The grand opening for the Brown Family Amphitheater took place Sept 19. According to the Ball State University Press Center, food trucks opened and back stage tours were given before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a free jazz concert featuring the Ball State Jazz Ensemble with vocalist and 2021 Ball State graduate Tatum Langley. Langley received her BFA in musical theater and sang with the ensemble during her junior and senior year.
"[I sang] here, on campus at some concerts, as well as some venues in Indianapolis like Fountain Square [and] their swing dance nights," Langley said.
Before becoming a professional performer and jazz singer in Chicago, Langley worked in theme park entertainment and local theaters. Now, she has taken her talent across the Windy City as well as the country.
"I went on tour with the group, Post Modern Jukebox this past summer, which has been crazy."
With all of these accomplishments under her belt, Langley is glad she is able to make her mark on the brand new amphitheater stage.
"It's very gratifying to be back here," Langley said. "I'm honored to be here, to be the one singing at this opening. "
Donor Charles Brown cut the ribbon with other members of the Board of Trustees and University President Geoffrey Mearns.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is the second event held at the venue, following the performance by Don McLean on Sept 2.
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