Arts Live Here at Iowa Central's Center for Perfoming Arts

Public Information Office
5/28/2025

A new era in entertainment officially launched this week as Iowa Central Community College hosted its Season Preview Party for the highly anticipated inaugural Center for Performing Arts Series. Held on the evening of May 27 at the newly renovated Decker Auditorium, the event welcomed an enthusiastic crowd eager to learn what the 2025–2026 season will bring.

The preview party marks a significant milestone in the college's commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement. This new initiative brings a full season of premier entertainment to Fort Dodge, featuring nine performances by nationally touring artists, Broadway-caliber productions, and celebrated comedians.

The festive evening featured remarks from Iowa Central President Dr. Jesse Ulrich, Mary Ludwig, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations; Samantha Reeves Grady, Associate Vice President of Student Services; and Brady O'Brien, Coordinator for the Center for Performing Arts.  Attendees were the first to hear details of the full season lineup—nine nationally touring acts spanning music, comedy, and Broadway-style performance.

“This series is more than just a collection of shows,” said O’Brien during his remarks. “It’s our way of bringing something fresh and inspiring to Fort Dodge and the surrounding area. I truly believe this is just the beginning of something special for our community.”

A Preview of the 2025–2026 Season

The season promises a wide variety of entertainment options, with something for every taste:

• Big Daddy Weave with Ben Fuller & Megan Woods – Kicking off the series in July, this acclaimed Christian music tour will offer a night of inspiration and worship.

• Etta May & the Southern Fried Chicks – Featuring Iowa native Etta May, this comedy trio brings bold, relatable, Southern-style humor to the stage for a night of laughs.

• David Cook & Maddie Poppe – Featuring standout stars from American Idol, this concert will blend nostalgia and powerhouse vocals into an unforgettable showcase.

• Angstrom Brass - with Jive4Five – A vibrant brass quintet known for genre-bending performances that mix classical technique with contemporary style.

• Home Free – The internationally renowned a cappella group brings their signature harmonies and holiday cheer in a family-friendly December concert.

• The Barricade Boys – A quartet of West End stars known for their performances in Les Misérables and beyond, delivering a night of theatrical classics and pop favorites.

• The Shamrock Tenors – With voices straight from Belfast, this group combines traditional Irish music with Broadway-style flair, offering a lively lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day.

• SELAH – One of the most beloved groups in Christian music, with over 900 million streams and more than 4 million albums sold.

• Anthem Lights – The pop vocal group brings harmonies and mashups that fuse faith, feel-good energy, and musical creativity. 

 

Season ticket packages opened last evening and will be available through June 6th. Brady O’Brien concluded the evening with a heartfelt message, “Let it begin. We’ve poured our hearts into this series, and now we get to bring it to life with you.”

For full details on the season, ticket options, and performance dates, visit www.IowaCentral.edu/CenterForPerformingArts.