News Summary
Florida State University has unveiled its Performing Arts series for the upcoming season, introducing a comprehensive calendar under the leadership of new executive director Kevin Maynard. The 2025-2026 lineup features renowned artists, local talents, and diverse performances, aiming to engage the community effectively. From bestselling authors to live jazz performances, the series is set to enhance the cultural landscape in Tallahassee and promote connections among attendees. Ticket sales will commence soon, as the university celebrates over 25 years of impactful programming in the arts.
Tallahassee, FL – Florida State University (FSU) has unveiled an exciting lineup for its 2025-2026 Opening Nights (ON) performing arts series, marking a fresh chapter for the program under newly appointed executive director Kevin Maynard. The announcement occurred on July 10 at Moore Auditorium, where Maynard revealed a robust schedule that had nearly been left empty when he took over in November.
Only three shows were on the calendar when Maynard arrived, following the departure of the previous ON director. This presented an opportunity for Maynard to curate a complete season that aims to engage the community effectively. The first events in the ON series will run from early September into the spring, featuring a mixture of prominent figures from the arts and local talents.
Featured Performers
The 2025-2026 ON lineup includes bestselling author James Patterson, who, alongside co-author Patrick Leddon, will discuss their book Disrupt Everything and Win during a public event on September 28. Attendees at this event will receive signed copies of the book. The series will see actor Morgan Freeman present his Symphonic Blues Experience on October 3, featuring young musicians from his Ground Zero Blues Club.
Other noteworthy performances include:
– Shovels & Rope, an Americana duo, at an upcoming venue.
– A live jazz performance by Jeff Goldblum with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, scheduled for early September.
– Andrew Duhon, an alt-country singer, and Hubby Jenkins, a multi-instrumentalist, are set to perform at Goodwood Museum and Gardens.
– The jazz fusion trio New Jazz Underground and cellist OkCello will offer performances at selected local spots.
Other Events and Local Talent
The lineup will also showcase a blend of various art forms, such as Bassel & The Supernaturals, blending Bach and folk traditions. Dancer Aakash Odedra will perform his acclaimed piece Songs of the Bulbul, known for its artistic beauty.
Additionally, local talent will be highlighted with Del Suggs‘ annual holiday show in December, along with FSU’s Prism concert in February, featuring various music ensembles, displaying the rich local artistic community.
Ticket Information and Community Connection
Ticket prices for the ON events range from $30 to $135, inclusive of all fees. Sales for sponsors commenced on July 14, with public ticket sales expected to start on August 7. The university aims to create performances that inspire connection and reflection, encapsulated under the season’s theme “Opening Minds.”
Historical Context
This season marks over 25 years of Opening Nights programming in Tallahassee, a notable achievement for the cultural scene in the area. The series has previously welcomed renowned performers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Salman Rushdie, and Wynton Marsalis, highlighting its commitment to excellence and diversity in the performing arts.
By establishing a well-rounded and engaging program, FSU aims to not only entertain but also enrich the cultural fabric of the community, further solidifying its role as a central hub for the arts in Tallahassee.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU’s Opening Nights 2025-26 Schedule
- Tallahassee.com: FSU’s Opening Night Goes Hollywood
- Tallahassee.com: Anoushka Shankar Concert
- WTXL: Opening Minds Theme Announcement
- Tallahassee.com: Top 5 Fun Things to Do in Tallahassee
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
- Google Search: Florida State University
- Google Scholar: Florida State University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- Google News: 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.
