The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts is set to host an unforgettable series of events in April 2025. Broadway hits 'Dear Evan Hansen' and 'Come From Away' will captivate audiences with their stirring narratives and brilliant performances. To top it all off, the legendary Michael W. Smith will grace the stage with his 'Beyond the Far Horizon Tour,' offering a unique blend of new music and beloved classics. These events at the heart of East Tennessee State University promise to offer something extraordinary for both theater enthusiasts and music lovers.

Unveiling the Magic at ETSU: Broadway Musicals and a Night with Michael W. Smith

Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, Michael W. Smith, is excited to come to Johnson City, TN, with his BEYOND THE FAR HORIZON TOUR. Michael is bringing a whole new dimension to this tour with a reimagined live show, featuring brand new music that ventures into new creative ground, while still resonating with long-time fans through beloved hits and uplifting worship moments.

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Michael W. Smith: BEYOND THE FAR HORIZON TOUR

East Tennessee State University

Come From Away

Dear Evan Hansen

Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.

Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Request Tour

For over fifty years, Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson has been traversing the globe as an ambassador of Western swing music and introducing its irresistible sound to generation after generation. More than 100 musicians have passed through the Wheel, but Benson remains the front man and the keeper of the vision, in the process racking up more than 30 albums, ten Grammy awards and literally millions of miles on the road.

Asleep At The Wheel

Adam Larson (b. 1990) is an American saxophonist, composer, educator and author currently residing in the Kansas City-area. He holds BM and MM degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was a part of the vibrant NYC jazz scene for eleven years before relocating in 2019. While a resident of the KC-Metro, Larson has held positions at UMKC Conservatory, University of Kansas and The Kansas City Art Institute. Larson currently teaches Entrepreneurship at KCAI. Larson continues to perform in NYC with some of the greatest musicians in the genre.

The Adam Larson Trio

We had only been a band for barely 5 years when we started getting courted by major labels in 1993. We signed with A&M, got paired up with legendary producer T Bone Burnett and moved to LA to record our major label debut. Before you knew it, there we were on Conan, in Rolling Stone, People Magazine and on the radio all over the world. In addition to tunes from their other sixteen Studio and Live albums, Jack and Cary will hone in on some of the classic tunes and stories from Bringing on the Weather that solidified the duo into the national and international music scene.

Jackopierce

The Johnson City Jazz Festival proudly presents the iconic jazz supergroup Spyro Gyra as part of the 7th annual Johnson City Jazz Festival.

The Johnson City Jazz Festival presents SPYRO GYRA

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello

The College of Business and Technology will host the Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum on Friday, March 14. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker John Silvia, an investment professional and President of Dynamic Economic Strategy, LLC. We will also hear from experts in the areas of economic forecasting, housing, and a special panel featuring Chamber of Commerce leaders from Bristol, Elizabethton, Johnson City, and Kingsport. Event is free. Registration is required.

Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum

Hadestown

World-famous bassist and composer Edgar Meyer joins Symphony of the Mountains for a night of exquisite music, including his own Concerto No. 1 in D and Bottesini's Concerto for Double Bass No. 2.

Virtuoso: An Evening with Edgar Meyer & Symphony of the Mountains

The ETSU Festival of Ideas began in 2019 as an initiative to bring thought leaders from the region and beyond to campus. The event allows for the exchange of ideas, information and experiences for the university community. The 2025 Festival of Ideas speakers will feature Anthony Doerr and LeVar Burton.

Festival of Ideas

Prepare yourself to be mesmerized by the enchanting performance of Swan Lake, presented by the prestigious State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. Lose yourself in the magic of this legendary masterpiece, which will be showcased at the magnificent ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. This is an opportunity that you won't want to miss, as it promises to transport you to a world of romance, passion, and exquisite beauty. The production boasts over 200 mesmerizing costumes designed by the best artists, along with sets hand-painted to perfection. Directed by the legendary choreographer Andrei Litvinov, this breathtaking performance will leave you spellbound.

Swan Lake

The Paramount Chamber Players invite you to an unforgettable evening of chamber music, showcasing a rich blend of timeless classics and contemporary artistry. The program features Antonín Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2, a riveting masterpiece of romantic lyricism, and Robert Schumann’s passionate Violin Sonata No. 1. Adding a modern touch, the ensemble will perform Grit and Glitz by Knoxville-based composer Dosia McKay, whose vibrant compositions have captivated audiences worldwide.

The Paramount Chamber Players: Grit and Glitz

This 90-minute concert will feature the unit's 45-member concert band and will honor our nation and its veterans, share stories of our heritage, and reflect on all that makes us flourish as individuals and as a country. This event is a family-friendly, all-ages event. Admission to this performance is free and open to the public. Tickets are required. Please go to afbandtix.org for additional ticket and show information.

US Air Force Band of Mid-America

Country Music Hall of Famer, five-time Grammy-winner, and AMA Lifetime Achievement honoree Marty Stuart picks up where he left off on Altitude, his first new album in five years, exploring a cosmic country landscape populated by dreamers and drifters, misfits and angels, honky-tonk heroes and lonesome lovers. There’s a desert flare to the music here, a sweeping, spacious feel that conjures up wide-open horizons and endless stretches of two-lane highway, and the production is raw and cinematic to match, tipping its cap both to Bakersfield and Laurel Canyon as it balances jangle and twang in equal measure. While it would be easy for an artist as accomplished as Stuart to rest on his laurels, Altitude instead showcases the work of a searcher with an insatiable appetite for growth and reflection, one whose ambition, much like his keen wit and rich imagination, only seems to grow with each and every release.

An Evening with MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES

The ETSU Department of Music presents the internationally-acclaimed "orchestra of voices," Chanticleer! The ensemble makes a return to the ETSU Martin Center after their concert in 2023. Do not miss your opportunity to hear one of the most spectacular group of vocalists assembled in one ensemble.

Chanticleer

Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates The Beatles’ iconic album “Abbey Road" live in its entirety; note for note, sound for sound.

The Black Jacket Symphony presents The Beatles' 'Abbey Road'

Give the gift of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! to the whole family. Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes and stunning acrobatics! Share the tradition of pure Holiday magic and Tchaikovsky's timeless score with friends and family of all ages. Don't miss this chance to create warm glowing memories under the tree. Get tickets now

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.

The Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.

Ben Folds

Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Elton John’s iconic album “Madman Across the Water" live in its entirety; note for note, sound for sound.

Over the past ten years, The Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It's a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won't miss another!

The Black Jacket Symphony

The Book Of Mormon

21st Century Artists, Inc. has been presenting its ABBA tribute show throughout North America for well over a decade, previously known as ABBA The Music, ABBA The Hits, and ABBA The Concert. The audience and press all agree – “This is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get.” The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA brings one of the greatest pop phenomena back to life.

The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.” Many critics agree, The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA is the most amazing and authentic ABBA tribute show in the world. Come dance, come sing, having the time of your life at THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE CELEBRATION!

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful 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. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

STOMP

Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It's a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won't miss another!

The Black Jacket Symphony presents Prince's 'Purple Rain'

Direct from Broadway, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious hit musical from book writer TINA FEY (“30 Rock”), composer JEFF RICHMOND (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist NELL BENJAMIN (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer CASEY NICHOLAW (The Book of Mormon). The story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies, MEAN GIRLS “delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!”

Mean Girls

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles is an electrifying concert experience celebrating the timeless music of the legendary fab four. With note-for-note precision, this mind-blowing performance transports you back to the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour, along with all your favorite hits. From energetic classics to reflective favorites, the band delivers an unforgettable performance that appeals to fans old and new. With vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals, RAIN creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes. RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles promises an extraordinary journey through the eras that captivates hearts and inspires all generations.

Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles

The Chain is a Fleetwood Mac tribute band from Charlotte, NC, performing nationwide the music of this multi-platinum super group as it was intended. These talented musicians recreate the stage and album sounds of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits while looking the part, with Stevie Nicks’ solo efforts and a few deep cuts added into the mix. The showmanship, musicality and energy among this group is unmatched.

The Chain

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Yes, your favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar®-winning, smash hit, DreamWorks animated film. This Tony Award®-winning fairy tale musical adventure features songs from Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo; Caroline, or Change), a sidesplitting book by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo) and brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life. USA Today raves, “"Altogether irresistible!" You’ll be a “believer” too as there’s more to the story than meets the ears.

Shrek The Musical

The elements that keep ZZ TOP fresh, enduring and above the transitory fray can be summed up in the three words of the band’s internal mantra: “Tone, Taste and Tenacity.”. As genuine roots musicians, they have few peers. Their influences are both the originators of the form – Muddy Waters, B.B. King, et al – as well as the British blues rockers and Jimi Hendrix who emerged the generation before ZZ’s ascendance.

Zz Top

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

Jesus Christ Superstar

This concert will feature Edward Elgar's "Enigma Variations," comprising fourteen theme variations in styles that reflect the character of some of his friends, but without naming them! The first half of the concert features the winner of our Elizabeth Harper Vaughn Concerto Competition, Joshua Kováč, playing the Dvorak "Concerto for Violoncello in B Minor, Op. 104."

Symphony Of The Mountains

The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour

Amythyst Kiah, a Black Appalachian, LGBTQ musician whose recent album is described as glorious collision of "iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion, and the roots/old-time-music scene where she’s found breakout success in recent years, including recognition from Rolling Stone as “one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets” is coming back home at ETSU Martin Center as part of the Crafting Blackness Initiative. Opening the performance are ETSU Old-Time Ramblers with Roy Andrade, from the program that mentored Amythyst Kiah at East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, & Roots Music program. Kiah, with her "unforgettable voice that’s both unfettered and exquisitely controlled, the Tennessee-bred (Johnson City resident) singer/songwriter expands on the uncompromising artistry she most recently revealed as part of Our Native Daughters—an all-women-of-color supergroup whose Kiah-penned standout “Black Myself” earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards.

Amythyst Kiah

Tennessee-born troubadour Larry Fleet grew up on a stack of records spanning Merle Haggard, Otis Redding, Willie Nelson, and Marvin Gaye. A thoughtful songwriter with a knack for a one-liner, an ear for a sturdy hook, and a powerhouse voice that strikes like a match, Fleet was working blue-collar jobs to make ends meet long before landing his recording contract with Big Loud Records. Six years in, the devout family man is turning heads among fans and critics with albums full of soon-to-be-classics; 2021's tribute to the music that raised him, Stack of Records, his aptly titled 2019 debut, Workin' Hard, and his to-be-released third effort, Earned It, out September 1. Saving Country Music puts it simply: “If you're looking for the future of traditional country music, then look no further than... Larry Fleet.” A road-tested live show standout, Fleet wrapped 2022 with his first-ever headline One For The Road Tour, following up crowd-winning opening slots supporting Darius Rucker, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Jon Pardi, and many more.

Larry Fleet

From Lincoln Center Theater and director Bartlett Sher comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY.  Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.”  But who is really being transformed.

My Fair Lady

The gong resounds, the curtain opens, and a heavenly scene is right before your eyes. Fairies emerge from a sea of billowing clouds. Mongolians ride on horseback across grasslands as vast as the sky. Classic stories of love and loss, of humor and heroic deeds, come to life. You will be amazed by how vibrant, exciting, and profound classical Chinese culture can be.

Shen Yun

THREE DOG NIGHT hits weave through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures -- songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize THREE DOG NIGHT’s continuing popularity.

ETSU Martin Center for the Arts

Apr 30, 2025

Michael W. Smith: BEYOND THE FAR HORIZON TOUR

28 - 29 Apr, 2025

Come From Away

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ETSU Martin Center for the Arts