Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts has announced a brand-new season packed with can’t-miss entertainers, world-class artistry, award-winning emerging artists and a whole lot of fun.
The upcoming season features powerhouse performances from some of America’s most celebrated storytellers in song. Country hitmaker Rodney Atkins kicks off the year, bringing his chart-topping anthems like “Watching You,” “Farmer’s Daughter” and “Cleaning This Gun,” to Newlin Hall. Get ready to stomp your boots again with the Grammy-winning Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives as they deliver a signature mix of country, bluegrass and rockabilly with hit songs like “Hillbilly Rock” and “Burn Me Down”.
Comedy and conversation also take center stage this year. Known for roles in hit films like White Chicks, Scary Movie, A Haunted House and the upcoming Jordan Peele film Him, actor and comedian Marlon Wayans delivers his signature high-energy humor and razor-sharp commentary to Danville for a night of unfiltered hilarity. Illusionist Michael Carbonaro, of truTV’s The Carbonaro Effect, shocks with sleight of hand and lots of surprises in Carbonaro: Lies on Stage, and in a thought-provoking evening of sound and stories, NPR dream team Ira Glass and Jad Abumrad – of This American Life and Radiolab – team up for a live experience that blends personal storytelling with mind-expanding ideas.
“Each year, the Norton Center brings community-favorite performances along with new talents from all over the world,” said Norton Center Executive Director Steve Hoffman. “We love the challenge of mixing the familiar with fresh discoveries. This year’s season is fun, thought-provoking and stellar.”
Get ready to discover genre-defying artists bringing global influence and world-class talent to Central Kentucky. Ukulele virtuoso Taimane transforms her instrument with a fiery fusion of classical, rock and island soul. Spanish guitar phenomenon Pablo Sainz-Villegas brings audiences on a passionate musical journey through flamenco and beyond, while Houston Ballet II showcases the grace and athleticism of tomorrow’s ballet stars in a stunning performance featuring the beloved classic The Sleeping Beauty. Sean Heely’s Celtic Christmas brings the spirit of the holidays to life with festive energy, lively jigs and traditional music from Scotland and Ireland in a family-friendly event full of joy, wonder and holiday cheer.
The Louisville Orchestra’s In Harmony Tour returns to the Norton Center this season for another incredible free community concert, led by Grammy Award-winning conductor Teddy Abrams.
More free engagement events, such as masterclasses, jam sessions and more, will be announced throughout the season.
Subscription packages are on sale now. Subscription packages offer a flexible and affordable ticket option, allowing you to handpick your favorite performances with savings of up to 25%.
For more information on the entire lineup of performances, visit www.nortoncenter.com.
The Norton Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about the season by emailing nortoncenter@centre.edu or calling the Box Office at 859-236-2692. Single tickets go on sale August 6.
2025-26 Norton Center Performing Arts Season
- September 19: Rodney Atkins
- October 3: Valentin Kovalev
- October 25: Caity Gyorgy
- November 18: Taimane
- November 21: An Evening with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
- December 6: Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas
- January 16: Nathan Meltzer
- February 15: Marlon Wayans
- February 21: Centre College Press Distinguished Lecture – Ira Glass & Jad Abumrad: An Evening with the Creators of This American Life and Radiolab
- February 27: Louisville Orchestra: In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour
- March 5: Spanish Night with Pablo Sainz-Villegas & Friends
- March 13: Missy Raines & Allegheny
- March 19: Carbonaro: Lies on Stage
- April 2: Houston Ballet II
- April 11: The Seven Wonders: A Live Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
- April 24: Serial Killers With Dr. Scott Bonn