PAC expands 2025-26 season with new shows and cultural dining event

The Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas has announced three additions to its 2025-26 lineup, including two new PACK the PAC performances and a special cultural lobby event.

Water Street Dance Milwaukee will perform Friday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m., bringing its nationally recognized, contemporary repertory work to the PAC stage. Local dance studio performers will join the company following a weeklong intensive.

Duwendé, an award-winning six-person a cappella group known for its bass-and-beatbox-driven funk and pop style, will appear Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Members of local high school choirs will participate in a pre-concert workshop and perform with the group.

Both artists will also visit area schools for assemblies, part of the PAC’s continuing commitment to connect students with internationally recognized performers. “Over the years I’ve been able to see the impact these school visits can have on our local students,” said David Mitchell, general manager of the Performing Arts Center. “Thanks to individual and corporate donations to our Education Fund, we are able to continue this outreach into our tenth year now.”

Water Street Dance Milwaukee has been recognized by Dance Magazine as one of “25 to Watch” in 2024 for its athletic, innovative performances. Duwendé, with more than 11 million YouTube views, has appeared at the Java Jazz Festival, the United Nations, the Clinton Global Initiative and the Sundance Film Festival. The group has also been featured on America’s Got Talent and NBC’s The Winner Is.

In addition, the PAC will present A Taste of Spain on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m. The lobby will be transformed into an intimate Spanish gathering place with flamenco guitar music and a three-course meal of authentic Spanish cuisine. Ticket price includes food and two drink tickets, with a non-alcoholic option available.

Tickets for Water Street Dance Milwaukee and Duwendé are $20 each as part of the PACK the PAC initiative. Tickets for A Taste of Spain are $65. All tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 19, at the PAC box office, 330-308-6400, or online at www.kent.edu/tuscpac. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free parking is available for all events. The Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of Kent State Tuscarawas, 330 University Drive N.E., New Philadelphia. The 2025-26 season is sponsored by the Tuscarawas County Community Foundation.