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A look ahead at the cool events of 2012

Big concerts and stage shows will bring the wow factor to Kuss Auditorium next year

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast"

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Darius Rucker

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By Andrew McGinn, Staff Writer 4:17 PM Thursday, December 29, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Well, how’s this for timing — it’s just been announced that the Rolling Stones will play Kuss Auditorium on Dec. 22, 2012, with U2 and Bruce Springsteen as opening acts.

Unfortunately, though, the world will end on Dec. 21, according to the Mayan calendar.

But cheer up — the coming year still boasts a few good shows before the Earth bursts into flames.

Here are a few upcoming events that will make 2012 a year actually worthy of the Mayan apocalypse.

(Oh, and kidding about the Stones. Not kidding about the end of days, though.)

Contact this reporter at amcginn@coxohio.com.

Darius Rucker

7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, Kuss Auditorium

Hootie has gone country.

And country has welcomed Hootie with open arms, naming him new artist of the year at the 2009 CMA Awards.

Tickets: OK, it’s technically sold out, but call (937) 328-3874 to be put on the waiting list.

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“The Color Purple” national tour

7:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Kuss

A novel (and movie) that deals with infanticide and domestic abuse doesn’t exactly scream, “Hey! Someone adapt me into a Broadway musical!”

But there’s no denying the outcome — the show was nominated for best musical at the 2006 Tonys.

Tickets: (937) 328-3874 or springfieldartscouncil.com

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“In the Heights” national tour

7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, Kuss

The winner of the 2008 Tony for best musical, this show about Latino immigrants in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood has been likened to this generation’s “West Side Story” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Even cooler, this marks the Miami Valley premiere for “In the Heights.”

Tickets: (937) 328-3874 or springfieldartscouncil.com

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“Riverdance” farewell tour

7:30 p.m. March 8, Kuss

Say it ain’t so — after 15 years, “Riverdance” is about to leave America for good.

Tickets: (937) 328-3874 or pactkts.com

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“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”  national tour

7:30 p.m. March 28, Kuss

Another Miami Valley premiere, this one doesn’t need any explanation.

It ran on Broadway from 1994 to 2007, closing after a whopping 5,461 performances.