Official Website of the Morris Performing Arts Center

Fridays by the Fountain
2023-06-02 11:45 - 2023-08-26 13:15 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN, 46601, United States
You’ll want to take your Friday lunches outside this summer! Fridays by the Fountain, a 13-week lunchtime music concert series in Downtown South Bend, returns to the Morris Performing Arts Center starting June 2nd.
Held on Fridays between 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., each concert is free and takes place at the Jon R. Hunt Plaza in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St. and showcases live entertainment from area blues, jazz, rock, R&B, country, folk, and Irish music bands.
This year’s lineup includes:

June 2 – Kennedy’s Kitchen
June 9 – Terry & the Heartbeats
June 16 High life
June 23 – Van Dyke Revue
June 30 – Hey Annie
July 7 – Southside Denny
July 14 Memphis Underground
July 21 – International Jugglers Association
July 28 – RockDogs
August 4 – Whistle Pigs
August 11 – Jerry O’Fonics
August 18 – PT & the Cruisers
August 25 – Resurrection Blues Band

Guests can bring their lunches or buy food from vendors on site. Although there will be tables and chairs set up at the plaza for concert attendees, people are allowed to bring their own chairs or blankets to spread out on the lawn.
No tax dollars are used to fund Fridays by the Fountain. The 2023 concert series is presented by the Morris in conjunction with U93 and WNDU. Supporting sponsors underwrite the cost of the bands.

Party on the Plaza
2023-06-23 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-06-24 18:00 - 20:00
Join The Morris for a Party on the Plaza on June 23 & 24 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Jon R. Hunt Plaza on both evenings! On your way to the Mellencamp show, or looking for a unique happy hour before dinner? Dance with us at this FREE 21+ event, featuring DJ Austin Gammage. Cash bar available.

John Mellencamp Live and In Person
2023-06-23 20:00, 2023-06-24 20:00
See John Mellencamp perform LIVE at The Morris Performing Arts Center! Presented by longtime promoter AEG Presents and sponsored by Turner Classic Movies, the tour will see 76 shows beginning with two nights in Bloomington, Indiana on February 5 and 6 and concluding with two nights in South Bend, Indiana on June 23 and 24.
A reissue of Mellencamp’s beloved eighth studio album, Scarecrow, is set for release on November 4 on Mercury/UME. The box set will include two CDs of newly remixed and remastered songs, previously unreleased bonus tracks and alternate versions, a booklet full of rare photographs, and all new liner notes by acclaimed author and music critic Anthony DeCurtis.
Mellencamp is a member of the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award, the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Buy Tickets Now

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
2023-06-25 18:00
In this highly-anticipated event, fans of The Princess Bride will join the heroic Westley (actor Cary Elwes) in a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film. After a screening of the iconic film, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion on classic scenes, revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics!
A limited number of VIP packages are available and include the best seats in the house, a Meet and Greet with Cary Elwes, and a signed copy of Cary’s best-selling book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride.
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Pulse FM’s Downtown Summer Series “ A Night of Laughter” featuring Michael Jr, with special guests Brad Stine and John Branyan
2023-07-14 20:00
They say “laughter is good for the soul,” so get ready to laugh the night away with Pulse FM at the Morris Performing Arts Center! 8:00 pm Showtime; Doors open at 7:00 pm. Join us for a party in the Plaza at 5:00 pm! Check out the artists’ bios below.
Michael Jr
Exceptionally gifted at combining story with thought-provoking life principles, Michael Jr. exhibits what it means to be a comedic thought leader. Using comedy and dynamic storytelling, he brings laughter and encouragement to audiences all over the world as he inspires audiences to discover and activate their purpose. This unique skill set has landed him on stages like The Tonight Show on NBC, TEDx Talks, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. You can find him in Sony Pictures’ feature film War Room, as well as starring roles in Selfie Dad, More Than Fun, and his comedy special “Laughing On Purpose”
Brad Stine
Stine’s style has been described by Newsweek as “conservative ” with a “rat-a-tat delivery” and by The New Yorker as “frantic, conservative, and ADHD with echoes of Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, Bill Hicks, George Carlin, and Alan Keyes.” However, unlike these and a lot of other
comedians, Stine does not use profanity or sexual humor because of his conservative Christian faith. He has been described as “a clean Dennis Leary.” Stine has appeared in a handful of movies, including the films: Welcome to Paradise, Sarah’s Choice, Homeless for the Holidays, Christmas with a
Capital C and Persecuted.
John Branyan
When John Branyan stepped onto a tiny stage in the early 90’s, he thought his interest in comedy was just a phase; he thought he would get the whole thing out of his system.
But, more than 25 years later, he still loves making people laugh with his style of speaking that won’t leave a filthy residue. “People didn’t invent laughter,” John says. “It was given to us by someone who knew we’d enjoy it.” And he never gets tired of sharing that gift with others. “Every show, my goal is to hurt people. Seriously. I want people’s jaws to ache. I want their sides to cramp up. I want them to
experience dizziness from oxygen deprivation. When they are in pain, I’ve done my job.” Buy Tickets Now

International Jugglers' Association Festival - Welcome Show
2023-07-18 19:00
The IJA Welcome show is a compilation of outstanding juggling talents from across the globe and is the perfect event for both jugglers and non-jugglers. Bring out the family and join us for this talent packed show to kick off the week-long IJA Festival!
Doors open at 6:00PM. “Child” pricing available for patrons 15 and under.
There will be an ASL interpreter for the show.
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International Jugglers' Association Festival - Flow Show
2023-07-19 19:00
Over the past few years, the IJA has taken steps to highlight more flow artists by producing a show dedicated to the “flow” side of manipulation. The term “flow arts” has come to encompass object manipulation props and tools such as hula hoop, poi spinning, baton twirling, and other forms of movement and dance that incorporate the use of objects in their performance. This show will absolutely dazzle you with insight into unique props and skills that these artists showcase.
Doors open at 6:00PM. “Child” pricing available for patrons 15 and under.
There will be an ASL interpreter for the show.
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International Jugglers' Association Festival - Juggling Championships
2023-07-20 19:00
The goal of the IJA Juggling Championships is to reward a stage-performed juggling act that is entertaining and marketable to a broad audience. The IJA Juggling Championships finals are held every year during the annual IJA Festival.
Doors open at 6:00PM. “Child” pricing available for patrons 15 and under.
There will be an ASL interpreter for the show.
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International Jugglers' Association Festival - Cascade of Stars
2023-07-22 19:00
The Saturday evening performance will feature top notch juggling and circus talent from around the world. Bring the whole family and get ready for a fabulous night of high-quality entertainment.
Doors open at 6:00PM. “Child” pricing available for patrons 15 and under.
There will be an ASL interpreter for the show.
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Buddy Guy - Damn Right
2023-08-17 19:30
The recipient of the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Buddy Guy’s incredible career spans over 50 years, with just as many albums released. Career highlights include 8 Grammy Awards, 38 Blues Music Awards (the most any artist has had), a Kennedy Center Honors, NARM Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement, Billboard Music Awards’ Century Award for distinguished artistic development, Presidential National Medal of Arts, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to name a few. At 86 years young, Buddy Guy remains a genuine American treasure and one of the final surviving connections to a historic era in the country’s musical evolution. Buy Tickets Now

Bluey's Big Play
2023-09-12 18:00
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co.
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Shane Gillis Live
2023-09-22 19:00
Shane Gillis is a stand-up comic, actor, and writer from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. After winning Philly’s Funniest at Helium Comedy Club in 2016 Shane was named an “Up-Next” Comic at Comedy Central’s 2019 Clusterfest in San Francisco and a “New Face” at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. In 2021, Gillis released his debut comedy special Shane Gillis: Live in Austin on YouTube which has been viewed over 6 million times. Gillis is one-half of the comedy fan favorite Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast. He’s a regular guest on Sirius XM’s The Bonfire, Spotify’s The Joe Rogan Experience, and Barstool Sports KFC Radio. Shane was a writer on Comedy Central’s Delco Proper and co-created, wrote, and starred in the YouTube hit sketch series Gilly & Keeves. In October of 2022, Shane and John McKeever partnered with Booklight Entertainment and Outback Presents to produce and release Gilly & Keeves: The Special on GillyandKeeves.tv. Most recently, Shane can be seen playing ‘Gilly’ in the upcoming season of Peacock’s Bupkis opposite Pete Davidson, Joe Pesci, and Edie Falco. Buy Tickets Now

Silk Road + Strauss with Joseph Gramley, percussion
2023-09-30 19:30
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing musical voyage as Music Director Alastair Willis opens the 91st Season which leads with Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series, Silk Road and Strauss, featuring acclaimed percussionist Joseph Gramley! Experience the captivating Chen Yi Percussion Concerto, followed by the exquisite Rosenkavalier Suite by Richard Strauss, for a night of unparalleled musical artistry that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss this extraordinary concert – save your seats now for an unforgettable experience!
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Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone In Concert
2023-10-07 19:30, 2023-10-08 14:30
Experience your favorite movies transformed with the music of a live symphony orchestra in the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series. For the first time ever, audiences can rediscover the magic of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ while a live symphony orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score and Harry Potter™ soars across the big screen in high-definition.
Subscriptions to the Indiana Trust Pops Series are now on sale.

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra thanks Indiana Trust Wealth Management for supporting the Indiana Trust Pops Series

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s23)

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BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS
2023-10-13 20:00
Ben was raised in a hub of activists, poets, artists, and of course great musicians. They included frequent patrons such as Chris Darrow, Leonard Cohen, Jackson Browne and Taj Mahal – the latter of whom gave Ben his first major tour and asked him to record Follow the Drinking Gourd with him (1990), all of which culminated in playing with Taj on Austin City Limits (which would become the first of five times Ben would be on the show). Born October 28, 1969 as the sixties came to a howling end, and having been raised in such a potent community, Ben’s music and career embodies that musical brilliance, open mindedness, lyrical honesty and abiding social activism of that pivotal time. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, the career of this multi-GRAMMY® award-winning musician, producer, activist and now, record label founder, spans decades, during which he has been established as a singularly powerful songwriter and performer with range across multiple genres with a rare ability to blend the personal and political. After his successful tour and record release with Taj Mahal, Ben returned to California and in 1992 teamed up with childhood friend Tom Freund to record Pleasure and Pain. In 1993 Virgin Records offered Harper a worldwide recording contract and he released his debut, Welcome to the Cruel World in 1994. The album was created with musicians who would eventually become known as the Innocent Criminals (percussionist Leon Mobley, bassist Juan Nelson and drummer Oliver Charles). What makes the band so unique is that they come from different places musically and complement each other because of the different styles that they play. This led to a string of successful and critically acclaimed albums and the accolades poured in. Rolling Stone hailed his “jewels of unique and exquisitely tender rock & roll,” while Entertainment Weekly praised his “casual profundity,” and Billboard said his music “reminds us of the power and beauty of simplicity.” Many albums with various iterations of the Innocent Criminals followed including: Fight for Your Mind (1995); The Will to Live (1997); Burn to Shine (1999); Live from Mars (2001); Diamonds on the Inside (2003); Both Sides of the Gun (2006); Lifeline (2007) – for which he was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental GRAMMY® and Call It What It Is (2016).
Harper’s need to continually explore every aspect of creating music has led him to some brilliant and highly acclaimed collaborations, both as a performer and as a producer. In 2004 Ben and the Innocent Criminals backed The Blind Boys of Alabama resulting in the collaborative album There Will Be a Light. They were awarded the GRAMMY® for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album and Ben won the Best Pop Instrumental Performance GRAMMY®. In 2007 Ben assembled a new band which he called Relentless7 and went on to release White Lies for Dark Times (2009) and Give till it’s Gone (2011). 2010 saw Harper team up with Dhani Harrison and Joseph Arthur and they released a self-titled album as Fistful of Mercy. In 2013 Ben teamed up with Charlie Musselwhite and the duo created two records, the first, Get Up! (2013) which won the Best Blues Album GRAMMY® award, followed by GRAMMY® nominated No
Mercy in This Land (2018) which won the Blues Foundation Best Blues Song of the Year. His credits as a producer illustrate Harper’s musical curiosity and include an impressive diversity: Tom Freud, Collapsible Plans (2008); Grace Woodroofe, Always Want (2010); Rickie Lee Jones, The Devil You Know (2012); Natalie Maines, Mother (2012); Mavis Staples, We Get By (2019) that Harper also wrote and sang on, garnering them the prestigious Folk Alliance Album of the Year Award; Birdthrower, Birdthrower (2019); Christopher Paul Stelling, Best of Luck (2020) and Hey, King!, Hey, King! (2020). For many of these artists Harper not only produced the music but also helped to find a label to release it, using his vast network, insight and knowledge of the music industry to find these gems the right home. 2020 also saw Harper break more new ground with the October release of his first ever instrumental record – Winter Is for Lovers – which unfolds entirely without words. It is a profoundly emotional story told exclusively through the nuance of sound. The narration is provided by a single lap steel guitar and the music references blues and folk as well as flamenco, Indian and classical, but it transcends any specific style. In that, the album philosophically evokes the American Primitive movement pioneered by John Fahey and Leo Kottke, utilizing masterful playing to create an impressionistic and affecting work.
Harper’s social activism has continued throughout his career and has seen him support a broad array of organizations and events including LIFT, Living Lands and Waters, Moveon.org, Newlight, Pat Tillman Foundation, Plastic Pollution Coalition, Surfrider Foundation and Tony Hawk Foundation. Buy Tickets Now

The Price Is Right - Live!
2023-10-20 19:30
The Price is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show…from Plinko™ to Cliffhangers™ to The Big Wheel™ and even the fabulous Showcase.
Playing to near sold-out audiences for more than 14 years, the Price Is Right Live™ has entertained millions of guests and given away more than 12 million dollars in cash and prizes.
If you’re a fan of The Price Is Right™ on TV, you’ll no doubt love this exciting live (non-televised), on-stage version of the show!
Ticket buyers will be emailed a link to register to play. They can also arrive two hours prior to showtime to register on-site.
Full Rules are available at the Box Office. Buy Tickets Now

Jerry Seinfeld
2023-10-21 19:00
America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, comes to the Morris Performing Arts Center stage in South Bend, IN to perform his newest stand-up routine on Saturday, October 21, 2023, 2023, at 7pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 18, at 10am! Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Buy Tickets Now

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Featuring Barry Bostwick
2023-10-27 20:00
Celebrating its 47th anniversary, the original “Brad Majors” – Barry Bostwick – hosts a screening of the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast “Rocky Horror In Abundance” and audience participation! The Shadow Cast hilariously acts out the movie on stage while the movie plays on screen.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the iconic little movie that conquered Hollywood. The hit movie stars Tim Curry as the devious and fabulous Frank-N-Furter, Meatloaf, Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as everybody’s favorite nerdy couple, Brad and Janet and the film’s creator Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff. It’s become one of the longest weekly showing movies in the world and here’s the chance to experience the interactive sensation.
So…come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab!
Costumes are encouraged at this performance! However, please remember no outside food or beverages are permitted, this includes props such as toast or water guns.
Special VIP Section includes up-close seating, and pre-show meet & greet with the original “Brad Majors” Barry Bostwick. Each person will receive VIP credential and photo op/autograph with Barry Bostwick. Buy Tickets Now

Día de los Muertos
2023-10-29 15:00
Join the Symphony for a vibrant Día de los Muertos concert, where we celebrate the lives of our lost loved ones with a colorful affirmation of life! This annual tradition combines the rich Latin American music and culture in a mesmerizing performance featuring dazzling guest artists. Experience the joyous festivities with decorated ofrendas, traditional music, and fun-filled events for the whole family to enjoy!
The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to the Shein Trust for supporting the Shein Trust Community Series. Reserve Free Ticket Now

Pretty Woman: The Musical
2023-11-03 20:00, 2023-11-04 14:00, 2023-11-04 20:00, 2023-11-05 14:00
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News).
Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. Now, 30 years later, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is “Big romance and big fun!” (Broadway.com). “Irresistible! A romantic fantasy. A contemporary fairy tale,” says The Hollywood Reporter. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL delivers on all the iconic moments you remember. Get ready to experience this dazzling theatrical take on a love story for the ages.
Are you ready to fall in love all over again?
Atlantic Records’ PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is produced by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and is now available on all DSPs.
Become a Season Member today for access to 2023-24 Broadway In South Bend shows today! Buy Tickets Now

Shakespeare’s Dreams Music by Mendelssohn, Sibelius, and More
2023-11-11 19:30
Indulge in an enchanted evening of classical music as the South Bend Symphony and Shakespeare at Notre Dame present the second installment in the Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series “Shakespeare’s Dreams: music by Mendelssohn, Sibelius, and more.” The enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream excerpts by Mendelssohn, featuring the timeless Wedding March, Dance of the Clowns, and more, will transport you to a mystical world of magic and mystery.
Single tickets are on sale on August 1, 2023. Secure your seat with a Season subscription. Visit www.southbendsymphony.org or call 574-232-6343 to save your seats and get the best prices!
The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to Jack M. Champaigne and his support of the Masterworks. Buy Tickets Now

38 Special
2023-11-16 19:30
Legendary Southern rock band 38 Special produced hits including “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into The Night,” “Caught Up In You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Second Chance,” and more. Buy Tickets Now

PULSE FM’S 11TH ANNUAL POLAR EXPRESS MOVIE NIGHT
2023-11-17 19:00
Help Support the Faith Mission of Michiana
This FREE Pulse FM annual holiday event supports the residents of Faith Mission in Michiana…Donations of new blankets and pillows are greatly appreciated again this year to help those in need at Faith Mission.
Wear Your PJs
Hey moms and dads, we invite you and your children to wear your favorite pajamas to The Polar Express movie night!
Movie Show Time & Location
Friday, November 17th at 7:00 PM
Doors Open at 6:00 PM
Morris Performing Arts Center
211 N. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46601
Tickets are only available through Pulse FM, so listen to win your FREE tickets! You must have a ticket to go.
Don’t miss the 11th Annual Polar Express Movie Night at Morris Performing Arts Center! Its fun for the whole family!
Polar Express Movie Night is Brought to You By:
4T Door Systems
The Barns at Nappanee
Crystal Valley Comfort
Dare to Foster Care
Essenhaus
Faith Mission of Michiana
First State Bank
Granger Christian School
HealthLinc
Health Markets – Tony Letcher
Health Markets – Matt Tallman
Kidspeace
PaddyShack Ice Cream
Potawatomi Zoo
Pulse FM
Terry’s Cleaning & Restoration
The Salvation Army – Elkhart
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A Motown Christmas
2023-11-21 19:30
​​​​​​​​A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group, assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups: Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours. A Motown Christmas is a powerful, family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. This show features those famous Motown trademarks, such as dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies all performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style.​ This is an evening not to be missed! Bring the family, dance, sing, and enjoy this special holiday spectacular. Buy Tickets Now
