Music Note Gala

Friday, August 14, 2026 • 4:30–10 PM
Bella Vista Estate, Summerland

Celebrate and support music education at the annual Music Note Gala, where community leaders and music enthusiasts unite for an unforgettable evening of elegance and inspiration.

Audra McDonald

An Unforgettable Night With Audra McDonald

Experience a rare and intimate performance by Broadway legend soprano Audra McDonald, widely celebrated as one of the most extraordinary voices of our time. Joined by a jazz trio and a special guest appearance by the Music Academy’s Sing! children’s choir, the program draws from the Great American Songbook—an influential and enduring collection of popular songs shaped by Broadway and Hollywood.

Support the Artists of Tomorrow

The Music Note Gala is the Music Academy of the West’s premier fundraising event, supporting full scholarships for every fellow and expanding access to music education throughout our community.

We look forward to welcoming you for a remarkable evening of artistry, generosity, and connection.

A Magical Coastal Setting

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bella Vista Estate, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Music Note Gala offers a magical summer evening. Guests will gather for cocktails at golden hour, followed by an elegant sunset dinner, culminating with Audra McDonald’s once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Honoring Cheryl Goldberg

This year’s Gala will honor Cheryl Goldberg, Founding Contributor to the Academy’s Music Education Center and a member of the Music Academy Board of Directors. Her visionary leadership and generosity are helping shape the future home of the Center in downtown Santa Barbara—an enduring investment in music education and expanded community access.

Secure Your Gala Experience

Purchase a package by April 1 for elevated experiences, premier seating, and inclusion in select promotional materials.

Premium packages include access to an invitation-only pre-Gala celebration with Audra McDonald on Thursday, August 13.

Schedule

Friday, August 14, 2026

4:30 pm

Arrival and Cocktail Reception

6 pm

Dinner, Program, and Paddle Raise

8 pm

Performance by Audra McDonald

9 pm

Dessert and Celebration

Cocktail attire. Black & white is encouraged.

Transportation

On-site parking is limited, with select parking reserved for premium sponsors. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided. Ride‑share and private car services are encouraged.

Packages

Buy a package today for premier seating, elevated hospitality, and meaningful opportunities for philanthropic leadership. Packages confirmed by April 1 will be included in select promotional materials.

Showstopper
$100,000 • Table of 12

Premium seating for 12 at the Gala
Invitations for 12 guests to the pre-Gala celebration
Premium wine service throughout the evening
Dedicated server assigned to your table
Premier recognition in Gala invitation, program, website, as well as verbal recognition during the event as lead sponsor
6 on-site VIP parking passes at the Gala
Private, CEO-led hard-hat tour of the Academy’s Music Education Center at 901 State Street, followed by dinner with the project’s creative team

Fair Market Value: $3,600 • 1 table available

Rhapsody
$50,000 • Table of 12

Premium seating for 12 at the Gala
Invitations for 12 guests to the pre-Gala celebration
Premium wine service throughout the evening
Prominent recognition in the Gala invitation, program, and website, with verbal recognition during the event
6 on-site VIP parking passes at the Gala
Private, CEO-led hard-hat tour of the Academy’s Music Education Center at 901 State Street

Fair Market Value: $3,600 • 2 tables available

Overture
$25,000 • Table of 10

Premium seating for 10 at the Gala
Invitations for 4 guests to the pre-Gala celebration
Premium wine service throughout the evening
Recognition in the Gala invitation, program, and website, with verbal recognition during the event
3 on-site VIP parking passes at the Gala
Private, CEO-led hard-hat tour of the Academy’s Music Education Center at 901 State Street

Fair Market Value: $3,000

Harmony
$15,000 • Table of 8

Upgraded seating for 8 at the Gala
Invitations for 2 guests to the pre-Gala celebration
Recognition in the Gala invitation, program, and website
Invitations to select donor experiences, including the Summer Music Festival Season Preview and a CEO-led hard-hat tour of the Academy’s Music Education Center at 901 State Street

Fair Market Value: $2,400

Ensemble
$10,000 • Table of 6

Seating for 6 at the Gala
Recognition in the Gala invitation, program, and website
Invitations to select donor experiences, including the Summer Music Festival Season Preview and a CEO-led hard-hat tour of the Academy’s Music Education Center at 901 State Street

Fair Market Value: $1,800

Duet
$3,750 • 2 Tickets

Seating for 2 at the Gala

Fair Market Value: $600

Single tickets will be released in May, pending availability.

An Exclusive Pre-Gala Celebration

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Premium packages include an invitation-only pre-Gala celebration hosted at a private estate. Guests will enjoy an intimate musical interlude with Audra McDonald, accompanied by her longtime music director, Andy Einhorn, at the piano.

Gala Committee

The Music Academy is grateful for the dedicated volunteers whose leadership and advocacy make the Music Note Gala possible.

Co-Chairs

Andrea Hein
Rachael Douglas

Honorary Chairs

Cheryl Goldberg
Mally Chakola
Casey Kallenbach

Members

Michele Brustin
Dana Denton
Melody Ellison
Todd Gerber
Jenna Jobst Reichental
Cinny Kennard
Eileen Read
Danner Schefler
Peter Taffae
Jill Taylor
Anne Towbes
Todd Yancey

Creative Team

Katelin Ridenour  La Vie Events
Monique Rodriguez  Bella Vista Estate
Allison Jackson  Pineapple Productions

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