Mondavi Center

12/18/2024

Braxton Cook is an Emmy Award-winning artist and one of this generation’s most exciting emerging voices in the jazz world. This year, he released his "My Everything" EP, which blends jazz, soul, and R&B. His 2023 album, "Who Are You When No One is Watching?," received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album.

A Juilliard graduate, Cook has toured and performed with the Christian McBride Big Band, Jon Batiste, and Marquis Hill, among others. He even has a production credit on Taylor Swift's hit single "Lavender Haze!"

Experience this up-and-coming musician when he performs at the Mondavi Center on February 8. Tickets are available at mondaviarts.org.

[Image Description: Braxton Cook sits sideways in a chair with his saxophone against a purple background. Text overlay includes his name, the Mondavi Center logo, and the date & time of the performance (February 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm])

12/17/2024

🎁 The final edition of this season's holiday gift guide is a collection of events that will inspire.

⭐ Whether you join us to experience acrobats performing gravity-defying moves at Cirque Kalabanté or celebrate Native American culture with Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, we hope to see you and your loved ones in the new year!

🔗 Learn more about the shows and purchase tickets and gift certificates at mondaviarts.org

[Image Description: Each event has a photo of the performer(s) surrounded by white lights next to their name(s) and the date(s) of their performance, set against a red background.
1. Heloísa Fernandes Quartet: February 13 - 15
2. Circa: April 6
3. Cirque Kalabanté: February 23
4. Masters of Hawaiian Music: March 6 - 8
5. Michelle Cann, piano; Erinys Quartet: May 4
6. Isidore String Quartet: February 23
7. Nava Dance Theatre and Rupy C. Tut: March 14 -15
8. Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band: May 8]

12/16/2024

We were deeply saddened to hear about the recent passing of Zakir Hussain. He joined us most recently in September 2023 for the 50th anniversary Shakti tour. Zakir will be remembered not only as an incredible tabla maestro who elevated global music but also for his contributions as a teacher, mentor, and educator.

Hussain's career spanned over five decades, during which he was revered as both a national treasure in India and admired worldwide.

12/11/2024

Hey Aggies 🐎! Just a quick reminder that the Mondavi Center Study Lounge is OPEN! Come to the Mondavi Center lobby to study and get some free coffee and tea to help you stay motivated. We are open from 9am to 3pm the rest of the week.

We're rooting for you! Stay calm and best of luck 🤞

12/10/2024

🎁 The second edition of our holiday gift guide is full of events to create unforgettable memories.

⭐ From the live music of jazz, soul, and R&B artist Braxton Cook to the immersive theatre experience of Mrs. Krishnan's Party, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

🔗 Learn more about the shows and purchase tickets and gift certificates at mondaviarts.org

[Image Description: Each event has a photo of the performer(s) surrounded by white lights next to their name(s) and the date(s) of their performance, set against a red background.
1. Sasha Velour: February 7
2. Braxton Cook: February 8
3. Velocity Irish Dance: March 15
4. Benjamin Beilman, violin; Steven Osborne, piano: March 7
5. Les Arts Florissants: Vivaldi's Four Seasons at 300: March 21
6. Joshua Bell, violin; Peter Dugan, piano: April 4
7. Mrs. Krishnan's Party: April 2-6
8. Terence Blanchard - FLOW 20th Anniversary Tour: April 11]

12/06/2024

Wednesday night's show with Pink Martini and China Forbes marked our final show of 2024. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Mondavi Center for the first half of our 2024-2025 season! Your support made every moment unforgettable. 🌟

We can’t wait to welcome you back as we kick off the second half in January—starting with the incredible Aaron Diehl Trio on January 16.

See you soon for more inspiring performances!

[Image Description: A collage of polaroid photos from Fall 2024 performances against a dark blue background. The words "Thank You for supporting the first half of our 24-25 season!" are in the center against a bright pink background.]

12/05/2024

🙏 Thank you to everyone who stopped by Student Appreciation Day this morning! We were so grateful to have the Friends of Mondavi Center join us in giving out free coffee, donuts, and swag to over 175 students.

💪 We are rooting for our wonderful students as you all head into finals week. We hope you visit us again soon either to study in our Student Study Lounge (see details in previous post) or to decompress by attending a show.

🔗 Learn More about Friends of Mondavi Center: https://www.mondaviarts.org/support-us/volunteer/friends-of-mondavi-center/

12/05/2024

Finals season is here! 📚✏️ Join us at the Mondavi Center Study Lounge for a quiet and comfy study spot.

☕ Free coffee and tea (while supplies last!)
🕘 Dec 9–13 (Mon. - Fri.)| 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Mondavi Center Lobby

Bring your work and your friends and ace these finals together! 💪

[Image Description: Graphic inviting Aggies to check out the Mondavi Center Study Lounge, a quiet place to study for finals with free coffee and tea, while supplies last. Open from December 9-13 from 9AM-3PM.]

12/04/2024

Thank you to Sactown Magazine for being the sponsor of Pink Martini featuring China Forbes. We greatly appreciate your support. https://www.mondaviarts.org/whats-on/pink-martini-featuring-china-forbes/

12/03/2024

🎁 This holiday season, give the gift of live performances with the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

⭐ From London Symphony Orchestra with chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and violinist Janine Jansen to the martial arts inspired street dance of Bereish*t Dance Company, there's something for all the performing arts lovers in your life.

🔗 Learn more about the shows and purchase tickets and gift certificates at mondaviarts.org

[Image Description: Each event has a photo of the performer surrounded by white lights next to their name and the date of their performance, set against a red background.
1. Aaron Diehl Trio (pianist): January 16 - 18
2. Bereish*t Dance Company: February 20
3. Yamato (Japanese drum group): March 16
4. London Syympny Orchestra: February 22
5. DakhaBrakha (Ukrainian band): April 9
6. San Francisco Symphony: May 31
7. E.T. The Extra Terrestial in Concert: May 3
8. Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Bruce Liu, piano: February 27]

12/03/2024

Thank you to CapRadio for being the sponsor of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Big Band Holidays. We greatly appreciate your support. https://www.mondaviarts.org/whats-on/jazz-at-lincoln-center-orchestra-big-band-holidays/

12/03/2024

"So it really was little nuggets that were placed very strategically and rightfully so in my earlier years that brought me to this place of ultimately choosing jazz music, choosing this style of music to present my voice..."

Watch Ekep Nkwelle sit down with Williamena Kwapo from the Sac Observer to discuss her passion for jazz music, how her time at renowned arts schools helped craft her voice, what she wants people to take away from tonight's show, and more.

See Ekep Nkwelle join Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Robbie Lee tonight at the Mondavi Center. It's a holiday show that's sure to inspire joy. Tickets available at mondaviarts.org
https://youtu.be/ANLuxKEWvSQ?list=TLGGgKn3FBRe6OIwMzEyMjAyNA

Discover the rise of Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist Ekep Nkwelle, who's captivating audiences with her soulful voice and unique artistry.

12/02/2024

🚨 Reminder for UC Davis students! 🚨

Don't forget to stop by the Mondavi Center on December 5th for FREE coffee & donuts! ☕🍩 Come early and bring a friend! Supplies are limited, so don’t miss out 🙌

🗓️ When: Thursday, Dec 5
🕣 Time: 8:30 - 10:30 AM
📍 Where: Outside the Mondavi Center



Image Description: Image of a cup of coffee and donut with text overlay "Student Appreciation Day Free Coffee and Donuts for UC Davis Students Thursday, Dec 5, 8:30-10:30AM, outside the Mondavi Center."

11/29/2024

Our final shows of 2024 are a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Sit back, relax, and be transported by song to an enchanting winter wonderland.

❄️ Three Shows, Three Magical Experiences:

December 2: In their final Mondavi Center concert, the Alexander String Quartet are joined by lecturer Robert Greenberg and perform Beethoven and Schubert.

December 3: The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra brings holiday cheer with help from rising star vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee.

December 4: Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Pink Martini returns to the Mondavi Center with its festive holiday show.

Tickets available at mondaviarts.org

[Image Descriptions:
1. Alexander String Quartet framed by snow on a light green background.
2. Ekep Nkwelle framed by snow on a purple background.
3. Pink Martini and China Forbes framed by snow on a pink background]

11/26/2024

Happy Native American Heritage Month! In celebration of the contributions Indigenous peoples have made to the performing arts, we are proud to highlight Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, co-directed by Delbert Anderson.

From time immemorial, songs have been the vessels of stories and lessons for the Indigenous people of the Americas. The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band (JKIBB) composes and performs new music inspired by traditional backgrounds, celebrating the historical significance of ensembles and big bands that thrived on reservations in the early Twentieth Century.

Join us for JKIBB's performance at the Mondavi Center on May 8, 2025 and hear the next generation of Indigenous jazz musicians.
Tickets available at mondaviarts.org

11/25/2024

11/25/2024

🍂 Please note that the ticket office and lobby of the Mondavi Center will be closed for the holidays Monday, November 25 through Saturday, December 30. Tickets will still be available for purchase online at mondaviarts.org.

We appreciate your patience as our staff takes a short rest and wish you cherished time with loved ones!

11/21/2024

Auld Lang Syne is a classic song to ring in the new year 🎊 Did you know that Pink Martini's version is sung in three different languages? In this video, China Forbes sings in English and Arabic. If you know the third language, drop it in the comments below ⬇️

And if you don't know but are curious, join us on December 4 for an early celebration of New Year's Eve and other winter holidays with Pink Martini featuring China Forbes "A Holiday Spectacular". Get your tickets at mondaviarts.org