ireland, Rhythm of the Dance preserves the traditions of Irish step dancing while presenting it in a modern format. The show features a live band, three tenors and some 22 dancers. Since its debut in 1999 on a stage in Norway, Rhythm of The Dance has played to more than 4.5 million fans in 44 countries worldwide.

What Critics Say: “This is a thoroughbred dance show.”
– The Celtic Café

For fans of: Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Trinity Irish Dance Company

Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28, $22

DCDC, for short, was founded in 1968 and has claimed national and international praise. The group presents works by world-class choreographers in a highly inventive way. Case in point: the dancers will be accompanied by William Myles & YPOP, a local gospel choir, on numbers such as “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” “Precious Lord” and “Giants” when they perform at the MSU Riley Center. Rooted in the African-American experience, DCDC’s mission is to deliver contemporary dance of the highest quality to the broadest possible audience.

What Critics Say: ““A continuing kaleidoscope of vitality, grace and strength.” – Seattle Post-Intelligencer

For fans of: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Pilobolus

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 – 4 p.m.
Tickets: $39, $33

For more than 60 years, Anne Frank’s words have kept her spirit alive in the minds and hearts of readers all over the world. Caught in a world of hate she couldn’t comprehend, this young Jewish girl has become an icon of light for all who dare to dream. Relive the incredible life of Anne Frank as this stage production shares her hopes, aspirations and observations on family, love and life. Barter Theatre is the longest-running professional Equity theater in the nation and the birthing place for such notable actors as Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal and Ned Beatty.

What Critics Say: “A wonderful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. One of the most moving performances of the last decade.” – A! Magazine for the Arts

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $47, $41
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

The Manhattan Transfer has nearly 30 albums and eight Grammy Awards to its credit. The group’s 1992 Christmas album remains one of its most popular, including acclaimed songs such as “Snowfall,” “Silent Night, Holy Night” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Don’t miss this spectacular holiday experience.

For fans of: The Four Freshmen, Take 6

Trivia: The group’s 1985 album Vocalese triumphed financially and artistically, earning 12 Grammy nominations – making it second only to Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the most-nominated album ever at that time..

Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010 – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $28, $22

Just the sound of Gary Morris’ voice can move the listener’s heart and soul. Best known for his original recording of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” Morris’ country music career took off in the 1980’s with twelve albums that generated sixteen Top 10 singles and five No. 1 hits, including “Baby Bye Bye,” “100% Chance Of Rain,” and “Leave Me Lonely.” He has since released acoustic, Christmas and gospel albums to fans’ delight.

What Critics Say: “There are voices that transcend seasons and settings. They are the kind of voices that through sheer beauty and unbridled passion soar above others. Gary Morris has one of those voices.” – Dallas Morning News

Friday, Jan. 21, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $42, $36
Pre-Show Party at 6:00 p.m.

In 1980, then-16-year-old Patty Griffin began writing music. Since then, she has released seven albums, won Album of the Year at the 2007 Americana Music Awards and picked up four Grammy nominations, including one in 2010 for her performance of “Beautiful Fire” with Dierks Bentley. She is touring with Buddy Miller, one of Nashville’s most sought-after instrumentalists and producers, to showcase her recent album, Downtown Church. Produced by Miller, the album was inspired by their deep love for gospel music.

What Critics Say: “[Griffin’s] voice is an amazing instrument – powerful yet torn, riveting yet lost.” – Rolling Stone magazine

For fans of: Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith, Lucinda Williams

Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $42, $36

This showstopping attraction returns to the MSU Riley Center after its sellout performance in 2009. The large cast from America’s top historically black colleges and universities is the first to bring the marching band tradition to the theatrical stage. The production presents the rhythmic sounds of the great brass past, including music of Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power, side by side with the hottest contemporary hip-hop and R & B.

What Critics Say: “It’s a marching band extravaganza that parades out of the football stadium onto the stage with explosive percussion, resounding brass and dazzling choreography.” – The Morning Call

Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 – 6 p.m.
Tickets: $49, $43
Pre-Show Party at 4:30 p.m.

Big Head Todd and The Monsters are known for producing a rootsy, emotionally direct variety of rock ’n’ roll that lends itself particularly well to a live setting. The platinum-selling group will be joined by Mississippi bluesmen “Honeyboy” Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm. Appearing on stage solo and together, the group will perform a mix of their individual hits and Robert Johnson songs, honoring the late, great bluesman that forever shaped
the blues.

What Critics Say: “Robert Johnson to me is the most important blues musician who ever lived. His music remains the most powerful cry that I think you can find in the human voice, really.” – Eric Clapton

Trivia: David “Honeyboy” Edwards was playing with Mississippi native Robert Johnson the night Johnson was fatally poisoned.

Feb. 26, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Season Subscriptions on sale July 26
Individual tickets on sale Aug. 23

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a special concert featuring world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. Considered the greatest violin virtuoso of our time, Perlman has performed with every major orchestra and major music festival in the world, appeared in over 40 television and motion pictures, including Fantasia, and recorded on multiple soundtracks, including that of Schindler’s List.