We’re thrilled to announce an exciting and eclectic lineup for the 2026–27 season, bringing Grammy®-winning artists, hit Broadway musicals, international sensations, jazz legends, and beloved family shows to Greater Lafayette. From world-renowned musicians to theatrical spectacles and thought-provoking talks, this season promises something for every audience.

Friends of Convos Priority Points Presale starts Thursday, May 28, PICK5 subscriptions will be available Wednesday, June 17 and single show tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 24. Full details can be found at: convocations.purdue.edu/presale. 
Single show tickets for Nurse Blake are on sale now at: convocations.purdue.edu/events. 

JOURNALISTS: Press photos may be found at convocations.purdue.edu/press

FREE EVENT | September 9 & 10, 2026
Purdue University West Lafayette & Indianapolis Campus

Like any marching band, you’ll hear Mucca Pazza before you see them—but that’s where the similarities end. Their genre-bending music spans surf rock to Stravinsky, paired with colorful thrift-store outfits, absurdist cheerleaders, and eclectic instruments. A staple of Chicago’s underground since 2004, they’ll bring lively, free pop-up performances to Purdue University’s campuses in Indianapolis and West Lafayette. 

Presented by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life and the Senior Vice Provost/Chief Academic Officer for Purdue in Indianapolis 

FREE EVENT | September 19, 2026 | 3PM
Downtown West Lafayette

Celebrate global cultures at the 31st Annual West Lafayette Global Fest! Presented by the City of West Lafayette, Purdue Convocations, and the International Center, this free, family-friendly event features international music, cuisine, and hands-on cultural activities. Enjoy sights, sounds and flavors from around the world—right in West Lafayette! Main stage headliners include Brazilian singer Bia Ferreira and her messages of feminism, love, and social justice, and Ghanaian musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolleyand his fusion of high-life, Afrobeat, Afropop, funk, and jazz. 

Support from the City of West Lafayette, International Center, Purdue Convocations, Visit Lafayette/West Lafayette, Kettlehut Construction, John Martinson Honors College, Flora Roberts Fund, Bowen Engineering, Henriott Group, IU Health, Purdue Federal Credit Union, Wessler Engineering, BE Represented, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, O.W. Krohn and Associates 

October 14-15, 2026 | 7PM
Loeb Playhouse

This fall, UK theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men brings an historically-informed production of Shakespeare’s Othello to Purdue. Staying true to the Elizabethan era, the performance features an all-male cast, with period costumes, music, and dance. The tragedy follows Othello, whose life and marriage are destroyed by Iago’s manipulation—an intense story of jealousy, deception, and ruin.

Support from Bob & Patti Truitt, Westminster Village with additional support from Leonora & Harold Woodman Endowment for Theatre and Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts 

October 16, 2026 | 8PM
Loeb Playhouse

The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John showcases the greatest hits of two rock piano legends. Starring Tony and Grammy nominee Michael Cavanaugh—handpicked by Billy Joel for Movin’ Out—the show delivers high energy and precision. Dubbed “The New Piano Man,” he captures the iconic vocals and piano style of both artists in a powerful tribute.

Support from Arni’s Restaurant, University Place, Q106.7 with additional support from Union Club and 8Eleven Modern Bistro 

November 5, 2026 | 7:30PM
Loeb Playhouse

Formed in 1992, the Bang on a Can All-Stars are a dynamic, six-member amplified ensemble that shatters musical boundaries. In this concert, the All-Stars will perform a brand-new arrangement of Philip Glass’ Glassworks in its entirety, alongside Steve Reich’s acclaimed rock quintet 2×5 and New York Counterpoint, in honor of these two legendary composers and their birthday milestones.

Support from Gordon & Harriet Coppoc, Westminster Village, Union Club, and 8Eleven Modern Bistro with additional support from Jeanne Compton Endowment for Artistic Excellence and  Based in Lafayette 

November 10-14, 2025 | 7PM
John Purdue Room
Limited Friends of Convos Exclusive Engagement

Scott Silven returns to Purdue with his intimate, mind-bending At the Illusionist’s Table. This 21+ benefit, exclusive to Friends of Convocations, features only six seatings of 24 guests. Each performance includes a bespoke three-course dinner curated by Chef Dawn Sieber and exquisitely served by students from Purdue’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program, with wine and single-malt pairings, inspired by the mystery and surprise of the evening. 

This limited engagement will go on sale exclusively to members of the Friends of Convos in early July. Ticket requests will be filled in Priority Points order.

Support from Christ & Cindy Meyer with additional support from Purdue Convocations Innovative Performance Fund 

Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour

November 23, 2025 | 3PM
Loeb Playhouse
Tickets on sale now: convocations.org/event/nurse-blake/

Nurse Blake arrives in West Lafayette with his hilarious new comedy tour, But Did You Die? The former ICU nurse-turned comedian and healthcare advocate brings fresh material exploring the absurd and wild things patients and their families do. From over-the-top WebMD self-diagnoses to treating the hospital call light like a game show buzzer, nothing is off-limits.

Support from Outback Presents  
Additional local support from Mad Mushroom 

November 19, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Loeb Playhouse

Acclaimed Australian circus arts company Gravity & Other Myths, known for their honest approach to acrobatic virtuosity since 2009, presents their captivating show, Ten Thousand Hours, which premiered at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe Festival. Their performance is a spectacular tribute to the dedication and intense practice required to achieve physical mastery—the so-called 10,000 hour rule.

Support from Jeanne Compton Endowment for Artistic Excellence and Friends of Convocations Programming Endowment 
Additional support from Wintek and Holiday Inn City Centre  

November 22, 2026 | 3PM
Loeb Playhouse

Be amazed by the power of pressure – and what it can teach us. Equal parts interactive science, comedy, and personal empowerment messages, Doktor Kaboom returns with a new show. Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! The show illustrates physical science concepts that are also metaphors for real-life mental and emotional pressures.

Support from Barash Law, Mad Mushroom, Guido Family Dentistry with additional support from All Aboard for the Arts Endowment and Bill Edward Wilburn Endowment

December 6, 2026 | 3PM
Loeb Playhouse

Celebrate the season with Bria Skonberg, a Juno Award–winning vocalist and trumpeter known for her vibrant jazz style. Her holiday show features festive favorites, including her hit cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” blending rich vocals, bold trumpet, and a lively mix of classic charm and modern flair.

Support from Bob & Patti Truitt, University Place, and The National Group 
Additional support from Alan & Gail Beck Endowment 

January 22, 2026 | 8PM
Loeb Playhouse

Led by acclaimed drummer and composer Allison Miller, Boom Tic Boom is a critically celebrated jazz ensemble known for razor-sharp precision and diverse, contemporary sonic palette. Along with Miller, the band features an all-star lineup: Myra Melford, Jenny Scheinman, Ben Goldberg, Kirk Knuffke, and Todd Sickafoose. Boom Tic Boom blends classic drummer-led traditions with modern improvisation.

Presented by Drs. Marshall & Berdine Martin 
Powered by Dr. Sandra Sydnor, Bob & Tammy Loew, and Purdue Bands & Orchestras 

January 27, 2027 | 7PM
Elliott Hall of Music
Part of the Broadway at Purdue series 
Club Convos at Elliott Hall of Music upgrade available

Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

Support from WLFI TV-18 and Purdue Federal Credit Union 

February 11, 2027 | 7:30PM
Elliott Hall of Music
Part of the Broadway at Purdue series 
Club Convos at Elliott Hall of Music upgrade available

Shucked is the Tony Award®–winning musical comedy about an unlikely hero, a lovable con man, and an a-maize-ing battle for the heart & soil of Cob County.

Support from Visit Lafayette/West Lafayette and Bob and Patti Truitt 
Additional support from Guido Family Dentistry 

February 13, 2027 | 8PM
Loeb Playhouse

Experience pianist Michael Davidman—winner of the 2025 American Piano Awards Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship. Davidman is celebrated for his expressive depth and technical brilliance. A leading voice among rising American pianists, he brings dynamic interpretations and compelling artistry to the stage in an unforgettable live performance.

Support from Janet Nine, Bob & Patti Truitt, Janet & David Elmore, and Mike & Pam Luenz Classical Music Endowment        
Additional support from Robert B. & Patricia Peyton Truitt Piano Performance Endowment, Gordon & Harriet Coppoc, University Place, and Piano Giving Circle

February 16, 2027 | 7:30PM
Loeb Playhouse

Emmy-Award® winning Actor and 2025 Theater Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Thomas—star of hit TV shows Ozark and The Waltons and Broadway’s The Balsuters and To Kill a Mockingbird—brings to life “the nation’s one true comic genius” (The New York Times) in Mark Twain Tonight!, written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook. Join the millions who have cheered for the legendary one-man show, bursting with Twain’s “uproariously funny” and “pungently wise” (Time Magazine) humor. 

Support from University Place and Friends of Convocations Programming Endowment    

 February 24, 2027 | 7:30PM
Elliott Hall of Music
Club Convos at Elliott Hall of Music upgrade available

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage 30 years ago, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. To celebrate the 30th year milestone, Riverdance returns to Purdue with a spectacular production that rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes, and state-of-the-art lighting, projection, and motion graphics. 

Support from Lafayette Media Group and Friends of Convocations Programming Endowment 

February 25, 2027 | 7:30PM
Elliott Hall of Music
Club Convos at Elliott Hall of Music upgrade available

In 2018, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther quickly became a global sensation and cultural phenomenon, showing a new dimension of what Super Hero films could be. Now you can relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger all while a live orchestra performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live to picture.

Support from Davis Family Endowment, Union Club, and 8Eleven Modern Bistro 
Additional support from East End Grill and Ripple & Company 

 February 27, 2027 | 2PM
Loeb Playhouse

Every breakthrough has a hidden story. In TEDxPurdueU’s main event of 18-minute TED talks,  Unseen celebrates the people behind the work, the ideas ahead of their time, and the voices shaping culture, science, and society without recognition. From unsung contributors to quietly radical thinking, it reveals what history overlooked and what we still ignore—showing that the most powerful forces are often the ones we fail to notice. 

Support from the Student Fee Advisory Board 

 March 5, 2027 | 8PM
Elliott Hall of Music
Club Convos at Elliott Hall of Music upgrade available

For more than four decades, the internationally acclaimed taiko ensemble KODO has toured the world under the banner “One Earth,” bringing audiences together through the resonant power of Japanese drumming. In Luminance, KODO shares signature works refined across decades of global touring, alongside new works by current ensemble members and guest artists—music inspired by the cultures, encounters, and experiences that continue to shape Kodo’s worldwide journey.

Support from University Place and Visit Lafayette/West Lafayette 

April 28, 2027 | 7PM
Elliott Hall of Music
Part of the Broadway at Purdue series 
Club Convos at Elliott Hall of Music upgrade available

The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. The Wiz returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets,” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaims The Wiz is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!” 
 
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.  

Everybody rejoice—this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. 

Support from Zebra Landscaping and Westminster Village

Visit convocations.purdue.edu/events for full event details of the 2025-2026 Convos season.

Patrons can enhance their experience with Club Convos—exclusive to Friends of Convocations at the Founder level and above. Experience easy event entry, light hors d’oeuvres, special entertainment, exclusive restrooms and a cash bar with signature cocktails before the show and during intermission of most Elliott Hall of Music performances. Food and beverages provided with support from The Lobby by Greyhouse. More details at convocations.purdue.edu/clubconvos

“There’s a new ceiling. But not on what we can do together,” said Todd Wetzel, executive director of Purdue Convocations and Hall of Music Productions.  

“We have a full season in store for you—even with the ceiling repair that will keep Elliott out of the spotlight for the fall, Wetzel said. “We’ll hit new heights all year long, leaning on Loeb Playhouse and alternative venues for a collection of extraordinary experiences in the first semester—then we’ll raise the rafters in Elliott in the spring!” 

Wetzel added, “But the foundation for all of this work is you: It is your ticket purchases and generous support that hasve built this incredible organization, and now, as a self-supporting organization, we’re honored to reward your loyalty and presence with our 124th season. There is truly no ceiling to what we can accomplish with your support. Thank you!” 

The buying schedule is available at convocations.purdue.edu/presale. Visit convocations.purdue.edu/events for full event details of the 2025-2026 Convos season.

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Purdue Convocations—the self-supporting performing arts presenter at Purdue University—catalyzes the curriculum, energizes the community, and distinguishes Purdue through powerful performances, illuminating discourse and extraordinary learning encounters.

Purdue University has a rich history of bringing concerts, lectures and performances to campus. In 1902, the “Lecture and Concert Course” was first offered, creating the earliest iteration of what is now Purdue Convocations and placing it amongst the oldest collegiate performing arts presenting organizations in the country. Over the years, the names and formats have changed, but one thing has remained constant—the great Convos tradition of amplifying the power of a Purdue education through arts and culture. Now, powered solely by ticket sales and generous gifts, Convos is an award-winning cultural leader that makes Purdue a dynamic place to study, work, live and play. Learn more at convocations.purdue.edu. Information about giving to Purdue Convocations can be found at convocations.purdue.edu/support.

Purdue University students can get involved with the arts at Purdue. Learn how to join the Student Concert Committee, Convocations Volunteer Network, and TEDxPurdueU at boilerlink.purdue.edu. Purdue Convocations is proud to be in the Purdue University Division of Student Life.

Established in 1975, the Student Concert Committee (SCC) is equivalent to an internship in the music and entertainment business. Members help select, market, and produce SCC-sponsored concerts and events. They gain real-life concert industry experience and develop life skills that can serve them in any profession while powering live music and event culture on campus. The Student Concert Committee is celebrating 50 years in 2025. 

Founded in 1985, the Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN) helps support and promote Convos events. This group ushers patrons and assists with performances, Friends of Convos events and education and outreach activities. In exchange, members can stay and see shows for free—and make a lot of new friends. CVN is celebrating 50 years in 2025.

An independently organized TED event
TEDxPurdueU is a student-run organizing committee that independently produces multiple events throughout the year in connection with the international TED organization. With a mission to stimulate the curious mind, challenge perspectives and spark discussion, TEDxPurdueU exposes our local community and global audience to “ideas worth spreading.”