Showcase of entertainment set for Wachholz College Center’s 2024-25 lineup

A slate of concerts that rock, speakers who inspire and a showcase of other dance, theater comedy and family entertainment is coming to the Wachholz College Center for its upcoming season. 

On Aug. 25, country music legend Clint Black celebrates 35 years of his triple-platinum debut album “Killin’ Time” on tour in his first live performance of the album.  

The Grammy-award winner’s style is a blend of traditional country, honky-tonk and Western swing, influenced by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard, to whom his smooth baritone voice was initially compared. 

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.  

American folk legend Don McLean takes the stages Sept. 4 in a “Night of Hits & Stories” on his Starry Starry Night Tour.  

Renowned for his poetic lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, McLean had left an indelible mark on the music industry with iconic hits such as “American Pie,” “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” and “And I Love You So,” over his decades-long career. 

Spend An Evening with Sawyer Brown Sept. 12 known for its collection of “life songs” rather than love songs. 

Led by frontman Mark Miller, Sawyer Brown has thrived for four decades after gaining fame on the TV show “Star Search,” gaining an audience of millions with their performances. Despite initial rejections in Nashville, their sound, compared to Alabama and the Charlie Daniels Band, quickly resonated with fans nationwide. Their journey took off opening shows for Kenny Rogers. Since 1984, their high-energy performances and dedication to fans have cemented their legendary status. Their grassroots message continues to captivate audiences, embodying the spirit of a “travelin' band.” 

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. 

A special performance of classical music by the globally acclaimed violinist, Sarah Chang, and distinguished pianist, Sonya Ovrutsky Fensome, is scheduled at 3 p.m. Sept. 22. 

Known for her captivating performances and technical precision, Chang has been a major force in the classical music scene since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of eight. Ovrutsky Fensome, equally lauded for her emotive prowess and exceptional technique, complements Chang’s performances with her profound interpretations and virtuosic flair.  

On Oct. 5, a cappella country group Home Free bring their Crazy(er) Life Tour to Kalispell at 7:30 p.m. 

Home Free marks the 10-year anniversary of their breakout album, “Crazy Life,” which was released after winning NBC’s fourth season of “The Sing Off.” Their latest album, “As Seen on TV,” charted at No. 8 in its first week for Current Country Albums.  

Groundbreaking duo Black Violin stop in Kalispell Oct. 6 for the BV20 Then & Now Tour, which starts at 7 p.m. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Black Violin has captivated audiences by merging the sophistication of classical melodies with the rhythmic pulse of hip-hop. 

On Oct. 18, Classic Albums Live returns to the Wachholz to present David Bowie: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage using top musicians.   

Gaelic Storm sweeps into Kalispell Oct. 24 for a night of lively jigs and reels to heartfelt ballads. Known for an eclectic blend of traditional Irish music with modern influences, Gaelic Storm performs electrifying shows that deliver a fusion of Celtic melodies, rock rhythms and vocals. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. 

For November and December, the Wachholz gets into the holiday spirit with a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer: The Musical” and Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas.  

Tickets to see the holiday staple, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, go on sale at 10 a.m. July 26. The Nov. 20 concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. 

On Dec. 5, the “most famous reindeer of all” flies to the Flathead in “Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer: The Musical.” The musical transforms one of television’s longest-running and highest-rated holiday specials into a special show featuring iconic characters from the 1964 stop-motion animation including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster who work to help Santa save Christmas. 

Projections, costumes and characters are faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The show starts at 7 p.m. 

Voctave’s 11-member A Capella group brings their holiday spectacular, “It Feels Like Christmas,” to the Wachholz at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. “It Feels Like Christmas” includes a stocking full of holiday favorites from vocal ensemble’s chart-topping album.  

On Jan. 31, 2025, folk rock band Dawes takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.  

The band features brothers Taylor on guitar and Griffin Goldsmith on drums. The band recently rereleased “Stories Don’t End,” remixing the album to mark its 10th anniversary, according to dawestheband.com.   

The 25th anniversary celebration of International Guitar Night kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 2025. For the 25th annual tour, International Guitar Night founder Brian Gore has assembled a lineup of three new guitarists making their U.S. debut. The lineup includes Lulo Reinhardt (Germany), Alexandra Whittingham (Britain), Niwel Tsumbu (Democratic Republic of The Congo) and Soenke Meinen (Germany). 

The witty and funny musical “Spamilton: An American Parody” is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12, 2025. Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit “Forbidden Broadway” and performed by a versatile cast of eight, “Spamilton: An American Parody” is a side-splitting new musical parody.  

On March 7, 2025, Grammy-nominated “jamgrass” group, Yonder Mountain String Band, is set to perform at 7:30 p.m.  Performing for nearly 30 years, the band continues to exist at the forefront of the progressive bluegrass scene as an innovator of the modern jamgrass movement.   

The month of March gets a “little respect” in tribute of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. R.E.S.P.E.C.T, which starts at 7:30 p.m. March 8, is a concert experience that will take the audience on a journey of love, tragedy, courage, and triumph. A live band and supreme vocalists will perform generation-inspiring hits, “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect,” and many more.   

Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical show for all the family in Dragons & Mythical Beasts at 6:30 p.m. March 19.   

From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, this award-winning show is back in the U.S. direct from London’s West End.  

On March 25, 2025, Step Afrika! will showcase the art of stepping at 7 p.m.  

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience 

From the Emmy Award-winning team behind Netflix’s “Our Planet” series, comes a new natural history speaker series: Our Planet Live The immersive live show featuring behind-the-scenes stories from the explorers, filmmakers, scientists, and adventurers that created some of the most eye-catching footage of the planet comes to the Wachholz on April 6, 2025 with Our Planet Live — Frozen Worlds.  

The Champions of Magic team is prepared to dazzle, thrill and delight audiences with mind-bending illusions on May 14, 2025.  Fusing their skills in grand scale magic, a flair for spectacle and undeniable showmanship, this interactive, high-energy show is sure to entertain the entire family. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.  

In addition to the diverse array of entertainment, the Wachholz once again brings the Changemaker Speaker Series to Kalispell with three new esteemed speakers.  

On Oct. 15, 2024, futurist Jamie Metzl presents “Futurist: How AI, Genetics, and Biotechnology Will Transform Our World” exploring the big picture implications of this transformative moment in human history and what it means for all of us. 

On Jan. 29, 2025, adventure writer Kevin Fedarko shares “A Walk in the Park, an epic quest on foot through the entire length of the Grand Canyon — not “rim to rim” as has been tackled by many — but 750 miles “end to end.”  

On March 11, 2025, join mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner in “Defying Limits: Climbing the 14 Highest Peaks.”  

To take the final steps to the highest point of the world’s 14 tallest peaks, to feel a oneness with everything — this is what motivated Austrian mountaineer Kaltenbrunner to become one of the great climbers of our time.  

For more information or to purchase tickets visit wccmt.org or call 756-1400.