Washington Performing Arts Series releases schedule

The Washington Performing Arts Series proudly presents their 2024-2025 Series in the Hanson Auditorium of the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center. The Center is located at Washington High School, 1111 South Avenue B, Washington, Iowa. This year they are offering a variety of outstanding professional events.

First up on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. they proudly present the group “Uptown — A Celebration of Motown and Soul.” This group combines the R&B stylings with a modern twist. They bring music to life with a Bruno Mars caliber stage presence meeting the vocals of Stevie Wonder. This show will be sure to sweep people off their feet, tug on their heartstrings, and remind them of the good old days.

Next, on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., audiences will enjoy the smooth voice of Jeremy Stolle, best known for his Broadway lead performances behind the mask, as the Phantom of the Opera. Jeremy will showcase a night of Broadway songs, soaring high notes, classic music, and hilarious stories. This is a heartfelt performance about life, love, and the perseverance it takes to make it on Broadway.

As a special event (not part of the season ticket) the Performing Arts Series will welcome the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. for their “Kid Symphony” concert. This event is designed to help introduce young musicians to the classics. Maestro Bob McConnell, formerly of Washington, and his Symphony will explain all about different instruments, model the sounds they make, and play some great pieces that will bring out the inner child.

Adult audience members may have as much fun, or even more fun, than the kids. After the show, audience members are invited on stage to meet the instruments up close. This is a hands-on opportunity for anyone to ask questions, touch the instruments, and maybe even try playing one. People of all ages will enjoy this fun, lighthearted, and funny 45-minute concert perfect for families with children.

The director, Robert McConnell, began playing oboe in fifth grade in Washington, Iowa. He earned a master’s degree in oboe performance and played in major orchestras. He has played Principal Oboe for the Quad City Symphony for 26 seasons and was named music director of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra in 1990.

The Reason for the Season will return for its holiday welcoming celebration on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. featuring local talent. (This too is not included in the Performing Arts Series season ticket.) Proceeds go to help a local charity and to help raise money for auditorium updates.

On Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. the audience will meet the Weary Ramblers. This Iowa folk duo brings years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott and Kathryn Fox showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling. It’s a “don’t miss” afternoon of folk music!

Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. brings the Burlington Street Bluegrass Band to Washington. This group performs high-energy, family-friendly acoustic Americana music featuring dynamic instrumental solos and thrilling vocal harmonies. They perform an eclectic mix of bluegrass, country, original music, and fiddle tunes. These talented musicians have performed with a variety of famous artists such as Aretha Franklin, Prince, and Rihanna and now they’re stopping here to show Washington what they’ve got!

The final show of the season is Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7 p.m., when Opera Iowa brings Cinderella. This show, perfectly designed for families, is a comedic romp through the well-known fairy tale. The audience will enjoy Rossini’s setting of the classic tale and laugh their way through the evening. Filled with zany characters, fun music, and endless laughter, this is a family show not to miss.

Individual event tickets can be purchased at the door or on the website, washingtonauditorium.org. The website provides more information about each event, as well as how to purchase individual tickets, how to purchase season tickets, or even how to help sponsor the season! Individual adult tickets are $20, individual college student tickets are $10, and elementary through high school student tickets are ALWAYS FREE!

Buying a season ticket is the best option! Season Tickets are $60 for 5 season events. If ticket holders are unable to attend an event, they may share their ticket with another. To make the ticket even better, it can be used to attend 18 more shows at area reciprocity theaters in Fairfield, Ottumwa, Centerville and Keokuk. You can find for info about these reciprocity theaters by visiting, washingtonauditorium.org. Just click on “More Info.” Then “Reciprocity 2024-2025.”

Starting with the 2021-22 season of performances, the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center (WAPAEC) has been very proud to be partnering with the Washington Concert Association (WCA) and their 50-year history in this community, to bring an even broader array of programming to Washington. These combined efforts are now known as "The Washington Performing Arts Series."

Having a professional entertainment series was one of Vision Iowa’s requirements for help with funds to build the auditorium. Funds raised through programming will continue to be used to help ensure the financial success of future seasons and underwrite the cost of enhancements to the facility as needed.