Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce the artist roster for the 2024-2025 First Farmers Performance Series season. The 22^nd season of the Performance Series features a diverse lineup of artists set to perform in the 500-seat Cherry Theater on the Columbia Campus.

“We are excited to share this stellar line up of talent for the 2024-2025 Performance Series!” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “We've crafted this season with you in mind, and we cannot wait to present these world-class musicians and artists to you and our community.” 

“This season of the Performance Series is a true celebration of musical artistry, showcasing exceptional talent that transcends genres and generations,” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “Each performance offers something truly special, whether it's the soulful harmonies of Rockland Road, the powerful vocals of Wendy Moten, the fresh take on traditional country from The Malpass Brothers, the nostalgic yet modern sound of Admiral Radio, the dynamic piano mastery of Ryan & Ryan or the timeless swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. We’re excited to welcome our community to the Cherry Theater for what promises to be an unforgettable season of entertainment.”

ROCKLAND ROAD | THURS., OCT. 10 @ 7 P.M.

Rockland Road, a vocal-driven, melodic band, hailed as "exuberant" by Rolling Stone Magazine, spans four generations of musical heritage. Led by Grammy-winning artist Paul Martin (lead singer/guitarist of the country-pop supergroup Exile) and Jamie Allen (daughter of Oak Ridge Boys' Duane Allen), the band includes their four children and is a powerhouse group featuring soulful vocals imbued with a pure, exuberant joy. They have performed on national television multiple times and have taken their stage show to venues as varied as the U.S. Library of Congress, the White House, the Grand Ole Opry and performing arts centers across the country. Rockland Road sees every night spent onstage not just as a time to spread the joy they get from music or as a chance to share their story. Every night is an opportunity to take a new audience on a musical experience they won’t soon forget.

WENDY MOTEN | THURS., NOV. 14 @ 7 P.M.

Wendy Moten's powerful voice and presence was nurtured growing up in Memphis, Tennessee. She gained prominence with major-label solo records, international hits and working alongside the music industry's top talent. Her performance on Season 21 of The Voice gained Moten millions of new fans and allowed her to showcase the numerous genres that she can effortlessly explore, from R&B and pop to country and jazz. As an artist who has learned different languages, cultures, histories and music while traveling the world, she is a bridge builder who unites people of all backgrounds and races.

THE MALPASS BROTHERS | THURS., DEC. 12 @ 7 P.M.

The Malpass Brothers, contemporary troubadours upholding the essence of traditional country music, have been guided and endorsed by iconic figures in bluegrass and country music. They consistently offer a blend of fresh yet classic tunes, which has garnered them widespread recognition within the industry and among devoted country music enthusiasts worldwide. Their Grand Ole Opry debut in 2018 served as a milestone in their journey to global acclaim, where they've since headlined international tours and festivals.

ADMIRAL RADIO | THURS., FEB. 13 @ 7 P.M.

Inspired by their 1941 wooden Admiral radio, this South Carolina-based husband and wife duo creates an Americana sound rooted in tradition that touches the heartstrings of the modern-day listener. With tight vocal harmonies, endearing storytelling and authentic energy, this duo redefines what it's like to gather around the radio in modern times. In an age where mechanized bells and whistles are the norm, Admiral Radio weaves a sonic tapestry of timeless folk roots and powerful harmonies by getting back to the basics of good songwriting and honest music. Their hope is to allow listeners to steal away in a modern era and get lost in the music, and to help make sense of the world through timeless sound.

RYAN & RYAN | THURS., MARCH 13 @ 7 P.M.

Ryan & Ryan is a dynamic father-son piano duo that draws upon classic and contemporary music to create enthralling concert experiences. Their expertise in classical, jazz, ragtime and funk allows them to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old. As a performing team, Donald and Barron amaze audiences with their skill, expressiveness, and love of making music. Ryan & Ryan is a proven hit with audiences of all generations. Their inventiveness, infectiousness, skill and general joy of life make for irresistibly engaging performances. To sum it up, they make music that inspires.

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY | THURS., APRIL 10 @ 7 P.M.

Together for more than 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. With sold out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country's finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Superbowl XXXIII, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America's original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.

Tickets for each performance are priced at $35 and include all fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries. Individuals may also contact the Performance Series ticket line at 931.540.2879, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On performance nights, the box office opens at 6 p.m. in the Kenneth and Ramona Cherry Theater, located in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows begin at 7 p.m. The Columbia Campus is located at 1665 Hampshire Pike in Columbia.