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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. Scroll down for tickets and event information. 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.
June 2026 - Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, Culture & Community
June 20th 2PM - 4PM. Revolution Stage Company
Experience the Spirit of Juneteenth
The Sunset Music and Education Foundation presents Juneteenth 2026 at Revolution Stage Company as part of Palm Springs’ XOXO Festival Weekend.
Join Sweet Baby J’ai for a powerful afternoon of storytelling, poetry, music, culture, and community featuring spoken word, live music, special cultural presentations, and performances by talented SMARTS Initiative students. Open to people of all backgrounds, this inspiring gathering celebrates freedom, resilience, creativity, and the power of coming together through art, history, and shared humanity.
At a time when diversity and cultural expression are being challenged, events like this remind us how important it is to create spaces where people can gather, connect, learn from one another, and celebrate the richness of our shared cultural experiences. Through music, storytelling, poetry, and community, Juneteenth 2026 honors both the legacy of the past and the hope of the future.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable afternoon of conversation, culture, and community. We hope to see you there!
This event is proudly sponsored in part by our Community Impact Partners: The Revolution Stage Company, Guitar Center Foundation, and Sister Loc’s Consultant Services. Raffle prizes!
Saturday, June 20, 2026
2 PM – 4 PM
Revolution Stage Company – Palm Springs
FREE & Open to the Public | Ticket Required
November 2026: Sunset Music & Comedy Concert Series
Satin & Soul
November 14, 2026 — Save the Date
Sunset Music & Comedy Series
A night dedicated to the music that moves us.
From classic soul and smooth R&B to deep grooves, powerful vocals, and feel-good rhythms, SATIN & SOUL is all about great music, great energy, and the kind of songs that stay with you long after the night is over.
Add in laughter, community, cocktails, and Palm Springs style, and you’ve got the perfect Saturday night at Sunset.
Live music. Comedy. Soulful vibes.
More details and artist announcements coming soon.
Music. Comedy. Culture. Connection.
All at Sunset.
Stay tuned… I’m working my magic on the final details. Coming soon.
2027: Sunset Music & Comedy Concert Series
Where cool and groove meet to party
March 20, 2027 — Save the Date
The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival is coming back for three unforgettable days where cool meets groove… and the party finds you.
Think live music that moves your hips and your heart, comedy that lands just right, and a crowd that absolutely understands the assignment.
We’re bringing back our Palm Springs crawl—lighting up multiple locations across the city, including a special Saturday night at the stunning Annenburg Theatre. More venues are in the works, each one chosen to showcase the beauty and vibe of our desert home.
Mark your calendar. Gather your people. Get ready for a weekend of rhythm, laughter, and a little sunset magic.
Stay tuned… I’m working my magic on the final details. Coming soon.
April 2026 Sunset Jazz Soiree
A Concert Fundraiser Where Music Meets Purpose
This sold-out show was music, community, and purpose in full swing at Vicky’s of Santa Fe. Richard “88 Keys” Turner’s Crew opened the afternoon with a deep-pocket groove, joined by John Stanley King, Wayne Cobham, and Rick Taylor — a powerhouse lineup that had the room buzzing from the first note.
Then Sweet Baby J’ai stepped in to sing and celebrate her birthday, joined by the fabulous Divas of the Desert: Yve Evans, Rose Mallett, Leanne Rogers, and Laurie Morvan. Each brought fire, flavor, and signature style to the stage, turning the afternoon into a joyful celebration of friendship, artistry, and soul.
With surprise collaborations, hors d’oeuvres, welcome champagne from Breathless Sparkling Wines, and a signature Tito’s cocktail, the energy sparkled. Most meaningful of all, SMARTS Initiative students performed and received instruments — reminding everyone why music with a purpose matters.
March 2026 Constellation Awards
Womyn's History Month Brunch Celebration
The Constellation Awards Womyn’s History Month Brunch brought the community together for a festive afternoon of celebration, culture, and connection at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Presented by the Sunset Music & Education Foundation, the event honored Chairwoman Amanda Augustine, Tribal Chairperson of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians; Karen Frison and Delois Leonard, Co-Chairs of 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 of Palm Springs Art Museum.
Guests enjoyed brunch, live entertainment, uplifting conversation, and a joyous raffle, all in support of SMEF’s community programming and SMARTS Initiative. A highlight of the afternoon was a timely conversation between retired television executive producer Marilyn F. Solomon and Dr. Skye Patrick on protecting history, intellectual freedom, and the stories that shape us.
February 2026 Black History Month Celebration
Where History Swings, Sings & Testifies!
The Black History Month Celebration brought history center stage at Agua Caliente Casino’s Cascade Lounge, where the music did the talking and the ancestors got their due. Sweet Baby J’ai presented a powerful blend of jazz, storytelling, movement, poetry, and soul, honoring the giants who shaped our culture and gave America some of its deepest rhythm.
The evening featured 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. Together, they created a night that swung, sang, testified, and celebrated the legends whose artistry still moves through us today.
With song, dance, poetry, and spirit in every note, this unforgettable performance left the packed house on its feet and reminded the audience that Black history is not just remembered — it is lived, felt, celebrated, and carried forward in full swing.