For over 35 years, the California State University program has assembled some of the world’s finest creative artists to be a part of the annual festival while teaching students and performing for the public. Summer Arts, which runs through July 23, will feature more than 31 live events, so members of the community can see the world-class talent for themselves.

The festival opened last Monday to rave reviews with a jazz and poetry performance featuring acclaimed jazz recording artist and music professor Benjamin Boone with two-time U.S. poet laureate, Juan Felipe Herrera.

Performances this week include an acrobatic approach to theatre with Bossy Flyer’s performance “THREE” on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in the John Wright Theatre. On Wednesday night “Another Evening of Saxophone” will feature classical and contemporary saxophone music performed by a roster of cutting-edge artists including members of the chamber ensemble Capitol Quartet. This concert will be held at 7 pm in the Concert Hall. Tickets for these events are $15 for faculty and staff.

This weekend features the culmination of hard work and creativity of Summer Arts students who were enrolled in Session 1 of Summer Arts. These student showcases are free and open to the public on July 8 and 9, and at the conclusion of Session 2 on July 22 and 23.

“We’re so happy to be back at Fresno State this year offering live classes and performances,” said Summer Arts Director Dr. Rachel Smith. “We’ve received such a warm and enthusiastic response from the community who have been attending our performances and lectures this summer. I think people are really happy to back out enjoying the arts again.”

This is the 17th cumulative year Fresno State has hosted the Summer Arts festival. The program is based in the Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach and has been hosted by five CSU campuses throughout the years. Fresno State hosted Summer Arts for 13 years before the program moved to CSU Monterey Bay, then returned to Fresno State in 2017.

For a full listing of events or to purchase tickets, visit csusummerarts.org. Tickets may also be purchased in the box office in the John Wright Theatre lobby Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.