2025 / 26
OUR MISSION
NC State LIVE’s mission is to connec t artists and audiences in a meaningful exploration of the diverse cultures and issues that define our communities and world .
KEY
Special Event
Pre-Show Talk
Post-Show Talk
Post-Show Party
STUDENTS ARE FIRST IN LINE.
Students are first in line for tickets!
Tickets will go on sale for NC State students on Aug. 18 and open to the general public on Aug. 20.
WOLFPACK WELCOME WEEK SEASON KICKOFF
The Second City
Fri., Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. | Stewart Theatre | Special Event
"The troupe that inspired Saturday Night Live and Whose Line is it Anyway!" – Chicago Tribune
Our favorite improv comedians are back to celebrate Wolfpack Welcome Week. Renowned for their daring improvisation, hilarious music and witty sketch comedy, this group of young comedians carries on The Second City legacy with every funny bone in their bodies. Come see the troupe that launched the careers of comedy superstars Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Jason Sudeikis, and more.
This special event is not available as part of our subscription package.
Public: $25 • Faculty/Staff: $25 • NC State Students: $10
Yilian Cañizares
Sat., Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. | Stewart Theatre | Post-show talk
“Yilian is one of the most incredible talents of the new generation of Cuban musicians. She is a virtuoso, she is expressive, spontaneous and with a grace that makes her the favorite of all of us.” – Chucho Valdés
A truly intriguing contemporary violinist, singer, and composer, Yilian Cañizares is a must-see artist. Staying true to her Cuban roots, she skillfully blends jazz, classical and Afro-Cuban rhythms with her otherworldly voice. Trained in Caracas' El Sistema program, she burst onto the scene at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2008 and has since collaborated with luminaries like Omar Sosa, Chucho Valdés, and Ibrahim Maalouf. Come be transported by Yilian’s mesmerizing sound.
Public: $30-35 • Faculty/Staff: $25 • NC State Students: $10
Rebecca Lazier’s NOLI TIMERE
Fri. & Sat., Oct.10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Stewart Theatre
Post-show talk on Fri., Oct. 10
Post-show dance party Sat., Oct. 11
The culmination of a 5-year collaboration between Director/Choreographer Rebecca Lazier and renowned sculptor Janet Echelman, NOLI TIMERE, Latin for 'be not afraid', is a soaring aerial performance set in a custom designed, voluminous Echelman net sculpture suspended 25 feet in the air. With live music by acclaimed Québécois composer Jorane, the work is a fusion of contemporary dance and avant-garde circus; art installation and advanced engineering; public sculpture and aweinspiring experiment exploring how we navigate an ever-changing world.
Public: $35-40 • Faculty/Staff: $25
NC State Students: $10
“So much of this project is downright thrilling. Everything from its sheer scale and bold artistic leap to the extraordinary opportunity it creates for dance and circus arts.”
– Randy Glynn, Artistic Director, Live Art Dance
EXPLORE WITH US!
Rebecca Lazier and Janet Echelman join us for an interdisciplinary symposium from October 6-11. Join our mailing list at go.ncsu.edu/NCSLnews for updates.
Chanticleer
Fri., Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. | Stewart Theatre
“I can’t think of another ‘orchestra of voices’ that can shuttle with such proficiency from Renaissance polyphony to gospel, contemporary classical to jazz.”
– Chicago Tribune
Back by popular demand, Chanticleer is one of the most prolific choral ensembles in the world. Known as an “orchestra of voices,” they have performed thousands of live concerts and sold more than one million recordings thanks to their wide-ranging repertoire and virtuosity. With a commitment to expanding the vocal canon, the group has commissioned new works that highlight American repertoire and offer distinct American sound. This commitment has earned them a place in the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, an album inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, along with multiple Grammy wins.
Public: $40-45 • Faculty/Staff: $25 • NC State Students $10
Stephanie Ann Boyd’s Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals
Sun., Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. | Stewart Theatre | Post-show talk
“arrestingly poetic”
– Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Join us for the Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals, a vibrant new orchestral work by acclaimed American composer Stephanie Ann Boyd played by NC State’s own Raleigh Civic Symphony, under the direction of Peter Askim. Boyd, celebrated for her melodic explorations of women's memoirs and the natural world, has crafted a powerful work that honors a menagerie of animals facing extinction, and remembers those already lost, from the distinct calls of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker and Blue Whale to the vital hum of Honey Bees. For the Raleigh performance, Boyd will create a new movement focusing on an animal near and dear to our Wolfpack hearts, the American red wolf.
This world premiere performance is presented in partnership with NC State’s Department of Performing Arts and Technology.
Public: $25-30 • Faculty/Staff: $25 • NC State Students: $10
Ranky Tanky
Fri., Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. | Stewart Theatre | Pre-show talk
"soulful
honey to the ears" – NPR
NC State LIVE Audience favorite Ranky Tanky is back! This Grammywinning quintet from Charleston, South Carolina, is renowned for their vibrant interpretations of Gullah music. Their high-energy, uniquely American sound fuses their Sea Island heritage with gospel, R&B, and jazz. Ranky Tanky last graced our stage back in 2022 during our 50th anniversary–and has since won their second Grammy as they continue to bring Gullah music to an international audience. Trust us when we say Ranky Tanky will have you up on your feet!
Public: $40-45 • Faculty/Staff: $25 • NC State Students: $10
“[Julia] gives me hope for the future of jazz.”
– Judy
Carmichael, NPR Jazz Inspired
TAKE A FIELD TRIP WITH US!
Join us on a jazz bus to Duke Arts to catch this extraordinary performance.
Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band
CO-PRESENTED BY DUKE ARTS AND NC STATE LIVE
Fri., Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. | Reynolds Industries Theater (DUKE) | Special Event
Meet the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band: a powerhouse ensemble, composed entirely of Indigenous musicians, turning heads with swinging sets that revive and celebrate the deep connections between jazz and Native American culture. Led by the celebrated vocalist and luminary Julia Keefe (Nez Perce), the band performs works by Indigenous jazz legends such as Mildred Bailey (Coeur d’Alene) and Jim Pepper (Kaw/Mvskoke), alongside exciting new contemporary composers. Every performance is infused with charisma, passion, and purpose—leaving audiences both educated and inspired.
This special event is not available as part of our subscription package.
Public: $25-35 • Faculty/Staff: 25% OFF NC State Students: $10
The 7th Voyage of Egon Tichy
Thurs.-Sat., Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. | Titmus Theatre
Post-show talk on Thurs., Feb. 19
Trapped in a time loop, space traveler Egon Tichy faces his own worst enemy: himself. And he’s multiplying! In this inventive fusion of live performance and digital video sleight-of-hand, a single actor builds a cinematic sci-fi comedy in real time, transforming an 8'x4' white box into a cosmic wonderland. The acclaimed physical theater company Sinking Ship and the Obie Award-winning Theater in Quarantine have reimagined their streaming hit The 7th Voyage of Egon Tichy as a mind-bending in-person experience—a slapstick adventure and poignant meditation on the tug-of-war between the versions of ourselves we can never escape.
Public: $35 • Faculty/Staff: $25
NC State Students: $10
“Virtuosic! Some of the new medium’s most imaginative work.”
– New York Times [Critics Pick]
Lightwire Theater’s Dino-Light
Sun., March 8 at 3 p.m. | Stewart Theatre | Special Event
“An eye-popping display of storytelling that is like nothing else you’ve ever seen.” – Broadway World
Step into a glow-in-the-dark world where dinosaurs come alive! Lightwire Theater, renowned for its innovative fusion of electroluminescent puppetry, dance and music has charmed audiences across the globe and was even a semi-finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Back by popular demand, Dino-Light, shares the story of a scientist who brings a friendly dinosaur to life. Recommended for all that have a sense of wonder, especially children 6 to 10 years-old and their grown ups!
This Family Matinee is not available as part of our subscription package.
Public: $25 • Faculty/Staff: $25 • NC State Students: $10
John Pizzarelli
Sat., March 14 at 7:30 p.m. | Stewart Theatre
Pre-show talk | Post-show party
"Mr. Pizzarelli is innately cool, sly and playful in the mode of his biggest influence, Nat King Cole."
– New York Times
What better way to close out our 2025/26 mainstage series than with a beloved artist and friend John Pizzarelli. Widely recognized as a premier contemporary interpreter of the Great American Songbook, Grammy Award-winning guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been lauded by the Boston Globe for his "reinvigoration" of the genre. Pizzarelli's expansive repertoire now includes the music of iconic artists such as Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and The Beatles.
Did we also mention that he is an absolutely magnetic human being and an NC State LIVE fan-favorite? Prepare to be delighted by both the artist and his masterful renditions of your favorite tunes and join us for a night you won’t soon forget.
Public: $40-45 • Faculty/Staff: $25 • NC State Students: $10
Save the dates for our free, family-friendly concert series on the picturesque shore of Lake Raleigh. This Thursday evening series, which celebrates North Carolina’s vibrant music scene, has become a Triangle favorite. We’ll see ya there!
THURSDAYS APRIL 9 • APRIL 23 • MAY 7 • MAY 21
MORE INFORMATION
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know when we announce the bands.
CONNECT BEYOND THE STAGE.
“I learned the importance of community; coming together to support one another no matter who you are.” – Student feedback from 2024
Each year NC State LIVE brings awe-inspiring artists to our stages, but did you know that we partner with dozens of campus and community organizations to create powerful events and educational opportunities for all?
During our 2025/26 season, our community can explore a week-long interdisciplinary symposium with events inspired by Rebecca Lazier's NOLI TIMERE, an aerial performance created with mathematicians and engineers, with dancers suspended 25 feet in the air on a Janet Echleman sculpture. NC State students will be treated to masterclasses with choral legends Chanticleer and classical powerhouse composer Stephanie Ann Boyd. Thousands of K-12 students will experience perspective shifting performances by Lightwire Theater and Ranky Tanky while visiting NC State’s campus. And that is just the tip of the iceberg!
We invite you to adventure with us beyond the stage. Join us for events to cultivate your curiosity, find community, rediscover your hidden creativity, and induce joy! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter at LIVE.arts.ncsu.edu and follow us @NCStateLIVE to keep up to date with how to get involved.
We’re looking forward to connecting with you soon!
Sincerely,
Liza Wade Green Interim Director, NC State LIVE
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
PARKING
All parking on campus after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends is FREE. Visit our website for maps and parking recommendations.
ACCESSIBILITY
NC State LIVE is strongly committed to making our programming and facilities accessible to everyone. If you have an access need contact Liza Wade Green at 919-513-7155 or email lwgreen@ncsu.edu.
NC State Student tickets $10 Faculty & Staff tickets $25
CREATE YOUR OWN SERIES
Subscribe and SAVE.
3-5 SHOWS
Save 20% on every ticket when you purchase tickets for three to five NC State LIVE shows, plus:
• Priority ticket window for The Second City.
• Ticket exchanges up to 48 hours prior to the performance with no fees.
• Reduced ticketing fees on subscriptions.
6+ SHOWS
Save 25% on every ticket when you purchase tickets to six or more shows, all of the benefits above and
• 20% of Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band at Duke Arts.
TICKET SALES
To Place Your Subscription Order
Create Your Own Series & Family Matinee Subscriptions will be on sale from August 13 through September 30, 2025.
You can purchase subscriptions online at live.arts.ncsu.edu and we’ll have special box office hours for phone and in-person sales (check online for details). The subscription discount is based on full-priced tickets.
Single Tickets
Single tickets will go on sale September 4, 2025.
Ticket Central 919-515-1100
