Contact: Amelia Treptow
Mississippi State's Lyceum Series will welcome patrons home to the newly renovated historic Lee Hall by kicking off the 2014-15 season with a performance by legendary country artist Merle Haggard on Aug. 20.
While hardcore country, the Bakersfield, California, native has pushed the boundaries of music. Like his idol Bob Wills, his music was a melting pot that drew from all forms of traditional American music -- country, jazz, blues, and folk -- and in the process, developed a distinctive style of his own. As a performer, singer, and musician, he influenced countless other artists.
In addition to his 40 No. 1 hits, Haggard won just about every music award imaginable, both as a performer and as a songwriter, and in 1994 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His body of work easily places him beside Hank Williams as one of the most influential artists in country music.
Taking place throughout the fall and spring semesters, the season also features a variety of other performances. The full season line-up and ticket information will be released June 9 at www.lyceum.msstate.edu.
Season-ticket renewal sales begin July 1 and continue until July 18. With the return of the full venue and reserved seating, season ticket holders can reclaim their reserved seats from the 2011-12 season. New season-ticket holders may make purchases from July 21 - Aug. 1. Individual tickets for each performance go on sale Aug. 4.
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in Bettersworth Auditorium of Lee Hall.
For more information on the Lyceum Series season, visit www.lyceum.msstate.edu or call the Center for Student Activities at 662-325-2930.
Except for the Merle Haggard concert, free MSU student tickets will be available prior to each performance.