Contact: Allison Matthews
MERIDIAN, Miss.—An adventurous array of musical artists is set to excite audiences during Mississippi State’s Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts 2025-26 Fall and Winter Performing Arts Series.
The six-concert season begins in August and runs through January 2026. It welcomes a stellar lineup of artists whose influence spans genres and generations, including the legendary Marshall Tucker Band, soulful powerhouse Leela James, country music icon Randy Travis, the dynamic vocal group Straight No Chaser, Tony Award-winning performer Leslie Odom Jr. and the timeless rock band Kansas.
All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Riley Center’s restored Victorian theater.
“Each artist brings a unique energy to the stage, promising unforgettable experiences for our audiences,” said Morgan Dudley, Riley Center director. “This season celebrates not only the power of performance but also the continued growth of the MSU Riley Center as a premier destination for the performing arts in Mississippi and beyond.”
Dudley said the MSU Riley Center thanks The Riley Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, MSU and Friends of the Lady members, whose continued support helps make these shows possible.
Season tickets for the upcoming series are now on sale, with prices ranging from $215 to $600 for VIP seating. Current ticketholders must renew by June 27 to retain their existing seats.
Beginning June 23, patrons can create custom “Build-Your-Own” mini packages by selecting three or more shows. Individual tickets go on sale to the general public June 30, with prices varying by artist and seat location.
Details of this year’s scheduled performances include:
Band of Heathens
Individual bonus show, sold separately; not part of the Fall/Winter series
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $25 to $45
The rock’n’roll group from Austin, Texas, has built a loyal following with their chart-topping Americana albums, heartfelt songwriting and signature blend of gutsy, introspective sound. Founding members Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist lead the band alongside longtime keyboardist Trevor Nealon, bassist Jesse Wilson and drummer Richard Millsap. Their most recent album “Simple Things” held the No. 1 spot on the Americana charts for two months and received national attention with appearances on Austin City Limits and CBS Saturday Morning.
Marshall Tucker Band
Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $40 to $95
Founded in 1972 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Marshall Tucker Band helped pioneer Southern rock with soulful hits like “Can’t You See” and “Heard It in a Love Song.” Led by original vocalist Doug Gray, the band’s unique sound has influenced generations of artists and remains a staple across stages and streaming platforms.
Leela James
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $25 to $55
James is a celebrated R&B and soul singer known for her fearless, authentic style and powerful, husky voice. Since her 2006 debut “A Change is Gonna Come,” she’s remained a consistent force in soul music, earning chart success with hits like “Complicated” and the gold-certified “Fall for You.” Nicknamed the “God-Daughter of Soul” by James Brown and influenced by legends like Etta James and Chaka Khan, James blends soul, funk and jazz. She’s toured worldwide, appeared on television shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “R&B Divas: LA” and continues to connect with fans through new releases like her May single “Right On Time.”
Randy Travis: More Life Tour
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35 to $115
The Randy Travis: More Life Tour marks a heartfelt return for Travis. The Country Music Hall of Famer returns to the stage with special guest James Dupré and Travis’s original touring band, reuniting for the first time since Travis suffered a stroke in 2013. Dupré will perform all of Travis’s iconic hits, including “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “On the Other Hand,” and “Three Wooden Crosses,” while Travis makes special appearances throughout the tour.
The tour follows the success of Travis’s memoir “Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life,” which received major media attention and exceeded expectations. Always finding ways to connect with fans, Travis also released two AI-assisted songs this past year—“Where That Came From” and “Horses in Heaven”—showing that his music continues to inspire and evolve.
Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $25 to $95
Known for their seamless harmonies, humor and contemporary take on a cappella, Straight No Chaser has earned gold-certified albums, sold more than 2 million records and performed for more than 1.5 million fans worldwide. The Holiday Road Tour marks the release of Straight No Chaser’s first full-length holiday album in five years, following 2020’s “Social Christmasing.” Fans can expect more information on the album’s tracklist in the coming months.
“This year, we poured our hearts into our latest album,” said group member Walter Chase. “If you come to our show, you can expect to laugh, sing and be fully prepared to ring in the holidays.”
Leslie Odom Jr.: The Christmas Tour
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $55 to $125
Odom Jr. is an accomplished songwriter and actor, best known for his role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” which he is scheduled to reprise Sept. 9-Nov. 23. He recently produced and starred in the acclaimed revival of “Purlie Victorious,” which earned six Tony nominations. He has appeared in several notable films and television shows, including “One Night in Miami,” “Knives Out: Glass Onion,” and “Hamilton” on Disney+.
Kansas
Friday, January 30, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35 to $115
Formed in Topeka, Kansas, the legendary classic rock band Kansas has sold more than 30 million albums across five decades. They have released 16 studio and five live albums, boasting hits like “Carry on my Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” The band remains active, touring extensively, and continues to have a significant presence in popular culture.
To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.msurileycenter.com, call 601-696-2200, or visit the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 2200 Fifth St., in the heart of historic downtown Meridian.
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