In between emphasizing the importance of getting kids access to performing and visual arts, sharing her gratitude, and belting out some of her number-one hits, P!NK kept things personal as she candidly kicked off her white kitten heels and waved little hellos at close friends in the audience.
The Santa Ynez Valley came together in spectacular fashion on Friday, May 8 as Voices of the Valley: An Evening Benefitting the Arts transformed the historic Solvang Festival Theater into a celebration of music, storytelling, community, and the transformative power of the arts.
The sold-out benefit concert, featuring an exclusive acoustic performance by P!NK, supported three nonprofit arts organizations serving the Santa Ynez Valley: Arts Outreach, Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, and Solvang Theaterfest.
Throughout the evening, audiences responded with standing ovations, roaring applause, and overwhelming enthusiasm as performers delivered an intimate and captivating program under the stars. The event blended Broadway-caliber performances with heartfelt personal storytelling, humor, and moving reflections shared by the evening’s host, P!NK, and fellow artists throughout the night.
The evening opened with student performers from Arts Outreach, including Willow Sage Hart, herself an Arts Outreach student, performing “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray. The number immediately energized the packed theater and set the tone for a joyful and inspiring evening centered on youth arts education and artistic expression.
Broadway performers Sky Lakota-Lynch and Emma Pittman captivated audiences throughout the program, while surprise guest Sofia Ann Caruso drew cheers from the crowd through several unforgettable duets with Lakota-Lynch. Willow Sage Hart also shared the stage with both Lakota-Lynch and Pittman, showcasing a poised and natural talent that earned enthusiastic applause from concertgoers. Emma Pittman delivered several standout performances, including a moving rendition of “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret, which brought the audience to its feet.
P!NK then took the stage for an intimate acoustic set accompanied by longtime friend and guitarist Justin Derrico, as well as musical director Paul Mirkovich, and The Section Quartet members Eric Gorfain, Daphne Chen, Leah Katz, and Richard Dodd. Her acoustic set included: “Who Knew,” “Perfect,” “What About Us,” “Time After Time” (Cyndi Lauper cover), “When I Get There” featuring Emma Pittman, “Just Give Me a Reason” featuring Sky Lakota-Lynch, and “Me & Bobby McGee” (Janis Joplin cover).
Throughout the concert, P!NK repeatedly spoke about the importance of arts education and creating spaces where young people feel empowered to find their voices and embrace who they truly are. She praised the mission and impact of all three arts organizations and expressed deep gratitude to the audience for supporting nonprofits that strengthen creativity, connection, and belonging within the community.
The evening concluded with Arts Outreach student performers returning to the stage for a finale performance of “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen, a fitting close to a night dedicated to uplifting young voices.
Emma Pittman and Willow Sage Hart Credit: Mike Mesikep Photography 
Sky Lakota-Lynch and Sofia Ann Caruso Credit: Mike Mesikep Photography 
Volunteer red coat ushers Credit: Mike Mesikep Photography 
Amy Freedman, Megan Linton, Chantel Green and Sandie Mullin Credit: Mike Mesikep Photography 
Arts Outreach student performers. Credit: Mike Mesikep Photography 
Sky Lakota-Lynch and P!NK perform May 8 in Voices of the Valley benefitting local arts organizations. Credit: Mike Mesikep Photography 
P!NK and Justin Derrico Credit: Mike Mesikep Photography
“This special event was a beautiful reminder of the power of the arts to bring people together,” said Megan Linton, executive director of arts outreach. “The generosity of everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and supported Voices of the Valley will have a lasting impact on arts education, cultural programming, and live performance opportunities throughout our community.”
Proceeds from Voices of the Valley will directly support programming and operations for Arts Outreach, Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, and Solvang Theaterfest.
About the Benefitting Organizations
Arts Outreach provides arts education, performances, and creative experiences for students, seniors, and underserved populations throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. Elverhøj Museum of History & Art celebrates the art, history, and cultural heritage of the Santa Ynez Valley through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. Solvang Theaterfest operates the historic Solvang Festival Theater, an outdoor performing arts venue dedicated to live theater, music, and community gatherings under the stars.