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Dear Patrons, Subscribers and Concert Attendees,
Thank you for being part of the Ventura Music Festival and for helping make our Fall Series such a memorable celebration. It was a pleasure to see so many of you enjoying the music, connecting with friends, and welcoming extraordinary artists to our community.
We opened on Sunday, October 11, with Tea and Trumpets, returning this festive tradition to a full house at the Historic Pierpont Inn. My thanks to All Things Tea, Teacup Rentals, Café Ficelle, Oaks Rentals, the Pierpont Inn, our Special Events Committee, and our remarkable volunteers, whose care and hard work made the afternoon possible. And thank you to everyone who raised a teacup with us!
On Thursday, The Birth of Impressionism brought together Nuvi Mehta’s captivating storytelling and violin playing with the artistry of celebrated pianist Reiko Uchida. Their exploration of music and history was especially compelling in the intimate setting of the Museum of Ventura County. We were delighted to welcome Reiko back and are grateful to the Museum for its partnership.
Friday brought a change of pace as TAKE3 filled Ventura Music Hall with dazzling musicianship and infectious energy. What a show!
On Saturday, we gathered under the evening sky at Historic Mission Park for Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, two extraordinary fiddlers whose virtuosity and musical camaraderie made for an unforgettable night. Thank you to concert sponsors Vita Arts Center, The Welcome Room, OFI Property, and Daly Group. We also thank Paradise Pantry, Transmission Brewing, Downtown Ventura Partners, and the City of Ventura for helping bring this concert to the heart of downtown.
Our finale featured the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, led by Grammy-nominated Chris Walden, with vocalists Nayanna Holley and Adam “Aejaye” Jackson. It was a joyful afternoon of exceptional music, rich with nostalgia and talent. I was particularly pleased that local music students could join us through an extension of our Music in the Schools program. Giving young people opportunities to experience outstanding live performances speaks directly to our mission—and to the importance of helping people hear and see themselves in the music.
On behalf of our Board, staff, and Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta, thank you to every artist, sponsor, partner, volunteer, and audience member who made this series possible. I extend special thanks to the John & Glenda Hammer Family, our 2026 Impresario Season Sponsors, for their generous support throughout the season.
One More Celebration Before the Year Ends: Chanticleer
I hope you will join us on Tuesday, December 15, when the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer brings its acclaimed “orchestra of voices” to the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living for a special holiday concert. It promises to be a beautiful way to close our season together.
Reserve your Chanticleer tickets.
We’d Love to Hear From You
The Board and Staff of the Festival value your feedback! If you attended any of the Fall Series concerts as a patron or a volunteer, please fill out our short survey. You’ll automatically be entered to win a pair of tickets to Chanticleer or a 2027 standard concert of your choice!
With gratitude,
Sonia Chala Tower
Executive Director
Ventura Music Festival
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