News Summary
Florida State University has announced the theme for its upcoming season of Opening Nights, titled ‘Opening Minds.’ The season will feature a variety of performances across Tallahassee, including appearances by renowned artists and authors. The lineup is set to launch with jazz tunes performed by a prominent actor and will include events focused on personal growth, storytelling through music, and more. This initiative aims to enhance community connections through the arts, providing an exciting array of entertainment for local art enthusiasts.
Tallahassee, FL – Florida State University has announced that the theme for its 2025-2026 season of Opening Nights will be “Opening Minds.” This initiative is crafted to present a variety of performances aimed at fostering connection and reflection within the community. Events will take place across multiple venues in Tallahassee, offering an exciting lineup for local art enthusiasts.
The season is set to launch on September 5, 2025, featuring actor Jeff Goldblum, who will perform jazz tunes at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, accompanied by the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The event is highly anticipated and is expected to draw a large audience.
In addition to Goldblum, the season will also showcase a presentation by bestselling authors James Patterson and Patrick Leddin, scheduled for September 28. Their book, “Disrupt Everything and Win,” focuses on personal growth and seizing opportunities. Attendees will receive a signed copy of the book, adding more appeal to the event.
Another highlight of the season includes Morgan Freeman, who will narrate the “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience” on October 3. This event will feature young musicians from Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club located in Mississippi, merging storytelling with musical talent.
As the calendar progresses, the season will continue with notable performances including the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra in January for a musical celebration titled “Meet Me at the Fair!” February will bring Charity Eden performing Taylor Swift songs in “The Unofficial Eras Tour.” Other artists set to perform throughout the season include New Jazz Underground, OKCello, Bassel & the Supernaturals, as well as various dance performances.
The season will conclude in April with a performance by A Band Called Honalee, which will celebrate the classic music of Peter, Paul & Mary. Additionally, there will be a free lecture presented by artist Noah Verrier on April 16, providing further educational opportunities within the arts framework.
Tickets for the new season will go on sale starting at 11:00 a.m. on August 7, 2025. Prices for tickets will range from $30 to $135, varying according to the show and seating location. Early access will be available for members, while non-members can purchase tickets following the public sale. Additionally, sales for sponsor tickets will commence on July 14, with staggered on-sale dates for different ticket tiers leading up to the public release.
The executive director of Opening Nights, Kevin Maynard, was appointed last November and is responsible for curating this season’s lineup from a mostly blank slate. His vision includes featuring both acclaimed artists such as Freeman and Patterson alongside emerging stars and local talent, enhancing the cultural landscape of Tallahassee.
The Opening Nights series has been an integral part of Tallahassee’s arts community for over 25 years, hosting numerous notable performers from various backgrounds. This upcoming season promises to be another enriching chapter in the series’ ongoing legacy, dedicated to bringing quality arts programming to the region.
For complete information and to purchase tickets, individuals can visit the Opening Nights website at openingnights.fsu.edu.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Opening Nights 2025-2026 Schedule Announcement
- WTXL: Opening Minds Theme Announcement
- Tallahassee.com: FSU’s Opening Night Goes Hollywood
- Tallahassee.com: Anoushka Shankar at Opening Nights
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
