Join us for an evening with Kishi Bashi, the genre-defying violinist, composer, and indie pop visionary whose dazzling live performances and heartfelt songs have earned him international acclaim and a devoted following.
Venue: Epstein Family Amphitheater
Meshell Ndegeocello
Praised by the New Yorker as “the most significant bassist this country has produced since the advent of Charles Mingus and Flea,” Meshell Ndegeocello makes her ArtPower debut with her GRAMMY-winning album No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin.
The prescience of James Baldwin is alive nearly forty years after his passing, a testament to his enduring impact. A prolific writer, his essays, novels, plays, and poetry have assessed and often reproached the human condition. As an activist, his oratory prowess in the 1960s was bar none, lending his outspoken views on Black oppression with profundity and eloquence. Born in New York City on August 2, 1924, this year marks the centennial of the eminent writer, a momentous occasion that is celebrated by the release of one of Meshell Ndegeocello’s most intrepid efforts to date: No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin.
With No More Water, Ndegeocello embarks on a prophetic musical odyssey that transcends boundaries and genres, delving headfirst into race, sexuality, religion, and other recurring themes explored in the celebrated writer’s canon. Following 2023’s The Omnichord Real Book, her acclaimed debut for Blue Note Records which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album, the multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer renders an immersive and palpable document that is as sagacious, unabashed, and introspective as Baldwin was in life.
Camila Fernández
Opener: Mariachi Continental San Diego
Camila Fernández has established herself as an unstoppable force in the Mexican regional genre. Her undeniable talent and passion for music have led her to become the lone female voice of the Fernández Dynasty. Born on November 30, 1997, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Camila’s love for music was evident from her earliest days. At the tender age of four, her powerful voice and stage presence impressed everyone on every stage she graced, whether it was in musical theater, school choirs, religious pageants, or performances. Her destiny was clear: music was her path.
Her musical influences encompass icons like her grandfather Vicente Fernández, her father Alejandro Fernández, Juan Gabriel, Rocío Dúrcal, José Alfredo Jiménez, and Eugenia de León, who have left an indelible mark on her style and passion for music.
Her new album, “Camila Fernández,” includes 20 tracks, with 10 original songs and 10 covers, all connected by the theme of love in its various forms. Camila penned 9 of the original songs, demonstrating her creative ambition and deep commitment to her music.This creative ambition is reflected in the musical development of her new album, which evokes the nostalgia of Mexican mariachi and the sonic innovation of the 21st century. Camila is an artist with a promising future, capable of reinventing the past through her ranchera passion conveyed in every verse.
Thanks to her unique qualities, Camila Fernández is undeniably the best representative of the new Mexican regional music: a revolutionary woman who blends the best of multiple worlds to create an authentic and distinct style. Her music is a gift for Mexican music enthusiasts and an inspiration for future generations.
Mariachi Continental de San Diego is San Diego’s premiere Mariachi.
The Making of Our Planet: Frozen Worlds
“This has been a true labour of love for hundreds of filmmakers, cinematographers, conservationists, editors, musicians and production teams, all of whom have brought their best work to the most important story that there is – a story that could not be more universal or more timely.”—David Attenborough
Four billion years. Millions of species. Five mass extinction events (and counting). It’s the story of Life on Our Planet. From the Emmy® Award-winning team behind Netflix’s Our Planet series, comes a new natural history speaker series event: The Making of Our Planet. Brought to you by Silverback Films and Producer esk. in association with Netflix, The Making of Our Planet is a new and immersive live show featuring behind-the-scenes stories from the explorers, filmmakers, scientists, and adventurers that created some of the most eye-catching footage of our planet. Join us live on stage as we bring to life these stories from the natural world. With a focus on climate fragility and climate migration, The Making of Our Planet tells an unprecedented story about overcoming obstacles on a global scale and explores the messages at the heart of these action-packed, emotional, and unforgettable sequences.
Frozen Worlds
The unforgiving frontier of climate change. The calving of a gigantic iceberg or the risks of fossil fuel exploration in the arctic are never far from our news screens. Yet what does it mean for those that live there? Join us as we follow polar bears, walruses, seals and penguins as they find their icy Edens in peril. Brought to you by the speakers, adventurers and explorers that have joined the tradition of the polar explorer and returned to tell us why this frozen frontier is vital for our planet.
Black Violin: Full Circle Tour
Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour, where GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. This tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.
From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge expectations. With their Black Violin Foundation reaching over 100,000 students each year, they’re building a legacy that transcends the stage, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly. Join them for an unforgettable night that celebrates growth, music, and the beauty of coming full circle.
Syncopated Ladies
Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies Live! is a ground breaking mixed media concert featuring a diverse all-female cast celebrating sisterhood, the power of joy, and tap dance! Created for theatergoers of all ages, it is an electrifying one of a kind dance and storytelling experience. Get to know the ladies as they each share their inspiring journeys to reach for their dreams through the art of tap dance. With fierce footwork and spectacular pop concert production, the ladies leave audiences motivated to pursue their dreams with courage, determination, and love, no matter the obstacles.Founded by
Emmy Nominated Choreographer, Chloé Arnold, who was discovered at a young age in Washington, DC by Debbie Allen. Her choreography has been featured on hit television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Good Morning America, The Ellen Show, The Talk, and over 30 episodes of The Late Late Show With James Corden. Syncopated Ladies’ viral videos have amassed over 200 million views, and they have worked with Mega star Beyonce, FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, Good Morning America, the James Corden Show, the US Open, and most recently with Mariah Carey in her Christmas Special and on CNN’s NYE Live . In 2022 Chloé choreographed the feature film Spirited (with Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Octavia Spencer).
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season! Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, we capture the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey! You’ll experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas! Join Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico!
Soweto Gospel Choir | Peace
With their concert entitled “PEACE,” the multi-Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir return to North America to perform a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics. The inspirational concert will also feature the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and more! Formed in 2002, the Choir was created to celebrate the unique power of African gospel music and quickly established itself as a group that is “undeniably synchronized, appears unshakable, and simultaneously expresses universality and individuality” (San Francisco Classical Voice). Heralded by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey, Soweto Gospel Choir excites audiences worldwide, uplifting the soul and spreading joy through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes, and infectious spirit. It’s perfect for the entire family!
Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular
Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular
Move over, Mariah—the true Queen of the Holidays is coming to town! Join RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 winner Ginger Minj for a festive extravaganza that’s sure to get your bells jingling.
Known for her quick wit, powerhouse vocals, and undeniable Southern charm, Ginger is trading her spotlight for a slay to deliver a night of non-denominational, all-inclusive festive cheer. Forget the silent nights—expect a high-energy romp filled with campy classics, hilarious seasonal tales, and dazzling costumes that shine brighter than the star on top of the tree.
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular is the sweetest gift you’ll unwrap this season. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of drag, music, and pure festive magic!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
Approximate Run Time: 60 mins
Recommended age: Pre-K to 2nd Grade
Fun Fact
#1 New York Times Bestseller Mo Willems (Author of the book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!) began his career as a writer and animator for PBS’ Sesame Street, where he garnered 6 Emmy Awards for his writing.
Curriculum Connections:
Themes:
$25–45