Category: Special Event

Ben Folds | Paper Airplane Request Tour

With Lindsey Kraft

Start practicing your paper airplane folding now because Ben Folds is bringing his Paper Airplane Request tour to the Epstein Family Amphitheater! Fans during each of the shows will be invited to launch their song requests to the stage via paper airplanes.

Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation, the Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. For the past three decades, he’s toured as a pop artist, while also performing with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras.

A New York Times Best Selling author and podcast host, Ben also composes for film, tv and theatre, guest stars in films and TV, and serves as the Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

A longtime advocate for arts and music education funding, Ben launched a music education charitable initiative in his native state of North Carolina entitled “Keys For Kids,” which provides funds and keyboards to existing nonprofits that provide free or affordable music lessons to interested school-age children. On the national level, he’s active as a member of Americans For The Arts and the Arts Action Fund.

Las Migas

Best Flamenco Latin Grammy 2022  for album Libres

Powerful vocals, dancing violin lines, sensual choreography, and upbeat rhythms of the guitar, Las Migas quartet creates a fascinating blend of flamenco and Mediterranean styles of music from Spain

The four women of Las Migas come from four different cities that span not only the geography of Spain but also its cultural diversity. They all came to the group with one common passion: flamenco. You can hear it in the rhythms of the guitarists, the fluttering violin lines, and the raw power of the vocals. Carolina La Chispa is also a gifted dancer.

Then the group started to evolve. Latin rhythms gave the music a happier, more upbeat sound. And a sensitive side began to emerge in beautiful ballads as Carolina expanded her emotional range, the violin lines grew more pensive, and the guitar arrangements turned more complex and intertwined. The dance also became more interpretive and free-flowing. The new Las Migas style was established, and has thrived.

From the beginning, the Barcelona-based quartet has filled big theaters and performed in some of the most important world-music festivals. Their new music is more luminous, with a strong Latin touch. Their style on stage, from their clothing and makeup to their staging, reflects a richness that enhances the impact of the music.

Las Migas is formed by Carolina La Chispa (vocals), Marta Robles (guitar), Alicia Grillo (guitar) and Laura Pacios (violin). After having been nominated for the Latin Grammy Awards 2017 with their latest album “Vente Conmigo” as the best Flamenco album, they begin 2018 with the new show “Érase una vez Las Migas”, prelude to what will be their fourth album, which is expected for the next winter. The 2018 tour will take them around Spain, Europe, USA and Mexico.

The band reconnects with its more flamenco roots incorporating Bego Salazar as her new vocalist, although always keeping that freshness and inimitable style that characterizes this Barcelonian quartet. The show is a journey through the most recognized and beloved songs of all their former albums, counting on the participation of their fans to elaborate a chosen repertoire, as well as some unpublished themes.

Curation Note

Las Migas brings a unique fusion of flamenco, Mediterranean, and folk influences to the stage, captivating audiences with their vibrant and soulful performances. Their innovative approach to traditional music aligns perfectly with ArtPower at UC San Diego’s mission to present diverse and boundary-pushing artistic experiences that inspire and engage. We are thrilled to welcome Las Migas to UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, where their dynamic energy and artistic excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our audience.
—Liz Bradshaw, Associate Director of Artistic Planning and Outreach

Read the Program Note

Four women holding instruments walking up the stairs with Las Migas text above their heads.

An Evening with Sir Patrick Stewart

Join beloved actor Sir Patrick Stewart for an evening of inspiring conversation in celebration of his long-awaited memoir, Making It So. From his acclaimed stage triumphs to legendary onscreen work in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, Stewart has captivated audiences around the world and across multiple generations. Now, he presents Making It So, a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life – from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim—proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself.

The intimate conversation will be facilitated by Barry Edelstein, The Old Globe’s Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director, and is presented by ArtPower at UC San Diego in partnership with Warwick’s Bookstore and the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination.

Books will be available for purchased online or at the venue through Warwicks.

*The first five hundred tickets purchased through the ArtPower website – artpower.ucsd.edu – will include a copy of Making It So by Sir Patrick Stewart. 

Suzanne Ciani and Laurel Halo

Suzanne Ciani is a five-time Grammy award-nominated composer, electronic music pioneer, and neo-classical recording artist who has released over 20 solo albums including “Seven Waves,” and “The Velocity of Love,” along with a landmark quad LP “LIVE Quadraphonic,” which restarted her Buchla modular performances. Her work has been featured in films, games, and countless commercials as well.

She was inducted into the first class of Keyboard Magazine’s Hall of Fame alongside other synth luminaries, including Bob Moog, Don Buchla and Dave Smith and received the Moog Innovation Award. Most recently, she is the recipient of the Independent Icon Award from A2IM, The Golden Ear Award, and the SEAMUS Award.

Suzanne has provided the voice and sounds for Bally’s groundbreaking “Xenon” pinball machine, created Coca-Cola’s pop-and-pour sound, designed logos for Fortune 500 companies, and carved out a niche as one of the most creatively successful female composers in the world. A Life in Waves, a documentary about Ciani’s life and work, debuted at SXSW in 2017 and is available to watch on all digital platforms.

Laurel Halo is a composer, producer, musician and DJ based in Los Angeles. Drawing inspiration from a range of musical traditions, her output is singular yet stylistically diverse, with releases traversing ambient, leftfield club, experimental pop and film score. Since 2012 she has released a number of critically-acclaimed albums including Quarantine (2012, Hyperdub), In Situ (2015, Honest Jon’s), Raw Silk Uncut Wood (2018, Latency), and Possessed: OST (2020, Vinyl Factory). She has performed in venues, festivals, clubs and institutions across the world, including the Southbank Centre, Sydney Opera House, The Kitchen, Kölner Philharmonie, CTM/Transmediale, Sónar, and Montreux Jazz Festival. She has collaborated with musicians, artists and fashion designers including Moritz von Oswald, Metahaven, Kevin Beasley, Julia Holter, Hanne Lippard, Eckhaus Latta, Martine Syms, John Cale, and the London Contemporary Orchestra. In September 2023 she will release her latest album, Atlas, as the debut release on her new record label, Awe.

Little Amal | Washed ashore

Little Amal is the 12 foot puppet of  a 10 year old Syrian refugee child at the heart of The Walk.  She has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees.

Between 7 September and 26 November 2023, Amal is journeying 11,000 miles across the United States and Mexico in one of the largest free public festivals ever created.

Join Blindspot Collective and ArtPower at South Mission Beach for Washed Ashore

Amal is yearning to play with other children at the beach when she discovers the remnants of cherished belongings that have been washed ashore.

As she listens to the sea, she thinks about the millions of refugee children across the world, who, like her, are searching for a better life.

Audiences will be greeted by food trucks and an invitation to sit with us for a family-style picnic, before being joined by Little Amal herself as we explore the hope that she has shared across the world and her continued search for peace and belonging.

Ways Get Involved!

  • Join – the picnic at Mission Beach
  • Make – Participate in a free community puppetry workshop at the UC San Diego Craft Center to make puppets that will be part of the performance. Materials, instructions, and refreshments provided. | RSVP Here >
    • Sunday, October 22 from 11 am to 2 pm
    • Tuesday, October 24 from 6–8:30 pm
  • Perform – All opportunities at: https://www.blindspotcollective.org/amal

About Little Amal

Since July 2021, Amal has travelled over 6,000 miles to 15 countries, and been welcomed by more than a million people on the street, including hundreds of artists and civil society and faith leaders, as well as by tens of millions online.

The puppet of Little Amal was designed and built by Handspring Puppet Company.

Everywhere Amal goes she is greeted with events that are authentic and meaningful to the local people she meets.

This could be a parade through a city centre, playground games with children at schools, a visit to a place of worship, an outdoor theatre or dance performance, a musical concert, a whole-city art installation, intimate encounters with children and families or ceremonies of welcome led by city mayors or other senior civic officials.

Since she began her journey in July 2021 Amal has been welcomed at more than 270 unique events in 97 cities, towns and villages.

 

Celebrate The Arts

Free UC San Diego student-only event as part of UC San Diego Welcome Week

Stop by the Epstein Family Amphitheater to learn all about arts on campus. Talk to representatives from campus arts departments, academic departments, and student organizations and learn how you can be involved in the arts at UC San Diego.

Participating organizations include: Campus Performances and Events Office (ArtPower, Campus Events, Epstein Family Amphitheater, The Loft), Stuart Collection, Department of Music, Theatre & Dance Department, Visual Arts Department, University Centers, La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, Mandeville Art Collective, Institute of Arts and Humanities, Muir Musical, Triton A Cappella Community, and more!

An Evening with David Sedaris

Master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers addressing the human condition, best-selling author David Sedaris returns once again with his acerbic humor, social commentary, and outlandish stories. Slashing through cultural euphemisms and political correctness, he will delight the audience with twists of humor and intelligence as he shares both published stories and works-in-progress.

Come early or stick around post-performance for Sedaris’s legendary book-signing sessions.

 

The Midtown Men | Holiday Hits

The Midtown Men, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, will ring in the Christmas season this year with their “Holiday Hits” show. This evening of songs and stories will feature iconic Yuletide classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s. The popular vocal group will treat their audiences to the songs of The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, and more! Additionally, The Midtown Men will perform their holiday single, “All Alone on Christmas,” which they recorded with Stevie Van Zandt and members of Bruce Springsteen’s The E Street Band. Come celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” with these seasoned Broadway veterans!

The Manhattan Transfer 50th Anniversary & Final World Tour

Special Guest: The Diva Jazz Orchestra

The Manhattan Transfer has achieved an incomparable career of pop and jazz hits, a legacy that defines the group as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The legendary quartet has won 10 Grammy Awards out of 20 nominations and has been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Their dynamic performances and sense of style have led them to become one of the most iconic music groups in the world. With their enduring creativity, energy, and joy in their music, the group has joined the pantheon of the entertainment industry. Recognized for their unique sound, The Manhattan Transfer has also recorded with an impressive array of artists, including Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, Smokey Robinson, Laura Nyro, Phil Collins, B.B. King, Chaka Khan, James Taylor, and Frankie Valli.

The group has released 19 singles and 29 albums over their incredible career and their music has been widely featured in major films and television shows. Their 50th anniversary celebration will see the release of FIFTY, the new album, and a 5-disc historic CD boxed set.

With sold-out world tours and record sales in the millions, The Manhattan Transfer continues to bring unique and extraordinary melodic and jazz-infused vocals to new and established audiences, spanning generations.

The Klezmatics | Happy Joyous Hanukkah

“The Klezmatics aren’t just the best band in the klezmer vanguard; on a good night, they can rank among the greatest bands on the planet.”—Time Out New York
Celebrate the Festival of Light with the Grammy-winning Klezmatics. Since their emergence more than 30 years ago, The Klezmatics have transcended genres, blending klezmer with aching shtetl melodies, raucous Latin stomps, wild jazz riffs, and provocative Arabic, African, American, and Balkan rhythms. This holiday performance will include seasonal music from their acclaimed album Happy Joyous Hanukkah that set lyrics by the late Woody Guthrie to their delightful original compositions.