Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute” kicks off the “ABAC Tribute Series” Thursday, Oct 1. at 7:00 p.m.
TIFTON, Ga. — Arts & Culture at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College announced its 2026-2027 season, “Rooted in Inspiration,” featuring a diverse lineup of performances, lectures, concerts and special events designed to celebrate creativity, culture and community.
The upcoming season will showcase professional artists, musicians, authors and performers from across the country while providing opportunities to experience the arts through live performances and engaging events. Visit arts.abac.edu for a description of each event and ticket information.
“Arts & Culture at ABAC celebrates the power of live arts to bring people together, preserve cultural heritage and reflect the rich diversity of our shared human experience,” said Jeff Newberry, ABAC professor of English and Poet in Residence. “Each season offers a dynamic tapestry of events ranging from classical and contemporary performances to literary presentations, theater, music and unique visual storytelling.”
The 2026-2027 season will include several signature series, including the “ABAC Presents! Performing Arts Series,” the “First Tuesday Concert Series,” the “ABAC Tribute Series,” the “Herbert Shippey Visiting Writers Series” and the “Carter Arts & Lecture Series” at the Bainbridge Site.
The season opens with an ABAC Music Faculty Concert Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. in Howard Auditorium at the Tifton Site. The “ABAC Tribute Series” will begin Thursday, Oct. 1, with “Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute,” bringing the iconic harmonies and timeless hits of the Beach Boys to Howard Auditorium.
The “ABAC Presents! Performing Arts Series” will feature a variety of performances throughout the year, including Quarteto Nuevo on Oct. 8, “American Tune: Simon, Croce & Taylor” Nov. 19, Steven Edenbo as Thomas Jefferson Feb. 18, Some Strings Attached March 9 and the Javier Nero and ABAC Jazz Ensembles April 15.
The “First Tuesday Concert Series,” which began in 2002, will continue offering free performances featuring regional and nationally recognized artists. The series includes performances by ABAC music faculty, Duo Fuerza, Dr. Youngmi Kim, Dr. Zheng Jennifer Huang and others throughout the academic year.
The “Herbert Shippey Visiting Writers Series” will welcome poet Jeff Weddle Nov. 24 and author Dana Ridenour Feb. 16. Both events will be held in Bowen Hall Room 100 at the Tifton Site and are free and open to the public.
“The Carter Arts & Lecture Series” at the Bainbridge Site will bring additional cultural experiences to Southwest Georgia, including performances featuring Lloyd Wheeler as Benjamin Franklin, Quarteto Nuevo, Jeff Weddle, Dana Ridenour, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” and the Javier Nero and ABAC Jazz Ensembles.
In addition to the professional performances, the season will include annual ABAC traditions such as “An ABAC Christmas” Dec. 3 and 4, ABAC Choral Day Oct. 22, the ABAC Jazz Festival April 15, “Cabaret at ABAC” March 12 and the annual “Songs of Broadway” performance April 6.
“The Arts & Culture season provides meaningful opportunities for our students, campus community and residents throughout the region to experience the arts in a variety of ways,” said Wayne Jones, director of Arts & Culture at ABAC. “From inspiring performances to thought-provoking conversations, these events highlight the importance of creativity and connection.”
Tickets are required for events included in the “ABAC Presents!” and “ABAC Tribute Series” and may be purchased online at arts.abac.edu. The “First Tuesday Concert Series,” “Herbert Shippey Visiting Writers Series” and “Carter Arts & Lecture Series” events are free and open to the public.
The 2026-2027 Arts & Culture season is made possible through the support of community sponsors including Dr. and Mrs. Corley Holbrook; Dr. Bret Wagenhorst; Mrs. Ann Herzog; South Georgia Banking Company; Steve and Jeannie Rigdon; Winkie Wright; Mr. John and Dr. Catherine Ross, MD; Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Merrill; Prince Automotive Group; Dr. Wayne and Dr. Susan Roe; Mr. and Mrs. Powell Gaines; the Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Foundation; Dr. Jack and Mrs. Joyce Leverett; First State Bank of Bainbridge; Bates Engineers/Contractors, Inc.; Burke, Worsham & Harrell, LLC; First Port City Bank; PeoplesSouth Bank; and Hilton Garden Inn of Tifton.
For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, visit arts.abac.edu.
About ABAC
Founded in 1908, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College provides a personalized, hands-on learning experience for students across Georgia and beyond. With a strong focus on academic excellence, affordability and student success, ABAC offers more than a dozen bachelor’s degrees and is recognized for its leadership in agriculture, business, humanities, nursing, science and education. ABAC serves as a vital resource for the region, preparing graduates who are ready to lead their communities and careers.
