Travel back in time and across the world in a month jam-packed with icons and cultural celebrations at Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts! Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the Norton Center has combined fan-favorite stars from the past with fresh new voices to kick off this milestone season.

It’ll be an electric start to the year when Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Ann Wilson of Heart (September 1) unleashes her unparalleled vocal prowess on the Newlin Hall stage. Widely praised among the greatest singers in the history of rock, Ann boasts 35 million record sales and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, making her true rock and roll royalty.

Backed by her band Tripsitter, Ann will bring fan-favorite rock hits like “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You” and “Magic Man,” with the same raw talent she’s brought to the stage since Heart’s beginning in the ‘70s.

“Never would I have imagined that the Newlin Hall stage would feature Ann Wilson of Heart!” said Norton Center Executive Director Steve Hoffman. “Iconic and known-world wide, Ann’s performance is a great way for patrons to celebrate the start of the theatre’s 50th anniversary season.”

Patrons will travel to the Orinoco Plains of Colombia, South America, without ever leaving Danville! The energetic and infectious sounds of Cimarrón (September 7) will fill the intimate Weisiger Theatre with an extraordinary blend of its Andalusian, Indigenous and African roots, with raw ethnic singing, percussive stomp dancing and rapid-fire strings. This Grammy-nominated six-piece band brings together a profound ethnic experience to celebrate the Latinx Plains in a performance that will have you up out of your seat! 

“Traditional Colombian music and dance get a 21st-century update with Cimarrón,” said Hoffman. “The engaging vocals, impeccable instrumentation and fast-paced footwork are elevated with headpieces and costumes to make this a multi-sensory experience that connects with audiences of all ages.”

Your ‘90s indie dreams are coming true – Toad the Wet Sprocket is bringing their All You Want tour to the Norton Center with special guest The Verve Pipe (September 16)! Pull out those flannels, combat boots and ripped jeans, because you’ll be transported to a different time with nostalgic hits like “All I Want,” “Walk On the Ocean” and “Good Intentions” and The Verve Pipe’s smash hit “The Freshman.”

The only thing better than hearing your favorite band live… is meeting them! Purchase the VIP Meet & Greet Experience package and get exclusive access to the pre-show soundcheck, premier performance seating and a photo opportunity with Toad the Wet Sprocket! 

“For decades, the Norton Center has been known to bring blockbuster and popular artists to entertain audiences of all ages,” said Hoffman. “So it’s time to channel the ‘90s with these two groups who appeal to those who grew up watching MTV and VH1.” 

We’re gonna have ourselves a real good time when Killer Queen (September 27) delivers a “simply uncanny” (Daily Mail) tribute of arguably the greatest rock band, ever, to Newlin Hall. Praised for their attention to detail and commitment to authenticity, Killer Queen brings to life the legendary music, charisma and showmanship that defined Queen’s reign over the rock music landscape.

Patrick Meyers as Freddie Mercury has been widely praised for his “very accurate, almost frightening” (Der Western) portrayal of the rock icon, and you’ll be double-checking your eyes when he captures the energy and essence that made Queen a musical phenomenon. 

“It is not often that the Norton Center brings tribute bands,” explains Hoffman. “They either have to be a unique interpretation of a particular group or have spot-on showmanship. Killer Queen is like watching the actual band – with the iconic Mercury – without having to travel and spend a fortune on tickets.” 

Stomp and clap along with “We Will Rock You,” belt out the lyrics to “We Are the Champions,” and dance along with hundreds of other fans to “Don’t Stop Me Now” ‘cause we’re having a good time… in a performance that will steal your voice by the end of the night! 

Tickets to all 2023/2024 season performances are on sale now at nortoncenter.com or 859-236-4692. Purchasing a subscription is the best way to experience the Norton Center. Buy tickets to three or more shows to unlock exclusive benefits, access to the best seats and savings up to 25% off. The more you buy, the more you save. Season subscription packages and single tickets are on sale now!

The Norton Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Learn more about the season by emailing [email protected] or calling the Box Office at 859-236-4692.

For more information on the entire year’s lineup of performances, including videos, biographies and more, visit nortoncenter.com.  

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to the Norton Center for the Arts with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. 

September 1: Ann Wilson of Heart & Tripsitter

September 7: Cimarrón

September 16: Toad the Wet Sprocket with Special Guest The Verve Pipe

September 27: Killer Queen

October 25: Coco in Concert on Tour

November 3: Devine Carama

November 5: STOMP

December 2: Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony Tour

January 19: Simone Porter

February 20: Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Sing and Swing

March 1: Vienna Boys Choir

March 8: In Harmony: The Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra 

March 26: MOMIX: Alice

April 12: A Tribute to Dave Brubeck with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet and Special Guest Roxy Coss

May 1: Chicago: The Musical