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Sunset Music and Education Foundation

Welcome to our 2026 Sunset Music Series! Fueled by the transformative power of the arts, the

Sunset Music & Education Foundation (SMEF) brings our community together through world-class performances, dynamic music education, and vibrant cultural access. At SMEF, we open doors through music—fueling education, student mentorship and scholarships, celebration, and creative opportunities that help our community rise, shine, and stay connected.

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Constellation Awards

Womyn's History Month Brunch Celebration

The Sunset Music and Education Foundation (SMEF) invites the community to celebrate Women’s History Month at the Constellation Awards Brunch, honoring Chairwoman Amanda Augustine Tribal Chairperson, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Karen Frison and Delois Leonard Co-Chairs, Women of Color, Patty Henderson community leader and board advocate, Dr. Skye Patrick Los Angeles County Librarian, Joy Silver housing advocate and social justice leader, and Christine Vendredi Executive Director, Palm Springs Art Museum — leaders whose work strengthens culture, community, and connection across the Coachella Valley. Enjoy a festive afternoon featuring brunch, live entertainment, and a timely conversation between retired television executive producer Marilyn F. Solomon and Los Angeles County Librarian Sky Patrick on protecting history and intellectual freedom.

Event Details
Constellation Awards Womyn’s History Month Brunch
Sunday, March 22, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Desert Willow Golf Resort
38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert

Tickets are $65 and include brunch, entertainment, uplifting informative conversations,, and a joyous raffle. Proceeds support the Sunset Music and Education Foundation’s community programming and the SMARTS Initiative. Limited seating available at sunsetmusic.org.

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Sunset Jazz Soiree
International Jazz Day Celebration

Join us April 19, 2026, for the Sunset Jazz Soirée, featuring Sweet Baby J’ai’s Women in Jazz All Stars — a powerhouse ensemble of bold improvisers, soulful vocalists, and groove-driven musicians lighting up the stage.

This elegant evening is more than a concert — it’s a celebration of women shaping the sound of jazz today. And this year, our performance will be broadcast globally in honor of Herbie Hancock’s International Jazz Day, connecting our desert stage to audiences around the world.
 

The Soirée also serves as a fundraiser for the Sunset Music & Education Foundation, supporting community programming and the SMARTS Initiative — giving young musicians access to instruments, mentorship, and real performance opportunities.
 

Mark the date. Dress the part. Feel the swing.
Tickets on sale soon.

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Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom

Live Music - Performances - Guest Speakers

Experience the Spirit of Freedom
Join us for a landmark Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration—an evening meticulously crafted for reflection, deep community connection, and pure, unbridled joy. This gathering is far more than a simple event; it is a living tribute to our shared history, a sanctuary for our stories, and a bold, collective step toward the future we are building together.

A Night of Purpose and Power
Honoring the Legacy: We gather to sit with the weight of our history and the brilliance of our resilience. Through shared reflection, we acknowledge the path traveled and the milestones yet to come.

The Power of Proximity:

This is a space to reconnect with neighbors, forge new bonds, and feel the undeniable strength of a community united by a common heritage and a shared vision.

June 19, Location and time TBD - 

 

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Sunset Music & Comedy Festival

Where cool and groove meet to party

November 13–15, 2026 — TBD - Save the date. The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival returns for three unforgettable days where cool and groove meet to party. Think live music that moves your hips and your heart, comedy that hits just right, and a crowd that understands the assignment. Location TBD—but wherever we land, the vibe will be undeniable. Mark your calendar, gather your people, and prepare for a weekend of rhythm, laughter, and sunset magic.

STAY TUNED I'm working my magic to try to lock in our dates, times and location.  Coming soon!

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Black History Month Celebration

Where History Swings, Sings & Testifies!​​

Step into a night where Black history takes center stage and the music does the talking. Sweet Baby J’ai presents a powerful blend of jazz, storytelling, movement, and soul—honoring the giants who shaped our culture. Also featuring jazz vocalist Melba Miller, tap dancer Lynne Jassem, guitarist/vocalist Aalon, and a band of master musicians including Aya Awata, Rick Taylor, and Moyes Lucas, this unforgettable evening celebrates the legends whose rhythms still move us today. Song. Dance. Poetry.

Come ready to listen, feel, and celebrate.
This is Black history — live, loud, and in full swing.

Friday, February 20, 2026
7:00–8:30 PM (Doors 6 PM)
Aqua Caliente Casino  
Cascade Lounge

7 - 8:30 PM

401 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

This show will sell out fast!  Tickets are limited — reserve yours and be part

of a night where history testifies.

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