STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Sept. 28 concert by Mississippi native and soul-blues artist Zac Harmon will kick off Mississippi State’s 2016-17 Lyceum Series season.

All beginning at 7 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium, this and the school year’s other Lyceum events include (by date):

—Oct. 17, The Capitol Steps. Making a return visit to MSU, the Washington, D.C.-based musical and political satire troupe comprised of former congressional staffers should help lighten the mood leading up to the November presidential election.

—Nov. 4, John McAndrew. A pianist and singer, he will share his storytelling passion in a performance designed for all audiences, but especially adult contemporary music listeners and blues and pop fans. McAndrew’s performance is sponsored by the Collegiate Recovery Center.

—Jan. 24, The Ritz Chamber Players. The nation’s first chamber music ensemble series comprised solely of African-Americans, the nearly 20-member group from Jacksonville, Florida, is being sponsored by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.

—March 7, Montana Repertory Theatre’s presentation of “Barefoot in the Park.” One of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon’s most famous works, the comedy explores the pangs of loss and joy of reunion associated with love, relationships, marriage and family.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for each Lyceum event. 

Season ticket renewals for patrons wishing to retain the same seats as last year will take place through July 1. New season tickets go on sale July 5-22.

Season tickets for the general public are $125; for MSU employees and senior citizens, $110.

In addition to season-ticket packages, a mini-series package available July 25-Aug. 12 will include a choice of three events. Mini-series ticket purchasers will receive a discounted rate ($70 for the general public; $60 for MSU employees and senior citizens) and reserved seating options.

Beginning Aug. 15, $25 individual show tickets ($20 for MSU employees and senior citizens) may be purchased online at lyceum.msstate.edu, as well as on a first-come, first-served basis before each show.

Tickets for children age 18 and under also will be available for $10.

While supplies last, free MSU student tickets will available at the Center for Student Activities in Colvard’s Suite 314. A valid university-issued identification card must be presented to obtain the tickets.

Coordinated by the MSU Performing Arts Committee, annual Lyceum programs are designed to expose residents of campus and surrounding communities to national and international artists in dance, music and theatre. Follow the series on facebook.com/MSULyceumSeries, twitter.com/MSU_Lyceum or instagram.com/MSU_Lyceum.

For more information on the 2016-17 season, telephone the Center for Student Activities at 662-325-2930, visit its Colvard office or email lyceum@msstate.edu.

Support for the Lyceum Series also is provided by the Division of Student Affairs, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Music Maker Productions, Student Association, Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, Collegiate Recovery Center, as well as Starkville arts patron Ida Cunetto.

The MSU Performing Arts Committee accepts tax-deductible donations via the MSU Foundation. To contribute, contact Lynn Durr at 662-325-8918 or ldurr@advservices.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.