Melissa Aldana live in Monterey County

Experience Melissa Aldana live on September 25th

Melissa Aldana is scheduled to perform at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, California on September 25, 2026. Aldana is a Chilean-American jazz saxophonist and composer recognized for her deeply expressive and emotionally resonant playing. Her style blends post-bop influences with a contemporary approach, often exploring themes of love, loss, and identity through intricate improvisations and lyrical melodies. She gained prominence as the first female instrumentalist to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2013 and has since released critically acclaimed albums on labels like Blue Note Records.

The Monterey County Fairgrounds has a long history as a central location for community events and agricultural exhibitions within Monterey County. Established in 1936, it initially served primarily as an exhibition space for local agriculture and livestock. Over time, its function expanded to include concerts, festivals, trade shows, and other large-scale public gatherings. The grounds feature multiple indoor and outdoor venues including arenas and exhibition halls. It regularly hosts the Monterey County Fair itself each summer, alongside various other events throughout the year capitalizing on its central coastal California location. The venue's capacity varies depending on event configuration but can accommodate significant audiences.