McCallum Theatre / June 2026

Sat, Jun 13

The McCallum Jazz Experience

Introducing the McCallum Theatre Jazz Experience! A one-day celebration of rhythm, artistry, and community.

9:00am – Noon: Morning Jazz Lab at Palm Desert Library – A Morning of Color, Rhythm and Play
1:00pm – 5pm: Afternoon Community Jazz Jam on our main stage
7:00pm: Evening Performance – Jazz Spotlight

This inaugural event unfolds in three exciting sessions: a morning Jazz Lab offering hands-on exploration for all ages; an afternoon Community Jazz Jam showcasing outstanding local talent on our main stage; and an electrifying evening Jazz Spotlight featuring the Pacific Jazz Orchestra Quartet and composer and pianist David Benoit.

Acclaimed contemporary jazz pioneer and five-time GRAMMY®-nominated pianist/composer David Benoit performs a selection of his original chart-topping classics and other familiar works. The seminal artist is joined by special guest vocalist Courtney Fortune and the Pacific Jazz Orchestra Quartet, featuring pianist and Music Director Josh Nelson, bassist Edwin Livingston, drummer Andy Fraga, and guitarist Andrew Synowiec. The program caps the McCallum Theatre's inaugural Jazz Experience, a day-long festival spotlighting established and rising jazz artists from the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Morning Jazz Lab – A Morning of Color, Rhythm and Play
Start your day in the Palm Desert Library with a Henri Matisse-inspired art workshop led by Karen Riley of the SCRAP Gallery beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by an interactive family concert featuring musicians from Pacific Jazz Orchestra from 11:00 a.m. to Noon. This free, all-ages event launches the Jazz Experience with creativity, color, and sound — reservations required.

1:00PM – 5PM Afternoon Community Jazz Jam
Experience the energy of our Community Jazz Jam as emerging and professional local musicians take the McCallum main stage for an afternoon of live performances selected through a valley-wide open video audition process. Wristbands for this festival-style experience are $15 and can be bundled for a discount with the Jazz Spotlight ticket.

7:00PM Evening Performance: Jazz Spotlight
Experience jazz the way it was meant to be heard at the McCallum Theatre, where world-class acoustics meet legendary artistry. In this one-night-only performance, the Pacific Jazz Orchestra showcases its premier quartet alongside Grammy-nominated composer and pianist David Benoit and acclaimed jazz vocalist Courtney Fortune.

Tickets may be purchased for the evening performance only, or at a discounted rate when bundled with a wristband for the Community Jazz Jam. To purchase an all day COMBO ticket, please choose the 7pm performance and the COMBO ticket type.

Spend your hot Summer Day with some Cool Jazz with the McCallum!

In Partnership with The City of Palm Desert

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!