BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – IU Auditorium is pleased to welcome Leslie Odom Jr., Tony and Grammy Award–winning actor, vocalist, and songwriter, for a one-night-only performance on February 15 at 6 p.m. The performance will also feature the IU Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Thomas Wilkins and marks the inaugural performance of the annual Curry Family Spotlight series.

 

Best known for his groundbreaking portrayal of Aaron Burr in Broadway’s Hamilton, Odom brings his celebrated voice and magnetic stage presence to Bloomington for an intimate evening of music and storytelling. The performance will feature selections from jazz, Broadway, the American Songbook, and original material, showcasing the artistry that has made Odom one of today’s most respected performers.

 

“We are honored to host Tony and Grammy Award-winning songwriter and actor Leslie Odom, Jr. in Bloomington for the first time,” said IU Auditorium Executive Director, Maria Talbert. “Leslie may be best known for his role as Aaron Burr Hamilton, but he has also given brilliant performances within countless other theatre productions, movies, and television shows. This unique performance will be an exciting opportunity for our audience to experience a masterful collaboration on stage as the Jacobs School of Music’s own Philharmonic Orchestra will perform alongside Leslie and his band.”

 

In addition to his historic run in Hamilton, Odom’s career spans stage, film, television, and music. His screen credits include One Night in Miami…, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Many Saints of Newark, and Abbott Elementary. As a recording artist, Odom has released multiple acclaimed albums that highlight his roots in jazz and soul, earning praise for his emotional depth and vocal sophistication.

 

The IU Philharmonic Orchestra, which consists of students from the Jacobs School of Music, will join Odom onstage for this performance. This will all be under the baton of Thomas Wilkins, a current faculty member at the Jacobs School of Music and principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

 

About the Curry Family Spotlight

For nearly three decades, Curry Auto Center has been a leading corporate partner of IU Auditorium with generous season support that has helped to bring hundreds of amazing and unforgettable artists to this stage. Cary and Julie Curry have also worked in close partnership with IU Auditorium over the years as founding members of our Auditorium Board of Advisors. Their sons Joseph and James experienced countless shows here at IU Auditorium while growing up in Bloomington.

 

In celebration of the Curry family’s dedication and service to IU and IU Auditorium, and in recognition of Curry Auto Center’s impact on our community, the Curry family has pledged a special gift to IU Auditorium to launch the Curry Family Spotlight. Starting with this performance by Leslie Odom, Jr., the Curry Family Spotlight will annually present a top performing artist  as part of the IU Auditorium season and provide inspirational engagement opportunities for students, patrons, and community members surrounding the artist’s visit to Bloomington.

 

IU Auditorium’s 2025–2026 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, Cook, The Herald Times, Upland Brewing Company, World Arts Inc., Boston Scientific, and B97.