UCSD - University of California - San Diego

07/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2026 09:14

Follow Curiosity and Find Connection During ArtPower’s 2026-2027 Season

Published Date

July 16, 2026

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In June, UC San Diego's ArtPower announced the lineup for its 2026-2027 season, featuring 34 multidisciplinary, diverse and dynamic live performances, internationally acclaimed artists, emerging favorites, beloved favorites and 24 ArtPower debuts between September 2026 and May 2027.

Operating under the university's Campus Performances and Events Office, ArtPower is inviting the community to "Follow curiosity. Find connection" when its 24th season kicks off this fall. The organization's programming is curated to appeal to students and members of the regional community through venues including the Epstein Family Amphitheater, which offers more than 2,650 seats in an outdoor, all-age, accessible venue; and The Loft, an intimate performance lounge located in Price Center, along with many other venues throughout our La Jolla campus.

Students should take notice, because ArtPower offers UC San Diego students free tickets for every performance it presents. In the 2025 - 2026 season, more than 10,000 free tickets were distributed to students, underwritten by the generosity of several donors, including philanthropist and Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs, who, with his late wife Joan, is a former trustee of the UC San Diego Foundation.

Whether it's a sound, a story, or an idea that draws them in, audiences will encounter artists who honor tradition while pushing creative boundaries. Throughout the year, performances explore themes of heritage, identity, memory, and belonging through music, dance, film, theater, and conversation.

Opening weekend offers an early glimpse of that spirit with a three-night celebration at the Epstein Family Amphitheater featuring Vieux Farka Touré, Ghostbusters in Concert, and SUGAR SKULL! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure.

Students should take notice, because ArtPower offers UC San Diego students free tickets for every performance it presents.
On Nov. 7, Tony Award-winning choreographer Sonya Tayeh brings her singular vision to The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O'Connor, a world-premiere dance-theater work inspired by her uncompromising spirit.

Additional highlights include a conversation with bestselling author and television personality Ina Garten in November, the California premiere of Sonya Tayeh's dance work The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O'Connor, and ArtPower's first collaboration with Belly Up Tavern, welcoming legendary Irish quintet Lúnasa in March.

Collaboration is another hallmark of the program. Feathered Creatures brings together sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee and guitarist Mark Lettieri, blending Indian classical traditions with modern jazz and rock. Ritchie Forever celebrates the enduring legacy of Ritchie Valens through a vibrant collective of Los Angeles musicians and performers, while projects throughout the year highlight the creative possibilities that emerge when artists share ideas, traditions and perspectives.

"The performing arts matter deeply. They make us more creative, more empathetic, more able to see the world through someone else's eyes," says Colleen Kollar Smith, executive artistic director of Campus Performances and Events Office. "We all need that in our lives, and it's our job at ArtPower to keep it within reach. We price these shows intentionally so the cost of walking in the door stays affordable, and this season's ticket prices are where that commitment shows up in practice. We want audiences to know there's a seat here for everyone."

ArtPower's season lineup includes the Grammy-winning modern string music pioneers The Punch Brothers, left, NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner Ruby Ibarra, center, and Latin Grammy-winning ensemble Las Migas, right.

Looking for a few recommendations this fall? Consider these:

Punch Brothers

Routes | Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater | $31-$81

For nearly two decades, Grammy-winning Punch Brothers have redefined modern string music. Featuring selections from their latest album, The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers, the quintet delivers an evening of extraordinary musicianship, rich interplay, and unexpected musical turns.

Ghostbusters in Concert

Films | Friday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater |

Experience the beloved 1984 classic like never before-Ghostbusters is presented on a large HD cinema screen, fully synced to a live performance of Elmer Bernstein's Academy Award®-winning score.

Ina Garten

Speaker | Thursday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. | Jacobs Music Center | $79.75-$191.20

An evening onstage with Ina Garten-the beloved cookbook author and television host known to millions as the Barefoot Contessa-offers audiences the opportunity to hear from one of America's most trusted voices in home cooking and hospitality.

The Klezmatics: A Happy Joyous Hanukkah

Holiday | Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. | Price Center East | $50

Grammy-winning ensemble The Klezmatics returns with A Happy Joyous Hanukkah, a festive program inspired by the music and traditions of Hanukkah, kicking off the Festival of Lights with vibrant klezmer and a joyful celebration of Jewish culture and community.

The Westerlies: Fireside Brass

Chamber Music | Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. | Conrad Prebys Music Center | $53-$68

Grammy-nominated brass quartet The Westerlies celebrates the holiday season with Fireside Brass, featuring beloved classic carols alongside percussionist Steven Schick, the San Diego Children's Choir, and other special guests in the joyful spirit of a family sing-along.

As part of ArtsConnect, UC San Diego's campus-wide arts initiative, ArtPower brings artists, students, and audiences together in concert halls, theaters, classrooms and outdoor gathering spaces, creating opportunities for discovery, conversation and connection. The organization remains committed to making every experience welcoming and accessible, with an average ticket price of approximately $45 and curated ticket packages that encourage audiences to explore new artists alongside familiar favorites.

Popular ticket packages return for the 2026-27 season, offering themed four-show packages and a flexible Choose Your Own option, which provides a 20% discount when purchasing tickets to five or more events.

This season is one you don't want to miss! A complete list of 2026-27 events and popular ticket packages can be found at artpower.ucsd.edu/events.

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