Every year, on the first Saturday in June, music lovers and supporters of arts and culture from across the Inland Empire gather at the University of Redlands to shake a leg and raise funds for the Redlands Symphony's artistic, education, and community engagement programs.
Our Gala features trip, experiences, and items for bid and purchase; a 3 course dinner; and our famous Dancing with the Stars dancing competition. The dancing stars—business owners, teachers, local influencers, and community leaders—solicit votes from the community in the form of dollars to win the coveted "Dancing with the Stars Trophy."
Each year, the Annual Fundraising Gala raises approximately $200,000 which is about 25% of the Symphony's overall budget. Monies raised through auctions, dancer votes, and donations benefit the Redlands Symphony's...
Funds help produce concerts and recitals, including paying the finest musicians in the Inland Empire to perform, renting and purchasing sheet music, bringing guest artists and conductors to the region, and most of all creating spaces for our friends and neighbors to connect through the power of live music.
Education is so important to our community and to the Redlands Symphony. The Annual Fundraising Gala supports free concerts for 4th and 5th grade students, masterclass opportunities for musicians in school to gain valuable expertise and perspective, and virtual tools to support musical teaching and learning in any classroom environment.
We LOVE our community and believe everyone deserves music as part of living here. The Gala helps support musicians in community spaces and supports initiatives to engage more people with music.
As we approach our 75th Anniversary Season, we look back on the first 30 years of our history: our formation, our artistry, and most importanly, our impact on the community.
We'll explore the 1950s with the University-Community Orchestra, our humble beginnings, when music professor Edward C. Tritt brought students and community musicians together in hopes of getting an orchestra established in Redlands.
We'll dance through to the 1960s and explore the growth of the University-Community Orchestra and the beginnings of the Redlands Winter Concert Association. Our name may have changed, but our mission to enhance community vitality and connection through orchestral music didn't.
Then, we'll finish up in the 1970s when names like Jack Benny were soloing with the Redlands Winter Concert Association. It is these fouundational moments that get us to where we are today and what we celebrate and support moving forward.
Is there a dress code?
Not formally, but we encourage guests to dress in their finest black and white. If that's a tuxedo and tails or a stunning cocktail dress, it makes no matter to us. Your comfort, your fashion, and your financial support are of the utmost importance.
What's on the menu?
There will be passed appetizers, quintessential small bites from the mid-century era. Then, a fresh wedge salad will be waiting for you at your seat. Entrees are choice of a beef Wellington or a vegetable Wellington. To top it off will be a grasshopper tart, minty and chocolatey (vegan friendly)!
Am I going to have fun?
Of course you are! Supporting the Symphony has never been so fun. From photo booth opportunities to a silent and live auction and of course our Dancing Stars, you'll have a blast coming together with your musical community to make sure music is part of our city for years to come!
Whether you're coming with friends, your partner, or flying solo, you're more than welcome to attend our Annual Fundraising Gala.
There are two seating options:
Premium Dance Floor Seating is found around the edge of the dance floor, at the front row of all of the action. These seats are $225 per person until May 1 and increase to $275 per person after May 1. Tables of 10 are available for $2,250 (until 5/1) and $2,750 (after 5/1).
Standard Seating is found beyond the dance floor. You'll still see all the action, but from a seat a little further in the room. These seats are $175 per person until 5/1 and $225 per person after 5/1. Tables of 10 are available for $1,500 (until 5/1) and $2,250 (after 5/1).
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Karen Hansberger
Kate Peters & Doug Simao
Marilyn Solter
GOLD SPONSORS
W. Robert Clark
Robin & David Maupin
SILVER SPONSORS
Luann Bangsund
Patricia & James Belote
BRONZE SPONSORS
Allan Berg
Mary Jo and J.E. Holmes
Each year, local business owners, community leaders, teachers, public servants, and music lovers volunteer their time and talents to compete for your vote in our Dancing with the Stars Competition! Meet our stars below and vote for your favorite by clicking on their picture. $1 = 1 vote!
.png)
We hear from patrons at each performance how music impacts their lives. Having access to this kind of healing and quality of life improver is crucial for a thriving community like ours. We shouldn't have to go to Los Angeles for an amazing cultural experience—and we don't have to. With your support now and throughout the year, the Redlands Symphony can continue to serve Redlands, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Loma Linda, Highland, Banning, Beaumont, and other communities in our region through top-notch musical experiences for every age.
.png)
Entertaining and Inspiring the IE since 1950.
