Multi-GRAMMY Award winner Jason Mraz will perform two very special shows in his hometown of San Diego at Spreckels Theatre February 15 and 16. “SHINE,” a musical based on the singer-songwriter’s catalog, will feature performances by local arts education non-profit groups, including:
- Banding Together, who brings music opportunities to individuals with special needs.
- Malashock Dance, whose education program is designed to bring access to dance for under-served students, low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and promising pre-professional dancers who may face financial barriers.
- transcenDANCE, who guides young people in underserved San Diego County communities to transcend barriers, expand their ambitions, and create positive change for themselves, their families and community, through dance and performance.
- The San Diego Queer Youth Chorus, who encourages and fosters artistic expression, personal development, and leadership in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning intersex and allied youth and presents musical performances that provide an opportunity and space for young people, however they identify, to say “this is a place where I am accepted for who I am and everything that I bring.”
- A Reason to Survive (A.R.T.S.), whose mission is to ignite the power of creativity in youth, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and providing them with the skills needed to become compassionate catalysts for positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world.
Artwork by Jon Marro
Grants from the Jason Mraz Foundation have empowered and inspired these groups to interpret some of Mraz’s most beloved songs through movement, singing, and visual arts.
Tickets for the shows will go on-sale at jasonmraz.com on Friday, September 6 at 10 AM Pacific.
“Each of these organizations was chosen because of their commitment to inclusive arts education and the advancement of equality,” said Mraz. “I am humbled to provide my songs as a framework for them to express their unique points of view. By shining a light on these programs serving our local community’s youth, I want to underscore the importance of access to arts programming for all children in all communities – no matter their gender, race, ability level, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Every child should have the opportunity to find their voice through the arts.”
The concept of “SHINE” centers around the local community and celebrates the city of San Diego. The show follows Mraz and friends as they wake up and experience a full day in their Southern California neighborhood. They play at a local park, explore a farmer’s market, dance into the night, and fall asleep under the stars. Each participating cast member will have their moment to “SHINE” as they explore their community through movement, singing, and visual arts.