Music faculty concert at Cuesta College to fund scholarships
– The Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cuesta College will host the 21st Annual Music Faculty Concert on Saturday, Feb. 22, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships in the performing and fine arts.
For the first time, the concert will partner with the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery and the Cuesta College Foundation to expand the event.
“It’s been gratifying to learn that the San Luis Obispo community is really starting to see Cuesta College as the arts destination we know it to be,” said CPAC Supervisor Joan Hurwit. “Collaborating with Tim Stark (art gallery coordinator) to make our Arts Plaza as welcoming as it is innovative has been hard work but such a joy. I’ve seen firsthand how hard our students work to show up enthusiastically for each of their classes and programs – it’s an honor for us to produce this event to better support them in achieving their goals.”
The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception at the art gallery featuring Daisy Patton’s Before These Witnesses. Prints will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting student scholarships. Attendees can then visit the Experimental Black Box Theater for appetizers, wine, and refreshments.
At 7:30 p.m., the concert will take place in the CPAC Mainstage Theater, featuring performances by Cuesta College music faculty, including Ana Nelson, Cassandra Tarantino, Chad Ruyle, Dave Becker, Dorian Michael, Dylan Johnson, Idona Cabrinha, Inga Swearingen, Jennifer Martin, Jennifer Jo, Joan Hurwit, John Knutson, Marcy Irving, Marshall Otwell, and Ron McCarley.
The concert has been a long-standing tradition in San Luis Obispo County, raising funds for student scholarships while highlighting the talent of Cuesta College’s music faculty. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $100,000 for students.
“Our students at Cuesta College tend to be talented but deeply in need of guidance and financial assistance,” said Director of Jazz Studies Ron McCarley. “The arts are in an area that exists primarily outside of the realm of money and finances, and they give us perspective and keep us sane. With help, these students can be brought up to a level where they can contribute to our society and make a living for themselves in a way that helps all of us.”
The concert is sponsored by Joan G. Sargen, with the 2024-2025 CPAC season supported in memory of Carol Olsen and Eric Jonley Olsen and by New Times SLO. Hope Family Wines has donated the evening’s wine selection.
Tickets are available at tickets.cuesta.edu. Student IDs will be required for student-priced tickets. Seating will be assigned, allowing attendees to explore the evening’s offerings without needing to reserve seats early. VIP seating is available in rows F, G, H, and J. Donations to student scholarships can be made at checkout.
