Saturday, May 24
6 p.m. Doors and Kickoff Party
$10 advance / $15 day of show
Swifties unite!
Join us in the big room at the Varsity for an unofficial Taylor Swift Dance Party. Dance and sing along to all the hits from every “Era.” Plus, Taylor Swift tribute artist Charity Dean (of “Lover: An Eras Tour Experience) will be performing live.
All ages are welcome.
Tickets are $10 in advance at Eventbrite (see link). They also will be available for $15 at the doors on the evening of the show.
This event is not affiliated with Taylor Swift / T.A.S. Rights Management.
Friday, June 13
6 Bar and Doors
7 Show
Opening Act: Chicago Farmer
$20 advance / $25 night of show
Inspired by annual shows at Little Grassy Getdown, an eclipse show at the Varsity in 2024, as well as current events, The Woodbox Gang committed to recording their first album in 12 years. On June 13, 2025, they will perform songs from the new album, “Brown Cane Toad,” and beloved favorites at the Varsity in Carbondale, Illinois.
Band members are Hugh DeNeal, Alex Kirt, Dan Goett, Nate Graham and Max Senteney.
The Woodbox Gang have spent a quarter of a century creating vibrant and timeless music, combining the traditional sounds of American roots music with a raw and ragged sensibility. From the rickety stage floors of a church in downtown Makanda to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., The Woodbox Gang has excited audiences of all kinds over the years. Recently, the band played only a handful of shows, often digging into the vault for tunes written more than 20 years earlier.
Chicago Farmer will open the show with his sharp wit and amazing storytelling in his music. Chicago Farmer has dazzled audiences back and forth across the lands, leaving tears of laughter and catharsis.
This incredible concert will take place Friday, June 13, in the Big Room at the Varsity, which now has new state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and a new cutting-edge heating and cooling system.
Tickets are $20 in advance at Eventbrite (see link) and $25 at the venue on the night of the show when the Varsity Bar and doors open at 6.