Arkansas State University-Beebe has unveiled its 2025–2026 Performing Arts Series — a dynamic season filled with live music, theater, visual art exhibitions, guest lectures, and cultural programming. Events will take place across ASU-Beebe campuses and are open to the public.
General admission to most performances is $10, with discounted $5 tickets available for educators, military members, K–12 students, and senior citizens 60 and older. ASU-Beebe students, employees, alumni, retirees, and emeriti receive one free ticket per event. Tickets and details can be found at www.ASUB.edu/tickets.
Season Highlights:
The series opens Tuesday, Sept. 23, with a free outdoor concert by Emerald City Council at The Grove on the Beebe campus. The community event begins at 5 p.m., with music starting at 7. ASU-Beebe music professor Dr. Brent Bristow will perform with the band, known for its progressive rock and high-energy shows. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Owen Center Theater welcomes Private Eyes: A Tribute to Daryl Hall & John Oates. The Los Angeles-based group performs faithful renditions of the duo’s iconic hits.
The ASU-Beebe Symphonic Band and Singers & Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Brent Bristow and Mary Jo Parker, will perform multiple concerts throughout the year in the Owen Center Theater, beginning Sept. 19 and running through May 2026.
In November, the Theatre Department will present Bright Star, the bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, from Nov. 6–9, followed by an alumni gathering. In the spring, they’ll stage Peter Pan from April 23–26. Both productions are ticketed at $5.
Special Events & Guest Speakers:
Oct. 27–31: Echoes of the Ozarks explores Arkansas folklore, including a lecture by Amber Bramlett and guest folklorist Dr. Gregory Hansen.
Oct. 30: Dr. Daniel Littlefield, director of the Sequoyah National Research Center, will discuss Native American print culture at 12:30 p.m. in the Science Building Lecture Hall.
Jan. 29: Hank Nightshade & The Midnight Sons, a rock band from Northeast Arkansas, will perform at the Owen Center Theater.
March 31, 2026: Beloved Nat Geo WILD star Dr. Jan Pol will appear for an evening of storytelling from his 45-year veterinary career.
Visual Arts & Literary Events:
The England Center Art Gallery will showcase work from Courtney Wilson, Gary Simmons, and watercolorist Richard Stephens, who will also offer public workshops. Free student showcases are scheduled for November and April.
The Abington Library Series returns with engaging themes, including True Crime Week (Oct. 7–9), Echoes of the Ozarks (Oct. 27–31), and Children’s Literature Week: Based on a True Story (March 2–6, 2026).
The annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Dec. 2, featuring performances by the Studio 360 Dancers, Symphonic Band, and Chamber Singers. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, hayrides, crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus. Proceeds from a pottery sale will benefit the Student Emergency Hope Fund.
Community Support:
ASU-Beebe extends its gratitude to host sponsors Eoff & Associates Realty, Inc., Stallion Transportation Group, and ArkansasRadio.com. Additional performance sponsors include First Electric Cooperative, Edward Jones – Debbie Elgen, First Community Bank, and Arkansas Record-CD Exchange.
Ryan Gibbons, co-chair of the Performing Arts Series and ASU-Beebe theatre director, says the lineup aims to “celebrate creativity in all forms” and foster meaningful connections across campus and the community.
