Opens with Macoupin County Native and Broadway Performer Aaron Kaburick in January
Blackburn College’s Music & Theatre Department is proud to announce its 2026 spring performance season, filled with an eclectic collection of student performances and exceptional guest artists. The season kicks off with a special homecoming concert featuring Carlinville native and accomplished Broadway performer Aaron Kaburick. Kaburick will take the stage in Bothwell Auditorium on Saturday, January 24, at 7:00 pm and Sunday, January 25, at 2:00 pm.
Kaburick returns to Carlinville for a concert filled with music, stories from his career, and reflections on the community that helped shape his path. A celebrated actor with an extensive Broadway résumé–including Mrs. Doubtfire, Hello, Dolly!, Something Rotten, Motown, and Billy Elliot–he recently completed a run in Come From Away at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. The event promises an evening of outstanding performance, nostalgia, and local pride as Blackburn welcomes him back to the town where it all began.
“The entire spring season is designed to celebrate Carlinville and the community as we approach 6/26/26,” said Dr. Joseph Welch, professor of music. “Opening with Aaron’s homecoming concert is a perfect way to set the tone and reflect that spirit.”
Aaron Kaburick in concert is free for the community, but tickets are required. Please visit blackburn.edu/kaburick to reserve your spot.
Spring Season Highlights
In addition to Kaburick’s performance, Blackburn’s spring calendar reflects deep local and regional connections, featuring a full lineup of guest artists, student recitals, and performances.
Tom Drury, Guest Artist
Friday, February 6 – Clegg Chapel
A Carlinville native, Drury returns home for a special organ recital in Clegg Chapel. Currently an instructor at the University of Southern Indiana, Drury took his first organ lessons in Clegg Chapel.
Blackburn Student Studio Recital
Sunday, March 1 – Clegg Chapel
An event featuring solo vocal and piano performances by Blackburn music students.
Beth Brill ‘26: Senior Capstone Recital
Friday, April 10 – Bothwell Auditorium
Blackburn senior Beth Brill will perform a recital centered around her original compositions.
Alexandra LoBianco & Joshua Benevento, Guest Artists
Friday, April 17 – Clegg Chapel
An evening of Lieder (German art song), featuring Schubert, Brahms, Wolf, Mahler, and more!
Craig Jordan, Guest Artist: Recital
NEW DATE: Thursday, April 24 – Bothwell Auditorium
The performance will feature Matt Mason’s The Pianist’s Guide to Illinois, including the debut of a new movement, “Carlinville,” commissioned by Blackburn Music & Theatre.
Craig Jordan, Guest Artist: Masterclass
NEW DATE: Friday, April 25 – Bothwell Auditorium
Jordan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance & Pedagogy at the University of Iowa in the studio of Dr. Rène Lecuona.
The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass
Sunday, May 3
The Blackburn and Community Choirs will perform in collaboration with Barnum Jack, a St. Louis-based bluegrass ensemble.
All events are open to the public, and additional details will be shared on the College’s website. Contact [email protected] with any questions.