Convos Stories

For the past 43 years, Yellowjackets has built a reputation as one of jazz’s most influential groups. Through sold-out tours, critical and commercial success, and numerous lineup changes, the powerhouse trio’s career spans 26 albums and 16 Grammy® nominations. On January 23, they’re set to perform for thousands of high school musicians and jazz enjoyers on Purdue’s campus in the annual Jazz Festival.

Winner of the Tony®, Grammy®, and London’s Olivier Awards for Best Musical, KINKY BOOTS captivates and entertains audiences around the world with a Tony® Award-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, book by four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and Tony®-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell.

Purdue University is installing OPENGATE entry systems to all of its venues to improve guest security and efficiency at entry points across campus. Guests will notice metal detectors at Elliott Hall of Music events moving forward.

Both upcoming performances of Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern at Loeb Playhouse, along with other national tour dates, have been canceled by the producer. Ticket refunds will be made automatically to the original method of payment.

Give the gift of music this holiday season! Purdue Convocations brings a wide range of performances this Spring 2026. Follow this gift guide for local shopping inspiration to pair with your next Convos show outing.

This holiday season, award-winning pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman invites audiences to share in The Gift of Christmas — a one-of-a-kind concert event blending beloved holiday classics, heartfelt originals, and a touch of humor, all delivered with Brickman’s signature piano style.

In 2015, the Convocations Piano Giving Circle gifted Convocations a Steinway D Concert Grand piano with the help of Eric Zuber. To honor this incredible legacy, the artist who helped us select this very piano, will return to Purdue for...

Next week, Convocations hosts two musical acts in the span of a few days. Martin Sexton and MercyMe perform on November 7 and 9 respectively. Both acts bring their tours to Purdue in a diverse showcase for a weekend of music.

America comes together in the music of Martin Sexton. Our hearts mend, our political and philosophical differences melt away, and the various strains of our roots music entangle. Of Sexton, The New York Times says: “His unpretentious heartiness helps him focus on every soul singer’s goal: to
amplify the sound of the ordinary heart.”

Since 1985, Purdue’s Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN) has helped bring world-class performances to life—ushering audiences, sharing show information, and creating memorable experiences for all who attend. In 2025, CVN proudly celebrates 40 years of student-powered service to the arts.

Celebrating 50 years, the Purdue Student Concert Committee (SCC) has booked legendary acts from Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen to Lady Gaga and Noah Kahan. This student-run organization provides invaluable music industry experience, while bringing a diverse array of concerts and comedy—making unforgettable memories for Purdue.

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – A unique homecoming is happening for one Boilermaker on October 2. Robert Cohen (B.A., Sound for the Performing Arts, 2024) is head audio engineer for the national touring production of The Book of Mormon. The show comes to Elliott Hall of Music next month. His experiences at Purdue have aided in his transition to the professional world. In Cohen’s time at Purdue, he founded and led LEAP (Live Events and Productions).