SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cuesta College Community Programs, in partnership with the Central Coast Saxophone Coalition, the San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation, and the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education Foundation, presents the first-ever Saxophone Summit: Celebrating Charlie Parker on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center.
The concert, held on what would have been Charlie Parker's 106th birthday, will feature music of the legendary saxophonist, including selections from his acclaimed Charlie Parker with Strings recordings. The program will also include arrangements from Med Flory's Supersax library.
Directed by Cuesta College music faculty member Dave Becker, the performance will showcase seven acclaimed soloists, supported by a 22-piece orchestra and jazz rhythm section.
The inaugural summit brings together Cuesta College alumni, current students, faculty, Cal Poly musicians, and local professional performers for an evening celebrating one of jazz’s most influential artists and the versatility of the saxophone.
“I am so excited to share this unique musical event with our vibrant, musically diverse community,” said Becker. “The fact it falls on Charlie Parker's birthday is no coincidence – it's going to be a truly special celebration of Charlie Parker’s enduring musical legacy.”
The concert also marks the official launch of the Central Coast Saxophone Coalition (CCSC), a premier audition-based saxophone ensemble within Cuesta College Community Programs. Rehearsing and performing year-round, CCSC is dedicated to bringing together some of the region’s most skilled and passionate saxophonists and showcasing the full expressive range of the saxophone through diverse repertoire spanning classical transcriptions, contemporary works, jazz, pop, and innovative new compositions. United by a commitment to artistic excellence, the ensemble seeks to inspire audiences, strengthen the local music community, and broaden appreciation for this remarkably versatile family of instruments.
Tickets are available now at tickets.cuesta.edu. Admission is $40 for general, $30 for San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation members, and $10 for students. Student IDs will be checked at the door. Complimentary parking in Lot 2A is included with each ticket. Attendees may also support the Central Coast Saxophone Coalition with an optional donation during checkout.
Those interested in joining the San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation may do so before purchasing tickets to receive the discounted member rate. Membership benefits include discounts on local jazz concerts, music scholarships for students, a 10% discount on jazz purchases at Boo Boo Records, opportunities to connect with fellow jazz enthusiasts, and support for jazz performance and education throughout the region.
About Cuesta College
Cuesta College empowers students to imagine and achieve brighter futures through high-quality
education, personalized support, and a welcoming community. With a main campus in
San Luis Obispo, a North County Campus in Paso Robles, a South County Center in Arroyo
Grande, and a variety of online offerings, we offer opportunities that inspire growth,
spark innovation, and open doors, helping every student succeed on their unique path.
Learn more at cuesta.edu.