SAN DIEGO – This summer, UC San Diego’s ArtPower will bring a vibrant lineup of live performances, outdoor events, and experiences designed to entertain and inspire.
All are welcome at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on June 22 with renowned cellist and composer Joshua Roman performing a free community concert with his inspiring program, “Immunity,” a deeply personal and powerful work.
Going into July, audiences will be able to sing along to the hit songs of “Wicked” during a special outdoor screening, dance under the stars with Yächtley Crëw’s smooth Yacht Rock revival, and relive guitar legend Eric Clapton’s iconic sound with the star-studded Cream of Clapton Band.
The summer continues to expand its musical horizons with the addition of acclaimed global soul and Afrobeat collective Kokoroko on Aug. 12, followed by a performance from “The Voice” Season 25 finalist Nathan Chester & the Old Souls Motown Revival on Aug. 23.
The summer concert events will come to a close on Sept. 16 with the return of Celebrate Ameri’KANA headlined by Rubén Albarrán of Café Tacvba (Mexico) and featuring Making Movies and La Lulu, a Latin Grammy-winning Colombian violinist, vocalist, and dancer.
One of the season’s standout offerings features the return of Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino, who will join audiences for two evenings on July 22 and July 23. The first night, Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen Live, transforms Giacchino’s most beloved scores — from “Lost” to “Ratatouille” to “Star Trek” — into a lush, lounge-inspired concert infused with the nostalgic charm of 1950s exotica.
The following night, Giacchino returns for Themes and Variations, a lively conversation with creative collaborators and special guests that builds on last year’s sold-out event with George Takei and John Cho. Expect stories and insights in a format that feels both intimate and electric.
In addition to one-of-a-kind musical performances, ArtPower will also present a series of special all-ages film screenings throughout the summer. Families can grab some popcorn, kick back, and experience beloved films new and old with the whole family.
From Aug. 21 through Sept. 28, ArtPower will host CLUE: A Walking Mystery, an interactive, real-world adventure inspired by the iconic board game. Adapted specifically for UC San Diego, this immersive experience invites players to step into the role of detective, exploring the campus to track down the missing furniture from the mansion’s nine famous rooms. Players will solve puzzles hidden at local businesses, interact with professional actors around campus, and finally answer the ultimate questions: who did it, where, and with what?
ArtPower will also collaborate with various nonprofit arts organizations this summer, including Mainly Mozart, City Ballet, the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, and Blindspot Collective. These partnerships bring a wide range of performances to campus and the community, from Mainly Mozart’s return with Symphony 40 and Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto to City Ballet’s enchanting ballet under the stars. The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus with their Summer Spectacular and Blindspot Collective will present a new, site-specific and immersive musical Karaoke Dreams at The Loft, offering a unique and transformative theatrical experience.
Tickets for ArtPower’s summer events and more information can be found at ArtPower.ucsd.edu.
Joshua Roman: Immunity
Sunday, June 22 at 4 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Joshua Roman is a cello soloist and composer. His debut solo album, “Immunity,” is an intimate musician exploration of his experiences with ongoing Long COVID that altered his entire life and nearly ended his career. This free live performance of the album shows the cellist at his most vulnerable and showcases the ultimate strength found in such vulnerability.
“Wicked” Singalong: Film Screening
Wednesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Get ready to experience the magic of “Wicked” like never before at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Led by some of San Diego’s favorite performers, this special sing-along screening offers a uniquely interactive film experience complete with prop packs, a costume contest, and themed cocktails and snacks.
Whether you’re dressed in Glinda’s sparkle or channeling Elphaba’s edge, all are welcome to sing along — the lyrics will be on screen to guide you. Presented as part of ArtPower’s Launchpad program, this event is a celebration of friendship, imagination, and the joy of singing together under the stars.
Yächtley Crëw
Friday, July 11 at 8 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Ahoy, matey! The nautical-clad “Titans of Soft Rock,” Yächtley Crëw, will be dropping anchor in San Diego this July to launch ArtPower’s summer season.
For the uninitiated, Yacht Rock is a revival of the smooth soft rock and Top 40 hits from the late ’70s to early ’80s—now a nationwide sensation. Fans don captain’s hats and nautical attire, singing along to the era’s breezy, feel-good tunes.
The Cream of Clapton Band – Unplugged and 24 Nights Revisited
Friday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
One of the few tribute bands endorsed by Eric Clapton, Cream of Clapton brings together family, friends, and former bandmates for a powerful celebration of his legendary music.
Featuring Clapton’s longtime bassist Nathan East, his son Noah East, Will Johns (Clapton’s nephew), and Clapton’s former bandmate Steve Ferrone, this special performance recreates Clapton’s iconic MTV Unplugged set — the groundbreaking 1992 album that reimagined his greatest hits, earned six Grammy Awards, and became one of the best-selling live albums of all time.
Expect an intimate evening of acoustic favorites like “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” and “Old Love,” all capturing the heart and soul of one of rock’s most celebrated artists.
Michael Giacchino: Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen
Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Join Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino for a one-of-a-kind retro night at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Experience Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen come to life, as Giacchino reimagines his iconic scores from “Lost,” “Ratatouille,” “Star Trek,” and more — transformed into the lush, lounge-inspired style of the 1950s exotica genre.
Themes and Variations: A Conversation with Michael Giacchino and Friends
Wednesday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Back by popular demand! Michael Giacchino brings his signature wit, warmth, and wisdom to a new round of conversations with artists, collaborators, and culture-makers.
Building on last year’s fan-favorite Tale of Two Sulus: An evening with George Takei and John Cho, this event promises memorable stories and rare insights into the creative processes behind some of the most iconic works in film and television.
Guests to be announced.
DCOM: Live!
Saturday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Celebrate the iconic magic of Disney Channel Original Movies with DCOM: Live! Experience an immersive journey through music, dance, and nostalgia, featuring hits from “High School Musical,” “Camp Rock,” “The Cheetah Girls,” and “Descendants,” as well as The Jonas Brothers, “Hannah Montana,” “Lizzie McGuire,” and more.
This high-energy concert features six Broadway-caliber performers and an electric live band that will have you up out of your seat, singing and dancing along to everything from Zenon to Zombies! DCOM: Live was developed as part of ArtPower’s Launchpad program.
Kokoroko
Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Fusing the sounds of jazz and Afrobeat, Kokoroko has developed a burgeoning reputation for their energetic, soul-shaking sound. Led by trumpeter Shelila Maurice-Grey and drummer Onome Edgeworth, the London-based septet was named “ones to watch” by the Guardian in 2019, after their song “Abusey Junction” racked up hundreds of millions of streams across Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.
Since their inception almost six years ago, Kokoroko has played in clubs, theaters, and festivals around the world, including a set at Coachella in 2024. Their most recent release, a 15-minute, four-song extended play entitled “Get the Message,” released last November, explores the need for community, connection, and relationships.
CLUE: A Walking Mystery Tour
Thursday, Aug. 21-Sunday, Sept. 28 | UC San Diego (various locations)
Step into the world of CLUE like never before! Guests are invited to experience CLUE: A Walking Mystery at UC San Diego — an interactive, real-world twist on the classic board game.
The case was never closed, the mansion has been sold, and the furniture from all nine rooms is scattered across campus. Now it’s up to you to uncover who did it, where, and with what.
Nathan Chester & the Old Souls Motown Revival
Saturday, Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Chicago native turned Nashville mainstay Nathan Chester’s life was forever changed when he captured the hearts of millions of viewers on season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice.” His soulful renditions of iconic songs like “Take Me to the River” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” not only earned him praise from the shows judges, but garnered him a devout fanbase who has supported his music even after his time on the show ended.
Since the voice, Chester has toured as a professional musician and frequently collaborates with Post Modern Jukebox, including a recent soul-fueled rendition of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Celebrate Ameri’KANA featuring Rubén Albarrán from Cafe Tacvba, Making Movies, and La Lulu
Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Lead singer of Grammy-winning, world-famous Latin rock band Café Tacvba, Rubén Albarrán will be joined on stage by the band Making Movies and Columbian Latin Grammy-winning Colombian violinist, vocalist, and dancer La Lulu. Celebrate Ameri’KANA unites world-class musicians with award-winning talent from diverse musical backgrounds.
Summer Movies with ArtPower
Select Wednesday and Sunday nights and afternoons | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Want to watch a film on a massive screen all while enjoying the San Diego summer breezes we all love so much? Then you’ll want to be at Movie Nights with ArtPower, where the Epstein Family Amphitheater will be open to visitors of all ages for monthly screenings of classic and contemporary films.
Mainly Mozart: Mozart Symphony 40 & Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto
Saturday, June 21 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Mainly Mozart: Closing Night: Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Symphony 7
Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Blindspot Collective: Karaoke Dreams
Thursday and Fridays, July 17 through Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. | The Loft
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Summer Spectacular: ABRACADABRA!
Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
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