Birch Creek Announces 2026 Summer Concerts – Tickets on Sale Now!
EGG HARBOR, Wis. (March 1, 2026) – Birch Creek Music Performance Center proudly announces its 2026 season, a summer filled with world-class concerts, guest artists, and unique musical experiences. Entering its 51st year, the center continues its tradition of excellence as advanced student musicians learn by day and perform at night alongside nationally recognized faculty and guest artists in the historic Dutton Concert Barn.
Season Opening: Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music (June 18–27, 2026)
The season begins on Thursday, June 18, with an exhilarating Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music concert titled, “Good Vibrations: Percussion Plays The 1960s.” Following this, from June 19 to June 27, six more Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music Concerts await, highlighting the talents of faculty percussionists and students. Program Director Dan Moore, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion at the University of Iowa, will lead these performances.
The Percussion series at Birch Creek offers a diverse range of styles, featuring Caribbean grooves with Scott McConnell, Chicago Youth Symphony Percussion Director, as well as percussive jazz, authentic world music, original compositions, and more. Anthony Di Sanza, a highly acclaimed performer and educator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will guide concertgoers through the vibrant sounds of Brazil, Cuba, and the Middle East.
A highlight of the session is the return of renowned steelpan virtuoso Victor Provost, hailing from St. John, US Virgin Islands, as the special guest artist. With a dazzling improvisational style, he is recognized globally for seamlessly blending Bebop, contemporary flair, and Caribbean roots. Having collaborated with jazz luminaries like Wynton Marsalis and Paquito D’Rivera, he is a rarity in the jazz ecosystem, as noted by Downbeat Magazine and the NY Times.
Symphony Session (July 2–11, 2026)
Symphony session concerts, featuring an 85+ piece full symphony orchestra led by Program Director Ricardo Castañeda, Principal Oboist of Lake Forest Symphony and Chicago Sinfonietta, along with Conductor Taka Matsunaga, will take place July 2-5, and July 9-11. Get ready to experience a breathtaking musical journey as our symphony orchestra brings together the works of some of the most celebrated composers of all time.
The session opens on July 2 with the New Voices concert, showcasing the 2025 Clampitt Concerto Competition winners. Hornist David Wurl will perform Gregson’s “Euphonium Concerto,” while cellist Nathan Freeland will perform Dvořák’s “Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 104.” On July 4, Birch Creek’s annual “A Birch Creek Symphonic Fourth” will bring a rousing selection of patriotic music to the barn. Concertgoers are invited to arrive early for a pie and ice cream social at 2 PM before the performance.
Big Band Jazz (July 15–August 8, 2026)
The summer concludes with the powerful sounds of Big Band Jazz. Over the course of four weeks, Birch Creek welcomes two distinct jazz faculty ensembles. The first session runs from July 15–25, followed by a second session from July 29–August 8.
Program Director Jeff Campbell, Professor and Chair of Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and the Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestras bring their chemistry, charisma, and exceptional musicianship to Birch Creek audiences.
Performances showcase internationally acclaimed musicians and faculty performers from across the country delivering the best and most authentic big band jazz experience. Over 16 nights, Birch Creek will transport concertgoers back to the golden age of jazz, featuring the timeless sounds of legends such as Ellington, Basie, Miller, and more.
Ticket Information & Concert Schedule
Evening Concerts: 7:00 PM (Pre-concert music at 6:30 PM)
Matinee Concerts: June 27, July 4, July 18, July 24, August 1 and August 7
Tickets:
Adults: $37 | Students: $12 | Children: $8
Premium Seating: $52
Special Offer: “3/4 Time” Promotion – Buy 3 tickets, get the 4th free!
Group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
For a full concert schedule and online ticket purchases, visit BirchCreek.org/Tickets or call 920-868-3763 (Monday–Thursday, 9 AM – 4 PM, Friday, 9 AM – Noon).