Ukiah Community Concert Association
2026–2027 Season
Great Music and You – An Inspired Ensemble
Hot Club of San Francisco
“…one of the most cohesive and entertaining Gypsy swing bands in the United States”
—San Francisco Chronicle
The Hot Club of San Francisco is an American gypsy jazz band, led by guitarist, songwriter, and arranger Paul “Pazzo” Mehling. The band features a lineup inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s Quintette du Hot Club de France, with violin, bass, and guitars. They perform a mix of Gypsy jazz standards, pop songs, and original compositions by Mehling. The group also includes violinist Evan Price, various members providing vocals, and a swing rhythm section. In Django Reinhardt and the Illustrated History of Gypsy Jazz, Michael Dregni calls the Hot Club of San Francisco “one of the first American gypsy jazz bands” and HOT they are!
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 2 pm
Venue: Mendocino College Center Theater
Lyyra
“A bright, exhilarating blend of upper voices, the groundbreaking treble ensemble is the only professional women’s a capella sextet based in the U.S.”
—femmusic.com
Lyyra is the new all-women vocal ensemble from The VOCES8 Foundation and is based in the USA. Creating world-class musical experiences to inspire audiences, Lyyra seeks to redefine the genre of upper voice music in the choral landscape, highlighting the astonishing capabilities within the full spectrum of women’s singing. The sound of this bright, young group combines velvety richness alongside star-like brilliance. With a broad texture and exhilarating range of sound, the group’s talented members specialize in classical, jazz, pop, and folk music from diverse traditions and backgrounds. Reflective of music, harmony, and the night sky, Lyyra takes its name from the constellation that represents Orpheus’ famed lyre. Lyyra is Anna Crumley, MaryRuth Miller, Elizabeth Tait, Aryssa Leigh Burrs, Ingrid Johnson, and Cecille Elliott. Lyyra’s Creative Director is Erik Jacobson.
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 2 pm
Venue: Mendocino College Center Theatre
Janice Carissa
“A ‘fleet-fingered touch that is particularly impressive,’ and ‘conveys a vivid story rather than a mere showpiece.’”
—Chicago Classical Review
A Gilmore Young Artist and winner of Salon de Virtuosi, Janice Carissa has “the multicolored highlights of a mature pianist” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and “strong, sure hands” (Voice of America) that “convey a vivid story rather than a mere showpiece” (Chicago Classical Review). Her artistry has been showcased at an array of renowned stages, including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, the Kennedy Center, Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Following her Philadelphia Orchestra debut at age sixteen, Janice has since performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Pittsburgh, San Diego, Nashville, Kansas City, Delaware, Amarillo, Des Moines, Knoxville and Jakarta symphonies, among others.
Date: Sunday, April 11, 2027 at 2 pm
Venue: Mendocino College Center Theater
Imani Winds
“Imani Winds breaks the mold of the classical music ensemble….”
—The Oregonian
Celebrating nearly three decades of transformative music-making, the GRAMMY®-winning and four-time nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and an evolution of the wind quintet. Known for their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations, and impactful outreach, they have inspired audiences of all ages around the globe. Imani Winds’ repertoire bridges the traditional and the contemporary, featuring core chamber works, reimagined arrangements, and newly commissioned pieces by both renowned and rising composers. Their programming reflects the urgency and diversity of our times, amplifying stories and voices too often left unheard. With recordings on Koch, Naxos, Blue Note, and Warner Classics, including a celebrated arrangement of The Rite of Spring and their 2006 GRAMMY®- nominated album The Classical Underground, Imani Winds is frequently featured on NPR, BBC, and SiriusXM.
Date: Sunday, May 9, 2027 at 2 pm
Venue: Mendocino College Center Theater
There's A Great Seat Waiting For You
Find out what so many of your neighbors already know about the value, inspiration, and sheer enjoyment of live concert music. Our upcoming season features artists who have performed in over 30 countries world-wide including the most prestigious venues.
While Vienna, New York, St. Petersburg, Paris, Tokyo, or Zurich may be a bit too far to go for a concert, your Ukiah Community Concert Association brings artists who perform there right here to your doorstep. It is a short step for you to become a member and enjoy a long remembered season of great music.
We’re saving a seat for you!
