History

 The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival

The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, founded by Grace Stewart Mullen, embodies her vision that "music is for everyone" and should be accessible regardless of financial means. In 1923, Mullen established the Redlands Community Music Association (RCMA), with the inaugural season launching in 1924, marked by a community sing at Smiley Park's bandstand (now near the Lincoln Shrine). Despite the programs' success, funding was scarce, leading Mullen to personally seek donations door-to-door, with any shortfalls becoming her and her husband George Emmett Mullen's responsibility.

In 1930, Clarence and Florence White donated the prosellis structure as a gesture of gratitude to Redlands. Architect Herbert Powell, a Redlands High School and University of Redlands alum, designed the structure, now part of a city-owned park and venue for Redlands high school graduations. Inscribed above the prosellis is a line from Proverbs 29:18, "Without Vision, a People Perish."

Mullen's aspiration to bring professional, classical performing arts to her community continues through today's Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, held annually from June to August, remaining free to the public. Notably, it is the oldest continuously operated free music festival in the United States. Performers are compensated through audience donations and contributions from community groups and individuals. The Associates of the Redlands Bowl fundraising efforts contribute approximately one-third of the RCMA's annual budget. Since its inception in 1923, an estimated four million attendees have enjoyed entertainment under the stars at the Redlands Bowl.

In 2018, the Redlands Community Music Association transitioned to the Redlands Bowl Performing Arts.

Young Artists Auditions

The Young Artists Auditions, established in 1952, offer a platform for young, talented musicians to audition alongside peers, gaining valuable experience in competition and performance. Winners are awarded monetary prizes.

The final auditions are open to the public, inviting everyone to witness the beginning of these young artists' careers. The Associates of the Redlands Bowl generously sponsor the competition, providing financial support for the awards.

Children’s Festival Workshops

The Children’s Festival Workshops were established to enrich the experiences of elementary-aged children attending the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival. These workshops aim to cultivate their appreciation for the festival's programs, foster good audience etiquette, and deepen their understanding of music, all while providing enjoyable activities.

Presented by the RBPA, two weekly sessions of Children’s Workshops are held during the festival season. On Tuesdays, workshops run from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. at the Mission Gables House located at 168 S. Eureka St. On Saturdays, workshops are held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Redlands Community Center, situated at 111 W. Lugonia Ave.

Workshops typically feature artists scheduled to perform at the Bowl or other aspects of the Festival, offering insights into topics such as orchestral conducting or leading the community sing. Children are encouraged to attend the evening performances with their families to further enhance their festival experience.

Grace Stewart Mullen, a woman of great vision and dedication, dreamed of bringing the best in the field of musical entertainment to her community. This being her goal, she founded the Redlands Community Music Association in 1923, also known as the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, with the first season commencing in 1924.

Mrs. Mullen’s belief in this dream propelled her to continue her work during the lean years of the Depression and World War II. Her unwavering determination to provide music and the performing arts for everyone without a charge inspired many to rally to her cause.

Throughout the ensuing years she brought many famous and budding artists to our “Little Jewel,” the Redlands Bowl.

In 1967, at the age of 90, Grace Stewart Mullen died, leaving our community with a legacy that has continued to the present.

Florence Beeler was an embodiment of the talent, vision, and zeal of Grace Stewart Mullen and Caroline S. Pike. She was Vice President of the Redlands Community Music Association and played an active role on the Board. She was a charter member of the Associates of the Redlands Bowl. She served as an active member in our organization from its inception in 1950 until 2003.

She was an inspiration and guiding light...our mentor. Her untiring, unselfish dedication to the Summer Music Festival and to our membership is beyond comparison. As an impresario with the exceptional ability to recognize and promote new talent on the Redlands Bowl stage and elsewhere, Mrs. Beeler elevated the Summer Music Festival to national and international recognition.

At age 92, Mrs. Beeler welcomed, as usual, the new provisional members to the Associates of the Redlands Bowl. She told them about some of the interesting historical events of the Bowl Associates. A month later in 2003, Mrs. Beeler passed away. She was a grand lady who inspired us all.