SOLD OUT – Plena Libre

This performance is sold out.

A high-energy live performance of plena and bomba music, Afro-Puerto Rican musical styles known for their heavy percussion and energetic sound.

Combining traditional Puerto Rican Plena and Bomba rhythms with jazz and other Afro-Caribbean styles, Plena Libre creates contagious dance music that honors the group’s deep sense of unique indigenous musical traditions while also embracing modern sounds. With mesmerizing hand drumming, raucous horns, and soaring three-part vocal harmonies, this multi-Grammy Award–nominated band always brings the heat. Captivating and moving audiences over the course of a 30-year, 15-album career, this fine-tuned, original band of 12 virtuoso musicians has only gotten better with age. Get ready to celebrate the end of our performing arts season—and the start of summer—Plena Libre-style!

>> Salsa Dancing Activity: Santina Huerta of Embodyment Wellness will lead a salsa dancing activity in the lobby at 6:15 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes!

>> Accessibility • Audio description is available upon request. Please contact us with any specific needs!

Mezclando los ritmos tradicionales puertorriqueños de plena y bomba con jazz y otros estilos afrocaribeños, Plena Libre crea música contagiosa de baile que honra el entendimiento profundo del group de las tradiciones musicales indígenas a la vez que adopta los sonidos modernos. Con percusión hipnótica, trompetas estridentes y armonías vocales a tres voces imponentes, esta banda, nominada por varios premios Grammy, siempre da la talla. Cautivando y conmoviendo al público a lo largo de 30 años de carrera y 15 álbumes, esta banda pulida y original de 12 músicos virtuosos ha mejorado con el paso del tiempo. ¡Prepárate para celebrar el final de nuestra temporada de artes y el comienzo del verano al estilo Plena Libre!

>> Actividad de salsa: Santina Huerta, de Embodyment Wellness, dirigirá una actividad de salsa en el vestíbulo a las 18:15 h. ¡Traigan sus zapatos de baile!

>> Accesibilidad • Audiodescripción disponible a pedido. Favor de contactarnos con cualquier necesidad específica.

MU Students can receive up to one (1) free ticket with a valid MU ID. MU discounts are NOT available online and must be made in-person or by calling any box office location. Advanced ticket reservations are strongly encouraged. MU discount tickets are subject to availability on the day of the event.

An Evening with Joshua Bell

A once-in-a-lifetime show! Join us for an intimate benefit concert in support of enhancements to the Ware Center and its vital community programming.

With a career spanning almost four decades, GRAMMY® Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. Bell has performed with virtually every major orchestra and maintains engagements as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, conductor, and music director.

Accompanying him will be renowned pianist Peter Dugan, the host of NPR’s beloved program From the Top. A sought-after multi-genre artist, he has appeared as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across North America and abroad.

As Joshua Bell’s soaring violin resonates throughout the acoustically perfect Steinman Hall, it is bound to be a moment you will never forget.

The program for the evening will include:

Mozart Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 21 in E minor
Schubert: Fantasy in C Major for Violin and Piano, Op. posth. 159, D. 934
Fauré: Violin Sonata No. 1 in A major, Op. 13
- I. Allegro molto
- II. Andante
- III. Scherzo: Allegro vivo
- IV. Finale: Allegro quasi presto
Additional works to be announced from the stage

SOLD OUT – Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio

This performance is sold out.

Friday, October 3 • 7:30 PM • Steinman Hall

18-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Béla Fleck—the world’s premier banjo virtuoso and celebrated musical adventurer—has spent 30 years exploring his instrument’s complex global history while unlocking the breadth of its possibilities. For his latest project, Fleck joins with acclaimed harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez for an innovative and dynamic fusion of sounds.

Tickets: Adults $32 • Students $25

Hark! An Irish Christmas with RUNA

Wednesday, December 3 • 7:30 pm • Steinman Hall

Fusing its signature Celtic-roots sound with American folk and bluegrass, RUNA brings its high-energy rhythms and lilting melodies to the festivities of the midwinter season! Showcasing Christmas music, dance, and poetry of the Celtic Isles, RUNA embraces the warmth and familiarity of traditional celebrations, while breathing fresh life into favorite holiday carols.

Join in RUNA’s Rockin’ Sock Collection! For the past five years, RUNA has collected socks for organizations that support individuals and families with housing and financial insecurities. Socks are still the most-requested donation item by shelters because they must be brand new. Audience members are encouraged to bring a pair of brand-new socks – any size or color – and remember that warm feet equal happy hearts! All socks collected at the Ware Center performance will be donated to the Water Street Mission in Lancaster.

Tickets: Adults $27 • Students: $19

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party

Saturday, December 6 • 7:30 PM • Steinman Hall

For 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences. Drawing on a rich catalogue of holiday classics and Christmas originals from the band’s two full-length holiday albums, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its fun and quirky take on the holidays to you.

6:30 PM • Lobby • Come early for a swing dance demonstration!

Tickets: Adults $32 • Students: $25