2026/ 27 SEASON
Welcome to the Cal Poly Arts 2026–2027 Season Dear Friends, Welcome to a new season of Cal Poly Arts—one that invites you not just to attend, but to experience something extraordinary. This year, we’ve created a season driven by bold imagination and artistic ambition designed to transport you, spark curiosity, and bring our community together in meaningful and unforgettable ways. At its best, the performing arts do more than entertain—they unite and invite us to see the world with greater openness and share in something profoundly human. This season, you’ll encounter artists shaping the sound of America, experience extraordinary performers from around the globe, and enjoy a thrilling Broadway lineup. As you explore the 2026–2027 season, we hope you feel what we felt while creating it: excitement, wonder, and a sense of possibility. Because this isn’t just a lineup of performances—it’s an invitation. To gather. To discover. To be moved. We’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to share this season with you!
Warmly,
Molly Clark
Director, Cal Poly Arts
2026/27 SEASON IMPORTANT DATES MON, JUNE 8 THU, JUNE 25 MON, JULY 6
Subscriptions on sale Renewing subscriber deadline Individual show tickets on sale
Encore Endowment Initiative Building a Stronger Future for Cal Poly Arts Our endowment is growing—and so is our impact.
In the past year alone, your support has accelerated momentum toward our $2.5 million goal, bringing us to 52% funded. Every dollar invested in the endowment creates lasting impact. Endowments provide stable, long-term funding that allows arts organizations not only to survive, but to thrive—ensuring access, excellence, and innovation for generations.
A Milestone Within Reach $1,300,000+ raised 52% of our $2.5 Million goal We’ve crossed the halfway mark—but the work isn’t done. Your gift today keeps the momentum going.
Why Your Support Matters Now • Bringing the world’s best performing arts to the Central Coast: Your support ensures we can continue presenting internationally renowned artists and extraordinary performances that would not otherwise reach our region. • Strengthening community through shared cultural experiences: Participation in the arts fosters connection, empathy, and wellbeing—your support makes those moments possible. • Expanding access for students and underserved communities: Arts education is linked to higher academic achievement and creativity. Your support helps remove barriers so more young people can participate. • Investing in the next generation: Through masterclasses, residencies, and hands-on learning, students gain real-world experience that shapes future artists and audiences. • Securing a sustainable future: Endowment gifts are among the most powerful forms of philanthropy—ensuring that Cal Poly Arts can serve this community not just today, but forever. Support the future of Cal Poly Arts—contact Maria Taylor at 805-756-6383 or mtaylo83@calpoly.edu to make your impact through the Encore Endowment Initiative.
How to Buy Tickets
Online at calpolyarts.org
Call the ticket office at (805) 756-4849
Visit the Cal Poly Ticket Office
Individual event tickets go on sale on Monday, July 6 at 10am! Cal Poly Ticket Office Hours Summer Hours (June 8-Aug 16): Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Regular Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-6pm Show Days: Open noon until 30 mins past curtain time
Cal Poly Discounts Staff & faculty can enjoy a 20% discount* for most Cal Poly Arts events! Cal Poly student ticket prices for as low as $17 are available for most performances and can be purchased throughout the season with a valid student ID. Check out the specific event page on calpolyarts.org to find out if student pricing is available. Please Note: Prices listed for events include all processing fees and are subject to change.
Buy direct! The Cal Poly Ticket Office, calpolyarts.org, and pacslo.org are the only official ticketing sources for our events. Watch out for third-party ticket websites that sell at inflated prices and potentially sell invalid tickets. The Ticket Office will not be able to assist with those tickets should problems arise.
Pick Four, Save More! Choose just 4 or more shows for a 10% discount on your tickets!* Why Build a Subscription? Best Prices
By choosing just four or more shows in the Cal Poly Arts season, you can save 10% on your tickets, PLUS the $2 processing fee will be waived on all of your subscription tickets for an added discount! When you support Cal Poly Arts by becoming a VIP Member, you can add additional exclusive benefits and discounts to your subscription order.
Priority Access & Seating
Starting Monday, June 8, create a subscription to get first access to tickets before individual event tickets go on sale on Monday, July 6!
Flexibility
Change in plans? Season subscribers can easily exchange tickets from one Cal Poly Arts performance to another in the 2026/27 season by just covering the difference in ticket price (pending ticket availability). Reminder: Seating requests made during the subscription period cannot be guaranteed. Seating priority is based first on seniority of years of continuous renewal and then on the date the order is received. Renewing subscribers must place orders by Thursday, June 25 to guarantee their seating priority. *Some exceptions apply. “Center Stage” events do not qualify for the 10% discount but do count as one of the 4+ shows needed to build a subscription. Broadway Series shows carry a maximum 10% subscriber discount.
VIP Membership Become a Cal Poly Arts supporter and get exclusive benefits! Your support helps Cal Poly Arts to continue to provide diverse programming and arts access initiatives.
FRIEND $100+ • • • •
Donor Honor Roll recognition in the Performing Arts Center lobby during Cal Poly Arts events Exclusive pre-sale access for single ticket sales Exclusive email updates with Cal Poly Arts news & special offers Complimentary season magnet
ADVOCATE $300+ • • •
All of the previously listed benefits Free ticket exchange VIP one-time use parking pass for the top level of the Grand Avenue parking structure. (Valid at Cal Poly Arts events only.)
CHAMPION $600+ • • • •
All of the previously listed benefits Add an additional 5% off your subscription tickets to get up to 15% off. (Excludes Broadway shows and select events.) Invitation to a VIP Appreciation Party One additional (2 total) VIP one-time use parking pass for the top level of the Grand Avenue parking structure. (Valid at Cal Poly Arts events only.)
BENEFACTOR $1,500+ • • •
All of the previously listed benefits Invitation to the 2027/28 Spotlight Season Preview Party VIP parking pass for the whole season on the top level of the Grand Avenue parking structure. (Valid at Cal Poly Arts events only.)
Venue Info Cal Poly Arts performances are primarily held at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo (PAC), a stateof-the-art venue on the Cal Poly Campus. Venues include the 1,286-seat Harold Miossi Hall and the 200-seat Pavilion, both located inside the Christopher Cohan Center, as well as the intimate 498-seat Spanos Theatre. PARKING Parking in the Grand Ave. structure is included with your ticket purchase. Five-minute parking is available outside the Ticket Office window on Grand Ave. for ordering or picking up tickets.
ACCESSIBILITY The PAC offers many services to ensure everyone can enjoy the theater including accessible seating, assistive listening, and more. A Sensory Inclusive™ certified venue, accommodations are available to guests with sensory processing needs.
SEATING CHARTS Seating charts can be found by scanning the QR code below. Price zones and configurations vary per show.
For detailed venue information, visit PACSLO.ORG/PLAN-YOUR-VISIT
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Calendar of Events JULY
DECEMBER
JULY 16
DEC 14
BODYTRAFFIC SEPTEMBER
SEPT 8
TajMo: Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ SEPT 17
Arturo O’Farrill Trio SEPT 20
Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam SEPT 22
Ballets Jazz Montréal: “Dance Me” The Music of Leonard Cohen OCTOBER
OCT 3
Alphabet Rockers: SHADES: Anthems for the Planet OCT 20
Circa: Wolf OCT 22
“The General” (1926) Accompanied by Christian Elliott OCT 27
CelloGayageum NOVEMBER
NOV 2
Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole JANUARY JAN 18-19
BEETLEJUICE (National Broadway Tour) JAN 31
National Geographic Live: Incredible Animal Athletes with Lucy Hawkes FEBRUARY FEB 1O
Rhiannon Giddens FEB 11
José James Sings Sinatra FEB 16
Ballet Folklórico de México FEB 17
Emmanuel Acho FEB 21
Lightwire Theater: The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare FEB 24
Trampled by Turtles MARCH
Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band
MAR 2
NOV 15
MAR 11
Las Migas
Nate Smith A Duo Organ Recital with Olivier Latry and Shin-Young Lee
MAR 13
Goitse APRIL APR 4
Delirium Musicum: The Four Seasons & “Cabinet of Curiosities” APR 6-7
SHUCKED (National Broadway Tour) APR 21
Alfredo Rodriguez Band Featuring Pedrito Martinez APR 29
Chelsea Chen: Echoes of East Asia: A Celebration of Folk Song & the Organ APR 30
MOMIX: Botanica MAY MAY 9
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Show MAY 18-19
SIX (National Broadway Tour) JUNE JUNE 10
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE (National Broadway Tour) *All dates, times, artists, programs, venues, and ticket prices are subject to change.
DANCE
BODYTRAFFIC
Presented in partnership with Festival Mozaic: SLO Music & Arts Festival Thu, July 16 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $30-95 BODYTRAFFIC will bring the creative spirit of its Los Angeles home for one evening of stunning contemporary dance. Led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC’s choreography integrates diverse voices and styles, with technical mastery, sophistication, and vast experiences. After 20 years of excellence, the company will be sunsetting at the end of July 2026. We are honored to present one of their final performances. This event is not part of the standard season subscription. Tickets went on sale in April and can be purchased through FESTIVALMOZAIC.ORG
BLUES
TAJMO
Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ Tue, Sept 8 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $57-86 | VIP $225 It’s been nearly a decade since Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ teamed up for their collaborative debut, TajMo. Though the original album was a runaway success winning a Grammy Award and sparking a massive joint tour of the US and Europe, neither artist ever expected to record a follow-up. Now, two of America’s most respected folk/ blues musicians are BACK featuring songs from their 2025 Grammy nominated album Room On The Porch. Sponsored by Coleen & Ray Mattison
“The ‘TajMo’ concert was not only a spectacular evening of music and good will but a testament to the enduring power of the blues and the magic that happens when two masters come together.” — AMERICAN BLUES SCENE
JAZZ
ARTURO O’FARRILL TRIO Thu, Sept 17 | 7:30pm | Spanos Theatre | $55 Mexican American pianist, composer, and bandleader Arturo O’Farrill is a towering figure in contemporary music, renowned for his genre-defying virtuosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice through music. A 6-time Grammy and 2-time Latin Grammy winner, O’Farrill is “one of our greatest living pianists” (Downbeat) as he bridges the gap between Latin rhythms, modern jazz, and contemporary composition - pushing boundaries while maintaining a profound connection to his roots. Sponsored by Fred & Rochelle Friedman; Rick & Valene Mathews; Dr. Christopher Payne & Dr. Jeannette Potts; KCBX Central Coast Public Radio
“Breathtaking, inventive array of Afro-Cuban jazz.” — LAIST, 89.3FM
SPEAKER
HIDDEN BRAIN WITH SHANKAR VEDANTAM Sun, Sept 20 | 3:00pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $39-95 Hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam, NPR’s Hidden Brain explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior. Each week, the show addresses questions like, Why do I feel stuck? How can I become more creative? and What can I do to improve my relationships? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. Hidden Brain will not only help you to understand your own mind, but also the minds of people around you. Presented in partnership with KCBX Central Coast Public Radio Sponsored by Tonya & Bob Omdahl; New Times SLO; Novo Restaurant & Lounge; Luna Red Restaurant
DANCE
BALLETS JAZZ MONTRÉAL
“Dance Me” The Music of Leonard Cohen Tue, Sept 22 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $49-75 Ballets Jazz Montréal is an internationally renowned contemporary dance company that embodies excellence, innovation, and passion in the Montréal cultural arts scene. Dance Me is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montréal-born poet, artist and songwriter, Leonard Cohen. Approved by the artist prior to his passing, the show evokes the grand cycles of existence in five seasons in this unforgettable show. Sponsored by Ann & David Lawrence; Carol MacCurdy & Tom Nuckols; Roxy Peck; Brian & Jeri Roberts; Hotel SLO
“The beautiful technique and preciseness throughout the evening of excellence was so complimentary to Mr. Cohen’s visions and words, and gave voice to his beliefs and musings.” — BROADWAYWORLD
FAMILY
ALPHABET ROCKERS SHADES: Anthems for the Planet Sat, Oct 3 | 11:00am | Spanos Theatre | $29-39 Alphabet Rockers—Grammy and Emmy winners—present SHADES: Anthems for the Planet, a fully interactive and immersive hip hop concert built from the global stories of climate caretakers, planet protectors, and scientists. There are no ABCs at Alphabet Rockers concerts—unless you count Authenticity, Brave spaces, and Community. These artists make music that sparks change, centering joy and belonging. Come ready to dance, sing, and connect; leave feeling like you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Sponsored by Wild 106.1 FM
“Music that’ll help a wider audience of people address topics that some might have a hard time navigating.” — KQED
DANCE
CIRCA: WOLF Tue, Oct 20 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $47-74 Circa is leading a new wave of contemporary Australian circus. By blending movement, dance, theatre, and circus under the leadership of Yaron Lifschitz, the performing arts company proves extreme physicality can create emotional experiences. Wolf is a gasp-inducing acrobatic thrill ride. Clad in designer Libby McDonnell’s form-hugging costumes and set to DJ Ori Lichtik’s relentless primal rhythms, the cast of ten extraordinary Circa artists grasp, tear, climb, leap and balance with fierce abandon. In two contrasting acts, the wolves evolve from disruptive forces of chaos into a ferocious pack whose intense choreographies overflow with raw energy and astounding physicality. Wolf is circus with fangs. Join the pack. Sponsored by Gina Kirk
Produced by Circa and Chamäleon Berlin. Co-produced by La Comète.
Image Credit: Andy Phillipson
Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
COMEDY
REGGIE WATTS Sat, Oct 24 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $41-75 Using his formidable voice and vast imagination, Reggie Watts is an internationally renowned musician, comedian, writer, and actor. Watts blends and blurs the lines between music and comedy through completely improvised shows. Most recently, he starred as the bandleader on CBS’s The Late Late Show with James Corden. He has also released several comedy specials that received critical acclaim. Sponsored by Edible San Luis Obispo Magazine
“The most influential absurdist in comedy today.” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
FORBES ORGAN SERIES
“THE GENERAL” (1926) Accompanied by Christian Elliott Thu, Oct 22 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $35 As one of today’s premier theatre organists, Christian Elliott is classically trained and specializes in historically authentic silent film accompaniment. Buster Keaton’s The General (1926) is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made—a breathtaking comedy-action epic inspired by the real Great Locomotive Chase of the Civil War. Keaton performed every stunt himself, culminating in the most expensive single shot in silent film history: a real steam locomotive crashing into a burning river bridge. One hundred years later, it remains as thrilling as ever—and there’s no better way to experience it than with live organ accompaniment. Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes; Francie Levy & Larry Akey - for love of organ music; Maryellen & Michael Simkins
PHOTO CREDIT: SEUNG YULL NAH
GLOBAL MUSIC: KOREA
CELLOGAYAGEUM Tue, Oct 27 | 7:30pm | Spanos Theatre | $55 CelloGayageum is a musical journey across continents, cultures, and centuries. Founded by Austrian cellist Sol Daniel Kim and Korean gayageum virtuoso Dayoung Yoon, CelloGayageum bridges the soulful depth of Western classical music with the mesmerizing elegance of Korean gug-ak (traditional music). Their collaboration celebrates the beauty of connections by creating a sound rooted in Korean folk melodies and infused with global sensibilities. Sponsored by Mary Baiamonte
FOLK/COUNTRY
LYLE LOVETT AND HIS SMALL LARGE BAND Mon, Nov 2 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $74-106 As a singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music by fusing country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues throughout his career that spans 14 albums. Lovett is a four-time Grammy Award winner and was named Texas State Musician, making him one of the most iconic and vibrant performers. Joined by his renowned Small Large Band, Lovett displays his variety of talents through poetic lyrics and captivating storytelling. Sponsored by Joanne Smith; 101.3 The GRADE - Classic Country Hits; Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa; KCBX Central Coast Public Radio
Center Stage Event: No subscription discounts available
GLOBAL MUSIC: SPAIN
LAS MIGAS Sun, Nov 15 | 7:30pm | Spanos Theatre | $55 With over 20 years of experience and six studio albums, Las Migas is one of the most internationally acclaimed Spanish bands today. This all-female pop quartet combines the rhythms of flamenco with influences from Spain, Cuba, and Mexico, to create a unique cultural fusion heard ‘round the world. Winner of the Latin Grammy for Best Flamenco Album in 2022 and 2025, their unique voice has won over 1 million followers on Instagram and thousands of listeners around the world. Sponsored by Kathleen Copeland; Sharon & John Dobson; Gail Gresham in honor of Mujeres de Acción and Yessenia Echevarria; Dr. Christopher Payne & Dr. Jeannette Potts; KCBX Central Coast Public Radio
“Shaping the world of flamenco in Spain.” — EL MUNDO
HOLIDAY
CHRISTMAS DREAMING WITH STELLA COLE Mon, Dec 14 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $35-59 With a voice that bridges generations, singer and performer Stella Cole has cultivated fans around the world with her fresh interpretations of jazz standards and timeless songs. Drawing on the spirit of Judy Garland and the elegance of Nat “King” Cole, her style is grounded in emotional honesty and timeless storytelling— earning her nearly 2 million social media followers and residencies at Café Carlyle and Birdland Jazz Club in New York. Celebrate the season as Stella Cole reimagines holiday favorites with her signature intimacy and grace – bringing the audience in with lush arrangements and a warm sense of nostalgia. Sponsored by Dr. Elaine Yin & Michael J. Wilson; Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
“Powerhouse vocalist.” — PEOPLE MAGAZINE
BROADWAY Mon-Tue, Jan 18-19 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $79-135 He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to San Luis Obispo. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! Sponsored locally by Charles A. Becker Foundation - Celebrating the intersections of all of us! “I HAVE A DREAM” - MLK; Radiology Associates
SPEAKER
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE:
INCREDIBLE ANIMAL ATHLETES with Lucy Hawkes
Sun, Jan 31 | 2:00pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $31-44 | VIP $74 Every year, billions of animals migrate in search of food, water, or a mate. We go on assignment with ecologist and National Geographic Explorer Lucy Hawkes as she investigates some of the most astonishing stories of animal perseverance. Along the way, meet the unexpected mammals, fish, and birds that qualify as the most incredible animal athletes, and trace their massive migrations across the globe. Lucy Hawkes is a physiological ecologist who uses the latest state-of-the-art miniaturized electronic tracking units to study species movement and migration. She works with a range of animal athletes, from deep-diving basking sharks to high-flying bar-headed geese. Hawkes obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Exeter, where she was the first person to track sea turtles from populations in North Carolina and the Cape Verde Islands. She has written more than 60 scientific articles, which have been cited more than 2,300 times. Come explore with us! Sponsored by Jeffrey & Sharon Armstrong; Susan Minker; Gary & Gizella Raymond - Surfline Nursing Corp; Laguna Veterinary Care; New Times SLO
FOLK/BLUEGRASS
RHIANNON GIDDENS Wed, Feb 10 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $58-84 Rhiannon Giddens is a two-time Grammy Award-winner, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize winning singer and multi-instrumentalist. Centering her work around the mission of lifting up people whose contributions to American musical history have previously been overlooked or erased, and advocating for a more accurate understanding of the country’s musical origins through art. She has three albums under her own name and is also a music consultant and composer of opera, ballet, film, and video games. NPR named her one of its “25 Most Influential Women Musicians of the 21st Century” and American Songwriter calls her “one of the most important musical minds currently walking the planet.” Sponsored by Suzan Boatman; Sharon & John Dobson; Hotel SLO; KCBX Central Coast Public Radio
“A master folklorist, banjo virtuoso and vocal powerhouse.” — NPR
JAZZ
JOSÉ JAMES SINGS SINATRA Thu, Feb 11 | 7:30pm | Spanos Theatre | $55 José James is a contemporary jazz-soul singer often called a “jazz singer for the hip-hop generation.” In this performance, James explores the legacy of one of the greatest American voices of all time, Frank Sinatra, with an intimate piano trio, rediscovering the swing, style, and soul of the legendary performer. James has performed Sinatra’s songs onscreen for several films and is about to release his 14th studio album.
“Sounds like the result of the black-pop continuum, jazz and soul and hip-hop and R&B, slow-cooked for more than 50 years.” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
GLOBAL DANCE: MEXICO
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO Tue, Feb 16 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $49-78 For over seventy years, Amalia Hernández’s Ballet Folklórico de México has prided itself as the most emblematic folkloric dance ensemble in Mexico—bringing together the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations to the modern era. Comprised of 60 folk dancers and musicians, the Ballet Folklórico de México is considered the first professional folkloric dance company, with a classic repertoire and elaborate traditional costumes, transforming the history of Mexican dance around the world. Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes; La Ley 100.3 FM
“Unequaled point of entry to the riches of a fabulous culture.” — LOS ANGELES TIMES
SPEAKER
EMMANUEL ACHO Wed, Feb 17 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $35-75 Emmanuel Acho is a two-time Emmy Award winner, three-time New York Times bestselling author, TED Talk speaker, and former NFL linebacker who has become a leading voice in fostering meaningful conversations around cultural and racial insensitivity. His groundbreaking video series, Uncomfortable Conversations with Emmanuel Acho, launched in June 2020 and has garnered more than 80 million views to date. As the host and producer of the series, as well as the host of the groundbreaking late-night sports show Speakeasy, Acho is having the conversations others won’t. Now it’s your turn. Presented in partnership with Cal Poly Center for Service in Action’s Change the Status Quo Social Justice & Service Speaker Series Sponsored by La Cuesta Inn
“Their captivating combination of dance, puppetry and lighting earned Lightwire a standing ovation.” — TV GUIDE
FAMILY
LIGHTWIRE THEATER The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Generation Sun, Feb 21 | 2:00pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $29-45 Led by Ian Carney and Corbin Popp, Lightwire Theater perform and tell stories without words, instead they use movement and their electroluminescent wire puppetry. The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare starts with Aesop’s classic fable, then continues the story 10 years down the road. Using classical and pop music and dazzling visuals in a pitch-black performance hall, Lightwire Theater brings this classic tale into a brilliant new light. Sponsored by SESLOC Credit Union
FOLK/BLUEGRASS/AMERICANA
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES Wed, Feb 24 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $56-85 Trampled by Turtles blends bluegrass with rock & roll, drawing energy not from loud guitars or heavy beats, but from measured strums, thoughtful arrangements, and reflective melodies. Their crossover sound has earned them the #1 spot on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart with every album release, while also landing them on major festival stages like Coachella, ACL Fest, and Lollapalooza. Sponsored by The Christakos Family; KCBX Central Coast Public Radio; Pirate Radio 104.1 FM; Tablas Creek Vineyard
“While Wilco broke new ground for rock and country music in its own ways and means, Trampled is clearing new trails for acoustic and roots acts, redefining the sonics of the string-music world.” — ROLLING STONE
JAZZ
NATE SMITH Tue, Mar 2 | 7:30pm | Spanos Theatre | $55 Nate Smith is a Grammy-winning bandleader, composer, producer, and virtuosic drummer whose groundbreaking work across genres has made him one of the most distinctive figures in contemporary music. Winning both Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Smith has become one of the most in-demand drummers and collaborators of his generation. In this performance, he presents a dynamic solo drum set that showcases his technical mastery, musicality, and inventive approach to rhythm. Sponsored by Mary Kay Harrington & Thom Brajkovich; Dr. Elaine Yin & Michael J. Wilson
“. .. his drumming is a marvel unto itself. Humid and broad of palette, it has the rare ability to dial up the complexity and the sensitivity at the same time.” — THE NEW YORK TIMES
FORBES ORGAN SERIES
A Duo Organ Recital with
OLIVIER LATRY & SHIN-YOUNG LEE Thu, Mar 11 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $35 Sharing the same passion for music and sharing their lives, the highly acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Shin-Young Lee and Olivier Latry will be featured this season as an organ duet. Performing on one instrument together (with four hands and four feet), this dynamic duo will come together for one night only with a repertoire showcasing classical pieces from over the past five centuries. Both international artists of profound distinction, Olivier Latry is a titular organist of the Grand Organ at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, France, and Shin-Young Lee, known for the originality of her programming, has performed solo and accompanied orchestras in major concert halls on five continents. Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes; Helen Bailey & Douglas Keesey
GLOBAL MUSIC: IRELAND
GOITSE
Sat, Mar 13 | 7:30pm | Spanos Theatre | $55 Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, this season features the multiaward-winning quintet Goitse—one of Ireland’s most dynamic and celebrated ensembles. Celebrating 15 years of touring worldwide and captivating audiences, Goitse continues to redefine what it means to be ambassadors of Irish traditional music by pushing boundaries while honoring the past with their signature blend of original compositions and timeless traditional tunes. Sponsored by The Duffy Family; Michael & Sharon Kelley; Al Schnupp & Wyatt Brown; Joanne Smith
“Music that’s brimming with energy and creative zeal.” — IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE
CLASSICAL
DELIRIUM MUSICUM
The Four Seasons & “Cabinet of Curiosities” Sun, Apr 4 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $39-65 Led by violin virtuoso Etienne Gara, Delirium Musicum electrifies audiences with its signature blend of ferocious passion and crackling energy rooted in Los Angeles’s rich cultural mosaic. Representing 10 countries on 4 continents, this self-conducted chamber orchestra is redefining classical music as a new red hot concert experience with a performance featuring hits from their albums SEASONS and Cabinet of Curiosities, released by Warner Classics. Winner of the 2025 San Francisco Classical Voice Audience Choice Award in all five categories nominated, the ensemble has been described by the L.A. Times as an “exciting young ensemble ready for anything.” It’s a classical concert for the new millennium! Sponsored by Dr. Christopher Payne & Dr. Jeannette Potts; Andi & Jeff Portney
“Ferocious and rhythmically mesmerizing.” — SAN FRANCISCO CLASSICAL VOICE
BROADWAY Tue-Wed, Apr 6-7 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $79-129 SHUCKED, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy and Broadway hit, has been popping into theaters with a whole cornucopia of joy. When the corn that protects Maizy and Beau’s small community starts to die, they dare to do what no one has ever done–venture beyond the borders of their tiny town. Follow along on this corny journey with an unlikely hero, a lovable con man, and an a-maize-ing battle for the heart and soil of Cob County. Sponsored locally by Dignity Health; KSBY6
LATIN JAZZ
ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ BAND Featuring Pedrito Martinez
Wed, Apr 21 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $39-67 Composer and pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and percussionist-singer Pedrito Martinez share their roots in Havana before bringing their music to the U.S., integrating those influences along the way. Rodriguez emerged from the classical world, while Martinez rose from folkloric traditions. Together, they unleash an extraordinary, cross-cultural sound of perseverance blazing fusion of jazz, rhythm, and soul that will have audiences moving, dancing, and swept up in the beats of Cuba! Sponsored by KCBX Central Coast Public Radio; Popolo Catering
“What they provide forces them to stand out as originals in their field, and that’s a nice place to be.” — SALT LAKE MAGAZINE
FORBES ORGAN SERIES
CHELSEA CHEN
Echoes of East Asia: A Celebration of Folk Song & the Organ Thu, Apr 29 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $35 Chelsea Chen is an internationally renowned organist and composer whose dynamic playing has taken her to the far corners of the world. Her solo concerts offer a unique mix of traditional organ repertoire along with transcriptions of contemporary music and often features her own works based on Asian folksongs. Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes
“Charming and irresistible compositional style.” — LOS ANGELES TIMES
DANCE
MOMIX: BOTANICA Fri, Apr 30 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $49-78 MOMIX is an internationally renowned dance and visual illusion company known for its distinctive blend of movement, strength, and visual poetry. Botanica is a lush, surreal journey through nature’s ever-changing imagery, following the rhythms of the seasons and the passing of a day. This larger-than-life spectacle fuses world-class athleticism with an eclectic score ranging from birdsong to the elegance of Vivaldi. Acting as a restorative “herbal remedy” for the senses, this feast for the eyes pairs the superb energy of its performers with gravitydefying props, cinematic projections, and whimsical puppetry. MOMIX: Botanica is more than a performance—it is an immersive “visual theater” animating nature’s beauty with an extra dose of fantasy. Sponsored by Dr. Christopher Payne & Dr. Jeannette Potts; Roxy Peck; George & Esther Pudlo; Chris & Elyse Ungar; The Krush 92.5 - The Perfect Blend
FAMILY
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR INTERACTIVE SHOW Sun, May 9 | 2:00pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $29-45 Experience the spellbinding stories and colorful characters of beloved author and artist Eric Carle in a whole new way, with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Show! Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, featuring puppets in Eric Carle’s signature art style, these enchanting tales come to life onstage and allow little ones to explore wonder and curiosity through joyful storytelling. Along with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this show includes three additional Carle classics. Audiences will get up and move with From Head to Toe; dream and sing with The Very Quiet Cricket; and play along mischievous shapes of Little Cloud. We invite you to take an unforgettable, hour-long journey full of color, wit, imagination—and one VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR. Sponsored by Emi & Solana Sidhu; Edible San Luis Obispo Magazine
“Refreshing, clever, and a great time.” — NY THEATRE GUIDE
ORIGINAL TOUR CAST OF SIX PHOTOS BY ANDREW ECCLES
BROADWAY Tue-Wed, May 18-19 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $79-135 From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!” The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed one billion streams worldwide! Sponsored locally by The Christakos Family; Drs. Edwin & Janet Chen Hayashi; Drs. Jeff & Paula Mundorf; Catherine & Richard Luckett - Dedicated to the Six (Cal Poly Arts Staff); Adventist Health
BROADWAY Thu, June 10 | 7:30pm | Harold Miossi Hall | $75-135 Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” numerous awards, and sold-out concerts around the world, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway—and head out on the road across America. Presented in association with and endorsed by Neil Diamond. Sponsored locally by Tonya & Bob Omdahl; The Purvis Family - In memory of John Purvis; Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green, LLP; Popolo Catering
Community Engagement Passport to the Arts Cal Poly Arts believes the arts should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged few, but rather, available and accessible to everyone. Our Passport program provides free or deeply subsidized access to performing arts experiences on the Central Coast to low-income and marginalized communities who have not historically had access to high-quality, live, artistic programming. This includes providing free tickets to public performances, delivering transformative performing arts workshops on and off campus, and making deeply subsidized student tickets available for the majority of Cal Poly Arts’ shows. For more information, please visit calpolyarts.org/passport
Poly Arts for Youth Poly Arts For Youth (PAFY) meets students where they are— in-school. This program takes world-renowned artists beyond the stage, into local schools providing impactful cultural and artistic experiences for K-12 students. Last season, PAFY held 10 in-person workshops or performances serving over 2,000 students. This program is free due to generous donor support. Consider making a donation to PAFY today to keep arts education alive in our local schools. For more information, please visit calpolyarts.org/pafy
600
1,200
1,300
community members impacted by 17 outreach events
discounted student tickets distributed last season
free tickets offered to low-income & marginalized communities last season
Thank you to our generous donors & partners!
Ann Robinson
Would you like to leave a legacy for the performing arts on the Central Coast? Contact the Development Office at cladevelopment@calpoly.edu to explore the possibilities through a planned gift.