On the moves

‘Life is a Highway’ brings music, movement to EOU 

Photo courtesy of Bill Rugh and Michelle Benton

Jan 22, 2018 La Grande, Ore. — Planes, trains and tricycles will take audiences at Eastern Oregon University’s winter concert to new places.

The annual popular music concert, titled “Life is a Highway: Music that Takes You Places,” promises a slew of upbeat hits for all ages — from gospel to country, to broadway and classic rock.

Students in EOU’s Chamber Choir and music program star in this song-and-dance show, with performances at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 2 and at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Feb. 3.

Choreographers Billy Rugh and Michelle Benton spent a month in La Grande guiding students through the steps of this fast-paced production.

The pair have worked together for more than 20 years on national tours and international shows. Their career spans non-profit musical theatre projects in Tanzania, collaboration with LeAnn Rimes and Lily Tomlin, performances at Disney Hall and the Ford Ampitheatre, and choreographed numbers for high-profile organizations. They are thrilled to work with EOU for the first time.

Peter Wordelman conducts the EOU Chamber Choir and music professor Luke McKern  leads the live band at all three performances.

Sponsors include Red Cross Drug, Koza Family Dental and The Observer. Tickets are available at Red Cross Drug and the EOU Bookstore for $8 each, and $7 for students and seniors. Purchasing 10 or more tickets qualifies for the group rate of $6 each.

Visit eou.edu/music for more information about this and other upcoming shows.