FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Ogle Center at IU Southeast Announces 2026–2027 30th Anniversary Season
Season celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Ogle Center’s 1996 opening with nationally touring artists, Louisville Orchestra concerts, IU Southeast Music and Theatre performances, and special anniversary events
NEW ALBANY, Ind. — July 8, 2026 — The Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center at Indiana University Southeast has announced its 2026–2027 30th Anniversary Season, celebrating three decades since the Ogle Center opened its doors to the public in March 1996.
Located on the IU Southeast campus in New Albany, the Ogle Center serves as Southern Indiana’s premier center for the performing and visual arts, presenting professional touring artists, Louisville Orchestra concerts, university music and theatre performances, community events, lectures, and visual art exhibitions. The 2026–2027 season reflects the full range of the Ogle Center’s mission, with performances spanning music, theatre, jazz, classical, family entertainment, choral music, bluegrass, popular music, holiday programming, and special anniversary events.
“This anniversary season is an opportunity to celebrate not only the artists and audiences who have filled the Ogle Center over the past 30 years, but also the students, faculty, donors, volunteers, and community partners who have helped make the Center a cultural home for Southern Indiana,” said Kirk Randolph, Ogle Center director. “The 2026–2027 lineup honors that history while looking ahead to the next chapter of arts and community engagement at IU Southeast.”
The season includes the Ogle Center Presents series, Louisville Orchestra performances including the NightLites series and a special appearance by Yuja Wang, IU Southeast Theatre productions, IU Southeast Music Department concerts, and special events including an America250 performance by the Singing Hoosiers and the annual Holiday Pops concerts.
Tickets go on sale at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, online at oglecenter.com. In-person purchases are available by appointment only. To schedule, email oglemail@iu.edu or call (812) 941-2525.
The Ogle Center’s 2026–2027 season is underwritten by Patty Cress, with season support from Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, the Ogle Foundation, and Indiana University Southeast.
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| THE OGLE CENTER PRESENTS SERIES |
| Underwritten by Patty Cress |
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The Ogle Center Presents series brings world-class artists and unforgettable performances to Southern Indiana, offering a dynamic mix of music, theatre, dance, comedy, family entertainment, and more. Curated to inspire, entertain, and connect our community, this signature series showcases exceptional talent from across the country and around the world.
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COLLISION OF RHYTHM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
$40* Adults
$15* Juniors‡
$20* IU Students§
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Collision of Rhythm brings together tap-dancing multi-instrumentalist Aaron Williams and beatbox-juggling performer Bronkar Lee for an explosive, family-friendly performance driven by music, movement, comedy, and audience interaction. With drumming, tap dancing, juggling, marimba, piano, saxophone, flute, and more, the show has been described as “Stomp meets Blue Man meets Cirque du Soleil.”
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HAUNTED ILLUSIONS
starring David Caserta
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
$40* Adults
$15* Juniors‡
$20* IU Students§
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Master illusionist David Caserta brings magic, comedy, and spooky fun to the Ogle Center in this high-energy Halloween-season spectacular. Featuring jaw-dropping illusions, audience participation, theatrical lighting, fog effects, and family-friendly surprises, Haunted Illusions is designed to thrill audiences of all ages.
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THE ELO EXPERIENCE
featuring Evil Woman: The American ELO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
$50* Adults
$20* IU Students§
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The ELO Experience brings the music of Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra to life in a multimedia concert celebration filled with classic rock energy, pop hooks, and lush orchestral textures. Featuring a 12-piece band and more than 20 recognizable hits, Evil Woman recreates the unmistakable ELO sound with detailed arrangements, strings, soaring vocals, and video elements.
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VIENNA BOYS CHOIR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
$40* Adults
$15* Juniors‡
$20* IU Students§
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One of the world’s most celebrated and historic choral ensembles, the Vienna Boys Choir brings more than 500 years of musical tradition to the Ogle Center stage. Known for its pure tone, precision, and expressive young voices, the choir performs a repertoire spanning sacred, classical, and contemporary music.
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FEELIN’ GROOVY: A MUSICAL TRIP THROUGH THE ’60S
featuring the songs of Simon & Garfunkel
Starring Jim Witter, featuring Ian Turner
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
$40* Adults
$15* Juniors‡
$20* IU Students§
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Starring Jim Witter and featuring Ian Turner, Feelin’ Groovy invites audiences on a nostalgic musical journey through the 1960s, centered on the timeless songs of Simon & Garfunkel. With favorites such as “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Boxer,” and more, the show celebrates the music, memories, and spirit of a generation.
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JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS:
WORLD ON A STRING — SWINGING SONGS OF BROADWAY
with Kate Kortum and David Merino
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
$40* Adults
$15* Juniors‡
$20* IU Students§
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World on a String: Swinging Songs of Broadway features guest vocalists Kate Kortum and David Merino in new jazz arrangements of songs from some of Broadway’s most beloved productions. Presented as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS touring initiative, the concert brings the energy, artistry, and swing of New York jazz to the Ogle Center.
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J2B2: JOHN JORGENSON BLUEGRASS BAND
FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
$40* Adults
$15* Juniors‡
$20* IU Students§
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J2B2, the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, is an all-star ensemble featuring award-winning musicians John Jorgenson, Herb Pedersen, Mark Fain, and Patrick Sauber. Blending traditional bluegrass, West Coast folk rock, rich harmonies, storytelling, and world-class musicianship, the band offers a high-energy concert experience for longtime bluegrass fans and new listeners alike.
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*Includes processing fee.
‡Juniors are anyone 18 years of age or under; proof of age may be required.
§IU student tickets are available to any IU student with a valid student ID; one ticket per ID.
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PARKING
Free parking is available in the Dogwood lot directly in front of the Ogle Center and the Hickory lot directly behind the Ogle Center from one hour prior to the start of a performance until one hour following the conclusion of the event.
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| LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA |
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The Louisville Orchestra brings the power, beauty, and excitement of live orchestral music to the Ogle Center at Indiana University Southeast in an intimate and accessible concert setting. Designed for both longtime classical music lovers and curious newcomers, these performances pair beloved masterworks with fresh perspectives, compelling guest artists, and world-class musicianship close to home in Southern Indiana.
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LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA NIGHTLITES: PROKOFIEV & BRAHMS
Julia Noone, violinist; Ziwei Ma, conductor
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| FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. |
$37* Adults
$18* Students§
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| Kick off the NightLites series with a striking program that moves from 20th-century edge to lush Romanticism. Conducted by Ziwei Ma, the evening opens with Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, performed by Louisville Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Julia Noone, then continues with Brahms’s luminous Symphony No. 2. Together, these works offer a dynamic Friday night concert full of intensity, beauty, lyricism, and momentum. |
YUJA WANG PLAYS BRAHMS
Yuja Wang, pianist and conductor
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.††
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
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$110* Adults
$18* Students§§
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| Experience an extraordinary evening with internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang as she joins the Louisville Orchestra for a rare and powerful program devoted to two of Brahms’ greatest works for piano and orchestra. In this remarkable performance, Wang both performs and conducts Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor and Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major. From thunderous intensity to moments of lyrical beauty, these monumental concertos reveal the full emotional depth, dramatic sweep, and technical brilliance of Brahms’ writing. Celebrated for her charismatic artistry, emotional honesty, and electrifying stage presence, Yuja Wang is one of the most captivating musicians of our time. |
| ††The Friday, October 9, 2026 performance is a NightLites Series performance. Student tickets are available for the NightLites performance only. |
LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA NIGHTLITES: BIZET & MENDELSSOHN
Na’Zir McFadden, conductor
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| FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. |
$37* Adults
$18* Students§
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| This NightLites program pairs two symphonies shaped by place, youth, and imagination. Led by Na’Zir McFadden, the evening opens with Bizet’s Symphony No. 1, written when the composer was just 17, and continues with Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony, inspired by his travels. Together, the works offer a vivid Friday night concert of youthful brilliance, sweeping landscapes, and orchestral storytelling in an intimate setting. |
LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA: HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Louisville Chamber Choir; Dr. Kent Hatteberg, conductor
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| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. |
$58* Adults
$18* Students§
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| Handel’s Messiah is a beloved holiday tradition, known for its glorious choruses and stunning arias. Experience the profound and uplifting music that has resonated with audiences for centuries. Under the skilled direction of Dr. Kent Hatteberg, the Louisville Orchestra will bring the rich tapestry of Handel’s composition to life. From the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus to the moving solos, every note will resonate with emotion and meaning. |
LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA NIGHTLITES: VIVALDI & BEETHOVEN
Gabriel Lefkowitz, violinist and conductor
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| FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. |
$37* Adults
$18* Students§
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| Led from the violin by Louisville Orchestra Concertmaster Gabriel Lefkowitz, this NightLites program opens with Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, a vivid musical portrait of nature, and continues with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, a bold work that points toward the composer’s revolutionary voice. Together, the pieces offer a dynamic Friday night concert of energy, precision, familiarity, and forward motion. |
LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA NIGHTLITES: DEBUSSY & RAVEL
Molly Turner, conductor
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| FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. |
$37* Adults
$18* Students§
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| This NightLites concert explores French impressionism through music by Debussy and Ravel. Conducted by Molly Turner, the program features Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Petite Suite, alongside Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin and Mother Goose Suite. Together, these works create an immersive evening of orchestral color, elegance, rhythmic vitality, and richly textured storytelling in the intimate setting of the Ogle Center. |
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* Includes processing fees.
§ Any student with a valid ID. One ticket per ID.
§§ Student tickets for the Yuja Wang program are available for the Friday, October 9 NightLites performance only.
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| IU SOUTHEAST THEATRE DEPARTMENT |
A 1940S RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Walton Jones, David Wohl, and Faye Greenberg
Directed by Nicholas Hulstine; musical direction by Michael Catron
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2026 | 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026 | 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2026 | 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
Robinson Theater
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$15* Adults
$10* Juniors‡
$10* IU Students§
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| Step back in time with A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, a festive musical comedy that reimagines Dickens’ classic as a live Christmas Eve radio broadcast in 1943. As the Feddington Players present A Christmas Carol, missed cues, noisy plumbing, blackouts, and backstage chaos turn the show into hilarious holiday mayhem. Blending old-time radio charm, period songs, swing-style Christmas favorites, and a playful film noir twist, this warmhearted crowd-pleaser delivers nostalgia, laughter, music, and theatrical fun. |
MACBETH
By William Shakespeare; adapted by Michael Don Bahr
Directed by Nicholas Hulstine
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FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2027 | 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2027 | 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2027 | 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2027 | 2:30 p.m.
Robinson Theater
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$15* Adults
$10* Juniors‡
$10* IU Students§
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| Ambition, prophecy, and betrayal collide in Macbeth, Shakespeare’s gripping tragedy of power, paranoia, and guilt. When a victorious Scottish general hears he will one day be king, he and his ambitious wife set off a brutal chain of murder and madness. The IU Southeast Theatre Department presents Michael Don Bahr’s fast-moving, 70-minute adaptation, designed for eight performers playing multiple roles and bringing fresh urgency to one of Shakespeare’s most electrifying stories. |
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| IU SOUTHEAST MUSIC DEPARTMENT |
IU SOUTHEAST CONCERT BAND
Philip A. Thomas, director
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| FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. |
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$15* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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IU SOUTHEAST CONCERT CHOIR & COMMUNITY CHORUS
with the IU Southeast Alumni Choir
Dr. Brittny Kempfer, director
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| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. |
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$15* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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IU SOUTHEAST ORCHESTRA
Dr. Molly K. Baugh, director
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| SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2026 | 3 p.m. |
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$15* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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IU SOUTHEAST ROCK ENSEMBLE
Timothy Hartel and Dr. Brittny Kempfer, directors
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| MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. |
| Admission: Free |
IU SOUTHEAST CONCERT BAND: WINTER POPS
Philip A. Thomas, director
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| FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. |
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$15* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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IU SOUTHEAST ROCK ENSEMBLE
Timothy Hartel and Dr. Brittny Kempfer, directors
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| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. Robinson Theater |
| Admission: Free |
IU SOUTHEAST ORCHESTRA, CONCERT CHOIR AND COMMUNITY CHORUS:
OGLE CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON CONCERT
Dr. Molly K. Baugh, director
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| SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2027 | 3 p.m. |
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$15* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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| The special anniversary concert will feature IU Southeast Professor Emerita Dr. Joanna Goldstein as piano soloist in George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the world premiere of a commissioned work by IU Southeast Professor of Music Dr. Erich Stem, and selections from Leonard Bernstein’s Candide performed by the combined chorus and orchestra. |
IU SOUTHEAST CONCERT BAND
Philip A. Thomas, director
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| FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. |
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$15* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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IU SOUTHEAST CONCERT CHOIR & COMMUNITY CHORUS
Dr. Brittny Kempfer, director
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| SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2027 | 3 p.m. |
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$15* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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IU SOUTHEAST ROCK ENSEMBLE
Timothy Hartel and Dr. Brittny Kempfer, directors
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| MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. Robinson Theater |
| Admission: Free |
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| SPECIAL EVENTS |
THE SINGING HOOSIERS: AMERICA250 CELEBRATION
Dr. Chris Albanese, director
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| WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. |
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$25* Adults $10* Juniors‡ $10* IU Students§
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| Presented in honor of America’s 250th anniversary and the U.S. Semiquincentennial, this special concert features the Grammy-nominated Indiana University Singing Hoosiers in a program celebrating the richness, variety, and spirit of American music. |
HOLIDAY POPS
with the IU Southeast Orchestra, Concert Choir & Community Chorus, and Concert Band
Dr. Molly K. Baugh, Dr. Brittny Kempfer, and Philip A. Thomas, directors
Performance underwriter: Sharon Pfister, in loving memory of David Prather
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| SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026 | 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. |
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$30* Adults $15* Juniors‡ $20* IU Students§
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| Thrill to the spectacle of the most wonderful time of the year with this sparkling holiday celebration. Join us for carols and warm your heart with traditional holiday favorites performed by the IU Southeast Music Department ensembles. |
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Tickets for all Ogle Center events should be purchased online at oglecenter.com.
The Ogle Center ticket office is open for ticket purchases by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please send an email to oglemail@iu.edu or call (812) 941-2525.
*Ticket prices include processing fees. ‡Juniors are anyone 18 years of age or under; proof of age may be required. §IU student tickets are available to any IU student with a valid student ID; one ticket per ID. Valid student ID required for student tickets.
Subscriptions to the Louisville Orchestra NightLites series are available directly from the Louisville Orchestra. To subscribe, visit louisvilleorchestra.org.
PARKING
Free parking is available in the Dogwood lot directly in front of the Ogle Center and the Hickory lot directly behind the Ogle Center from one hour prior to the start of a performance until one hour following the conclusion of the event.
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All Indiana University events, programs, groups, activities, educational, cultural, and historical observances are open to all members of the Indiana University community.
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About the Ogle Center
As Southern Indiana’s premier center for the performing and visual arts, the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center at Indiana University Southeast serves as a vibrant destination for arts, culture, and community engagement. Located on the IU Southeast campus in New Albany, the Ogle Center opened its doors in 1996 and presents a wide range of professional, nationally touring artists through its signature Ogle Center Presents series. The Center is also proud to host Louisville Orchestra performances.
In addition to its professional programming, the Ogle Center is home to IU Southeast’s Music and Theatre departments, which present student and faculty concerts, recitals, musicals, and plays throughout the year. The Center features the Richard K. Stem Concert Hall, Robinson Theater, Stiefler Recital Hall, the outdoor Caesars Foundation Amphitheater, and the Ronald L. Barr Gallery. Visitors can also enjoy the James L. Russell Wonderland Way Art Collection, which is on permanent display in the Ogle Center lobby.
About IU Southeast
IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.
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