THE WAIT IS OVER!
Season 49 takes audiences from the unmistakable sound of American soul music to the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe before wrapping up with an evening of comedy. Three performances. Three completely different experiences. All on one stage, right here in the Columbia Basin.
Booker T. Jones | November 21, 2026
Season 49 begins with a true legend of soul music: Booker T. Jones.
What is soul? It’s the rush of rock ‘n’ roll with the depth of gospel, and few artists have had a greater influence on its sound than Booker T. Jones.
As the leader of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Jones helped set the standard for the soul genre and played an important role in its rise in popularity during the 1960s. His influence has endured for more than six decades, making him one of the most recognizable names and sounds in American soul music.
By the time he was just 17 years old, Jones had recorded the iconic album Green Onions with Booker T. & the M.G.’s. The album went on to sell one million copies worldwide, while its instantly recognizable title track became a piece of American music history. “Green Onions” earned a place on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and, more than 60 years after its release, continues to appear throughout popular culture, including in a star-studded Super Bowl commercial in 2025.
Now Columbia Basin audiences have the rare opportunity to experience this legendary musician live at the Wallenstein Theater.
Ballet Fantastique presents Nevermore | January 30, 2027
Beautiful. Bizarre. Darkly romantic. And definitely not your traditional ballet.
Ballet Fantastique returns to the Wallenstein Theater after captivating Columbia Basin audiences with Sleepy Hollow in 2022 and Murder at the Ballet in 2024.
This January, the internationally acclaimed company returns with Nevermore, a grand gothic spectacle inspired by the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe, America’s first professional writer and a pioneer of the detective story.
More gothic dance theater than stiff traditional ballet, Ballet Fantastique combines international dance talent, theatrical storytelling, stunning backdrops and beautiful costumes to create an immersive experience on stage.
Nevermore ventures into Poe’s haunting world through tales and imagery of death, the undead, madness, isolation and the macabre. Dark romance and poetic vignettes unfold through movement, while otherworldly musical arrangements by YouTube sensations Peter Gundry and Lucas King provide the atmospheric backdrop.
For local dancers, this performance offers something even more special: local dance students will have an opportunity to participate in the production. Interested dancers and families are encouraged to reach out to Columbia Basin Allied Arts for additional information.
Whether you are a ballet lover, a fan of Edgar Allan Poe or simply looking for something unlike anything else you’ll see on a local stage, Nevermore promises an unforgettable evening.
Shayne Smith | February 27, 2027
We’ll close Season 49 with a completely different kind of performance and a night dedicated to laughter.
Shayne Smith is a Utah-born comedian, writer, podcaster and musician whose raw, story-driven comedy about small-town life, interesting friends, travel and his own unusual experiences has earned him a devoted following.
After launching his stand-up career in 2014, Shayne quickly began making a name for himself, including finishing as runner-up in Wiseguys’ 2015 Funniest Person in Utah competition.
He has since released a string of comedy specials, including Prison for Wizards in 2018, Alligator Boys in 2019, The Animal in 2021, Banned from Karate in 2023 and Ghosts Are Real in 2025.
And comedy is only part of his story.
Shayne converted to Catholicism in 2024, contributes articles about rollerblading to One Blade Magazine and fronts the heavy metal band Painted Devils, all while continuing to tour and perform for audiences across the country.
It all gives Shayne plenty of material for his distinctive storytelling and a comedy show that is anything but ordinary.
