Peter Sagal, host of one of NPR’s most popular radio programs Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me, will speak as part of Tuscarawas 50th Anniversary on University Drive Celebration on Mon., Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Sagal replaces the previously announced Dave Barry who had to cancel his appearance due to a family health emergency.
“While it’s unfortunate that circumstances necessitated Dave Barry to cancel his appearance, we’re excited to be able to bring someone as renowned as Peter Sagal to help us celebrate this milestone for our campus,” said Brad Bielski, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of Kent State Tuscarawas. “I know people are really going to enjoy Peter’s humor and will find his presentation both entertaining and thought-provoking.”
As the host of National Public Radio’s Wait … Don’t Tell Me! for its 20 year run on NPR, Peter Sagal is heard by more than 5 million people every week, broadcast on more than 600 public radio stations nationwide and via a popular podcast. The hour-long show has captivated news junkies across the country with its lighthearted approach to current events, and has become the biggest and most beloved weekend radio phenomenon since A Prairie Home Companion. It received the prestigious Peabody Award in 2008.
Peter Sagal is the author of The Book of Vice: Naughty Things and How to Do Them and The Incomplete Book of Running, forthcoming from Simon and Schuster this fall.
Tickets for Peter Sagal are required and will be available, free of charge, at the Performing Arts Center. Those who currently have Dave Barry tickets will need to contact the Box Office to exchange them for Peter Sagal. Tickets are available in person, by calling 330.308.6400 or online at www.kent.edu/tusc/pac. The box office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other events scheduled along with Sagal’s appearance the week of Sept. 10 – 16 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary Celebration, include a presentation by historian Todd Hartline, a Kent State Tuscarawas instructor, on the history of the Tuscarawas campus, Mon., Sept. 10, at noon in the Founders Hall auditorium. A Campus Reunion of Kent State Tuscarawas alumni, former athletic team members, campus retirees and friends will be held Wed., Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Founders Hall lobby. On Fri., Sept. 14, Bob and Melody Liberatore will perform Love Letters on the Performing Arts Center stage at 7 p.m., with open seating. The week will culminate with a Community Open House and tours of all campus buildings on Sun., Sept. 16, from 1 – 3 p.m. These special events are free and open to the public – no tickets are required.
Celebration events will extend to October, as the Tuscarawas Philharmonic season opens with a unique program designed to honor Kent State Tuscarawas, founded 50 years ago when the music of the Beatles was all the rage. A Tribute to the Beatles with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic will be held at the Performing Arts Center on Sat., Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m., with the Classical Mystery Tour, one of the foremost tribute bands to recreate music from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour and other great Beatles music. Tickets for this event are available by calling 330.308.6400 or visiting www.TuscPhil.org.
For additional information, contact Chad Conrad, Kent State Tuscarawas Director of Advancement, at 330.308.7445 or cconra1@kent.edu.
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