SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Cuesta College invites the community to celebrate the season at the inaugural Cuesta College Holiday Extravaganza! on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The festive concert brings together three of the college’s premier music programs for the first time on one stage, delivering an evening filled with holiday cheer, exceptional talent, and inspiring performances.
This first-of-its-kind holiday special features the Cuesta Wind Ensemble, the internationally recognized Cuesta College Chamber Singers, the Cuesta Jazz Bands, and combos from the college’s recent national award-winning Jazz Combo program. Conductors John Knutson, Jennifer Martin, and Ron McCarley will guide audiences through a fast-paced and carefully curated lineup that blends holiday favorites, ‘‘choral chestnuts,’’ jazz standards, and new classical compositions.
Faculty note that the scale and variety of this event echo the CPAC’s highly celebrated 10th anniversary homegrown-themed alumni concert in 2019. “This first-time effort to do a department wide holiday special is amazing because it will involve all of the music groups at Cuesta College,” said Performing Arts Division Chair Ron McCarley. “The sheer scale of this concert is something we’ve only tried to do a few times, and I think this will be one of our most special events. We just want everyone to have a moment to reflect and be inspired by the beauty of the season and what is happening with our amazing students.”
The production features unexpected staging moments, quick transitions, and music that emerges from all corners of the CPAC, keeping audiences delighted and engaged throughout the evening. Students will rehearse and perform alongside peers they rarely get to work with, building community while creating a unique, theater-like flow that inspires reflection and celebration. Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery before settling in for this immersive holiday event.
The Cuesta College Holiday Extravaganza! is part of the 2025–26 CPAC season, “A Season of Inspiration,” sponsored by Warren and Linda Balfour. Cuesta College extends additional gratitude to Toni and Craig Kincaid for generously sponsoring this performance.
Tickets are available now at tickets.cuesta.edu:
- VIP Reserved Seating (Rows F & G): $30
- General Admission: $25
- Seniors (65+): $22
- Students with ID: $10
Parking in Lot 2A is included and all sales are final. Attendees may also choose to support Cuesta College Music Student Scholarships through an optional donation at checkout.
Experience the wonder, talent, and joy of the season – reserve your seat today for the Cuesta College Holiday Extravaganza!