Ģ������Ƶ

For nearly two decades, Ģ������Ƶ’s Woodbine Productions series has quietly brought remarkable artists to Brookings — performances more often found in major metropolitan centers than on the prairie.

The 2026-27 season may be one of its most extraordinary yet.

The season opens Oct. 11 with the return of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis, appearing in his final tour as artistic director. Last seen in Brookings in 2019, their return is both rare and significant — a chance to experience one of the world’s premier jazz ensembles in an intimate setting, as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary and reflects on jazz as a uniquely American art form.

In December, audiences will welcome back Riders in the Sky for the first time since 2008. Known as “America’s Favorite Cowboys,” their “Christmas the Cowboy Way” blends musicianship, humor and heart in a performance that has become a beloved tradition across the country. Riders in the Sky are multi-Grammy-winning artists who have had a long run with Riders Radio Theatre and have been regular performers at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Fans of the Pixar “Toy Story” franchise will recognize the Riders for their award-winning “Woody’s Roundup” and “Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl.”

The spring season brings an international flair with The Barricade Boys, delivering the energy of London’s West End on April 5, 2027, when they come to Brookings for their first-ever visit to South Dakota and host a “Broadway Party.” These talented tenors have played the leads in the world’s longest-running musical, “Les Mis,” and they will bring their skill to the most familiar roles of both Broadway and the West End. No need to head to New York or London: The Barricade Boys will bring the best to Brookings, and they will be backed by a swinging combo.

Wrapping up the season is a special collaboration on May 2, 2027, as TAKE3, an electrifying trio of dynamic musicians, joins the SDSU Civic Symphony for “Where Bach Meets Rock” — a concert that bridges genres while showcasing the exceptional talent of SDSU’s own orchestral ensemble under the direction of David Reynolds. TAKE3 has been described as having the energy and firepower of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra experience embodied in three musicians. This concert will take the audience on a journey from Bach to rock with hits from ABBA, Led Zeppelin and many others who will be familiar to both the audience and the musicians of the SDSU Civic Symphony … just never before presented this way.

“All four of these performances reflect what makes Woodbine Productions so special,” said Reynolds, director of the SDSU School of Performing Arts. “It’s not just the caliber of the artists, but the opportunity for our community to experience something truly exceptional — performances that you might expect to travel hours to see but instead are right here in Brookings. We are especially proud to welcome back artists like Wynton Marsalis and Riders in the Sky, whose return visits speak to the meaningful connection they’ve built with our audiences.”

All performances take place in the Larson Memorial Concert Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. With only four performances in the series, each event offers a rare opportunity to experience artistry of this caliber close to home.

Woodbine Productions itself is just as remarkable. Made possible through the generosity of an anonymous benefactor, the series is a gift to the university and the broader community. Every ticket purchased directly supports music scholarships for SDSU students, awarded as Woodbine Scholarships — ensuring that each performance not only inspires audiences but also invests in the next generation of musicians.

In a region where opportunities like this can be few and far between, Woodbine Productions continues to offer something truly special: world-class experiences, shared close to home.

Online season and single ticket sales are currently available. To access the ticketing portal or for more information, visit .