News Summary
Florida State University has revealed its upcoming Opening Nights season, featuring a variety of performances designed to inspire and connect audiences. Beginning at Moore Auditorium, the season will kick off with a diverse lineup, including renowned musicians and authors. Ticket sales will open soon, with events scheduled throughout the year, including educational components aimed at engaging the local community. Executive Director Kevin Maynard has emphasized the initiative’s goal to enrich the cultural landscape of Tallahassee.
TALLAHASSEE – Florida State University has officially announced its much-anticipated 2025-2026 Opening Nights season, which will kick off at Moore Auditorium on July 10. This year’s theme, “Opening Minds,” is centered on performances that aim to inspire connection and reflection among attendees.
The season showcases a diverse lineup of events featuring a mix of established performers and emerging talent, designed to attract a broader audience. Tickets for sponsorship levels will be available starting July 14, with public sales commencing on August 7. Ticket prices range from $30 to $135, depending on the specific show and seating preferences.
This season’s highlights include a series of exciting performances commencing in September. On September 5, movie star and jazz musician Jeff Goldblum will take the stage with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Later in the month, on September 28, best-selling author James Patterson will join academic Patrick Leddon to discuss their collaborative work, “Disrupt Everything,” with attendees receiving a signed copy of the book.
Another major performance to look forward to is Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, set for October 3. This event will feature young musicians from Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, also hosted at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
The season will not only feature highlighted events but also include various performances by artists such as Andrew Duhon, Hubby Jenkins, and New Jazz Underground throughout the year across different venues.
Special Performances
The 2025-2026 season includes several special performances. In January 2026, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra will present “Meet Me at the Fair!”, showcasing vintage footage of world fairs complemented by ragtime music. In February 2026, music enthusiasts can enjoy “The Unofficial Eras Tour”, a tribute to Taylor Swift, hosted at The Moon. Additionally, on March 23, Anoushka Shankar will perform at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, contributing to a rich musical offering for the season.
Other scheduled acts include the Irish group Goitse, the folk trio A Band Called Honalee, and live performances presented by the FSU Jazz Faculty. The Marching Chiefs band is set to perform in the traditional annual Prism concert at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, rounding out a compelling program for fans of all musical genres.
Community Engagement
Educational components are also integrated into the upcoming season, including a lecture by educator and artist Noah Verrier during the Chain of Parks arts festival in April. This addition is part of the broader goal to engage the community and offer enriching experiences beyond just performances.
Executive Director Kevin Maynard is spearheading the programming for this season, emphasizing the intent to provide a platform for diverse performances that resonate with the local community and foster engagement through arts and culture.
The season’s overall strategy is focused on both introducing fresh talent and featuring renowned artists to enhance the cultural landscape of Tallahassee. For more specific event details and ticket information, interested attendees can visit the Opening Nights official website.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Opening Nights 2025-26 Schedule
- WTXL: FSU Announces Theme for Opening Nights
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Opening Nights Season Announcement
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
- Tallahassee.com: Anoushka Shankar at Opening Nights
- Google Search: Florida State University Opening Nights
- Tallahassee.com: Top 5 Fun Things to Do in Tallahassee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
