Free Concerts in Bakersfield — 2026–2027 Dukes Concert Series

Nine Sunday Afternoons. Outstanding Live Music. Always Free.

Discover one of Bakersfield’s longtime musical traditions! The Fred & Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series brings professional, local, and emerging musicians to First Congregational Church of Bakersfield for an exciting season of live music — from jazz, classical, and opera to contemporary music, classic rock, pop, blues, and holiday favorites.

SUNDAYS AT 4:00 PM • FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF BAKERSFIELD
5 Real Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309

FREE ADMISSION • NO TICKETS REQUIRED • EVERYONE WELCOME

OUR CONCERTS ARE FREE — YOUR SUPPORT KEEPS THEM THAT WAY

Admission is always free, and no one is ever turned away. If you are able, donations are gratefully accepted at the door in any amount. Your tax-deductible contribution goes directly toward compensating the musicians who make these concerts possible.

Give what you can. Enjoy the music. Everyone is welcome.

SUPPORT THE DUKES CONCERT SERIES

2026–2027 SEASON
September 13, 2026 – May 16, 2027

2026–2027 CONCERT SEASON

Nine concerts. Nine unique musical experiences. One season to enjoy them all.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 • 4:00 PM

THE STUDIO O RHYTHM SECTION

The O’Hearns • A Musical Revue of This Century

The 2026–2027 Dukes Concert Season opens with The Studio O Rhythm Section, featuring the O’Hearns and a musical journey through memorable music of this century.

Join us as we kick off a new season of free live music in Bakersfield!

OCTOBER 4, 2026 • 4:00 PM

THE EMERALD DUO

Susan Doering, violin • Dieter Wulfhorst, cello
Classical

Experience an afternoon of beautiful chamber music with The Emerald Duo — violinist Susan Doering and cellist Dieter Wulfhorst. Accomplished musicians and educators, the husband-and-wife duo has performed together internationally throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Dieter Wulfhorst is also Principal Cello of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.

NOVEMBER 15, 2026 • 4:00 PM

TIM MURRAY & FRIENDS

Tim Murray, vocals • Tony Rinaldi, keyboards • Kyle Burham, drums • Glen Fong, bass • Paul Perez, saxophone • Michael C. Raney, trumpet • Izzy Foster, trombone & arrangements

Jazz Standards • Great American Songbook • Americana • Pop Classics

Bakersfield vocalist Tim Murray brings together a talented ensemble of musicians for an afternoon spanning jazz standards, the Great American Songbook, Americana, and pop classics. With keyboards, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone backing Murray's vocals, this concert promises a lively mix of familiar favorites and timeless songs.

DECEMBER 13, 2026 • 4:00 PM

CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

Patrick Burzlaff, Director

Holiday Favorites • Carol Sing-Along

Celebrate the season with the Centennial High School Choir, one of Bakersfield's accomplished student choral programs, under the direction of Patrick Burzlaff. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday favorites, beautiful choral music, and a festive carol sing-along for the whole community.

JANUARY 10, 2027 • 4:00 PM

BRENDON COYLE

with Paul Cierley, guitar • Hannah Dexter, bass

Contemporary

Start the new year with Brendon Coyle, joined by Paul Cierley on guitar and Hannah Dexter on bass, for an afternoon of contemporary music. This intimate trio performance brings vocals, guitar, and bass together for the first Dukes concert of 2027.

FEBRUARY 28, 2027 • 4:00 PM

DOUG DAVIS DOES THE TANGO FOR YOU

Jazz • Tango

Bakersfield musician Doug Davis brings the passion and rhythm of tango to the Dukes Concert Series for a distinctive afternoon of live music. Doug Davis Does the Tango for You blends the drama, sophistication, and irresistible pulse of tango with Davis’s musical style for a concert unlike any other this season.

MARCH 14, 2027 • 4:00 PM

PETER SWANSON & VINCENT CAREY

Peter Swanson, accordion • Vincent Carey, piano

Accordion • Piano • Jazz & Contemporary

Experience the remarkable versatility of the accordion as Peter Swanson joins pianist Vincent Carey for an afternoon of music that brings together traditional instruments and contemporary musical influences. A rising young musician from the Bakersfield area, Peter has earned recognition for his accordion performances and has developed a particular passion for jazz and the possibilities of the modern digital accordion. Vincent Carey is another local youthful music prodigy. Along with Peter, he is a student of Jay Smith, one of Bakersfield's most innovative music instructors. Vincent creates beautiful compositions with rich jazz harmonies that ripple over the keys.
Relax and be transported!

APRIL 18, 2027 • 4:00 PM

CSUB OPERA THEATRE

CSUB Student Performers • Dr. Soo-Yeon Park, Director

Opera • Musical Theatre

Experience the drama, beauty, and excitement of the stage as CSUB Opera Theatre brings talented student performers to the Dukes Concert Series. Under the direction of Dr. Soo-Yeon Park, the program will feature scenes showcasing the expressive power of opera and musical theatre — and the next generation of performing artists right here in Bakersfield.

MAY 16, 2027 • 4:00 PM

THE TURQUOISE TRIO

Deedra Patrick, vocals • Tim Stonelake, vocals & guitar • Chris Neufeld, vocals & keyboard

Classic Rock • Pop • Blues

Close out the 2026–2027 Dukes Concert Season with The Turquoise Trio, featuring Deedra Patrick, Tim Stonelake, and Chris Neufeld. These Bakersfield musicians bring together vocals, guitar, and keyboard for an energetic afternoon of classic rock, pop, and blues — a fun and fitting finale to a season of outstanding live music.

NEVER BEEN TO A DUKES CONCERT?

Come as you are. Bring a friend. Enjoy the music.

The Fred & Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series is designed to make outstanding live music accessible to everyone. Whether you are a lifelong music lover or simply looking for something enjoyable to do on a Sunday afternoon, you are welcome.

Sundays at 4:00 PM • Free Admission • No Tickets Required

First Congregational Church of Bakersfield
5 Real Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309

A Legacy of Music and Generosity

The Fred & Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series honors two longtime members of First Congregational Church of Bakersfield whose generosity and love for music, education, and community continue to enrich Bakersfield today.

Through a generous gift from their estate, Fred and Beverly made it possible to establish a concert series that brings outstanding musicians and a wide variety of musical experiences to our community — always free of charge.

Their gift created more than a concert series. It created an enduring legacy: bringing people together through music and making exceptional live performances accessible to everyone.

Each season of the Dukes Memorial Concert Series continues that legacy.

HELP KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING

The concerts are free. The music is made possible through generosity.

The Fred & Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series is offered free to the community, continuing the spirit of generosity in which the series was founded. Gifts to the concert series help support musicians and make future seasons of outstanding live music possible.

Your gift helps keep this Bakersfield tradition going — and keeps the music free for everyone.