The national celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary is fast approaching, and Cal Performances has an anticipatory event scheduled for Saturday night in Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus.
Pianist and radio host Lara Downes surrounds herself with talent to bring “This Land: Reflections on America,” a program akin to her 2025 “This Land” recording inspired by George Gershwin’s vision of “a musical kaleidoscope of America” to the concert stage. Joining her on stage are famed folksinger Judy Collins, poet and singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball of the New Orleans band Tank and the Bangas, the roots-to-classical string ensemble Invoke Quartet and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.
Musical selections will include works in multiple genres by Woody Guthrie, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin, Collins herself and more. Performance time is 8 p.m. Tickets, $38-$125, are available at calperformances.org.
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