SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER
SUNSET PRESENTS 2026/2027
ROGER MCGUINN OF THE BYRDS Rock & Roll Hall of Famer
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
THE LOCALS’ RADIO STATION FOR THE MONTEREY BAY
Dear Friends and Supporters, Welcome to the 23rd season of Sunset Presents! Each year, we’re reminded of how extraordinary this community is—and how your generosity and love for the arts make everything we do possible. Thank you for being here. Our mission remains to present a dynamic mix of global music, comedy, theatre, dance, and cultural events that inspire, connect, and celebrate the human spirit. This season, we’re proud to offer over twenty performances across five series: Beyond Broadway, Cultural Affairs, Fun For All, Marquee Events, and Musical Masters. If you find yourself moved by one, we encourage you to explore others—you may discover a new favorite! We’ve also listened to your feedback. This season includes earlier event times, Sunday matinees, and expanded family-friendly programming. As always, we’ll add celebrity events throughout the year, keeping pace with the ever-evolving touring landscape. Behind the scenes, we’re investing in technical upgrades to ensure the exceptional sight and sound experience you’ve come to expect. Thanks to your support, we continue to offer free Arts Education and Community Engagement programs— both on campus and in classrooms across the region. You empower us to dream bigger, reach farther, and serve more. You’re not just patrons—you’re partners in our mission. So sit back, enjoy the season, and know that every performance, every program, and every moment of inspiration is made possible because of you. With heartfelt gratitude,
Christine Sandin Christine Sandin Artistic Director
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO We can’t wait to welcome you to Sunset Center! Here are a few things you may want to know before you go... ARRIVALS We suggest you arrive at Sunset Center at least 20 minutes prior to an event if you already have your tickets, and no later than 30 minutes prior if your tickets are held at Will Call. Please allow additional time to purchase tickets. The Box Office typically opens two hours prior to an event and remains open through intermission, if applicable. PARKING The north parking lot on 8th Ave (between San Carlos St and Mission St) is available to Sunset Center patrons. Limited parking is available in our Box Office lot, and street parking is available on San Carlos St and Mission St. Accessible parking spaces are located in the San Carlos St parking lot, directly in front of the Box Office. Please call our Box Office at 831-620-2048 for any concerns about accessibility.
ACCESSIBLITY Our venue is ADA-accessible, and we do our best to make reasonable accommodations for all visitors. To request an accommodation, please call our Box Office at 831-620-2048 with details. Did you know we have assisted listening devices, ear plugs, booster seats, a first aid kit, and other assistance available to patrons in our Coat Check? If you have a suggestion for how we may make your experience at Sunset Center more comfortable, please call our Box Office at 831-620-2048. To view our full FAQ on accessibility in our theater, please visit our website at https://www.sunsetcenter.org/eventsand-tickets/faq/. SUNSET CAFÉ Join us at the Sunset Café, located in the Sunset Center lobby, typically open 1 hour prior to showtime, at select events. Enjoy a curated selection of food and beverages from Puma Road, Scheid Vineyards, Alvarado Street Brewery, and more! Cheers!
SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER | SUNSET PRESENTS 2026/2027
An Evening with ROGER MCGUINN begins with the stage dark and the sound of Roger’s 12-string Rickenbacker guitar filling the house as he approaches the standing microphone to sing his signature Bob Dylan song “My Back Pages.” He always begins his concerts with this song because he takes the audience on the journey through which his love of folk music took him to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jim McGuinn (he changed his name later to Roger) began playing guitar when he was 14 and left Chicago for his first professional job at 17. The Limeliters sent him an airplane ticket to Los Angeles to play guitar and banjo on their RCA album “Tonight in Person.” It was during that recording time that he joined them at the Hollywood Bowl opening up for Eartha Kit.” Chad Mitchell heard about McGuinn’s abilities and asked him to join his group, “The Chad Mitchell Trio” as the accompanist on guitar and banjo. He was 18 years old. He toured with the CMT for a year or so but when Bobby Darin saw him performing, he immediately offered McGuinn a job paying twice what he was making with Mitchell. Mr. Darin asked Jim to play his guitar and sing a 15 minute set of folk songs in the middle of his variety concert. When Bobby decided to take a break from performing live, he invited Jim to join him in New York city to work at the famed Brill Building as a songwriter for TM Music. It was a day job, so in the evenings Jim would work as a studio musician in the City. He became Judy Collins’ musical director, helped Paul Simon record the demo for “Sound of Silence” and was very active in the recording business as the “go to” guy for 12-string guitar. It was at the Brill Building that Jim first heard the most fascinating music come over the radio. The Beatles were using folk music chords with a rock beat. He was drawn to the idea and began singing ‘rocked up’ folk music in Greenwich Village coffee houses. The performances did not endear him to the folk singers of the time, but the club owner loved it. He put a sign outside advertising “Beatle Impersonations” … which McGuinn found embarrassing. He needed to get out of New York; so he accepted a job in Los Angeles at the Troubadour folk club, opening up for Hoyt Axton.
SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER | SUNSET PRESENTS 2026/2027
Hoyt Axton was the first person to invite Jim to sing on a recording. He sang harmony on Hoyt’s “Balladeer” album. The folk audience didn’t appreciate the combination of folk songs and a Beatle Beat anymore than the folkies in Greenwich village but there was one musician that did. His name was Gene Clark. It was the beginning of a musical revolution. David Crosby, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke joined the duo and history was about to be made. The Byrds were born! Their first single was penned by Bob Dylan but when the group heard the demo, they weren’t too impressed. Jim had an idea on how to fix the folkie song. He had been an arranger in NYC, so adding a Bach type intro and a Beatle Beat took the song “Mr Tambourine Man” to the number one slot across the world. Roger (he had changed his name) disbanded the BYRDS in 1973 to pursue his dream of being a folk singer like Pete Seeger. He says that the BYRDS were a nice detour on his way to his dream. He recorded five solo albums on Columbia Records. In 1978 he joined with Gene Clark and Chris Hillman for 3 albums on Capitol Records. In 1991 just after the BYRDS were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he recorded on Arista Records his acclaimed “Back From Rio” album with a host of friends, including Tom Petty, Elvis Costello , David Crosby, Chris Hillman and others. It was the last vinyl record in his catalogue. In 1995 Roger became concerned the traditional folk songs were being lost. No one was recording the songs of over one hundred years ago, so he had an idea. He had always been interested in technology and the world wide web was coming of age. He decided to post an original folk song with a live recording on his web page mcguinn.com each month. He hasn’t missed a month since November 1995. It is carried by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a public service. In 1996 he released his autobiographical one man show on Hollywood Records, “Live From Mars.” The Jayhawks joined him for two studio recordings, “May The Road Rise To Meet You” and “Fireworks.” Appleseed Records invited Roger to record some of his favorite folk songs with the vanguards of folk music: Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Jean Ritche, Josh White Jr and his guitar teacher Frank Hamilton and his wife Mary. The recording “Treasure From the Folk Den” received a Grammy nomination in 2002. In 2005, Roger went into the studio with John Jorgensen and Stan Lynch to record a tribute to his late friend George Harrison, ‘If I Needed Someone.” It was fitting for Roger to record it because George told him that he was inspired by Roger’s guitar work on “Bells Of Rhymney.” This recording became the beginning for Roger’s own recording label, “April First Productions.” The name was from the wedding date in 1978 to Camilla. He released another 4-CD set to commemorate the 20 year Folk Den Anniversary in 2015.
SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER | SUNSET PRESENTS 2026/2027
With freedom that came with his own label Roger could record anything he wanted and he did. CCD, a recording of sea shanties was one of his favorites because of the lore of the sea. He also released a live concert recorded for his mother’s 102 birthday which includes a DVD with some concert footage and friends talking about his influence including Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Chris Hillman, Dave Barry, Pete Seeger and Derek Taylor. The fans at concerts wanted recordings of some BYRDS songs, so Roger re-recorded “Mr. Tambourine Man, ”So You Want to Be a Rock and Roll Star” and “Turn, Turn, Turn” Since Roger was the lead singer and lead guitar player on those songs in the BYRDS, the songs sound like the BYRDS. He included new songs on this CD called “Sweet Memories.” During the year at home through the COVID lock down, Roger and Camilla decided to send a Christmas CD to friends as a Christmas card. The friends encouraged then to release it to the public since it is a true Christmas CD…simply titled “Merry Christmas.” When asked if he plans on retiring, he laughs, “What? Give up show-business? It’s called “playing music” and I’ve been playing since I was 14.
CENTURY OF CREATIVITY • 1926 - 2031
CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
bravo
SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER'S
MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORT THE ARTS ELEVATE YOUR SUNSET CENTER EXPERIENCE
Marquee Circle
Join Bravo membership at any level and play a pivotal role in supporting and enriching our local arts community! Bravo members are rewarded with a suite of exclusive benefits tailored to amplify your Sunset Center experience. Connect with fellow arts enthusiasts, enjoy intimate interactions with your favorite artists, and benefit from priority alerts, preferred seating options, and attractive ticket benefits. Select a donation tier that resonates with your passion for the performing arts and discover the array of advantages awaiting you as a Bravo member.
Marquee Circle members are a community of passionate arts supporters who want to significantly impact our mission and deepen their experiences at Sunset Center. Marquee Circle members support Sunset Center with a substantial annual investment and enjoy insider access and exclusive benefits! MEMBER FAVORITE
AMBASSADOR $2,500 – $4,999 MEMBER FAVORITE
ACT III $250 – $499
TheaTer Circle PRELUDE $25 – $74 Sunset Presents ticket exchange privileges
ACT I $75 – $149 All the benefits of Prelude PLUS: Sunset Center commemorative tote bag Bravo member collectible decal Invitations to select members-only events Exclusive member nights: Enjoy significant discounts on select Sunset Presents events
ACT II $150 – $249 All the benefits of Act I PLUS: Sunset Center commemorative note cards Two complimentary drink vouchers for use at the Sunset Café* Two Sunset Center reusable theater cups
All the benefits of Act II PLUS: Sunset Presents pre-sale privileges One invitation to the Bravo Member Lounge*
All the benefits of Premiere PLUS: Access to VIP reserved parking for every Sunset Presents performance Sunset Center branded apparel Preferred seat selection during priority pre-sale
BENEFACTOR $5,000 – $9,999 MEMBER FAVORITE
CLUB $500 – $1,199 All the benefits of Act III PLUS: Access to the exclusive Bravo Member Lounge before Sunset Presents performances 10% discount on many Sunset Presents event tickets*
PREMIERE $1,200 – $2,499 All the benefits of Club PLUS: VIP ticket concierge service with priority pre-sale access for Sunset Presents events Behind-the-scenes backstage tour on request and as available* Waived convenience fees Access to opportunities for artist meet-and-greets
*Terms and conditions may apply.
All the benefits of Ambassador PLUS: Reserved VIP parking space with personalized signage for every Sunset Presents performance One complimentary Sunset Center north wing room rental* One Act III level gift membership for the recipient of your choice
PRODUCER $10,000+ All the benefits of Benefactor PLUS: Featured as a Sunset Presents producing member for the current season on lobby signage and program recognition One complimentary rental of the Sunset Center upper terrace A Night Out at Sunset Center: Two tickets to a Sunset Presents event of your choice and a $100 gift card for a pre-show dinner at a Sunset Center-preferred local restaurant*
UPPORT U
INVEST IN THE ARTS. IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY. As a nonprofit performing arts center, Sunset Center relies on donor support to maintain our historic, state-of-the-art facility, present exceptional performances, support our Resident Companies, and offer free arts education and outreach to people of all ages throughout Monterey County. Join us in supporting our two core initiatives—the Sunset Center Annual Fund and the Education & Outreach Fund—each essential to fulfilling our mission and enriching the creative life of our community. Together, we can sustain a thriving cultural home for the Central Coast.
ANNUAL FUND Preserve the Past. Power the Future. The Annual Fund sustains the core of Sunset Center’s operations. It ensures our venue remains an accessible, world-class destination for artists, audiences, and arts organizations alike. Your support helps us: Preserve our historic facility and invest in critical maintenance and upgrades Present leading artists and performances through the Sunset Presents series Keep the arts accessible by maintaining fair ticket pricing and open community access to non-profits and organizations Provide a professional home to our Resident Companies—including the Carmel Bach Festival, Monterey Symphony, Carmel Music Society and Chamber Music Monterey Bay.
By contributing to the Annual Fund, you're helping ensure that Sunset Center remains a vibrant, inclusive space for performance, creativity, and connection. Help us sustain a world-class venue that serves artists, audiences, and our community. Donate today: www.sunsetcenter.org.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH FUND Removing Barriers. Expanding Access. Inspiring Community. The Education & Outreach Fund is our cornerstone initiative advancing youth education, arts access, and community engagement. Your support brings the transformative power of the arts to people of all backgrounds—regardless of income, background, or zip code. Each year, your donation helps thousands experience the arts— many for the very first time. Make an impact across these four vital program areas: Classroom Connections Hands-on programs and free student matinees for 800+ underresourced youth through school and community partnerships. Arts Access Tickets Free and discounted tickets to Sunset Presents performances for nonprofits and community groups who face financial barriers.
MAKE A LASTING IMPACT Whether you support the Annual Fund, the Education & Outreach Fund, or both, your gift helps us: Create a thriving arts environment Expand access to underserved communities Support local artists and young learners Preserve Sunset Center for generations to come Donate Today:
Marjorie Evans Gallery A free, rotating visual art exhibition space spotlighting emerging and established Central Coast artists—open to all, always free, and no cost to artists. Free Community Events Year-round events like outdoor concerts, cultural celebrations, and movie nights—bringing neighbors together through shared, inclusive artistic experiences. Many events feature and support local artists.
Scan the QR code
www.sunsetcenter.org/donate
Events include: Terrace Hour, Third Thursdays, and Wednesday Watch Party. Your donation makes these inclusive experiences possible for thousands each year—many of whom are experiencing the arts for the first time. Your support opens the door to the arts for thousands—creating first-time experiences that can spark a lifelong connection.
development@sunsetcenter.org
Phone: (831) 620-2085 Thank you for supporting Sunset Center.
JAYCE OGREN, MUSIC DIRECTOR
SEASON SUNSET CENTER, CARMEL • MONTEREYSYMPHONY.ORG