In an age when so many things are available on demand, there’s one experience that technology still can’t replicate: sitting in a theater with hundreds of other people, waiting for the lights to dim and the show to begin.
A live performance is one of the few places where familiar faces and first-time guests come together to share the same experience and leave just a little more connected. That shared experience has become increasingly rare – and increasingly valuable.
As someone who has spent my career in the performing arts and arts education, I’m often asked how we choose each season at Poway OnStage. The answer goes beyond simply finding great entertainers. It’s about creating opportunities for our community to come together through stories, music, culture and experiences that spark conversation and connection long after the curtain falls.
Our upcoming 2026–2027 season reflects that vision.
Legendary artists like GRAMMY Award-winning Mavis Staples and founding member of The Beach Boys Al Jardine celebrate the music that shaped generations. Audiences can also experience the global artistry of acclaimed ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, who returns with a special Holidays in Hawaii concert, the extraordinary musicianship of International Guitar Night XXVII, and the breathtaking acrobatics of Afrique en Cirque.
The season also includes holiday favorites from The Modern Gentlemen, the longest-running members of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons; family fun with Curious George and the Golden Meatball; the electrifying MJ LIVE tribute concert direct from Las Vegas; TAKE3: Jukebox Rock, a fresh spin on familiar favorites that blends the artistry of classical musicians with the sounds of rock, pop, country and Americana; and local favorite Back to the Garden’s Golden Age of Vinyl, a nostalgic journey through the iconic albums and artists that defined the ’60s and ’70s.
At Poway OnStage, that impact extends well beyond our evening performances. Through our donor-supported Arts in Education Initiative, thousands of local students experience professional performances, workshops, master classes and theater programs each year. This season, young performers from our community will also take the stage in The Frog Prince, our annual youth musical theatre production, building confidence, creativity and teamwork while experiencing the magic of live theater from the inside.
Whether you’re discovering a new favorite artist, reliving cherished memories, or introducing a child to their very first performance, every visit to the theater is an investment in the cultural life of our community – giving us a chance to gather around experiences that simply can’t be streamed from home.
That’s why live performance matters – and why we’re excited to welcome audiences back for another unforgettable season at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.
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