UCSD's Local Launchpad Showcases Tribute Acts Celebrating Taylor Swift and Johnny & June

Two homegrown San Diego tribute concerts will be the inaugural highlights of the new Local Launchpad series at UC San Diego, courtesy of ArtPower. This series is birthed with the purpose of nurturing local talent – giving San Diego artists a space to grow and hone their performance before premiering at UCSD and possibly touring nationwide.

Epstein Family Amphitheater Hosts Local Talent

Both tribute shows, featuring the iconic music of Taylor Swift and the legendary Johnny Cash & June Carter, will grace the Epstein Family Amphitheater, a venue that recently earned the 2023 Orchid for Public Architecture. The series is a part of a larger initiative to not only entertain with nostalgia-filled concerts but also to create a launchpad for local artists allowing them future creative and economic success.

"Because You're Mine": A Celebration of Johnny & June

The excitement begins on March 22 with "Because You're Mine: The Music of June Carter and Johnny Cash.", with performances at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature beloved duets like "Jackson" and "Long Legged Guitar Pickin' Man", alongside Johnny Cash's solo hits. Starring talented San Diego artists, Charles Evans Jr. and Caitie Grady Evans, both of whom have been recognized with Craig Noel Awards for their theatrical performances in the San Diego area, promise to deliver a passionate tribute to the country legends.

"Dream Like Taylor": A Swift Journey Through Music

On July 12 at 8 p.m., the spotlight will shine on Cassie "Cassie B" Bauerman with "Dream Like Taylor: A Live Band Journey Through the Enchanted Eras of Taylor Swift." Fans can expect energetic renditions of Swift's hits, from "Shake It Off" to "Wildest Dreams." Bauerman, together with the creative minds like Taylor Peckham and Blake McCarty, anticipate delivering a show that captivates and challenges.

ArtPower's commitment to fostering local talent is clearly seen through these performances, providing a springboard for the artists involved to potentially catapult into broader success. Tickets are now available for these immersive musical experiences that celebrate the careers of some of the music industry's titans.

tribute, launchpad, local