Two-time Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas is one of the headliners of this year’s Concert Under the Stars, joining other alumni and students in an evening of musical entertainment that has become a fall tradition at Cal State Fullerton.
Founded by trumpet player and alumna Cindy Shea, Mariachi Divas is an all-female multicultural ensemble that perform regularly throughout the U.S. and can be heard on multiple film soundtracks. Also hitting the stage Saturday, Sept. 29, at CSUF’s Intramural Field are alumna Denean Dyson ‘11 (B.A. music) and the Long Beach-based Soul Foundation, which play jazz-driven renditions of popular R&B, soul, neo-soul, funk, blues and Motown favorites.
Joining in are fellow alumni Erin McNally ’02 (B.A. theatre arts) and Brooke Aston ‘02 (B.F.A. theatre arts-musical theatre), both favorite performers of concerts past. McNally will perform an original arrangement welcoming CSUF President Fram Virjee to his first Concert Under the Stars, while Aston will pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin with her own rendition of “Respect.”
As in previous years, students will form a big part of the production. Various CSUF dance and music ensembles will share the stage, including the College of the Arts Jazz Orchestra, led by Bill Cunliffe, professor of music.
“Throughout the year, our music and theatre arts students have opportunities to perform in concert halls around the world,” said Dale Merrill, dean of the College of the Arts. “Concert Under the Stars is one of our favorite ways to showcase the talents of all our students together for our own community.”
As in past years, Concert Under the Stars will culminate in a dazzling show of fireworks sponsored by the Anaheim Ducks.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the concert following at 8 p.m. Free lawn seating is still available. Reservations are requested and can be made online. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to share with friends and family, or purchase dinner from a variety of food trucks. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted on campus.
Free general parking is located in Lots A and G. Parking for the disabled is available in Lot A and the State College Parking Structure. A map is available online.
As Cal State Fullerton’s signature fundraising event, Concert Under the Stars draws thousands of attendees each year. Proceeds support scholarships and student-centered programs. For more information, visit fullerton.edu/concert.