Welcome to MPAC’s Holiday Gift Guide!
This holiday season, give the gift of unforgettable live experiences and magical moments at MPAC. With a wide variety of fantastic events in every genre, you’re sure to find the perfect present. Keep reading to see a few ideas that would make terrific gifts for the rock and bluest concertgoers on your list, and click here for our full season lineup!
On February 4th, Chicago’s eclectic rock band Umphrey’s McGee takes the MPAC stage! Umphrey’s McGee has been keeping fans on their toes for nearly 27 years now. Though often pigeonholed into “jam band” circles, Umphrey’s doesn’t fit that traditional mold; and their fans don’t either. Is it prog rock? Song-forward, Beatles-esque arrangements? Be careful, they might hit you with some metal riffs mid-set, too.
On February 7th, The Man in Black brings a tribute to Johnny Cash to the MPAC stage! Close your eyes and imagine it’s the 1960s, and you are hearing the unique sound of Johnny Cash for the first time. That’s the feeling you’ll experience as Shawn Barker stars in this remarkably authentic performance that delivers the raw prowess that made Johnny Cash a music icon with a signature sound immediately recognized and never forgotten.
On March 4th, Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, two of our most innovative singer-songwriters, share the stage as they perform individually and together. A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. A master lyricist and satirical storyteller, John Hiatt delivers songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships, and surrendering on his own terms. His lyrics and melodies have earned him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a BMI Troubadour award, and a lifetime achievement in songwriting designation from the Americana Music Association.
On February 28th, don’t miss The High Kings: The Rocky Road Tour! As global ambassadors of Irish heritage and storytelling, The High Kings have consistently brought the timeless tradition of folk music to audiences worldwide, earning them chart-topping success and widespread acclaim. With their signature blend of classic tradition and modern edge, The Rocky Road Tour promises to be a vibrant showcase of Irish culture, energy, and musicality.
On March 12th, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band arrives with the Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour! Kenny Wayne Shepherd has established himself as an immensely popular recording artist, a consistently in-demand live act and an influential force in a worldwide resurgence of the blues. Shepherd celebrates the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Ledbetter Heights, which established him as a dynamic new force in American blues music upon his arrival on the scene.
On April 7th, Collective Soul returns to MPAC! With nearly three decades of hits behind them, Collective Soul remains creatively energized and united, delivering high-impact live performances that blend new material with fan-favorites such as “Shine,” “December,” and “The World I Know.”
On April 9th, join us for a heartfelt celebration of early folk, country, gospel, and Western swing music with Women of Americana, featuring Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh! This isn’t just a concert—it’s an exuberant exploration of this singular American genre that planted the roots of American music. Featuring vocalists and instrumentalists Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh, the show includes songs made famous by iconic artists like Brandi Carlile, Emmy Lou Harris, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton and more. Titles like “Blowin’ In The Wind” (Joan Baez),“Angel From Montgomery” (Bonnie Raitt), “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road” (Lucinda Williams), “Can The Circle Be Unbroken” (The Carter Family), and more. Accompanying video projections make this concert a multi-media event, coinciding with the upcoming Semi-quincentennial (250th anniversary of the United States’ founding). Women of Americana will entertain and inspire audiences at a historic moment in our nation’s history.
On May 8th, KC and The Sunshine Band dance their way to MPAC! They formed in 1973 with one single purpose: to create instant happiness through music — and the group has done just that, topping the charts with singles including “Give It Up,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Please Don’t Go,” “Get Down Tonight,” “Boogie Shoes,” “I’m Your Boogie Man” and “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” tallying worldwide sales of over 100 million!
On June 5th, Happy Together returns for another year! The touring sensation that has delighted audiences for over a decade and a half returns with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s! Featuring The Association (“Cherish,” “Windy,” “Never My Love”); The Troggs (“Wild Thing”); Jason Scheff, the lead singer of Chicago from 1985-2016, performing early Chicago hits; Gary Puckett (“Young Girl,” “Woman”); The Fortunes (“You’ve Got Your Troubles”); Ron Dante, former leader singer of The Archies and The Turtles (“Sugar Sugar,” “Tracy”); The Vogues (“Five O’clock World,” “You’re The One,” “Turn Around and Look At Me”); and The Cowsills (“Hair,” “Indian Lake”)!
Check out our events calendar for more information and to see our full 2025-2026 season lineup!
