Broadway's "Wizard of Oz"
October 9, 2018
Broadway's "The Sound of Music"
March 29, 2019
Bicknell Center presents
Fall 2018
August 23, 2018
Over the past 115 years, Pittsburg State University grew and transformed into the institution we see today. The legacy of the University has been preserved with the help of the University Archives and Special Collections staff. From the opening in 1903, to the fire of 1914 and even Apple Day events, the community and the college have collected items documenting the accomplishments of the University and the people that have helped along the way.
Along with historical documents, a collection of fine art has been acquired by the University and preserved within the Archives/Special Collections in Axe Library. This eclectic compilation of works done by an array of artists calls the University Archives home. Many of the pieces displayed were created by alumni of the University, local artists, or purchased by individuals and donated. The support of the community is the reason this collection has been able to thrive and grow to be what it is today. The pieces displayed include reproductions by world renowned artist’s and original pieces by local artists, previous Pittsburg State University professors and alumni. Collectively, these works represent the commitment of those dedicated to preserving the history of this University and ensuring the art history will not be forgotten.
Thomas Jefferson Hour
September 15, 2018
A “live” version of the weekly NPR radio program , The Thomas Jefferson Hour. A Radio Program That Models Civil Discourse, Critical Thinking and Good Citizenship.
This program dedicated to the search for truth in the tradition of Thomas Jefferson, Our Third President, who was a man of the Enlightenment, a student of human nature and gentlemanly behavior, who applied these attributes to his personal, the national and the world wide challenges he faced during the forming of our nation.
Nationally acclaimed humanities scholar and award winning first person interpreter of Thomas Jefferson, Clay Jenkinson, will portray Jefferson, enlightening you through the recreation of the thoughts of those patriots who created this nation, and by bringing Jeffersonian ideals to today’s Americans.
O-Sole-Trio
September 29, 2018
From Pavarotti to Pop
“Incredible fun!" and "A true tour de force", O Sole Trio takes the audience on a musical journey, revealing how Italian Americans influenced the American popular music scene throughout the decades. From humorous storytelling to their innovative and unique arrangements, this trio breathes new life into songs made famous by such legendary singers as Enrico Caruso, Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, Connie Francis and Andrea Bocelli, combining virtuosic musical feats with an accessible and engaging program of well-known classics to create a show that's "fast-paced, funny and touching, with two stellar voices and commanding accompaniment."
Broadway's "Wizard of Oz"
October 9, 2018
"For nearly forty years this story has given faithful service to the Young in Heart; and Time has been powerless to put its kindly philosophy out of fashion. To those of you who have been faithful to it in return ...and to the Young in Heart ...we dedicate this picture."
When the dedication for the opening credits of the 1939 MGM classic The Wizard of Oz was written, no one could’ve imagined the lasting impact the movie would have on American culture. Or how accurate the assertion that ‘Time’ would be powerless to stop the story, was going to be. A treasured film, The Wizard of Oz’s infiltration into American culture is undeniable and virtually unparalleled.
This production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is a spectacular celebration of that classic 1939 MGM film. It’s a new, refreshed and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly colored sets, charmed by its timeless score and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects. It truly is a wonderful show for the whole family. And whether it creates new memories or conjures them up from the past, everyone deserves to experience or relive the wonderful, whimsical and enduring story, THE WIZARD OF OZ.
US Army Jazz Ambassadors
October 29, 2018
The Jazz Ambassadors is the United States Army’s premier big band. This 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969, has received great acclaim both at home and abroad performing America’s original art form, jazz.
Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are designed to entertain all types of audiences. Custom compositions and arrangements highlight the group’s creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, and patriotic selections.
Todd Mosby New Horizons Ensemble
November 4, 2018
This 6 member ensemble has toured from New York to San Francisco. A genre-defying folk, jazz, world fusion ensemble, this super group includes grammy nominated and winning performers delivering an acoustic instrumental mix with virtuoso flair. Outreach is available at all levels.
This ensemble engages audiences at multiple levels. Each song in the set looks different, sounds different and feels different. From the first song to the last, the listener travels an exciting journey which leaves them changed at some level by the end of the evening.
Excellent musicianship, lights, sound, story, media and staging are all used to deliver the highest standards of performance music.
Grammy nominated/winning performers are featured within this award winning ensemble delivering performances which dazzle and “wow” audiences.
Spring 2019
Postmodern Jukebox
Febraury 16, 2019
For the past five years, the famed time-twisting musical collective Postmodern Jukebox has toured the world, playing hundreds of shows to sold-out houses on six continents. They’ve topped iTunes and Billboard charts and amassed 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube.
The performance is one stop on a circumnavigation of the globe in 2019 that the group is calling the Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour — a tour meant to prepare the world for the Twenty-Twenties.
“Last time around the 'Twenties gave us Jazz, America's one true art form. Who knows what is possible in the 2020s?" said Bradlee. "One thing that is for sure is that there are a lot of folks that are tired of the clickbait headlines, mindless reality TV, and smartphone addiction that has only served to divide people in the last decade. We're using our small corner of the pop culture space to tell people to forget their troubles, and come join us for a night of celebrating true musical talent and timeless style - live and in real life."
“When creating a touring version of the Postmodern Jukebox concept, we work on pairing the right talent with the right material and building a unique and amazing experience for Postmodern Jukebox fans,” Bradlee said. “ Get ready for the most sensational '20s party this side of The Great Gatsby.”
Mark Nizer 4D
March 21, 2019
The phrase "Nothing Less Than Brilliant" (Performance Magazine) has been used to describe the outrageous comedy antics and expertly crafted juggling feats of Mark Nizer.
Mark Nizer is one of the greatest entertainment comedians and jugglers performing today. Making the impossible possible and the improbable probable, Mark Nizer has taken his oneman show to a variety of venues around the world, including The Improv, The Comedy Store, Walt Disney World, numerous college campuses, and all major cruise lines. He has also performed in thousands of opera houses, civic centers, festivals and performing arts centers including the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (three times).
Don’t miss the combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding evening. Whether juggling laser beams at 1000 rpms, or five ping pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth; or even juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball, you'll discover for yourself that Mark Nizer is truly "the juggler your mother warned you about." Or if she didn't, she should have.
Broadway's "The Sound of Music"
March 29, 2019
“Sparkling, fresh and lively.” – Los Angeles Times
The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is coming! The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired on NBC in December, 2013 and was seen by over 44 million people. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.
Walkin' the Line
Johnny Cash Tribute
April 12, 2019
Keeping alive the memory of one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Bennie Wheels delivers his “Walkin the Line” show. This is the ultimate Tribute to Johnny Cash. A natural born entertainer and trained powerhouse vocalist, Bennie awes Cash fans nationwide with his authentic representation of The Man In Black in his “Folsom Prison” era prime!.
The show begins with the unmistakable “Boom-Chicka-Boom” signature sound of The Man In Black. Bennie Wheels brings Johnny Cash back to life with all the greatest hits, and many forgotten treasures, with the exact sound everyone loves and remembers. Venue lobbies are filled with dozens of folks whistling “Ring Of Fire” during intermission.
Bennie Wheels is, above all, a true fan of Johnny Cash and it shows when he pours his heart and soul into every performance. Seeing is believing, and when you go “Walkin’ The Line” with Bennie Wheels, there’s no doubt that Johnny Cash’s spirit lives on.