Ventura Music Festival Summer Concert Series at Multiple Venues - See Details

Festival Gala Opening
An evening in the spirit of a 1930s jazz club
Monday, July 20, 6 PM
The Palomino
https://www.venturamusicfestival.org/events/gala2026

The Summer Series opens not with a curtain call, but with a speakeasy door. Guests are invited into The Palomino for an evening that evokes the spirit of a 1930s jazz club, complete with craft libations and elegant small bites. Live music comes courtesy of the San Lyon ensemble, setting the tone for a night of celebration. Guests are encouraged to dress the part, whether that means a flapper dress, a sharp suit, or anything else that fits the era. This signature event serves as both a kickoff and a preview of the musical range to come across the week ahead. It's a chance to celebrate VMF's 31st season in style before the concerts begin in earnest. This concert is part of the VMF Summer Series, sponsored by the John and Glenda Hammer Family.

Beethoven's Choice
A Classical Edge Concert
Thursday, July 23, 7 PM
Ventura College Performing Arts Center
https://www.venturamusicfestival.org/events/ce-beethoven-2026

VMF's popular Classical Edge Concert format returns with "Beethoven's Choice," an evening that blends storytelling with live performance to explore one of classical music's most enduring legacies. Artistic Director and classical violinist Nuvi Mehta leads the evening, guiding audiences through the music and the history behind it. He's joined by acclaimed pianist Greg Anderson of the duo Anderson and Roe. The format is designed to be as educational as it is entertaining, offering insight into Beethoven's world alongside the performance itself. It's a meeting of music and narrative that gives audiences a deeper connection to the notes. The concert takes place at Ventura College Performing Arts Center. This concert is part of the VMF Summer Series, sponsored by the John and Glenda Hammer Family.

Angel Blue with Bryan Wagorn
An evening of extraordinary vocal artistry
Friday, July 24, 7 PM
Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center
https://www.venturamusicfestival.org/events/angel-blue-2026

Grammy Award winning soprano Angel Blue, widely recognized as one of opera's reigning superstars, takes the Rancho Campana stage for an unforgettable evening of vocal performance. She's known for her deeply affecting portrayals of some of opera's most beloved roles, including Aida, Tosca, Violetta in La Traviata, Bess in Porgy and Bess, Mimì in La bohème, and Liu in Turandot. Blue performs alongside celebrated pianist Bryan Wagorn, whose accompaniment brings its own depth to the evening. This concert is presented through VMF's Student Ticket Initiative, helping expand access to world-class performance for local students. It stands as one of the season's true showcase events. The concert takes place at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center. This concert is part of the VMF Summer Series, sponsored by the John and Glenda Hammer Family.

A Celebration of Latin Music with Justo Almario and Jeremy Bosch
Two masters of the Latin jazz tradition co-headline
Saturday, July 25, 6 PM
The Majestic Ventura Theater
https://www.venturamusicfestival.org/events/ja-jb-2026

Two masters of the Latin jazz tradition come together at the historic Majestic Ventura Theater for one extraordinary night. Justo Almario brings his deeply rooted Colombian jazz tradition, while Jeremy Bosch delivers his high-energy salsa sound. Each artist leads his own orchestra, creating a night of distinct sounds sharing a single stage. The result is a celebration of rhythm, heritage, and musicianship that spans generations of Latin music tradition. This concert is ticketed directly through the Majestic Ventura Theater rather than through VMF. It promises to be one of the most energetic nights of the Summer Series. This concert is part of the VMF Summer Series, sponsored by the John and Glenda Hammer Family.

Akropolis Reed Quintet
True pioneers of the reed quintet as a modern genre
Sunday, July 26, 3 PM
Ventura College Performing Arts Center
https://www.venturamusicfestival.org/events/akropolis-2026

The Summer Series closes with the Akropolis Reed Quintet, an ensemble BBC Music Magazine has praised for its daring sound and charisma. True pioneers of the reed quintet as a modern chamber genre, Akropolis has commissioned and premiered more than 200 works by living composers. Their programming brings an adventurous, boundary-pushing spirit to a format not often in the spotlight. Audiences can expect a performance that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in craft. The concert takes place at Ventura College Performing Arts Center, bringing the week's series to a fitting and inventive close. It's a celebration of chamber music's evolving possibilities. This concert is part of the VMF Summer Series, sponsored by the John and Glenda Hammer Family.

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3722147-2?pid=11710

Date and Time: Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00 - Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:00

Venue details: Multiple Venues - See Details, 701 East Santa Clara Street, VMF Office - NOT Event Venue - See Details, Ventura, California, 93001, United States