The Orchestra Starring ELO and ELO Part II Former Members Comes to the Carolina Theatre on April 2

Tickets On Sale Now

DURHAM, NC — January 19, 2026 —The Orchestra will bring their fusion of Beatlesque pop, classical arrangements and futuristic iconography to the Carolina Theatre of Durham on Thursday, April 2. Tickets are now on sale at the venue’s box office and online at www.carolinatheatre.org. 

The story starts in 1970 in Birmingham, England, where the Electric Light Orchestra began their journey as one of the world’s most popular rock bands. Mik Kaminski joined the band in 1973 with his legendary blue violin, and the classic lineup solidified in 1974 with the addition of bassist/singer Kelly Groucutt and orchestrator Lou Clark. Together, played their way onto an astonishing library of hit records including “Eldorado,” “Face the Music,” “A New World Record,” “Out of the Blue,” “Discovery” and “Xanadu.” 

After the original lineup of ELO broke up in 1986, drummer Bev Bevan formed ELO Part II in 1988 with English guitarist Pete Haycock, American keyboardist and songwriter Eric Troyer and former ELO members Kaminski, Clark, Groucutt and Hugh McDowell. Following Bevan’s retirement in 1999 and the addition of drummer Gordon Townsend, the group began touring as The Orchestra in 2000. That lineup released a brilliant album called “No Rewind” featuring original songs and a stunning interpretation of “Twist and Shout.” 

In 2009, bassist and frontman Kelly Groucutt passed away suddenly following a concert in Berlin. Former Styx bassist, guitarist, songwriter and singer Glen Burtnik joined the band to fill Groucutt’s role. In 2015, Louis Clark Jr. became a permanent member, performing alongside his father until Lou Clark Sr.’s passing in 2021. Louis Jr. now carries on his father’s role as orchestral keyboardist and symphonic conductor. 

These days, multi-instrumentalist Cliff Hillis joins the band on select shows, adding vocals and guitar to The Orchestra’s dynamic sound. 

In 2024, the documentary “No Rewind: The Orchestra Starring ELO Former Members” was released, providing behind-the-scenes footage, stories from the road and performances from the “No Rewind” album. 

Over the years, the members of The Orchestra have played ELO’s greatest hits to millions of fans in over fifty countries. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.carolinatheatre.org. 

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. The Carolina Theatre of Durham is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. Visit carolinatheatre.org for more information. 

Contact: Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
(919) 560-3040 | hanna@carolinatheatre.org