SAN DIEGO, CA – August 19, 2026 – Common Ground Theatre invites San Diego to an extraordinary evening of music, artistry and community at “An Evening with Kamau Kenyatta,” a Community Benefit Fundraising Concert on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Morse High School Auditorium, 6905 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Headlining the evening is acclaimed, award-winning music producer Kamau Kenyatta, whose distinguished career as a musician, producer, arranger and educator has made him a respected force in contemporary music.
The evening will also feature a live inspirational performance by acclaimed San Diego vocalist Daneen Wilburn, bringing her signature warmth, power and artistry to the stage.
Adding to this special celebration, Common Ground Theatre will welcome award-winning playwright and actor Ted Lange as a special guest. Lange, who serves as an Artist in Residence with Common Ground Theatre, brings a celebrated career in television and theatre as an actor, director and playwright.
Together, Kenyatta, Wilburn and Lange make this more than a concert – it is a gathering of extraordinary artists in support of a vital San Diego cultural institution.
A CONCERT WITH A PURPOSE
The September 26 event is a benefit for Common Ground Theatre, one of the longest-running Black theatre companies in America.
For generations, Common Ground Theatre has provided a home for Black stories, artists and audiences while creating theatrical experiences that invite the entire San Diego community into conversation, celebration and connection.
Proceeds from the benefit concert will help Common Ground Theatre continue its artistic programming, community engagement, artist development and commitment to making culturally relevant theatre accessible to audiences throughout San Diego.
“Common Ground Theatre has always been more than a place where plays are produced. It is our community’s theatre – a place where stories are preserved, artists are given opportunities, and generations can see themselves and their experiences reflected onstage,” said Dr. Yolanda Marie Franklin, Executive Artistic Director of Common Ground Theatre. “This benefit concert gives San Diego an opportunity to experience remarkable artists while directly investing in the future of this historic institution.”
The concert comes as Common Ground Theatre continues building its next chapter – honoring more than six decades of artistic legacy while developing new partnerships, productions and opportunities for artists and audiences throughout the region.
EVENT INFORMATION
An Evening with Kamau Kenyatta
Featuring Daneen Wilburn
Special Guest: Ted Lange
Community Benefit Fundraising Concert
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
Showtime: 6:30 p.m.
Morse High School Auditorium
6905 Skyline Drive
San Diego, CA 92114
General Admission: $25
Groups of 10 or more: $20 per person
Tickets and donation opportunities are available through the QR codes on Common Ground Theatre’s official event materials.
ABOUT COMMON GROUND THEATRE
Common Ground Theatre is one of the longest-running Black theatre companies in America and has served San Diego for more than six decades. The company is dedicated to producing theatre that celebrates and preserves Black stories, develops artists, creates opportunities for emerging and established talent, and brings communities together through the transformative power of the performing arts.
Common Ground Theatre continues to honor its historic legacy while expanding partnerships, educational opportunities, community programming and theatrical experiences throughout the San Diego region.
MEDIA / INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
Members of the media are invited to cover the September 26 benefit concert. Interview opportunities may be available with Common Ground Theatre leadership and participating artists.
Media Contact:
Common Ground Theatre
Website: commongroundtheatre.com
