A look at 15 memorable acts to take the stage at Hancher Auditorium, entering its 50th season

Hancher Auditorium has been a staple for the University of Iowa and Iowa City community since its opening in 1972.

Since the doors first opened, the auditorium has hosted countless memorable acts. From Jesse Jackson in 1986 to Carl Sagan in 1992 to the Broadway musical "Waitress"

in 2021, the space has allowed the public to experience a wide array of events in the arts.

With Hancher beginning its 50th season on Aug. 26, here are some of the most prominent performers, lecturers and productions to hit its stage:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

When: March 25, 2018

Six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stopped in Iowa City to discuss activism while being an athlete. Also a recipient of the University Lecture Committee's Distinguished Lecturer Medallion, Abdul-Jabbar's message was to foster activism within UI students and teach them how to talk about important issues.

Maya Angelou

When: Sept. 30, 1994

Renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou spoke at Hancher and received the University Lecture Committee's Distinguished Lecturer Medallion. Angelou discussed her experiences with racism and trauma, and how poetry and knowledge are essential.

Count Basie and His Orchestra

When: Oct. 22, 1983

One of the most famous bandleaders and names in jazz, Count Basie performed to a sold-out crowd at Hancher Auditorium in 1983. The performance was part of the Hancher Jazz Series, which began in 1976.

Tony Bennett

When: Sept. 28, 2002

Tony Bennett served as a headliner of Hancher's 30th Anniversary Gala in 2002, kicking off the celebration with his concert. Bennett received a standing ovation before beginning the performance, then launched into two hours of songs such as "New York State of Mind" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and called himself "the Britney Spears of (his) day."

Jimmy Carter

When: April 26, 1991

The 39th president of the United States has visited campus more than once, but his first visit was on April 26,1991. The former president, governor and senator came to Iowa City to talk about national and international politics, including the situations in Iran and the Middle East that were such a prominent part of his presidency.

Johnny Cash

When: March 30, 1984

Johnny Cash, a legendary country singer and host of "The Johnny Cash Show," played two shows at Hancher in 1984. Alongside his wife June Carter and their band, tickets for his first show at 6:30 p.m. cost between $8 and $13, while the 10 p.m. show cost $10-$15.

Ella Fitzgerald

When: Sept. 26-27, 1974

Ella Fitzgerald sold out back-to-back nights at Hancher Auditorium as part of the Celebrity Series. With songs like "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "Cry Me A River," the First Lady of Song had Hancher packed with fans and admirers in 1974.

More: Looking back at 50 years of Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, from its opening to its enduring impact

Aretha Franklin

When: Oct. 23, 2004

Nicknamed "the Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin came to Hancher and sold out a show in the fall of 2004. Franklin sang hits like "Natural Woman" and "Respect" to the crowd of more than 2,500.

The Joffrey Ballet

When: Jan. 23, 1974

The Joffrey Ballet performed at Hancher for the first time in 1974, but continued to return to the stage for decades. Throughout the years, the ballet company performed shows such as "Billboards," the "River to River" tour, and, most recently, the 2016 rendition of "The Nutcracker."

Gene Kelly

When: Sept. 24, 1983

Gene Kelly came to Iowa City and spoke with about 2,600 fans about his life as an actor, dancer, singer, director and choreographer. Kelly discussed his viewpoint on the arts in the modern world and answered questions from the audience after a screening of "Singin' in the Rain."

Yo-Yo Ma

When: Nov. 4,1984

Though he and various accompanists have been to Hancher Auditorium multiple times, Yo-Yo Ma's first performance was in 1984. One of the most famous and beloved cellists in the world, Yo-Yo Ma will return to Hancher in 2023 along with pianist Kathryn Scott.

More: Hancher Auditorium announces 50th season lineup, featuring Wynton Marsalis, Leslie Odom Jr. and more

Bill Nye

When: April 26, 2022

Arguably one of the most anticipated events at Hancher Auditorium, Bill Nye arrived in Iowa City and received the University Lecture Committee's Distinguished Lecturer Medallion after his original 2020 appearance was canceled. Nye lectured to a sold-out auditorium about climate change and the environment, mixing humor and science throughout the presentation.

Leslie Odom Jr.

When: Oct. 1, 2017

Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. came to Iowa City in 2017 and had a free, outdoor concert outside of Hancher. Odom Jr. sang a multitude of songs, including some from "Hamilton," where he starred as Aaron Burr in the original Broadway cast. Odom Jr. will be back at Hancher in the fall, this time indoors on Hadley Stage.

Janet Reno

When: Jan. 22, 2006

Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno spoke her mind about the death penalty when she visited Hancher Auditorium in 2006. She also received the University Lecture Committee's Distinguished Lecturer Medallion. Reno, the first woman to hold the U.S. Attorney General position, recommended people begin using DNA evidence to ensure that inmates on death row are guilty of the crimes they are being charged with.

Elie Wiesel

When: Oct. 14, 1998

Nobel Peace Prize laureate, author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel came to Hancher to lecture on human rights. Wiesel discussed his life and experiences while in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps to a crowd of 4,000 and encouraged people to continue to fight for human rights.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: As Hancher Auditorium enters 50th year, a look at memorable acts