Previewing the 2025-26 Newman Center Presents Season
New voices and timeless talent are set to take the stage next fall at the Newman Center.
Hung Dance
“I’ve never seen anybody move like that.”
That’s what Aisha Ahmad-Post, executive director of the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts, thought when she first saw the principal dancer of the Taiwanese troupe Hung Dance perform.
“She uses so much of her facial expressions, and her fingers and her toes,” Ahmad-Post reflects. “Everything is so wrapped up in the emotion.”
is just one of the 17 acts that will come to Denver as part of the 2025-2026 Newman Center Presents season—all artists selected by Ahmad-Post to impress and inspire. She says this year's lineupis an amalgamation of many of the themes of seasons past, meant to challenge genres and promote international performing artistry.
“I wanted to try and home in on the most essential pieces of what we're doing,” Ahmad-Post says. “What is really going to resonate with our audiences and maybe bring new audiences into the Newman Center? And then also, what's going to be a big star power moment?”
This season seamlessly blends Ahmad-Post’s hallmark affinity for international acts with more domestically well-known “star power moments.” Read on for a preview of seven acts that are part of this year’s Newman Center Presents season.
October 4, 2025 — 7:30 p.m.
As the bandleader of the acclaimed Secret Society, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, Argue blends jazz with contemporary classical and experimental influences, creating intricate compositions that push genre boundaries. His dynamic performances captivate audiences, showcasing a bold, innovative sound that pushes the limits of big band music. Argue continues to redefine jazz, blending tradition with modernity to create a distinct and forward-thinking musical experience.
“In terms of expanding genre, Darcy James Argue and his big band are not the same as Glenn Miller or Duke Ellington,” says Ahmad-Post. “This is a very different big band; it is incredible music, and it's so complex and thought through.”
October 17, 2025 — 7:30 p.m.
Grammy-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis has earned global acclaim for his virtuosic mastery, solidifying his place as one of the most influential saxophonists in contemporary music. Leading the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he continues to push the boundaries of jazz while maintaining a deep respect for its traditions. Marsalis' impact extends far beyond jazz—he has collaborated with orchestras, composed for Broadway, and toured with iconic artists such as Sting and the Grateful Dead. Whether performing original compositions or reinventing jazz standards, Marsalis’ performances offer unforgettable experiences that highlight the depth and brilliance of his artistic vision, captivating audiences worldwide.
"Jazz is such a fluid term,” Ahmad-Post says. “I think some people have a very specific idea of what jazz is. Artists are living, breathing things, and we want to explore the things that are out there while also paying some tribute to the past.”
January 15, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
Chris Thile, a Grammy-winning mandolinist, vocalist, and composer, is renowned for his innovative blend of Western classical, bluegrass, and newgrass music. A founding member of both Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, Thile has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Yo-Yo Ma and Brad Mehldau. His virtuosic mandolin playing and unique musical vision have earned him widespread acclaim, shaping a distinct new American sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Whether performing traditional tunes or original compositions, Thile's performances are marked by technical brilliance and deep emotional connection, making him one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
“Chris Thile takes bluegrass, which tends to be a little bit more of a folk art, has completely transformed it into a virtuoso experience, combined with Bach and all sorts of other things,” Ahmad-Post says.
February 19, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
In a thrilling collaboration between Grammy-winning pianist/composer Arturo O'Farrill and renowned street dancer/choreographer Ephrat Asherie, “Shadow Cities” blends street dance with Latin jazz in a vibrant, boundary-blurring performance. This dynamic fusion explores identity, connection, and transformation through rhythm and movement. Asherie’s dynamic movement phrases paired with O'Farrill’s innovative compositions invite audiences into a world that celebrates the beauty and vastness of in-between spaces—whether cultural, temporal, or emotional. The collaboration highlights the power of dance and music as tools for personal and collective expression, telling stories of belonging and the transformative potential of creative unity.
February 27, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
Mandy Patinkin is a Tony Award-winning actor and celebrated singer whose exceptional talent has captivated audiences across theater, television, and film. Known for his powerful, emotive voice and dynamic stage presence, Patinkin has left an indelible mark on the world of performance. His iconic roles in Broadway productions like “Evita” and “The Secret Garden” have solidified his place in theater history. A versatile performer, Patinkin has also garnered widespread acclaim for his television roles, including his standout performance in “Homeland”. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to his craft, Mandy Patinkin continues to inspire and move audiences worldwide.
March 12, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
Founded in 2007 by Guinean circus artist Yamoussa Bangoura, Cirque Kalabanté draws inspiration from the vibrant music, culture, dance, and performance art of West Africa. Now based in Montreal, the organization also supports education and humanitarian projects in Guinea, Bangoura’s home country. Cirque Kalabanté’s performances are infused with live Afro-jazz, percussion, and kora music, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with energy, agility, and joy. The company blends circus arts with African traditions, offering audiences a dynamic and unforgettable cultural experience that celebrates the richness of West African heritage while promoting global connection and collaboration.
“I think cirque is such an interesting genre because it melds dance and performance,” Ahmad-Post says. “It's sort of an entrée into the performing arts that some might find a little more accessible.”
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