5 Upcoming Events at Pruis Hall, Ball State University

Celebrate the holidays with Ball State's Studio Band! Enjoy this free performance of holiday favorites from a range of genres and get into the spirit of the season!

The Ball State Studio Band is the University’s premier commercial music ensemble. With a focus on funk, R&B, soul, and contemporary popular music, the band is known for its dynamic performances delivered by powerful vocalists, a tight rhythm section, and dazzling horns.

Established in 2017 as the performance group of the Music Media Production program, they have entertained crowds all across the Midwest. From neo-soul to hip-hop and R&B, the band performs its dynamic sets regularly at local and regional venues and corporate events.

Apart from regular performances, this per-audition-only ensemble is a frequent guest in the recording studio. From supporting workshops with A-list guests or serving as the backing band for high-profile recordings, this group allows students to experience commercial music performance in the most authentic way.

Missy Raines is a trailblazer in bluegrass music. On her newest release Highlander, the bassist/vocalist/songwriter returns to her bluegrass roots with a musical homage to the peaks and valleys of her native West Virginia. Working again with producer Alison Brown, she delivers a set of 10 songs featuring her touring band Allegheny and including guest appearances from Laurie Lewis, Dudley Connell, Danny Paisley, Kathy MaKea, Michael Cleveland, Rob Ickes, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Darol Anger, Shad Cobb and Alison Brown.

Raines explains: “Making this record and having this band has been sort of a homecoming. I’m at a point in my life where I’ve been able to look back at what I’ve gone through, what I’ve done, and the path I ultimately wanted to take.”

That path has taken Raines on a long and adventurous musical journey which has been informed by the Southern Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic bluegrass of her youth. As a child and young teen, Raines soaked up the sounds of The Country Gentlemen, The Seldom Scene, The Johnson Mountain Boys, and the other neo-progressive groups that propelled bluegrass music forward in the 70s.

Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Chopin to Michael Jackson. So when it comes to his own performing, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

One of the most multi-faceted minds in roots music, Alison Brown is a GRAMMY-winning musician, GRAMMY-nominated producer, former investment banker (with an AB from Harvard and an MBA from UCLA), and co-founder of The Compass Records Group which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.

Although Alison began her musical career as a teenager in the Southern California bluegrass scene, she has built a reputation as one of today’s most forward thinking and innovative banjo players. She is known for taking the instrument far beyond its Appalachian roots by blending bluegrass and jazz influences into a sonic tapestry that has earned praise and recognition from a variety of national tastemakers including The Wall Street Journal, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, and USA Today.

Dueling pianos shows make for a unique, interactive experience that is far from a typical night out. Two grand pianos, two outgoing piano players, and an active, fun audience make the perfect party atmosphere for any event.

A dueling piano consists of two grand pianos, two charismatic, hilarious entertainers behind the keys, and an audience that will laugh and dance into the night. Throughout the night the piano players play audience requested songs. The pianists sing and battle back and forth with comedic commentary and hilarious banter. 

Audience participation is a huge factor in the success of a dueling piano acts. Requests, sing-a-longs, and dancing make dueling piano acts fun and special for all event guests.