A dynamic lineup of iconic and acclaimed artists will take the stage as Mississippi State’s Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts announces its 2026 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series.
The five-show season, which runs March through June, features artists whose influence spans genres and generations. The series includes legendary hitmaker Billy Ocean, blues and rock duo Tab Benoit’s Swampland Jam & Samantha Fish, pop icon Air Supply, bluegrass legend Alison Krauss & Union Station and a powerhouse evening with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, Orleans and Pure Prairie League.
“Building on the strong response to our fall and winter season, this spring/summer series reflects the continued evolution of the Riley Center,” said Morgan Dudley, center director. “From iconic names to extraordinary musicianship, this lineup underscores our commitment to presenting performances of the highest caliber while expanding the reach of the performing arts in our region.”
Dudley also expressed sincere appreciation to The Riley Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, MSU and Friends of the Lady members.
“Their generous support and dedication make it possible for us to bring these remarkable performances to our community, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership in keeping the performing arts vibrant and accessible at the Riley Center,” she said.
Season tickets for the upcoming series are on sale now, with prices ranging from $245 to $615 for VIP seating. Current ticketholders must renew by Feb. 6 to retain their existing seats. Individual tickets go on sale to the general public Feb. 9, with prices varying by artist and seat location.
Details of this year’s scheduled performances include:
Billy Ocean
Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $35 to $125
Born in Trinidad and raised in London, Billy Ocean is Britain’s most successful Black recording star, selling more than 30 million records worldwide. With a Grammy win and hits like “Caribbean Queen,” “Suddenly” and “Love Really Hurts Without You” he dominated charts in the UK, U.S. and beyond. A powerhouse live performer, he has toured globally and released albums including “Love Zone,” “Here You Are” and “One World.” After a brief break to be with family, he returned to performing and recording, solidifying his place as an enduring pop and R&B icon.
Tab Benoit’s Swampland Jam & Samantha Fish
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $25 to $75
Grammy-nominated artists Tab Benoit and Samantha Fish bring their powerhouse blues and Americana sounds to the MSU Riley Center. Benoit has spent nearly 40 years mastering gritty Delta swamp blues, while Fish blends blues with rock, opening for the Rolling Stones’ final U.S. tour date in 2024. On this co-headlining tour, each artist performs a full set before joining forces for an electrifying encore of guitar fireworks.
Air Supply: 50th Anniversary
Thursday, April 30 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $70 to $140
Air Supply’s Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock have spent more than 50 years perfecting their signature blend of intimate romance and soaring ’80s pop. After meeting in the Australian production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” they formed Air Supply in 1975 and quickly became global superstars with hits like “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All.” Their timeless songs continue to captivate fans of all ages, and the duo performs more than 100 shows each year, bringing their legendary sound to audiences around the world.
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $70 to $150
For nearly 40 years, Alison Krauss & Union Station have been one of the most celebrated acts in bluegrass and roots music. Their beautifully crafted sound blends elements of roots, country, rock and pop, consistently surprising and delighting audiences. Their highly anticipated 2025 album “Arcadia” marked their first release since 2011’s “Paper Airplane” and became their third consecutive album to top the Billboard Bluegrass Album chart. With band members Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, Barry Bales and Russell Moore, Krauss & Union Station have earned 14 Grammy Awards. Douglas is widely regarded as the “finest Dobro player in contemporary acoustic music,” and was recently inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. They continue to share their music with fans on the Arcadia 2026 Tour.
Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, Orleans, Pure Prairie League
Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $25 to $95
Four legendary bands that defined ’70s soft rock and country-rock come together for one unforgettable night. Atlanta Rhythm Section delivers smooth Southern rock hits like “So into You,” “Imaginary Lover” and “Champagne Jam.” Firefall adds their signature country-tinged harmonies with “You Are the Woman,” “Just Remember I Love You” and “Strange Way. Orleans performs timeless favorites “Still the One,” “Dance with Me” and “Love Takes Time,” while Pure Prairie League rounds out the evening with classics like “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight.” Each band plays a full set, celebrating the melody, harmony and musicianship that made the ’70s unforgettable.
To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.msurileycenter.com, call 601-696-2200, or visit the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 2200 Fifth St., in the heart of historic downtown Meridian.
