#United States #Ventura #Classical Music #Ventura Music Festival #Jazz Concerts

Ventura Music Festival Announces 2026 Season

The Ventura Music Festival (VMF), Ventura County's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to performing arts, has officially revealed its lineup for the 2026 season. This vibrant festival promises a series of 12 events, ranging from opera to bluegrass, running from June through December 2026 across the beautiful venues of Ventura.

This year's season marks the 31st edition of the festival, and it is set to feature renowned artists and a variety of musical genres. The festival will deliver performances by internationally celebrated musicians, ensuring a rich cultural experience for attendees.

Season Highlights

Among the standout performances, the festival will include:

• - Angel Blue (July 24th), a two-time Grammy-winning soprano, will grace the stage at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center.
• - Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland (October 17th), co-headlining for an evening of exceptional bluegrass music.
• - Additionally, the TAKE3 trio, known for their unique blend of rock and classical music, will provide a dynamic performance on October 16th at Ventura Music Hall.

Community Engagement

The announcement of this season followed a special gathering in Ojai where donors and sponsors came together to celebrate the festival and its efforts. Hosted by the Board Chair Brad Tabach-Bank, the soirée featured live music by the Jonathan Montes Trio and an unveiling of the lineup by Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta. The community's support remains pivotal for the festival's success, with the John and Glenda Hammer Family stepping in as the Impresario Title sponsors for the season.

Interim Executive Director Sonia Tower expressed her excitement: "This year’s lineup showcases the essence of what makes the Ventura Music Festival unique—world-class talent, deep roots in the community, and a programming palette that reflects our rich musical heritage."

Make Music Ventura

In addition to the concert series, VMF will participate in Make Music Ventura on June 21, aligning with a global celebration of music. This free community event will offer live performances throughout downtown Ventura, bringing local artists and musicians to the forefront.

Concert Series Details

• - July Concert Series (July 20 – 26) kicks off with a gala opening on July 20. Highlights include "Classical Edge Beethoven's Choice" on July 23 and lively Latin jazz performances featuring Jeremy Bosch and Justo Almario on July 25. The week wraps up with the Akropolis Reed Quintet on July 26.
• - October Concert Series (October 11 – 18) promises a return of fan-favorite events like Tea Trumpets and a special Classical Edge concert at The Museum of Ventura County. The series closes with a tribute to Quincy Jones featuring a 19-piece ensemble at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center on October 18.
• - The season will culminate in a holiday concert by Chanticleer on December 15, highlighting twelve male voices performing timeless choral works.

Ticket Information

Tickets for both the Summer and Fall Series are now available, with a 20% early bird discount running through May 31 using code EARLY2026. For ticket purchases and further details, visit venturamusicfestival.org.

The Ventura Music Festival has been a cultural cornerstone since 1995, providing the community with exceptional musical performances that inspire and entertain. Don’t miss out on this year's diverse offerings!

Conclusion

The 2026 Ventura Music Festival promises to be an exciting season filled with remarkable performances across different musical landscapes. With the opportunity for early ticket sales and various artists set to perform, it will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Ventura community’s cultural calendar.