Redlands Bowl Summer Preview: A Conversation with Heather Auger

Courtesy photo

President of the Associates of Redlands Bowl, Heather Auger, in front the historic Mission Gables House, which is home to the executive offices of the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts.

By Tiffany Rose Price

Redlands News Collective

On warm summer evenings in Redlands, the sound of live music drifting through the historic Redlands Bowl has long been a signal that something special is happening.

For generations, the Redlands Bowl Association has brought the community together with free performances that celebrate the arts and the spirit of togetherness. Behind the scenes, a dedicated network of volunteers helps make it all possible — including the Associates of the Redlands Bowl, whose leadership plays a key role in supporting the mission.

At the center of that effort is this year’s president of the Associates, Heather Auger. We sat down with her to preview the upcoming season, discuss how the community can get involved, and explore the personal passion that drives her to preserve one of Redlands’ most beloved cultural institutions.

RNC: What can we look forward to in the Redlands Bowl summer season?

Auger: This season really reflects what the Bowl does best. It brings together a wide range of performances that appeal to all ages and interests, from symphony nights to contemporary acts and cultural performances. It is a place where you can come multiple nights in a row and have a completely different experience each time. This year’s musical is Disney’s Frozen, and that will be very exciting!

RNC: Are there any standout performances or special guests we shouldn’t miss?

Auger: There are always a few nights that really stand out, but honestly, part of the magic of the Bowl is discovering something unexpected. Some of the most memorable performances are the ones people did not plan on loving and ended up talking about all summer. I personally am looking forward to "Ticket to the Moon: The ELO Experience" on June 26.

RNC: How do you decide on the lineup each year?

Auger: That important job belongs to the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts (RBPA). There is a lot of thought that goes into creating a balanced program, but that is not something that the Associates do.

RNC: Will there be any new elements or changes compared to past seasons?

Auger: RBPA is always looking for ways to evolve while still honoring what makes the Bowl special. That might include introducing new types of performances or enhancing the overall experience, but always in a way that stays true to our mission. You’ll notice some return favorites on the schedule this year, like Navy Band Southwest and "The Sweet Caroline Tour."

RNC: What do you hope attendees take away from this season?

Auger: I hope people leave feeling connected—whether that is to the music, to the people they came with, or just to the community as a whole. The Bowl has a way of bringing people together in a really meaningful way.

RNC: Can you share some history of the Redlands Bowl?

Auger: The Redlands Bowl has been part of this community for over a century. Mrs. Grace Stewart Mullen believed that “music is for everyone,” and her vision of free, high-quality performances has shaped the Bowl for over 90 years. Since 1923, the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival has become the nation’s oldest continuously running free music festival. Performances began in 1924 and evolved through venue changes, including the creation of the Prosellis in 1930.

RNC: How has the organization evolved over the years?

Auger: The Associates of the Redlands Bowl has evolved by adapting our fundraising efforts to suit the needs of the community and making sure we are open to new ideas. Our longevity is a testament to the energy that each new group brings to the table.

RNC: What traditions have remained constant?

Auger: The biggest tradition is that the concerts are free and open to the public. That commitment has never changed. There is also something special about the shared experience of sitting under the evening sky, which feels just as meaningful now as it did years ago.

RNC: Why has the Bowl remained such an important part of Redlands?

Auger: It is one of the few places where everyone can come together, regardless of background. There is no barrier to entry, and that creates a really unique and inclusive environment. I have heard so many stories of young families being able to have a “night out” at the Bowl because other options were not financially available to them.

RNC: What do you love most about your role as president of the Associates?

Auger: I love being part of something that has such a lasting impact on the community and serving alongside equally passionate, dedicated women.

RNC: Is there a specific moment that captured why this work is meaningful to you?

Auger: Seeing families come year after year and watching kids experience live performances for the first time. I love being at a performance and seeing my students, my YMCA Circus family, and friends across different social circles all enjoying an evening together.

RNC: What’s something about your role that might surprise people?

Auger: There is so much work that happens behind the scenes. The Associates is a fundraising arm of the RBPA, and being president means keeping our organization supported and functional so we can successfully fundraise throughout the year.

RNC: How can people get involved?

Auger: Whether it’s buying a ticket to our annual Benefit on May 16 or becoming a member, we truly run on community support.

RNC: What role do donors and sponsors play in keeping the concerts free?

Auger: They are essential. Without them, we would not be able to offer these performances free of charge. Their support makes everything we do possible.

RNC: Will you be doing the car raffle again this year?

Auger: Yes! Toyota of Redlands has graciously donated a Toyota Camry for the third year in a row. Raffle tickets are on sale now, and the goal this year is to raise $75,000 for the Bowl.

RNC: How do you engage younger audiences?

Auger: This year’s play, Frozen (produced by Legendary Productions), is sure to attract families with young ones. There are also the Children’s Workshops that the RBPA organizes.

RNC: Who would be your dream performer for the Bowl?

Auger: I have loved Dave Matthews Band since I was 14, so I would love to see them play at an venue as intimate as the Redlands Bowl.

RNC: What are your hopes for the future of the organization?

Auger: My hope is that it continues to be a place where people gather and experience the arts together for generations to come. We’ve already had 102 successful years—let’s hope for 102 more!

To learn more or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit the Associates of the Redlands Bowl at redlandsbowlassociates.com.