The longstanding series continues its tradition of bringing acclaimed artists and performances to the Marietta community.
The Esbenshade Series and Marietta College will celebrate the series’ 46th season, bringing a lineup of nationally and internationally known, award-winning artists spanning dance, music and storytelling to Peoples Bank Theatre and the Marietta College campus.
“I’m excited to say we have another eclectic mix of artists for our 46th season," said Todd Burge, director of The Esbenshade Series. "Some are true legends, recognized around the world; all are masters of their craft.”
The 2026-27 season kicks off with Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance. The internationally renowned company will take the Peoples Bank Theatre stage at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15.
The full 2026-27 Esbenshade Series includes:
Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance
Oct. 15, 2026, 7 p.m. at People’s Bank Theatre
Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, Ailey II showcases the country’s finest early-career dancers and emerging choreographers. Now led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, the company carries forward Ailey’s pioneering mission through performance, training and community engagement while bringing fresh creative voices and extraordinary energy to the stage.
Elijah Wald: Bob Dylan, Kelly Roll Morton, and the Problems of Doing History
Nov. 19, 2026, 7 p.m. at Alma McDonough Auditorium, Marietta College
Musician, writer and historian Elijah Wald examines and often challenges popular myths of music history. A 2002 Grammy Award winner with a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology and sociolinguistics, Wald has written extensively about American music, with two of his books inspiring, acclaimed films: The Mayor of MacDougal Street, which helped inspire the Coen brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis, and Dylan Goes Electric!, the basis for A Complete Unknown. His most recent book, Jelly Roll Blues: Censored Songs and Hidden Histories, explores the subversive songs and overlooked histories of early blues and jazz.
Richard Thompson Band
Jan. 28, 2027, 7 p.m. at Peoples Bank Theatre
Richard Thompson helped shape British folk rock after co-founding Fairport Convention as a teenager in the 1960s, before launching a long and acclaimed solo career. His influence has earned widespread recognition, including an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II and lifetime achievement awards from BBC Radio 2 and the Americana Music Association. Rolling Stone has named Thompson among the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, and artists including Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, R.E.M. and Don Henley have recorded his songs.
The Army, The Navy
Feb. 11, 2027, 7 p.m. at Peoples Bank Theatre
Maia Ciambriello and Sasha Goldberg make up The Army, The Navy, an indie duo whose music blends intimate songwriting with atmospheric production. Following two 2024 EPs and a sold-out headlining tour, the duo released its debut album, Fake Brave Life, which explores vulnerability, heartbreak and the courage required to put art into the world.
Ellis Paul
Mar. 21, 2027, 7 p.m. at Peoples Bank Theatre
Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Ellis Paul transforms stories of hope, love and loss into deeply personal songs that explore the human experience. His music has appeared in films including Me, Myself & Irene, Shallow Hal and Hall Pass, and he has received numerous honors throughout his career.
For additional information about the 2026-27 Esbenshade Series, visit marietta.edu/esbenshade-series.