The Sound of Riverside — Arts Gala

Riverside Arts Academy will hold “The Sound of Riverside” on Sunday, May 3, at UCR University Theatre as its 2026 fundraising gala. (riversideartsacademy.com) The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 900 University Ave. in Riverside. Riverside Arts Academy describes it as its annual gala and a showcase for young local musicians. (riversideartsacademy.com) (universitytheatre.ucr.edu) The concert program will feature the Riverside Youth Orchestra and Mariachi Campana de Riverside. The academy says the night is built to spotlight “Riverside’s next generation” of musicians. (zeffy.com) (riversideartsacademy.com) Ticket prices start at $150 for general admission, which includes a pre-concert beer garden reception. VIP tickets cost $325 and add a behind-the-scenes reception, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a preview of the group’s new logo and refreshed identity. (zeffy.com) Riverside Arts Academy says the gala is raising money for music education and youth performance programs. Its gala page also says 50% of sponsorship money will support the Riverside Arts Academy Endowment Fund. (riversideartsacademy.com) The academy ties the event directly to student support for the 2026-27 year. Its gala materials say four scholarships for 2026-27 can be named in a sponsor’s honor. (riversideartsacademy.com) The show lands on a busy spring calendar at UCR University Theatre, which also lists a World Music Festival on May 1 and other campus performances later in May. Raincross Gazette’s local calendar has also been promoting the gala in recent April roundups. (universitytheatre.ucr.edu) (raincrossgazette.com) For Riverside Arts Academy, the pitch is straightforward: buy a seat, hear the city’s youth ensembles, and help finance the next year of music training. (riversideartsacademy.com)