UCSD Art Power has some amazing and fun performances coming up this summer, that are open to you, your friends and family. If you are looking for something to do and love supporting the arts, then you don’t want to miss out. Check out what art power has on the way in the next few months.

A little bit about Art Power… ArtPower at UC San Diego presents performing arts that engage, energize, and transform the diverse cultural life of the university and San Diego. Through vibrant, challenging, multi-disciplinary performances, ArtPower seeks to develop more empathetic students and community members who are better prepared to engage in the world around them through their participation in high-quality artistic, educational, and engagement programs that broaden thinking and awareness, deepen understanding, and encourage new dialogues across UC San Diego and the community.

Learn more at artpower.ucsd.edu

ArtPower 2025 Summer Events List:

Joshua Roman: Immunity

Sunday, June 22 at 4 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Joshua Roman is a cello soloist and composer, hailed by the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle for his “effortlessly expressive tone” as well as his “blend of precision and almost improvisatory freedom." His debut solo album, Immunity, is an intimate musician exploration of his experiences with ongoing Long COVID that altered his entire life and nearly ended his career. This free live performance of the album shows the cellist at his most vulnerable and showcases the ultimate strength found in such vulnerability.

Wicked Singalong: Film Screening

Wednesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Get ready to experience the magic of Wicked like never before at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Led by some of San Diego’s favorite performers, this special sing-along screening offers a uniquely interactive film experience complete with prop packs, a costume contest, and themed cocktails and snacks. Whether you’re dressed in Glinda’s sparkle or channeling Elphaba’s edge, all are welcome to sing along—the lyrics will be on screen to guide you. Presented as part of ArtPower’s Launchpad program, this event is a celebration of friendship, imagination, and the joy of singing together under the stars.

Yächtley Crëw

Friday, July 11 at 8 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Ahoy, matey! The nautical-clad “Titans of Soft Rock,” Yachtley Crew, will be dropping anchor in San Diego this July to launch ArtPower’s summer season. For the uninitiated, Yacht Rock is a revival of the smooth soft rock and Top 40 hits from the late ’70s to early ’80s—now a nationwide sensation. Fans don captain’s hats and nautical attire, singing along to the era’s breezy, feel-good tunes. Yachtley Crew first made waves in 2017, selling out countless Southern California venues before igniting a nationwide Yacht Rock craze. Their success caught the attention of the legendary Jimmy Buffett, who signed them to his Mailboat label before their recent deal with Earache/Universal Records.

The Cream of Clapton Band - Unplugged and 24 Nights Revisited

Friday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

One of the few tribute bands endorsed by Eric Clapton himself, Cream of Clapton brings together family, friends, and former bandmates for a powerful celebration of his legendary music. Featuring Clapton’s longtime bassist Nathan East, his son Noah East, Will Johns (Clapton’s nephew), and Clapton’s former bandmate Steve Ferrone, this special performance recreates Clapton’s iconic MTV Unplugged set — the groundbreaking 1992 album that reimagined his greatest hits, earned six Grammy Awards, and became one of the best-selling live albums of all time. Expect an intimate evening of acoustic favorites like "Layla," "Tears in Heaven," and "Old Love," all capturing the heart and soul of one of rock’s most celebrated artists.

Michael Giacchino: Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen

Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Join Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino for a one-of-a-kind retro night at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Experience Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen come to life, as Giacchino reimagines his iconic scores from Lost, Ratatouille, Star Trek, and more—transformed in the lush, lounge-inspired style of 1950s Exotica. A nostalgic, vibraphone-filled evening that’s equal parts cinematic and cool.

Themes and Variations: A Conversation with Michael Giacchino and Friends

Wednesday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Back by popular demand! Michael Giacchino brings his signature wit, warmth, and wisdom to a new round of conversations with artists, collaborators, and culture-makers. Building on last year’s fan-favorite Tale of Two Sulus: An evening with George Takei and John Cho, this event promises memorable stories and rare insights into the creative processes behind some of the most iconic works in film and television. Guests to be announced.

DCOM: Live!

Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Celebrate the iconic magic of Disney Channel Original Movies with DCOM: Live! Experience an immersive journey through music, dance, and nostalgia, featuring hits from High School Musical, Camp Rock, The Cheetah Girls, and Descendants, as well as The Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire, and SO many more! This high-energy concert features six Broadway-caliber performers and an electric live band that will have you up out of your seat, singing and dancing along to everything from Zenon to Zombies! DCOM: Live was developed as part of ArtPower’s Launchpad program.

Kokoroko

Tuesday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Fusing the sounds of jazz and Afrobeat, Kokoroko has developed a burgeoning reputation for their energetic, soul-shaking sound. Led by trumpeter Shelila Maurice-Grey and drummer Onome Edgeworth, the London-based septet was named “ones to watch” by the Guardian in 2019 after their song “Abusey Junction” racked up hundreds of millions of streams across Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. Since their inception almost six years ago, Kokoroko has played in clubs, theaters, and festivals around the world, including a set at Coachella in 2024. Their most recent release, a 15-minute, four-song extended play entitled “Get the Message,” released last November, explores the need for community, connection, and relationships.

CLUE: A Walking Mystery Tour

Thursday, August 21-Sunday, September 28 | UC San Diego (various locations)

Step into the world of CLUE like never before! Guests are invited to experience CLUE: A Walking Mystery at UC San Diego—an interactive, real-world twist on the classic board game. The case was never closed, the mansion has been sold, and the furniture from all nine rooms is scattered across campus. Now it’s up to you to uncover WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT. Solve puzzles, follow the trail, and channel your inner detective in this fun and brain-teasing adventure. Perfect for sleuths of all ages and groups!

Nathan Chester & the Old Souls Motown Revival

Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Chicago native turned Nashville mainstay Nathan Chester’s life was forever changed when he captured the hearts of millions of viewers on season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice.” His soulful renditions of iconic songs like “Take Me to the River” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” not only earned him praise from the shows judges, but garnered him a devout fanbase who has supported his music even after his time on the show ended. Since the voice, Chester has toured as a professional musician and frequently collaborates with Post Modern Jukebox, including a recent soul-fueled rendition of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Celebrate Ameri’KANA featuring Rubén Albarrán from Cafe Tacvba, Making Movies, and La Lulu

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Lead singer of Grammy-winning Latin rock band Café Cafe Tacvuba Rubén Albarrán will be joined on stage by , Making Movies, and Latin Grammy winning Columbian Latin Grammy-winning Colombian violinist, vocalist, and dancer La Lulu. Celebrate AMERI’KANA unites world-class musicians with award-winning and talent from diverse musical backgrounds.

Summer Movies with ArtPower

Select Wednesday and Sunday Nights and Afternoons | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Want to watch a film on a massive screen all while enjoying the San Diego summer air we all love so much? Then you’ll want to be at Movie Nights with ArtPower, where the Epstein Family Amphitheater will be open to visitors of all ages for monthly screenings of classic and contemporary films.

Partnership Events

In addition to events at Epstein Family Amphitheater, ArtPower is proud to partner with fellow San Diego art institutions throughout the summer to present the following events:

Mainly Mozart: Mozart Symphony 40 & Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto

Saturday, June 21 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Mainly Mozart: Closing Night: Beethoven’s Triple Concerto & Symphony 7

Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Blindspot Collective: Karaoke Dreams

Thursday and Fridays, July 17 through Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. | The Loft

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Summer Spectacular: ABRACADABRA!

Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13 at 7 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater

Learn more about Art Power HERE

UCSD Art Power Summer Events Calendar 2025