MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Concerts is preparing to launch its 2025–26 concert season with a full slate of performances and a commitment to affordability, community, and cultural enrichment. The series, which dates back to 1936, remains one of the city’s best-kept entertainment secrets.
“We're probably the best value in town,” said Craig Johnson, a local organizer and board member for the group. “Six concerts for $60, plus access to concerts in Great Bend as part of our reciprocal agreement—it’s really hard to beat.”
Tickets are now on sale online at HutchinsonConcerts.com, and the organization will host an in-person ticket drive April 30 through May 2 at First National Bank in downtown Hutchinson.
Partnering with Allied Concert Services, Hutchinson’s concert series features nationally and internationally touring performers. Allied’s Craig Risnes, who helps select and book acts for dozens of cities across 16 states, joined Johnson for a recent interview.
“The idea is to bring world-class music to communities that don’t necessarily have big-city access to the arts,” said Risnes. “It’s about exposure—for families, kids, music lovers—and creating experiences that last.”
The upcoming 2025–26 season opens September 20 with The Mexican Brass, a tight-knit, classical brass quintet known for their musicianship and playful stage presence. Reesness described the group as “fun, sharp, and globally seasoned, with over 20 years performing together.”
From there, the season continues with:
Dan Miller & Wendy (Nov. 1) – A cowboy duo from Cody, Wyoming, delivering country music, cowboy poetry and gospel.
Nate Hentz, Pops Pianist (Nov. 10) – A dynamic show featuring everything from ragtime to rock, with audience interaction and a few surprises.
CC Teneal’s Divas of Soul (Feb. 17, 2026) – A soul-stirring Motown tribute inspired by icons like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston.
Katie McMahan's Celtic Celebration (March 17, 2026) – Known for her exquisite soaring soprano solo in the original Riverdance single.
Live from Laurel Canyon (April 24, 2026) - An endearing evening of live music and narrated stories of influential songwriters of Laurel Canyon.
Before the new season kicks off, ticket buyers can enjoy two “bonus” concerts as part of the current season: Sail On, a Beach Boys tribute group on May 1, and Alliance Brass, performing music from stage and screen on May 5.
“We always strive for variety—there’s something for everyone,” Johnson said. “That’s our mission. We want to build community through live music.”
In addition to the shows in Hutchinson, members can attend concerts in Great Bend, which books a different selection of performers through the same touring system.
Hutchinson Community Concerts operates as a membership-based nonprofit, supported entirely through community involvement. The group does not sell individual concert tickets; instead, season memberships provide access to all six performances, plus Great Bend shows.
“Our membership numbers help us plan,” Johnson explained. “So this is the time to join.”
The website features bios, videos and sample performances for each group on the calendar. “We want people to feel confident in what they’re signing up for,” Johnson said.
With nearly 90 years of history and a future that continues to evolve, Hutchinson Community Concerts remains a quiet—but powerful—engine for live entertainment in central Kansas.
Tickets and full season details are available at www.hutchinsonconcerts.com.