One Night Only: History That Doesn’t Suck! Joins Symphony Orchestra in Live Palace Theatre Event

The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026 – a remarkable milestone for a nation that nearly ended before its first 100 years. This special storytelling concert commemorates America’s semiquincentennial by vividly bringing to life the pivotal moments of its first century. From the bold Declaration of Independence to the devastating Civil War, witness the resilience that forged “a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” as Abraham Lincoln proclaimed.

Tickets are available at The Palace Theatre Box Office online at thepalacetheatre.org or by calling 724-836-8000. The Palace Theatre is located at 21 W Otterman St, Greensburg, PA 15601.

Professor Greg Jackson, the charismatic storyteller behind History That Doesn’t Suck!, is renowned for his ability to make history engaging and accessible. His podcast consistently ranks at the top of Apple and Spotify history charts, counting millions of listeners with its unique blend of humor and insight. Jackson masterfully narrates “The Unlikely Union,” a gripping 100-year journey beginning with thirteen distinct British colonies uniting to form a new republic that will become the model for western democracy. This young nation’s durability and commitment to its founding ideals are then tested in a bloody civil war.

“This story actually begins right here in Western PA in 1754,” says Jackson, “when a young George Washington, in his first command of a colonial militia, inadvertently ignites a world war that will lead to an American Revolution. So, I can’t think of a better place to debut this storytelling symphony than with the Westmoreland Orchestra.”

Michael Rozell, Executive Director of The Westmoreland Symphony, enthusiastically adds, “I attended a smaller-scale version of this production in Pittsburgh last year, primarily because I knew the producer, not because I’m a history buff. Yet I was deeply moved by the storytelling and profoundly humbled by what I learned. I called my friend, the producer, and said: ‘This is great entertainment. We need to bring it to a larger stage with my orchestra, because I know our audiences will truly appreciate it.’”

Dossie McCraw, Rozell’s producer-friend (formerly of HBO and Spotify), explains his choice to work with Professor Jackson: “I decided to work with Professor Jackson and take what he does to other mediums beyond the podcast because he knows how to make learning history exciting—in other words, not suck. His storytelling humanizes the players, while his insights help unpack the often confusing contradictions and compromise, sacrifice and leadership that knitted a complex nation together. Audiences will come away a little more informed and genuinely entertained with the backing of this acclaimed orchestra!”

This live show will not be recorded for the podcast, emphasizing the unique, shared experience. Says McCraw, “It’s a chance for us to come together during heated partisan times to be immersed in a truly remarkable story about the miracle our unlikely union is; a story that reminds us that we are stronger when we pull together.”

Professor Jackson holds a PhD in history and is a tenured Associate Professor and Senior Fellow in National Security Studies, as well as a Fellow of Integrated Studies at Utah Valley University. He is also a frequent commentator in film documentaries, including the 2022 HISTORY Channel three-night event Abraham Lincoln, executive produced by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin and featuring former President Barack Obama among other history scholars.

To learn more about the History That Doesn’t Suck! live show and tour, visit HTDSpodcast.com.

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to promoting musical enrichment through quality performances and education for a diverse audience in the Westmoreland region. Learn more about their history and current season at Westmorelandsymphony.org.

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