(Story courtesy Etherredge Center)
AIKEN — Tickets are on sale for the 2025-2026 season of The Arts at the Etherredge Center.
“This year, between our two series—the Cultural Series and the Carolina Series—we travel from County Waterford in Ireland to the Low Country Marshes to jazz clubs around the country to an unforgettable Memphis jam session to an alternate reality Harlem Renaissance. Oh, and there are dinosaurs too,” said Paul B. Crook, the University of South Carolina Aiken Etherredge Center executive director, in a news release.
The Arts at the Etherredge Center features two series each year: The Cultural Series, which presents national and international touring performers, and The Carolina Series, which showcases South Carolina artists.
The Cultural Series kicks off Sept. 5 with The Karla Harris Quartet. JazzWeek charting vocalist and songwriter Karla Harris has captivated audiences at some of the most prestigious jazz festivals around the country.
Harris and her band will have a preview performance at noon on Friday as part of Aiken’s Makin’, at the corner of Park Ave and Union, next to the Train Museum, with the concert at 7 p.m. at the Etherredge Center.
At 2 p.m. Nov. 2, families can step back in time for Lightwire Theater’s DINOLIGHT. This glow-in-the-dark adventure tells the story of a famous scientist with magic powers who brings a friendly dinosaur to life. It is visually amazing and has been praised for its cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance by audiences all over the world. Lightwire was a runner up on “America’s Got Talent” and was featured on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
At 7 p.m. on Nov. 18, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players perform “The Pirates of Penzance/An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan.”
Set sail with some of the most recognizable and brilliant music ever written and performed, including a signature section that incorporates impromptu audience requests.
Moving into the New Year, on at 7 p.m. Jan. 22, Scott Kirby’s Main Street Souvenirs program premieres in Aiken. This musical and cinematic celebration of classic Americana is a multimedia delight featuring Kirby’s signature piano virtuosity, and his own artistic creations.
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, DANÚ, one of the leading Irish ensembles touring today plays a rollicking concert of traditional Irish music at 7 p.m. March 17.
“Out of all of our fantastic shows this year,” Crook said, “I know people will be excited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us on March 17 in the best way possible,”
Crook added audiences should keep their eyes out for some fun Irish themes for that night.
The Cultural Series closes out at 7 p.m. April 23 with a night of rockabilly, country, gospel, and pure 1950’s rock and roll with “One Night in Memphis.”
Inspired by the Broadway smash, “Million Dollar Quartet,” and featuring former Broadway cast members, this concert focuses on a night when Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis got together for a jam session.
The Carolina Series opens on Sept. 26.
Building off of last year, which was the most successful Carolina Series yet, this year features three unique and wonderful events.
The Marshgrass Mamas, hailing from John’s Island, will bring the heart and soul of traditional Bluegrass and Appalachian Old-Time classics at 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
On Oct. 22 at 7 p.m., An Evening with Comics Author Chuck Brown will feature a discussion and Q&A with the co-creator of the “Bitter Root,” “Flawed” and “On the Stump” comics series.
“We are thrilled to have Chuck with us on the stage and in the lobby. To have a Columbia comics writer who has written for Marvel, DC, and more is going to be a treat for comic and graphic novel fans,” said Crook.
After the discussion, Brown will be in the Etherredge Center lobby for a book signing and photo opportunity.
The final Carolina Series event is an exhibit by collage artist, Ginny Merett.
Her Gala Opening and Reception will be Feb. 6, celebrating her work that is inspired by a generation of women, like her grandmothers’, whose fashion sense was expressed every day by the chic clothes and high heels they wore, how they embellished their outfits with jewelry and hats, and how they never left home without lipstick.
Ticket prices vary depending on the show, but range between $5 and $50.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, patrons can go etherredgecenter.universitytickets.com.
Crook noted that “in an effort to protect our audiences’ personal and financial data, the university will no longer take ticket orders over the phone. Audience members are encouraged to purchase their tickets online or to stop by our Box Office during regular business hours.”
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