Marshall Artist Series releases 2015-2016 schedule

Every year the Marshall Artists Series grows and adds something a little different to the mix. The schedule for 79th annual Marshall Artist Series was released with performers such as Walk The Moon and shows such as Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas.

The 2015-2016 Marshal Artist Series is divided into two smaller series the Baxter Series and the Mount Series, in addition to the fall and spring International Film Festival.

The selection process for the Marshall Artist Series is one the never ends. As soon as the schedule is released it is time to find the next big act will be for the following year.

Angela Jones, arketing & external affairs director for the Marshall Artist Series, explains that Penny Watkins, the Executive Director of the Marshall Artist Series, is the one in charger of not only finding the shows and performers, but booking the season as well.

“Penny Watkins is our executive director and she is the one who books the season.  She works with various agents and touring groups to see what shows are traveling nearby so that perhaps they can come to Huntington,” Jones said “Additionally she has worked with Student Activities for the past few years to try to get an idea of what we can partner with them.  Last season we did Phillip Phillips and this season we are partnering with them on Walk The Moon.”

The Marshall Artist Series begins October 27 with Grammy Award-winning performer Boz Scaggs. Scaggs is known for performing with the Steve Miller Band, but has several solo hits such as Silk Degrees, MiddleMan and Some Change. He also released a new album titled A Fool to Care in the spring.

The remainder of the Baxter Series includes Broadway’s Mamma Mia! November 4, Swan Lake performed by The State Ballet Theatre of Russia January 26, the 30th Anniversary screening of The Breakfast Club with Molly Ringwald for Q & A and discussion February 21, the classic Broadway musical Annie February 24, and wrapping up with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra March 9.

The Mount Series begins October 1, 2015 with comedian Anthony Jeselnik. Jeselnik is the host of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and is known for his writing stints onLate Night with Jimmy Fallon,” as well as several appearances of Comedy Central Celebrity Roasts.

The remainder of the Mount Series includes country singer Kacey Musgraves on October 1, Cincinnati’s own Walk The Moon November 19, Disney in Concert Presents Tim Burton’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” December 12 and the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Once will be coming to Huntington April 26.

The Fall International Film Festival will take place November 6-12 with featured films such as “Landfilharmonic,” “Wild Tales,” “Citizenfour,” “Tangerines,” “Phoenix” and “Two Days, One Night.”

The Spring International Film Festival will take place February 26-March 3 with feature films such as “On The Other Side Of The Tracks,” “Timbuktu,” “The Farewell Party,” “Labyrinth Of Lies,” “Marshland and A Hard Day.”

Season tickets are available for purchase by phone or at the Marshall Artist Series Administrative Office located in the Jomie Jazz Center.

Shalee Rogney can be contacted at rogney@marshall.edu.