The Newman Center Presents series is a curated offering of world-renowned dance ensembles, musicians, and family programming, often not seen elsewhere in the area. Since its debut in 2002, the series has showcased well-known artists as well as new voices from around the world.
2025-26 Newman Center Presents Subscription packages are now available!
Singer, trumpeter, and songwriter Bria Skonberg has been called the “shining hope of hot jazz” (NY Times) and is considered “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation”(WSJ). The Juno Award winner brings her take on seasonal favorites this December with her sextet.
Chris Thile, GRAMMY®-winning mandolinist, vocalist, and composer, has worked with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Brad Mehldau and is a founding member of both the Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek. His blend of Western classical, bluegrass, and newgrass has created a distinct new American sound beloved by audiences everywhere.
La Santa Cecilia fuses rock, cumbia, bolero, mariachi and son jarocho, captivating diverse audiences. Praised by NPR and nominated for multiple GRAMMY awards, La Santa Cecilia has established itself as one of today’s leading Latine bands.
The OkeeDokee Brothers are five-time Parents’ Choice Award winners and have been featured on PBS KIDS, garnered praise from the likes of NPR’s All Things Considered and called “two of family music’s best songwriters.
Don Was is President of the venerated jazz label, Blue Note Records. Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble celebrate the 50th anniversary of Blues for Allah, the timeless Grateful Dead album. The ensemble will play the album in its entirety to celebrate its profound influence over the last half of a century.
Meshell Ndegeocello: No More Water - The Gospel of James Baldwin
Gates Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m.
Meshell Ndegeocello has survived the best and worst of what a career in music has to offer. She eschewed genre for originality, celebrity for longevity, and musical trends for musical truths.
Ephrat Asherie Dance with Arturo O'Farrill: Shadow Cities
Gates Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m.
Street dance meets Latin jazz in a thrilling collaboration between Ephrat Asherie and GRAMMY® winner Arturo O’Farrill, blending cultures to explore identity through rhythm and movement.
Mandy Patinkin In Concert with Adam Ben-David on Piano
Gates Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m.
Mandy Patinkin is a Tony Award-winning actor and renowned singer, known for his powerful performances in Broadway classics like Evita and The Secret Garden. With acclaimed roles in television, including Homeland, Patinkin captivates audiences through his emotive voice, dynamic presence, and unmatched ability to tell compelling stories.
Founded in 2007 by Guinean circus artist Yamoussa Bangoura, CirqueKalabanté takes its inspiration from the music, culture, dance, and performance art of West Africa.
Founded by Moses Pendleton, MOMIX blends dance and acrobatics, creating unique, immersive performances. Alice reimagines Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with movement, acrobatics, and illusions, pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance.
Ranky Tanky with very special guest Ms. Lisa Fischer
Gates Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m.
RankyTanky, the GRAMMY®-winning group reviving Gullah music with jazz, blues, and gospel, joins forces with powerhouse vocalist Lisa Fischer, known for her stunning vocals with The Rolling Stones and 20 Feet from Stardom.