New year-round programming initiative continues in 2026 with six diverse performances and more to be announced
If you go…
What: Love for the Locals: Handpicked for the Hometown Crowd
When: Year-round
Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek
Tickets: vilarpac.org
The Vail Valley Foundation’s Vilar Performing Arts Center continues its Love for the Locals programming initiative this winter, with six performances in early 2026 that showcase the artistic diversity and spirit of mountain culture. Building on the success of its inaugural season this past fall, the winter 2025-26 Love for the Locals lineup features performances and shows across multiple genres, all with the accessible pricing and community perks that define the series.
“Our community exists year-round, and our commitment to them should too,” said Cameron Morgan, Executive Director at the Vilar. “Love for the Locals puts that promise in plain view as a direct message to our community: these shows are for you.”
Launched in fall 2025, Love for the Locals replaced the Vilar’s long-running Underground Sound series with an expanded vision: year-round performances, flexible ticket bundles, and community-focused experiences. Each ticket includes one complimentary beverage, and select performances feature live pre-show music by local musicians in the lobby.
Love for the Locals shows are all also included in the Vilar’s Pick 3/5 ticket package offerings that span throughout the year. These bundles offer 10% off when three shows are purchased together, or 15% off when five shows are purchased together. Love for the Locals shows are included in these packages alongside other Vilar performances, making it easy for community members to experience multiple shows throughout the season at a discounted rate. Love for the Locals shows are announced continuously throughout the year.
Winter 2025-26 Love for the Locals Lineup
Sam Grisman Project | Saturday, January 10 | 7PM
Led by bassist Sam Grisman, son of legendary mandolinist David Grisman, the Sam Grisman Project brings contemporary bluegrass innovation to the Vilar stage. The ensemble blends traditional acoustic instrumentation with modern sensibilities, creating a sound that honors bluegrass roots while pushing the genre forward. This show is general admission, and the orchestra pit will be open for dancing!
The Record Company | Monday, February 16 | 7PM
Grammy Award-nominated blues rock trio The Record Company delivers raw, soulful energy with their stripped-down approach to classic American rock and blues. Known best for their hit “Off the Ground” and their electrifying live performances, the band will stop at the Vilar as part of their Give It Back To You 10th Anniversary Tour. This show is general admission, and the orchestra pit will be open for dancing!
An Evening with Kaki King (Presented in the May Gallery) | Monday, March 9 | 7PM
Renowned for revolutionizing the acoustic guitar, Kaki King is a true virtuoso whose percussive, melodic playing style has earned her recognition as one of Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Her innovative technique and emotionally resonant compositions create an intimate, mesmerizing concert experience. This show will be presented in the Vilar’s May Gallery and will include two ticket options: general admission seating closest to the stage, and reserved tables along the back of the room with a dedicated server.
Beats Antique | Friday, March 13 | 7PM
Beats Antique fuses electronic music, world music influences, and live instrumentation into an immersive sonic experience. The trio—known for their genre-defying sound that incorporates elements of glitch hop, dubstep, and Middle Eastern music—creates performances that are as visually captivating as they are musically adventurous. This show is general admission, and the orchestra pit will be open for dancing!
An Evening with Matisyahu | Saturday, March 21 | 7PM
Reggae and alternative hip-hop artist Matisyahu will bring stripped back, acoustic versions of his music to the Vilar stage. Presented in two parts, Matisyahu will highlight songs from his seminal breakout record Live at Stubb’s along with music from his new studio release Ancient Child, as well as additional fan favorites such as “King Without a Crown” and “One Day”. This show is general admission, and the orchestra pit will be open for dancing. An optional VIP add-on includes a meet-and-greet and photo op with Matisyahu, a signed poster, and early merch access.
Netflix’s The Making of Our Planet: Life on Our Planet | Friday, April 3 | 6:30PM
Life on Our Planet combines cutting-edge visual effects with scientific discovery to tell the epic story of life on Earth across billions of years. This unique presentation offers an opportunity to gather for a shared cinematic experience that celebrates the natural world. Eight-time Emmy-nominated Executive Producer Dan Tapster will be available for a live Q&A after the screening. This film screening is reserved seating only. Student rates and ticket 4-pack rates are available.
Additional Love for the Locals performances will be announced on an ongoing basis, with programming designed to showcase the diverse artistic landscape that defines our mountain community, encouraging locals to come together for memorable shared experiences.
Love for the Locals is part of the Vilar’s efforts to increase community arts access. Each year, the Vilar distributes thousands of free tickets through its Community Arts Access program, welcomes students through STARS (Support the Arts Reaching Students) matinee performances, and delivers arts education initiatives that inspire audiences of all ages.
For more information about Love for the Locals and to purchase tickets, visit vilarpac.org/love-for-the-locals or call the box office at 970-845-8497.