Here for you. Because of you.
Sometimes everything else in the world just disappears as we are transported to a new place or new idea at the hands of an artist. Powerful live performances reflect who we are and might be, where we are and where we might want to go—together. Our destiny is a shared one.
This metaphor also captures the Convos story: our destiny is a shared one. As a self-supporting organization, it is your ticket purchases and generous gifts alone that power everything that we do.
Become a member of the Friends of Convocations today and you’ll get exclusive benefits that help Purdue Convocations make culture and community happen here—just for you!
Todd Wetzel
Assistant Vice Provost, Student Life Executive Director, Purdue Convocations and Hall of Music Productions
The 123rd Season
Annual West Lafayette Global Fest (FREE EVENT) pg. 4
Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show pg. 6
OUR MISSION
Purdue Convocations catalyzes the curriculum, energizes the community, and distinguishes Purdue through powerful performances, illuminating discourse, and extraordinary learning encounters.
OUR HISTORY
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.
Brickman: The Gift of Christmas pg. 7
Kinky Boots pg. 8
Annual Purdue Jazz Festival: Yellowjackets pg. 8
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Event feat. the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis pg. 9
Acting Company presents Great Expectations pg. 9
& Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern pg. 10
presents Odyssey pg. 11
The Musical pg. 12
The Musical 2 pg. 12
FRONT COVER: Wynton Marsalis, pg. 9 (Photo by Lawrence Sumulong)
PAGE: STOMP, pg.
(Photo by Steve McNicholas)
Convos is self-supporting, so when you buy tickets and support the Friends of Convocations, you get incredible world-class performances right here at Purdue.
Join our Friends now at convocations.org/friends.
Friends of Convocations Benefits
All Friends enjoy the best seat selection and the accumulation of Friends Priority Points.* Benefits begin at $100 annually and increase by contribution level. Additional benefits are added at each level. For a full list of member options and benefits for Friends of Convocations, visit convocations.org.
MEMBER $100+ Your name recognized on convocations.org
BENEFACTOR $250+ Recognition in designated program books
FOUNDER $500+ Invitation to Club Convos receptions at most Elliott Hall of Music shows
DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL $1,000+ Invitation to exclusive Meet-the-Artist event
AMBASSADOR $2,500+ Access to Friends parking at Elliott Hall of Music shows
COLLABORATOR $5,000+ Invitation to backstage artist Meet-and-Greet
VISIONARY $10,000+ Invitation to a custom Friends event
ARTISTS CIRCLE $15,000+ Invitation to dinner with Executive Director
PRESENTERS CIRCLE $20,000+ ConciergePlus seating
Are you interested in making an even greater impact in the world of performing arts by magnifying your donation? Join us in making a difference that resonates far beyond the stage. Contact us to find out more at (765) 494-0488.
*To learn more about Priority Points, visit convocations.org/priority-points.
Enhance your experience with Club Convos!
Club Convos is 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 and during the intermission of most Elliott Hall of Music performances. More details at convocations.org/clubconvos.
Lauren Daigle
Louisiana native Lauren Daigle is a two-time Grammy®, eight-time Billboard Music, four-time American Music, and twelve-time GMA Dove Music Award winner. She’s performed at the Super Bowl (“America the Beautiful” with Trombone Shorty in 2025), has garnered over a billion streams and years of sold-out world tours with performances spanning four continents (North America, Australia, Europe and Africa). Daigle comes to Purdue following the release of her 2023 Grammy®-nominated album, Lauren Daigle, which produced her sixth Billboard No. 1 single (“Thank God I Do”) and made her the first artist to have two songs top the chart for 20+ weeks. From Carnegie Hall to the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Lollapalooza, Cape Town to the U.K. and Sydney, Red Rocks to The Greek Theater and Radio City Music Hall, Daigle’s status as a once-in-a-generation vocal powerhouse is undeniable.
Friday, August 15
8pm / Elliott Hall of Music
Support from Purdue Student Concert Committee
30thAnnualWestLafayette
Presented by the City of West Lafayette, Purdue Convocations, and the International Center of West Lafayette
Celebrate the vibrant cultures of the world at the 30th Annual West Lafayette Global Fest! This lively, family-friendly event brings the community together for a full day of international music, delicious global cuisine, and hands-on cultural activities and exhibits.
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of dozens of countries—all without leaving West Lafayette. A diverse lineup of internationally renowned performers will take the stage throughout the day, with artist announcements coming soon.
Saturday, September 20
Downtown West Lafayette
Starting at 3pm
Harlem Quartet
Purdue audiences will remember Melissa White from her amazing spring 2024 appearance at Loeb Playhouse. White returns with the Grammy®-winning Harlem Quartet—White, Ilmar Gavilán, Jaime Amador, and Felix Umansky—acclaimed for their dynamic performances and genre-defying approach to classical music. Known for blending classical, jazz, Latin, and contemporary works by underrepresented composers, the quartet has performed around the world, including at the White House for First Lady Michelle Obama. Their innovative collaborations include projects with Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Paquito D’Rivera, and Imani Winds, with whom they earned a 2023 Grammy® for Passion for BACH & COLTRANE. The New York Times praised their “panache,” while Grammy®-winning virtuoso Ted Nash of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has been quoted saying, “Harlem Quartet is one of the greatest string quartets I have ever heard. They can play anything.”
Support from Janet and David Elmore, Gordon and Harriet Coppoc, and the Mike and Pam Luenz Classical Music Endowment
Additional support from Zebra Landscaping, Westminster Village, and Barash Law
Sunday, September 28 3pm / Loeb Playhouse
Thursday, October 2
7:30pm / Elliott Hall of Music
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical.
This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language. Support from MatchBOX Coworking Studio / Additional Support from the Friends of Convocations Programming Endowment
Photo by Titilayo Ayangade
Friday, October 24
8pm / Elliott Hall of Music
PURDUE HOMECOMING
The New York Times calls Martin Sexton “unpretentious” and focused on “amplifying the sound of the ordinary heart.” Known for his powerful live performances and ten acclaimed albums, Sexton has earned praise from fans, critics, and artists like John Mayer and Dave Matthews, who calls him a favorite. His emotionally rich voice spans multiple octaves, and Acoustic Guitar magazine hails him as a “master of dynamics.” With his latest project, the Abbey Road Show, Sexton performs (what is often considered) one of the greatest albums of all time from front-to-back. Interspersed with stories & folklore about The Beatles and the album’s recording told through Sexton’s downto-earth and personable candor, it’s a new way to experience the hits like “Come Together,” “Here Comes The Sun,” “Something” and more.
Support from East End Grill, Bob and Patti Truitt, and Arni’s Restaurant
Additional support from Based in Lafayette and TBIRD Design Services
Concerts West presents
Tom Segura is one of comedy’s biggest names, currently selling out shows worldwide. He’s known for his popular Netflix specials including Ball Hog, Disgraceful, Mostly Stories, and Completely Normal. His fifth special, Sledgehammer, debuted at #1 on Netflix in 2023. Segura can currently be seen starring in the Netflix dark comedy series, Bad Thoughts, which he also wrote and produced through his YMH Studios. A New York Times bestselling author, his book I’d Like to Play Alone, Please was praised by Forbes and Paste Magazine for its humor and storytelling. He co-hosts hit podcasts Your Mom’s House with wife Christina Pazsitzky and 2 Bears 1 Cave with Bert Kreischer, reaching millions weekly. Segura has also appeared in films like Countdown and Instant Family, and on shows including Conan, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Workaholics. Tom Segura’s live comedy performance will be a great way to kick-off Purdue’s 2025 Homecoming weekend!
Support from Purdue Student Concert Committee
Friday, November 7 8pm / Loeb Playhouse
Jim Brickman
The Gift of Christmas
Thursday, December 11
7:30pm / Loeb Playhouse
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas concert event that blends holiday classics, heartfelt originals, and a touch of humor—all delivered with Brickman’s signature piano style. Known for charttopping hits like “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Destiny,” and “Valentine,” Brickman brings a warm, inviting energy that makes every performance feel personal.
Brickman creates a relaxed, engaging atmosphere filled with music and stories—something truly special amid the holiday rush. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, this concert offers a night of meaningful entertainment with friends and family.
Celebrate the season with timeless songs, a few laughs, and the sound that has made Jim Brickman one of the most beloved pianists of our time.
Support from Bob and Patti Truitt, Q 106.7, and Holiday Inn City Centre
Eric Zuber
Empowered by the gift of an exceptional Steinway D concert grand from John & Janet Nine in 2015, Convocations has brought luminaries from across the genres to inspire us at the keyboard. Now to honor this incredible ten-year legacy, we’ve invited back the artist who helped us select this very piano— something truly special—at the Steinway factory and subsequently dedicate the instrument in a celebratory recital. Eric Zuber, a laureate of the American Piano Awards, has earned top prizes at twelve major international competitions, has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and with top orchestras around the world. A specialist in Romantic repertoire, Zuber will showcase his talents—and our Steinway—in a program featuring landmark works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky, because great artistry deserves to be celebrated with the instrument that helped make it possible.
Support from Janet Nine and the Robert B. and Patricia Peyton Truitt Piano Performance Endowment
Additional support from Westminster Village and the Piano Giving Circle
10 YEAR
STEINWAY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Sunday, November 23 3pm / Loeb Playhouse
Additional support from Wintek
Everybody say “Yeah!” and let Kinky Boots lift your spirits to high-heeled heights! Winner of every Best Musical award, including the Tony®, Grammy®, and London’s Olivier Award, Kinky Boots captivates and entertains audiences around the world with a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell.
Based on true events, Kinky Boots follows the journey of two people with nothing in common— or so they think. The unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized... and discover that you change the world when you change your mind.
Yellowjackets
36th Annual Purdue Jazz Fest Headliners
With a 43-year legacy, the Yellowjackets have released 26 albums, earned 16 Grammy® noms, and built a reputation as one of jazz’s most influential groups. Originally formed in the late 1970s as Robben Ford’s backing band, they soon evolved into their own powerhouse trio. The lineup continued to grow and change, with longtime members Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy, and Bob Mintzer maintaining the band’s signature electro-acoustic sound and exceptional musicianship. Known for consistently reinventing themselves while honoring their jazz roots, the Yellowjackets remain a vital force in contemporary jazz, captivating audiences around the world with their innovation and enduring artistry. Their performance will serve as an amazing kick-off to the 36th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival which brings thousands of high school musicians to Purdue’s campus.
Friday, January 23 8pm / Loeb Playhouse
Support from Drs. Marshall and Berdine Martin
Additional support from Dr. Sandra Sydnor and Purdue Bands and Orchestras
The 2019 National Tour of Kinky Boots / Photo by Matthew Murphy
Photo by Roberto Cifarelli
Support from Union Club Hotel, 8Eleven Modern Bistro, and Star City Broadcasting
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATIVE EVENT
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Saturday, January 31
8pm / Elliott Hall of Music
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is a world-renowned ensemble, led by trumpeter and artistic director Wynton Marsalis. Established in 1987, it serves as the resident orchestra of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of jazz. The ensemble performs a rich repertoire, ranging from classic jazz compositions to new works, and is known for its virtuosic musicianship and innovative interpretations. Under Marsalis’s direction, the band has played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary jazz scene, blending tradition with modern influences while fostering education and cultural outreach.
Powered by Purdue Convocations
The Acting Company transforms Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations into an effervescent work for the stage in which we follow the adventures of Pip, one of Dickens’ most cherished characters. Brimming with the unexpected hilarity and romantic heart, writer Nikki Massoud’s adaptation of the timeless novel is uproarious and thrilling, filled with escaped prisoners, wealthy and terrifying eccentrics, decaying mansions, and a stunning, young heiress of ruthless intelligence.
Founded in 1972 by John Houseman and Margot Harley, The Acting Company has become a celebrated organization that develops actors by touring exceptional productions across the country. The company has launched the careers of over 400 actors, including Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, and Rainn Wilson, and has performed for over 4 million people across 48 states, 10 countries, and at prestigious venues like the Guthrie and Kennedy Center. The company graced the Loeb Playhouse stage in a 2015 double-bill featuring Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.
CURRICULAR INTEGRATION RESIDENCY
Great Expectations
Wednesday, February 11
Thursday, February 12
7:30pm / Loeb Playhouse
Support from the Jeanne Compton Endowment for Artistic Excellence, University Place, Zebra Landscaping, and Barash Law Additional support from Leonora and Harold Woodman Endowment for Theatre and Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts
Photo by Gilberto Tadday
Sunday, February 15
6pm / Elliott Hall of Music
Celebrating 30 years, STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. STOMP, see what all the noise is about!
Support from Visit Lafayette/West Lafayette and Bob and Patti Truitt
Additional support from Guido Family Dentistry
Thursday, February 26 Friday, February 27 8pm / Loeb Playhouse
The global phenomenon that is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is now live on-stage in an experience that Nerdist calls “Rip-roaring funny,” and “Truly a wonder to behold!” Join us for an interactive fantasy adventure where you choose your heroes, battle monsters, and help three adventurers on an epic quest to save the world. A blend of theatre, gaming, and one-of-a-kind storytelling, this show is for you whether you are curious about D&D, a die-hard gamer, or a lover of adventure. No matter what quest you conquer, this experience will never be the same twice!
Support from Union Club Hotel, 8Eleven Modern Bistro, and Mad Mushroom
Additional support from Ripple & Company and the Friends of Convocations Programming Endowment
Photo by Bronwen Sharp
Sunday, March 1
7pm / Elliott Hall of Music
Saturday, March 7
2pm / Loeb Playhouse
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to West Lafayette in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune―one that proves we’re better together.
Support from Westminster Village and the Davis Family Endowment
ODYSSEY
An Odyssey is a long, eventful, and adventurous journey. For 2026, TEDxPurdueU calls forth the heroes of our world to undertake their own odysseys, full of excitement, struggle, and transformation. From the frontiers of science and technology, where odyssey relates to design and innovation, to the world of human expression, where creativity and culture becomes the compass and storytelling charts the course, everyone’s “Odyssey” is different. Whether it’s a return to normalcy, exploration of the unknown, or a homebound voyage, TEDxPurdueU will provide participants with a platform to express “Odyssey” in all configurations.
Support from the Purdue Student Fee Advisory Board
UK Company / Photo by Johan Persson
Thursday, April 9 7:30pm / Elliott Hall of Music
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to West Lafayette. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! Contains strong language, mature references, and a lot of the crazy, inappropriate stuff you would expect from a deranged demon. Support from University Place and WLFI
Saturday, April 25 3pm and 7:30pm Loeb Playhouse
All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical® is finally here! Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas.
Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship—plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail!
Support from Union Club Hotel and 8Eleven Modern Bistro
Additional support from Sakanaya Izakaya and the Friends of Convos Programming Endowment
Menopause
The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® New Hope 2023 Cast:Kimberly Ann Harris, Teri Adams, LaDonna Burns, and Katie Karel.
Photo by Mark Garvin
Student Organizations
Buying Tickets
ONLINE
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS!
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 & events. They gain real-life concert industry business experience and learn life skills that can serve them in any profession while powering live music and event culture on campus!
Founded in 1985, Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN) helps to support and promote Convos events. This group ushers our patrons and helps in many other ways with performances and other Friends of Convos, education, and outreach events. In exchange, members can stay and see shows for free, and make a lot of new friends.
TEDxPurdueU is a student-run organizing committee that independently produces multiple events through the year in connection with the international TED organization. With the mission to stimulate the curious mind, challenge perspectives, and spark discussion, they expose our local community and global audience to “ideas worth spreading.”
Get involved with the arts at Purdue! Visit SCC, CVN and TEDxPurdueU at boilerlink.purdue.edu.
Order without additional fees online at convocations.org/tickets. PHONE (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW (7469)
ORDER FORM
Visit convocations.org/tickets to download and print a paper order form.
IN PERSON at campus box offices
Stewart Center
Open 10am to 6pm M-F (10am to 4pm during Purdue breaks) Box office is also open one hour before each show.
Elliott Hall of Music
Box office opens 90 mins before each show. Only open on show days.
Buy five shows* or more, and save an average of 10% off single-ticket prices!
The Book of Mormon Kinky Boots
Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical Beetlejuice: The Musical For example...
Learn more at convocations.org/pick5
GROUP DISCOUNTS
Buy 15 or more tickets* and you'll receive a discount as well as bonus tickets for tour organizers, chaperones, or bus drivers. Call (765) 494-3933 for details or visit convocations.org/group-sales.
Performance Partners
We applaud and appreciate the generosity of these partners whose support ensures that incredible arts experiences are possible in our community.
PLATINUM PARTNERS ($25,000+)
Presenting the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Co-Presenting the West Lafayette Global Fest
GOLD PARTNERS
Convos is self-supported, and corporate support plays a vital role in our operational needs. A corporate partnership with Purdue Convocations will help your business gain great visibility and signal that your business sees the impact of arts and culture on the quality of life in this community.
TICKET DISCOUNTS
At University Place, we believe the arts play a vital role in building strong, connected communities at every stage of life. As a senior living community founded by Purdueaffiliated individuals and operated by Franciscan Ministries, we are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, wellness, and intergenerational connection.
Our continued support of Purdue Convocations reflects that commitment. Convos brings outstanding performing arts to Greater Lafayette, offering experiences that entertain, engage, and bring people together. For our residents—many with deep Purdue roots— access to live music, theatre, and dance is both enjoyable and meaningful.
By supporting Purdue Convocations, University Place helps keep the arts accessible and impactful in our community and beyond.
We’re proud to partner with Convos and encourage others to support cultural experiences that connect and inspire.
Jeanne Smith Director of Sales
and Marketing, University Place
Benefits of Partnership include:
• E xtensive name and logo placement
• Pre-sales and priority seating
• Discounted tickets for employees
• Event invitations
• Access to special receptions and parking
• Customized marketing opportunities
• Enhanced relationship with the arts community
• And so much more!
Learn more at convocations.org/partnership or call (765) 494-9712.
Jazz pianist and Convos performer Emmet Cohen at University Place
